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ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH ANNUAL SESSIONS.

OTS AND PROCEEDINGIS
1
OF THE
SYNOD
OF THE
German Reformed Church
IN THE
UNITED STATES,
AT
HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO., PA., OCTOBER, 1859.
CARNE
CHAMBERSBURG, PA:
FRINTED BY M. KIEFffer a co.
}
1969.
LEMMATA.
ART. I. OPENING OF SYNOD.
ART. II. MEMBERS PREsent.
ART. III. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
ART. IV. RULES OF Order.
ART. V. APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES.
1. On Minutes of Synod.
2. On Overtures.
3. On Correspondence with Sister Churches.
4. On Minutes of Classes.
5. On Examination, Licensure and Ordination.
6. On the State of Religion and Statistical Reports,
7. On the Theological Seminary.
8. On Foreign and Domestic Missions.
9. On Finance.
10. On Nominations.
11. On Publication.
ART. VI. COMMUNICATIONS.
ART. VII. MINUTES OF SYNOD.
ART. VIII. OVERTURES.
ART. IX. CORRESPONDENCE WITH SISTER CHURCHES.
ART. X. MINUTES OF CLASSES.
ART. XI. EXAMINATION, ORDINATION AND LICENSURE
ART. XII. RELIGION AND MORALS.
ART. XIII. THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
ART. XIV. MISSIONS.
ART. XV. FINANCE.
ART. XVI. APPEALS AND REFERENCES.
ART. XVII. COMPLAINTS.
ART. XVIII. SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
ART. XIX, PUBLICATION.
ART. XX. CHURCH GOVERNMENT.
ART. XXI. MISCELLANEOUS.
ART. XXII. RESUMPTION AND CLOSE.
ART. XXIII. ADJOURNment.
WILS
Ack 2415-1
ACTS AND PROCEEDINGS
Of the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States,
convened in the German Reformed church, Harrisburg, Pennsyl-
vania, in the month of October, in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and fifty-nine. The sessions continued from
the evening of the eighteenth to the afternoon of the twenty-seventh
day of the month inclusive.
ARTICLE I.
Opening of Synod.
1
The Synod was opened with prayer by the President, the
Rev. John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., prior to which he preached
a sermon from James 1: 27, "Pure religion and undefiled before
God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in
their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
ARTICLE II.
Members Present.
1.) From the Classis of East Pennsylvania.
Rev. Daniel Y. Heisler,* Cyrus J. Becker° and John Beck.
Elders-John Laubach, Thomas Butz and Samuel Utt.
2.) From the Classis of Lebanon.
Rev. Augustus L. Herman, † Franklin W. Kremer and
Charles F. McCauley.I
Elders-John F. Moers, John Wolfensberger (1) and George
Schollenberger.** (4)
3.) From the Classis of Zion.
Rev. Jacob O. Miller,(4) Amos II. Kremer and Julius Kurtz.‡‡
Elders-William A. Wilt, David Bahn (1) (3) and John P.
Hassler. (1) (2.)
*Was succeeded on the afternoon of the fifth day of the sessions by the Rev.
Joshua H. Derr.
+Was succeeded on the afternoon of the sixth day of the sessions by the
Rev. Jonathan E. Heister.
Took his seat on the morning of the second day of the sessions, prior to
which it was occupied by the Rev. Thomas H. Leinbach.
** Took his seat on the afternoon of the third day of the sessions.
• His seat was occupied by his secundus, the Rev. Joseph S. Dubs, from
the morning of the fourth until the afternoon of the fifth day of the sessions.
It Took his seat on the afternoon of the third day of the sessions.
1 Took their seats on the afternoon of the first day of the sessions.
2 Obtained leave of absence on the afternoon of the fourth day of the sessions.
3 Obtained leave of absence on the morning of the sixth day of the sessions.
4 Obtained leave of absence on the morning of the seventh day of the sessions.
*
4
4.) From the Classis of Maryland.
Rev. Charles Cast, Mortimer L. Shuford, (8) Lewis A. Brun-
ner and Henry Wissler.
Elders--William H. Knode, John Rodenmayer, Daviď
Smith(8) and Goldsborough S. Griffith. (1)
5.) From the Classis of Philadelphia.
Rev. John H. A. Bomberger, D. D. and N. S. Aller.
Elders-Philip Hoover, John Garner and Robert Umstead.
6.) From the Classis of Virginia.
Rev. John C. Hensell (7) and John H. Crawford.
Elder-Peter Roller. (7)
*
7.) From the Classis of North Carolina.
*
*
*
*
*
8.) From the Classis of Mercersburg.
Rev. Philip Schaff, D. D., Frederick A. Rupley, Benjamin S.
Schneck, D. D., Samuel Philips and Thomas G. Apple.
Elders-William Heyser, Henry Ruby(3) and Adam B. Wing-
erd.
9.) From the Classis of Goshenhoppen.
Rev. N. S. Strassburger, Daniel Weiser and Wm. Philips.(2)
Elders-N. Wolfinger, (4) J. Van Reed and Daniel Roeder. (4)
10.) From the Classis of New York.
Rev. Diedrich Willers.
Elder-John H. Schmidt.
11.) From the Classis of Lancaster.
Rev. Isaac S. Demund, Henry Harbaugh and Theodore Ap-
pel. (5)
Elders-Rudolph F. Kelker and William Orth.
12.) From the Classis of East Susquehanna.
Rev. Albert G. Dole,(6) William Goodrich and John W. Stein-
metz.(7)
8 Obtained leave of absence on the evening of the seventh day of the seg-
sions.
1 Took his seat on the morning of the second, and obtained leave of ab-
sence on the morning of the seventh day of the sessions.
2 Took his seat on the afternoon of the first day of the sessions, prior to
which it was occupied by the secundus, Rev. Augustus L. Dechant.
3 Obtained leave of absence on the morning of the sixth day of the seg-.
sions.
4 Obtained leave of absence on the morning of the fourth day of the ses-
sions.
His seat
5 Took his seat on the afternoon of the first day of the sessions.
prior to that time and subsequent to the afternoon of the fifth day of the ses-
sions, was occupied by the secundus, the Rev. Martin A. Smith.
6 Was succeeded on the morning of the seventh day of the sessions by the
Rev. Ephraim Kieffer.
7 Obtained leave of absence on the morning of the seventh day of the ses-
sions.
5
Elders-Simon Lantz and Jacob Sechler.
13.) From the Classis of West Susquehanna.
Rev. William H. Groh, Samuel Gutelius and Franklin J.
Mohr.
Elders-Philip Meyer, John F. Pontius and Abraham
Brown.(3)
14.) From the Classis of Clarion.
Rev. David B. Ernst and Henry F. Hartman.
Elder-Eli George.
15.) Synod of Ohio and adjacent States.
Rev. Henry Williard.
CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.
From the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.
Rev. George A. Lyon, D. D.
From the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania.
Rev. George A. Mertz.
From the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Rev. Charles A. Hay, D. D.
ADVISORY MEMBERS.
From the Classis of East Pennsylvania-Rev. Joshua H. Derr,
Frederick Strassner.
From the Classis of Lebanon-Rev. Joseph H. Apple, Jonathan
E. Hiester.
From the Classis of Zion-Rev. William C. Bennet, Theodore
P. Bucher, David Bossler.
From the Classis of Maryland-Rev. Daniel Zacharias, D. D.,
John Külling, John S. Foulk, Elias Heiner, D. D.
From the Classis of Virginia-Rev. John M. Titzel.
From the Classis of Mercersburg-Rev. John Rebaugh, Wil-
liam M. Deatrick, Charles F. Hoffmeier, Jacob Hassler, Henry
W. Super Samuel R. Fisher, D. D., Benjamin Bausman, Samuel
H. Reid, Jeremiah M. Mickley, Joseph S. Loose.
From the Classis of Goshenhoppen-Rev. William G. Hack-
man, Peter S. Fisher, A. S. Vaughan, Augustus L. Dechant.
From the Classis of Lancaster-Rev. Daniel Gans, Martin A.
Smith, Isaac E. Graeff, Emanuel V. Gerhart, D. D., William
T. Gerhard, Thomas C. Porter, Isaac Gerhart.
From the Classis of East Susquehanna-Rev. George Wolff,
David W. Wolff, Ephraim Kieffer, C. Z. Weiser.
3 Obtained leave of absence on the morning of the sixth day of the sessions.
6
From the Classis of West Susquehanna-Rev. John C. Bucher,
Charles H. Leinbach, Lewis C. Edmonds.
From the Synod of Ohio and adjacent States-Rev. Christian
C. Russell, Moses Kieffer, D. D., Jeremiah Heller.
ARTICLE III.
Election of Officers.
Rev. Philip Schaff, D. D., was chosen President.
Rev. Amos H. Kremer, was chosen Corresponding Secretary.
William Heyser, Esq., was chosen Treasurer.
Rev. Samuel R. Fisher, D. D., Stated Clerk.
ARTICLE IV.
Rules of Order.
The rules of order were read by the Stated Clerk.
The following hours were fixed upon for opening and closing
the sessions:
The Morning Session to open at 9 and close at 12 o'clock.
The Afternoon Session to open at 2 and close at 5 o'clock.
ARTICLE V.
Standing Committees.
The following were appointed:
On Minutes of Synod-Rov. Samuel Gutelius, Diedrick
Willers, Daniel Y. Heisler, and Elders William Heyser and
John Rodenmayer.
On Overtures-Rev. John C. Hensell, Cyrus J. Becker, Wil-
liam H. Groh, and Elders Jacob Sechler and Eli George.
-
On Correspondence with Sister Churches-Rev. Isaac S. De-
mund, Henry Williard, Amos H. Kremer, and Elders John
Laubach and Simon Lantz.
On Minutes of Classes-Rev. Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D.,
Augustus L. Herman, Mortimer L. Shuford, N. S. Strassburger,
William Goodrich, Franklin W. Kremer, John H. Crawford, and
Elders John F. Pontius and Philip Hoover.
On Examination, Licensure and Ordination-Rev. John H. A.
Bomberger, D. D., John Beck, Isaac S. Demund, and Elders
William Heyser and William Orth.
On the State of Religion and Statistical Reports-Rev. Honry
Harbaugh, Albert G. Dole, Henry F. Hartman, and Elders
Abraham Brown and Philip Meyer.
7
On the Theological Seminary-Rev. Thomas G. Apple, Henry
Wissler, Samuel Gutelius, and Elders Adam B. Wingerd and
Rudolph F. Kelker.
On Missions-Franklin W. Kremer, Theodore Appel, Charles
Cast, and Elders Thomas Butz and Abraham Brown.
On Finance-Rev. Frederick A. Rupley, N. S. Strassburger,
Lewis A. Brunner, and Elders William A. Wilt and John F.
Moers.
On Nominations-Rev. Daniel Weiser, David B. Ernst, Jacob
O. Miller, and Elders Daniel Roeder and John Garner.
On Publication-Rev. John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., Daniel
Y. Heisler, Samuel Philips, and Elders Rudolph F. Kelker and
Henry Ruby.
ARTICLE VI.
Communications.
1.) One copy each of the Acts and Proceedings of the Ger-
man Reformed Synod of Obio and adjacent States, and of the
Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church;
several copies each of the Minutes of the General Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church and of the German Evangelical
Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania; and also two letters from the
German Evangelical Church Diet, one copy of the Proceedings.
of the said Diet,. held in Hamburg in September, 1858, and sev-
eral pamphlets from the same source, were received and referr-
ed to the Committee on Correspondence with Sister Churches.
2.) The Minutes of Classes of East Pennsylvania, Lebanon,
Zion, Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, Mercersburg, Goshen-
hoppen, New York, Lancaster, East Susquehanna, West Sus-
quehanna, and Clarion, were received, and referred to the
Committee on Minutes of Classes, except the Reports on the
State of Religion and Statistical Reports, which were referred
to the Committee on that subject.
3.) The annual reports of the Boards of Trustees and of
Visitors of the Theological Seminary were received, and re-
ferred to the Committee on the Theological Seminary.
4.) The annual reports of the Boards of Foreign and of
Domestic Missions were received, and referred to the Com-
mittee on Missions.
5.) The annual report of the Treasurer of Synod was receiv-
ed, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
6.) The annual report of the Board of Publication was receiv-
ed, and referred to the Committee on Publication.
I
8
7.) A memorial was received from the second German Re-
formed church of Reading, Pa., and referred to a special com-
mittee. [See Article XXI Miscellaneous.]
8.) The other communications were received and referred to
the Committee on Overtures.
ARTICLE VII.
Minutes of Synod.
The reading of the Minutes of the last annual sessions of
Synod was dispensed with and they were referred to the Com-
mittee on Minutes of Synod. This committee submitted the
following report, which was received and disposed of item by
item:
The Committee appointed to report the unfinished items of
business in the Minutes of Synod, respectfully report the fol
lowing:
1) Page 13. A request to the several Classes to cooperate
with the Western Synod in the publication of a Child's Paper.
2) Page 15. The Rev G. Wolff was appointed delegate to
the German Reformed Synod of Ohio and adjacent States.
The Rev. Joseph S. Dubs and John W. Hoffmeier were ap-
pointed Delegates to the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod
of Pennsylvania.
The Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, D. D., was appointed dele-
gate to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, (N.
S.)
3) Page 18. A continuation of the committee on correspon-
dence with the Pastoral Conference of Switzerland and the Re-
formed Conference of Germany.
4) Page 19. The appointment of a committee to reply to
the letter of the German Evangelical Church Diet.
5) Page 40. Instructions to the Corresponding Secretary to
write to the Secretaries of the several Classes to supply the
deficiency in their statistical reports.
6) Page 52. A reference to the Classes in regard to the ne-
cessity of increasing the number of students in the Theological
Seminary.
7) Page 53. The continuation of the committee to prosecuto
the suit against Ex-Sheriff Duncan.
8) Page 54. The committee on Mrs. Clopp's legacy.
9) Page 58. A continuation of the committee on tho Theo-
logical Tutorship.
9
10) Page 58. A request to the committee on the invest-
ment of the Kieffer fund to report at this meeting of Synod.
11) Page 59. The appointment of a committee to report on
the removal of the Seminary from its present location.
12) Page 59. The appointment of a committee to prepare a
schedule of studies for beneficiaries and other students in cer-
tain cases.
13) Page 96. A request to the Financial Committee to ad-
dress delinquents on the 17,000 Dollar Fund.
14) Page 96. A request to the Goshenhoppen Classis to
dismiss the Rev. J. Naille to Lancaster Classis, and to the Rev.
J. Naille to pay his dues to the said Classis.
15) Page 101. Instructions to the Board of Publication to
fix the salaries of Editors.
16) Page 103. The appointment of a committee to report
on the contract between Synod and the firm of M. Kieffer & Co.
17) Page 104. Instructions to the Stated Clerk in regard to
the publication of the Minutes of Synod.
18) Page 105. The appointment of a committee to translate
the Provisional Liturgy into the German language.
19) Page 105. The appointment of a committee to propose
a plan or system for the erection a Publication Board to pro-
vide a Church literature.
20) Page 114. The appointment of a committee to procure
an act of incorporation for this Synod from the Legislature of
Pennsylvania.
S. GUTELIUS, Chairman.
For the result of the action of Synod referred to in Items 1,
6, and 14, sce Article X, Minutes of Classes.
For the reports of the delegates to Corresponding bodies, re-
ferred to in Item 2, and the reports of the committees referred
to in Items 3 and 4, see Article IX, Correspondence with Sis-
ter Churches.
The Corresponding Secretary reported, that he had com-
plied with the instructions referred to in Item 5.
For the result of the action of Syond referred to in Items 7,
8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, see Article XIII, Theological Seminary.
For the result of the action of Synod referred to in Item 13,
see Article XX, Finance.
For the result of the action of Synod referred to in Items 15,
16, 17 and 19, see Article XIX, Publication.
=
10
For the report of the committee referred to in Item 18, see
Article XX, Church Government, and in Item, 20, see Article
XXI, Miscellaneous.
ARTICLE VIII.
Overtures.
The Committee on Overtures submitted their report, which
was received and adopted, and is as follows:
The Committee on Overtures beg leave to report,
That but one document has been placed in their hands. This
is an appeal of the Pennsburg congregation from the decision
of the Goshenhoppen Classis relative to its reception of the
Hoffman charge, thereby forming a new congregation of sus-
pended and irregular members in the midst of the charge of
the Rev. D. Weiser.
Your committee would recommend the reading of the letter
before Synod.
Respectfully submitted,
J. C. HENSELL, Chairman.
For the action of Synod on this appeal, sce Article XVI, Ap-
peals and References.
ARTICLE IX.
Correspondence with Sister Churches.
1.) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE,
The Committee on Correspondence with Sister Churches sub-
mitted the following report, which was received and adopted :
It is our privilege to have the presence of some of our breth-
ren at home, and receive interesting intelligence from others
abroad.
7+
We greet, from the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in the United States of America, the Rev. C. A. Hay, D.
D.; from the German Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Penn-
sylvania, the Rev. G. A. Mertz-from the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, the
Rev. George A. Lyon, D. D.-and from the Synod of Ohio and
adjacent States, the Rev. Henry Williard-presenting us with
copies of their proceedings, and assuring us of high Christian
regard, with confidence that the mutual good-will, hitherto
subsisting, will continue and increase.
Our own delegates to these Bodies are reported as having
been affectionately received--one of them alone having been
:
P
3
11
disappointed on account of the indisposition of the Rev. E.
Heiner, D. D., for whom personally they are pleased to express
their prayerful solicitude.
Quite as refreshing is the correspondence from the Father-
land; a letter from the German Evangelical Church Diet-a
translation of which was published in the "German Reformed
Messenger," April 6th, 1859, heartily responding to the meas-
ures adopted by us for the benefit of immigrants to our coun-
try, that long has been, and yet is, the home of the free and
the refuge of the oppressed-breathing, moreover, ardent de-
sires for the rich blessings of grace, both on themselves of the
old world, and upon us of the new. It comes to us from the
Central Committee for Inner Missions, under the signature of
Dr. Wichern and Biernatzki.
From the same source several Pamphlets have come to hand,
two of which are designed for Christian Associations of young
men, and four lesser ones for associations of mechanics, to pro-
mote their best interests now and forever.
The proceedings of the tenth German Evangelical Church
Diet, held in Hamburg, Sept., 1858, are also with us, as well as
another letter to this Synod from a Committee of the German
Evangelical Church, signed by Wichern, Von Mühler, Stichl,
Hoffman, Hertz, Von Tippelskirch, A. Abendroth, Von Bris-
merk Bohlen, demanding perhaps the action of a special com-
mittee.
Thus, by a generous Providence, we enjoy the communion of
saints and hail the dawn, if not the full moon, of that latter
day, when the faithful, face to face, and by pen and ink, shall
come to interchange and mingle the heart-seated sympathies.
and interests which renewing grace from our exalted head, Je-
sus Christ, originates as antepasts of the higher and holier com-
munings of that state where we all will be irradiated by the
same light and pervaded by the same love and joy, raising
around the throne of God and the Lamb the everlasting song,
"Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his
own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and
his Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever.
Amen."
Respectfully submitted,
I. S. DEMUND, Chairman.
In accordance with the recommendation of the Committee in
the above report, the documents from the Church Diet, were
referred to a committee consisting of the Rev. Joshua II. Derr,
Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D., Henry Williard, and Elders Ru-
dolph F. Kelker and Philip Meyer.
This committee submitted the following report, which was
adopted:
:
12
...
The committee to whom were referred the documents from
the Central Committee on Inner Missions of the Evangelical
Church Diet of Germany, beg leave to report as follows:
The following documents were placed into our hands :
1.) Six copies of a small pamphlet, entitled: "A Directory
for young Mechanics," designed to point out to them proper
places of resort, whilst on their various journeys during their
years of apprenticeship.
2.) Two copies of a very interesting and instructive pamphlet
containing forty-six pages, and entitled: "A word to youths'
societies and societies of journeymen-apprentices, prepared at
the request of the Central Committee on Inner Missions, by F.
Meyeringh."
3.) One copy of a pamphlet of 122 pages, it being the min-
utes of the tenth Evangelical Church Diet, held at Hamburg in
September, 1858.
4.) A circular manuscript letter, addressed to the Agents and
Voluntary Correspondents of, and also to the Associations and
Institutions connected with the Central Committee. From this
we learn, that the vacancy which occurred in the Presidency
of the Church Diet, by the elevation of the Hon. von Bethmann
Hollweg to the office of Minister of Instruction, Public Wor-
ship and Medical affairs in the kingdom of Prussia, has been
filled by the election of the Rev. Dr. Wichern. This choice,
we are happy to learn, renders universal satisfaction. The
object and various spheres of labor of the Central Committee
for Inner Missions, are set forth at length in this very interest-
ing circular, which breathes thoughout the spirit of Christian
love and charity.
From the minutes of the Church Diet we also learn, that our
delegate, the Rev. Benjamin Schneider, D. D., was in attend-
ance upon the sessions of the Diet, that he presented the greet-
ings of the German Reformed Church in America to the Diet;
that he was most cordially received as he has also already re-
ported to us, and that our Christian salutations and feelings of
interest and love were most fully and sincerely reciprocated by
our brethren beyond the waters.
The whole of the documents placed into our hands, breathe
a most Christian spirit. They furnish evidence, that our
fathers and brethren in the fatherland are earnestly, energeti-
cally and devotedly engaged in diffusing the leaven-like, trans-
forming power of the kingdom of Christ into every sphere and
every relation of life. These things are truly refreshing, and
the pious zeal and devotion of these brethren to the cause and
kingdom of our common Redeemer, furnishes a truly impres-
sive example, and one which calls upon us to double our dili-
gence in the same cause.
God has greatly blessed the labors of our trans-Atlantic
brethren, which is to us a source of gratitude to our heavenly
13
Father; and they deserve, as they also desire, our continual
sympathies, and prayers.
In conclusion, your committee would recommend the adop-
tion of the following resolutions:
1.) Resolved, That the circular letter referred to above, be
read before this Synod, and that it be published in our Minutes,
according to the principle adopted at the last Synod.
2.) Resolved, That this correspondence with the German
Church Diet be continued; and that to this end a committee be
appointed for the present year, with instructions to send to the
Church Diet a letter of greeting, giving a full statement of the
state and progress of our Church in this country; and also to
send a delegate, if an opportunity present itself.
3.) Resolved, That the officers of Synod be authorized to fur-
nish any delegate, which the above committee may appoint,
with proper credentials.
Respectfully submitted,
JOSHUA H. DERR, Chairman.
The following persons were appointed the committee of cor-
respondence called for in the second resolution of the above
report: Rev. Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D., Joshua H. Derr,
Benjamin Bausman, John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., John S.
Kessler, D. D., and Elders Rudolph F. Keller and Goldsbor-
ough S. Griffith.
The following are the communications from Germany refer-
red to in the preceding reports:
A LETTER FROM THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH DIET.
Reverend Fathers and Brethren :
We have received, with heartfelt gratitude, your communi-
cation of the first of April last, in addition to the Minutes of
your Synod, which met in October, 1857, at Allentown, Le-
high county, Pa. We are gratified to learn that your work is
carried forward with unanimity and success, and that your
field of labor is continually extending. In the former, we have
an evidence of your fraternal fellowship with us in the spirit
of our Lord and Saviour, and of the zeal with which you strive
to promote and extend in all directions, the spiritual life and
faith of your congregations. We regard among the evidences
of your activity, the publishing of a new German IIymn Book
and the founding of a Theological Tutorship. We have receiv-
ed the intelligence of these your endeavors, with additional in-
terest, inasmuch as they are a response to similar efforts on our
part, designed for the same end, and are, therefore, calculated
to strengthen the tie which already binds your Church to ours.
