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CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

924 050 899 610

ANNALS OF

THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA

AND

History of the United Evangelical Church

BY

REV. A. STAPLETON, M. S.

Author of Natural History of the Bible.

The Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. — Psalms exxvi.j.

published by

Publishing House of the United Evangelical Church

harrisburg, penna.

TQOO

Copyrighted in the year 1896 3v the Board of Publication

of THE ■United Evangelical Church.

AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION.

"We take no note of time But from its loss. To give it then a tongue Is wise in man." — Young.

Almost a century has passed by since the ecclesiastical foundations of the Evangelical Association were laid, and the hands that, under the Providence of God, gathered the materials, have long since been folded in death. Yea, even the immediate successors of our Church fathers are already growing old and fast passing away. One by one the few remaining links are being broken, and soon our aged Evangelical pilgrims, who in their youth came in contact with, and under the influence of our early pioneers, will also have joined the triumphant Evan- gelical host beyond the tide.

The Evangelical Association has come to her present position through many severe trials and tribulations. No denomination originating in America has a more interesting history than our Evangelical Zion.

Although several histories of the Association have been published, all excel- lent in their way, it has nevertheless been felt for many years that one of the most interesting phases of her history has been passed over too lightly by previous authors. This deficiency the author of this work has endeavored to supply in the first part of this volume, in the recovery of the names of early members and preaching places, as well as incidents connected with the establishment of the work by our early preachers.

The publication of this work is the consummation of a long and , fondly cherished desire of the author. There are many things connected with it which to him seem providential. In early youth it was his good fortune to be a member of several of the first classes of the Association, in which were still found some of the original members, who had much to say about Albright and his co-laborers. Many of these old people had very clear and distinct recollections of the stirring scenes of the olden times. In course of time the knowledge thus gained was reduced to notes, without any regard to their connection with the history of the Association. The accumulation of so many interesting facts and incidents pertain- ing to the olden time, naturally found expression in a desire for their preservation in a permanent form.

A circumstance very remarkable and worthy of record, is the fact that so many very aged people kept alive and cherished in their memories the knowledge of facts pertaining to our early denominational history, in the hope of some day

iy AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION.

communicating it to the right person for publication. Some of these people communicated important matters to their children, and in this way many of the facts here recorded were preserved.

Our older preachers often expressed a desire that the names of the old appointments and first members might be recovered for the benefit of posterity, before all the sources of information should be forever closed. This desire the author has endeavored to meet in the publication of this work, which was under- taken, as he firmly believes, none too soon, seeing that most of the sources of information from which materials of the first part were gathered, have passed away since the work was commenced, and much of the matter could not again be reproduced from the sources now at command.

There are doubtless some errors in this work, as may be expected in such a vast mass of details, embracing many hundreds of names and dates. Yet the author confidently believes that such errors are few in number. Neither pains nor expense have been spared to secure accuracy. Records in the state and county archives have been examined to ascertain facts, and to verify such as were doubtful.

The oldest living preachers of the Association co-operated with a zeal which evinced their deep interest in the work. Among them may be mentioned father Joseph M. Saylor, who entered the ministry in 1824, and was a contemporary of some of the first preachers of the Association. He not only furnished a large amount of material, but also reviewed a considerable portion of the copy pertain- ing to the first circuits. Father Francis Hoffman, who entered the ministry in 1826, also did considerable in the same line. To father Daniel Long (1835) the author owes his first knowledge of Albright's work in Bedford county, and other important matters, but while gathering fuller details for this work, he was suddenly called to his eternal reward. Father Joseph Harlacher (1832) also rendered valuable services. The recovery of the names of early preaching places and members in Ohio is largely due to fathers Lewis Einsel (1836), Daniel Swartz (1835), Abraham Loehner (1837), and Ch. Idleman. The latter was one of the first converts in northwestern Ohio. The four last named brethren traveled in Ohio when most of the appointments established by our first mission- aries were still maintained. A great many other brethren, both ministerial and lay, co-operated heartily in the preparation of this work, some going to great pains to ascertain or verify facts. Without their help this work could never have been accomplished.

To the reader who is not a member of the Evangelical Association it may seem strange that so much attention has been paid to the laity, and matters of family history. This feature finds its explanation in the following grounds : The author holds that men who were willing to come out from among the formal churches and espouse the cause of Evangelical truth in the face of bitter perse- cution, and opened their houses as preaching places, which often required great sacrifices, deserve a wider recognition than has been hitherto accorded them. Another reason is the fact that most of these old fathers became centers of Evangelical influence. Their houses served as preaching places until churches were built, and in many cases they provided for the maintenance of public worship

AUTHOR'S INTRODUCTION. t

at their homes after their death. There are homesteads now in the Evangelical Association where preaching appointments have been maintained ever since the days of the founder of the Church ; a period of almost one century.

A great many of the first families of the Association were among the most prominent in their respective communities. This is contrary to a generally received opinion. We have for many years been misrepresented in this respect, and the reproach has been laid at our doors that our early members and adherents were composed of the ignorant classes and gathered from the humbler walks of life. From a careful study of this subject, we can assure the reader that this opinion is an erroneous one, as the following chapters will abundantly show. It required no small degree of moral courage for them to abandon the formal churches with which they stood connected. Many of them were officers in these churches, and cases were not infrequent in which their former pastors incited their parishioners to violent measures to prevent them from receiving the ' 'false prophets, ' ' as our first preachers were called.

In this connection it may be observed that most of the early conversions were deep and powerful. This assertion must not be understood as implying that conversions now are less genuine. The spiritual condition of the masses at that time was at such a low ebb, and such erroneous opinions respecting the character of experimental religion prevailed, that when people were thoroughly converted to God, its immediate effects upon the individual, as well as those with whom he came in contact, were far more powerful than at the present time. The converts then were especially drawn to God in prayer. They sometimes gave pledges to each other of special remembrance in prayer. When such per- secution as they endured is prevalent, it requires special grace to remain faithful. Although denounced by their formal pastors as heretics, and in many cases disowned and disinherited by parents and relatives, they held out well, and their inspiring examples still live among us to incite us to follow, as they did, the footsteps of the Lord Jesus, and ever reminding us that

"By the thorn road, and none other, Is the mount of vision won."

The preparation of the second and third parts of this book was less difficult, as the sources of information were more accessible. The works of Orwig, Raidabaugh, Breyfogel and Yeakel, and also the periodical literature of the Church, were freely consulted. To the many friends who have rendered valuable aid, and above all, to our dear Heavenly Father, who has blessed us with health and the spirit of perseverance for the successful accomplishment of our arduous but agreeable task, we give our most heartfelt thanks.

A. STAPLETON.

Berwick, Pa.

THE EVANGELICAL ANNALS.

PART I.

Containing an Account of the Origin and Development of the Evangelical Association Through the Labors of REV. JACOB ALBRIGHT and His Co-Laborers. Also an Account of the Early Preaching Places and of Prom- inent Laymen.

CHAPTER I.

THE EARLY DAYS.

The Pennsylvania Germans — The Immigration to America. Their Spiritual Condition — Awakening Among Them. Conversion of Jacob Albright, and beginning of his work.

The Pennsylvania Germans. The Evangelical Asso- ciation, of North America owes its origin, under the providence of God, to the labors of Rev. Jacob Albright and his co-laborers amongthe Pennsylvania Germans. As our early preachers labored exclusively among this people, and as they have a dialect, cus- toms and traits of character peculiarly their own, a brief history of them seems proper in this connection.

The Pennsylvania Germans were mostly emigrants from the Palatinate, or Lower Rhinish provinces of Germany. Prior to 1702 very few Germans had settled in Pennsylvania. The first settlement by them was made in 1683, when a small colony under Pastorius founded Germantown, now a part of Philadelphia. This was the beginning of one of the most remarkable emigrations of modern times, chiefly because such a large proportion of the emigrants represented a distinct division of the great Germanic race. So large indeed was this proportion, that it absorbed and assimilated in a great measure' all other racial elements with which it came in contact, and thus were laid in America the foundations of a new and distinct Germanic people, differing widely in many respects from the typical native of the Fatherland.

In this we see the necessity for inquiring more minutely into the circumstances which led to this remarkable development.

10 EVANGELICAL A880CIATI0N ANNALS.

The Huguenots. There is no more eventful period in modern history than the close of the seventeenth century. Oct. 1 8, 1685, marked the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, by Louis XIV. of France. In 1598 Henry IV. granted religious tolerance to French Protestants who were called Huguenots, and by its revocation Louis XIV. kindled anew the fires of persecu- tion against them. He deprived them of all exercise of their religion, and tore their children from them to be educated as Catholics. He was very ambitious of the fame that would attach to the extirpation of heresy from his dominions. Notwithstand- ing his tyrannical decree against the emigration of his unhappy subjects, and the strict guard on his borders, great multitudes escaped the vigilance of his guards and spies, and in a few years over half a million of the best and most intelligent people of the nation had fled the country, many thousands of whom in course of time found a congenial refuge on the shores of the New World,* and many of their descendants were among the first to open their doors to Albright and his co-laborers.

The Mennonites. About this same time the Mennonites were also bitterly persecuted, especially in Switzerland, and thousands fled to Holland and the Lower Rhine provinces, and later came to Pennsylvania. The Mennonite emigration properly began in , 1709. In 1706, or 1707, the Mennonites of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, sent several agents to London to make arrangements with William Penn for the settlement of a large number of their people in his province, f Soon thereafter the envoys came direct to Pennsylvania, and after considerable exploration selected a very fine tract of 10,000 acres on the north side of Pequea Creek, now in Strasburgh township, Lancaster county. The title was perfected Oct. 10, 17 10, and the land divided according to previous arrangement the following April 27, 1711.J In a few decades thousands of these conscientious and peaceable people had found homes in Pennsylvania.

The Palatinates. In 1688 Heidelberg was taken the sec- ond time by the French Papists and laid in ashes. Like the Phoenix of old it arose again from its ruins, only to be stormed and destroyed again by the same inveterate enemy in 1693. The panic-stricken inhabitants were compelled to flee from the

* Bancroft says the United States are full of monuments of this Huguenot emigration.

f Col. Records iii. p. 397. $ Rupp's Hist, of Lancaster county, p. 75.

TEE EARLY BAYS. 11

relentless foe in the darkness of the night. Manheim, Speyer and Worms were also pillaged and partly destroyed, and the whole region was laid waste and desolate by the wanton fury of the Papists.

The unfortunate inhabitants were, however, induced to rebuild their ruined homes again under promise of religious freedom, and immunity from taxes for a certain length of time. In this they were cruelly deceived by their Elector, who doubtless acted on the Papistical principle then prevalent, that promises made to heretics should not be redeemed. Betrayed by their heartless Elector, and despoiled by their old enemy, the French, they were well nigh driven to despair.

Emigration to Pennsylvania. Queen Ann of England issued a proclamation in 1708, inviting the persecuted, long- suffering Palatinates to her dominion, and before the end of the year nearly 12,000 of them were quartered in warehouses and tents in London and vicinity. Stripped of all their earthly possessions they were very poor, and were supported by the gov- ernment and the munificent charity of the queen.

The presence of so many thousand indigent foreigners became a serious burden to England, and plans were devised to transport them to the Provinces. In the summer of 1 7 1 o about 3, 000 who had lived on the bounty of Queen Ann, were shipped to New York. One large party, under Rev. Kocherthal, settled at Schoharie, New York. Trouble, however, arose, and the Ger- mans became dissatisfied, many gradually working their way to Pennsylvania, and were the first Palatinates in the province. Their dissatisfaction soon became known to their kindred in Europe, and thereafter New York was shunned by them. In 1723 the proprietaries of New York invalidated the titles of the Schoharie settlers and they came to Pennsylvania that same winter, suffering incredible hardships in traveling through the wilderness. In this company was the famous Conrad Weiser, afterwards Colonial Indian agent and interpreter. This colony settled on the Tolpehocken, fifteen miles northwest of Reading, Pa.

While the English emigration was comparatively insignifi- cant, the Germans from the Lowlands and the war -scourged Palatinate poured into the province at a rapid rate. James Logan, provincial secretary, wrote the proprietor in 1717, "We have of late a great number of Palatinates pouring in upon us without any recommendation or notice, which gives the country

12 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

some uneasiness, for foreigners do not so well among us as our own English people." Two years later Jonathan Dickinson wrote, "We are daily expecting ships from London which bring over Palatinates in number six or seven thousand." In 1717 Gov. Keith appeared before the Colonial Council with a state- ment that great numbers of foreigners from Germany, who were strangers to the language and customs, were dispersing themselves immediately after landing, "without producing certificates from whence they came, or what they are," etc. This was considered dangerous to the colony, and led to the adoption of a measure which has preserved the names of upwards of 30,000 male emi- grants, (Germans), as all males sixteen years old and upwards were thereafter compelled to subscribe to an oath, or article of allegiance to the English government and obedience to the Colo- nial authorities. This was equivalent to the naturalization of the present day. The lists containing these names are among the most precious treasures in the archives of the Commonwealth.

In 1727 no less than six vessels arrived in Philadelphia, well laden with Palatinates, followed in 1 7 2 8 by three more vessels, and the same number in 1729. The Palatine emigration, however, was unprecedented from 1730 to 1740, as no less than sixty-five ship-loads arrived. In 1 730 the region west of the Susquehanna river was opened to settlement, and what are now York and Adams counties were soon filled up with Germans. Thousands also mingled with the Scotch Irish in the fertile Cumberland Valley, and many Palatine settlements were made in Maryland and in the Shenandoah Valley, in Virginia, as far south as Shen- andoah and Rockbridge counties. "When George Washington and others were surveying lands in that part of Virginia in April, 1748, they were attended by a great company of people, men, women and children, who followed them through the woods. They would never speak English, but when spoken to would always speak Dutch"* (German). In 1742 the Germans of Pennsylva- nia were estimated to number 100, 000, f and in many sections formed fully nine-tenths of the inhabitants. After the treaty of lort Stanwix, Nov. 5, 1758, the rich and fertile valleys of the west and northwest were penetrated by the Germans, and some extensive settlements were made by them west of the main ridge of the Allegheny mountains, prior to the war of the Revolution.

* Sparks' Washington, Vol. ii. 418. f Horn's History of Lehigh Co.J p. 23.

THE EARLY BAYS. 13

Their Language. The language spoken by the Pennsyl- vania Germans is a slight variation of the soft and beautiful dialect -still prevailing in the Palatinate (German "Pfaltz "). This dia- lect in America retains its grammatical forms, but has acquired some additional idiomatic features, and a curious intermixture' of English words which have been adapted to it. As a dialect it holds a place between High and Low German. By many it is supposed that "Pennsylvania Dutch " is merely a corrupt German and English. The reader will see that this is not the case. As originally spoken it is one of the finest and softest dialects of the great Teutonic tongue. Some fine works have been published in this dialect, notably those of Rev. H. Harbaugh, Prof. Horn, and Henry Fisher, Esq.

Their Religious Condition. The German emigration to Pennsylvania, as already indicated, was mainly the result of relig- ious intolerance in the Fatherland. The co-religionists generally settled together. The Mennonites and Dunkards mostly located in Lancaster county. The Schwenkf elders, most of whom arrived in 1734,* settled in a section now embraced in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties. The Moravians, under the patronage of Count Zinzendorf,f settled in the Lehigh Valley, in 1741, and founded the towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth. The Lutherans and Reformed, who were mostly Palatinates, and formed the bulk of emigrants, spread themselves more generally over the country.

Strange as it may seem, the strong tide of religious feeling which led to this influx of Germans seems to have subsided in a great measure soon after their establishment here. Their new surroundings may have contributed to this condition. It became a hand-to-hand struggle for subsistence. For more than a quar- ter of a century they had no pastors, and religious training was wofully neglected. This statement has particular reference to the Palatinates.

♦They came in the ship St. Andrew, Sept. 12, 1734 (Col. Records iii. 568). Among them were the Yeakels, Schuberts, Huebners, Kribels, Hoffmans.

f Nikolaus Ludwig (Count Von Zinzendorf ). Born 1 700, died 1 760. A 'German nobleman of deep piety. He espoused the faith of the Moravians, who were then reduced to a mere handful through the religious persecutions then prevalent. He invited them to settle on his estates, which they did, and founded the town of Herrnhut. Z. was made a minister and bishop of the reorganized •church, and thereafter was its leader until his death. He established numerous Moravian colonies. He was the author of more than one hundred works in prose and poetry.

14 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

Although there were some congregations formed as early as 1735, still the great mass of the people were strangers to the sanctuary. In 1 742 the noted Lutheran divine, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg,* was sent from the Fatherland to look after the spiritual interests of the Lutherans in Pennsylvania. He found the spiritual condition of his countrymen most deplorable, and in letters published in the Halliche Nachrichten, describes their con- dition in a vivid manner. In 1746 Rev. Michael Schlatter,! a Reformed minister from Switzerland, came to Pennsylvania on a similar mission. His communications to the home church convey the same sad story of spiritual decline. In 1752 there were but sixteen Reformed congregations, having regular pastors, in a Reformed population of thirty thousand souls.

The war of the Revolution likewise had a demoralizing effect on the Pennsylvania Germans. Intemperance, especially, became alarmingly prevalent among them. Their pastors seldom raised a hand to stem this rising tide of evil. Many of the clergy con- doned the use of ardent spirits and, alas ! in many instances were themselves openly intemperate. This was overlooked by their people, who regarded it as only a "Fehler" (an infirmity) in their preacher, about which it was best not to say anything.

Beginnings of Religious Revival. It is gratifying to know that the darkness and spiritual ignorance of this period was relieved by many burning and shining lights. Signs of promise multiplied, and harbingers of better days everywhere appeared. While we would not disparage the influence of the great Wesleyan revival in England, and its spread in America through the preaching of that man of God, George Whitefield, still it is a remarkable •fact that many conversions of prominent men were brought about spontaneously, a considerable number of the ministry and laity in nearly all denominations professing conversion, and becoming-

* Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, D. D. Born at Einbeck, Germany, 1711, died 1787. A distinguished German divine. He was sent by the Univer- sity of Halle to organize and promote the interests of the Lutheran Church in America. He is justly regarded as the founder of the church in America. Several of his sons became men of great distinction. Muhlenberg and his sons were great patriots during the war of the Revolution.

f Rev. Michael Schlatter. Born in Switzerland 1716, died 1790. Edu- cated at St. Gall. Sent by the synods of Holland 'to organize the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania. In 1751 he went to Europe and secured six missionaries, with whom he returned to Pennsylvania. He was a patriot in the war of the Revolution, for which he was imprisoned by the British.

THE EARLY DATS. 15

dissatisfied with the cold and formal worship of the times. This was the state of affairsabout the close of the Revolutionary War.

Among those who cried aloud and spared not, was the Men- nonite preacher, Martin Boehm.* He was brought to see his own unconverted state, and after experiencing God's saving grace in his own heart, he became a strong advocate and forcible expounder of experimental religion in his church. His fearless denunciation of sin and his views on experimental religion were so radical as to constitute a great gap between him and his corelig- ionists. The spirit of toleration was then almost unknown, and Boehm was excluded from the Mennonite Church. His influence, however, was felt powerfully among the people of that denomi- nation, and contributed in a marked degree to preparing the way for the great success of later evangelists.

A well defined movement was also about this time noticeable in the Reformed Church. William Otterbein, f one of the prominent preachers of that church, began to preach Evangelical repentance and conversion in a very forcible manner, and made profound impressions. George Adam Guething, John G. Phruemer, and Anthony Houtz, all of the Reformed Church, became earnest preachers of repentance and conversion. The two former associated themselves with Otterbein and Boehm, and became prominent ministers of the United Brethren Church. Mention should also be made of John Neidig, of Dauphin county, Felix Licht, of Lebanon county, and Christian Newcomer. J

*Rev. Martin Boehm was born in Lancaster county, Pa. in 1725. He became a Mennonite preacher in 1756. Five or six years later he was excluded from that denomination, "for holding fellowship with other societies of a different language. " Thereafter he was an active co-worker in the Evangelical movement of the times, and became one of the founders of the United Brethren in Christ, of which church he was made a bishop in 1800. After a long life of signal usefulness, he died in Shenandoah Valley, Va., in 1812.

f Philip W illiam Otterbein. Born in Germany 1726, died in Baltimore, Md., 1813. Was one of the Reformed missionaries sent by the Holland Synod to America in 1752. Became pastor of a Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa., and later at Baltimore, Md. Many revivals and conversions followed his preaching. He was associated with Martin Boehm, and through their labors the movement which resulted in the formation of the United Brethren Church was brought about.

% Rev. Christian Newcomer, whose name occurs prominently in this work, was a son of Wolfgang Newcomer, and was born in Lancaster county, Pa., 1749. He began to preach in 1787, and was a member of the first United Brethren Conference in 1789. He was elected as bishop of that denomination in' 1818. He labored with great zeal in that capacity until March 12, 1830, when he died at his home near Hagerstown, Md.

16 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

Separation from the Old Churches. We have now out- lined the beginning of the Reformation among the Pennsylvania Germans. The churches for the most part being closed against these men of God, they were compelled to preach in houses and barns and on the streets. Hundreds of people opened their houses as regular preaching places. There was, however, a strong aver- sion on the part of many against leaving the old churches where they had rendered their confirmation vows. Many of the laity were excluded from the churches for following after or abetting the so-called "heretics, " but the churches soon discovered that thereby they excluded their best, their fraying people, and were glad enough to retain them if possible. Many of these preach- ing places were open to all preachers who were approved and converted 'men of God. Bishop Newcomer's journal reveals the fact that he frequently preached at the houses of persons who had connected themselves with Albright's society, and the same is probably true of nearly all the "New Measure" preachers of that day. Therefore it follows that because some prominent member of the old churches opened his house as a regular preach- ing place, we must not at once conclude that he left his church. The converted people of the various churches often met as an unorganized society — if such an expression is allowable — calling themselves "Brethren." Later they became "The United Breth- ren. " Still later, when the number of those professing conversion was considerable, it became quite common to speak of them as a class, as "die bekehrte Lent" (the converted people), and the adherents of the old churches as "'die Kirche lent" (the church people).