We confidently hope that your preparation and adoption of
a special religious service for the formal reception of German
3
14
immigrants into your congregations, will further contribute to
the cementing of this union. Since you have received this
form into your Liturgy, we can only yet express the desire that
it may be used and practically applied, in the spirit in which
it was composed and published. In like manner we continue
our efforts to dismiss emigrants with appropriate religious ser-
vices, and have urgently recommended this practice to the dif-
ferent Ecclesiastical Governments. The societies amongst us,
which educate and send ministers to the West of North Amer-
ica, to gather the Evangelical Germans there into congrega-
tions, we endeavor to bring into more intimate connection with
the larger German Churches of the United States, with the
conviction that by this means they can gain a firmer foot-hold
and a more secure foundation.
At the meeting of the Church Diet held in September last, we
had the pleasure of seeing your delegate present, Dr. Schneider
from Aintab, Syria. You will see from our published proceed-
ings forwarded to you, how diversified our discussions have
been this time; yet in spite of these there was a unanimity of
spirit, which was peculiarly refreshing. The cordial address
of your delegate, who was about to return to his Syrian con-
gregations, gave evidence of the vital spiritual communion of
Christians on both sides of the Ocean, and the reply of the Pres-
ident of the Church Diet, invoking God's blessing upon him on
his journey, met with the warmest approbation of the numer-
ous assemblage.
We cannot inform you as yet of the time and place for the
next meeting of the Church Diet. As soon as this matter shall
have been definitely decided, we will apprise you of it.
We
should be gratified if you could again send delegates to our
next meeting, who could tell us more in detail of the extent of
your Church, and of the internal and spiritual condition of its
congregations.
In the meanwhile, you will doubtless receive our letter of
December 31, 1857, besides a copy of the proceedings of the
Church Diet convened in Stuttgardt; as also our third report,
entitled, "Blicke in das Arbeitsfeld für die innere Mission," for
the years 1855 and 1856, which we trust you have honored with
an examination at the last annual meeting of your Synod held
in Frederick, Md. You will observe from this third report,
what manifold activities and duties devolve upon us, and how
concerned we are in our sphere of labor to excite a more gener-
al participation in the correspondence and connection we have
formed with your body. We have continued without interrup-
tion to carry forward our work in its various departments,
especially also in behalf of the emigrants to North America.
Our missionary, pastor Ostertag, has labored with unwea-
ried diligence among the Evangelical Germans in Rotterdam,
and sought to gather them into a fixed congregational organ-
15
ization. The more formidable and trying the obstacles which
intervened, the more welcome and grateful was his labor to the
numerous German emigrants which annually streamed through
Rotterdam, on their way to the New World. After laboring
for three years and a half, he was relieved in September last
by pastor Schwarz, whom we have called thither to carry for-
ward the work so nobly begun. We commend this work,
which we have commenced and hitherto, supported at a great
sacrifice, to your special sympathy. We hope that this may
furnish a new occasion to strengthen the bond of fellowship
between us and our brethren in the faith beyond the Ocean.
We have continued to labor for the sanctification of the Sab-
bath. A fervent zeal has been awakened in many places, for
the better observance of the Lord's day, so that the Councils
of Church and State have found it necessary to revise or review
the existing Sunday-laws. Thus our Government measurably
co-operates with our Evangelical people, to create a sense of the
necessity for a more general Christian obscrvance of the Sab-
bath day, as the Lord requires it in His word. The special
Conference held in Hamburg on this subject, submitted to us
propositions to support this object, which will aid us in its fur-
ther and successful development.
The distribution of bibles to wedding couples is becoming a
general custom, and is a cheering evidence of the love our peo-
ple have for the Word of God, to excite and promote which,
shall continue to be our unfaltering aim. We deem the con--
ference of delegates from the German Bible Societies held at
the Church Diet of Stuttgardt and Hamburg, important aux-
iliaries for this end. They have mutually agreed carefully to
restore the revised and common text of Luther's translation of
the Bible. The work of revision has been committed to the
Reverend Consteinischen Bible Institute of Halle, whose edi-
tions of the Scripture are most extensively circulated. They
have already procured the services of several distinguished
linguists, eminent for their Christian scholarship. The foun-
dation has thus been laid and the initiatory steps taken for the
execution of this arduous and important enterprise. The
ready co-operation and promised support of the principle Ger-
man Bible Societies, will help to accelerate the completion of
this work, though at best not without much time and toil.
This cause, likewise, deserves the regard of the German Evan-
gelical Denominations in North America, in the circulation of
the Bible among their congregations.
-
The cause of Temperance, which offers a vast field of labor
for Inner Missions, at present receives the attention of our State
Authorities. We have done all in our power to show the Ad-
ministrative councils of Government, the importance of enact-
ing laws prohibiting the retailing of liquor, the prolific source
of intemperance among the lower classes, and that its use be
·
16
[
1
restricted to cases of absolute necessity. These efforts have
not been without success. The cause has not only received
the vigorous support of the representative councils of Prussia,
but likewise of the State chambers of other States and Gov-
ernments. Besides, ecclesiastical corporations, impelled by
existing Temperance Societies, have done their part to check
intemperance. Already the most blessed results are seen.
The number of tap-houses is steadily decreasing, and liquor has
been banished from circles where its use was formerly regarded
as an inoffensive habit.
The Christian young men and apprentice associations con-
tinue to receive increased attention. The general tendency
and inclination to association and fellowship, is directed into
the proper channel by these societies. We have published a
work: Ein Wort zu und über die Jünglings-und Gesellen-
Vereine," which we have circulated among them. It contains
a summary of their history, and of the main design of their
founding, direction and development. Besides this we have
published the second edition of the "Addressbuch für Hand-
werks-gesellen," in which pretty nearly all these societies of
Germany are given, and the names of those persons who have
volunteered to counsel and assist travelling apprentices. In ad-
dition to the addresses for Holland, France, England and Switz-
erland, the book also contains those of the members connected
with the Young Men's Association of North America and its
branches, a feature which entitles it to the notice of the Ger-
mans in your country. We have taken the liberty to send you
several copies of these two publications.
The es-
The reforming of the lodging system for travelling apprenti-
ces, is closely related to the foregoing associations. The
houses where traveling apprentices usually board and lodge,
are the abodes of beastly and unrestricted corruption
tablishing of new lodging houses on a Christian basis, will at
least partially counteract the evil influences of these purlieus of
vice, and aim at their final suppression. We have labored for
some time to arrange and support better and purer houses for
these young craftsmen. We have them already in successful
operation in Bonn, Berlin, Stettin, Frankfort on the Otter, Go-
tha, Zurich, etc. It is our ardent wish to see their number in-
ereased and to have a care that they be known and visited by
those for whose benefit they were founded. With a view to
this end, we have induced the two largest associations, the
Rhenish-Westphalian and the Eastern, which has its centre in
Berlin, to record our list of addresses, lodging houses, etc., in
the journals which they give to their members.
We have seen fit, beloved Fathers and Brethren in the Lord,
to give you the foregoing account of the progress of our mani-
fold labors: Wo might yet dwell on other channels of our ope-
rations, of which our third report treats in detail. But we will
17
•
close, so as not to weary you, asking for a letter of reply, con-
taining a statement of the effective powers, aims and results of
the congregations composing your Synods. In our earnest en-
deavors in behalf of the general objects of Inner Missions, it
would be very gratifying, as well as of great service to us, to
ascertain to what extent and for what objects, the interest for
the manifold activities of Inner Missions, has been created in
your congregations, and the measure of success attending its
prosecution. We believe that in your congregations too, the
cause of Temperance has its advocates; that the sanctification
of the Sabbath has been a subject of your earnest consultation
and reflection; that the spread of Christian publications and
other objects of similar import, are zealously promoted, and
it will be a matter of great importance for us to know more
about these in detail.
We have recently received interesting intelligence from the
far West, respecting houses of refuge which are said to exist
there. We desire to know more about them, and will aid in
making them more generally known, by publishing such news
as may be communicated to us in "den Fliegenden Blättern
aus dem Rauhen House." Should you have similar or kindred
Institutions in your Church, whether for educational purposes,
or for the training and nursing of the sick and afflicted, com-
munications on the subject would be extremely gratifying to us.
We pray that the Lord, who has formed the bond of com-
munion between you and us through His Spirit, may also keep
and preserve it to our mutual invigoration and strength, that
we may labor faithfully to build up His Kingdom in the spheres
of action He has assigned us, through the proclamation of His
Gospel. To this end may His richest blessing rest upon your
annual ecclesiastical assemblies, and may He graciously own
all that you there discuss and transact in His name. May He
fill you with wisdom and enlighten your eyes that you may
understand His counsel; may He protect and shield your con-
gregations and their pastors. Among you and us, on both
sides of the Ocean, may His promise be fulfilled more and
more, of the one fold under the one Shepherd.
Berlin and Hamburg,
January 31st, 1859.
The Central Committee for Inner Missions of the German
Evangelical Church.
2
DR. WICHERN.
BIERNATZKI.
་
2
18
CIRCULAR LETTER FROM THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON INNER MIS-
SIONS OF THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH DIET OF GERMANY.*
To the Agents and voluntary Correspondents, as well as to the Asso-
ciations and Institutions connected with the Central Committee :
الم
The appointment, in the beginning of November of last year,
of the former President of the Central Committee on Inner
Missions of the German Evangelical Church, Dr. von Bethmann
Hollweg, to the office of Minister of Public Worship, Instruc-
tion and Medical Affairs, was attended with the consequence
for our association, that he was compelled by the duties of
his station, to resign, the presidency of the Central Committee,
which he had hitherto filled.
Duly honoring the overwhelming reasons for this determina-
tion, we were compelled to yield to this as to an inevitable
step. The Lord has laid his blessing upon the faithful co-labors
which our late President devoted, ever since its founding, du-
ring a period of now ten years, to the Central Committee. In
grateful remembrance of this, we addressed to him the urgent
solicitation not to dissolve entirely the bond between him and
us, but that he might, released from the duties of the presiden-
cy and of actual membership, not renounce the privileges of
the same, and that he might continue his connection with the
Central Committee in the character of an Honorary President.
To this our solicitation we have received an assenting answer,
attesting the further undiminished heart-felt interest of His
Excellency, the Minister von Bethmann Hollweg, in our labors;
and it redounds to our inmost joy to be able, by this means, to
communicate to our agents, correspondents, and especially
those societies and institutions, which have attached themselves
to our Central Committee, as well as to our friends elsewhere,
the information of this to them certainly also grateful and joy-
bringing result of this negotiation.
With the occurring of this vacancy in the post of President of
the Central Committee, the duty devolved upon us of taking
measures for filling it again. In connection with this we called
to mind,that already with the first institution of the Central
Committee, in the year 1848, the heart-felt wish was cnter-
tained among many of us, in more extended circles, that Dr.
Wichern, whose views as to the sphere of Inner Missions in the
Evangelical Church in Germany, expressed at the first Church
Diet of Wittemberg, gave the living impulse for the meeting of
the Central Committee, should be at the head of the same and
should assume its direction. Only considerations which had
their reason in external circumstances prevented this wish from
being accomplished. These considerations no longer exist to
the same extent. There existed no longer any hindrance from
returning to the earlier thought, and the members of the Cen-
* Translated by the committee of Synod.-Stated Clerk.
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19
tral Committee have, therefore, unanimously resolved, to re-
quest the Chief Counsellor of the Consistory, Dr. Wichern, now
to assume the presidency of the Central Committee. Dr. Wich-
ern has accepted this position; and, whilst we herewith like-
wise make this publicly known, we commend him and his
labors to the love and intercessions of all Christian friends.
The Central Committee will continue, with the help of the
Lord, and upon the basis of its approved regulations, consci-
entiously to discharge its assigned duties. Our work is a free
service of love for the advancement of Christ's kingdom; it rests
in the faith of Him who alone is the way, the truth and the
life; it belongs to the oppressed and imperilled, to the most
wretched and forsaken in the bounds of our German evangeli-
cal Christianity; it belongs to our people, to whom also belong
the promises of the living God. As far as God has hitherto
granted grace, that we might, if even in humble part, dig new
wells, or re-open dilapidated ones, in fields of our national life,
which had become unfruitful, or were lying waste, we have
cheerfully laid our hands to the plow without looking back.
Our work has been a work of serving in obedience to Him, who
came, not that he might be ministered unto, but that he might
minister. He has opened unto us a wide door. From the
most opposite sides, from the most various circles, in and out
of the fatherland, unto the remotest bounds of the German
tongue, beyond the Eastern and Western Oceans, has this ser-
vice hitherto been called into requisition. Through the bless-
ing which God has granted to us, many others have become
awakened to a similar free work of love. In wide communi-
ties the consciousness has been revived, that the work of sa-
ving love belongs to the Church, which is not ashamed of con-
fessing her eternal Head. Frequently it has become possible
to prepare the way for official spheres, in which the blessings
of Christian order and morals might be more deeply engrafted
upon the national life. In families, schools, congregations and
the most varied institutions for the care of children, the sick,
the poor, prisoners and the necessitous of every kind, has the
Inner Mission, as being the activity of the compassionating
love of God, found a thousand fold home. Many more objects,
however, are not, and many more still are not nearly, accom-
plished. The experience of the first ten years of labor, has only
disclosed to us more deeply and more widely the existing dis-
tresses, and has only more clearly brought to light the old and
new, inner and outer difficulties, which oppose themselves
against the unfolding of the powers of faith in works of Chris-
tian saving love. Besides problems known to all, new ones
continually crowd forward and wait for solution. In addition
to this, the manifold opposition to the Gospel in general, and
against the free service in the same in particular, has become
deeper, and has anew and more strongly armed itself. The
5
20
·
days of conflict are not past. We stand much more in the midst
of the same.
Thus looking to the past and to the future, we praise God
for his unspeakable gift. We praise Him, that in all our con-
flicts he has not permitted our faith to waver and fail. Yea,
he has also now established it anew, joyfully and with an as-
sured hope to obey him, and to stand ready for a further ser-
vice among the brethren Fervently do we beseech Him for the
grace of his Spirit for such a work. With confidence we also ap-
pear in the circle of our old and tried friends, and with the same
feeling we look forward to new friends and fellow laborers, for
help. We entreat them (and we hope-not in vain) for a con-
tinuance of their confidence in which we were permitted, un-
der the late management, to rejoice. We ask also of wider
communities their help and assistance in intercessions and offer-
ings of love. These will continue to be for us a strengthening ev-
idence of the graciousness of our God. May the Lord, with whom
we enter confidently, under such changed relations, upon the
second decade of our labors, lead us continually into a deeper
knowledge of his word, and guide and govern us according to
his pleasure.
Berlin and Hamburg,
February 1st, 1859.
The Central Committee for Inner Missions of the German
Evangelical Church.
WICHERN, VON MUEHLER, STIEHL, HOFFMAN, HERTZ, VON TIP-
PLEKIRCH, A. ABENDROTH, V. BISMARK-Bohlen.
II. REPORTS OF DELEGATES TO CORRESPONDING BODIES.
Synod of the German Reformed Church of Ohio and adjacent
States.-The following report was received from the delegate
to this body:
Your delegate to the Synod of Ohio and adjacent States would
offer the following as his report:
To comply with the duty assigned him, he attended the an-
nual sessions of said Synod, which were held in Fairfield, Green
county, Ohio, from the 19th of May to the close of its sessions
on the following Tuesday evening. He met with a cordial re-
ception from his brethren in the west, and his intercourse with
old and new friends was both pleasant and profitable. He was
much pleased with the fraternal feelings manifested towards
the brethren in the east, and with the earnest desire still more
and more to strengthen the friendly relations now existing be-
tween the Eastern and Western portions of the Church.
The Synod had much business, part of which was of great
importance, to transact, and disposed of it in the spirit of love
and harmony.
One of the most important items claiming the attention of
4
21
Synod, was the subject of Home Missions. This subject receiv,
ed the earnest attention of Synod, and the discussion was deep-
ly interesting The statements of the different missionaries-
and especially those of the general Superintendent of Missions,
in regard to the destitute condition of hundreds and thousands
of our brethren, excited the sympathies of all, and prompted
cach one to pray, more earnestly, "Lord, send forth more la-
borers into the vineyard." The entire western world, is a vast
missionary field, capable of sustaining a population of many
millions of souls. Thither tens of thousands from the eastern
States are annually wending their way, and hundreds of thou-
sands from the kingdoms of the old world are settling in among
them. Here is opportunity enough to do good. Let us hear
the words of the Apostle, "As we have opportunity let us do
good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the house-
hold of faith."
The brethren in the west manifest a commendable zeal and
activity in pushing forward the interests of the Church in their
bounds. Their Agent, Elder H. Leonard, is quite successful in
his mission, and is encouraged to believe that, by the blessing
of God, he will ere long, be able to raise a fund sufficiently large
to endow their Institutions. The work of the Lord is prosper-
ing in their hands. Their churches are multiplying, and their
membership increasing in numbers, as well as growing in piety,
liberality and devotedness to the cause of their Master. Do
they not, in this, put many of us to shame? Things seem to
promise well for the future growth of the Church in the west.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE WOLFF.
German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania.—Tho
following report was received from the delegate to this body:
Your delegate, secundus, to the German Evangelical Luther-
an Synod of Pennsylvania, which convened in Lebanon, on the
11th of June, 1859, begs leave to report:
That he attended to his duty. He was kindly received by
that reverend body, and cordially invited to participate in the
deliberations and discussions of Synod.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN W. HOFFMEIER.
General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.-No report
was received from the delegate to this body.
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.-The following
report was received from the delegate to this body:
The undersigned, appointed by the Synod of Frederick to
*
22
to represent it at the annual sessions of the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church, in Wilmington, Delaware, in May
last, respectfully reports,
That it was his privilege to discharge the duty assigned him,
during a portion of the sessions of said body. The cordiality
with which he was received and the courtesy extended to him,
indicated the kind feelings entertained by that important
branch of the Church for this Synod, and the ecclesiastical in-
terests it has in charge. And I am happy to be the bearer of
its kind Christian salutations to the Church which I have thus
had the honor to represent.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. A. BOMBERGER.
III. APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATES TO CORRESPONDING BODIES.
The following persons were elected delegates to Correspond-
ing bodies:
To the Synod of Ohio and adjacent States.-Rev. Henry Har-
baugh, primarius, and Rev. Charles F. McCauley, secundus.
To the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania.—
Rev. John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., primarius, and Rev. Thom-
as H. Leinbach, secundus.
To the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.-
Rev. Philip Schaff, D. D., primarius, and Rev. Daniel Y. Heisler,
secundus.
To the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.-Rev Dan-
iel Zacharias, D. D., primarius, and Rev. Elias Heiner, D. D.,
secundus.
IV. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS RELATING TO CORRESPONDENCE.
The committee appointed to correspond with the Pastoral
Conference of Switzerland and the Reformed Conference of
Germany, submitted the following report, which was adopted:
The committee of correspondence with the Pastoral Confer-
ence in Switzerland and the Reformed Conference of Germany,
beg leave to report as follows:
From the report of the committee made one year ago, the
Synod is aware, that the duty assigned the committee has been
attended to. Inasmuch as no official reply has been since re-
ceived either from Switzerland or Germany, the committee were
unable during the past year to do any thing further in the mat-
ter entrusted to them.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN S. KESSLER, Chairman.
23
The following report was received from the committee ap-
pointed by the last Synod, to reply to the letter of the German
Evangelical Church Diet:
The committee appointed by the Synod of last year, to pre-
pare an appropriate reply to the letter received from the offi-
cers of the Evangelical Church Diet of Germany, beg leave
hore with to state,
That, in consequence of the excited state of feeling about the
war on the Continent of Europe at the time, the Central Com-
mittee of that body issued a notice, that no meeting would be
held in 1859. Consequently the duty assigned us was not at-
tended to.
In behalf of the committee,
B. S. SCHNECK, Chairman.
The report was adopted, and the committee continued.
On the morning of the second day of the sessions, the Rev.
George A. Lyon, D. D., delegate from the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church, took his leave of Synod in a brief but
appropriate address, the kind sentiments of which were cordi-
ally responded to by the President on behalf of Synod. The
Rev. Charles A. Hay, D. D., delegate from the General Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Rev. Henry Wil-
liard, delegate from the German Reformed Synod of Ohio and
adjacent States, took their leave of Synod in similar circum-
stances, the former on the morning of the sixth, and the latter
on the afternoon of the seventh day of the sessions.
ARTICLE X.
Minutes of Classes.
The Committee on Minutes of Classes reported. Their re-
port was taken up item by item, amended and adopted; and is
as follows:
The Committee appointed to examine the Minutes of Classes
present the following as their report :
1.) IRREGULARITIES.
1. The Classis of New York is unwilling to assume its in-
debtedness to the Contingent Fund of Synod of $20,00, as they
consider the proportion too high. They have also resolved,
that, after an investigation of their minutes, the claim of $48,-
00 should be reduced to $28,00; but they fail to state for what
object this amount is claimed of them, and by whom.
2. The Classis of Goshenhoppen specified as one of its items
at a special meeting, the "transaction of such business as might
i
24
be deemed necessary," contrary to Sect. II., Art. 12 of the
Constitution.
3 The Classis of East Susquehanna dispensed with the in-
stallation of the Rev. C. Z. Weiser.
4. The Maryland Classis, at a special meeting, received an
elder as a member of Classis, whose credentials had not been
received at the regular meeting.
II.) REQUESTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
1. The Classis of New York asks the aid of Synod in behalf
of the newly organized congregation in Rahway, New Jersey,
which labors under pecuniary difficulty.
2. The Classis of Goshenhoppen again requests Synod to en-
join upon certain brethren of the Classes of East Pennsylvania
and Philadelphia to refrain from interfering in the charges of
brethren, and also preaching in congregations served by sus-
pended ministers of Classis.
3. The Classis of East Susquehanna calls the attention of
Synod to the necessity of having our English Hymn book en-
larged by the addition of more hymns, together with the inser-
tion of the Constitution of the Church.
4. The Classis of Maryland requests Synod to make its next
annual meeting a General Synod.
5. The Classis of Mercersburg requests Synod to take pre-
paratory steps towards a proper celebration of the third centen-
nial of the formation and adoption of the Heidelberg Catechism,
which will take place in 1863.
6. The same Classis recommends to Synod to order the pre-
paration of a critical standard edition of the Heidelberg Cate-
chism in the original German and Latin, together with a revis-
ed English translation and a historical introduction, to be pub-
lished in superior style, as a centennial edition in 1863.
7. The same Classis recommends to Synod, as another con-
tribution towards such a centennial celebration, to order the
preparation and publication of a digest of the Minutes of Synod,
presenting a complete, yet condensed constitutional history of
our Church in this country, from the first Synodical meeting
in 1746, to the present time.
8. The same Classis requests Synod to substitute in the sta-
tistical tables the word unconfirmed members, for the title bap-
tized members.
9.. The Classis of East Pennsylvania directs the attention of
Synod to the fact, that the Classis of Goshenhoppon did not
pay due regard to certain resolutions forwarded to them by the
Classis of East Pennsylvania, through the Stated Clerk.
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25
III.) APPEALS
1. An appeal to Synod by the Rev. D. Weiser from the de-
cision of the Goshen hoppen Classis at a special meeting in Berks
county, in reference to its reception of the Pennsburg congre-
gation.
2. An appeal to Synod by Mr. Levi L. Jacoby, in behalf of
the congregations served by Mr. Simon K. Gross, a suspended
minister, from the decision of the Goshenhoppen Classis, given
at its annual meeting in Riegelsville, Bucks county, touching
the refusal of the Classis to restore the said Simon K. Gross to
the functions of the ministry.
IV.) SUBJECTS REFERRED TO CLASSES.
1. The Classes of Mercersburg, East Pennsylvania, East
Susquehanna, Zion, Lebanon and Clarion, have decided in fa-
vor of the formation of a General Synod for the whole Church.
The first named Classis, however, desires a modification in the
proposed plan.
The Classes of Lancaster, Philadelphia, New York, Goshen-
hoppen, Maryland and Virginia are opposed to it, although
several of them express themselves in favor of the main fea-
tures embodied in the proposed plan.