While it is an undeniable fact that the spirit of sectarianism is an evil in the Christian church, it is also true that the lack of organization and administrative powers is an evil equally deplor- able. At first view there is something noble in the thought of coming out and standing aloof from a cold and dead church, and seeking the genial warmth of true devotion burning on other altars, but this spirit of independence and non-allegiance to church organization is found to be an evil in practice. It weakens the incentives to support the cause of the church, her ministry, her ordinances and her work. This fact soon became apparent to the many gospel workers of the various denominations who for several years had labored independently of the denominations with which they were formally connected. In 1789 a number

THE EARLY DATS. 17

of them, under the leadership of Boehm, Otterbein, and others, connected themsglves together under the name of "The United Brethren in Christ." It does not seem that a separate church organization was at first contemplated, but the hostility of the old church against this movement drew the converted ministry and laity more closely together, which necessarily developed into denominational organization. A large number, however, remained independent of any organization.

A remarkable incident relating to this subject is worthy of record. In the early ministry of John Seybert, (afterwards bishop,) he had an extensive revival near the Black Oak Hill, Lebanon county, Pa., at a meeting held at the house of Joseph Kreider,* at which the noted Felix Licht, was present. Licht had been a prominent Mennonite, but after his conversion he, with many others, stood aloof from churches. Seybert urged the converts to hold together, and showed the necessity and advan- tages of organization. Licht astonished the assembly by arising and contradicting the advice of Seybert and spoke against the formation of a class, to which little attention was paid.

Rise of the Evangelical Association. In the religious movements which we have outlined, the Evangelical Association also took its rise. The establishment of our Zion was not the result of disruption, or secession from any of the old denomina- tions. Neither is it the result of a difference in faith or church polity, but it represents, as its name indicates, a revival of the evangelical or spiritual element, which existed only in the creeds, but not in the practice of the German churches of that day. Herein we see her standpoint and distinctive features as a church. Should the Evangelical Association ever lose sight of the funda- mental principles of her existence, namely, the conversion of sinners to Christ and the building up of God's people in true holiness of heart, then may it be truthfully said, there is no apol- ogy for her existence. That such a stage should ever be reached, may God forbid !

The Evangelical Association has no connection whatever with any of the more recently established churches in America. Her origin and development were entirely independent of them all. Her's was a growth by accretion, brought about by instrumental- ities of her own, which were blessed and owned of God in the

•Near Palmyra, Pa. He died in 1878, aged eighty-four years. His place was for many years an important point.

18 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNAL8.

conversion of souls. We have already seen how for some time the new measure preachers labored side by sid« without formal organization, and with them the founder of the Evangelical Asso- ciation. But in its organization and subsequent development there does not seem to have been much material except that which Jacob Albright and his co-laborers could properly call their own. This of course has reference to the fruits of their labors. Most of the members of the original classes were the spiritual children of Albright and his assistants, as will appear to every candid reader of the subsequent details of their labors in this work.

Conversion of Albright. In 1790 Jacob Albright, who then lived in West Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pa., lost several of his children by death. On the occasion of their burial Rev,. Anthony Hautz,* a Reformed minister already referred to, officiated. The word spoken had the effect of bringing Albright into a penitent condition. He failed, however, to find peace, and after many months of prayerful seeking he was brought to the verge of despair. Not very far from him lived a minister named Adam Riegel, who, like many others of his day, stood independent of the churches. To this man Albright went for counsel and help after having been in the deepest spiritual distress for over a year. The Sun of Righteousness then arose upon him with healing in his wings, and he was converted in the house of Riegel, in 1792, and together they subsequently enjoyed many happy hours in Christian communion and devotion.

We have already noticed the aversion of the early German converts to a separate church organization, a feeling in which Albright did not share. He felt the need of a church home in which he could serve God according to his new light and experi- ence. He therefore united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, a class of which had been established in his locality. This, on the whole, maybe regarded as a fortunate circumstance, inasmuch as he found not only congenial Christian fellowship, but also opportunities for the free exercise of the gifts with which he was

* Rev. Anthony Hautz, a deeply spiritual Reformed minister and faithful preacher of experimental religion was licensed as a Reformed preacher in 1787, was a co-worker with the independent brethren, but never withdrew from his church. Because he advocated the "New Measures " he came in conflict with his conservative parishioners, and changed charges a number of times ; finally he removed, in 1804, to the state of New York. Here he died in Groton township, Tompkins county, in 1830, at an advanced age.

THE MABLT DATS. 19

naturally endowed. Although a German, so well did his Metho- dist brethren think of Albright that they granted him license as an exhorter. After laboring in this capacity for some time, he felt the inward call to the holy ministry. The difficulties in the way, however, seemed insurmountable. The church with which he was connected was English in language, while the people with whom his labors as a minister could be successful, were German. After much fasting and prayer, he finally determined to enter the gospel field as an independent evangelist, and labor among his German countrymen, in the full belief that God had called him to this work, and would open the way for him. Albright never withdrew from the Methodist Church, neither was he excluded. His membership simply lapsed when his sphere of usefulness was enlarged from the exhorter to the itinerant preacher.

Beginning of Albright's Ministry. In 1796 Albright started on his first evangelistic tour, which, as he himself says, embraced, a portion of Maryland and Virginia and the interior of Pennsylvania. The first definite account we have of his labors refers to October of this same year, when he preached at the mar- ket house at Shafferstown, Lebanon county, Pa. , on the occasion of the dedication of the new Reformed Church at that place. It is exceedingly difficult to gain definite information of his early labors, for the reason already advanced, that he doubtless preached at many places where all godly .ministers were alike welcome. The first tangible results of his work, so far as we know, appear in the eastern part of Berks county, near the Colebrookdale iron works. Here he preached at Samuel Lieser's, and Abraham and Joseph Buchwalter's. At Quakertown, Bucks county, eighteen miles northeast of this, he preached at Peter Walter's and Charles Bissey's. In Penn township, Schuylkill county, he preached regularly at Leonhart Zimmerman's. In North- ampton county, along the Blue mountains, he preached at the houses of George Phillips and his sons, Conrad and Jacob, and Jacob Reidy. In what is now Lebanon county, near Jonestown, he preached at the house of Ludwig Zehring. At the foregoing places he preached prior to 1800. The persons named, with their families, were his first fruits in the ministry, and loved him as their spiritual father. As the number of the converts through his ministry increased, he clearly saw the necessity of organizing them into classes. This he did in 1800, when his adherents num- bered about twenty.

20 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

The first class was formed on the Ridge, three miles east of Quakertown, Bucks county, and consisted of Charles Bissey and wife, and Peter Walter with his wife and family. Peter Walter was the leader of the class. The second class was formed about twenty miles southwest, at the Colebrookdale iron works, in Berks county, and consisted of Samuel Liesser, his wife and several children, Abraham Buchwalter and wife, and Joseph Buchwalter and wife. Samuel Liesser was leader. The third class was formed along the Blue mountains, in Hamilton town- ship, Northampton county, and consisted of father George Phillips and his two sons, Conrad and Jacob, and their wives, Jacob Riedy and wife, Phillip Miller and wife, and Barbara Hecht. Conrad Phillips was leader.

First Co-laborers of Albright. After laboring alone in the vineyard for a period of about five years, the Lord gave his servant, Jacob Albright, an assistant, in the person of John Walter, son of Peter Walter, the first class-leader. This young man entered the Evangelical work in 1802, and became noted for his untiring zeal and powerful eloquence. From his biography and the numerous references to him in this work, the reader will perceive that he was a man of brilliant talents j whose oratorical powers have never been excelled in the history of the Association. The following year, 1803, another young brother entered the work. This was Abraham Liesser, son of father Samuel Liesser, of Colebrookdale, Berks county. He was a young man of mild and quiet disposition, zealously devoted to the saving of souls, but does not seem to have possessed a strong bodily constitution. In 1805 he broke down altogether and died the same year. In 1804 Alexander Jemison, of Lancaster county, entered the active work. The following year, however, he located, after which but very little is known of him. In 1805 George Miller entered the itinerancy and eventually became the leader of the Association. In 1806 the number was not increased. In 1 807 John Dreisbach, of Buffalo Valley, in Union county, and Jacob Frey, of Middle Creek Valley, in (now) Snyder county, entered the work. The former became in course of time the leading man of the church. John Erb, of Conestoga, Lancaster county, began to preach in Albright's time, was received on trial in 1808, and became a very useful man* The foregoing brethren entered the ministry under the supervision of the founder of the church.

THE EARLY DATS. 21

Of local preachers of this period it is doubtful whether all the names of those who exercised the office, and were recognized as such, can be definitely ascertained. Several of the names given below do not appear on the records of the church, but of their license as local preachers there is no doubt. In 1806 the office of local preacher was established in the society. The first to be received were the following : Charles Bissey, of Quakertown, Bucks county; Jacob Phillips, of Northampton county, and Solomon Miller, brother of Rev. George Miller. The great revival on the new circuit, in 1806, almost doubled the mem- bership of the society. The number of local preachers was also increased as follows : In 1807 Christopher Spangler accom- panied John Dreisbach to attend the first conference of the church. Spangler, at this conference, received license to preach,* and for half a century was a pillar in the church. John Thomas, Jr., of Mifflin county (died in Wayne county, O., 1837), whose license was given him by Albright. f Christian Wolf, of Derrstown (now Lewisburg, Union county), who removed to Seneca county, New York, 1807, and died 1833. Besides the above, mention should also be made of Michael Maize and Henry Niebel, of Dry Valley, Union county, and Matthias Betz, of Millheim, Centre county. These brethren without doubt began to preach in Albright's time, Niebel and Betz entering the active work immediately after the founder's death (1808).

Biographies of nearly all the co-workers of Albright will be found in subsequent chapters. They were men of untiring zeal, and willing to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (II. Tim. ii. 3). Amid many privations and disappointments they laid the foundations of our Evangelical Zion.

Pentecostal Meeting. The first meeting of Albright and his adherents, of which we have any knowledge, was held when he had but four male followers, of whom Charles Bissey J was one. The names of the others are not known. The place and time of the meeting are also unknown, but the time must have been soon after he began his ministry. The object was to seek a closer union with God, and to pray together for the power of

•Letter of Dreisbach in "Chr. Botschafter, " 1843, P- '89-

f Or wig's History of the Ev. Association, p. 219.

\ This fact was given in a historical address at the General Conference at Allentown, Pa., in 1883, by Rev. Henry Stetzel, who had obtained his infor- mation from Charles Bissey.

22 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS,

the Holy Ghost. The Lord blessed them in a wonderful manner, and the meeting no doubt proved a great encouragement to Albright and his little band.

First General Assembly. After Albright had labored in the gospel ministry about six years, it was felt necessary to give a more definite and formal recognition of his call and work. Hence a general Council Assembly was called, which met Nov. 3, 1803, at Samuel Liesser's.* Besides Albright and his two assistants, John Walter and Abraham Liesser, there were pres- ent the following brethren : Jacob Phillips, George Miller, Carl Bissev, Conrad Phillips, John Brobst, Solomon W. Frederici, Chr. Brobst, George Phillips, Michael Brobst, Samuel Liesser, Peter Walter, Adam Miller, Jacob Riedy and Solomon Miller. This assembly transacted the following important business :

1. An ecclesiastical organization was effected by the adoption of the Holy Scriptures as the guide and rule of faith.

2. Jabob Albright was declared to be a minister of the gos- pel in the full sense of the term and recognized as their spiritual father and teacher.

3. He was solemnly ordained as such by the laying on of hands;

4. And was given a license or commission, of which the fol- lowing is a close translation :

"From the Elders and Brethren of His Society of Evangelical Friends.

We, the undersigned Evangelical and Christian friends, declare and recog- nize Jacob Albright as a genuine ( Wahrhaftigcn ) Evangelical preacher, in word and deed, and a believer in the Universal Christian Church and the commun- ion of saints. This testify we as brethren and elders of his society (Gemeinde ). Given in the State of Pennsylvania Nov. 5, 1803. "

The document was signed by Albright's two colleagues, Walter and Liesser, and the fourteen laymen mentioned.

Second Assembly. Some time between 1805 and 1807 another council was held in the house of George Becker, of the Muehlbach. Of this meeting there is no record whatever ; but that it was held, is substantiated by the testimony of two daughters of George Becker who were present, namely, Mrs. Gockley and Mrs. Catharine Klinefelter, the wife of Rev. John Kline- felter. Some time prior to their death they made definite statements relative to the assembly, Mrs. Gockley especially

•This statement of the place is according to the testimony of John Dreisbach.

THE EARLY DATS. 33

having a vivid recollection of it. Mother Elizabeth Stump, a daughter of Samuel Becker, in whose house the first conference was held in 1807, related to the author that she frequently heard her relatives, including her uncle, George Becker, speak of the council at the house of the latter.

First Conference. The first regular conference was held in November, 1807, at the house of Samuel Becker, on the Muehlbach, Lebanon county, a few miles east of Shaeferstown. With this conference the official history of the Association prop- erly begins.

CHAPTER li.

THE "OLD CIRCUIT."

An Account of the First Field of Labor, Commonly Called "Schuylkill and Lancaster Circuit" — Its Preaching Places and Classes as Established by Rev. Jacob Al- bright and His Co-Laborers, with Copious Biographical

Notes.

We have already in a previous chapter noted the beginning of Jacob Albright's ministry. In this chapter we will seek to give a description of the first field of labor, with an account of its preaching places, and the noble families who, in the face of great persecution, opened their homes to the founder of the church and his co-laborers. In doing this it will, however, be impossible to follow the work in the order of its establishment, as that plan would necessitate a frequent recurrence to the same locality. The number of preaching places on the old circuit, prior to Albright's death (1808), was upwards of sixty. In their enumeration We deem it proper to begin with the locality in which the first class was organized.

Bucks County. On the rocky ridge, about three miles east of Quakertown, Bucks county, Albright was received by Peter Walter and Carl Bissey.

Peter Walter, who lived in Rockland township, three miles east of Quakertown, was the father of a large family, nearly all of whom were grown when Albright first visited them, and so far as can be ascertained, Walter was one of the very first to asso- ciate himself with Albright. In the year 1800, when Albright decided to organize his spiritual children into classes, he began

THE EARLY DATS. 25

here, and father Walter was made leader of the first class of the Evangelical Association. In the year 1805 he and his entire family removed to the Swatara Creek, near Jonestown (now), Lebanon county. In that connection the reader will find a further account of him and his family.

Carl Bissey, of Richland township, lived three miles north of Walter, and was also one of the first adherents, and was promi- nent in the early days of the society. He was present at the council assembly of 1803, and became one of the first local preachers of the church. In this capacity he rendered good service until his death, Oct. 20, 1847, at the age of seventy- five years.

Northampton County. Along the southern slope of the Blue Mountains, in Hamilton township, Northampton county, was organized the third class of the Evangelical Association in the year 1800. The first to open their houses to Albright as preaching places, prior to the organization of the class, were father George Phillips and his sons, Conrad and Jacob, Jacob Riedy and Adam Miller, all of whom were present at the Gen- eral Assembly of 1803. The following were the members of the class : Father George Phillips and wife, Conrad Phillips and wife, Jacob Phillips and wife, Peter and Jacob Riedy and their wives, Philip Miller and wife, Adam Miller and wife and Barbara Hecht. Conrad Phillips was the class leader.

In the fall of 1802 Jacob Albright held the third general meeting of the society at Conrad Phillips', and was assisted by John Walter, his first fruits for the ministry. This meeting was attended by George and Solomon Miller, who at this time publicly identified themselves with the work of Albright, and soon became very efficient instruments in the establishment and promotion of the society.

Jacob Phillips became one of the first local preachers of the society. He died in the prime of life, in 1809.

In 181 1 Conrad Phillips removed to Dry Valley, in Union county, where his house became a prominent preaching place. Here he died in 18 16, and his aged father, who had removed with him, died in 1822.

Adam Miller was one of the first converts under Albright

Note. — Catharine Hecht died in 1808, leaving a bequest of $100 to the society, which was the first it received. This was considered a large amount at that time, and was added to the fund for the support of the preachers.

26 E V ANGELICAL A8S0GIA TION ANNALS.

in Northampton county. In the early part of the century he removed to Crawford county, O., where he died in 1848, aged eighty-one years.

Berks County. At the Colebrookdale iron works near the eastern line of Berks county, Rev. Jacob Albright found some open doors in the very beginning of his ministry, and here formed his second class in 1800. The men who received him and opened their houses as preaching places were the following : Samuel Liesser, who with his family was converted through the labors of Albright and became the leader of the class that bore his name. His son Abraham became Albright's second assistant in 1803. Father Liesser was widely known as a man of exem- plary piety. At his house Albright held his first "general meeting "* in June 1 802. Brother Liesser died in the early part of the century. His wife Anna died in 1838, at the ripe age of eighty-two years.

Abraham! and Joseph Buchwalter and their families also became adherents of Albright. They were Mennonites in faith but became dissatisfied with the cold and formal worship of their society, and cast their lot with the persecuted "converted peo- ple." The Buchwalters were men of deep piety and sterling worth, and quite prominent in the community. In 1820 they removed to Ross county, O., where they were among the first to receive the Evangelical preachers. John Buchwalter, a son of Abraham, married to a sister of Rev. John Dreisbach, also removed to Ross county in 1827, and his house was for years a preaching place.

In Albany township, almost surrounded by the Blue Moun- tains, lived a very wealthy man named Michael Brobst. He was an iron master, and his furnace and two forges stood in the very heart of the valley. His landed possessions comprised over 10,000 acres. About the year 1800 his daughters, Magdalena and Maria, married George and Solomon Miller respectively.

•"General meetings" were meetings held at irregular intervals in various 'parts of the society. They usually began on Saturday, and continued over the Sabbath. As the work became more established, these meetings gave way to the "quarterly meetings."

f Abraham Buchwalter was born in Berks county, Pa., 1 76 1, and died in Ross county, O., 1837. Barbara, his wife, born 1764, died in Ross county, O., 1868, aged 102 years. Their son John, who served 1812 in the ministry, born 1787, died 1872. His wife Susanna (Dreisbach) born 1793, died 1 88 1. Joseph Buchwalter, born 1767, died 1838.

THE EARLY DAYS. 27

The Millers, with their wives, were soon afterwards converted through the labors of Jacob Albright, which greatly incensed Mr. Brobst, who was a strict adherent of the old churches. Soon after the conversion of the Millers the three sons of Brobst were also converted. Circumstances point to father Zimmerman's house as the place of their conversion. Their names were John, Michael and Christian. They were all pres- ent at the Gouncil Assembly of 1803, and their names are on the instrument declaring Albright a gospel minister. Of Christian nothing can be learned, and it is probable that he died prior to his father. John and Michael lived on the estate and were con- nected with the business of their father, and at his death inherited the vast estate, but through circumstances not necessary to detail here, lost their possessions in after years. The homes of John ,and Michael were regular preaching places for Albright and his co-workers from 1803. The home of John is especially worthy of note from the fact that here at a general meeting, held on Easter day, 1808, Albright stationed his preachers for the last time.

Northwest of Reading, along the Tulpehocken, Albright and co-laborers found entrance at an early day. The home of father Peter Dundore was the chief preaching place. A class was formed here in 1806. In 1809 an extensive revival occurred in this region and a considerable ingathering took place. Among the converts at this time were George Lantz,w1io entered the min- istry in 1820, and Lewis Henkey, who became a local preacher in 1828. Later he removed to Summit county, O., where he was an Evangelical pioneer, and where he died in 1873, aged 83 years. The Miesse family were also members on the Tulpe- hocken, and later removed to Ohio, where .they became strong supporters of the work, and some of the younger members later became ministers.

About 1823 the Evangelical preachers were received by John Tobias, Sr., and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, who lived on the Tulpehocken, about six miles from Reading. A great revival began here in this year, and many souls were converted at his house, among whom were his sons, John, Jr., Benjamin, Peter, Abraham, David, Samuel, Daniel and Henry, who in later years became pillars in the church. In 1832 father Tobias removed to a locality six miles north of Circleville> O., where the family again received the preachers and were instrumental in

28 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

the establishment of a church. Here father Tobias died Aug. 23, 1847, aged seventy-eight years, three months and fourteen days. His last words were, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Mother Tobias survived a number of years. In course of time most of the sons removed to Illinois. Samuel entered the min- istry in 1826, preached many years in Pennsylvania and Illinois, and died at Naperville, 111., in 1890. Daniel entered the min- istry in 1833 and died the following year while serving Wooster circuit. David was a local preacher. Of grandsons the following entered the ministry : Benjamin Franklin, son of Benjamin, died in the ministry of the Ohio Conference ; Simon A. and L. B., sons of John Jr., entered the Illinois Conference, and J. H., a son of Peter, is a prominent member of the Kansas Conference. """ In Bern township, along the southern slope of the Blue Mountains, in Berks county, Albright and his associates gained entrance prior to 1805, and a class was formed here about this year. The preaching places were at father Levergood's, Val- entine Brobst's, John Miller, Sr.'s (see Miller family), and father Jacob Kline's. The latter resided about four miles west of Shoemakersville. All the foregoing were men of means and high standing in their respective communities. They had been connected with the old churches, and when they opened their houses as preaching places for the expounders of Evangelical truth, they became the objects of ridicule and persecution, yet they stood like pillars of light in that region of moral darkness. Camp-meetings were held at father Levergood's at an early day. In later times the families of Earnst and Loose became strong pillars in this section.