2. The Classes of Philadelphia, New York, Lancaster, Gosh-
enhoppen, East Susquehanna, Zion, Lebanon, West Susquehan-
na and Clarion, are opposed to any change in the title of the
Church. The Classes of Philadelphia and Maryland are in fa-
vor of the change. The West Susquehanna Classis has taken
no definite action in the matter.
V.) LICENSURE, ORDINATION, RECEPTIONS AND DISMISSIONS.
The Classis of New York have examined and ordained the
Rev. Oscar Lohr, formerly a missionary in India, and installed
him pastor of the united churches of Elizabeth city and Rah-
way.
The Classis of Zion ordained the Rev. Theodore P. Bucher.
The Classis of Goshenhoppen licensed and ordained Mr. A.
L. Vaughan; dismissed the Rev. W. T. Gerhard to the Classis
of Lancaster, and received Rev. D. Rodrock from the East
Pennsylvania Classis.
The Classis of East Pennsylvania dismissed the Rev. D.
Rodrock to the Classis of Goshenhoppen, and ordained Mr. F.
Strassner.
The Classis of East Susquehanna dismissed Rev. H. Miller to
the Classis of Mercersburg, and ordained the Rev. J. W. Stein-
metz.
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26
The Classis of West Susquehanna received Rev. C. H. Lein-
bach from Zions Classis, and the Licentiate P. A. Swartz, from
the Mercersburg Classis; ordained Messrs. P. A. Swartz, Hor-
ace Daniel, and Henry C. Ileyser, and dismissed Rev. Henry
Aurand to the Central Synod of Pennsylvania of the Evangeli-
cal Lutheran Church.
The Classis of Clarion received Rev. F. Netcher from the Zions
Classis and Rev. F. W. Dechant from the St. Josephs Classis.
The Classis of Virginia received Rev. George W. Aughin-
baugh from the Classis of Mercersburg.
The Classis of Maryland received Rev. Walter E. Krebs and
John W. Kuelling; ordained Mr. Henry J. Comfort; dis-
missed Rev. Andrew P. Freese to the Presbytery of Catskill,
(O. S.), and Rev. P. S. Davis to the Classis of Philadelphia,
and suspended Rev. Frederick A. Herzberger from the office of
the Gospel ministry.
The Classis of Lebanon received the Rev. Samuel Miller from
the Mercersburg Classis.
The Classis of Mercersburg received the Rev. Benjamin Baus-
man from the Classis of West Susquehanna, the Rev. Aaron
Wanner from the Miami Classis of the Synod of Ohio; the Rev.
John G. Wolff from the Classis of Virginia; the Rev. Joseph S.
Loose from the Classis of Zion; dismissed the Rev. Rev. George
W. Aughinbaugh to the Classis of Virginia; the licentiate Mr.
P. A. Schwartz, to the West Susquehanna Classis; the Rev.
Samuel Miller to the Classis of Lebanon; the Rev. Aaron Wan-
ner to the Classis of Miami, Ohio Synod; licensed Mr. P. A.
Schwartz, C. Beecher Wolff, and licensed and ordained Mr.
Jeremiah M. Mickley.
The Classis of Philadelphia received the Rev. P. S. Davis
from the Classis of Maryland; dismissed the Rev. John Gan-
tenbein to the Classis of East Pennsylvania, and licensed Mr.
Emanuel Boehringer.
The Classis of Lancaster received Rev. John Naille from the
Classis of Goshenhoppen
The Classis of Zion dismissed the Rev. C. H. Leinbach to the
Classis of West Susquehanna.
VI.) ANNUAL MEETINGS OF CLASSES.
The Classis of New York will meet in the city of New York,
on the first Wednesday after Whitsunday, at 7 o'clock, P. M.
Rev. J. F. Busche, President, and Rev. W. Meyer, Secretary.
The Classis of Goshenhoppen will meet in Falconer Swamp,
Montgomery county, on Tuesday before Ascension day, at 10
o'clock, A. M. Rev. W. Philips, President, and Rev. N. S.
Strassburger, Stated Clerk.
27
The Classis of East Pennsylvania will meet in Long Swamp,
Berks County, on Tuesday before Ascension day, (hour not
specified). Rev. J S. Dubs, President, and Rev. J. H. Derr,
Stated Clerk. Copies of Minutes of Synod: 42 German and 13
English.
The Classis of East Susquehanna will meet at Orangeville,
Columbia county, Pa., on the third Thursday in May, at
7 o'clock, P. M. Rev. C. Z. Weiser, President, and Rev. Wm.
Goodrich, Stated Clerk.
The Classis of West Susquehanna will meet at St. Peters
church, Nippanose Valley, Lycoming county, Pa., on the third
Thursday in May, at 7 o'clock, P. M. Rev. J. C. Bucher, Pres-
ident, and Rev. D. G. Klein, Stated Clerk.
The Classis of Clarion will meet at St. John's church, Mer-
cer county, Pa., on Thursday after the first quarter of New
Moon, in the month of June, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Rev. D. B.
Ernst, President, and Rev A. Dale, Stated Clerk.
The Classis of Virginia will meet at Middlebrook, Augusta
county, Va., on Friday before the third Sabbath in May. Rev.
J. H Crawford, President, and Rev. Henry St John Rinker,
Stated Clerk.
The Classis of Maryland will meet at Sharpsburg, Md., on
Friday evening preceding the third Sabbath in May, at 7
o'clock, P. M. Rev G W. Glessner, President, and Rev. W. F.
Colliflower, Stated Clerk.
The Classis of Mercersburg will meet at Chambersburg,
Franklin county, Pa., on the Friday before the third Sabbath
in May, at 7 o'clock, P. M. Rev. B. S. Schneck, President
and Rev. William M. Deatrick, Stated Clerk.
The Classis of Philadelphia will meet at St. Peters church,
Gwynedd, Montgomery county, Pa., on the first Tuesday after
Whitsuntide, at 7 o'clock, P. M. Rev N. Gehr, President, and
Rev. N. S. Aller, Secretary.
The Classis of Lancaster will meet at Millersville, Lancaster
county, Pa., on Friday evening preceding the first Thursday
of May. Rev. J. V. Eckert, President, and Rev. J. W. Hoff-
meier, Secretary.
The Classis of Zion will meet in Newport, Perry county, on
the second Friday in May, at 7 o'clock, P. M. Rev. Jacob
Sechler, President, and Rev. Emanuel H. Hoff heins, Stated Clerk.
The Classis of Lebanon will meet at Orwigsburg, Schuylkill
county, Pa., on the Friday evening succeeding Ascension day,
at 7 o'clock. P. M. Rev. Thomas H. Leinbach, President, Rev.
J. E. Heister, Stated Clerk.
Respectfully submitted,
B. S. SCHNECK, Chairman.
28
··
For the action of Synod on the items reported as Irregulari-
ties, on Request No. 9, and the items reported as Appeals, see
Article XVI, Appeals and References; on Request No. 1., see
Article XIV, Missions; on Request No. 3, see Article XIX,
Publication; on Request No. 4, see Article XXIII, Adjourn-
ment; on Request No. 5, 6, and 7, see Article XXI, Miscella-
neous; on Request No. 8, see Article XII, Religion and Morals.
No action was had on Request No. 2.
For the action of Synod on the items reported as subjects
referred to Classes, see Article XX, Church Government.
The remaining items in the report were approved.
ARTICLE XI.
Examination, Licensure and Ordination.
Application was made in behalf of Messrs. J. Henry Dubs
and George E. Addams, from the Theological Seminary at
Mercersburg, the former for licensure and ordination, and
the latter for licensure. They were referred to the Committee
on Examination, Licensure and Ordination.
Application was also made in behalf of the Licentiate Eman-
uel Boehringer, for ordination as missionary among the Ger-
mans at Norfolk, Virginia. His application was referred to
the same Committee. This committee submitted the following
report, which was adopted:
The Committee on Examination, Licensure and Ordination,
beg leave respectfully to report,
That they attended to the duty assigned them and would
recommend Joseph H. Dubs and George E. Addams for licen-
sure, and the former, together with Emanuel Boehringer, for
ordination, Mr. Dubs as assistant of the Rev. Joseph S. Dubs,
and the latter as pastor of the Mission Church in Norfolk, Va.
Respectfully submitted.
J. H. A. BOMBERGER, Chairman.
ގ
The officers of Synod were appointed a committee to conduct
the services connected with the ordination of Messrs. Dubs
and Boehringer, with such aid as they may be able to secure.
They were also authorized to furnish Mr. George E. Addams
with a certificate of Licensure upon his signing the formula as
required by the Constitution.
The officers of Synod, who were appointed a committee of
ordination, submitted the following report, which was adopted:
The officers of Synod appointed to ordain Messrs. Emanuel
Boehringer and Joseph H. Dubs report,
29
That they attended to the duty assigned them. The young
brethren were solemnly ordained to the work of the holy min-
istry on last evening in the German Reformed church. In the
necessary absence of the President, the remainder of the
committee called to their assistance the Rev. Joseph S.
Dubs. The sermon was preached by the Rev Samuel R
Fisher, D. D., the ordination service was conducted by the Rev.
A. H. Kremer, and the young brethren were addressed in the
German language by the Rev. J. S. Dubs.
Respectfully submitted.
A. H. KREMER,
SAMUEL R. FISHER.
Oct. 24th, 1859.
Mr. Boehringer was placed under the care of the Classis of
Maryland, Mr. Dubs under the care of the Classis of East Penn-
sylvania, and the Licentiate Mr. Addams under the care of the
Classis of Mercersburg.
ARTICLE XII.
Religion and Morals.
The Committee on the State of Religion and Statistical Re-
ports, reported. Their report was received, amended and
adopted, and is as follows:
Fathers and Brethren in the Lord:-It is pleasant, after a year
of somewhat lonely toil in our separate fields of labor, to meet
in general assembly, together review our labors, and, whilst
the sufferings and the sorrow are left behind, contemplate with
humble and grateful joy the fruit we have gathered. Hither
we come as those who bear good news to one another. In our
fields of labor we but see the building, at which we are work-
ing, half hid in the scaffolding-and often only that small part
at which we build-whilst in the midst of rubbish and the fears
of friends and the noise of foes, we toil that order may rise out
of confusion; but here, as from a high place, we are permitted
to catch a glimpse of the fair and full proportions of that glori-
ous structure, the foundations of which are laid firmly and far
back in the silent past, in the erection of which it is our highest
honor, with prophets, apostles and martyrs to bear an humble
part, and into whose courts it will be our highest joy to enter
fully at the coming, and in the kingdom, of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ.
Here then, let us rejoice together in the Lord our strength
and salvation; and when, as the best introduction to our re-
port, in view of our weakness, we call to you: "Lift up your
30
hearts," you will all from the heart respond: "We lift them
up unto the Lord." And when, remembering all the loving
kindness and mercy of the Lord, we further say:
"Let us give
thanks unto the Lord our God;" you will as heartily answer:
"It is meet and right so to do.'
The Classical reports present the results derived from facts
contained in the parochial reports. It is our duty now to com-
bine and present these results in such a way as to give a pic-
ture of the progress of the Church as a whole during the year.
To do this we shall aim to make prominent such points in our
defects and our progress as are made prominent in the Classi-
cal reports-giving greater prominence always to that which is
made most prominent in the largest number of the Classical ro-
ports. This will bring before us the ruling factors which have
wrought in our religious life during the year. It will indicate
also the still working influences which we have inherited from
previous years, and clearly show in what tendencies we are
apprehended, and in what direction we are growing as a
Church.
First of all, a large number of the Classical reports furnish
evidence that there is a very general waking up to a higher
appreciation of covenant relations and all the duties and privi.
leges growing out of them. This the reports expressed in
general terms by assuring us, that there is an increased atten-
tion to the means of grace as furnished in the instituted ordi-
nances, and to be enjoyed in the public worship of the Church.
This general declaration is abundantly sustained by particulars
furnished in the reports.
One Classis reporting the baptism of over one thousand eight
hundred children during the year, says: "the baptism of chil-
dren is not only attended to with more apparent pleasure, but
the importance of baptism as an ordinance of God is also more
deeply realized." The same testimony, in substance, is given
by other Classes. It is clear that higher ideas of the benefits
signed and sealed in holy baptism are taking possession of the
minds and hearts of our pastors, parents, and members gen-
erally. The word of the Lord seems to come powerfully to
our churches, saying, as of old: "Thus saith the Lord; If yo
can break my covenant of the day, and my convenant of the
night, that there should not be day and night in their season;
then may also my covenant be broken." This our ministers
and people hear and behold that all our trust, peace, joy, hope
and success spring from the faithfulness of a covenant God.
In proportion as the true nature of baptism is appreciated, will
catechetical instruction be valued. All the Classes testify that
interest in this duty and privilege of the Church is decidedly
on the increase. Not only are pastors and parents more
awake to it, but there is on the part of the young a growing
•
31
willingness and desire to accept its advantages; and the con-
sequence is that, in the language of one of the reports, "The
number of those who are received into the Church by the
solemn rite of confirmation is not only larger, but what is bet-
ter, they are being better qualified for Church membership."
Another Classis and one most isolated in its geographical
position from the traditional spirit and customs of the Church,
and most surrounded by the pressure of other views and feel-
ings than those peculiar to our Church, says: "The catechiza-
tion of the young, and their instruction in the truths of the
catechism and the Scriptures, have received a large share of the
attention and constituted an important part of the work of the
brethren during the past year; and it is an encouraging fact
catechetical instruction is growing more and more in favor with
the membership, and especially with their children."
Another Classis says: "Catechetical instructions are not
merely attended by the youth of the Church, but also by the
members, and thus, in many instances, these instructions have
become a regular service to congregations. The result of these
labors, to some extent, at least, is apparent from the large and
respectable classes which have been added to the Church by
the solemn rite of confirmation." Similar language is used by
all the Classes.
This growing estimation of covenant relations, and the love
of holy baptism and catechetical instruction as necessary re-
sults, work favorably upon the family. Parents see how the
Church includes the family, as well as themselves, in its warm
bosom; they feel a support beneath and around them stronger
than their own individual faith and exertions; they are led to
regard their baptized children as young Christians already ad-
mitted into the Christian Church and distinguished from the
children of infidels and unbelievers; they see their work to be
to train them up in the Lord as well as into the Lord, in grace
as well as into it; they see that it is their privilege and com-
fort to assure their covenanted children that the covenant is
the sure basis of their hopes, and feel free to encourage them
to accept fully what is already theirs by the covenant of a faith-
ful God, and to assure them that they have the surest and best
warrant as children, for claiming all the promises and all the
grace which they need in order to grow up to the stature of
Christians. They can teach them, what it is their joy and
comfort to learn, that, from their washing in baptism may and
does begin the renewing of the Holy Ghost, and that it is only
by wickedly despising and willfully wandering from this grace
that they finally perish. This furnishes at once the true basis
and the highest motive to family piety-and especially the
early piety of children. It is but natural, that the reports
should speak of a solid and encouraging progress in the sancti-
32
fication of the family life, and its better consecration to the in-
terests of the Church and of true piety.
As better views of baptism have wrought favorably for cat-
echetical instruction, confirmation, and pious family life, so
better views of the nature and benefits of the Holy Supper of
our Lord have been attended with like precious fruits. It bas
been a standing complaint and regret in our reports for years,
that the difference between members and communicant mem-
bers has been by far too great to be accounted for on the
ground of absence from the Lord's table by providential cir-
cumstances. It is the unanimous testimony of the Classical
reports that this difference is fast decreasing. One Classis re-
porting 6,105 members, though presenting the sad fact that
there have been still, "according to the statistical table, 800
members absent from this most comfortable supper of our
Lord;" yet it is their pleasing duty to communicate the fact
that, by comparing the year ending, with those gone before,
there is an improvement that gives ground for great joy.
Another Classis, where this evil has perhaps been hitherto
greater than in any other-though still reporting, in a mem-
bership of 16,686, the absence of 4,601—gives the encouraging
intelligence, that "the attendance on the sacrament of the al-
tar has been very good, as a general thing, and the great evil
in our churches, which we have so often deplored-the great
dispoportion between communicants and non-communicants-
is steadily diminishing, as the statistical report will show."
The report well adds; "This we regard an important item,
evidencing an agreeable advance in the spiritual state of our
churches."
The sacrament of the altar, holding as it does, a central and
fundamental place in the system of grace, and being, as bread
to physical existence, the staff of the spiritual life, a growing
love for it indicates most surely a deep, solid and healthy
growth of the heavenly life in the members of Christ's body.
The neglect of this sacrament, so far as it still exists, amongst
us as a Church, we ought to deplore as in sackcloth and ashes!
The evil is deeply felt by the Classes; and pastors and churches
are earnestly reminded to labor without weariness for its speedy
removal. The churches ought to permit no uncertain sound to
cover the awfully selemn import of our Saviour's words:
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the
Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you."
It is the working of this same spirit of faith in the divine
institutions of grace which has awakened the Church to the
necessity of a proper use of its discipline. Respect for the sac-
raments works respect for the keys. In proportion as the
sacraments are valued are they guarded-the more sacred and
holy the precious treasure is thought to be, the more diligent
33
will the Church feel it to be its duty to cry, "Hence, O hence,
ye profane !" And from all who would come, it will require
works meet for repentance.
Hence it is but natural, that we find in the Classical minutes
much more general, and more earnest reference to the subject
of Christian discipline. The keys as discipline, are regarded-
as they should be according to our Catechism, as we are not
only taught in direct words, but still more strongly by the fact
that the doctrine of the keys is placed in the second part of
the Catechism, and thus set forth as a means of deliverance
from sin-as a means of grace; and its exercise a pure spiritu-
al and gracious power for the upbuilding of the Church, as well
as the awakening and conversion of the unworthy and wicked
in the Church.
One Classis remarks, that, among "the several points which
were made prominent in the parochial reports," and which are
regarded as "highly important to the success of pure and un-
defiled religion within our bounds, the first is the subject of
discipline. It is manifest from the reports that the mixed.
character, which has always marked the Church on earth, con-
tinues to reveal itself. To save us from unnecessary fear and
despondency, our blessed Saviour foretold, that we might always
expect to find both wheat and tares within the enclosure of
the Church There is consequently an internal struggle con-
tinually going forward within its own bosom. It is very gen-
erally felt, however, that, in order to possess the requisite
strength and power to combat successfully the opposition of
the world without, and to make due progress, it is not only
important, but absolutely necessary, that the power of the keys,
entrusted to the authorities in the Church, should be faithfully
employed. The Church must judge those that are within; and
only as she does this in the fear of God, can she expect the
blessing of her Lord and Master. There is a very general feel-
ing that discipline should be more faithfully enforced in the
Church; and while great prudence and wisdom are recommend-
ed, yet it is felt that no fear of man, nor time-serving spirit,
should be allowed to prevent the faithful discharge of this
solemn duty." The Classis farther says: "That it regards
the sentiments expressed on this point in the parochial reports
as timely, and urges upon each pastor and the eldership to give
special attention to this subject in time to come. One serious
difficulty in the way of the discharge of this duty is to be found
in the low views so generally entertained in this age in regard
to Church authority. It is believed, however, that laxity of
discipline is one of the causes of this very difficulty. Let the
Church exercise its high and holy authority in the name of
Christ, and men will be led to feel its force more and more.”
Another Classis says: "We are sorry to say, that it became
necessary for some of our ministers to excommunicate some
2
3
34
during the last year. Church authority had almost disappear-
ed; its revival, we think, is an omen of great good. We think
it is a sign of good when those who are unworthy are thus
strenuously dealt with. It is a proof that the majority of the
people are still jealous for the honor of their God, and of His
Church."
Still another Classis, after deploring the unworthy lives of
some who profess and call themselves Christians, and speaking
of the necessity of discipline, adds: "We rejoice to be enabled
to report, that, both the ministry and laity begin to manifest
more zeal and desire to carry out our Master's design in this
direction. Still, on account of a certain degree of timidity, on
the part of those who are in authority, to exercise the functions,
and a want of proper information on the part of the people, this
key of the kingdom of heaven is not used as effectively in our
midst as is desirable for its own ends." This same subject, is
dwelt upon in the same spirit by two other Classes.
As growing out of the same tendency toward our true ge-
nius and venerable Church customs, the product of the same
Church life on the ground of which we have presented and
explained the facts already referred to, we find mention made
of a growing regard and love for the festival days and seasons
of the Church. One of the Classes says, "The pulpits of our
churches were not merely occupied on the Lord's day, but the
Church-days have been properly observed, services having been
held according to the order of the Church for such days. A
marked change has taken place in this respect for good." The
sacred seasons of holy communion connected with Christmas,
Easter and Whitsuntide, are beginning to win the favor and
love of our churches, as the true seasons for special and
protracted services. The very need felt by pastors and peo-
ple for seasons of special and protracted public worship, loudly
calls for a restoration to their original honor and use of the
festival days. Where these are restored the people find an im-
portant want met, and the churches are revived and blest. We
find it but natural, that the same Classis which reports the resto-
ration of the festival days and seasons, should afterwards say, as
it does: "The external growth of this Classis has been gradual
and steady. None of the so called extraordinary efforts have been
resorted to. The regularly appointed means of grace have
been used to lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes."
It ought to be remarked also that this Classis is the one lying
farthest West, and, therefore, most isolated from the body of
the old German settlements, where the traditionary feelings in
favor of the festival days are still strongest, and where their
full restoration to their ancient honor might be most easily
effected. This fact may serve at once as a reproof and an en-
couragement to older Classes in other portions of the Church.
Though in some portions of the Church the sacred use of the
35
festival seasons had never been entirely lost; yet there is room
everywhere for bringing them, far more effectually than has
yet been done, into the service of steadfast and vigorous piety.
As
Where the institutions of Christ are honored, and the means
of grace furnished through his glorious merits and mediation
are diligently and devoutly used, there the blessed gift of the
Holy Ghost, the gift of gifts, will be graciously bestowed, and
only then, since He shall not speak of Himself, but will always
take of the things of Christ and show them to the people.
Christ and the Spirit are one in essence, so are they one in
ministration. We do not wonder, therefore, to find that the
fact is prominently and gratefully acknowledged, that the
presence and power of the Holy Spirit has been, in many in-
stances, realized in our churches, awakening life, renewing souls
more and more into the image of God, enlightening and com-
forting believers in works and worship, in their duties and
privileges.
So also has Christ revealed Himself in our churches as the
Spirit of true charity. Love between the different members of
the body of Christ is represented as existing and increasing.
A number of reports refer to this as a prominent fact. There
is also a growing disposition to love, not in word only, but in
deed and in truth. Hence an increased interest is making
itself evident in the benevolent work of the Church. Our
churches give not only more than heretofore, but they give
more cheerfully, more intelligently, and from higher motives.
The feeling, that giving to the Lord is a means of grace as truly
as any other one divinely instituted, is beginning to take firm
hold of the minds and hearts of the people.
When we bear in mind, that these interests, which we have
now brought forward from the Classical reports, are all of cen-
tral significance, that they are all ruling elements in the proper
genius and life of our Church, and that they are all represented
as growing in favor with the churches, and bringing forth their
blessed results, we have great ground of encouragement, and
reason to look forward with a vigorous hope to a still brighter
and better future.
As a general thing, the Classical reports bring us the happy
intelligence, that the lives and health of our ministers and el-
ders have been precious before the Lord. Yet some of our
Classes come to us in mourning. Not only have several prom-
inent and worthy elders been carried away, but death has also
invaded the ranks of the ministry. The Mercersburg Classis
has followed to the grave our brother the Rev. T. C. Hoffeditz,
who had been compelled years ago to retire from the active duties
of the ministry, but who, in a retired sphere, patient amid
much suffering, pursued his way toward the crown which is
now given him in Heaven. The Clarion Classis mourns the loss
of the Rev. Francis Netcher, who, young in years, and young
36
in the ministry, was thus early counted worthy of being taken
up. The Classis of Zion announces the departure, at an advanc-
ed age, of the venerable father, the Rev. John Reinecke. His
labors are ended, he rests in peace. But heavier still has the
stroke fallen on the venerable Classis of East Pennsylvania.
At the head of the Classical ministerial list of last year stand
the names of Rev. Theodore L. Hoffeditz, D. D., and Rev. Ja-
cob C. Becker, D. D. The Classis will place them there no
more! Their death, though referred to in the last annual re-
port, it is still thought proper here officially to announce and
affectionately to commemorate. Their lives were long and
eventful; and they were permitted to labor and to be useful to
the very last. Short to them was the distance between the
labors of the Church militant and the rest of the Church trium-
phant. During their ministry, these venerable servants of
Christ were permitted to impress and encourage thousands in
the divine life, and when "taken away from our head," thou-
sands in the Church looked after them, crying in heart: "My
father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen there-
of!"
Though our Fathers and Brethren are thus taken away one
by one, we may still rejoice in the blessed communion of all
saints in Christ Jesus the Head "wherein he giveth us also to
have part." They still sustain a comforting relation to us as
part of the cloud of witnesses by which we are compassed about,
and who still regard us who are yet in the conflict. May our
faithful Saviour, whose we are by covenant and whom we serve
in much weakness, but still sincerely, enable us to follow their
faith, that we may enter at death into their joy.
Respectfully submitted,
H. HARBAUGH, Chairman.
[For Statistical Report, see Appendix.]
The following resolution was adopted :
Resolved, That the several pastors be requested to read this
report from their respective pulpits.
The Classis of Mercersburg, as reported by the Committee
on Minutes of Classes, requested Synod to substitute in the
Statistical tables, the title Unconfirmed Members for that of
Baptized Members.
It was
Resolved, That this request be granted, and the Stated Clerk
instructed to make the change accordingly.
The following religious exercises were observed during the
sessions of Synod:
37
1.) The sessions of each day were opened and closed with
religious exercises.
II.) A committee consisting the Rev. Daniel Gans, John H.
A. Bomberger, D. D., John Beck, and Elders William Heyser
and Rupolph F. Kelker, was appointed to propose the order
of the religious exercises usually observed at the commence-
ment of the annual sessions of Synod. This committee sub-
mitted the following report on the afternoon of the first day
of the sessions, which was adopted:
Your committee on religious exercises beg leave to report as
follows:
We suggest
1.) That one hour this afternoon, commencing immediately
after the opening of Synod and the adoption of this report, be
devoted to purely devotional exercises, and that the President
of Synod preside over the meeting.
2.) That Friday afternoon, from 3 to 5 o'clock, be devoted
to exercises similar to those had at the last meeting of Synod,
and that the committee have further time to prepare the topics
for discussion.
Respectfully submitted,
DANIEL GANS, Chairman.
in accordance with the recommendation contained in the
foregoing report, the Synod engaged in devotional exercises.
After the singing of a hymn, prayer was offered by the Rev.
Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D. Remarks were then made by the
President, after which prayers were successively offered by
the Rev. John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., and Elder William
Heyser, the singing of a Hymn intervening.
The afternoon of the third day of the sessions, from 3 to 5
o'clock, in accordance with the recommendation of the above
committee, was devoted to the discussion of religious topics.
The discussion was introduced with singing and prayer, by
the Rev. Charles F. McCauley. The several topics proposed by
the committee were discussed in the following order: The first
topic, Public Prayer and Social Meetings, was taken up. The Syn-
od was addressed by the Rev. John S. Foulk and Henry Har-
baugh. After the singing of a hymn, the second topic, The duty of
the Church to prepare her children for early confirmation of their bap-
tismal vows, was considered. The Synod was addressed by the
Rev. Charles Cast and Franklin W. Kremer. After the singing of
a hymn, prayer was again offered by the Rev. Amos H. Kremer.
The third topic, The Catechism in the Sabbath School, was taken
up. The Synod was addressed by the Rev. Isaac S. Demund,
Elias Heiner, D. D., and Elder William Heyser. Another
hymn was then sung, and prayer again offered by the Rev.
Thomas C. Porter. The fourth topic, Church Unity, was final-
38
ly taken up. The Synod was addressed by the Rev. John H.
A. Bomberger, D. D., and Moses Kieffer, Ď. D. The services
were closed by singing the first verse of the German Te Deum,
Nun danket alle Gott! and prayer by the Rev. Emanuel V.
Gerhart, D. D.
The powers of the committee on the order of the religious
exercises, were so enlarged as to constitute them a committee
on supplies for the various pulpits in the place. The commit-
tee announced at the proper time the various appointments
they had made in this capacity.
III.) On every evening during the sessions of Synod, a sermon
was preached, or some other religious exercises were observed.
On the morning of the Sabbath, the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper was administered in the German Reformed church, the
preparatory exercises to which were observed on the previous
evening. Preaching was also had on Sabbath afternoon and
evening. The pulpits of several religious denominations of the
place were filled by members of Synod on Sabbath morning
and evening.
ARTICLE XIII.
Theological Seminary.
I. REPORTS OF THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES AND VISITORS.
a.) Report of the Board of Trustees.
The following report was received from the President of the
Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary:
To the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States:
DEAR BRETHREN-It becomes my duty, as President of the
Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary, to submit to
you their annual report.
The Church at large still feels the effects of the financial
crisis, so disastrous in its consequences, crippling almost every
branch of enterprise, and crushing, in a great measure, the in-
creasing prospects of a more enlarged benevolent effort in our
Church. It was hoped by the friends of our institutions, that,
ere this, they would be fully endowed, and that our Missiona-
ry and Benevolent enterprises would be in the receipt of ample
funds to secure a more rapid and extensive enlargement of our
beloved Zion. Notwithstanding the pressure, which has been
every where felt, our Treasurer reports an improvement from
the receipts upon Bank dividends. These institutions have been
recovering more rapidly from the general shock, than the com-
munity at large.
The embarrassment growing out of this crisis, followed by a
general failure of crops, has greatly impaired the ability of the
39
Church, and thus operated against securing a larger amount
through ordinary collections.
The payment of interest upon Plainfield Bonds has fallen off
greatly. There is now due upon them a large amount of in-
terest. The longer it remains unpaid, the greater will be its
accumulation, and consequently more difficult to collect. Some
provision should be made to ensure a more regular and uniform
payment of these interests. Upon their payment, the Treas-
urer is enabled to meet his engagements to the Professors.
There remains still unpaid, a large balance of the old debt,
which has so long troubled the Church. With the revival of
business and an abundant crop coming into market, it is
hoped, with God's blessing, that this will be speedily cancelled,
our benevolent operations enlarged, and our beloved Zion en-
abled to arise and extend herself over the destitute portions of
our-country.
From the accompanying report of the Treasurer, it will ap-
pear, that he has received into the treasury from all avail-
able sources, the sum of $2,149,09. There was expended du-
ring the same period $2,195,69, showing a balance due him of
$46,50. Upon the Synodical apportionment fund $512,32 were
received, and $553,56 expended in the payment of debts and
interest, showing a balance due the Treasurer on this account
of $41,24. If the apportionment, which was made among the
different Classes for the payment of the debt, had been paid,
it would have all been cancelled. The amount still due upon
the apportionment will appear from the Treasurer's report.
The Seminary buildings, as appears from the report of the
committee on repairs, are in much better condition now, than
they were last year. The necessary repairs have cost about
$200. They, however, require a still further expenditure to
put them beyond a suffering condition. Buildings of this kind
necessarily require constant attention; otherwise they speed-
ily fall into a state of dilapidation.
Your Board most earnestly looks forward to a better day,
and hope you may be able to devise the ways and means, so
necessary to insure happiness and prosperity in the Church.
To you the Church looks as the embodiment of wisdom and
piety, the representative power, which, by its enactments, gives
force and influence among sister denominations. In the hope
that the great Head of the Church may smile upon your leg-
islation, and cause all your deliberations to result to the glory
of God and the good of our Zion, this report is
Respectfully sumbitted,
WILLIAM HEYSER, President.
October 14, 1859.
The following is the Treasurer's report accompanying the
above document
40
GENTLEMEN :-I herewith submit my account current with
the Theological Seminary for the current year, ending Oct.
1st, 1859.
The account will show some improvement on last year in
the receipts of dividends on bank stock, but no increase in the
receipts for interest on Plainfield Bonds. There is a consider-
able sum backstanding of interest on Plainfield Bonds, which,
if it could be collected, would materially aid us in the payment
of the current expenses of the Seminary; but all our efforts to
collect these sums have proved unavailing. We propose du-
ring the coming year again to send out bills to all delinquents;
as this course considerably enlarged the receipts on a former
occasion.
The receipts from the Synodical Apportionment fund are
$512,32, showing a falling off on former years. One Classis
has paid its apportionment in full of the principal assessed by
Synod. Several others have nearly paid theirs; but there are
a number who have scarcely made an effort to collect their
apportionment.
One half the amount assessed by Synod is still due to credi-
tors of the Seminary, and the interest upon it is yearly aug-
menting the debt.
We would again urge upon the Board to present this matter
to the approaching meeting of Synod, and enforce upon them
with urgent appeals to bring up the delinquent Classes to the
payment of their apportionment. What has been so easily ac-
complished by some of the Classes can be as easily accomplish-
ed by others. We hope there will be no relaxing of effort un-
til this old debt has been completely and finally cancelled.
We annex a statement of the amount assessed upon each
Classis, the amount paid, and the amount still due:
Virginia Classis,
Lebanon
(6
Susquehanna "
Philadelphia "
Mercersburg "
66
Zions
((
East Penn'a. "
Maryland
Lancaster ((
Goshenhop'n."
New York (6
Apportioned.
$300,00
650,00
700,00
650,00
760,00
600,00
800,00
575,00
505,00
500,00
75,00
Paid.
$105,00
206,00
602,71
173,25
647,60
596,15
296,30
588,20
121,50
220,00
$3,556,71
$6,115,00
Respectfully submitted,
Still due.
$195,00
444,00
197,29
476,75
112,40
3,85
503,70
383,50
280,00
75,00
$2,571,49
GEORGE BESORE, Treasurer.
41
Theological Seminary of the German Reformed Church, in account
with GEORGE BESORE, Treasurer.
1859.
$18,00
ZIONS CLASSIS.
Rev. D. Gring 6, Christ church, per Rev. J. Sechler 12, 18,00
Samuel Zeller $6, D. C. Hammond 12,
CR.
Interest on Plainfield Bonds.
MARYLAND CLASSIS.
MERCERSBURG CLASSIS.
Haderman & Dittmar 3, Dr. B. C. Wolff, No. 4, 12, No.
10, 3, Yellow creek 9, Rev. T. Fouse 6, Isaac Rhodes
3, N. Gruber 6, Russell's cong. 4, S. R. Fisher 6,
Hon J. Cessna 12, Waynesboro' cong, 6,
WEST SUSQUEHANNA CLASSIS.
Rev. W. R. Yearick 6, J. & G. Hoffer 12, Mifflinburg
cong. 6, J. F. Pontius 6, Rev. C. H. Leinbach 6,
VIRGINIA CLASSIS.
Martinsburg charge 6,
John Balliett 3,
Rev. T. C. Porter 12,
EAST SUSQUEHANNA CLASSIS.
Rev. J. D. Zehring 6,
LANCASTER CLASSIS.
EAST PENNSYLVANIA CLASSIS.
J. Rader 6, W. H. Lawall 6, J. P. Hetrick 6,
T. & S. Deshler 6, R. Kortz 6,
OLARION CLASSIS..
Rev. L. D. Leberman 10,
LEBANON CLASSIS.
Dividends and Interest.
Kieffer fund,
Keller fund,
Farmers' & Mechanics' Bank,
Philadelphia Bank,
Farmers' Bank of Reading,
Lebanon Bank,
Girard Bank,
Chambersburg Bank,
Hagerstown Bank,
Interest on investment 1852 to 1858,
14
?
Principal of Plainfield Bonds.
Rev. S. H. Ried, amount of note $50, J. Balliett, 50.
Balance due Treasurer
70,00
36,00
6,00
3,00
12,00
30,00
10,00
6,00
$570,00
450,00
116,00
81,00
34,20
189,00
43,74
192,00
36,80
127,35
$209,00
$1,840,09
100,00
46,50
$2,195,59
42
To Balance from last year,
Cash to Dr. P. Schaff,
"Cash to Dr. B. C. Wolff,
"Treasurer's Salary paid for keeping books,
"Permanent investment,
Recording mortgage, postage, etc.,
66
Synodical Apportionment Account.
CR.
MARYLAND CLASSIS.
Emmittsburg charge $9,75, Frederick city 53,76, Bal-
ance from Rev. D. Gans, per Mr. J. Rodenmayer 9,86 $73,37
ZIONS CLASSIS.
Rev. C. H. Leinbach 15, Rev. J. Sechler 15, Rev.
D. Ziegler 20, Rev. A. H. Kremer 25, Rev. D.
Gring 20, Rev. J. Ziegler 15, Rev. E. H. Hoff-
heins 10, Rev. S. Kuhn 10, Rev. W. C. Bennett
5, Rev. D. Riegel 10,
DR.
GOSHENHOPPEN CLASSIS.
Rev. N. S. Strassburger, Pottstown 60, Rev. D. Weiser 45, 105,00
PHILADELPHIA CLASSIS.
Race St., Phila., Rev. J. H. A. Bomberger, 13,75,
LANCASTER CLASSIS,
Hummellstown charge, per Rev. M. A. Smith 34,
WEST SUSQUEHANNA CLASSIS.
Rebersburg charge 20, Rev. D. G. Klein 7, do. 5, do. 5,
EAST SUSQUEHANNA CLASSIS.
Rev. E. Kieffer 16,60, Rev. I. Schellhammer 17,10
EAST PENNSYLVANIA CLASSIS.
Rev. C. G. Hermann, Treas. from Rev I. K. Loos,
32,50, Rev. I. K. Loos 17,50, Rev. D. F. Brendle 3
LEBANON CLASSIS.
Rev. H. Wagner, 5,
MERCERSBURG CLASSIS.
Shippensburg charge, per Rev. F. A. Rupley 12,50
Balance due Treasurer,
DR.
145,00
Balance from last year
To amount paid Treasurer of Franklin and Marshall
College, on account of note of $2,000 and interest,
To amount paid Dr. P. Schaff on account of back-
standing salary,
13,75
34,00.
87,00
33,70
53,00
5,00
$3,56,
300,00
$65,59
750,00
12,50 $512,3%
41,24
$553,56
250,00-
1,175,00
100,00
100,00
5,00
$2,195,59
$553,56
43
b.) Report of the Board of Visitors.
The following report was received from the Board of Visî-
tors of the Theological Seminary, and referred to the Commit-
tee on the Theological Seminary:
To the Synod of the German Reformed Church :
DEAR BRETHREN-The Board was organized immediately
after its appointment, during the sessions of Synod at Freder-
ick, by the choice of Rev. J. Rebaugh, President, Rev. F. A.
Rupley, Secretary, and Rev. S. R. Fisher, D. D., Treasurer.
Some unimportant items of business were transacted, in ad-
dition to the organization of the Board, prior to adjournment.
No other meeting was held until the 19th of July. A summons
from the President brought the Board together at Mercersburg,
to attend upon the examination of the students at the close of
the Seminary year. A reasonably full meeting was had on
that occasion—and business dispatched with becoming atten-
tion. The examination was intersting. It was conducted by
Drs. Wolff and Schaff, according to the expressed wish of the
Board, by alternate hours. In the nature of the case, it could
not be as thorough as could have been desired, from the limit-
ed time the Board could devote to it, and the numerous stu-
dies in which the different classes had been instructed. Yet,
in those branches upon which they were examined, the stu-
dents acquitted themselves, for the most part, to the satisfac-
tion of the Board.
The internal condition of the Seminary is rather more pros-
perous now, than when the Board was called upon to make its
last annual report. A few more students have been in atten-
dance upon the lectures of the Professors. Still, the Board
laments greatly that the number is not increased so as to be
commensurate with the great and growing wants of the
Church. The disposition noticed in our last annual report, of
young men to leave the institution after pursuing a meagre
Theological training, and against which Synod was invoked to
take decided action, the Board is happy to say does not exist
to the same degree as formerly. The action of the Board, fol-
lowed up as it was by the carnest determination of Synod, it is
thought, has had a most salutary effect in counteracting this
great and growing evil. Most of the young men in connection.
with the Seminary, are there with the determination to carry
forward all the studies of the course to its completion. This
is as it should be. Still, there may occasionally bo exceptions
to this rule, in which, from particular circumstances, some may
be allowed to go forward into the Church without fully having
complied with the requisition of Synod in this respect-yet it
is the earnest desire of the Board to seek its fulfilment in so
far as possible.
Q
44
The following gentlemen have been in connection with the
Seminary the past year, viz: George E. Addams, Philip A.
Schwartz, Wm. M. Řeily, A. B. Kremer, Thomas C. Leinbach,
Josiah May, L. J. Mayer, J. M. Mickley, Henry Musser, E. D.
Shoemaker, J. H. Wagner, G. R. Zacharias, J. B. Kershner, J.
Henry Dubbs, and Geo. B. Dechant. Mr. Dechant brought a
regular dismission from the Union Theological Seminary of
New York, where he had studied two years. Mr. Kershner is
a graduate of Pennsylvania College. Those who entered in
October, 1858, are graduates of Franklin and Marshall College.
Messrs. Schwartz, Reily and Mickley, after having been regu-
larly licensed to preach the Gospel, left the institution at the
close of the winter term, two of them to take charge of con-
gregations-Mr. Reily to carry on his studies at the University
of Berlin. The remaining twelve are still in connection with
the Seminary, two of whom, George E. Addams and J. Henry
Dubbs, having complied with the regulation of the Board re-
quiring a full course to be pursued prior to dismission and re-
commendation for licensure, were accordingly dismissed for
this purpose. The general progress of the students in study is
reported by the Professors to have been commendable.
Acting as a Board of Education, very little can be reported
to Synod beyond the dry details of receipts and expenditures.
The Board had under their care twenty-six beneficiaries during
the past year-who have received the full allowance accorded.
Besides this, two other individuals have received partial aid,
by vote of the Board. The receipts and disbursements, togeth-
er with the present state of the Treasury, will be exhibited by
the officer having charge of the funds. Enough is known al-
ready, to warrant the Board in asserting, that as a Church,
we are far, very far, from carrying forward this good-this
great cause as vigorously as we should. The fact is, we are
now far behind our efforts in this direction many years ago.
Instead of occupying this humiliating position among the
Churches of the land, we should go forward with earnestness,
seeking gradually to excel our former efforts, until the waste
places of our Zion shall be made glad by a living ministry, un-
folding the great truths of the Gospel. The Board take no
pleasure in parading this humiliating fact before the Church.
And yet faithfulness demands that the whole truth should be
made known. Funds-adequate funds-to a vigorous prose-
cution of the ends of our organization are withheld from the
Board by the Church. And without this necessary equivalent
the Board is powerless. The wants of the Church may be
pictured in the most glowing colors-waste places may be dis-
covered-exploring missionaries, with great zeal and much sac-
rifice, may spy out the land and prepare it for future cultivation.
-But why all this, when the demand among us already for
45
The
ministers, exceeds by far our supply? Surely, with the in-
creasing demands of our rapidly extending country, the living
ministry should be made to keep pace with the great flow of
emigration as it rolls onward and forward over the broad plains
of the West. And yet as a Church, we are scarcely moving
forward with sufficient momentum to maintain our own ground
creditably and meet the growing and increasing wants of our
people in the older States-to say nothing of the new.
Board regrets this state of things exceedingly. No other rem-
edy is known, than for the churches to come up to the work
prayerfully and earnestly, and give the Board proper evidence
of a disposition to sustain them in a more vigorous prosecution
of the work in future, and there is no doubt that in a few years
a different state of things will exist. The truth is, an examina-
tion of the Treasurer's statement will disclose the fact, that, for
the most part, the contributions to this cause come from our
comparatively youthful and poorer charges and congregations.
It is true, some of the older congregations figure conspicuous-
ly in the list-such as Race street church, Philadelphia, Easton
and Lebanon. To them we would accord all honor. While
they have done well, there is still great room for doing better.
Yet while we single out a few of the older congregations as
showing a commendable zeal, in support of the Board, it is
with mingled feelings of surprise and regret, that we record the
fact, that so little is done for this enterprise by others, long es-
tablished, large and wealthy congregations. The 1st church,
Lancaster, Frederick, Reading, Harrisburg and Baltimore, are
merely mentioned as evidences of this fact.
The Board would call the attention of Synod to a fact which
perhaps is not sufficiently apprehended since the removal of
our College to Lancaster. It is this. While the College was
at Mercersburg, the Board had all the students under their
care, for the most part under their immediate and particular
control. In their Spring and Fall meetings, frequent confer-
ences could be had with the students; their attainments and
advancements noted their general conduct scanned; but, by
the removal of the College, the greater number of those under
the care of the Board being in the different classes of the Pre-
paratory school and College, makes it out of the power of the
Board to act as efficiently in the way of watchfulness over the
spiritual interests of the students as is to be desired. The
more particular business of the Board is to attend to the affairs
of the Seminary. The seat of its operations is Mercersburg.
This then, makes it exceedingly difficult to act in a double
capacity of Board of Visitors and of Education at one and the
same time-while in fact these two interests are separate
and distinct; especially since the removal of the College to
Lancaster. It is true, the Board deputes the Treasurer occa-
܀
46
sionally to visit Lancaster and superintend its affairs for them.
But the Board, as a Board, has not yet met in that place.
Now, it is felt by the brethren, that justice to themselves and
the Church, demands that greater vigilance and care should be
exerted over the young men, passing through the different
stages of an academic and Collegiate education preparatory to
their entering the holy ministry, than they can possibly be-
stow. These young men are to be our future watchmen. They
are to stand upon the high places of our Zion. And to do so
with honor to themselves. and acceptably to the Church, their
spiritual attainments must be duly guarded. The Board would
venture to suggest to Synod the propriety of divorcing, for db-
vious reasons, the duties of an Education Board from that of
the Board of Visitors. Let a new Board of Education be es-
tablished,the seat of whose operations shall be Lancaster. Let
the general oversight intellectual and spiritual-of the stu-
dents, be entrusted to this Board—and in all other respects, let
this Board be constituted so as to meet the wants and wishes
of the Church surely and efficiently. Perhaps with this change,
a greater degree of energy and zeal might be infused into the
churches in behalf of this cause.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN REBAUGH, President.
F. A. RUPLEY, Secretary.
Board of Education of the German Reformed Church, in account
with S. R. FISHER, Treasurer.
1858.
CR.
Oct. 23 By balance at last annual report,
Nov. 3 "Cash from Rev. W. Goodrich,
(6
J. E. Hiester,
"C
J. W. Santee,
H. W. Super,
J. Riale,
T. H. Leinbach,
17
24
Dec. 2
15
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22
223
21
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J. Sechler,
C. Z. Weiser,
J. V. Eckert,
M. A. Smith,
Proceeds of Note,
Rev. E. Kieffer,
Dr. Schaff, Theological Seminary,
T. H. Leinbach,
Carried forward,
·
$213,41
2,00
5,05
3,62
25,00
5,00
5,00
25,00
12,22
4,25
3,06
33,00
1,00
15,00
10,00
296,80
8,00
10,00
5,00
$682,41
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47
1859.
Amount brought forward,
Jan. 12 By Cash from Rev. C. H. Leinbach,
F. A. Rupley,
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15
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March 2
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April 6
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West Susq. Classis, per T. Reber, Treas.,
Rev. W. Goodrich,
Mrs. L., Pittsburg,
Rev. J. Beck,
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Dividend Harrisburg Bank,
Rev. C. H. Leinbach,
(( D. Gring,
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D. G. Klein,
A Friend to the cause,
Rev. F. W. Kremer,
J. H. Loux,
Rev. Dr. B. C. Wolff,
"" C. H. Leinbach.