Near the gap where the Schuylkill River forces its way through the Blue Mountains, is the town of Hamburgh. Here Albright was entertained by a merchant named Diehl. In 1801, when passing through, he asked permission of Diehl to preach at his house, but the latter said it was hardly a suitable time, as there was a "frolic" in progress at the tavern not far away. A mill stood in close proximity to the tavern, at the front of which was a worn-out millstone. Albright obtained permission from the proprietor to mount the stone and preach. A multitude soon gathered, to whom he delivered a heart-searching address. As it had the effect of breaking up the frolic, the tavern-keeper became incensed at Albright and attempted to punish him with a whip. George Miller, who a few years later was converted and became

THE EARL T DA TS. 29

a co-laborer with Albright, was at this time engaged in working at the mill, and received impressions which came to an early fruitage.

Some time later Albright and his co-laborers began to preach in a small school-house in the town, but because of opposition the work made but little progress for years.

A Wayside Meeting. In 18 12 an officer who had died in the war with England then in progress, was brought to his home in Hamburg for interment. To this funeral, which was attended with considerable demonstrations, Mrs. Saylor, of Orwigsburg, came, accompanied by her son, Joseph M. Saylor, who was then a boy of nine years of age. The town was full of people who had come to witness the obsequies of the dead officer. The attention of the mother and son was attracted by a crowd gath- ered around a man who was holding a religious service on the pavement. The mother drew near and with close attention lis- tened for the first time to an Evangelical preacher, who was none other than George Miller, who eleven years before had first heard Albright preach from the millstone, a few hundred yards away. Miller was at this time the chief man in the society. An incident which impressed itself upon the mind of the little boy was that of a man who took off his hat and reverently bowed his head when Miller kneeled on the pavement in prayer, while all the rest of the hearers kept on their hats and laughed and talked in a disrespectful manner.

The Bertoletts. Near Friedensburg, in Oley township, Berks county, is the old home of the Bertoletts. In 1726 Jean Bertolett, a French Huguenot, of Chartien Duise, Switzerland, with his wife Susanna and five children, was compelled to flee from his home because of religious persecution. He settled in Oley, Pa. , and many of his descendants became members of the Evangelical Association. In 1735 his son Abraham married Esther DeTurk, through whom he came in possession of the estate still owned by the Bertoletts at Friedensburg. In 1736 he built a stone house which is still standing, and is one of the most interesting landmarks of the church. In course of time Daniel Bertolett, a grandson of Abraham, came in possession of the estate. He, like his ancestors, was noted for his inde- pendence of thought and thrifty habits. When still young he became dissatisfied with the dead formality of the churches, and became an earnest inquirer after spiritual life, and through a

30 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

providential circumstance became acquainted with the Evangel- ical Association.

In 1809 a traveler stopped at the Bertolett home and asked for dinner, which was cheerfully given him. He was v young, entertaining in his manners and made a favorable impression. Soon after this he stopped again, this time feeding his horse. Bertolett was naturally curious to know his name and business, but not until the stranger had mounted his horse and was ready to proceed on his journey did he ask him. The reply was, "I am John Walter, and my business is to -preach the gospel to rich and poor wherever doors are opened to receive me. " He then bade farewell and rode away. Bertolett stood awhile engaged in thought concerning the strange visitor, when a voice seemed to say to him, "Why did you not invite him to preach in your house?" Following its promptings, he ran after the preacher now disappearing in the distance and succeeded in stopping him. The conversation on religious matters was resumed, with the result that an appointment was made for Walter. This was the beginning of a great work in that locality and the organization of a strong class, the principal members of which were the Ber- toletts, Clevers, Weidners, Yeakels and Hochs. For many years Bertolett's house was a preaching place and he one of the chief pillars of the church. A camp-meeting was held on his land in 1814 and many years thereafter, besides many important general meetings. He was one of the principal promoters of the Book Establishment in 1816, and was elected by the conference as one of the commission. He possessed fine poetical talent; many of his hymns became familiar throughout the church, and some are still to be found in our German hymn book. One of his notable hymns begins with the lines :

"Die Wasserbaeche rauschen dar Die Stern' am Himmtl leuchten hlar, Die kuehlen Winde weA'n."

Many of his productions were published in a separate volume. In the conference records of 1820 is a resolution ordering the publication of a volume of hymns written and translated by John Dreisbach and Daniel Bertolett. In 1832 Bertolett was licensed as a local preacher. He was severely plain in his habits, so that many who did not understand him thought him peculiar. In his house was posted a notice forbidding the use of tobacco on his premises, which he considered a great evil. He was a:so

THE EARLY DAYS. 31

a prominent anti-slavery man. He died in 1868, at the age of eighty-eight years, and his son Jacob, born in 1815, succeeded to the ancestral estate. He was a local deacon of the church and also a prominent man. He died in 1878.

Lehigh County. At Lynnville, Albright found entrance to several families who opened their homes for preaching places. His leading support here was George KUster, whose house became a regular preaching place as early as 1800. He died in the early part of the century, but his house continued as one of the preaching places of the Schuylkill circuit as late as 1835. In 1842 the widow Maria Kuster died, aged eighty-three years. Having no children, she bequeated the entire estate to the East Pa. Conference, which in turn very generously transferred all the proceeds of the estate, which were considerable, to the Charitable Society of the Evangelical Association.

Near the present town of Macungie lived a liberal-minded man named Philip Wescoe, who welcomed Albright to his home, and permitted him to preach in his house. No immediate results were apparent until 1834, when J. M. Savlor preached to an assembly of over one thousand people in the orchard of Mrs. Susan Mohr, near the old home of Wescoe. This was the beginning of a great work.

Schuylkill County. In West Penn township lived that eminent man of God, Leonard Zimmerman, and his wife Sophia. He was a member and officer of the Reformed Church, and a spiritually enlightened, pious man. About 1797 he turned his back to the dead formality of his church and opened his house as .a preaching place for the zealous evangelist Albright. For this he was decried as a heretic and became the subject of sore persecution. His former pastor did his utmost to keep him from "falling from the faith," and urged him to close his door against the "false prophets" and "deceivers." Zimmerman at this time was well advanced in years. He was the father of a large family, nearly all of whom were grown, and some were already heads of families. The following is a list of his children, all of whom became members of the church prior to Albright's death :

(1) John Zimmerman, Esq., for many years a justice of the peace in Schuylkill county, and whose house was one of the early preaching places ; (2) Rev. Leonard Zimmerman ; (3) Maria and (4) Eve, married brothers, John D. and Michael Sev- bert, respectively; (5) Catharine, married to John George

38 EVANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS.

Zehner. The Seyberts and Zehner lived in the North Branch valley, in (now) Columbia and Luzerne counties, where Albright and associates preached in their homes. (6) Susan, married Conrad Biebelheimer ; (7) Barbara, married H. Balliet, and (8) Albertina, married Jacob Bochard. About 1806 the three latter sons-in-law also emigrated to the same valley, and received the Evangelical preachers. Bochard settled a short distance above Danville, in (now) Montour county. After the death of the parents (9) Margaret, the youngest, was cared for by Rev. Solomon Miller, who in 1816 removed to New Berlin, Pa., to take charge of the Printing Establishment of the society. Here she met, and in 1818 married, George Miller, "the printer." In the early history of the church father Zimmerman's was one of the leading points of the connection. In the begin- ning of the century Albright preached there a sermon of great power from the words, "But who may abide the day of His coming?" (Mai iii. 2.) The whole assembly was melted under its influence and many were converted, among whom was father Zimmerman's son Leonard, who later became a minister. At another meeting held here in 1802 George Miller, who became so eminent and useful in the church, was fully confirmed in the faith. Father Zimmerman's house was open to all godly preach- ers, whether adherents of Albright or not. Father Peter Beaver,* one of the first German Methodist preachers in Amer- ica, frequently preached at Z.'s house, and often spoke of his deep piety and his zeal for the work of the Lord. Father Zim- merman was gathered home, like a shock of corn fully ripe (Job v. 26), in the latter part of 1812, and his wife soon thereafter. A great number of his descendants are members of the Evangelical Association, some being useful ministers of the gospel.

In 1803 the first Evangelical class was formed in Schuylkill county, and George Miller was appointed leader by Albright.

The Miller Family. Jacob Miller and his wife Eliza- beth were highly respectable people of Pottstown, Pa., and members of the Lutheran Church at that place. During the Revolutionary War they removed to Alsace township, Berks county, where Miller died in 1784. As their sons became prominently identified with the society through the ministry of Albright, a notice of them seems proper in this connection :

•Grandfather of ex-Governor James A. Beaver.

THE EARL T DA YS. 33

(i) John Miller and his wife Sabilla lived in Bern town- ship, Berks county, and their house was one of the first preaching places. John Miller never united with the society, but his wife did. He died early in the century. She died at the home of her son Solomon G., in Stoyestown, Somerset county, Pa., in 1850, at a very advanced age. John Miller, Jr., son of the foregoing, entered the Evangelical ministry in 1822, traveled seven years, broke down in health, and died near Shoemakers- ville, Pa., iik 1833. Solomon G. Miller, another son of John, was a very talented man. He entered the ministry in 1829, trav- eled a number of years, and later was employed at the Book Establishment at New Berlin, Pa. He resided for some time at Stoyestown, Pa., and still later removed to Kansas, where he died, near Augusta, Nov. 19, 1883, aged seventy-six years.

(2) George Miller lived in Schuylkill county, where he, in June 3, 1802, became a subject of saving grace, but some years later removed across the mountain to Allemangel, near his father- in-law. In 1805 he entered the active ministry. As his biogra- phy appears elsewhere, a further notice of him in this connection is unnecessary.

(3) Solomon Miller lived in Schuylkill county, near his brother George. He was also converted in 1802, and his house became a regular preaching place in the Autumn of that year. On Easter day, 1803, Albright held his fourth general meeting at his house. In the Fall of 1803 he attended the First Council, and in 1807 the first annual conference, where he was licensed as one of the first local preachers. In 1816 he removed to New Berlin, Pa., to take charge of the newly established printing busi- ness of the society. As he derived no income from this source, he carried on his trade as a hatter. His good work for the church was, however, soon cut short, as he died March 29, 1820, aged forty-two -years, five months and twenty-two days. His body reposes near that of his brother George.

(4) Frederick Miller in the early part of the century re- moved to the upper end of Lehigh county, near the Blue

Note. — A few years after their conversion, George and Solomon Miller removed from Schuylkill county to the head of Allemangel corner, near their father-in-law Michael Brobst. Here George built a saw mill, and Solo- mon erected a small hat factory, on the same premises. In 1809 the second annual conference was held at their house, and in the Fall of 1810 the second camp-meeting was held on the north bank of the mill dam, where there is a beautiful spring. Still later they removed to New Berlin, as elsewhere noted;

34 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

Mountains, where his house was for many years a preaching place. He became quite wealthy, and being without issue, willed his entire estate to the East Pa. Conference. This was the largest bequest ever made to the church. The will, however, was con- tested by other claimants, and after a very costly litigation the conference saved about $ 10,000, which was very generously turned over to the Charitable Society of the church. He died in 1854, at a very advanced age.

In the vicinity of Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county, lived George Orwig, who was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a highly respectable citizen. He was liberal in his views and strongly opposed to the dead and formal worship so prevalent in his locality. He therefore opened his house as a preaching place for Jacob Albright.* Although he never withdrew from the church of his fathers, he was nevertheless a warm friend of the Evangelical Association, and his children and grandchildren be- came prominent members. Several of his sons having removed to Buffalo Valley, Union county, he and his wife Magdalena went thither to spend their last days with them, and there they both died in 1841, each at the age of eighty-two years.

In Lower Mahantongo Valley lived John Haldeman, whose house became a preaching place for Albright and his asso- ciates. Probably nowhere else in Pennsylvania was there greater spiritual darkness than in this region, and the work seemed fruit- less. Brother Haldeman, however, did not become discour- aged, although he stood almost alone for a quarter of a century as a professor of experimental religion. His house was for many years a noted stopping place for the preachers in their travels to and fro. The precious seed of the gospel sown in this place was not lost, however, as in course of time it came to a rich fruitage, and a class was formed. John Seybert and others took up ap- pointments in adjoining places, and a rich harvest of souls was realized. One of the chief pillars in this valley for many years was Henry Heppler. Many victorious camp-meetings were held on his place, and the Evangelical work throughout that region has continued to nourish to the present time.

* This statement is from his grandson, Bishop W. W. Orwig.

Note. — Father John Haldeman died 1842, aged seventy-four years. His fcife Salome in 1838, aged seventy-one years.

THE E ABLY DAYS. 35

Lebanon County. For some unknown reason Albright was specially interested in Shaefferstown and vicinity. This place is situated about seven miles south-east of Lebanon, in one of the finest agricultural regions of the State. It is especially noted as the place of Albright's first labors, of which we have definite knowledge. In October, 1796, the Reformed church here was dedicated, and we find him addressing an overflow meeting from a board pile at the entrance of the market house, in the public square. A furious attack was made upon him by a godless mob, and the result would doubtless have been serious to him had not the arm of the Lord encircled him. At the critical moment when a rush was about to be made upon him, a powerful man, named Maize, who saw his danger, seized him, and carried him away, as though he were a child. The cowardly mob well knew the strength and courage of Maize, and made no further attempt to harm him. A kind hearted man named Peter Mohr then took him to his home and sheltered him. This perilous attempt to preach Evangelical doctrine in this wicked place did not in the least discourage him, but with true Christian heroism he fre- quently returned, and the Lord not only opened doors for him, but also hearts to receive the truth, and the precious seed thus sown in tears and sorrow, came to a rich and glorious fruitage, as will be observed. But before this result could be reached, God's servant must pass through a still more fiery ordeal.

Albright's Terrible Persecution. In the Autumn of 1799 a fair was held at Shaefferstown, at which time he preached to a large multitude by the wayside. On this occasion he was attacked by a mob and shamefully abused. Bruised and bleed- ing, and with garments almost torn from his body, he escaped with his life to father Zentmyer's, who lived two miles distant, and at whose home he had often found a warm welcome. Here he lay for two weeks under the care of a physician.

Among Albright's hearers at the fair was George Becker, who lived two miles east, at the Muehlbach. The word of truth made an impression upon his heart, and some years later he was converted, and became one of the strongest pillars the church has ever had. (See Muehlbach. )

Near Shaefferstown lived Jacob Gleim, a man of sterling worth and deep piety. Soon after Albright began his labors here Brother G. opened his house for preaching, and it was for many years a noted place. He died in 1837, at the age of

36 EVANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS.

seventy-one years. It is worthy of note that when Albright was suffering from his last illness and was on his way home, as he said, to die, he was brought from Lingelstown to brother Gleim's. From there he resumed his journey, but was compelled to stop at George Becker's, only two miles distant, where he breathed his last.

Among the converts of Albright at Shaefferstown was Jacob Bricker, who was, so far as we know, the first in the town to open his house as a preaching place. He died in Lebanon, in 1840, aged seventy- three years. Bishop Newcomer, of the United Brethren Church, mentions in his journal the fact of having preached in Bricker's house in 1823. John Grumbein and family were also converted under the preaching of Albright, and their house was a preaching place. (Father G. died in 1868, aged ninety years. ) A little later Jacob Bucks became a prom- inent member. He was class leader for many years, and was the father of Rev. H. Bucks, who entered the ministry in 1832.

The Muehlbach and Vicinity. In West Cocalico town- ship, in the northeastern part of Lancaster, and near the line of Lebanon county, is a locality known as "The Swamp," opening in the direction of Shaefferstown, between the Muehlbach and Chestnut Ridge. The Muhlbach is a few miles north and Shaef- ferstown northwest. In this place Albright was received by John Wenger,* who opened his house for the preachers of exper- imental religion. On one occasion when Albright preached here, the house was so thronged that the floor gave way, and a disaster was narrowly averted. Some people regarded this mishap as a sign of God's disfavor and thereafter kept aloof.

In the Spring or Summer of 1805 George Miller, Albright's co-laborer, gained entrance a little farther north towards the Muehlbach. In his autobiography he says, "One evening I stopped with a man in Lancaster county named Lesher, and was lovingly received. In the evening and morning I prayed with them, and as I was about to take my departure, he asked me whether I was not a Methodist preacher. I replied that I was no Methodist. 'But,' said he, 'you are a preacher, and in what connection do you stand? ' I replied, 'I am an Evangelical preacher, and preach the gospel to all who receive and hear me. '

* He was a brother to Jacob and Joseph, of State Line, Pa., which see, and brother-in-law to father Philip Breidenstein, and Bishop H. Kummler.

THE EARLY DATS. 37

'Tell me the truth,' said he, 'are you not a Methodist preacher?' 'You can depend upon it,' said I. 'I would like to hear you preach, but the Methodists I would not receive, because they are too boisterous. Or are you so loud too ? At any rate, I will give out an appointment for you and then we will see. '

"An appointment was given out, and the house was filled with people. The Lord gave me grace to preach His Word with feeling and power, so that nearly all were melted. Lesher desired another appointment, and as I preached again others desired it also, and the Lord so wrought that in a short time sinners began to seek for pardon. As Lesher heard the noise he left the assembly, but God worked powerfully so that many sinners were converted, and also this old man with nearly his entire family were converted."*

The Beckers and Lefflers Converted. Among the peo- ple who came to the meetings at Lesher's were some from the Muehlbach, about three miles distant, among whom was Cath- arine, wife of Frederick Becker, a highly respected man, and a brother of George and Samuel, of the Muehlbach. John Leffler, married to Becker's sister Julianna, lived near Lesh- er's, and also attended the meetings. Mrs. Becker was con- verted and a little later her husband Frederick. This opened the way for the introduction of the work.

Soon after his conversion Frederick Becker began to urge his brothers, Samuel and George, to attend the meetings at the Swamp. After much persuasion they agreed to do so, and went together. The service made a deep impression upon them, and on their return they discussed the propriety of having Albright preach at the Muehlbach also. Samuel thought that inasmuch as he was an officer in the Lutheran Church, it would not do for him to open his house as a preaching place, but urged his brother George to do so. George signified his willingness, but there were domestic obstacles in the way, and the project was deferred. Quite unexpectedly, however, whether in jest or earnest we can- not say, the wife of George told him to have an appointment made at their house. This was just what he desired, but she had hitherto shown no disposition in favor of the work. An appoint- ment was accordingly made, which was filled by Albright. The wife, however, opposed a second meeting, but Albright

* MiZ/er's Leben, page S3.

38 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION- ANNALS.

persuaded her to permit another appointment, to which she finally agreed. At the second meeting he was assisted by his collegues John Walter and George Miller. The house was thronged with people. Much opposition was manifested by the enemies of the cause, and considerable damage was done about the prem- ises. The meeting nevertheless was a glorious triumph, and among the saved was George Becker. The precious seed dropped into his heart by Albright at the Shaefferstown fair, five years previous, at last matured in his salvation. Becker's sister Julianna, and her husband John Leffler, from the Swamp, were also present at this meeting. She was powerfully wrought upon, and with contending emotions within her soul she stole away ere the meeting closed and returned to her home, several miles distant. When her husband returned he found his wife in bed and the door securely barred. To his repeated calls to open the door she paid no attention, whereupon he bowed down and offered up a fervent prayer in her behalf. This induced her to open the door, but she immediately returned to bed. She there began to upbraid him for falling away from the faith of their fathers. It was quite evident, however, that her heart had been touched by the spirit of conviction, and she was in that condi- tion in which the enemy of souls makes a last desperate effort to hold his victim. Her husband then bowed down by the side of a chest near the bed, and with tears began to pray for her salva- tion. Soon the mighty power of God came down upon them, and the woman cried out with a loud voice, "Der Teufel muss weichen." (The devil must flee. ) After a season of Jacob-like wrestling the unseen One revealed His hidden name, and the house resounded with shouts of joy and praise from the lips of husband and wife.

Samuel Becker was still unconverted. Soon after the con- version of Lefflers a prayer-meeting was appointed at their house. When the time for the prayer-meeting came, Samuel Becker's wife, who had been converted, said to her husband, "Come, get ready, and let us go over to Leffler's to the prayer- meeting." « No," said he, "I must go to church to-day or they will throw me out of office, as I have missed church pretty often of late." After much persuasion, however, she induced him to accompany her. The meeting was one of great power, and Becker resolved to seek the Lord in the salvation of his soul. The friends joined in fervent supplications with him, and he was

TEE EARLY DAYS. 39

soon overwhelmed with the power of saving grace. Springing to his feet, with his streaming eyes turned heavenward, he repeated that grand old hymn of Rothe, beginning,

" Ich habe nun den Grund gefunden

Der meinen Anker ewig haelt ; Wo anders als in Jesu Wunden ;

Da lag er vor der Zeit der Welt, Ein Grund der unbeweglich steht Wann Erd und Himmel untergeht."*

Deacon Samuel Becker was now converted, and another strong pillar added to Albright's little society. His conversion, however, was the signal for abuse from his former co-religionists. He had "fallen away from the faith," according to their notion, and to ridicule him and disturb the meetings at his house was considered just what he deserved. His father-in-law, who was a man of considerable means, was especially hostile to him and his wife, and finally announced to them that he had disinherited them. Mrs. Becker said, "Dear father, you may do me all the harm you can. You may throw me out of my inheritance, if you will, but you cannot take from me my inheritance above, which rests in God's hands, and is incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away. " The aged father spent much of his time at her house, but whenever there was preaching there, he left and remained away until the service was over. His bitterness against the Evangelical work never abated, and at his death it was found that he had executed his cruel threat, and his dear daughter, who had bestowed upon her aged father the tenderest care and affec- tion, was cut off from her father's estate. In the light of eternity this was of little moment to her, for she has for many years enjoyed her more enduring substance in the City of God.