Widow's mite,
Rev. G. Wolff,
"" I. G. Brown,
J. O. Miller,
D. W. Wolff,
J. D. Zehring,
W. R. Yearick,
Mifflinburg congregation,
Rev. F. W. Kremer,
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D. L., Gettysburg,
Rev. G. W. M. Schultz,
(6 F. W. Kremer,
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East Susq. Classis,
Rev. J. O. Miller,
(6 S. Philips,
(6 L. K. Derr,
A Friend,
J. Laudenschlager,
G. E. Addams,
Rev. A. S. Leinbach,
،، H. Heckerman,
66
S. Philips,
،، S. R. Fisher,
Proceeds of Note,
John Waggoner,
Rev. Dr. Wolff,
66
T. G. Apple,
،، C. F. Hoffmeier,
66
D. Fous,
W. M. Deatrick,
F. A. Rupley,
J. W. Santee,
CR.
W. F. Colliflower,
M. L. Shuford,
H. Wissler,
Carried over,
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​$682,41
10,00
10,00
10,42
51,55
24,00
3,00
15,00
12,00
10,00
20,00
9,00
20,00
44,50
7,50
19,70
5,16
35,28
5,00
10,00
10,00
1,00
15,00
4,50
2,50
24,10
10,00
8,00
63,00
2,00
10,00
16,00
3,93
40,00
26,00
8,23
7,00
5,00
1,00
15,00
20,00
10,00
30,77
5,00
492,16
4,00
5,00
5,00
20,00
15,00
10,00
13,25
6,00
5,00
5,00
13,00
$1,935,96
2
48
1859.
Amount brought over,
June 1 By Cash from Rev. C. Bonekemper,
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July 6
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Rev. D. Y. Heisler,
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Dr. Bomberger,
J. Beck,
H. Wagner.
J. D. Zehring,
A. Wotring,
Rev. J. Zellers,
66 A. G. Dole,
،،
،،
"C
"" E. Kieffer,
Joseph Laubach,
Rev. D. F. Brendle,
"
J. S. Dubs,
""
M. A. Smith,
((
J. V. Eckert,
(6 J. O. Miller,
J. Fritzinger,
W. Goodrich,
J. W. Steinmetz,
Zions Classis,
Rev. T. H. Leinbach,
(4
I. G. Brown,
("
J. H Derr,
66
A. Wanner,
""
W. Goodrich,
""
F A. Rupley,
.. I. E. Graeff,
J. M. Bockius,
Rev. J. E. Hiester,
CR.
" G. W. Glessner,
West Susquehanna Classis,
M. Kieffer & Co., Interest on note, `
Rev. M. A. Smith,
،، D. Weiser, from C. H.,
West Susq. Classis, Treas.,
Rev. E. W. Reinecke,
Jacob Lower,
Dividend Harrisburg Bank,
Rev. S. G. Wagner,
CC A. B. Shenkle,
German Ref. cong., Race street, Phila.,
$1,935,96
105,77
7,83
3,00
10,00
5,00
8,38
5,00
5,00
20,00
100,00
25,00
5,00
7,00
18,50
5,00
12,00
10,00
1,00
2,50
5,14
9,54
6,37
11,75
62
5,00
5,00
13,05
20,00
5,00
20,00
50,00
8,26
9,25
30,00
5,00
2,37
6,75
2,50
5,00
10,50
12,00
61,27
8,63
20,00
5,00
34,67
18,18
25,00
9,00
17,00
24,00
75,00
$2,832,29
49
1859.
DR.
Oct. 18 To amount paid Beneficiaries, as per vouchers,
"Principal on loans,
"Interest on loans,
"Travelling expenses,
Balance in Treasury,
$2,136,57
615,00
19,77
6,50
54,441
$2,832,29
The undersigned, appointed to audit the foregoing account, reports that he
has attended to the duty assigned him, and finds the account correct, show-
ing a balance of 54,444 in the Treasury.
Oct. 19, 1859.
F. A. RUPLEY.
II. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
The following report was submitted by the Committee on
the Theological Seminary, taken up item by item, and adopted:
The Committee on the Theological Seminary beg leave re-
spectfully to present the following report:
1. From the reports placed in the hands of your committee
touching the financial condition of the Seminary, it appears
that the Treasurer of the Seminary still experiences consider-
able difficulty in collecting the back-standing interest on Plain-
field Bonds, and that the debt of the Seminary several years
ago apportioned among the different Classes, though somewhat
reduced, still remains unliquidated. The payment of this debt
at an early period is not only a plain duty, but it has become
an utter necessity. The credit of this Synod is in danger of
being compromised by the neglect of the Classis, to carry out
the recommendation of Synod in paying the apportionment.
The attention of the delinquent Classes has been repeatedly
called to this matter, and yet the desired result has not yet
been attained. Your committee, however, know of no other
way than to continue the appeal to the Classes until the debt
be paid. We recommend, therefore, the adoption of following
resolution :
Resovled, That the delinquent Classes are hereby earnestly
urged to make provision for the payment of their apportion-
ment during the present year.
In regard to the back-standing interest on the Plainfield
Bonds we recommend the following:
Resouled, That the Treasurer of the Seminary be requested,
according to his intention as made known in his report, to con-
tinue issuing bills to all delinquents, and, moreover, that min-
isters in whose bounds such delinquents may reside, be request-
ed to lend all proper aid to the Treasurer in the matter.
2. The report of the Board of Visitors represents the inter-
4
C
50
C
nal condition of the Seminary to be improving. The number
of students is larger than it was the previous year The action
of the Board, backed by certain resolutions of Synod, to in-
duce the Theological students to remain in the Seminary until
they have completed their course regularly, has, in a large
measure, accomplished its desired result. The report com-
plains, however, of the humiliating position our Church is
made to occupy among the churches of the land, by reason of
the paucity of candidates for the holy ministry in our Semi-
nary, and the tardiness of our beneficiary educational opera-
tions. It complains also of a difficulty in exercising proper
supervision over the beneficiary students on account of the
fact, that a portion of them are at Mercersburg where the
Board regularly meets, and a portion at Lancaster. One way
of obviating this difficulty would be for Synod to take measures
for having our literary and Theological Institutions in one
locality. Another method of obviating this difficulty would
be to enlarge the Board of Visitors and Education, so as to
provide for the supervision of beneficiares at both places.
For the present your committee would recommend to the
Board of Vfsitors the propriety of appointing a committee
from their number to exercise some supervision over the bene-
ficiary students at Lancaster in connection with the Faculty
of the College. We would also suggest the propriety of pro-
viding for the preaching of a sermon annually, or at such
stated times as may seem good to the Board of Visitors, to the
candidates for the holy ministry on some subject connected with
the importance and solemnity of their position.
Respectfully submitted,
T. G. APPLE, Chairman.
III. ELECTION OF THE BOARDS CONNECTED WITH THE THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY.
a
The following persons were chosen members of the Boards
of Trustees and Visitors of the Theological Seminary:
Board of Trustees.-William Heyser, George Besore, Henry
Ruby, Joshua Motter, David Zeller, George Cook, Charles Hart-
man, George Shafer, Daniel W. Gross, David Hensell, George
Z. Kunkel, George P. Etchberger, Adam B. Wingert, Barnard
Wolff, Martin Rickenbaugh, James Cushwa, and Dr. John H.
Wintrode of the former Board were retained. In the place of
the one, whose name is omitted, Jacob Shover, of Waynesboro',
Pa., was elected.
Board of Visitors-Rev. Samuel R. Fisher, Daniel G. Bra-
gonier, John Rebaugh, Amos H. Kremer, Charles F. McCau-
51
ley, Henry Harbaugh, Henry W. Super, Samuel H. Giesy, Ja-
cob Hassler, Frederick A. Rupley, Thomas G. Apple, and Jo-
seph W. Santee, the members of the former Board, were re-
elected.
IV MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS RELATING TO THE THEOLOGICAL SEMI-
NARY.
The following report was received from the committee to
prosecute the suit against Ex-Sheriff Duncan of York county,
and the committee continued with instructions to make such ar-
rangements with the attornies in the case, as will secure the
Synod against incurring expense from the delay or loss of the
suit:
The committee of Synod to prosecute the suit against Ex-
Sheriff Duncan of York county, beg leave to offer the follow-
ing as their report :
As yet your committee have failed to bring this suit to a
conclusion. During the past year, however, a new turn has
been given to the affair, leaving us to hope that it may soon be
terminated to the satisfaction of Synod.
Respectfully submitted,
J. O. MILLER, Chairman.
The following report was received from the committee on
the Clopp legacy, and adopted :
The committee continued by the last annual Synod, with in-
structions to obtain an exact copy of the language in the Will
of Mrs. Margaret Clopp, of Philadelphia, making a bequest to
the Theological Seminary, respectfully report,
That they have attended to the duty assigned them. The
following is an exact copy of the language of the Will covering
the bequest, as taken from the original record by a member of
the committee:
"I give and bequeath unto the Trustees of the Theological
Seminary of the German Reformed Church in the United States,
and their successors, the sum of one thousand dollars, to be bý
them invested from time to time, as occasion may require, in
good and productive security, and the income thereof to be ap-
propriated by said Trustees towards the maintenance and sup-
port of necessitous students in said Seminary, who are qualify
ing themselves for the preaching of the gospel ministry under
the German Reformed Church."
The will was made in the city of Philadelphia on the 15th of
February, 1843.
From the report of the Treasurer of the Theological Semina-
ry, as published in the Minutes of Synod for the year 1844, it
3
52
appears, that $666,66 were realized from this legacy, and in-
corporated with the First Professoral Fund. From the lan-
guage of the will, it was clearly the intention of the testatrix,
that the proceeds of this legacy should be appropriated to the
support of necessitous students in the Theological Seminary, and
as it is the duty of this Synod to see that this intention is strict-
ly carried out, your committee would recommend the adoption
of the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Trustees of the Theological Seminary be
requested to direct their Treasurer to appropriate the proceeds
of this legacy since it was funded, and the proceeds thereof
hereafter annually, to the "support of necessitous students in
the Theological Seminary, who are qualifying themselves for
the preaching of the gospel ministry under the German Re-
formed Church," according to the intention of the testatrix.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL R. FISHER, `Chairman.
The following additional resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Board of Education be
instructed to pay over to the Treasurer of the Board of Trus-
tees of the Theological Seminary, the amount of the proceeds of
the above fund to the present date, to enable him to comply
with the direction of Synod, as contained in the foregoing re-
port.
The committee on the Theological Tutorship submitted the
following report, which was received and adopted:
The committee on the Theological Tutorship beg leave to
submit the following report:
Soon after the last meeting of Synod your committee had a
circular printed at the office in Chambersburg, containing the
report on the Theological Tutorship, as adopted by Synod, and
an appeal to assist in carrying the plan into effect by a contri-
bution either in ready money or a note bearing interest from
the first of October, 1859. It was hoped that twenty men
might easily be found within the bounds of our Synod, who,
by a contribution of $500 each, could at once raise the whole
amount, and thus set a noble example of prompt and efficient
`liberality.
More than two hundred of these circulars were mailed to
ministers and prominent laymen of the German Reformed
Church, and in several instances accompanied by private let-
ters respectfully soliciting their cöoperation in this noble and
useful work either in the way proposed by the committee or in
any other manner they might in their judgment deem best, and
to return an answer to the committee before the first of May.
From the zeal and unanimity with which the Tutorship
53
scheme was adopted by Synod, the committee had a right to
expect, that the appeal made in the name and by the authority
of Synod, would be promptly and cordially responded to, so as
to secure the object contemplated before the present meeting
of Synod, without any expense for agency.
But this expectation, we regret to say, was doomed to dis-
appointment. With one or two exceptions only, the circulars
and letters of appeal remained unnoticed. The attempt of one
member of the committee to make personal application in a
few congregations, during the last Spring vacation, was dis-
couraged by the respective pastors, whose consent was first
asked, and by the first of May the prospects of a speedy com-
pletion of Synod's action seemed to have vanished.
Then the committee resolved to send circulars and appeals
to all the Classes at their last meetings, urging them to cöope-
rate in carrying out the wishes of Synod. This attempt, al-
though not as encouraging as might be desired for the credit
of the Church, has at least resulted in partial success. One
Classis which met first, did nobly and assumed four pledges of
$500, including two individual pledges, promising to pay the
interest annually from the time the $10,000 are raised, and the
principal as soon as may be convenient or desirable. Had the
other Classes followed this precedent in proportion to their
strength, the Tutorship would now be endowed and could go
into full operation with the present meeting of Synod. Three
other Classes pledged themselves for $500 each. One or two
Classes placed the matter into the hands of special committees
for future action. But all the other Classes unfortunately
either excused themselves altogether from doing any thing at
present, or contented themselves with commendatory resolu-
tions which promise no tangible result.
The various Classes thus having taken action of some kind
or other on the subject, the committee felt that they had no
right to go any further without new instructions from Synod.
The result thus far attained in the way of pledges, is as fol-
lows:
"6
Classis of Mercersburg, four pledges of $500 each,
East Susquehanna, one pledge,
West
Philadelphia,
""
66
66
66
66
"6
((
Rev. Dr. Bomberger, in behalf of the Race street
congregation, Philadelphia,
500
Rev. Mr. Edmonds, in behalf of the Aaronsburg charge, 500
$2,000
500
500
500
Total amount,
$4,500
If we add a few additional pledges in behalf of the Classes of
Maryland and Lancaster, which have committed the subject of
the appeal of your committee to special committees, with in-
12
54
聱
​structions to secure donations till their next annual meeting,
we may safely say that more than one half of the entire Tutor-
ship fund, as contemplated at present, has been at least condi-
tionally secured since the last meeting of Synod.
Under these circumstances it is to be taken for granted, that
Synod will not stop half way, but vigorously prosecute this
noble enterprise to its final completion.
It now remains for you to devise the ways and means for
this end, and to decide whether the Classes shall be called upon
a second time with positive instruction to help in this matter
according to the measure of their ability, or whether the whole
subject be committed to the care of a special agent, whose du-
ty it shall be to travel over the territory of Synod and to se-
cure the $10,000 in cash or reliable notes bearing interest from
a certain date to be fixed by Synod.
With these suggestions we leave the further disposition of
this matter in your hands.
Respectfully submitted,
PHILIP SCHAFF, Chairman.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved,. That the committee, be continued, and instructed
tn prosecute the object of their appointment in such a way as
they may deem best calculated to secure the end contemplated.
The following report was received from the committee to
cooperate with the Treasurer of Synod in investing the Kieffer
Fund, and adopted:
In compliance with the resolution adopted by the last annu-
al Synod at Frederick, Md., the committee appointed by the
Synod at Lewisburg, Pa., to cooperate with the Treasurer of
Synod in investing the Kieffer Legacy in landed property, re-
spectfully report as follows:
The duty assigned the committee has been discharged. The
money referred to has been safely invested according to the
direction of the testator, and secured by first mortgages on
first class landed property in the vicinity of Chambersburg,
which mortgages are also properly entered upon record in the
Recorder's office of Franklin county, Pa.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL R. FISHER, Chairman.
The committee on the removal of the Theological Seminary,
submitted their report, stating that there were no legal dif-
ficulties in the way of removing the Seminary, and recom-
mending that steps be taken to remove the Seminary to a
55
more eligible place as soon as practicable. The subject was
taken up and fully discussed, at the close of which the following
resolution was adopted as a substitute for the report:
**
Resolved, That this Synod, after mature deliberation, deems it
inexpedient at present, to remove the Theological Seminary to
another place.
No report was received from the committee to draft a
schedule of studies to be pursued by certain beneficiaries and
other candidates for the ministry, who cannot pursue a full
course of studies.
ARTICLE XIV.
Missions.
1.) REPORTS OF THE BOARDS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MISSIONS.
The following report was received from the Board of Do-
mestic Missions, and referred to the Committee on Missions:
To the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States:
DEAR BRETHREN:-The Board of Missions would respectfully
present the following as their annual report:
Under the guidance of the great Head of the Church, the
Board have been enabled to carry forward the work com-
mitted to them, and now at the end of this Synodical year,
they feel constrained to give expression to their grateful feel-
ings, for the blessings which a merciful Father in heaven
has caused to rest upon their counsels and deliberations, and,
more especially, upon the missions under their care. The
Divine presence has manifestly been bestowed upon our mis-
sionaries, enabling them to endure hardships, to sacrifice them-
selves upon the altar of Christ, to bear up under discourage-
ments, and to labor in many cases with apostolic zeal for the
spread of Christ's kingdom on earth. Nor have their labors
been without their proper legitimate result. The missions,
generally, are prosperous, and some more so, some less. This
will appear from the following reports of their condition, pro-
gress, and prospects, individually, in the different States of
the Union.
NEW YORK,
New York City. The Rev. J. F. Busche continues to labor
among the Germans of New York city under many disadvan-
tages, but with much of the self-sacrificing spirit of the true
missionary. His field, in the great commercial emporium of
our country, in the midst of a large German population, is a
56
1
very important one. A decidedly evangelical influence is
needed to counteract the radical and infidel tendencies, which
the immigrants have brought along with them from abroad.
This mission, though, owing to untoward circumstances, it has
not as yet attained to such a commanding position as its im-
portance demands, has, nevertheless, been doing a great and a
good work. During the past year it has been making a grad-
ual progress. The pastor reports that a poor widow, with a
child dependent on her, distressed, because she could not con-
tribute anything to the support of the mission, proposed to
sew for the Church. This gave rise to a Female Missionary
Society, numbering about thirty members, who are actively
engaged in making up useful articles for sale, the proceeds
of which are to be devoted to the liquidation of the debt on the
church. During the year twenty six have been added to the
Church. The numbers of communicants is about 150. In 1854
it was 84. In 1857, 136 The Sabbath school numbers 100,
the parochial 80. $57,25 have been collected for Missions. Du-
ring the previous year the amount was $42,00. The appropria-
tion to this mission is $150 per year. This missionary and mis-
sion truly deserve the sympathy and prayers of the Church.
Rochester. Rev. F. Grosshüsch reports that his congregation.
during the past year has erected a new parsonage, and that
provision has been made to pay for it, with the exception of
$50,00. The church debt has been diminished $100,00. $12,00
have been collected for Missions, the same as last year. Three
additions have been made to the Church. The number of
communicants is about 100. Mr. G. is a laborious pastor; in
addition to his pastoral duties, he has the charge of the paro-
chial school, and this, as well as the circumstances of his peo-
ple, who are generally poor, renders it necessary for him to per-
form pastoral visitation in the evening. He reports that his
consistory manifest a decidedly Christian spirit, and that there
is an increase of devotion among his people. Peace and har-
mony prevail. This mission is looked upon with interest by,
and has received assistance from, noble minded persons in other
denominations, whose sympathies have been enlisted in the
spiritual welfare of the foreign German population in the city.
Owing to the straitened circumstances of their pastor, his ap-
propriation has been increased from $150,00 to $200,00. His
entire income is about $300,00.
·
NEW JERSEY.
Elizabeth City. During the past year a promising mission
has been commenced among the foreign Germans at Elizabeth
city and neighborhood, under the pastoral care of Rev. O. Lohr,
recently from Germany. Mr. Lohr was ordained by the Clas-
sis of New York, and was directed to his present field of labor
by the bretheren of that Classis. Much interest was manifest-
57
ed in his labors among the Germans by ministers and members
of sister denominations, and through their influence a convenient
place for worship was immediately secured. At Rahway, where
he has also been preaching, he has organized a second con-
gregation, and a new church is in process of erection, which,
it is thought, will be consecrated by the 1st of January next.
As the prospect of building up a self-supporting charge seemed
encouraging, he was commissioned on the 1st of January last
with an appropriation of $150,00. He commenced with forty
members, which have increased to eighty seven. He collected
for Missions $7,25.
PENNSYLVANIA.
Hazelton, Luzerne County. The Rev. J. B. Pörner has now been
laboring for his fourth year in a large missionary field in Lu-
zerne, Carbon, and more recently, in Schuylkill counties. Du-
ring this period he has received manifest tokens of the divine
blessing on his labors. He has organized and reorganized
some cight or nine congregations, and been instrumental in
bringing back a considerable number of the members of our
Church, who had been previously served by ministers indepen-
dent of the Synod. During the past year he organized a new
congregation and reorganized another. He has made mis-
sionary tours to Rockport, Whitehaven and other places in the
coal region, and expects to visit several vacant congregations
in Schuylkill county. His field, however, is too large for the
labor of one man, and he accordingly proposes to associate with
him the Rev. W. Gilpin as a colleague, and wishes the Board
to make an appropriation for his support. He serves some ten
or twelve congregations, has as many Sabbath schools, over
three hundred members, and reports thirty eight additions to
his churches, and one hundred and fourteen baptisms. He
collected $16,03 for missions, and $10,00 for the Theological
Seminary. His appropriation is $60,00 per year, which the
Board believes will be returned to the Church at no distant day
greatly increased in amount.
Doylestown, Bucks County. The Rev. A. S. Vaughan was com-
missioned to labor in this field, at the request of the Classis of
Goshenhoppen, on the 1st. of January last. Having been called
to the presidency of Catawba College, N. C., he tendered his
resignation, which took effect on the 1st. of October. It was
received with regret, inasmuch as his field seemed to be most
promising, just at the time he was called to leave it. Mr. V.
represents the prospect of building up a congregation at D. as
encouraging. The material in the town and neighborhood
has been neglected for a long time, but enough of it remains to
form a self-supporting charge in the course of a few years.
Our missionary was in the field only nine months, and was
moreover, under the necessity of teaching school for his sup-
58
port. Nevertheless an interest has been awakened, which need
but be cherished a little longer to bring forth valuable results.
An energetic missionary should be sent to take charge of this
mission without delay. Appropriation $200,00.
Wilkesbarre, Luzerne County. This field, which had been
vacant and in a suffering state for some time, is again occupied
by a minister of the Church. Rev. F. Strassner has been labor-
ing as a missonary under the care of the Classis of East
Pennsylvania since January last. During his nine months of
service, his efforts in gathering together the scattered sheep,
have been crowned with a good degree of success.
He reports
that the means of grace are duly appreciated by the people,
and that an increasing interest has been displayed in carrying
forward the work of Christ in his field. He serves three small
congregations, numbering in all 98 members, and during the
first six months of his ministry, he confirmed 14 and baptized
29. The congregation in Wilkesbarre worship in the lecture-
room, as the church is still unfinished. One thousand dollars
are needed to finish it. If this could be secured, the congre-
gation would have a pleasant place of worship, and the in-
terests of the mission would be greatly promoted. The pros-
pects of this neglected part of the Church thus seem to be again
brightening.
Newville, Cumberland County. The pastor, Rev. D. Hefelfinger
reports that his charge, consisting of three congregations, re-
mains in about the same condition as it was during the previ-
ous year. In one of his congregations a new church was dedi-
cated last Christmas. This has drawn upon the resources of
the charge, and as he alleges, prevented the people from contri-
buting anything to the cause of Missions. As, however, its ten-
dency will be to consolidate the charge, it will doubtless aid in
soon rendering the mission a self-supporting one. Mr. H. has
commenced preaching at a new point, where, it is thought, a
congregetion may be organized in the course of time. He rep-
resents his field as a difficult one to cultivate, owing to the
existence of a noxious sectism, and the great diversity of senti-
ment among the people on the subject of religion. Appropri-
ation $75,00.
Yellow Creek Charge, Bedford county. As intimated in last
year's report, the mission under the charge of Rev. W. M.
Deatrick, became self-supporting on the 1st. of April last. The
pastor has coinmenced preaching at two new points, from which
he expects to receive as much support as he has been receiving
from the Board. During the six months he was under the care
of the Board, he collected for Domestic Missions $45,00, for other
purposes $333,60, total $378,60. During the three years he
was under the Board he received in all $150,00, and his con-
gregations contributed more than three times that amount to
59
1
the different benevolent operations of the Church. Of his own
accord he now withdraws from the Board, that his appropri-
ation may be devoted to the support of missionaries in more
destitute charges. The salary which he expects hereafter to
receive from his charge will hardly amount to $300,00. The
disinterested zeal and activity of Mr. Deatrick and his people
are encouraging to the friends of Missions in the Church and
they should stimulate both ministers and people to make sim-
ilar sacrifices for this heaven-born cause. His case, however, is
only one evidence among others, that the work performed by our
missionaries is one of toil and self sacrifice for the Church on the
altar of Christ. During his six months of service he added to
the Church 9 and baptized 13. Last year he added 6 to the
Church and baptized 36.
Pittsburg. This mission, under the care of its energetic pastor,
Rev. G. B. Russel, has been making its usual progress during
the past year. He reports that services were held during
Holy Week every evening, and that they were truly refreshing
to the congregation. On Easter morning fourteen new members
were received into the Church. Eight of these were parents.
One of them was a prominent physician of the city, who, though
educated in another denomination, preferred with his wife our
services, and was confirmed according to the custom of the
fathers, and the order in the new Liturgy. The Sabbath
school has increased largely, but the Mission Sabbath school has
been relinquished for the want of teachers to carry it forward.
The services of the Sabbath, of the weekly lectures, and the
social prayer meeting, have been steadily maintained with
more or less interest. The Church festivals have been observ-
ed, especially Chrismas, Holy Week and Whitsuntide. The
loss in the membership by death and removals has been con-
siderable, still there has been an increase of one eighth on the
number of members reported last year. A young man, a mem-
ber of the congregation, has devoted himself to the ministry,
and is now pursuing his studies in Franklin and Marshall Col-
lege. An encouraging effort has been made during the past
quarter to reduce the debt on the Church property, and the
pastor states, that, if the brethren abroad would cooperate with
the congregation now, this mission would be at once self-sus-
taining. This would only require that pledges already made,
should be promptly redeemed. If the Board could pledge $500
to be paid next April, it would be relieved from making any
further appropriation after the 1st of January next. Should
this not be done, the debt may remain as an incubus upon the
energies of the congregation for years to come. The pastor,
as occasion offers, extends his labors beyond his own congre-
gation, in the country around or in the prisons of the city. In
one of his reports, he states that he has been giving instruction
60
with good effect, to a hardened criminal condemned for the crime
of murder. This mission is now in its sixth year, and notwith-
standing the magnitude of the difficulties it has had to encoun-
ter, it has been increasing yearly in strength and durability.
It receives an appropriation of $200,00, the amount having
been reduced $300,00, since it was started.
MARYLAND.
Baltimore. This mission was commenced under the direc-
tion of the Rev. Dr. Heiner and several members of his congre-
gation about two years ago. These brethren have also continu-
ed to render it important services in the way of counsel, and by
active assistance in securing for it a suitable church edifice in
an eligible part of the city. Soon after the congregation was
organized, difficulties arose out of the heterogenous material,
of which it was composed, which, for a time, threatened its
prosperity, if not its existence. These, however, have been
happily allayed, and a better spirit again prevails. The pas-
tor reports, that he labors under many difficulties and embar-
rassments owing to the inadequate support, which he receives,
but that the congregation is making a favorable progress. The
Sabbath school numbers 100 scholars, the parochial 60. He
baptized 15 infants during the year. Baptized and comfirmed
members 250, communicants 247. The appropriation is $150,
which for the first year was paid out of an appropriation to this
Board by the Southern Aid Sociey, whose centre of operations
is in Boston, Mass.
Frederick city. This is a German mission, and from last
accounts, it is in a prosperous condition. The pastor, Rev. J.
Külling served it nine months, and then accepted of a call to
the 4th German Reformed church in Baltimore. Since then
it has been without a pastor, but it has been supplied with
preaching every two weeks in the afternoon by the Rev. Dr.
Zacharias. Some confirmations have been reported, and one
German Sabbath school numbering 60 scholars. An effort was
made to erect a new church, but this was relinquished and with
the entire approval of the Board. The English congregation
in Frederick have thus far allowed the Germans the use of
their old church at a nominal rent, and as there is no objection
to the continuance of this arrangement, it would appear un-
necessary, that the mission should, under present circumstances,
involve itself in the expense of erecting a new house of wor-
ship. Appropriation, $75,00.
The missions, which have been thus for reported, with the
exception of the one at Pittsburg, are in the territory occupied
by this Synod. They are eleven in number. The remaining
ten lie within the bounds of the Synod of Ohio and adjacent
States, which has a Board of its own, and cooperates actively
with their sister Synod in the east in supplying the destitute
61
places in the west with the bread of life. We now proceed to
give an account of their condition and prospects.
OHIO.
Toledo. The missionary, Rev. H. Eschmeier, reports that he
received one family into the Church by certificate, and seven
by confirmation. The Sabbath and parochial schools are sus-
tained with happy results. The congregation is at present ta-
king measures to procure an organ, which seems to be almost
indispensable in a congregation composed of foreign Germans.
Like all the rest of our German missions, this too is surrounded
with an atmosphere of infidelity and dead formalism. A large
portion of our foreign German population have either forsaken
the faith of their forefathers, or else have fallen into a stiff, self-
righteous orthodoxy, which stands as a barrier in the way of
the progress of the gospel. At Toledo, therefore, our mission
is a light in a dark place, and small as it is, it is exerting an
influence for good, which, it is hoped, goes beyond its own im-
mediate membership. The debt on the church is nearly paid.
The Bible class and weekly lecture are sustained with more or
less of interest. Appropriation $100.
Sandusky city. This is also a German mission, and its sur-
roundings are similar to those of the one which has just been
reported. It was commenced several years ago under the pas-
toral care of the Rev.P. Brücker, who died at his post. After his
death, in an unhappy hour it connected itself with another de-
nomination, with the expectation of receiving a larger amount
of pecuniary aid than they had received from their own. Upon
the settlement of their present pastor among them, Rev. J. B.
Kniest, they were induced to return to the Church of their
fathers, and so to alter their charter, as to bind them perma-
nently to their own denomination. Under these circumstan-
ces Mr. Kniest was commissioned to labor among them as their
missionary on the first of November last. He preaches in two
churches in the city, the one in the eastern part, the other in
the western, called West Liberty. The latter was erected by
members of the Episcopal Church, but as their enterprise was
unsuccessful, they passed it into the hands of the Reformed
people. It was encumbered with a debt, which has been thus
far very much in the way of its progress. Strenuous efforts
have been made to liquidate it, and the pastor made a visit to
the churches in the east during the summer, for the purpose
of collecting money for that purpose. In this, owing to sever-
al circumstances, he was only partially successful. Appropri-
ation $100. No statistics have been received.
Herring, Allen county. This is also a new mission. The pas-
tor, Rev. J. Klingler, was commissioned on the 1st of January
last with an appropriation of $100. Since then he has organiz-
62
ed three new congregations, three Sabbath schools, and con
firmed seven members. He has been visiting destitute points,
with the view of organizing new congregations. His field is a
large one, and though beset with many difficulties, it is not
without promise. Many of the people have been living for
years without the means of grace, and the children of those,
who were once members of the Church, have grown up with-
out baptism. When he entered upon his labors, there was
much indifference in regard to religion, and as a consequence,
vice, immorality, intemperance and profanity prevailed. In a
part of his field these have given way to prayer and praise.
Where families were once worldly and immoral, the family-altar
has been erected and society seems to have undergone an en-
tire renovation. This missionary labors under great difficul-
ties in supporting his family. He engages in manual labor
part of his time to procure a support, and his children must go
without proper clothing and schooling. He also suffers oppo-
sition from surrounding sects. Still he labors with much en-
couragement. There are those who sustain him in this work,
and the attendance at preaching and in the Sunday school is
large. He preaches in both languages, and thinks that soon,
other points will be added to his charge so as to make it self-
sustaining.
Cincinnati. The English mission at Cincinnati, under the
pastoral care of Rev. S. Mease, is one of the most important
under the care of this Board. The German congregation un-
der the care of Rev. H. Rust, formerly sustained by this Board,
is now in successful operation; but in a few years many of the
members will desire to worship in the language of the country.
A spiritual home should be provided for these and their de-
scendants in time, if they are not to be lost to the Church,
where they may be able to worship in the English language.
This can be accomplished only by rearing up an English con
gregation. Moreover, members of our Church, moving into
the city from the country, must be provided for in the same
way. But the difficulty of building up this enterprise is in di-
rect proportion to its importance, and the pastor seems to have
gloomy forebodings in regard to its final success. The mission
has been in existence some three or four years, and has thirty-
two members, about the same as last year. Its prospects were
seriously injured, a year or two ago, by the establishment of a
similar enterprise near by under the direction of another de-
nomination. Its greatest difficulty, at the present time, is the
want of a suitable church-edifice. The lecture room, in which
the congregation worship at present, is inadequate to meet its
wants. Bro. Mease, in his last report, writes, that the success
of the enterprise would seem to depend on the erection of a
new church at no distant day, and that if this cannot be done,
63
er.
it is doubtful, whether it would be wise to continue it any long-
It would be a great misfortune, however, if there should
be any necessity for the relinquishment of this mission. Can
not some plan be devised by which it may receive a new im-
pulse? The Sabbath school numbers 120. The Bible class is
still sustained. Appropriation $300.
INDIANA.
Indianapolis. This mission, under the Rev. M. G. 1. Stern,
has been prosperous in all respects during the past year. A
continued interest has been manifested in the preaching of the
Gospel. During the first quarter 5 were added by confirma-
tion; during the second 10; during the third 7. Others are ex-
pected to be added to the Church at an early day, so that the
prospect is, that the good work will continue. The congrega-
tion is increasing in the spirit of prayer, and the necessity of a
new divine life is felt. The Sabbath school is represented, in
the last report, as larger than it ever was. Teachers and
scholars vie with each in their efforts to enlarge the school, and
both cherish and promote the spirit of missions. Two of the
scholars have expressed their purpose to devote themselves to
the Gospel ministry, and are now preparing themselves for
College. The case of one of them was laid before the Consis-
tory, and a missionary society was formed, the proceeds of
which, for the present, will be devoted to his support. The
debt on the church is now in effect extinguished. A truly
Christian spirit appears to pervade the congregation, one evi-
dence of which is, their grateful feeling towards the Board for
the assistance rendered them, and another, the increase of the
spirit of liberality among them. At the end of the third quar-
ter of the present year, they made an effort to support their
pastor hereafter themselves, in which they were successful.
They are, therefore, now self-sustaining. The appropriation
was $100, and the pastor retires from the Board on a salary of
$320.
Decatur, Adams county. Rev. P. Vitz reports that he has ad-
ded 2 members to the Church by certificate and 5 by confirma-
tion. He has a flourishing Sabbath school and a Female so-
ciety for the promotion of Beneficiary Education. This mis-
sion is in the second year of its existence; consists of a German
congregation of 45 members, but is located in a region of coun-
try, where other congregations may be organized in the course
of time. This brother labors with much self-denial for the
Church, and from a disinterested love for his people. His
house is destitute of many of the necessary comforts and con-
veniences of life. He is surrounded by fanaticism and form-
alism, which oppose and resist his efforts to diffuse the spirit of
the Gospel. His members are engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, and own several thousand acres of land, which will give
permanency to his work. Appropriation $80.
7
:
64
KENTUCKY.
Louisville. The Rev. A. Tönsmeier reports nothing special in
the history of this mission during the past year. It seems that
its different operations have been carried forward with energy
and zeal. It is German, in the midst of a large German popula-
tion, similar to that which is witnessed in our large cities gen-
erally. He devotes much attention to the parochial school,
gives it a religious character, and makes it subservient to the
progress of the Church. It has not yet become self-supporting,
as was expected, which is owing to difficulties in the congre-
gation, which have not been entirely healed. Mr. T. has received
a call to another part of the Church, which, he thought, it was
his duty to accept. His resignation will take effect on the 1st.
of November, but it is thought that a successor will be secured
to take his place.
The congregation owns a church-edifice and a parsonage.
Collected for Domestic Missions $65,53. Appropriation $150.
MICHIGAN.
Detroit. Owing to the hard times the missionary in this field,
Rev. A. Schröder, has been laboring under serious disadvan-
tages. With the cares of an arduous work to occupy his mind,
he says, he is greatly embarrassed in providing for the wants
of his family. He reports that his church does not increase in
number, as the material is of a floating character, and that the
yearly additions are generally not more than the removals.
He reports 50 communicant members, the same as it was three
years ago. Two Sunday schools are sustained, the one English
and the other German. He collected $6,00 and receives an
Appropriation of $300,00.
WISCONSIN.
Sheboygen. Rev. P. T. Kluge reports, that the condition of
his congregation is encouraging, and that his labors among the
foreign Germans have not been without good fruits. He is
under the necessity of teaching during the week. He has
a large Sabbath school, and reports an increase of hearers on
the Sabbath. He has eleven in his catechetical class. He re-
ceived two heads of families by certificate and added five by
confirmation. One removal and one suspension. He preaches
regularly at a place, called Mosmosel, distant eight miles, every
two weeks. He collected $15,50. His appropriation is $150.
He reports that there is a great demand for laborers in our
church in Wisconsin.
IOWA.
Lisbon, Linn County. An interesting field for missionary
labor was brought to light by the General Agent of the Board,
Rev. W. K. Zicber, during his exploring tour in the new State of
65
Iowa. A number of places were pointed out, where members
of our Church were formed in little colonies, and where the
people earnestly desired that some one should be sent to preach
the Gospel to them. At the request of the Executive Com-
mittee about a year ago, Rev. Joshua Riale was induced to
give up his charge with the view of laboring as a missionary of
the Church in the far west. Having explored the ground, he
found that the spiritual desolations were great, that many of
our people, who had come from the east, were as sheep with-
out a shepherd, and that the prospect of building up congre-
gations at various points, was very encouraging. The Re-
formed people, in most cases, still adhered to the Church of
their fathers, and were greatly rejoiced to hear a minister of
their own denomination preaching to them the Gospel. He felt
himself constrained at once to cast in his lot among them, and
throwing himself upon Providence for support, to labor for
them as their pastor. He says the harvest is truly great, but,
as the laborers are few, he felt it his duty to explore the country
further, and that wherever he went he found members of the
Church ready to receive him with open arms. In visits of this
kind, in five months, he travelled 1250 miles, nearly all of
which was performed on horse-back, through mud and water, of
which no idea could be formed in the eastern States. He
preaches regularly at Boulder, Tipton and Hebron. He visited
Iowa city and preached. He represents that the Board should
send another missionary into the State as soon as possible, who
can preach in both languages. The people, though generally
straitened in their circumstances, show a liberal disposition
to support a pastor. As Mr. R. could not as yet state what
amount of salary the people could raise for him, the Board appro-
priated $50 for his support on account. The readers of our
Church-periodicals have already learned, that the Classis of
Iowa has just been organized, and that this event was brought
about by the accession of our missionary to a number of our
ministers in that distant State.
The General Superintendent of Missions, Rev. W. K. Zieber,
prosecuted the object of his mission with much energy, pru-
dence, and devotion to the cause during the year. He visited
Missions already established, explored destitute places, encour-
aged those who have been waiting long for some one to break
unto them the bread of life, took measures to gather our scat-
tered members into congregations, and as far as his time per-
mitted, endeavored to develop the liberality of the Church and
to awaken a new interest in the cause of Missions in our con-
gregations. In labors of this kind he has performed a large
amount of work for this and the Western Board, the re-
sults of which have already been felt. It was, therefore, with
sincere regret, that the Board learned, that he felt it his duty
to accept of a call to a pastoral field in the Eastern Synod, and
5
66
that they were to be deprived of his valuable services after he
had acquired the knowledge and experience necessary to make
himself still more efficient as the agent of the Board. An agen-
cy of this kind seems to be more and more needed every year,
as the operations ofthe Board are enlarging and calling for more
supervision than the Board or Executive Committee can give
them. The missions under the Board ought to be visited from
time to time, whilst new, and important openings ought to be
explored; but apart from this, the labor of one man might be
employed with good effect in visiting our old established con-
gregations, for the purpose of awakening an increased interest
in the missionary work, and developing a spirit of liberality in
its support. This is a matter of great importance; for it is but
reasonable to suppose that the blessing of God can rest upon
the work, only in proportion as the Church itself becomes in-
terested in it and labors for its support.
From the reports which have been given above, of the mis-
sions under the care of the Board, it will be seen, that the work
has been carried forward with energy, and the spirit of self-
sacrifice on the part of our missionaries. Their labors have
also been in a great degree crowned with the divine blessing
and borne precious fruit. The missions, as a whole, have
never perhaps presented a more encouraging prospect, or call-
ed more loudly upon us to engage in it with increased energy
and faith. Much has been done, yet still much more remains
to be done. We may say, that only a fair beginning has been
made, and that the vast proportions and grand results of the
work are just appearing. What is required of us as a Church
is, to increase in zeal, activity, liberality and prayer in bring-
ing it to a glorious consummation. It may be proper for us
here to state briefly in detail some of the difficulties, which the
Board is constantly experiencing, in carrying forward its
operations.
1st. The most prominent of these, perhaps, is the want of
suitable laborers for the field. The harvest is great and the
laborers are few. As a Church we hardly have enough min-
isters to fill the pastoral charges already established, and as
promising openings appear in the East and the West, that
ought to be provided for at once, we know not where to look
to for men to take charge of them. As a Church we need
greatly a new baptism of the Spirit, not only that the spirit of
piety among us may be elevated, but that scores of our youth,
may devote themselves to the work of the ministry. They are
greatly needed, and the call upon them to lay down the plow and
the hammer, and devote themselves to the Church, is growing
louder and louder, more and more urgent every year.
But we
would not have them to rush with impetuous speed into the work.
The missionary work calls not only for men of piety, but also of
wisdom, tact and education. Let them be sought out in all
67
our congregations, and let a liberal provision be made for their
preparation for the work at our institutions of learning. Per-
haps there is not a charge in our bounds of any size, where some
young man may not be found, who could be induced to give up
all and devote his life to Christ and the Church. Let our min-
isters, then, each one for himself diligently inquire whether he
may not have some young David still among the flocks, whom
the Lord has already chosen to fight the battles of the Lord.
2. The Board yearly feels the want of interest in the mis-
sionary work among our people. While some of our congre-
gations remember this cause in their prayers, and regularly and
liberally contribute for its support, there are still many remain-
ing, in which nothing is done. And yet the cause of missions
is one that lies near the hearts of our people. They were once
themselves the objects of missionary care on the part of the
Church in Holland and the fatherland, and their friends in the
West, from time to time, make pressing appeals to them,
to send them the bread of life ere they perish. All this strikes
a responsive cord in their hearts, and from experience and ob-
servation, the Board has long been confirmed in the opinion, that
there are few of our people, who would not contribute some-
thing overy year for the support of missions, if proper represen-
tations and appeals were made to them. The chief difficulty,
we believe, therefore, lies in the want of system in bringing
out the resources of our Church. One object among others,
which the Board had in view in the appointment of the Super-
intendent, Mr. Zieber, was just this, to labor in our churches,
to diffuse missionary intelligence and to awaken a prayerful
interest in this work. He has, however, now retired from his
agency, and it devolves on the Board and our ministers to de-
vise some plan by which this object may be secured. Five
thousand copies of the reports of this Board were circulated
during the past year among our churches for this purpose.
Missionary conventions were held in some of the Classes, which
doubtless accomplished good results. But still something more
is needed and a vigorous effort ought to be made either by the
Synod or the individual Classes, by which those portions of
the Church might be reached, where as yet the spirit of mis-
sions, or of Christian love and Christian charity still slumbers.
There is great reason to believe, that our people will listen
to the voice of their pastors, and bring their contributions for
the support of this work. The history of the last ten or twelve
years is full of encouragement. Though the Synod from the
beginning has taken more or less interest in the work of build-
ing up weak congregations in destitute places, yet it was only
in the year 1848 that she engaged in it with much interest in
a united capacity, and carried the work more vigorously
forward under the Board of Missions. Since then there has
7
68
been a steady increase in its contributions. By referring to
the annual reports of the Board, it appears that the following
amounts were contributed yearly since 1847:
In 1847-$361,281; 1848-1,058,32; 1849-1,589,91; 1850
-1,737,21; 1851-1,740,25; 1852-1,833,16; 1853-1,795,79;
1854-2,723,78; 1855-3,198,47; 1856-,2905,40; 1857-2,855,
50; 1858-3,611,52; 1859-4,114,55.
It will thus be seen, that there has been a steady increase in
the contributions of the Church, and that during the past year
the amount has been larger than during any previous year.
This is a cause for devout gratitude to God, and furnishes strong
inducements to the Church to persevere in the promotion of
this work. The liabilities of the Board are about $900, about
half of which was incurred in getting up the certificate of life-
membership. It is desirable, that this debt should not be per-
mitted to increase, and strenuous efforts should be made to re-
move it altogether.
Some of the Classes still support missionaries without pla-
cing them under the care of the Board. The Board, therefore,
at its last semi-annual meeting passed the following resolution:
Resolved, That the Synod request the Classes to carry on
their missionary operations through the Board of Domestic
Missions.
Respectfully submitted,
TREASURER'S REPORT.
The Board of Domestic Missions of the German Reformed Church,
in account with DANIEL W. GROSS, Treasurer.
27
30
1858.
CR.
Oct. 22 By Cash per Rev. F. W. Kremer, Treasurer of Leban-
on Classis, from 1st Ger. Ref. church, Read-
ing, in full of Mrs. Victor Blumer's life mem-
bership,
(4
"
"
44
68
ISAAC GERHART, President.
&
per do., in part of John F. Moer's life mem-
bership,
from Rev. J. Rebaugh, col. in Middleburg,
in redemption of pledge at Classis,
from Rev. Thomas H. Leinbach, per Rev. F.
W. K.,
from Rev. Joshua II. Derr, a life member-
ship. Mrs. Sarah Zieber is the name given,
per Rev. D. Gans, col. at Missionary Anni-
versary at Synod at Frederick city, Md.,
from Rev. John Ault, col. on communion oc-
casions at Sulphur Springs, Frankfort and
Churchtown congregations,
Carried forward,
$15,00
25,00
10,00
8,00
80,00
45,00
16,00
$149,00
69
10
1858.
Amount brought forward,
Nov. 4 By Cash of Rev. D. Bossler, collected in his charge,
"
Rev. A. Tönsmeier, additional,
Rev. T. Grosshuesch, collected,
15
20
26
Dec. 1
11
15
"
66
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64
..
66
6.
"6
(1
66
"
46
"
"C
66
(6
"
46
"
64
66
(6
66
66
"
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་
CR.
Rev. D. Hefelfinger, col. in Newville ch.,
Rev. J. B. Pörner, col. in Hazleton ch.,
Rev. J. F. Busche, col. in New York,
Rev. E. W. Reinecke, col in Frederick,
Rev. W. K. Zieber, collected when travelling,
per Rev. I. Gerhart, for Mission Tracts,
do
do for certificates of L. memb.
do
do from Arnheim, Brown co., 0.
per Rev. I. Gerhart, outfit for our Superinten-
dent of Missions, from the following clerical
brethren: Rev. I. S. Demund, H. Harbaugh, B.
Bausman, D. Gans, J. S. Dubs, T. G. Apple,
S. Philips, J. Beck, F. W. Kremer, D. Zach-
arias, D. D., J. S. Foulk, $5,00 each, and S.
H. Giesy $6,00, Total
proceeds of a note for $300 discounted in Har-
risburg Bank,
from Rev. W. H. Groh, col. in Emanuel's
congregation,
Rev. J. Hassler, col. in Martinsburg, in part
payment of pledge for life membership,
per J. Rodenmayer, Esq., Superintendent of
Maryland Classis, from Rev. J. G. Fritchey,
Taneytown charge, for Burkettsville miss.,
from Rev. H. Wissler, Manchester charge,
for do.,
from Rev. J. W. Santee, Cavetown charge,
for do.,
from Rev. W. F. Colliflower, Jefferson charge,
for do.,
per Rev. George Wolff, from Mr. Henry
Dieffenbacher, one of his members at Straw-
berry Ridge,
per Miss C. E. Groff, New Holland, from
several of her scholars in German Reformed
Sabbath school,
•
from Mt. Washington College, in part payment
of pledge of life membership, per Dr. L. H.