Becker Family History. Among the early German emi- grants in Pennsylvania were a number of Baptists, who fled from the religious intolerance of the Old World to seek homes in the New, where they might serve God according to the dictates of their consciences. At first they were somewhat scattered, but Conrad Bissel having settled at the Muehlbach in i72i,f he was in 1724 joined by others, and a society was organized. This society chose one of their number named Peter BeckerJ as

*See English translation in Evangelical Hymn Book, No. 324. \ Egle'S History of Lancaster county. \ Becker was from Dilsheim, Germany.

40 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

their official baptizer.* This was the ancestor of the Becker family. In 1724 he baptized Bissel in the Pequea Creek, f Bissel was a man of considerable intelligence, and changing his views somewhat, he a few years later withdrew and founded the famous Communistic Society at Ephrata. Becker's estate on the Muehlbach was quite large, and a good portion of it has remained in the hands of his descendants continuously to the present time. Among the sons of the emigrant was John George, to whom the estate descended.

John George Becker was the father of fifteen childen, nearly all of whom became supporters of Albright and members of his society, and multitudes of his decendants are to be found as hon- ored members in almost every quarter of the church. He died prior to 1800, aged ninety-two years. His aged companion, who was his third wife, lived to see the Evangelical work established, became a member of the Muehlbach class, and died in peace soon afterwards. Of the children of John George Becker, several of whom have already been mentioned, a brief reference can only be given in this connection. John Jacob soon after his conver- sion removed to Windsor township, York county, where he was a pillar for many years. Michael lived on the Swatara, where he received Albright and his colaborers. Frederick, (wife Eliza- beth), Elizabeth, married to John Lesher, of Dauphin county. Frederick Becker and his brother-in-law Lesher removed to Seneca county, O. Julianna, wife of John Leffler, already referred to; Christina, who became the wife of Rev. John Walter, the first colaborer of Albright ; Samuel and George, of whom more will be found presently.

The Becker mansion is one of the most interesting land- marks connected with the history of the church. It was erected by John George Becker, and is a two story stone edifice of large size. The body of the building is of limestone, but the corners, windows, and doors are of fine red sandstone trimmings. Over the door is neatly cut the legend, "G, 1767, B." The edi- fice is in an excellent state of preservation. An abiding interest attaches to it, because in it was held, in 1807, the first annual conference of the Evangelical Association. Brother Samuel Becker gained possession of the homestead, and it has been

•Rupp's History of Lancaster county, page 214. f Ephrata Chronicles.

THE EARL Y DA T8. 41

retained by his decendants ever since. He was killed in 1809 by accidentally falling under the wheel of his wagon, while on his way to Reading. George Becker lived on the western end of the estate. The old homestead was situated near a large spring, which is the source of the stream known as the Muehlbach, (Millcreek.) In this house Albright died in 1808. The an- nual conference was held here in 1810 and 181 1. The old home has long since given way to a more modern edifice. George Becker was blessed with a family of godly children, of whom his eldest daughter Mary married Rev. John Erb, but died in the bloom of life in 1814. Catharine in 1823 became the wife of Rev. John Klinefelter, who was one of the leading men of the church. Father George Becker died in 1855, at the age of eighty-eight years, his wife Maria having preceded him many years.

The Muehlbach class was organized in 1805, John Leffler, leader. Members : Father John Lesher and family, John Lef- fler and wife Julianna, mother Julianna Becker, Frederick Becker and wife Catharine, John Jacob Becker, Catharine (Becker) Kissinger, Christina Becker, (afterwards Mrs. Rev. J. Walter), Anna Yost, John A. Hake, and also Jacob Bricker, Jacob Gleim, and John Grumbein, with their families, of Shaef- ferstown.

Albright was buried in the private burying ground of George Becker. In course of time it was enlarged, father John Kline- felter donating considerable land for the purpose, and it is now known as the Albright, or Evangelical cemetery. In the midst

Notes. — t. Frederick Becker's son Abraham entered the ministry in 1822 and traveled five years. John Jacob was noted for his wonderful gift of prayer, under which the hearts of many sinners melted like wax before the flame. He died in Windsor township, York county, Pa.

2. John Adam Haake, whose remarkable conversion at Michael Becker's in 1805 is elsewhere related. He was blind through the premature explosion of a blast, which accident occurred before his conversion. He was a powerful exhorter, and was accustomed to go to meetings in distant localities and wrought much good. He died in 185 1, aged seventy-five years. He is buried close by Rev. Jacob Albright.

3. Anna Yost lived in a small house belonging to George Becker. She was one of the first converts, and especially noted as a sweet singer. She was Albright's nurse during his last illness at Becker's, and cheered him by singing the sweet songs of Zion. Later she married Brother J. Snavelv and removed to Cornwall, Lebanon county, where she died in 1855.

42 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

of it stands the Albright Memorial Church, built in memory of the founder in 1850. The material is red sandstone. It is, however, not as originally constructed. Because of faulty work in its erection, it became necessary to rebuild the entire struc- ture. The inscription on the marble slab above the entrance reads as follows :

"Albrechts Kirche,

errichted

zutii andenken des verewigten

Jacob Albrecht,

Stifter der Evangelischtn Gemeinschaft in Nerd Amerika,

im so ten Jahr der Gemeinschaft,

Anno. 1850.

Ganz nett aufgebaut im Jahr i860."

Translation. — " Albright Church, erected to the memory of the Sainted Jacob Albright, founder of the Evangelical Association of North America, in the 50th year of the Association, Anno. 1850. Rebuilt in the year i860."

The Breitenstein Family. A few miles south-west of Lebanon, Pa., lived Philip Breitenstein, a man in good cir- cumstances and highly respected in his community. Albright had became acquainted with him prior to the beginning of the century, when he lived at Adamstown, Lancaster county. Late in the Fall of 1805 he preached in his house for the first time. The weather being unfavorable, his audience consisted of the family and a pumpmaker, who was then doing some work for Breitenstein. Although favorable to Albright, he did not fully yield to the influence of the gospel. His wife was still less inclined than her husband. She was not only indifferent, but also in a measure opposed to Albright's pretensions as a min- ister of the gospel. On the score of old acquaintance, and the fact that he was welcomed by her brother, John Wengerd, near Adamstown, it would seem she tolerated his services at their house. But with the exception of the privilege of preaching there occasionally, his work for the time being seemed in vain. Sev- eral providential circumstances occurred by which the Lord turned these otherwise excellent people to Himself, and raised them up as pillars in His church. The following remarkable account of Mrs. Breitenstein's conversion she related to her pastor, J. M. Saylor, from whose lips the author received it :

The evening was drawing near, when a young man on horse- back drew rein in front of Breitenstein's house. He inquired

THE EARL T DA Y8. 43

whether they could tell him of the whereabouts of Jacob Al- bright. The appearance of the young man and his inquiry at once aroused the interest of Breitenstein, who asked' his name. The young man replied, " I am John Walter, Albright's helper. " He was then kindly requested to remain for the night, an invita- tion which he thankfully accepted. Mrs. B. at once proceeded to prepare supper, and the young itinerant was invited to share the repast. He was requested to ask the blessing at the table, which he did in a unique manner. He made it the occasion for praying specially for her who had prepared the meal. This was something new to her, but it was of God. "The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assem- blies, which are given from one shepherd. " (Eccles. xii.'i i. ) It was this remarkable prayer that led her to the Saviour, and like Lydia her heart was opened "that she attended to the things spoken of." (Acts xvi. 14.)

Brother B. still refused to receive Christ fully, but mark how strange are the ways of Providence. Soon after the foregoing incident (May 18, 1808) Albright was called to his rich reward, and the same Walter who could lead souls to Christ by saying grace at meals, preached such a sermon at the funeral of the sainted founder of the church that the hearts of the hearers melted like wax before the flame, and father Breitenstein was led into "the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Rom. xv. 29.) From this time on he was a pillar in the society. Many important general meetings and camp-meet- ings were held on his place. Later he was licensed as a local preacher, in which capacity he was signally useful. His son John, who was also converted at an early day, entered the active ministry in 1818.

After faithfully serving his day and generation father Breit- enstein was gathered to the fathers above. His mortal remains were deposited in the little family burying place on his farm. By his side rests his beloved companion, and his distinguished son John.

Father B. was born in 1764, and died Jan. 22, 1838. His wife Barbara died April 29, 185 1, aged eighty-one years. Their entire family were prominent members of the church. Their daughter Catharine became the wife of Rev. J. C. Reisner. Another daughter, Mary, converted in 1807, married Jacob JVIiddlekauff, of Hagerstown, Md. , and their house was one of

44 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

the most important preaching places of the old Franklin Circuit for many years. She died in 1855, aged sixty-one years.

In May, 181 1, the third camp-meeting of the Connection was held on Breitenstein's place, and when it is remembered that ministers and people came from all parts of the church, it will be seen that an ordinary farm would be taxed to its utmost to furnish pasturage for their horses. After considering the matter B. found that he had no suitable field into which he could turn the horses except a clover field on which he depended for that season's crop. After much anxiety he referred the matter to the Lord, praying that He would in some way provide. The time for holding the camp-meeting arrived, and also people from all parts of* the church, with a great number of horses, jaded and hungry. What was to be done ? There was no alternative and brother B. opened the bars to his field of clover then in blossom. The unconverted people now pointed to this act as proof that the "false prophets" had completely turned Breitenstein's head, and said the people would "eat him out of house and home." Reader, mark the sequel. While the horses were feeding a whole week in the best pasture they ever had, their owners were enjoy- ing one of the best camp-meetings ever held. The second day following the close of the camp and the departure of the people a steady rain set in which continued several days. This caused the downtrodden clover to grow afresh and produced the greatest hay crop ever gathered from that field. The year in general was a prosperous one to him, which brother B. regarded as a special indication of God's favor because of his trust in Him.

Lebanon and Vicinity. Through the labors of Father Breit- enstein and his son John the Evangelical work was established in the vicinity of Lebanon. They were ever ready to secure new preaching places for the preachers. Although Albright and his co-laborers had preached in the town of Lebanon as early as 1805, there was no visible fruit until the Breitensteins effected a reg- ular appointment.

A gracious revival resulted in 1826 under the labors of John Seybert, afterwards the first bishop of the church. A strong class was formed and our work has ever prospered at that place.

It is worthy of note that of the early converts three young men, Henry Fisher, Elias Stoever and Jacob Burkett, became prominent ministers. The former was one of our early publish- ers, and editor of the Evangelical Messenger.

THE EARL Y DA Y8. 45

About three miles from Lebanon, and the same distance from Breitenstein's, lived two brothers, Jacob and Henry Eby, both highly respected farmers. The time and circumstances of their conversion are unknown, but it is certain that in 1805 George Miller preached at their houses, and beyond doubt the Founder of the church often did likewise. Important general meetings were held here at an early day, and conversions took place, but no organization was effected. The members of this locality and Breitenstein's constituted one class. Preaching was kept up here for many years, and many camp-meetings were held on their lands. Jacob Eby died in 1838, aged sixty-four, and Henry died in 1863, in his eighty-second year.

Samuel Bien and wife were among the first converts in Leb- anon county and are supposed to have been members of the Breitenstein Class. Their house became a preaching place in Albright's time, but we have not been able to ascertain, with certainty, the locality of their residence. In the early part of the century they removed to Warren county, Ohio, where they died near Lebanon. Father Bien died in 1852, aged seventy-eight years, and his companion soon afterwards.

During the year 1809 a general meeting was held at Henry Eby's, attended by all the traveling preachers of the Association. At this meeting George Miller, John Walter, and John Dreis- bach were solemnly ordained as elders in accordance with a pre- vious resolution of the conference. The meeting was an occasion of great rejoicing. The brethren reconsecrated themselves to the service of God, and the work of the ministry, and the consequence was that great and unprecedented revivals took place on all the charges soon afterwards.

Jonestown is situated about seven miles northeast of Lebanon, near the Swatara Creek. Albright and his associates found some open doors in this region, but also met with violent oppo- sition. In Jonestown they preached in a small building in which all denominations were permitted to hold services. Mother "Ketty" Wingerd (noticed below) often related that she was present at a meeting held here by the Old Brethren {"Die Alte Brueder" — meaning Albright and his associates), when the building was surrounded by a mob and an attack made upon the worshipers, from which they escaped without injury only with the greatest difficulty, and their deliverance was ever afterwards ascribed to the providence of God. After several years of hard

46 E V ANGELICAL ASSOCIA TION ANNALS.

labor and great opposition, a class was formed in Jonestown and vicinity by Rev. George Miller in 1805 {"Miller's Leben" page 84).

Among those who received Albright was Ludwig Zehring, a man of wealth and influence who lived on the Swatara Creek, a few miles east of Jonestown. He was a prominent member of the Reformed Church, and made great sacrifices when he opened his house to the Evangelical preachers. There seems but little doubt that Albright visited him in the early part of the ministry, as his daughter Catharine, already referred to, was converted in 1799. She died in Jonestown in 1874, at the age of eighty- eight years, having been connected with the church from its infancy. Ludwig Zehring's house was a regular preaching place as late as 1825.

Between Jonestown and Mt. Nebo ("Ono" post-office), and about a mile east of the latter place, lived Adam Faber, whose father Michael came from the Palatinate, Germany, in 1733. Adam Faber was a highly respected member of the Reformed Church and an officer in the same. He was led to see the spir- itual darkness then prevailing in his own heart, and by the grace of God, was led into the blissful experiences of salvation. His house became a regular preaching place for Albright and his associates, and continued to be one of the strongholds of the church for many years. His son John, who lived on his father's estate, also opened his house as a preaching place at an early day. The first camp-meeting of the Association in this vicinity was held on Faber's land in 1815, at which time the noted John Walter (whose little farm adjoined Faber's) preached what was probably his last sermon. Father Faber died in 18 19 and was laid to rest in the family burial ground by the wayside, on the north side of the farm. (Rev. John Walter was buried in the same graveyard.) His wife Anna Faber died in 1839, aged eighty-two years, and was buried in the Reformed churchyard at Jonestown.

The Walter Family. About three miles west of Jonestown, Pa., lived Father Peter Walter, who with his wife Margaret, was of the first to adhere to Albright in the beginning of his ministry. We have already observed that he was the^r* class- leader of the Association, and removed from Quakertown to this locality in 1805. From the fact that this family was not only one of the first, but also one of the most noted in the early

THE EARLY DATS. 47

history of the society, a more extended account seems proper in this connection.

The family consisted of the following sons : Joseph, John, Abraham and Peter ; and daughters : Elisabeth, Magdalena, Sarah Christina and Rebecca. Joseph, soon after his father's removal here, was married to Mary Stine. Their house became a regular preaching place in Albright's time, and became a noted place for general meetings and camp-meetings. He died near Mt. Nebo in 1857, aged seventy-nine years, his companion having preceded him about ten years. John became Albright's first co-worker, as will be seen in his biography. After his health failed he purchased a small farm near his parental home where he resided till his death. Abraham was a local preacher in the early days, although his name does not appear in our history as such. He lived at Linglestown and was class-leader there. Peter removed to Ohio, where he died. Lena (Magdalena) was noted for her deep piety, zeal and remarkable courage. Once when attending a gen- eral meeting at Solomon Miller's, held by Albright and others in 1 804, she with other sisters was engaged in prayer, whenawicked man named Brobst, father-in-law of Rev. George and Solomon Miller, who was most bitterly opposed to the work, entered the house and forced his way up stairs, where he drew a sword, and in a terrible manner menaced the life of the worshipers. Lena Walter arose and boldly withstood him, declaring that neither he nor his sword should prevent her from loving and praising her Lord, and that she was willing to die for Jesus' sake. With one accord the worshipers then called on the Lord for help, and the heart of the cruel old man relented and he withdrew, and afterwards confessed to having wept and prayed on his way home. * Lena afterwards was married to a man named Douglass, and removed across the mountain into Dauphin county, and became a member of the " Stroh " Class, in Fishing Creek Valley. Sarah married a brother named Hockman, of Lancaster county. Chris- tina married John Lesher, a son of Father John Lesher, who first received our preachers in the Swamp, Lancaster county. They removed to Seneca county, Ohio, where they were among our first members. Mrs. Lesher died in 1838, aged forty-seven years, and her husband the year following, aged fifty years. Rebecca married a brother named Bader, and also moved to Ohio. She died in Iowa in 1865, aged seventy-one years. *MilUr's "Lebtn und Wirken."

48 E V 'ANGELICAL A880CIA TION ANNALS.

A sad story remains to be told in this connection. About 1822 Abraham Walter conceived the idea of removing to Tur- key Valley, in Juniata county, and persuaded his aged father to remove thither with him. This was very unfortunate, as the region is rough and unproductive, and was then a mere wilder- ness. Despite the entreaty of his children he resolved to go, and in his old days build up a new home in the forest. Here both he and his aged companion soon found graves for their home. Abraham also died here, so far as is known.

The following account we take from Orwig's history :

" It was in the month of August, 1808, when John Dreisbach returned from a general meeting near the Muehlbach, accompanied by a young brother, Andrew Wolf,* in order to fill an appointment that evening in Jonestown, f but as he had been disturbed while preaching there before, on his way to said general meeting, it was his intention to preach to the friends there without giving public notice of it. From fear (not of the Jews, but of the heathen-like Christians), the doors had been locked and the window shutters fastened inside before the services commenced. After singing and prayer the sermon com- menced, but as the exercises had in all probability been heard by some of the adversaries, a mob gathered in a short time, and forcing the doors and shutters open, they rushed with a dreadful noise and with still more dreadful impreca- tions into the house and thus put a stop to the exercises. The preacher then took a light and went among the crowd to restore order, but several ruffians seized him and dragged him toward the door, at the same time treating him very roughly, extinguishing all the lights in the house, and calling to their companions who were outside, * Boys, open the door ; we have got him ! ' They replied, ' Give it to him ; kill the priest ! ' The preacher was justly apprehensive of still worse treatment if they should succeed in getting him out of the house, but how to get out of their hands he knew not. Suddenly it flashed upon his mind, as if God had revealed it to him, that if he would jerk himself up with all his might and then suddenly fall down like a log, he might get out of their hands. He did so and thus got rid of them, although he was still among the crowd in the dark. Now as the ruffians were groping for him, they got hold of each other, letting torrents of blows descend on one another, each fancying he was giving it to the 'priest ; ' but while they were thus regaling each other to their heart's content with blows and pushes, he managed to get out of the crowd and the mob got out doors. Alarmed for the minister, some of the friends hastened out also, but were seized and very much abused by the mob. The landlord, father P. Walter, was so much hurt that the blood gushed from his mouth and nose. A sister was knocked down and carried into the house for dead, and several more friends were likewise very roughly dealt with. "

As an agreeable sequel to the above, we may add that the leaders of the mob, seven in number, were legally indicted the

* Brother Wolf was from Buffalo Valley, Union county, and soon thereafter was married to Anna Dreisbach, sister of Rev. John Dreisbach. (See Buffalo Valley.)

f It was three miles west. — Author.

THE EARL T DA TB. 49

next day and heavily fined by the court when the case came to trial. The fines were generously remitted by the brethren. One of the jurors in the case was Philip Breitenstein, who after- wards became a local preacher and a great pillar in the church, as already noticed.

Lancaster County. Among the first in Lancaster county to receive Albright was a widow named Elisabeth Thomas, who resided in Manor township, near the confluence of the Big and Little Conestoga. By a first marriage she had two sons, Jacob and John Ripplev, and by a second marriage Christian and David Thomas, all of whom became men of great prominence in the church.

Albright began his labors in this place in 1802 or 1803. Souls were saved from time to time, and a class was formed in 1806 or 1807. During the latter year a considerable revival occurred at Millerstown. Among the converts was John Erb, who entered the ministry the following year.

In 1809 another gracious revival took place all along the Conestoga and many prominent conversions occurred. Among those who at this time became actively identified with the society were John Rippley, and David and Christian Thomas. The latter had some years previous opened his house at Millersville as a preaching place for Albright. Some years later Jacob Rippley also united with the society, and thereafter the Evangel- ical work on the Conestoga made rapid progress. Christian and David Thomas and John Rippley were licensed as preachers soon after their conversion. John Rippley's was for many

Notes. — David Thomas entered the active ministry in 1815. Traveled two years and thereafter served in a local capacity with great acceptance until his death, which took place in 1874. His services to the church were important and valuable. He was one of the delegates to the "Social Conference" in 1816. In 1818 he conducted the obsequies of Rev. John Waltek, Albright's first co-laborer.

Christian Thomas was early licensed as a local preacher. Entered the active work in 1832. Located next year. Died in 1851.

John Rippley, after serving the church many years as a local preacher, died in 185 1, aged seventy-seven years.

Jacob Rippley, at an early day, with others, removed to Erie county, Pa., where he opened his house to John Seybert, who was sent there as missionary in 1833. He died in 1851, aged seventy-nine years. His wife Anna died in 1853, aged eighty-two years.

50 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

years a noted place for meetings. An amusing incident occurred here which we give, as serving to illustrate the ignorance of divine things in that day. About 1810 John Walter preached here, at which time he had among his hearers a man named Adam. In the course of his sermon he remarked that it was absolutely necessary that the "Old Adam" be driven out, referring, of course, to the expulsion of the sinful nature. The individual Adam, however, did not understand it in that sense, but took it as a personal matter and left the assembly greatly offended. A daughter of John Rippley married Michael Kneisley, who also became a prominent member, and was for many years one of the pillars of the work on the Conestoga.