Steiner,
from Rev. I. G. Brown, towards constituting
Mrs. N. Fisher and Mrs. Emma Apple life
members,
from Waynesboro' charge, redemption of
pledge at Classis,
from Rev. J. Riale, pledge at Classis $5,00,
col. in Water Street charge 3,00,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, from Rev. T. H.
Leinbach, col. in Tulpenhocken ohurch,
per Rev. J. D. Zehring, from Miss Hannah
R. Goranfloh's saving box, Allentown,
of J. Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis, from
from Salem cong. of the Hagerstown charge,
per Rev. Jacob Sechler, Leshy's church,
Carried forward,
$149,00
15,00
46,50
3,62
2,50
5,43
12,00
2,82
12,25
28,02
29,00
3,00
61,00
296,85
3,70
10,00
10,00
25,00
10,00
15,00
35,00
1,00
7,00
10,00
30,00
8,00
5,25
1,00
83,08
10,00
$880,97
3
70
CR.
1858.
Amount brought over,
Dec. 16 By Cash per Rev. J. Beck, Easton, Pa., from the fe-
male members of his congregation on two life
memberships pledged at Synod,
18
29
1859.
Jan. 5
9
. 11
12
18
20
24
Jan. 26
27
28
Feb. 2
"
**
$6
"
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44
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44
44
44
❤
14
<<
("
44
**
"4
"
แ
*
14
41
"
46
**
per Rev. G. Wolff, Treas. of East Susq. Clas-
sis, from Rev. E. Kieffer, Lykens Valley ch.,
from Rev. G. Wolff, Turbetsville charge,
per Rev. C. C. Russell, from David B. Russell,
Waynesboro', Pa.,
per Rev. F. Wise, from Daniel King, South
Bend, Pa.,
per Rev. I. K. Loos, col. in Oxford Furnace
ch., for German missions in the far West,
per Rev. I. K, Loos, col. in Flickersville for
missions west of the State of Ohio,
per Thomas Reber, Treasurer of the West
Susquehanna Classis, from Rebersburg ch.,
per John Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis,
from Rev. H. Wissler, Manchester charge, for
Hagerstown mission,
from Rev. T. G. Apple, Greencastle cong.,
to constitute Rev. S. Philips a life member,
from Rev. W. K. Zieber, col. on travelling
expenses at several places in Maryland,
per Rev. F W. Kremer, from Rev. T. H. Lein-
bacb, collected at Klopp's,
from Rev. D. F. Brendle, Christmas col.,
from Henry Neff, West Barre, Pa.,
per Mr. John Doll, from the missionary so-
ciety of the Salem's cong., Phila., to consti-
tute their pastor, Rev. G. Wiehle, a life memb.,
from Rev. J. Fritzinger, Mahoney charge,
col. in Colmon's cong. 5,56, St. Paul's 2,79,
St. James' 3,51, St. Johns' 5,52, St. Davids'
8,72, Frieden's 6,25, to constitute Rev. J.
Fritzinger a life member, as pledged at Syn-
od at Allentown, Pa., in 1858,
per Rev. J. Beck, from Sabbath school of his
cong, to constitute Rev. J. Beck a life memb.,
per do., col. at communion, &c., balance to
constitute Mrs. Mary C. Pomp a life memb.,
per G. W. Hensel, Treasurer of St. Paul's
German Ref. ch. at Quarryville, Pa.,
per Rev. C. H. Leinbach, from Lebanon Union
Miss. and Education Soc., Perry co., Pa.,
from Rev. I. G. Brown, in part redemption of
pledge at Classis, communion col. at Mer-
cersburg 7,00, and a donation from a Lady
of the Cove congregation, 5,00,
from Samuel H. Bibighaus, from church of
the Apostles,
from Rev. W. G. Hackman, Wentz's 12,58,
Towamencin 2,42, in part of pledge at Syn-
od in Allentown,
per Rev. J. V. Eckert, savings of Emeline
E., W. K., and F. J. Sourbeer of Conestoga
Centre,
Carried forward,
$880,97
15,00
8,00
2,00
2,00
5,00
2,65
5,11
5,00
18,10
30,00
8,25
7,25
5,00
2,00
30,00
32,35
30,00
15,00
5,00
23,00
12,00
50,00
15,00
1,13
$1,209,81
71
CR.
1859.
Amount brought forward,
Feb. 2 By Cash per Rev. J. Rebaugh, col. in Clearspring, Md.,
in part payment of life membership of J. C.,
per Dr. L. H. Steiner, from Mt. Washington,
col. in part of pledge of life membership,
per H. Wirt, Jr., contribution of Calvin Clay
Wirt and Henry Wirt Cremer, Sabbath school
scholars, Hanover, York county, Pa.,
3
3
9
16
19
Mar. 9
23
Apr. 5
12
14
19
21
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44
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44
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64
44
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from Rev. I. K. Loos, communion col. in
Christ church, of which 30,00 are in redemp-
tion of pledge at Synod, to constitute Mr. J.
Kern a life member,
per Rev. J. O. Miller, from Sabbath school
of 1st German Reformed church, York, Pa.,
30,00, from Miss. Concert fund 29,50, savings
of a "little boy," 50, to constitute Mrs. May-
er (widow of the late Rev. Lewis Mayer, D.
D.,) and Mrs. Wm. Beitzel life members,
per John Rodenmayer, Esq., Sup. of Mary-
land Classis, from Rev. W. F. Colliflower, Jef-
ferson charge, for the Burkettsville mission,
on account of pledge at Synod,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, from Rev. T. H. Lein-
bach, col. in Schaefferstown,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, from Rev. A. H. Lein-
bach, 1st Ger. Ref. ch., Reading, Pa., of
which 5,00 are to complete life membership
of John F. Moers,
per Thomas Reber, Treasurer of West Susq.
Classis, from Aaronsburg charge,
per Rev. J. Sechler,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer,
per Rev. D. S. Tobias,
per Rev. J. S. Dubs, from the Miss Society of
the 1st Ger. Ref. church, Allentown, to con-
stitute Mrs. Jemima Steckel a life member,
Rev. D. Gring, Shrewsbury, York county,
Pa., col. in his charge,
Widow's mite, per Rev. H. Harbaugh,
per Dr. L. H. Steiner, from Mt Washington
College, in part payment of pledge for life
membership,
from J.-Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis, per
Rev. S. H. Giesy, from Salem cong., Hagers-
town charge,
through the Rev. J. H. Derr of the Miss. and
Education Society of his cong. at Allentown,
to constitute Mrs. Hannah Goranfiloh a life
member,
from Rev. A.G. Dole, bal. to constitute Wm. H.
Frymire a life member,
per Rev F. W. Kremer, from Miss M. Glon-
inger, Treas. of Female Ben. Soc., Lebanon,
per do. contribution from Infant department
of Ger. Ref. Sab. school. Lebanon, and month-
ly concert,
from Rev. G. Wolff, col. in St. Johns cong.,
Carried over,
$1,209,81
10,00
7,35
2,00
46,00
60,00
5,00
8,00
35,00
10,00
30,00
5,53
2,50
39,00
30,00
2,50
11,50
7,00
30,00
10,00
21,25
42,86
10,00
$1,626,30
2
72
B
CR.
1859.
Amount brought over,
Apr. 21 By Cash from Rev. D. Ziegler, York, col. in charge,
29,00, do. from Mrs. Sarah Dietz 1,00,
May 3
4
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17
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20
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per Rev. A. Schröder (reported in Nov., '58,)
per Rev. T. Grosshuesch, do.
do.
per Rev. J. F. Busche, (reported in Jan. '59),
from cong. 5,00, Parochial school 2,50,
Rev. T. Grosshuesch (reported in Jan. '59),
per Rev. A. Tönsmeier, do. do.
per Rev. W. M. Deatrick, (reported in Feb.),
pledge at Classis in part to constitute Mrs.
H. P. Deatrick a life member,
per Rev. W. M. Deatrick, pledge at Classis
in part to constitute Mr. D. Bulger a life memb.,
Rev. A. Schröder (reported in Feb.),
Rev. W. K. Zieber,
do. do., travelling
expenses collected,
Rev. L. K. Derr, Tamaqua, col. in charge,
Rev. I. Gerhart, from Abbotstown charge,
York county, to constitute Rev. E. H. Hoff-
heins a life member,
from Rev. G. Wolff, part of contribution from
Paradise church, on the plan of Systematic
Benevolence,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, Treasurer of Lebanon
Classis, from Rev. A. S. Leinbach, part of
col. in 1st church, Reading,
from Rev. S. Philips, col. in Chambersburg
congregation. as pledged at Classis,
from a Friend of the cause in Philadelphia
from Rev. O. Lohr, Elizabeth city, New Jersey,
from Rev. W. K. Zieber, col. in West,
from Rev. P Vitz, Decatur, Adams co., Ind,
per Rev. J. Hassler, from Mrs. H. Thatcher,
2,50, Mrs. H. Hyle 2,50, Mrs. Anna Rupley
5,00, towards constituting Elder D. Bulger,
Superintendent of Sab. school at Martinsburg,
Pa., a life member,
A
per do. from Elder D. Bulger 2,50, and from
Martinsburg charge 5,00, (in addition to 10,00
previously paid) towards constituting Mrs.
Anna Rupley a life member,
per do from F. Hyle, towards constituting
D. A. Oelig, leader of the Martinsburg choir,
a life member,
from Rev. Dr. Wolff, per Rev. I. G. Brown,
towards constituting Peter Cook a life memb.,
per Rev. T. G. Apple, Greencastle, towards
constituting Mrs. E. M. Apple a life memb.,
per Rev. C. F. Hoffmeier, col. in Friends
Cove, towards constituting Mrs. Hoffmeier a
life member,
per Rev. J. Hassler, from Mr. Joseph Cool,
towards constituting Mrs. Hoffmeier a life
member,
Carried forward,
$1,626,80
30,00
3,00
3,62
7,50
3,66
18,38
10,00
2,50
1,00
2,50
7,00
30,00
10,00
4,00
30,00
5,00
2,25
15,75
3,00
10,00
7,50
2,50
5,00
15,00
15,00
5,00
$1,875,46
73
26
1859.
Amount brought forward,
May 25 By Cash per Rev. J. Hassler, from Mr. Joseph Cool, to-
wards constituting Mrs. Apple a life memb,
per Rev. I. G. Brown, towards constituting
Peter Cook a life member,
from do., towards constituting Mrs. Hoffmeier
a life member,
from Rev. T. Fouse, to constitute Mrs. Fouse
a life member,
from Rev. S. H. Reid, col. at Mercersburg
Classis,
30
June 1
7
10
16
17
18
29
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per Rev. F. W. Kremer, Treasurer of Leban-
on Classis, from Rev. I. Miese,
John Waggoner, Newville, Pa.,
from Rev. D. Riegel, col. in his charge,
from Rev. J. F. Busche, to constitute George
M. Breit a life member,
per Rev. H. A. Mühlmeier, col. in Immanuel's
congregation, Wisconsin, and paid by him to
Rev. P. T. Kluge,
per John Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis,
from Rev. M. L. Shuford, col. in Mt. Moriah
charge,
Rev. L. A. Brunner, col. in Boonsboro' ch.,
part of pledge at Synod,
per J. Coblentz, col. in Middletown charge,
for a life membership of Rev. G. W. Glessner,
Rev. S. H. Giesy, from Salem cong., for a life
membership for Mr. D. C. Hammond,
per J. Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis, from
Rev. S. H. Giesy, from Salem cong., for a life
memb. of D. Zeller, including 15,00 of the
above,
Rev. J. Rebaugh, col.at Classical meeting at
Clearspring, Md.,
Rev. D. F. Brendle, Bethlehem, Pa.,
per Rev. B. Bausman, from Bethlehem con-
gregation,
Rev. I. K. Loos, for the use of Rev. H. A.
Mühlmeier 4.00, and for Miss. west of Ohio
29,11, all to constitute Mrs. C. A. Loos a life
member,
per Rev. D. S. Tobias, Rebersburg, Pa.,
per Rev. S. Kuhn, New Bloomfield, col. in
charge 12,00, donation of Dr. Isaac Lefevre
6,00, F. Wahl 2,00,
Rev. J. O. Miller, York, to constitute Mrs.
Catharine E. Garretson and Miss Sarah John-
son life members,
John Wiest, Jr., from Sab. school 1st Ger. Ref.
church, Race street, Philadelphia, to consti-
tute Wm. Beecher a life member,
per Rev. Dr. Bomberger, from 1st Ger. Ref.
church, Race street, Phila., in part col. on
plan of Systematic Benevolence,
per Rev. W. G. Hackman, from Miss Sophia
Confer, Bucks county, Pa.,
Carried forward,
-
$1,875,46
5,00
13,00
5,00
30,00
6,57
35,00
4,00
15,00
30,00
10,00
6,00
10,00
30,00
45,00
15,00
10,00
6,00
8,47
33,11
1,47
20,00
60,00
30,00
150,00
1,50
$2,455,58
5
74
1859.
Amount brought over,
July 5 By Cash of Rev. P. Vitz, col. in his missionary station,
Rev. W. M. Deatrick, col. in his
56
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Rev. P. T. Kluge,
Rev. A. Schröder,
64
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Aug. 2
10
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do
do
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Rev. T. Grosshüsch,
do
per Rev. J. Beck, Easton, col. in cong.,
per Rev. G. Wolff, Tr. of East Susq. Classis,
from Rev. H. Hoffman 10,00, Rev. J. B. Pör-
ner 2,50, Rev. A. G. Dole 6,00, part of Clas-
sical Anniversary 9,00,
do
do
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, Tr. of Leb. Clsssis,
from Rev. H Wagner 5,00, Rev J. Gring
12,15, Rev. W. A. Good, col. in Bernville
14,00, Rev. T. H. Leinbach, col. at Tulpe-
hocken 13,00, and at Salem's 10,05, John
Heilman, Tr. of Missionary Society of Hill
church 25,00,
per Rev. C. H. Leinbach, Tr. of West Susq.
Classis, from Rev. W. R. Yearick, Classical
col. 10,67, Rev. H. Wiegand, col. in ch. 9,00,
Rev. F. J. Mohr 12,00, and Rev. W. H. Groh
17,00,
per do. from Lewisburg charge for Sandusky
city mission church,
per Rev. C. H. Leinbach, from Aaronsburg
charge, for Sandusky city mission church,
from "Anon," Lebanon Valley Rail road,
per A. Wotring, Buffalo, Pa. from A Friend,
from Rev. D. F. Brendle, Bethlehem, Pa.,-
per Rev. F. A. Rupley, from Shippensburg
cong. to constitute Joseph Hoch a life memb.,
Rev. I. K Loos, appropriated by East Penn.
to Rev. F. Strassner, Willkesbarre, Pa., and
paid to him by Rev. I. K. Loos,
Rev. A. Schröder, Detroit,
Rev. J. B. Pörner, Hazleton, Pa.,
M
reported by Rev. O. Lohr, Elizabeth city, N. J.,
Rev. P. T. Kluge, Sheboygan, Wisconsin,
Rev. J. F. Busche, Few York,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, Tr. of Leb. Classis,
from Rev. T. H. Leinbach, col. at St. James'
church 5,50, and from a friend 1,00,
Rev. I. K. Loos, col in Oxford cong., N. J.,
for missions in Wisconsin,
per Rev. A. Wanner, from Grindstonehill
charge,
Rev. N. Gehr, from the Juvenile Miss. Soc.
of the Ger. Ref. Zions cong., Philadelphia,
to constitute Mrs. M. Ehrlen a life memb.,
Rev. W. K. Zeiber, col. in Lischey's cong.,
York county, Pa.,
Rev. M. A. Smith, harvest col. in Hummels-
town ch., Shupp's 9,00, Wenrich's 5,90, Union
Deposite 4,00, Hummelstown 3,60, Sandy
Hollow 1,50, A Friend 1,00,
Carried forward,
$2,455,58
4,00
12,50
50
2,00
3,50
35,00
27,50
79,20
48,67
20,00
10,00 ·
5,00
1,00
11,00
30,00
20,00
4,50
12,37
10,00
2,00
16,03
6,50
3,50
10,45
30,00
11,28
25,00
$2,897,08
75
CR.
1859.
Amount brought forward,
Aug. 21 By Cash per Rev. C. H. Leinbach, from Rev. W. H.
Grob, balance of 30,00 as pledged at last
meeting of Synod, to constitute him a L. M.,
per do. col. in Laurel Run congregation,
from Rev. A. Wanner, col. in Grindstonehill
congregation,
from Rev. J. B. Knipe, Chester Springs,
from Rev. N. S. Strassburger, Pottstown, Pa.
per Rev. J. H. Derr, col. et annual meeting
of East Pennsylvania Classis,
per do. from Miss. and Ed. Soc. of the Ger.
Ref. Zions ch., Allentown, to constitute Rev.
J. H. Derr a life member,
Sept. 1
6
12
21
22
28
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Rev. D. Hefelfinger, collection in charge,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, from Rev. J. E. Heister,
from Rev. D. F. Brendle, Bethlehem, Pa., of
which 10 are for Rev. J. B. Kneist's cong.,
Sandusky city, Ohio,
J. Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis, per Rev.
W. E. Krebs, from Emmittsburg cong. 20,91,
from Millerstown congregation 4,70.
from Rev. D. Weiser, col. in Goshenhoppen
and Swamp congregations 55, and W. R. 5,
Rev. Daniel Zeigler, York, Pa., col. in ch.,
Rev. P. S. Fisher, in redemption of pledge at
Synod in Frederick, Md., to constitute Rev.
John A. Strassburger a life member,
from Rev. E. W. Reinecke, Nazareth, Pa.,
col. at Harvest sermons, Plainfield, Northamp-
66 ton county 10,40, Union 4,78,
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from Rev. D. Bossler, York, Pa.,
per Rev. H. Harbaugh, from Rev. D. Hertz,
col. in charge 21,21, Rev. I. Gerhart, eol. in
charge 5,81, Manheim cong., col. at meeting
of Lancaster Classis 12,26,
Rev. H. Harbaugh's congregation, Lancaster,
Pa, including 5,00 from "A Friend," and two
quarters systematic contributions from a
member of his church,
Rev. J. S. Dubs, balance of pledge at Synod
--Allentown 16,58, Egypt 15,24, Union 13,02,
Jordan 10,42 Cedar 5,46, Morganhead 7,29,
"A Friend" 3,49, making
from Rev. N. E.Gilds, col. in St. Clairsville 12,-
60, Claysburg 4,75, and in Mt. Hope 2,75, in
part to constitute him a life member,
from Rev. J. Ziegler, col. in Arendtsville
14,19, Bender's 9,67, Bermudian 4,26, Ben-
dersville 3,07,
per Rev. C. H. Leinbach, Treas. of West Susq.
Classis, from Rev. J. C. Bucher, Harvest col.
in Mifflinburg charge,
from Rev. C. H. Leinbach, Harvest col. in
Driesbach congregation,
per Rev. F. W. Kremer, from Rev. J. D. Zeh-
ring, for English miss. ch., Cincinnati,
Carried over,
$2,897,08
13,00
2,12
3,14
10,00
6,27
20,80
30,00
15,00
39,28
16,80
71,00
4,57
19,75
21,00
25,61
60,00
30,00
32,00
15,18
20,00
31,19
7,00
10,40
20,00
$3,420,99
E
76
CR.
1859.
Amount brought over,
""
Sept. 29 By Cash from Rev. W. T. Gerhard, col. in his congre-
gations, viz: Petersburg 4,37, Brickersville
3,35, New Haven 3,17, and White Oak 2,61,
per Rev. C. H. Leinbach, Treas. of West
Susq. Classis, from Jacksonville cong., Centre
county, Pa., in part of pledge given at meet-
ing of West Susq. Classis, to constitute Rev.
W. R. Yearick a life member,
from Rev. I. K. Loos, col. in his charge for
Missions in the West,
44 from Rev. Samuel Hess, Hellerstown, Pa.,
**
Oct. 4
10
5
6
11
12
19
20
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per John Weist, Treas. of 1st Ger. Ref. ch.,
Race st., Phil'a., addit'l. on Sys. Benev. plan,
from Rev. S. G. Wagner, Böhm's ch., Mont.
gomery county, Pa.,
from Rev. D. Rothrock, Harvestcol., Durham
7,52, Nockamixon 5,35, Tinicum 4,91, Red
Hill 3,02, and Williams 2,44.
from "A Friend" in Harrisburg, Pa., to con-
stitute G. Z. Kunkel a life member,
per Rev. A. J. G. Dubs, Treas. of Goshen-
hoppen Classis, col. in his own ch., 30,21, and
col. at regular meeting of Classis at Reigels-
ville 23,14,
from Rev. N. E. Gilds, Harvest col. in Mt.
Zion 6,00, and Greenfield cong. 4,00,
from Carlisle Sab. school, to constitute Mr.
Samuel Wetzel a life member,
from Rev. A. L. Dechant, col. in Keeler's ch.
23,05, Sumneytown 17,12, Boyerstown 17,00,
Hubers 8,87, to constitute himself a life mem.,
per Rev. Dr. Bomberger from 1st Ger. Ref.
church, Race street, the balance of col on
plan of Systematic Benevolence (total $273,-
15,) the Board to pay bal. due by that ch. to
Pittsburg church,
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per John Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md. Classis,
from Rev. J. G. Fritchey, Taneytown,
per do. from do. for Hagerstown mission,
per do. from Boonsboro' for do.
do.
per do. from Manchester for do.
do.
per Rev. D. Y. Heisler, for Wilkesbarre ch.,
harvest sermons in Bath 12,88, Hecktown
14,76, Bethlehem 10,44, D. Y. II. bal. 1,92,
Rev. J. Rebaugh, col in St. Paul's congre-
gation, Washington county, Maryland,
Rev. D. Willers, Fayette, Seneca co., N. Y.
Ger. Ref. church, Harrisburg, monthly con-
cert, col. for one life membership,
Rev. J. O. Miller. York, Pa., to constitute
Miss E. Forney and Mrs. Sarah Stuck life
members,
Rev. G. Wolff, Tr. of E. Susq. Classis, from
Rev. J. Fritzinger's ch., St. Peters 6,13, St.
Johns 4,22, St. James 4,28, Friedens 6,00,
Pauls 2,27, Coleman's 3,10,
Carried forward,
$3,420,99
14,00
10,00
6,00
15,00
. 100,00
19,50
23,24,
30,00
53,35
10,00
80,00
66,04
23,15
15,00
15,00
20,00
9,00
40,00
13,00
4,21
36,68
60,00
26,00
$4,060,18
77
CR.
1859.
Amount brought forward,
Oct. 20 By Cash per Rev. George Wolff, from Rev. D. W. Wolff,
Danville ch. 5, Paradise ch. 5, Rev. I. Shell-
hammer 1,73, Rev. H. Hoffman 2,66,
44
of Rev. J. H. Derr, Allentown, Pa., an addi-
tional life memb. in addition to pledges at Synod,
C. E. G.,
1859.
Oct. 21
Nov. 4
12
15
1859
Jan.
20
Dec. 11
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15
18
12
25
Feb. 8
10
Mc'h 17
Apr. 12
15
May 4
44
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To balance due Treasurer,
To cash paid Rev. W. K. Zieber, travelling expenses,
do do A. Tönsmeier,
do
do
do
do
do
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do
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89898 9
do
do
do
do do
do do
do
do do do
do
do do
do
do
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do
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do
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do
do
do
do
do
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do do
do
do
do
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do
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do do
do do
do do
do
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do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do
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do do
do do
do do
do do
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do C. Cast,
do
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DR.
S. Mease, Cincinnati, Ohio,
T. Grosshuesch, Rochester, N. Y.,
D. Hefelfinger, Newville, Pa.,
P. Vitz, Decatur, Indiana,
G. E. Gramm, Baltimore,
J. F. Busche, New York city,
M. G. I. Stern, Indianapolis,
E. W. Reinecke, Nazareth, Pa.,
G. B. Russell, Pittsburg, Pa.,
W. K. Zieber, Tiffin, Ohio,
D. Feete, Woodstock, Va.,
M. Kieffer & Co.,
do I. Gerhart, Supt's. outfit, miss. tracts, &c. 121,02
by Rev. John Rodenmayer, Sup. of Md.