A few miles distant from mother Thomas', at Conestoga Centre, lived Philip Herrman, who was the first in this neigh- borhood to open his house as a preaching place for Albright and his co-laborers. His wife Barbara, however, was very much opposed to it, and it was with difficulty that the appointments were filled. On one occasion when Albright was preaching, she blew out the lights. In the revival of 1809 she was converted, and thereafter the preachers were doubly welcome. Herrman's house was for many years a preaching place. He died near the close of the first quarter of the century, and his wife died in 1849, aged eighty-three years.

The home of Henry Wertz and his wife Mary, near the Herrman home, was also a preaching place of Albright and his co-laborers.

Henry Mandebach and his wife Maria and David Williams and his wife Magdalen a were among the first members in Manor township, and their homes were, in all probability, preaching places. David Williams removed with Rippley and others to Fairview, Erie county, Pa.,' and were among the first members there. Brother W. died in 1864, aged eighty years, his wife having preceded him in i860.

At Mt. Joy lived father Samuel Lehn and his wife Magda- lena. They were converted under the ministry of Albright in 1804, and not long afterwards opened their house as a preaching place, which was an important point for many years. He was the father of Rev. Michael Lehn, who entered the ministry in 1839. Father Lehn died in 1854, aged eighty-two years. His wife preceded him in 1847, aged seventy-five years. A class was

THE EARLY DATS. 51

formed here between 1807 and 1809. The sainted John Seybert served as leader of this class in 18 10, as well as the Manheim Class at the same time.

The first and principal preaching place here was at Herman Long's. He was converted in the early days, probably on the Conestoga, and some time prior to 18 10 his house became a regular preaching place. He was a man of deep piety and great zeal for the cause of vital godliness.

At Manheim entrance was gained soon after Albright's death. In 1809 a number of conversions took place under the labors of John Dreisbach and M. Betz, among whom was David Boyer. On the evening of April 5, 1810, as Brother Betz preached his last sermon preparatory to going to conference, a young man named John Seybert was brought under conviction. Little did the yOung preacher think that his words would result in the conversion of the future first bishop of the church. Brother Boyer followed up the good impressions made by the preacher upon the heart of Seybert, and he was soon thereafter (June 2 1 ), as he expressed it, "converted deep into eternal life." He was then living with Jacob Lehr who, with his entire family, was soon converted through his instrumentality. This same insatia- ble thirst for souls remained a predominant characteristic of Seybert through his entire ministry. He was appointed leader of both the Manheim and Mt. Joy classes (eight miles distant) in this same year. One of the first and most important preach- ing places at Manheim was at Catharine Krall's.

A few miles below Columbia, on the Susquehanna River, is situated the town of Washington. Here lived a number of highly respected people, who opened their houses as preaching places. Among them may be named Father Andrew KAUFFMAN,and the brothers Abraham, Christian and David Herr. The time when the Evangelical preachers began their labors here cannot ascertained with certainty, but it is quite probable that Albright preached at Kauffman's, and Abraham, and Christian Herr's, as they were connected with the revival movement already prior

Notes. — David Boyer was licensed as a local preacher soon after his con- version. He was the father of a large family, all of whom became useful members. He died in 1823. His family later removed to Dark county, Ohio, where his widow died in 1 852.

Father Lehr at an early day removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where his house became a preaching place, and here he died in 1846, aged seventy years.

52 EVANGELICAL A880CIAT10N ANNALS.

to 1800, and all ministers who preached experimental religion were welcome. That eminent servant of God, Christian New- comer, (later bishop in the United Brethren Church) records in his journal of 1801. "This day (October 20) came to Abraham Herr's. (22) To-day I preached here from Jer.xlvi. 13. Bless the Lord, conviction fastened on a few. We prayed with them some time. At night I preached at Christian Herr's from Ps. viii. 5. The meeting continued until nearly daylight." An Evangelical class was formed here about 18 10, of which Father Kauffman was leader.

Dauphin County. About eight miles northeast of Harris- burg Albright found entrance in the early years of his ministry. A revival took place and a class was organized in 1806. The principal members were Jacob Becker and family. Also the Steins and Leonard Crtjm. The latter became class-leader, a position which he filled for many years, and the class became known as "Crum's Class." He died in 1869, aged eighty-three years. His wife Anna died in 1877, aged eighty-three years.

As already noticed, Jacob Becker (also Baker) and family were members of the Paxton Class in 1805. A little later John Baker, a son, removed to the vicinity of Lingelstown, where he opened his house as a preaching place. He was a personal friend of Albright, and sometimes accompanied him to his neighboring appointments. He was one of the first members of the Paxton Class in 1805, and sometime after the class was established at Linglestown, he was made leader. For many years he was a strong pillar in the church. He died in 1868, aged eighty-four years. His son, Rev. C. H. Baker, labored many years in the itinerant ranks of the East Pa. Conference.

In Fishing Creek Valley, about five miles north of Crums, beyond the mountain, Albright was received as early as 1800, by Benjamin and,P. Stroh. The latter removed to Ohio at an early day and was one of the first to receive our missionaries in that State. Benjamin Stroh and his wife Mary became the chief pillars of the work in Fishing Creek Valley, and many con- versions took place in their house. In 1802 Albright baptized their daughter Mary, of whom more will be said hereafter. Father S. died in 1855, aged eighty-four years. Other members

: Note; — Father Andrew Kauffman died 1837, aged eighty-one years. David Here, died 1846, aged eighty-eight years.

TBS EARLY DATS. 53

in the vicinity were the Colliers, Hoffmans* and GiPPELS.f

About nine miles from Harrisburg, near the base of the Blue

Mountain, is the village of Lingelstown. Hare in the early days

lived Peter Raidabach, a deacon and chorister in the L

church. He was a well informed, highly respected man. In the beginning of 1808, during the prevalence of a snowstorm, a stranger on horseback stopped before his door, and requested lodging for the night, which was granted. This stranger was Jacob Albright, seeking the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He soon made known his character and requested permission to preach there that night, which was also granted. Word was sent throughout the neighborhood, and the house was filled with people, anxious to hear what the strange preacher had to say. Albright preached from the words, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. " (I. John i. 9.) The preacher spoke with great power, and a wonderful commotion was produced. The doctrine of the new birth and heart purity was something new to the people, and some contended with Albright during the service that his doc- trine was heretical, as they had never heard their preacher advance such ideas. Some, however, were convinced that the doctrine was in accordance with God's Word and that they had been following blind guides. After the people had dispersed, Albright convinced his host and the remaining friends from the Bible and the catechism that his doctrine was true. Another appointment was made for him and he preached on Sunday morning, after which he and Raidabach proceeded to Michael Becker's, where he also preached, little dreaming of the con- spiracy which Satan instigated to destroy the precious seed he had sown. That same Sunday morning a large number of people had met at their church and conspired to break up Albright's work, and if possible rescue their highly-esteemed chorister from

Notes. — *The Hoffmans removed to Crawford county, Ohio. Mrs. H. was converted under Albright in 1801. She died in. 1863, aged seventy-eight years.

f George Gippel, a member of the above family, married Mary Ann Stroh. In 183 1 they removed ten miles north to Peter's Mountain, where they opened their house as a preaching place. A class was formed here of which Bro. G. became the leader, which position he held until 1852, when he and several other families removed to Grandview, Iowa, and where they organized themselves into a class. The first Evangelical church in Iowa was built by them. Bro. G. was the first leader of this class, and remained in office until he died in 1856, aged fifty eight years. His wife survived until 1891, aged eighty-eight years.

54 E V ANGELICAL ASS0C1A TION ANNALS.

his influence. They proceeded to Raidabach's house to accom- plish their purpose, but when they arrived Albright and Raida- bach had already gone to Michael Becker's. When Albright preached again, a little later, a number of evil disposed persons gathered around the house, intent on mischief. At the close of the service they rushed into the house to attack Albright and his host. In the struggle which ensued they dragged Raidabach out of the house. He had a number of sons who were fearless, as well as muscular young men, and who rushed upon their father's assailants. Bethinking themselves as to whether it would be right, they cried out, " Vater,sollen wir draufscAfagen?"("Fa.theT, shall we strike ? ") The father answered ' ' No. " Not in the least daunted by this dreadful persecution, Raidabach still clung to Albright, and soon after the foregoing occurrence it was deter- mined to hold a General Meeting at his house. At this meeting there were present Albright, Walter and Miller. The house was crowded with people, many of whom were convinced of their sinful state, while others were there to hinder, if possible, the spread of the work. In the afternoon Walter preached with wonderful power, so that during the sermon many cried out for mercy, while some fled in terror as though from the presence of God. The meeting was a great victory for the people of God, Many found salvation in the blood of the Lamb. A strong class was formed, of which Raidabach was made leader. A peculiar interest attaches to this man from the fact that at his house Albright held his lost public service. On Easter day, 1 808, there was a general meeting at John Brobst's in Berks county, where Albright stationed the preachers for the ensuing year. (There was no annual conference this year. ) Eight days after this another general meeting was held at Raidabach's, at which time Albright, Miller and John Dreisbach were present Albright's health, however, was so precarious that he was not able to preach. He felt that his work was done, and arrangements were made to remove him to his home. It was here he gave that admirable advice which should find a place in the hearts of all Evangelical preachers. As he gave the parting hand to his faithful co-laborers, Miller and Dreisbach, he repeated the lines of a familiar hymn:

"Kampfe iis oaf's Blut und Led en, Dnng hinein in Go ties Reick."

"Straggle even unto blood, Press into the kingdom of God."

THE EARL T DA T8. 55

When advanced in years, Father Raidabach and his children, who were then heads of families, removed to Medina county, Ohio, where they again became pioneers in the establishment of the church. Several of the sons were prominent members of the church. Father R. died at Gillfort, Medina county, Ohio, in 1838, aged seventy-four years. His companion followed him in 1 84 1, aged eighty-four years.

The first one to open his house to Albright and his co-laborers in lower Dauphin county, near Hanover, was Michael Becker, a brother of ihe Beckers on the Muehlbach. This was sometime in 1805, during which year a class was formed here by George Miller, of which Becker became the leader.

As an illustration of the mighty power of God which often accompanied the preaching of His word, we here append part of* a letter written by Father John Fleisher and published in the

Christliche Botschafter:

Esteemed Brethren in the Lord : I have felt for some time as though I ought to write something for the Botschafter concerning God's work of years ago, and since I am old and unable to write much more, I will relate some things of the early days. Forty-three years ago (1805) Father Albright held a big. meeting at Michael Becker's, two miles from Hanover, under some apple trees. On this occasion I found Him in whose blood we have purification from sin. On Sunday forenoon Brother Albright preached. After him John Walter spoke so powerfully that a wonderful commotion took place among the audience.

There was a blind man present named H who was so deeply affected that

he cried "fire! fire I " believing that the world was burning. Another man, then unconverted, sprang upon his horse and hastened to his people and told them that the world was' coming to an end and was even then burning. I did hot know Brother Miller very well as I only once came to where he preached. Still I know that God was with him. In course of time Brother Seybert came to our place to preach the gospel. At this time he also wanted to go into Stone Valley to preach. A certain man who was very much incensed against him, lay in ambush with a gun to murder him. In all probability he would have accom- plished his purpose, had not the Lord sent his servant by another way. Brother Seybert preached at that place, and gave out another appointment, but before he came again the audacious miscreant was in 'eternity* and the way to Stone Valley was free and open. John Fleisher. f

Armttrong county, Pa., Nov. 8, 1848.

*Soon after his attempt to murder Brother S. the would-be assassin became very ill. He felt that he could not make his peace with God without a confession of his intended crime. This he made to his pastor. — Author.

f Father John Fleisher after an eventful life, died at Cussawago, Crawford county, Pa., 1865, aged eighty-four years.

CHAPTER III.

THE "NEW," OR NORTHUMBERLAND CIRCUIT. Its Bounds and Appointments — Biographical Notes.

Shamokin. The region once embraced in the "new," or Northumberland Circuit was at first known as Shamokin. It derived its name from an Indian town which occupied the present site of Sunbury, at the confluence of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River. For the protection of the frontiers a strong fort was built there in 1756, in which the early settlers often found a refuge during the dark days of the Revolution. The name has been perpetuated in the beautiful city of Shamokin, situated east of Sunbury. In 1 7 7 2 the county of Northumberland was erected, and comprised all the upper region of the Susque- hanna River. The West Branch Valley properly begins at the junction of the two branches and extends north to Williamsport, thence west to Lock Haven, where the West Branch passes through the mountains. The distance is over sixty miles. West- ward from the river (West Branch) are many smaller valleys, extending laterally from it as follows : West of Sunbury is Middle Creek Valley, in Snyder county. A few miles north of Sunbury, and opening on the river, is Dry Valley, in Union county. A little north of this, and separated from it by the New Berlin Mountain, is the fertile and lovely Buffalo Valley. Farther north is White Deer Valley. West of Buffalo and White Deer are Fenns, Brush and Sugar Valleys. The new or Northumberland Circuit comprised not only the aforenamed valleys, but extended up the North Branch as far as (now) Luzerne county, south into Perry and Juniata counties and westward into Bedford and Cambria counties, and had over fifty preaching places prior to

THE EARLY DATS. 57

Albright's death— 1808. This region now comprises a large part of the Central Pa. and a part of the Pittsburg Conferences.

Miller's Successful Work.

In 1806 this vast field, hundreds of miles in extent, was given in charge of Rev. George Miller, who entered upon his work in the beginning of June. Finding the field too extended, he did not supply the western appointments, in Morrison's Cove, Bedford county,* but exerted himself to the utmost to establish firmly the work of the Lord in the valleys contiguous to the West Branch, and revivals attended his labors everywhere. Over one hundred souls were added to the church on this field alone, which almost doubled the membership of the Association.

Six classes were formed on the charge this year, as follows : New Berlin, in Dry Valley, Michael Maize, leader; the Thomas Class, in Decatur township, Mifflin county, Fred. Herpster, leader; the Dreisbach Class, in Buffalo Valley, Father Martin Dreisbach, leader ; the Lewisburg Class, Buffalo Valley, Chris- tian Wolf, leader; the Millheim Class, in Penns Valley; the Brush Valley Class, Christopher Spangler, leader. In a short time thereafter several of the classes were divided. The members of the Thomas Class, who lived in the vicinity of Adamsburg, were formed into a separate class. The members near Middle- burg were taken from the Dry Valley Class, about 1807, and , were formed into Walter's Class, John Walter, leader, who held that position until his death, in 1828. The Penns Valley Class was also divided soon after its foundation, and the members living at the eastern end of the valley were formed into a class.

Great Revival. In 1 8 1 1 another general revival took place on the circuit under the labors of John Erb and Leonard Zim- merman, and more than one hundred souls were added to the church. The meeting at Walter's was especially successful. Many prominent people were converted there, and a new class was formed soon after a few miles northeast, called Hummel's Class. Organizations were also effected, as the outcome of this revival, in Upper Penns Valley, Centre county (Dauberman's Class, 1811,), White Deer and East Dry Valley, in Union county, and Summer Hill, in Columbia county.

The Thomas Appointment. The earliest permanent ap- pointments of Albright, west of the Susquehanna River, were in

* Miller's Leben, page 1 10.

58 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

Musser's Valley, situated partly in Mifflin and partly in Snyder county, Pa. In this valley was the home of Father John Thomas and wife Mary, about two miles northeast of the village of Wagoner. In Decatur township, Mifflin county, Pa., Albright gained entrance at the home of Father Thomas as early as 1800, but several years passed before any visible fruits of his labors appeared. Father Thomas at this time was well advanced in years. His family consisted of ten adult children, all of whom, as well as his sons and daughters-in-law and a number of grand- children, became members of the society in Albright's time. Father Thomas died in peace in 1813, at an advanced age.

The First Revival. In the Autumn of 1802 Albright held his first general meeting west of the Susquehanna River at the house of Father John Thomas. This was the second of his ministry, the first having been held the previous June at Leeser's, in Berks county. At this meeting he was assisted by his only colleague, the youthful John Walter. The meeting was held under some cherry trees near the house. A great mass of people assembled there from all directions. The character of the meet- ing was novel to the people and awakened great interest. It continued from Saturday until Monday. On Sabbath morning Albright preached from the words, "I Am the Light of the World, " (John viii. 1 2 ), which made a deep impression. Walter also preached with great effect. After this meeting they visited many families and secured new preaching places. The following Spring another meeting was held in the orchard, a stand having been erected after the manner of modern bush-meetings. At this meeting Walter preached an unusually powerful sermon, from the words, "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" (Sol. Song vi. 10.) During these meetings a con- siderable number of conversions took place, and in 1803 the converts formed themselves into a society. In this class or praying band were Father Thomas and his son John, and others

Note. — The family of Father Thomas consisted of the following, according to their ages : Barbara, married to John Harfster ; Margaret, married to Jacob Treas ; Catharine, married to George Harfster ; Elizabeth, married to John Lawver ; Susan, married to Fred. Harfster (class leader); John, married to Catharine Becker ; Elizabeth, married to John Wales; Mary, married to Jacob Reber ; Eve, married to Isaac Gill ; George, married to Mary Hartman.

THE EARLY DATS, 59

of the faniily; also Father Andrew Wonder and family. It does not seem that they considered themselves as having with- drawn from the formal church of which they were members, although they recognized Albright and Walter as their spirit- ual guides.

Miller's Arrival. In May, 1806, George Miller took charge of Northumberland Circuit. The following harvest he preached at the house of Father Thomas, from the words, "The Lord be with you. " (Ruth ii. 4. ) In October he preached again from the words, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the sons of God. " (Rom. viii. 14.) A great awakening resulted from this sermon, and many people were converted soon after. The godly people no longer hesitated to sever their con- nection with the formal churches. A class was formed in the Fall of 1806, with Frederick Harpster as leader and Isaac Gill as assistant, and was known as the Thomas Class. The preaching places of this vicinity, besides Father Thomas', were the homes of his son John, his son-in-law John, Fred. Harpster and John Lawver, and also at Father Andrew Wonder's.

Great Opposition. Soon after the converts had formed themselves into a class in 1803, they became the subjects of bitter persecution. Their meetings were sometimes broken up, and some suffered bodily harm. At one time the young people of the class, according to previous appointment, met in a secluded spot in the forest, where they united in agonizing prayer for the conversion of their persecutors and the establishment of the work. When the Evangelical Class was formally established, three years later, the opposition became even more intense. At one time, when Brother Harpster was conducting a meeting, some of the chief opponents boldly arose in the assembly and denounced the praying people. Advancing to where Brother Harpster stood, one of them violently struck the table and called him a false prophet and a deceiver. Brother H. then called upon God's people to fall upon their knees and pray for their persecutors. A mighty cry for divine help arose, which filled the rabble with terror and consternation. A number were overpowered by the influence of the Spirit, others fled precipitately across a stream near by, after which they stopped and defiantly shook their fists toward the house, but were afraid to return. ,

Brother Fred. Harpster and John Thomas, Jr., were licensed as local preachers soon after the formation of the class. The

CO B VANOBLICAL A880GIA TION ANNAL8.

license of the latter bore the signature of Albright. When some years after the establishment of the class Father Thomas died, and no suitable minister was within reach, his son John officiated at the obsequies of his father. This fact is well authenticated.

The Wonder Family. It seems proper in this connection to insert a brief account of Father Andrew Wonder and family. Father Wonder was the son of George Wonder, who was of a titled and highly influential family in Germany. He emigrated* to America when Andrew was still a youth, and settled near York, Pa. , where he died. Andrew married Catharine Swartz, of York county. Their children were Catharine, John, Jacob, Daniel, Matthias, George, Benjamin, Samuel, Valentine, Christopher, Henry and Mary. From York county he removed to the Greybill settlement, in Juniata county, and again removed, near the beginning of the present century, to Mifflin county, where he and his family came under the influence of Albright at the house of Father Thomas. He and most of his family were converted in 1803, and became members of the provisional class. The rest of the children, who were still small, became members soon afterward. Later he removed across the moun- tain into Juniata county, where his house also became a preaching place. While residing there he and his entire household were baptized in the Cocolamus Creek. From there he removed to Ohio, as also his children, with one exception. His sons Daniel

•Ship "Hope," Philadelphia, Fa., Oct. I, 1773. Pennsylvania Archives.

Biographical Notes. — Father Andrew Wonder died in Ohio in 1846, aged eighty-three years. Catharine, his wife, died in 1848, aged eighty-three years. Their son, Rev. Daniel Wonder, born in York county, Pa., in 1791, was married to Catharine, a daughter of the class leader, F. Harpster. In 1822 he removed to Ohio, and was the first class leader at Flat Rock in 1830. He entered the active ministry in 1838, located in 1845, and died while on a visit to Blue Springs, Neb., in 1887, aged almost ninety-six years, having been a member of the Evangelical Association eighty-two years. Rev. Matthias Wonder died in Ohio in 1864. Mother Mary Moss, youngest child of Father Wonder, died in 1877, at a very advanced age. When the Author was pastor at Newport in 1875-76, Mother Moss was a member of his charge. She was remarkably active for one of her age, seldom missing a service, and a true mother in Israel. She had much to say of that holy man of God, Jacob Albright, and often spake of the angelic expression of his countenance. John Lawver died in Mifflin county, Pa., in 1843, aEed 70 years. After the removal of his friends to the West, Brother Lawver became the pillar of the old Thomas appointment, and both the church and class at that place now bear his name.

TEE EARL T DA F8. 61

and Matthias became local preachers in the Ohio Conference, the former serving several years in the active ranks.

Extensive Emigration to Ohio. Near the close of the first quarter of the century a considerable number of the members of the Thomas Class removed to Ohio. They were followed a few years later by others, which comprised almost the entire class. In this number were John and George Harpster and their families. Also the family of Fred. Harpster, he having died in 1818. Also John Thomas, Jr., John Wales, Jacob Reber, Isaac Gill and Jacob Treas. These were all heads of families and, as already noted, members of the Thomas family, and all members of the original class. To the foregoing must also be added Father Andrew Wonder and all his family, with the exception of one daughter, Mary. Some of these families located in Wayne county, in the vicinity of Wooster. Others settled in the Sandusky country, mostly at Flat Rock, in (now) Seneca county. A few years afterward a number of the families in Wayne county also removed to their friends in Seneca county.

Beaver Dam and Vicinity. In Beaver township, Snyder county, in the vicinity of Adamsburg, and about ten miles east of the Thomas appointment, the founder of the Evangelical Asso- ciation gained entrance as early as 1802. This locality was known in the early days as the Beaver Dam. The men who first opened their doors to Albright in this region were John Muck and Philip Smith, and in 1805-6, Geo. Hartman, Daniel Mowry and Jacob Bordner. They were all prominent men, and staunch supporters of the Evangelical work in its infancy, and merit a fuller notice,

John Muck was probably the first in the valley to open his house as a preaching place. A number of his children were grown, and also became members of the original class prior to 1808. They were Jacob, Conrad, Samuel and Daniel. Samuel en- tered the itinerancy in 181 7, and rendered five years of active service. Several of the family removed to East Rush, N. Y., where Father John Muck died in 1848, at the age of eighty-eight years. It is worthy of record that upon his death bed he obli- gated his son to write to all his unconverted children and friends in his name, and entreat them to become Christians. Conrad and Jacob Muck settled at Bellview, Seneca county, Ohio, where they died. Conrad was for many years a local preacher.

Philip Smith and his wife Eve opened their house as one of the first appointments of the Northumberland Circuit, and it

62 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

remained a preaching place for almost forty years. Brother Smith was the first leader of the Beaver Dam Class, and was licensed in the early days as a local preacher. He spent one year (1816) in the active ranks. He died in 1864. George Hartman and his wife Barbara, who was a sister to Abraham Frey, were con- verted at the house of the latter, through the ministry of- Jacob Albright, in 1805, and soon thereafter opened their house as a preaching place, and both became pillars in the society. Many general and three camp- meetings were held on their place prior to 1833. In this year they removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where their house also became a preaching place. The first camp- meeting on Sandusky Circuit was held on their place. Brother H. died in 1844, aged sixty-three years, and his companion in 1855, aged seventy-three years.

Daniel Mowrv and his wife Magdalena (nee Frey) were also of the first members, and their house was one of the first preaching places. Brother Mowry also removed to Ohio, and settled near his brother-in-law, Geo. Hartman. Brother Mow- ry's home in Ohio was also one of the preaching places of the old Sandusky Circuit.

Jacob Bordner and his wife Elizabeth were converted under Albright and colleagues, and their house became an early preach- ing place. They were both prominent members of the society. Their daughter became the wife of Rev. Philip Wagoner, and for nearly half a century shared with him the privations of the itinerancy. Brother Bordner died in 1 8 1 9, aged forty-five years. His wife died in Seneca county, N. Y., in 1851, aged seventy- one years.

Freeburg and Black Oak Ridge. In the vicinity of Freeburg, Snyder county, several families opened their homes to our first preachers. The most important preaching place was at Charles Straub's, where in course of time a society was established.

Several miles from Adamsburg, at Black Oak Ridge, lived a highly respected man named William Becker, better known as Squire Becker, as he was a Justice of the Peace for many years. He was a converted man long before the advent of Albright in this region, and was one of the first to welcome him to his house when he first visited this locality. His house became a regular preaching place probably as early as 1803. In later years many

THE EARLY DATS. 63

conversions took place there and a society was formed, called the Manbeck Class.

Mlddleburg and Vicinity. A few miles north of Mid- dleburg, and almost midway between the latter place and New Berlin, was one of the first appointments west of the Susquehanna River. This was at John Walter's, Sr.* Inasmuch as he be- came a pillar in the church, a more extended notice of himself and connections seems proper. His father, Jacob Walter, was one of the first settlers in this locality. His home was about one mile west of Middleburg in (now) Snyder county, Pa. He was born in Germany in 1727, and died in 1803. He was an upright man, liberal and evangelical in his views, and his house was a preaching place long before churches were built in this locality. Three of his sons received our first preachers, and their houses were among the chief preaching places in the early days. They were John, Philip and Henry.

John Walter's house was one of the first appointments. It is certain that it was a preaching place prior to 1800. There are a number of entries in the Journal of Bishop Christian Newcom- mer of visits to John Walter's house, and preaching there about that time. Albright may not have embraced John Walter's in his list of appointments quite so early, but when the new cir- cuit was formed in 1804, it was one of the chief places, and many important revivals took place at his house, notably in 18 n. Some of the most victorious camp-meetings were held on his land, and many persons who in later years became prominent ministers and laymen were converted here, among whom may be mentioned Bishop W. W. Orwig and Daniel Bricklev, in 1826, who together bowed at the same altar. A class was organized here at an early day, of which Brother Walter was leader until his death in 1828. His family likewise were members of the church in its infancy. John Walter, Jr., entered the active ministry in 18 13, served awhile in the itinerancy, located, and later removed to Michigan, where he died in 1874, aged seventy- seven years. Michael entered the itinerancy in 1814, and ren- dered five years of active service, broke down in health, and later removed to Sandusky county, Ohio, where he rendered great service in establishing the Evangelical work. He died in 1856, aged sixty- two years. A daughter of Father John Walter

'This family had no connection with the Jonestown family.

64 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

was married to Rev. John Stambach, who also entered the active ministry in 1813.

P hilip Walter, son of the emigrant, and brother to John, Sr., also opened his home to Albright and colleagues, and his house was a preaching place for many years. He died about 1819, and his wife Eve Maria in 1843, aged seventy-seven years.

Henry Walter, youngest son of the emigrant, lived about one mile and a half north-east of Middleburg. His house was also one of the early preaching places. He was a most exem- plary man and highly esteemed. His place was also noted for general and camp-meetings. He died in 1840, aged sixty-seven years. His wife Magdalena died the same year.

Another important family at this place were the Frey's. About 1796 Jacob Frey, Sr., emigrated from Berks county, Pa., and settled in the vicinity of Middleburg. He was then well along in years and his children were grown up. They all be- came, so far as known, members of the Evangelical Association in its infancy, and a number became prominent, as follows: Jacob Frey, Jr., entered the itinerancy under Albright in 1807. In 1808 he was sent to organize a new circuit in York county, but owing to an indiscretion he was obliged to retire from the work. Later he removed to Ohio, where he was again received into the ministry, and rendered several years of service. Abra- ham Frey and his wife Margaret lived about three miles from Middleburg. Their house became a regular preaching place in 1805. Brother Frey was a very devoted and liberal man, and especially noted as a fine singer. He died in 1850, aged eighty- two years. His son Abraham, Jr., entered the active ranks of the Eastern Conference in 1832, traveled a number of years in Pennsylvania, then entered the work in Ohio, where he labored successfully, but broke down in health, and died in 1843, aged thirty- three years. Two daughters of Jacob Frey, Sr., Barbara and Magdalena, married to Geo. Hartman and Daniel Mowry respectively, were converted, as also their husbands. (See Beaver Dam.)

George Adam Bowersox and his wife Mary, who lived in the vicinity of Middleburg, were also of the first members, and their home was a preaching place. He was for many years one of the leading men of the charge. He was born in 1774, and died in 1852. Many of his descendants are prominent members

THE EARL T DA YS. 65

of the Evangelical Association, among whom may be mentioned the brothsrs Reuben and Josiah Bowersox, of the Central Pa. Conference. The former died in 1879; the latter has been, since 1870, on the Pacific Coast, where he has contributed more than" any other man to build up the interests of the Evangelical Asso- ciation

Centreville and Hummers Class. A few miles west of New Berlin, near Centreville, lived Jacob Kehr and his wife Mary. They were converted in the great revival of 1806, and immediately thereafter their house became a regular preaching place for Albright and his colleagues. Some very important revivals took place here, and Father Kehr was known throughout the society as one of its strongest pillars. He died in 1830, aged sixty-five years, and his wife in 1849, aged seventy-nine years. They were the parents of Rev. Daniel Kehr. (See biography. )

About four miles east of New Berlin lived Father Christian Hummel, whose house became a preaching place in 18 10. • A class was organized here about this time called Hummel's Class, 2nd is still known by that name. Father Hummel died in 1848, aged sixty-six years.

Chapman. In Chapman township, now Snyder county, Albright gained entrance as early as 1804, when John Schwartz opened his house as a preaching place. This was a famous place for general meetings, and many important revivals took place here. Father S. died in 1843, aged seventy-six years, and his wife Mary in 1847, aged eighty years. George Shetterly and his wife Elizabeth, who were converted here, opened their house as a preaching place in 1806. He died in 1846, aged seventy- three years, and his wife in 185 1, aged eighty-one years.

John Thornton and his wife Magdalena, who lived in this locality, were converted under the ministry of Albright and colleagues, and circumstances point to their house as a preaching place in 1 806. Thornton died in 1 8 1 6. In 1 83 1 his son Henry, a prominent member of the church, removed to Greensburg, Ohio, where his mother died in 1847, aged eighty-one years. In 1856 he removed to Elkhart, Ind., where he died in 1879, aged eighty-two years.

Juniata County. Several miles northwest of Liverpool, Pa., was the home of Father John Rough and his wife Marga- ret, formerly of Dauphin county. They were among the first

66 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

members of the Association, and their house was a preaching place from 1806 to the time of his death in 1846, at the age of seventy years. Some of his children were converted at an early day, and the house of John Rough, Jr., who lived west of his father, became a preaching place in later years.

About the middle of the century, the sons of Father Rough removed to Portage Prairie, Berrien county, Mich., where for many years they were pillars in the church and known far and wide for their liberality. Here Mother Rough died in 1853, aged eighty years. John Rqugh, Jr., died near Buchannan, Mich., in 1892, aged almost ninety-five years. His brother David pre- ceded him a few years, at an advanced age.

Dry Valley — The Maize Family. About 1796 a widow named Maize (also Miesse) removed from Lebanon county, Pa., to Dry Valley, Union county. Their home was about one and a half miles below the town of New Berlin, on the Penns Creek. She had two sons, Michael and John Adam, both of whom be- came supporters of Albright and pillars in the church. Michael occupied the homestead, while John lived in New Berlin. The former opened his house as a preaching place upon the establish- ment of the New Circuit in 1804. When the great revival of 1806 crowned the labors of Rev. George Miller on the New Circuit, many conversious also took place at the house of Michael Maize. In consequence of his support of Albright, Brother Maize was sorely persecuted. So great was the opposition against the work that on one occasion when John Dreisbach preached at his house an attack was made and the preacher narrowly escaped serious injury. Persecution, however, did not daunt the zeal of Brother Maize. Through his instrumentality entrance was gained in the town Of New Berlin.

When the Dry Valley Class was organized, in 1806, he became its leader, and as this was the first class organized on the New Circuit, he has the distinction of being the first regular Evangel- ical class leader west of the Susquehanna River. At an early day he was licensed as a local preacher, in which office he served the church efficiently until his death in 1842, aged seventy-two years. His wife Anna Barbara died in 1848, aged seventy-two years. His daughter Mary was the wife of Rev. James Barber. Michael Maize's home was a sort of headquarters in the early days. In his large barn were held many important general meetings before the erection of the church at New Berlin.

THE EARLY DAYS. 67

First Camp-Meeting. The first camp-meeting of the Association was held on the land of Brother Maize in June, 1810. This was the first German camp-meeting ever held in America, and perhaps of the world. The camp was attended by members from all parts of the society, some from a distance of nearly one hundred miles. The meeting was a season of great rejoicing and spiritual quickening. Great multitudes of people were induced by curiosity to see what the meeting was like.

The remarkable superstition and spiritual darkness of that period is well illustrated by the following description of the camp- meeting given the author by a very aged lady in 1868 : She, in company with a great number of young men and women, started from the Hills in (now) Snyder county. They agreed to keep close together for mutual protection against the influence of the "Strawveler preachers." They all waded across Penns Creek, which is a stream of considerable size. A half mile farther on was the camp-ground. She said the woods was crowded with people from far and near, and that nearly all who entered the circle of tents and took seats were taken with a "spell," so that some cried and some shouted and clapped their hands, etc. She and her company, however, kept a safe distance from the preachers, fearing they might be overcome by the magic power which they (the preachers) scattered over the people.

Beginning of the Work at New Berlin. There is no place in our connection more replete with interesting memories than New Berlin. What the city of Mecca is to the Moslem, or Jerusalem to the Jew, New Berlin is to every true Evangelical. For almost half a century it was the general headquarters of the church. The town is beautifully situated at the head of Dry Valley, on the banks of Penns Creek, which separates Union from Snyder county, and is about seven miles west of the Sus- quehanna River.

When Union county was erected, in 18 13, from part of Northumberland county, New Berlin became the county seat. Over forty years later Union county was divided, and the south- ern part constituted Snyder county and the county seat of Union county was removed to Lewisburg, This, in addition to the re- moval of the Publishing House of the Evangelical Association from New Berlin to Cleveland, Ohio, proved a severe blow to the prosperity of the town, and its decadence followed. 1

In June, 1805, Albright and his colleagues, Walter and

68 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

Miller, traveled in company over the newly established North- umberland Circuit. They had been to various places in Penns and Buffalo Valleys. In the latter part of the month they filled an appointment on Sunday at Mifflinburg, in Buffalo Valley, about five miles north of New Berlin. On Monday following they came to Dry Valley and dined at Michael Maize's, who resided a short distance below New Berlin. At Walter's request Brother Maize secured permission for him to preach in a school-house near the southern end of the town, and he preached there a number of times. Opposition, however, arose, and the trustees refused the further use of the school-house. In August, Walter came to fill an appointment here, and found the door barred against him. He then preached to an immense number of people, standing in front of the school-house door. The wonderful incident of the door flying open during the sermon as by miraculous power the reader will find in Walter's biography.

The first man to open his house in New Berlin as a preaching place for Albright and his colleagues was Henry Shreffler, who later removed to Penns Valley, Centre county, where he died in 1837, aged eighty-five years. A number of his family were also members of the original class. Other influential members of the society at New Berlin, who were converted under the min- istry of Albright and his colleagues in 1805—7, were the follow- ing : John Adam Maize and his wife Mary. He was a close friend of Rev. Geo. Miller, and it is said he assisted him in the preparation and publication of the first Discipline of the church, in 1809. His son, Michael F. Maize, entered the itinerancy in 1833, and was for some years a prominent man in the church. John Adam Maize died in 1866, aged eighty-three years. Peter Smith and his wife Magdalena were chief members of the New Berlin society. He died in the early part of the century. ' ,His wife died in the western part of the State in 185 1, aged eighty- eight years. Michael Shower and wife, and also Adam Shower and his wife Catharine (the latter family removed to Venango county, Pa. ) were also members of the original class. Frederick Shower, a member of one of these families, entered the itiner- ancy in 181 2, and rendered several years of successful service. In 1816 he was sent as one of the two missionaries to Ohio to establish the work of the Evangelical Association in that State, but was lost to the church through a misalliance. This he after- wards regretted, and was again received into the church in 1828,

TEE EARLY DATS. 69

and died within her fold. Michael Wagoner and his wife Grate were also of the first members of the cbss, and lived to an advanced age. He died in 1863.

The First Church. The first church edifice of the Evan- gelical Association was erected at New Berlin in 18 16, and dedi- cated March 2, 18 17, by Rev. John Dreisbach, who preached from Psalm xxxvii. 4. The building was a log structure, 34x38 feet in dimensions. In later years it was remodeled and sur- mounted with a belfry and bell. When the church was demolished in 1873, a general expression of regret was manifested in all parts of the church that a place of such historic interest was not pre- served. How sacred the memories that clustered around it 1 In it the infant church, which but the previous year was named "The Evangelical Association," found a home, and for five suc- cessive years the annual conference was held in it, (1818^1822), besides thirteen times thereafter, also three sessions of the Gen- eral Conference. Men who afterwards became prominent in the church here received their commissions, among whom may be mentioned Bishops Seybert, Long and Orwig, James Barber, P. Wagoner, Adam Kleinfelter, John Breidenstein, John Hamilton, J. M. Saylor and Francis Hoffman. In this church also, great revivals took place. Immediately in the rear of the church, on the bank of the creek, stood the school-house where the remarkable incident recorded in the biography of Walter occurred.

The first printing house of the society was erected by the side of the church in 181 7. Its size was 20x28 feet. Many years afterwards it was removed to the opposite corner and is still (1894) in use as a dwelling.

On April 27, 1816, Conrad Phillips and John Walter, acting for the Association, purchased a lot on the north side of the town for burial purposes, in which many of our Evangelical fathers found sepulture, among whom may be mentioned George and Solomon Miller, Albright's associates, Thos. Buck, Jas. Barber, Michael Maize, Sr., and his brother John H., Geo. Miller, "the printer," and many others.

Educational Interests. New Berlin is also the birthplace of the educational interests of the church. In 1846 the West Pennsylvania Conference at its annual session here organized the first educational society. At the General Conference held here the following year John Dreisbach offered the first resolution

70 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

for the establishment of an institution of .learning, the ultimate result of which was the establishment of Union Seminary at New Berlin, which in course of time developed into Central Pennsyl- vania College.

Dry Valley— The Eyer Family. In 1773 a Mennonite preacher named Abraham Eyer removed from Lancaster county, Pa., to Dry Valley, Northumberland county (now Union). The peculiar circumstances which led to his removal to this valley, and his important connection with the church in its infancy, entitle him to prominent notice in its history.

Being in somewhat straitened circumstances, with an increas- ing family dependent upon him for support," he resolved to bring the matter before the Lord in prayer, and ask His will and guidance in taking such a course that would bring both him and his family temporal and spiritual blessings. The answer of the Lord was, "Go to Shamokin."* As oft as he repeated his peti- tion, the answer came with unmistakable clearness — to his mind — "Go to Shamokin." How similar the case of Father Eyer with that of the patriarch Abraham of old. "Now, the Lord had said unto Abraham, get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee," &c. Gen. xii. 1.

Following the leading of Providence, he started with his fam- ily for the Shamokin country. Turning up the valley, he halted at a big white-oak tree, at a point about two miles west of the West Branch, and about five miles east of New Berlin. His earthly possessions consisted of his team, and such articles as he was able to bring with him, and three dollars in money.

Here he found a considerable tract of land still vacant, which he took up. For many years the oak tree was permitted to stand as a memorial of the event, and was a conspicuous object, as viewed from the road leading to New Berlin.

After making extensive improvements here, he acquired in May, 1797, another farm on the river, where the town of Winfield now stands. Leaving the old farm in the hands of other mem- bers of the family, he removed to his River farm about the commencement of the present century. Eyer was one of the first

* The region about the confluence of the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna River was then called "Shamokin."

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men in this region to open his doors to Albright, and his house on the "River farm" became one of the first regular preaching places west of the Susquehanna, in 1804.

Although he was for many years previous a consistent Chris- tian, as he understood it, and an expounder of the Bible, yet it would seem that he lived only a moral life and knew but little of the spiritual power of religion. A great change, however, was wrought in him and his family (most of whom were now grown) by the faithful preaching of the gospel. We will give the circum- stances as recorded in George Miller's journal of his labors in 1806 : "In Eyer's neighborhood the Lord wrought repentance, but the family I gave up for some time because it seemed to be their purpose to be destroyed in their own self-righteousness. However, through God's leadings I received new courage to preach the word to them. I then preached with might against the love of the world and self-righteousness, that they might own themselves condemned sinners. They were at first offended over it, but God gave grace, so that most of them became true Chris- tians, as well as other persons in the neighborhood."

Henceforth this large and excellent family, with the exception of one son, threw the weight of its influence on the side of Albright and his associates. The father became a power in the infant society, many general meetings were held at his place, at which times he would feed hundreds of people. The son already referred to, predicted that the Albrights would eat him out of house and home, and he would be obliged to beg for a living, but his brother Isaac told him that he that dug a pit for others was apt to fall into it himself. This prediction was literally ful- filled, as the recreant son died in want on top of Nippenose Mountain, while the liberal father always had enough and to spare. Although Father Eyer was small of stature, he possessed extraordinary strength and agility, and frequently surprised the big rowdies who disturbed the meetings by the summary manner in which he ejected them from the house. He always maintained that God gave him special strength for such occasions.

A remarkable instance of the importance of a word in season deserves to be recorded here. It was Father Eyer's custom to gather his family every Sabbath afternoon around a large table, when he would read and explain the Scriptures to them. About this time there was living with them the young school teacher of the place, who was preparing himself for the ministry of the

72 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

Reformed Church. At one of these Bible readings this young man began to critcise the old gentleman's comments and exhor tations by saying that this was unnecessary, and that superfluous, etc., whereupon Father Eyer arose to his feet and began to exhort the young man in an earnest manner, telling him that he was a stranger to vital godliness and knew nothing of experimental religion. The effect on the young man's mind was immediate and powerful. He was deeply convicted of his sinful condition, and soon thereafter converted to God, and in 1809 entered the itinerancy. This was none other than Henry Niebel, whose name stands inseparably connected with the early history of the church.

No laymen in the early history of the church wielded a greater influence than Father Eyer. His two sonsrin-law, when still young men, became the leaders of the society, and it-is no pre- sumption to say that his fatherly counsels had great weight in shaping the affairs of the church. His family consisted of thir- teen adult children, as follows, in the order of their ages : John, Barbara, Abraham, Elizabeth, Magdalena, Anna, Catharine, Mary, Fannie, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah and Christian.

John Dreisbach, who, next to Albright himself, is the most important figure in the history of the church, married Eyer's daughter Catharine in 181 1. On April 4, 1815, she died, leav- ing two children. About two years after her death he married her sister Fannie, with whom he had eleven children. Of the above two sons, Abraham and Jacob, became ministers, while many grandchildren are ministers and ministers' wives. Barbara married Rev. David Shellenberger, and their son also was a minister. Sarah married John Van Buseirk. One of their daughters married Rev. S. Aurand, of the Central Pa. Confer- ence, who is now one of the fathers of the conference. Henry Niebel (the young schoolmaster) married Mary. Two brothers, Daniel and Philip Hoy, married Molly (Magdalena) and Lizzie, respectively. Both brothers migrated to Ohio in 1806, and were the first to receive our missionaries in 1816, and without doubt the first members of the church in that State. They were both strong pillars on the old Lancaster Circuit. Some of the first camp and general meetings of our church in that State were held at their places. Molly Hoy (Daniel's wife) was especially noted for her kindness of heart. When that region was still sparsely settled she would go many miles through the darkness

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of the night to visit the sick and relieve the suffering. Her daughter Catharine married Rev. Joseph Long, who became the second bishop of the church. Martin Dreisbach (cousin of Rev. John D. ) married Anna Eybr. Said Martin D. had migrated to Ohio about 1809 or 18 10 with wife and five children. On his way to Ohio his wife died, at or near Pittsburg, Pa. He proceeded on his way with his motherless children and settled in Ross county, twelve miles east of Chilicothe. In course of time he returned East and married Anna Eyer, who made her bridal trip of over four hundred miles, through great forests and over unbridged streams on horseback. They were also among the first to receive our preachers in Ohio.

Of the sons of Father Eyer, perhaps the best known to the church was the late Isaac Eyer, who possessed the "Valley" farm of his father. He was born in 1793, and when a youth gave his heart to God in the great revival of 1806. For fully seventy years he was identified with the church, giving liberally of his abundant means for the furtherance of her interests and enterprises. When a young man he was married to Elizabeth Klinefelter, sister of Adam K., one of the early and prominent preachers of the church. He died June 15, 1879, at tne age or eighty-five years. His wife died in 1888, aged ninety years.

Abraham Eyer and wife repose in the cemetery a few hundred yards from the old home, still standing as a monument of the days of power. The tombstones are mossy with age. The inscrip- tions are German, and translated read, "In memory of Abraham Eyer. Was born 16th of May, 1748, and died 3d October, 1823. " "Catharine Eyer was born 15th October, 1752, and was mar- ried to Abraham Eyer in the month of May, 1770. Died the 2 2 d September, 1805, aged fifty- three years, less twenty-four days. "

As we stand by the silent grave of this illustrious father and recall the history of his family, in all its connections with the church, we feel that we speak within the bounds of propriety, when we say that no other layman of the early church (with perhaps one exception) has made his influence felt more potently in our Evangelical Zion than Abraham Eyer, including his sons- in-law, Revs. Dreisbach, Niebel and Shellenberger. The number of preachers and preacher's wives who represent his family in the itinerant ranks number upwards of thirty.

His old home on the river was an important point in the early history of the church. In June, 1 8 1 6, the ninth annual conference

74 EVANGELICAL A8800IA TION ANNALS.

was held here. His two sons-in-law were now the leaders of the church. John Dreisbach was president and Henry Niebel secretary of the conference, and both of them presiding elders. The whole church at this time consisted of twelve fields of labor, divided into two districts.

As our work at this point was exclusively German, the follow- ing incident may serve to illustrate the effect of a powerful sermon — even though imperfectly understood. In the vicinity of Eyer's lived an Irishman by the name of "Billy" Gibbons. One day in 1807, in going to the mill, he was obliged to pass Eyer's house at preaching time. The preacher spoke with the force and earnestness characteristic of our early preachers. This made an impression on "Billy." Stopping a moment, he listened. He knew enough of German to understand that he said, "One must know that his sins are forgiven." This was God's message of salvation to him. He was deeply convicted of sin, and after a long penitential struggle was gloriously saved, and was thereafter known as "Happy Billy." He was indeed a happy Christian, and became a pillar in the church. His wife was also converted at the same time. He died in 1850, aged eighty years.

The members here were connected with the Dry Valley Class, which originally embraced all the members in the valley from the river to New Berlin.

The Phillips Family. In 1811 George Phillips and his son Conrad, from Northampton county, who were among the first fruits of Albright's labors, removed to a farm adjoining the Eyer place. Their house became a regular preaching place, and about this time a separate class was formed. In 1827 John Young was converted here. He was soon thereafter licensed to preach, and in 1831 entered the active ministry and rendered sixteen years of service. He died in peace near Williamsport, Pa., in 1873, aged seventy-six years. His wife Elizabeth pre- ceded him about one week. They gave as a precious legacy to the church five sons, who entered the ministry of the Central Pa. Conference, viz.: John, Jacob, Reuben, Noah and William, the latter a local preacher.

Buffalo Valley— The Dreisbach Family. Among the first settlers of Buffalo Valley, Northumberland (now Union) county, Pa., was Martin Dreisbach, Sr., who came fromGermany

1HE EARLY DATS. 75

and landed at Philadelphia Oct. 4, 1751.* After residing in Lancaster and Berks counties he purchased a tract of land in Buffalo Valley, to which he removed in 1773. There he died in *799> aged eighty- two years. His wife Anna died ten years previous, aged sixty-five years. He had four sons, Jacob, Henry, John and Martin, and two daughters, Margaret and Catha- rine, married to Henry Aurand and Peter Fisher, respectively.

In 1788 Martin Dreisbach, Sr., donated several acres of land for the use of the first German church in the valley, which was a log structure, built jointly by the Lutheran and Reformed people. This church was replaced by a brick edifice in 1839.

The Dreisbachs, in common with the early settlers of the valley, suffered much from the incursions of the Indians, and several of their neighbors were cruelly massacred by them. On July 14, 1780, Baltzer Kleinsmith, who lived about one mile south of Dreisbach's, was murdered by the savages in a field in which he was working. This was near the house of Father George Books, Sr., whose daughter Sabina assisted in carrying the dead man to his home.f A few years later this young woman was married to Martin Dreisbach, and became the mother of Rev. John Dreisbach. Her father, George Books, emigrated from Germany in 1736. %

The family of Martin Dreisbach, Jr., and his wife Sabina were the following : Rev. John Dreisbach, who became a co- laborer with Albright ; Anna, married to Rev. Andrew Wolf, who was also one of the first members ; Susan, married to John Buchwalter ; Leah, married to John S. Dunkel, and Eliza- beth,, married to David Dunkel, and Martin Dreisbach, late associate judge of Union county.

Religious Awakening. The first religious awakening in Buffalo Valley began about 1792, under the preaching of Rev. John G. Phreemer, who was a co-worker with Boehm, Chris- tian Newcommer and others, in the religious movement which led to the establishment of the United Brethren Church. He frequently preached at Dreisbach's church, and his labor was not in vain. The spiritual condition of Buffalo Valley at this

* Ship Queen of Denmark. George Parish, captain. Shipped from Rot- terdam.

f Linn's Annals of Buffalo Valley, page 189. % Rupp's History, page 47.

76 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

time was truly deplorable, as the following extract from "Har- baugh's Fathers of the Reformed Church " will show :

"The Buffalo church, now called Dreisbach's, had for some time been in a distracted condition, having the irregular attention of the irregular Phreemer, but was for the most part closed entirely. The young men were growing up without adequate spiritual instruction, and the old members having passed through scenes of strife, had grown to a great degree indifferent."

In 1795 Christian Newcommer* and George Adam Guet- ing visited the valley and strengthened the work of Phreemer. Many of the best families opened their houses as preaching places for the "new preachers," as they were called. Among those who received them was Martin Dreisbach, Jr. On Oct. 18, 1800, the first quarterly or big meeting was held at Dreisbach's, attended by Newcommer, Phreemer, Snyder and Gueting. It would seem that from that time Martin Dreisbach actively identified himself with the Evangelical movement, but like many others retained his connection with the Reformed Church. He formed a strong attachment for that eminent man of God, Chris- tian Newcommer, as the numerous entries in the journal of the latter plainly indicate. His house, however, was open to all who preached the gospel in its purity, among whom was the founder of the Evangelical Association, Jacob Albright.

Albright's Visit — Great Revival. The time when Al- bright first visited Dreisbach cannot now be ascertained, but was some time prior to 1804. Notwithstanding the labors of the brethren mentioned, there was no class organization of the people professing conversion, as many considered it very wrong to leave the fold of the old church in which they had made their confir- mation vows. Neither had a revival, such as in olden times was called a " Durchbruch, " taken place.

When Rev. George Miller was appointed to the new circuit in June, 1806, a revival began which, in one year, resulted in almost doubling the membership of the Association, and in the organization of six classes. This glorious result was the fruit of the faith and extraordinary zeal of this man of God. He says in his autobiography: "I resolved therefore to commence the work with fasting and prayer, relying on the help of God, and to preach the truth unfeignedly, even if no man should be pleased

♦Later a bishop in the United Brethren Church.

THE EARL T DA TS. 77

with my preaching, if only God be satisfied with it. Hence I often wept during my journeyings from one preaching place to another, that I might be acceptable to God and useful to my fellow beings. " In this spirit the preacher prosecuted his minis- try, and the Lord wonderfully blessed his labors.

On Oct. 25, 1806, a general meeting was held at Dreisbach's, which was attended by great numbers. Of this meeting Miller says : "I expected that the penitent and newly-converted souls on the circuit, of whom I had united about forty into classes, would meet there; therefore I prayed much on their account unto the Lord, and that He would be pleased to bring the breth- ren Albright and Walter, clothed with power from on high, to the meetings. The appointed day came and my wishes were realized, for both preachers and members, together with a large number of penitents, were present. My feelings on that occasion cannot be described, for I was sad and joyful at the same time, and experienced in my own soul the powerful words of our Saviour, 'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be com- forted. ' While humbled before God, praying that sinners might be converted, the happiest feelings of consolation and divine favor filled my heart. I had to preach the opening sermon, and during its delivery the power of God came in such torrents upon the congregation that many fell upon their knees and prayed with tears to the Lord for the pardon of their sins. Albright and Walter preached so powerfully and pointedly that the congre- gation was visited with showers of divine grace, and in every room the cries of penitent sinners were heard, and many souls were converted. The voice of praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord could also be heard everywhere in the house, and there was great joy in the Lord among the brethren. "

The fire of the Lord thus kindled in the hearts of his people at Dreisbach's was carried to all parts of the charge, revivals followed everywhere and class organizations were effected. Mar- tin Dreisbach became the leader of the Buffalo Valley Class.

Dreisbach Class. Father Dreisbach's entire family, with the exception of the youngest, who was small, were converted and became members of the society, with his aged mother-in-law, Christina Books, widow of the emigrant George Books, Sr.„ and Martin Dreisbach, Jr. (son of Jacob), and his wife. About 1810 Martin Dreisbach removed to Ohio, and was one of our first members there. Other important preaching places in this

78 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIA TION ANNALS.

neighborhood were as follows : John Aurand and wife Catha- rine. Their house, about one and a half miles east of Dreis- bach's, was a preaching place as early as 1802. Bro. A. died in 1809. His son John was also one of the first members, and later his son Abraham also became a member. This place was noted for camp-meetings. Philip Hoy, one of the first settlers of Buffalo Valley, who died at an early day, lived several miles west of Dreisbach's. His house was one of the first preaching places, as was also that of George Wormley, near Dreisbach's, and Bro. W. and wife were among our first members. In later years they removed to Seneca county, N. Y. George Wolf's house, a few miles southeast of Dreisbach's, was also a preaching place, and his sons Christian and Leonard, with their wives, and Andrew, and Catharine, the wife of his son Michael, became members in 1806. (See Lewisburg.) Besides the foregoing, Henry Herpst and his wife Catharine and George Riehm and

Biographical Notes on the Dreisbach Family. — Martin Dreis- bach was one of the main supporters of Jacob Albright and his work. He was known throughout the entire connection as a devoted father in Israel. He was entrusted with the conference subsidiary funds and bequests, which office he resigned in 1829 because of failing health. In his house the annual confer- ences of 1812, 1813 and 1814 were held, as was also the first General Conference in 1816, at which conference our connection received its name, ■' The Evangelical Association." Father Dreisbach was born in Berks county, near Reading, Fa., in 1764, and died in 1831. His wife Sabina Fredrica was born in 1762 and died in 1847, at Amanda, Fairfield county, Ohio, whither she had gone to spend her last days with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Dunkel. Their oldest son, Rev. John Dreisbach, was born in 1789, and died at Circleville, Ohio, in 1871, aged eighty-two years. Anna (Wolf) died near Lewisburg, Pa., in 1871, aged seventy-nine years. Susan (Buchwalter) died in Ross county, Ohio, in 1881, aged eighty-seven years. Leah (Mrs. J. S. Dunkel) died in 1884, aged eighty-eight years. Elizabeth (Mrs. David Dunkel) died in 1883, aged eighty-four years. Hon. Martin Dreisbach died in Lewisburg, Pa., in 1880, aged seventy-nine years.

John S. Dunkel, son-in-law of Martin Dreisbach, deserves mention in this connection. He was a man of means and business abilities, and favorably known far and near. His house, which was near that of his father-in-law, became Evangelical headquarters for the valley after the death of the latter. His large barn was a favorite place for holding general meetings, and in his house was organized, on March 1, 1839, the General Missionary Society of the Evangelical Association. Bro. Dunkel was its first treasurer, and retained the office many years. He died in 1864, aged sixty-seven years. Three daughters, Susan, Sophia and Mary, were united in marriage with Evangelical ministers Charles Hammer, J. G. Miller and Benjamin Hengst, respectively.

THE EARLY I) A 78. 79

wife were of the first members. The persons named, who consti- tuted the Dreisbach Class as organized in 1806, were with few exceptions in good circumstances and highly respectable citizens. In course of time it became one of the most important classes in the church, but through extensive emigration and deaths it was greatly reduced in later years.

Lewisburg, in the early days known as Derrstown, is situated at the eastern extremity of Buffalo Valley, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Our first preachers did not gain entrance there until 1806. Christian Wolf became acquainted

Biographical Notes on the Wolf Family. — About 1796 George Wofl, Si-., emigrated from Tulpehocken, Berks county, Fa., to Buffalo Valley, and settled about three miles southwest of Lewisburg. He was a pious man, then well advanced in life, and most of his children were heads of families. He had sons, Christian, Michael, Leonard, Peter, John, Jacob * and Andrew, besides several daughters. He died in 1823 at the age of ninety years. There is some uncertainty as to the extent to which he identified himself with the work of Jacob Albright. It is, however, certain that his house was a preaching place in the early days. A grandson, the late Jonathan Wolf, who died at an advanced age, informed the author that in his youth he often attended the "Albright " meetings at his grandfather's house. A number of his children were among the first members of our society in the valley, several of whom we will notice in this connection : Rev. Christian Wolf lived in Lewisburg, and through him principally the work was established there. In 1807 he, with others, removed to Seneca county, N. Y., where he was instrumental in the organization of the first society of the church outside of Pennsylvania. He was early licensed to preach, and was ordained deacon in 1 82 1. In 1825 he served as an itinerant. He died near Seneca Falls, N. Y., in 1833, aged fifty-four years. His companion (Barbara) died in 1838, aged fifty-nine years. Andrew Wolf, youngest son of George Wolf, Esq., was married to Anna, a daugh- ter of Martin Dreisbach. He was one of the first local preachers. In 1808 he accompanied his brother-in-law, John Dreisbach, to a general meeting at Becker's, on the Muehlbach, Lebanon county. On their return they held a meeting at the house of Peter Walter, near Jonestown, where they were mobbed and treated shamefully. Bro. Wolf died in 1871, aged eighty-seven years. His wife died the same year, aged seventy-nine years. Their son Aaron entered the itinerancy in 1842, and after a number of years of successful labor in the West Pa. Conference, removed to Illinois. Simon, another son, entered the itinerancy in 1846, and rendered twenty-one years of service in the (now) Central Pa. Conference. He died in 1890, aged seventy-five years. Two daughters, ANNAand Leah, were married to Evangelical itinerants, Henry Rohland and Benjamin Hess, respectively. Leonard Wolf removed to Ohio, and with his family was among the first members in that State, and his house was one of the first preaching places in 1816. Michael Wolf never became a member, but his wife was converted under Albright and colleagues and became a member, and their house was opened to the preachers.

•Grandfather of the late Hon. Chas. S. Wolf-

80 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

with Albright and co-laborers at the house of his brother-in- law, Martin Dreisbach. When George Miller was sent by Albright, in i3o6, to serve the new circuit, he was received by Wolf and others. A revival took place here in the Autumn of 1806, and a class was formed comprised of the following : Chris- tian Wolf and his wife Barbara,* who was a sister of Mrs. Martin Dreisbach. Bro. Wolf was a hatter, and his place of business and house stood on the northwest corner of Market and Second streets. He was the first class leader. Matthias Shaeffer and his wife Polly. Bro. S. was a carpenter, and a man of great respectability. His house was also a preaching place, and after Bro. Wolf's removal to New York, in 1807, he became the class leader, which office he held for many years. Elizabeth Grove (Groff) survived to a great age, and often related how she and other members of the class accompanied their class leader, Bro. Wolf, to New Berlin to assist in the meetings there in the Winter of 1806. These journeys of about twenty miles were made on foot across the mountain at night. They generally returned the same night. Michael Smith was then advanced in years, and it cannot now be definitely ascer- tained whether he was a member, but the probabilities are that he was, as his family are known to have been converted at Wolf's, and our preachers were welcomed by him. Of his children we mention the following : Catharine, married to Michael WoLF,f who was a brother of Christian, the class leader. He lived near the Turtle Creek, on the road leading across the mountain to Dry Valley. He never became a member, but was in hearty sympathy with our work. His wife was one of the most devoted members the church has ever had. Their house was a preaching place in Albright's time. Another daughter of Father Smith was Susan Cochrane. She was converted in 1806 and died in 1882, aged ninety-one years, probably the last survivor of the converts of Albright and co-laborers in the now Central Pa. Conference. When a young woman she became the wife of John Cochrane. Their home, a few miles south of Lewisburg, became a preaching place in 181 7, and remained a regular appointment for nearly half a century. Elizabeth and Henry, younger children of Father Smith, became members a little later. John

* See previous note, ■f See previous note.

THE EARLY DATS. 81

Aurand and his wife Hannah, who lived near Lewisburg, also became members in 1806, and their house a preaching place. Other original members were Jacob Zentmeyer and his wife Eve, Peggy Metzger, Martha Christ, Samuel Ream and his wife Sarah, Daniel Ream and wife, Father Henry Bellman and wife, and son Jacob, and daughter-in-law Mary ; also Rev. J. G. Conser and his wife, who was a daughter of Father Bell- man. Peter Brouse and wife Christena, who were converted at the house of Father Eyer, in Dry Valley, in 1806, also opened their house as a preaching place. They lived south of Lewisburg. Bro. Brouse died in 1849, at Liverpool, Pa., aged seventy-seven years. His wife, who was remarkable for her deep piety and zeal, died in 1866, aged eighty-eight years.

MttfHntmrg— The Orwigs and Brickleys. The town of Mifflinburg is situated in Buffalo Valley, ten miles west of Lewisburg, and five miles from Dreisbach's. Albright and co-laborers preached there frequently in the old Lutheran church, and some conversions took place, but no organization was effected. The late John Rank, Esq., often related that in 1805 he and several other young men went from White Deer to hear Albright

Biographical Notes. — John Brickley, Sr., and wife Magdalen a, from Schuylkill county, settled near Mifflinburg in the early part of the century, united with the Evangelical Association in 1826, and became prominent members, He died in 1838, aged seventy-one years. He gave three sons to the ministry of the church, as follows : George Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa. ; entered the active ministry of the Eastern Conference in 1828 ; was elected pre- siding elder in 1839 ; located in 1846 ; died in York, Pa., March 17, 1889, aged eighty-one years. Daniel Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in 1810 ; entered the Eastern Conference in 183 1; was chosen presiding elder of Ohio District in 1836 ; traveled a number of years in Ohio ; died in Morrow county, Ohio, in 1884, aged seventy-four years. John Brickley, born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in 1795 ; entered the Eastern Conference in 1835 ; died in Indiana county, Pa., in 1872.

The Or wig family, Gottfried Orwig and his wife Gloria emigrated from Germany in 1 741, and settled north of the Blue Mountain in (now) Schuylkill county, Pa.,where the town of Orwigsburg, formerly the county-seat, was. named in his honor. One of his sons was George, Sr., who opened his house as a preaching place for Jacob Albright. (See Orwigsburg.) George Orwig had two sons, George, Jr., and Abraham, who in i8n removed to Buffalo Valley, Union county, a few miles north-west of Mifflinburg. George Orwig, Jr., soon after his conversion in 1826 removed to the Sandusky country, Ohio, where his house was one of the early preaching places. He died in 1852, aged seventy-one years. Abraham Orwig (father of Rev. W. W. Orwig), died in Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pa., in 1852, aged sixty-five years.

82 BVAN&BLICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

preach there. Walter and Miller, his colleagues, were also present Albright preached with wonderful power, so that a great commotion was caused, and many fell on their knees and cried aloud for mercy. Brother Rank's companions became terror-stricken, and pulling him by the coat said, "Come, let us get out of this, the preacher is mad. See, he is foaming at the mouth."

A short distance west of Mifflinburg lived John Buechler, whose house was a preaching place at an early day. A very suc- cessful camp-meeting was held on his land in 1814. In 1826 a great awakening took place in this locality, and a number of prominent families were brought into the Evangelical Associa- tion, among them the Brickleys and Orwigs. This revival came to pass in the following manner : In 1825 the wife of Abra- ham Orwig, accompanied by her son (the late Bishop W. W. Orwig), journeyed to their former home in Orwigsburg, Pa., to visit her relatives. The great revival so notable in the history of the Evangelical Association was still in progress there, and both mother and son were deeply convicted of sin, but did not then yield to the influences brought to bear upon them. The follow- ing year, however, the son was happily converted and his bright experience and godly life soon made itself felt in the home circle, and was the real beginning of the revival which followed.

White Deer. White Deer Valley is separated from Buffalo Valley by a mountain known as White Deer. Most of this region is embraced in a township of that name. This place was fre- quently visited by Albright and his colleagues. The principal preaching place was at Jacob Hoch's.

South of the mountain, on the west branch of the Susque- hanna, is the village of New Columbia. Here our first preachers also found entrance, but it is impossible to ascertain with cer- tainty who received them. This was the home of father John Rank, Sr., who in 1796 removed hither from Lancaster county with his family. . His house became a preaching place for all godly ministers soon after his arrival. In Bishop Christian Newcommer's journal are several entries of services held at Rank's in the beginning of the century. That Albright was also welcomed seems probable, from the fact that they were well acquainted with each other in Lancaster county. His son John often related a pleasing incident connected with a business trans- action between his father and Albright, before the conversion

THE EARLY DATS. 83

-of the latter. A class was formed at New Columbia soon after Albright's death, among whom were the Ranks, Stahls, Yosts and Rothrocks. In later years Jacob Rothrock removed to Williamsport, and was the first member of the church there. Henry Rothrock removed to Seneca county, N. Y., and was an early member of our society at that place.

Johtt Rank, Esq. It remains for us to honor the memory of one whose name is "as an ointment poured forth," and who in the early days was one of the pillars in the Church. This was John Rank, Jr., Esq., already referred to. He was born in Lancaster county in 1783, and removed with his parents to New Columbia, in Union county. He frequently heard Albright preach,"' but was not converted until some years afterwards, when be attended a watch-night meeting at Martin Dreisbach's. He at once took a high position in the church as a man of probity and good judgment. His home, which was a short distance west of New Columbia, became Evangelical headquarters for this region. The Church soon recognized his business abilities. In 1832, when the Charitable Society was organized, he was made the first treasurer. At the same conference he was also elected to the office of Publisher and Book Agent for the Church, and for many years thereafter was connected with the publishing in- terests of the Church. When the General Conference of 1836 reorganized the publishing interests and elected a board of trus- tees to purchase, or erect, a suitable building for our publishing business, Brother Rank and Revs. W. W. Orwig and P. Wagoner were elected to the position, and by them the purchase of the building was consummated.

Brother Rank was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and so justly did he administer the law, that but few of his decisions were appealed to a higher court. He was prudent and method- ical in all his business matters, and generally prospered in all his ventures, for the reason that he undertook nothing without mak- ing it a subject of prayer.

His house was for many years a preaching place, and in his woods camp-meetings were held many years in succession. His liberality was proverbial. He often said he was God's steward, and hence must be systematic in his benevolence.

It is worthy of record that thirty-three junior preachers had their homes with him in the same number of successive years.

* See Mifflinburg incident.

84 EVANGELICAL A88QCIA TION ANNALS.

As one would depart at the close of the conference year, and an- other come, he was told to make himself at home like one of the family. Horse feed, a furnished room, with board and washing, all as free as air. If the preachers were poor, the good man purchased clothing for them ; when cast down, discouraged, and tempted to leave the ministry, his fatherly counsels gave them new courage. After a long and singularly useful life, the Lord called his servant home to his rich reward, Oct. 14, 1878, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, ten months and twelve days. He retained his faculties to the last moment of life, and died triumphantly, crying out as he crossed the Jordan of death, "Gelobct seiGott! Gelobet set Gotti" (Praise the Lord ! Praise the Lord !)

Woodward, Centre County. At the extreme eastern end of Penns Valley, where the road from Buffalo Valley emerges from the long narrows of the mountains, is situated the village of Woodward. In this neighborhood Albright and his co-laborers found a fruitful field, notwithstanding the bitter opposition against their work. The first one to receive Albright here was Father John Wise and his wife Eve. This must have been soon after the beginning of the century, and certainly prior to 1805. His house was a very important point, and many conversions took place there in 1806. George Wise, a brother of John, and his wife Susan were converted in 1806, and their house became a regular preaching place from that time. In later years their son George opened his house for regular services. The house of Bro. Jacob Merk and his brother Rudolph became preaching places about 1805. John Adam Hennig and family in part were converted in the great revival of 1806, probably at the house of John Wise. His house also became a preaching place in Albright's time, and was one of the most noted places of the

Biographical Notes. — John Adam Hennig, born in Lebanon county, Fa., in 1757, was the son of John Jacob and Anna Hennig. His family was large and highly respectable, and all became members of the church. Two daughters, Elizabeth and Barbara, were married to ministers, Jacob Fry and John Stull, respectively. His son Adam entered the ministry in 1B13, and was one of the first missionaries west of the Alleghenies (1813) and Ohio (1816). His sons Philip and Peter were converted in youth and later emi- grated, to Ohio, where their homes were among the first preaching places on Canton Circuit. Father Hennig died in 1839, aged eighty-two years. Father John Wise died in 1844, aged seventy-nine years, and his wife Eve in 1855, aged eighty-three years. Jacob Merk died in 1837, aged seventy-two years.

TEE EARLY DATS. 85

church for many years, especially for general and camp-meetings. The camp-meeting on his place in 1827 was especially victorious. Scores of souls were converted, some of whom became minis- ters and prominent members. The fourth General Conference, which was one of the most important sessions, was held at his house in 1830.

Millheim is. situated about seven miles west of Woodward, in the very heart of Penns Valley. In and around this town Albright and his colleagues found some open doors. The first in the town to receive him was Paul Bachman, in 1805. George Swartz, who lived about half a mile south of the town, also received him and opened his house as a regular preaching place in 1805. A little farther south lived Henry Smith and wife Mary, and Peter Smith and wife Maria. Henry Smith's house was opened as a preaching place for Albright as early as 1804. Peter was converted in 1806, and thereafter their house was a regular appointment. The great revival of 1806 also extended to this place, and many conversions occurred at the houses of George Swartz and Henry Smith. Prominent among the con- verts were two young brothers Matthias and John Betz, the former of whom became a minister, while the latter removed to Seneca county, Ohio, and was one of the first to receive our min- isters there.

The first class in Penns Valley was organized by George Miller in the Fall of 1806, and included all the members in the valley, some of whom, as we have noticed; lived a considerable distance from Millheim. During the second great revival on the Northumberland Circuit, which occurred in 181 1, there were many conversions, and separate classes were formed at Woodward (seven miles east), at Mussers and at Potters Plains. The class at Mussers became quite strong, and a church was built there, about four miles from Millheim, which was the first in Penns Valley. In that church was held, in 1839, the General Confer- ence at which John Seybert was elected the first bishop of the church.

Green Grove. Several miles west of Millheim, at Green Grove, lived Michael Ream, who was one of the first in Penns Valley to open his house to Albright. In 1806 his brother-in- law, David Merk, and also Henry Smith opened their houses. At a later period a flourishing society was formed there. Father Ream died in 1813. Many of his descendants became prominent

86 EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION ANNALS.

and useful members of the church. His son, Rev. Abraham Ream, in the early part of the century removed to Ohio, where he was largely instrumental in establishing the work. Another descendant, Rev. A. E. Gobble, D.D., has for many years stood in the front rank as an able preacher and the honored president of Central Pennsylvania College.

Potters Plains. The work of our Church was not estab- lished in the upper end of Penns Valley in Albright's time, as it cannot be ascertained that he and his colleagues had any appointment farther west than Spring Mills. In 1811 John Erb and L. Zimmerman extended the work westward to Spring Creek and the broad plain where the State College is now situated. There were many conversions in this vicinity, and a good class was organized, called the Spring Creek Class. Ten or more congregations are the direct results of the work in this section. The men who received our preachers and opened their houses as regular preaching places were Conrad Dillman, John Dauber- man and later John George Rishel, all of whom became known throughout the entire Church, and deserve more than mere mention.

John Dauberman, Sr., lived a few miles east of Old Fort, near Egg Hill. Here he built with his own means a church for the use of the society, which was dedicated Oct. 22, 1837. He died in 1853, in his eighty-second year. His son, John, Jr., who was also one of the first members, worthily represented his heroic father until his death.

Conrad Dillman removed to Ohio, where he was among the first to receive our first preachers in 18 16, in which connection a further notice of him will be found.

John George Rishel lived nearly four miles southwest of Old Fort, near Spring Creek. He was converted in 1806, but did not unite with the society until 1826. He was an influential and prominent man, and did much for the establishment of the Church. He died in 1852, in his seventy-first year. Three of his daughters were married to Evangelical ministers of prominence: Susan, to Bishop W. W. Orwig j Sarah, to John Kreamer, and Rachel, to Daniel Kehr. His son David entered the minis- try of the West Pa. Conference in 1842, and was a young man of bright promise. In 1847 he was sent as missionary to Pitts- burg, where his usefulness was suddenly cut short by death in the Autumn of the same year, in the thirtieth year of his age.

THE EARLY DAYS. 87

Brush Valley. North of Penns Valley is situated a long, narrow valley called Brush Valley, one of the early settlers of which was Christopher Spangler, who came here from one of the lower countries in 1803. He was a man of means, and erected in 1805 a large stone mansion, which is to-day one of the land- marks of the Church. At the house of father Bachman, in Penns Valley, Brother S. first heard Albright preach, and invited him to preach also in his house in Brush Valley. To this invitation Albright responded in the Autumn of 1805, and from that time Brother Spangler became one of his chief supporters and his house a regular preaching place.

During the great revival, under the labors of George Miller, in 1806, many conversions took place here, and a class was formed, of which Brother Spangler was made leader. In the Fall of 1807 he and the youthful John Dreisbach journeyed to- gether to attend the first annual conference of the Association, at which time Brother S. was also made a local preacher. He never entered the active ranks, but frequently accompanied the first preachers, and preached a great deal. His name through- out the Church was "as ointment poured forth." When past eighty years of age he preached a remarkable sermon from the text, "As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked." (Ezek. xxxiii. 11.) He died in great peace in 1855, aged eighty-eight years. His companion died in 1832, aged sixty-one years. They rest in the union cemetery at Rebers- burg. Their sons Jacob, Samuel and Jonathan were of the first converts in the valley and became strong pillars in the Church. A daughter, Anna Mary, also converted in 1806, married Con- rad Hare. They removed to Wyandotte county, Ohio, where they opened their house as one of the first preaching places. Brother H. was a local preacher and a very useful man.

Abraham Reber and wife were converted at Spangler's in 1806, after which they opened their house as a preaching place. Rev. J. G. Conser, one of the first members at Lewisburg, re- moved to Rebersburg, and in 1823 opened his house as a preach- ing place. A little later the brothers George, Joseph and Jacob Gramlv, who were of the leading citizens of the valley, became members, as did also the Becks, Leidlers and Myers. A church was built in Rebersburg in 1833. The valley became an Evangelical stronghold, and the work has continued to flourish to this day.

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North Branch Valley. On the North Branch of the Sus- quehanna River, Albright and his associates found some open doors. We have already noted in a previous chapter the emi- gration of the sons-in-law of Leonard Zimmerman, of Schuylkill county, to this region. As they were the first to open their houses to our preachers we will notice them in order: John Detrich Seybert and his brother Michael, and John George Zehner, married to Maria, Eve, and Catharine Zimmerman, respectively, emigrated to the North Branch Valley near the be- ginning of the century. The Seyberts settled in Salem township, Luzerne county, a few miles above Berwick, and Zehner settled a few miles south, in Briar Creek township, Columbia county.

About 1806 two more sons-in-law of Zehner removed to this region. They were Jacob Bochard and Conrad Biebelheimer, who were married to Albertina and Susan Zimmerman, respec- tively. Bochard settled about two miles northeast of Danville, now in Montour county. Biebelheimer settled near Orange- ville, Columbia county, but removed to Ohio at an early day.

All the foregoing were, so far as is known, converted under the ministry of Albright and co-laborers, and, with the exception of John D. Seybert, they were members of the church. When they removed to the North Branch Valley they were followed by their spiritual father and his colleagues, and through them a good foundation was laid for the work in the valley.

The first revival and ingathering of note was at Zehner's, at Summer Hill, Columbia county, and at Bochard's, near Dan- ville, in 181 1 and 181 2, at which time classes were formed at both places.

Notes.— Jacob Bochard died in 1824 and his wife in i860. Biebel- HEIMers removed to Franklin county, Ohio, where Sister B. died in 1839, aged sixty-five years, and her husband soon afterwards. George Zehner and his wife died at Briar Creek in 1848, aged respectively eighty-three and eighty years. Revs. George E. Zehner and Isaiah Bower, of the Central Pa. Conference, are grandsons. Michael Seybert died in 1852, aged eighty-five years. His wife Eve died in 1854, aged eighty-four years. They all repose in the Summer Hill cemetery.

CHAPTER IV.

SOWING AND REAPING.

The Great Revival at Orwigsburg — Spread 'of the Work in Lehigh County, Philadelphia, Reading, Lebanon, Baltimore — The Blockhouse — John Seybert's Mission- ary Work — Establishment of the Church in New York State and Canada.

Ringgold. Near Ringgold, in Schuylkill county, lived Dan- iel Focht, who was a man of high respectability, and possessed of considerable means ; being proprietor of what was then called Brunswick Forge. In 1818, when M. Dehoff and Adam Kline- felter served the Schuylkill Circuit, he became interested through them in his own salvation, and was soon thereafter converted to God. He at once exerted his talents and great influence for the cause of Christ, and was soon the instrument in the hands of God in the conversion of others who were organized into a class. He was a fluent speaker, was greatly respected, and his influence in favor of the Evangelical Association was very considerable. In 182 1 he was licensed to preach, and most faithfully did he serve the Church in a local capacity until his death, in 1844, at the age of sixty years.

Orwigsburg. Through Focht the first seed of the Church was sown in Orwigsburg, (then the county seat of Schuylkill county), which culminated in one of the most extensive and im- portant revivals that ever took place in the Evangelical Associa- tion. In 182 2 he preached a powerful sermon in the Court House, which made a profound impression on the audience. The same year there was held on his land one of the most remarkable camp- meetings in the history of the Church. A great number of people

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were gathered on the grounds. Most of whom were in a state of spiritual darkness, and very much disposed to make mischief. This opposition one day took a most serious turn. Some of the brethren were assaulted by the ruffians, and suffered bodily in- jury at their hands. While John Miller was preaching an attack was made upon the preachers and he was struck on the face with a sharp stone and very severely injured.

At this meeting there were, however, many intelligent and sensible people who disapproved of the persecution of God's peo- ple, and heard with deep concern — and many for the first time in their lives — the doctrine of experimental religion. Much pre- cious seed was sown, some of which came to early fruitage. The camp-meeting thus became an important factor in the promotion of the great revival which soon followed.

Richard Rlckert. Soon after this camp-meeting a prom- inent man of Orwigsburg, named Richard Rickert, had occasion to call on Focht on business. Mrs. F. informed him that her husband was not at home, but would return soon, and added that their minister, John Breitenstein, was in the house, with whom' he could converse until the return of Mr. Focht. Mr. Rickert complied with the kind invitation, and was very much pleased with Mr. Breitenstein, and invited him to preach at Orwigs- burg, to which Mr. B. assented. Mr. Rickert arranged an ap- pointment for him in the Court House, and there Mr. B. preached a number of times. The enemies of the cause, however, were not idle, and soon fomented such an opposition against him, that the Court House was closed, and he was compelled to preach in the schoolhouse and in private houses.

Among the men who received Mr. B. and opened their houses as preaching places for him were Richard Rickert, who first invited him to Orwigsburg, Jos. Zoll, Peter Ashbach, Daniel Reifschneider, and a little later, John Hammer. All were men of prominence and high respectability. The spirit of awakening was powerfully at work throughout the town, and the grain was ripe for the harvest.

John Seybert at Orwigsburg. In June, 1823, John Sey- bert was appointed to Schuylkill Circuit. It was indeed a fort- - unate circumstance that this consecrated aad tireless worker became the preacher at Orwigsburg at this time. His blameless life was the best commentary on the doctrines which he preached, while his extraordinary zeal for souls was a living torch that set

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on fire the hearts of the people with love and devotion to the cause of Christ. Although the people generally heard Seybert with gladness, and many doors were opened to him, still the work of conversion and ingathering did not immediately take place. An adverse circumstance, which proved to be a blessing in dis- guise, was the means of bringing about the desired result. On Sept. 14 Seybert went to fill an appointment at a schoolhouse three miles east of Orwigsburg, which his enemies locked against him. A poor colored man named Wilson invited him to come into his house and preach. Seybert accepted the invitation, and was followed to the house by a number who were anxious to hear him. On this occasion he preached from the words, "He came unto his own and his own received him not." (John i. n.) A profound impression was made, and Wilson and his wife were soon afterwards converted to God. The house of this colored man played an important part in subsequent events.

Seybert found entrance at the house of a tavern-keeper named Christopher Wagoner in the same vicinity, several of whose children were then under conviction. On Nov. 30 Seybert preached in the house of Wagoner, from Actsiii. 22, 23. This was one of the most remarkable meetings known in the history of the Church. The spirit of conviction wrought deeply. A great cry arose from penitents who were scattered through the house in large numbers. "Lost! Lost I I am lost!" could be heard on every side. Wagoner and all of his family who were present were among the penitents. While the cry of agony went up to God a female relative of Wagoner, who had no sympathy for the work, went among the weepiDg penitents and endeavored to dis- courage them. Notwithstanding this mighty demonstration of the Spirit to convict, it would seem that there were but few con- versions at this time. The next day Seybert held a prayer- meeting for the benefit of the penitents, but still there was no victory. Harbingers of a brighter day were everywhere visible, however. The number of those under conviction increased every day, and Seybert, having to fill his appointments elsewhere, wrote to Focht to take charge during his absence, who accordingly preached the following Sunday at the house of Wilson. The meetings in the afternoon and evening were remarkably powerful and victorious, and seven souls were saved, which was but the beginning of the gracious shower of blessings, the refreshing in- fluences of which was felt in every part of the Church.

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Seybert's Testimony. On the fly leaf of a volume of "Thomas A'Kempis," bought from Bishop Seybert by Father Richard Rickert, in 1850, occur these lines in the bishop's own handwriting : "Erster Bekehrungs-Durchbruch nahe bei Orwigs- burgh an des Wilson's, Dezember 7, 1823, wo sieben Seelen zu Gott bekehrt wurden," — which translated somewhat literally reads: "First converting breakthrough nearby Orwigsburg, at Wilson's, December 7, 1823, when seven souls were converted to God." It may here be incidentally remarked that " Durchbruch," liter- ally a breakthrough, was a favorite term used in the early days to express the victory after penitential struggles. The names of the seven souls referred to by Bishop Seybert were the follow- ing, as given to me by Father and Mother George and Amelia (Hammer) Rickert, of Pottsville, Pa.: Mary Neff; Hannah Wagoner, afterwards married to Rev. Charles Hesser; Re- becca Wagoner, afterwards married to Rev. Francis Hoffman ; Benjamin Wagoner, Sally Wagoner, Mother Fisher, Polly Fisher. The Wagoners mentioned were children of Christopher Wagoner. After the victory at Wilson's, conversions became frequent. When Seybert preached again in that neighborhood — which was at Philip Dreher's — a young man was present who had for some time been under conviction. A young lady, * Rebecca Wagoner, who had often entreated him before, now again urged him to yield his heart to God. He accordingly bowed in penitence and was happily converted. This was the now sainted Rev. Joseph M. Saylor. Soon afterwards his brother Jacob, and also Samuel Rickert, were converted. A little later Charles Hesser was converted at Father Wagoner's. All of whom became ministers.

On Jan. 23, 1824, the first class was organized, consisting of about twenty-five members. Philip Dreher was made leader and B. Neff exhorter. Great opposition to the work prevailed, and the leader became utterly discouraged. A reorganization of the class was effected Feb. 19, and Joseph M. Saylor became leader. The work now made rapid progress, and people of all classes were converted almost daily.

The Hammer Family Converted. A remarkable episode of this revival was the conversion of the Hammer family. The circumstances are as follows : John Hammer was a highly re-

* Afterwards Mrs. Rev. F. Hoffman.

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spected citizen and merchant of Orwigsburg and an elder in the Lutheran Church. He had a large family of sons and daughters, all highly respectable save the oldest son John, who was given to wayward habits, which caused his parents deep sorrow and constant solicitude. The anxious mother could think of no bet- ter way to stay his downward course than to bring him under the influence of that man of God, John Seybert. There was an ap- pointment for him at the house of Rickert one night, and Mother Hammer said to the erring son, "John, how would it be if you were to go to the 'Strawveler' meeting to-night? I would much rather see you there than with your bad company at the tavern. " He followed the suggestion, went to the Service, and was deeply convicted of his sinful condition. The next Sunday there was a prayer-meeting at the house of the colored man Wilson, and here young Hammer was converted after a very severe penitential struggle.* The change in his life and conduct was at once no- ticed at home, but he said nothing about his experiences, because his parents were strict members of one of the old churches, al- though, like many others, they knew nothing of vital godliness. The course he took, however, met with God's approval, as the end will show.

In the rear of Father Hammer's store was a warehouse, and the watchful mother noticed that her son frequently repaired thither alone and without