Classis, to the Rev. W. F. Colliflower, for
the use of Rev. M. A. Stewart, mission-
ary of said Classis,
Rev. A. H. Mühlmeier,
W. K. Zieber,
H. Hoffman,
II. Eschmeier,
W. K. Zieber, travelling expenses,
A. Schröder,
T. Grosshuesch,
W. M. Deatrick,
$4,060,16
J. Dahlman,
M. A. Stewart,
G. B. Russell,
W. K. Zieber,
do do travelling exp. col.
14,39
30,00
10,00
$4,114,55
D. Hefelfinger, Newville, Pa.,
T. Grosshuesch, Rochester, N. Y.,
S. Mease, Cincinnati, Ohlo,
Carried over,
C. Cast,
interest on note ($300) in Harb'g bank,
F. Strassner,
M. G. I. Stern,
Made
$25,16
49,08
75,00
75,00
37,50
18,75
25,00
37,50
50,00
25,00
18,75
C. Cast,
18.10
interest on note ($300) in Harb'g. bank, 4,70
50,00
39,00
75,00
37,50
50,00
50,00
30,00
23,09
60,00
37,50
15,00
33,03
50,00
10,00
12,50
22,06
5,00
50,00
100,00
2,50
7,00
4.70
30,00
25,00
18,75
50,00
75,00
$1,543,18
:
78
!
•
1859
May 4 To cash paid
do
do
do
do
do
Juno 17
25
July 16
18
21
}
Oct. 19
20
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do do do
do
do do
do
do do
do
do
do
do
do do
do
do
do
Rev. G. E. Gramm,
do J. F. Busche, N. Y.,
do
do
do do
Amount brought over,
do J. B. Pörner, Hazleton, Pa.,
do
P. T. Kluge, Wisconsin,
H. Hoffman,
M. A. Stewart
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do
do
do
do
do
do
"do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
dd
do
do
શૈક
do do
do
do do
do
do do
do do
do
do do do
do
do
do
de
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
do do
་
do do
do do
do do
do do
DR.
C. Cast,
W. M. Deatrick,
W. K. Zieber sal. 100, trav. exp. 35,25, 185,25
I. Gerhart,
12,93
P. Vitz, Decatur, Indiana,
W. M. Deatrick,
P. T. Kluge, Sheboygan,
D. Hefelfinger,
A. Schröder,
M. G. I. Stern,
D. Hefelfinger,
J. B. Kniest,
A. Schröder,
J. Kuelling, Frederick city,
O Lohr,
J. B. Pörner,
P. Vitz,
A. S. Vaughan,
J. B. Kniest,
H. Esehmeier,
Dr. Zacharias,
G. B. Russell,
J. F. Busche,
inter. on renewal of note in Harb'g bank, 4,70
H. Hoffman,
27,50
by Lewisburg ch. to Rev. J. B. Kneist,
by Aaronsburg ch. to do
do
H Eschmeier, Toledo, Ohio,
P. Vitz,
C. Cast, paid by Maryland Classis,
F. Strassner, paid by E. Pa. Classis,
M. Kieffer & Co. printing tracts,
J. F. Busche,
O. Lohr, Elizabeth city, N. J.,
G. E. Gramm, Baltimore,
W. K. Zieber,
G. B. Russell,
$1,543 18
37,50
37,50
15,00
37,50
J. B. Pörner,
I. Gerhart, interst on borrowed money,
A. S. Vaughan,
to Hagerstown miss. from Md. Classis,
to Wilkesbarre ch. per Rev. J. Beck,
Note in Harrisburg bank,
Postage, &c.,
H. Hoffman, by E. Susq. Classis,
F. Strassner,
do do S. Mease, Cincinnati, Ohio,
do do J. Klingler,
Balance in the Treasury,
10,00
35,00
81,00
12,50
75,00
37,50
37,50
44,00
20,00
50.00
25,00
25,00
7,31
50,00
37,50
20,00
10,00
25,00
20,00
12,50
37,50
1875
75,00
25,00
18,75
50,00
20,00
25,61
70,80
52,00
37,50
37,50
75,00
101,75
50,00
15,00
12,00
100,00
44,00
40,00
300,00
4,20
40,39
30,00
75,00
50,00
222,94
$4,114,55
79
We, the undersigned, have examined the account of the
Treasurer of the Board of Domestic Missions and compared it
with the vouchers, and find it correct.
D. WILLERS,
A. G. DOLE.
The following report was received from the Board of Foreign
Missions, and referred to the Committee on Missions:
The Board of Foreign Missions beg leave to present to Synod
their twenty-first Annual Report:
It is now twenty-one years since our Board of Foreign Mis-
sions was organized. It was instituted at the meeting of Synod
held in Lancaster, in the fall of 1888. A correspondence was
sought and obtained with the American Board of Foreign Mis-
sions, located at Boston, which has continued to the present
time. That Board has appropriated our funds, according to
our direction. For the first several years our money was not
given to the support of any particular station, but in course of
time, when Mr. Schneider became a member of our Church -
and of our Synod, it passed to the support of the Broosa Mis-
sion, of which he had the charge. When our brother was
transferred from Broosa to Aintab, some ten years ago, it was
directed that our funds should hereafter be appropriated to the
latter Mission. Since our Society has been in operation, it has
received and disbursed about $20,000.
The Mission at Aintab, Syria, has been eminently success-
ful. No other Mission, perhaps, has been more prosperous, or
is, at the present time, in a more interesting and flourishing
condition. To the Head of the Church we should not fail to
render our true heart-felt gratitude, for blessing our compara-
tively small means to the accomplishment of so much good.
In a letter just received from our missionary, Dr. Schneider,
he speaks of the present state of things, in and around Aintab,
in a way that is, more than ever, cheering and encouraging.
The difficulties which had occurred, both in the Church and
community, during his visit to this country, have passed away;
peace and harmony prevail, and there is an increased atten-
tion to spiritual and eternal interests. A few extracts from
the letter may serve to show the present prosperous state of
the Mission. The Dr. writes:
❝Ón my return from America, the audience was about 800 ;
probably, its average was less than that. But since spring,
the number has risen to about 1000, and this we now consider
our average Sabbath congregation. This is an increase of
about 200 in the space of nine months. Though the growth
of this congregation has been rapid from the very commence-
ment of this work, I know not that it has ever been equally
80
rapid at any former period. One of the apparent causes of this
growth, were some public discussions with the Armenians held
last spring. They were conducted in the evening, and lasted
till after midnight,-to 2 and 3 o'clock in the morning, and were
attended by companies of 100, 200, and 300 spectators. The
liveliest interest was manifested in their progress, both by the
Armenians and Protestants. Many, who had hitherto remained
strongly attached to the errors of the Armenian Church, were
there convinced of them and began to manifest a leaning to-
wards the truth, and immediately after these discussions, our
congregation received large accessions. The blessing of the
Lord rested upon them. It is a most interesting sight to be-
hold so many listening to the truth.
"The Sabbath school also has received large accessions dur-
ing these nine months. It formerly numbered about 150,
chiefly small children. But efforts were made to introduce
adults of both sexes, and those more advanced, and even aged
males and females, and also infants By the addition of these
classes, and different ages, the school gradually rose to 500,
and 600, and finally to 1000. There are about 300 in the infant
class, which meets in three different rooms; in the adult classes
of males, of which there are about 35, there are on an average
300, and in the classes for the aged men and elderly females,
there are 150, and in the classes for young females and girls,
there are nearly 150, making in all an average of about 1000.
They are taught by teachers who are regularly instructed
every week in the subject of the lessons by my associate and
myself, and thus they are prepared to come before their classes,
It is one of the most interesting sights to be witnessed in Ain-
tab, to see so large a number of all ages and sizes, from the in-
fant down to grand parent and great-grand parent, engaged
in the study of the Word of God. Could you behold the scene
with your own eyes, I am sure your heart would be deeply
affected. Two missionary ladies, from a neighboring station,
on a recent visit, when they heard the children sing, 'There
is a happy land' and 'I want to be an angel,' in Turkish, burst
into tears at the sight. Where was this great multitude only
twelve years ago? Not one of them on the side of truth, but
all enveloped in the darkness of error and superstition. What
hath God wrought!"
After speaking of the establishment of a female boarding
school, under very encouraging circumstances, the main ob-
ject of which is to raise the standard of female education, and
thus "to exert a most happy influence on the female portion
of the community," our missionary writes:
"My Theological Lectures have continued, with slight in-
terruptions, during these nine months. They are attended by
eight or ten individuals regularly, and a few others irregular-
ly. About half of these will, we hope, become pastors, and
81
the remainder will be helpers as Colporteurs and Teachers.
When this class shall have completed their course, another
class, now pursuing their preparatory studies in our High
School, will take their place. The native churches and com-
munities, springing up all around, must have pastors and teach-
ers, and these we are thus endeavoring to raise up. My asso-
ciate assists me in this work, as far as his knowledge of the
language permits.
"Our out-stations, at present, are four, viz: Orool, Biredgik,
Ehnesh and Besuch. Most of our former out-stations have
grown into independent stations, as Diarbeker, Marash, Oorfa
and Antioch; or have become, for convenience sake, connected
with these stations, as Killis, Kessab, Adand and Tarsus. But
though all these are now independent of Aintab, they have all
sprung directly from the influence which emanated from it
and even now a large part of the native helpers employed in
these places, came from here. The work in the first four
named points, is comparatively new, but is steadily progressing,
small additions being made to the communities from time to time.
"Our common schools have increased, and with this increase
the number of pupils attending them has also become larger.
The whole rising generation in our large community is being
educated, both male and female. Formerly none of the fe-
males, and but few of the males, could read. Our High School,
taught by a member of our Church, is in a prosperous condi
sion, and is rendering important aid in raising up a native
agency.
"All the children of the church-members are baptized.
None of the parents are disposed to neglect this important duty."
Thus we see, from these interesting extracts, that not only
has progress been made, but the present aspect of things is ex-
cee dingly bright and cheering. We have abundant reason to
be encouraged and to abound in prayer, that the Lord may
pour out His Spirit and prosper His work still more abundantly.
The Treasurer's statement, appended to this report, shows
what sums have been received and disbursed the last year.
The Board deeply regrets, that, whilst the Master has great-
ly blest our means and prospered our work, there has been a
large falling off in the receipts for the Aintab Mission. This
ought not so to be. Shall the Lord open to us doors of great use-
fulness in the land where Apostles once labored, and crown
our poor efforts with the most encouraging success, without
finding in us a disposition to sustain His cause, when we are
abundantly able to do it? We ought to reproach ourselves
and repent before Him, for having failed to perform our duty,
and for the future we should be stirred up to contribute to an
extent more commensurate with our large and still increasing
substance.
6
ELIAS HEINER,
President of the Board.
82
TREASURER'S REPORT.
Board of Foreign Missions of the German Reformed Church, in
account with ELIAS HEINER, Treasurer.
1858
Oct. 25
27
Nov. 9
Dec. 10
18
1859
Jan. 4
6
8
May 18
25
Third Mission church, (German), Cincinnati, Rev.
C. Saure, pastor,
10 Rev. Mr. Weigand's charge, per T. R., Sup. West
Susquehanna Classis,
Rev. Mr. Shenkle, Trappe congregation,
Rev. Mr. Sorber, Brownsback ch., Chester co., Pa.,
June 20
21
July 14
July 16
Aug. 15
20
Sept. 24
Oct. 3
By balance in the Treasury,
Rev. Dr. Zacharias. Frederick, Md., per J. R., Sup.
Maryland Classis,
CR.
Rev. A. Tönsmeier, Louisville, Ky.
St. Pauls German Reformed church, Lancaster, Pa.,
per C. G., Sup. Lebanon Classis,
Rev. Mr. Beck, Easton, Pa., from German Reformed
Sabbath school,
St. Pauls German Reformed church, Lancaster, Pa,
per C. G., Sup. Lebanon Classis,
J. Rodenmayer, Sup. Md. Classis, from Rev. Mr.
Colliflower, Jefferson charge,
From J. Coblentz, Middletown, Md.,
From Rev. M. L. Shuford, Mt. Moriah charge,
Rev. J. C. Klar, Stoutsville, Fairfield county, Ohio,
Rev. J. Sechler, Hanover congregation,
Rev. L. K. Derr.
John Wagoner,
Per Rev. Dr S. R. F., from Rev. M. A. Smith,
Rev. J. W. Steinmetz,
Rev. C. H. Leinbach,
Rev. D. S. Tobias,
Rev. F. W. Kremer, Lebanon,
Rev. S. Miller,
A Friend,
Rev. I. Miese,
Rev. W. Meyer, Tonawanda, Erie county, N. Y.
A friend to the cause in Harrisburg, per D. W. G.,
Rev. Mr. Wiegand, additional,
Rev. Mr. Mohr,
Rev. W. H. Groh,
Rev. J. B. Knipe, from his charge, Chester co., Pa.,
Rev. Samuel Hess, Hellertown, Pa.,
Rev. D. Willers, Fayette, Seneca county, New York,
21 Rev. A. L. Herman,
Rev. A. S. Leinbach, Reading,
Rev. J. Pentz,
Rev. J. E. Hiester,
Rev, J. D. Zehring,
Rev. D. Weiser,
Rev. J. O. Miller, York, Pa.,
Jacob Bernheisel, Executor of Elizabeth Stambach,
deceased, legacy,
Rev. Dr. Bomberger, Race street church, Philadel'a.,
Carried forward,
$200,25
17,56
14,00
10,00
10,00
10,00
16,00
20,00
50,00
10,00
5,22
10,00
2,32
10,00
33,75
5,00
5,00
20,00
2,50
71,65
3,00
6,00
2,00
5,00
5,00
6,60
20,00
8,00
9,00
5,53
10,00
11,00
12,00
30,00
25,00
4,00
4,00
20,00
10,00
30,00
31,67
21,65
$802,70
83
1859.
Oot. 21
CR.
Amount brought forward.
Rev. Mr. Demund, 2nd German Reformed church,
Lancaster, Pa., additional,
Rev. Dr. Heiner, 2nd st. church and Sab. school, Balt.,
Rev. Mr. Derr, collection in his Sabbath school, Allen-
town, Pa,
D. W. Gross, Esq., from G. R. cong., Harrisburg, Pa.,
1859.
DR.
July 20 To cash paid J. M. Gordon, Esq., Treasurer of A. B. C.
F. M., at Boston, for the support of the Aintab Mission,
Syria,
Postage and discount,
Balance in Treasury, Oct. 21, 1859.
$802,70
10,00
50,00
20,00
31,86
$914,56
550,00
2,50
362,06
$914,55
This certifies that the undersigned, a committee appointed
by the Board of Foreign Missions, to examine the accounts of
its Treasurer, have attended to the duty assigned them, and
find all correct. The disbursements are supported by proper
vouchers. The sum now in the hands of the Treasurer is
$362,06.
J. S. FOULK,
G. S. GRIFFITH.
Harrisburg, Oct. 21, 1859.
The Committee on Missions, to whom the foregoing reports
were referred, submitted the following report, which was adopt-
ed:
The Committee on Missions, respectfully report as follows:
Domestic Missions.
As the annual report of the Board of Domestic Missions will
be published, and thus the Church be furnished with the de-
tails of the operations of the Board, it is our province to fur-
nish only a general outline of the Missionary work during the
past year.
The past year, we are happy to say, was a year of more than
ordinary prosperity and success, in our Missionary operations.
The previous year, there were under the care of the Board six-
teen Missionaries, and during the year just closed, there were
twenty-one. The income of the Board exceeded that of the
previous year, $503,03. Two Missions, one at Indianapolis, Ind.,
and the other at Yellow Creek, Bedford County, Pa., have be-
come self-sustaining.
The blessing of the Head of the Church has evidently attended
84
the labors of our Missionaries. New congregations have been
organized, and a goodly number were admitted to the fold of
Christ. The Church, both in her ministry and membership,
is awaking more and more to the importance of this blessed
work of feeding the famishing with the bread of life. The
Macedonian cry, "come over and help us," is being more gen-
erally regarded,-the heart of the Church is beginning to cherish
a warmer love, and a more tender sympathy for her scattered
and neglected children, and as a consequence gifts flow more
liberally and freely into the treasury of the Lord.
There is, however, still much land to be possessed. Thou-
sands of our brethren are scattered like sheep without a shep-
herd, having no one to conduct them into " green pastures,"
and lead them by the "still waters." Many of our people
need yet to be instructed, and convinced of their duty towards
these, their perishing brethren.
We bring to the notice of Synod, that the Rev. W. K. Zieber
has resigned his agency as General Superintendent of Missions.
This event the Board regrets, in view of his efficient and highly
satisfactory services, whilst his reasous for retiring are fully
appreciated.
For the present, the Board do not deem it advisable to ap-
point a Superintendent in the place of brother Zieber, but will
commit his work as far as it can be performed to pastors and
missionaries.
In view of the evident success which has attended the
labors of the Board, we recommend the adoption of the follow-
ing resolution:
Resolved, That with humble gratitude we acknowledge the
goodness and mercy of the Great Head of the Church in
crowning with His blessing our unworthy labors, and that we
renewedly consecrate ourselves and the Church we represent
in the spirit of faith to His blessed work.
Also
Resolved, That the cause of Domestic missions be again earn-
estly commended to the prayers and hearty support of our
ministers and people.
Foreign Missions.
We learn from the report of the Board of Foreign Missions,
that they have prosecuted their work with their customary
diligence and fidelity. Our beloved Missionary, the Rev. Dr.
Schneider, returned to his station in Aintab, Syria, about a year
ago. His people received him and his wife, with much joy and
gratitude to God. The Aintab Mission is in a very prosperous
condition, and in this view must command the confidence of
the Church. The gifts of the Church devoted to this mission
are not bestowed in vain-under the divine blessing, they are
made to yield a large increase.
85
In regard to this mission we recommend the following reso-
lution:
Resolved, That the Aintab Mission be earnestly commended.
to the sympathy and liberal support of the Church.
Respectfully submitted,
F. W. KREMER, Chairman.
The following resolutions were offered, and after considera-
ble discussion, referred to the Board of Foreign Missions:
Whereas, this Synod acknowledges with devout gratitude the
divine blessing attending its efforts in the establishment of our
Foreign Missionary enterprize in Asia Minor; and,
Whereas, this Synod rejoices in the privilege of having been
instrumental, by God's grace, to help it on to its present pros-
perity and now wishes more ardently to further this cherished
object, therefore
Resolved, That, in order to obtain the object in view, it has
become desirable that the Mission at Aintab and affiliated points
be transferred to the entire jurisdiction and control of this
Synod.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Synod are due to our Mis-
sionary, the Rev. Dr. Schneider, for his self-denying labors,
and that the Mission be heartily recommended to the fostering
care and liberality of the churches, so that it may become more
efficient and prosperous.
Resolved, That this subject be referred to the favorable con-
sideration of our Board of Foreign Missions, for their early ac-
tion.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the attention of the Board of Domestic Mis-
sions be called to the fact, that there are only four English mis-
sions out of twenty one, and that they be directed to establish
English missions wherever it is practicable.
The Classis of New York, as reported by the Committee on
Minutes of Classes, asked the aid of Synod in behalf of the
newly organized congregation in Rahway, New Jersey, which
labors under pecuniary difficulty. It was
Resolved, That this request be commended to the favorable
attention of the Board of Domestic Missions.
II. ELECTION OF THE BOARDS OF MISSIONS.
The following persons were chosen members of the Boards
of Missions for the current year :
4.
86
BOARD OF DOMESTIC MISSIONS.
From the Classis of East Pennsylvania-Rev. Joseph S. Dubs and
John Beck.
Lebanon-Rev. Frankiin W. Kremer and
Thomas H. Leinbach.
Zion-Rev. Amos H. Kremer and Jacob O.
Miller.
"
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Maryland-Rev. Samuel H. Giesy and John
S. Foulk.
North Carolina-Rev. Jeremiah Ingold and
Thornton Butier.
Philadelphia-Rev. John H. A. Bomberger,
D. D., and Nicholas Gehr.
Virginia-Rev. George H. Martin and Dan-
iel Feete.
Mercersburg-Rev. John Rebaugh and Thom-
as G. Apple.
Goshenhoppen-Rev. Daniel Weiser and Sam-
uel Hess.
New York-Rev. John F. Busche and Die-
drich Willers.
Lancaster-Rev. Isaac Gerhart and Daniel-
Gans.
East Susquehanna-Rev. George Wolff and
Albert G. Dole.
West Susquehanna-Rev. Samuel Gutelius.
and Charles H. Leinbach.
Clarion-Rev. David B. Ernst and Lewis D.
Leberman.
From the Church in General-Rev. Henry Harbaugh, Theo-
dore Appel, Emanuel V. Gerhart, Isaac S. Demund, and
Messrs. Daniel W. Gross, George H. Bomberger, and Christian
Gast.
BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.
OFFICERS.-Rev. Elias Heiner, D. D., President and Treasurer;
Rev. Daniel Ziegler, Recording Secretary; Rev. Bernard C.
Wolff, D. D., Corresponding Secretary.
Additional Members.-Rev. Diedrich Willers, Daniel Zacha-
rias, D. D., William F. Colliflower, John S. Foulk, and Messrs.
John Rodenmayer, John Keafauver, Joseph K. Milnor, Chris-
tian Steiner, and Goldsboro S. Griffith.
III. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS RELATING TO MISSIONS.
The anniversary of the Board of Domestic Missions was held
on the evening of the fifth day of the sessions. The exercises
were opened with singing and prayer by the Rev. Isaac. S.
Demund. An address was delivered in the German language
87
by the Rev. Diedrich Willers, and another in the English lan-
guage by the Rev. Franklin W. Kremer. These were follow-
ed by an address on the general subject of Missions by the Rev.
Thomas G. Apple. At the close of the exercises a collection
was taken up, and pledges received on behalf of Missions.
ARTICLE XV.
Finance.
The following report was received from the Treasurer of
Synod, and referred to the Committee on Finance :
To the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States:
The annexed account will show the amount of receipts and
expenditures for the past year.
The aggregate amount received, including the annual inter-
est accruing from the Kieffer legacy, amounts to $1,668,53,
of which there has been expended $1,382,54, leaving a balance
in the Treasury of $285,99. The interest semi-annually falling
due has been regularly paid into the hands of the Treasurer of
the Theological Seminary. No interest has been received on
the legacy left by Peter Cook, deceased. The executor pro-
poses paying interest on the same from the 1st of April, 1858,
and that on the 1st of April, 1860, he will pay the amount of
interest due.
There remains a balance due by the different Classes on the
Apportionment fund, necessary to defray the contingent ex-
penses of Synod, amounting to $428,31, which will more fully
appear from the annexed statement.
The increased expenses of Syod in the publication of the Syn-
odical Minutes alone will render it important, that these bal-
ances should be paid.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM HEYSER, Treasurer.
The Synod of the German Reformed Church in account with WIL-
LIAM HEYSER, Treasurer.
1858
Nov. 10
1859
Feb. 2
Mar. 14
23
Apr. 6
27
CR.
By balance in Treasury at last settlement,
balance of collection at Synod,
Cash received of Clarion Classis,
88289
do
do
do
Goshenhoppen Classis,
East Susquehanna do
West
do
do
Six months interest, Kieffer legacy,
East Susquehanna Classis,
Carried over,
$533,84
5,35
30,00
40,00
10,00
6,00
285,00
4,00
$914,19
88
1859.
May 11 Cash received of Lebanon
22
July 20
27
28
Aug. 10
Sept. 28
Oct. 6
12
6
Apr.
Oct. 6
Oct.
1
11
20021028888
do
do
Maryland
Philadelphia
Virginia
Goshenhoppen
New York
do
do
do
do
Clarion
North Carolina
do
do
do
do
Amount brought over,
1858
DR.
Nov. 27 To cash paid Rev. D. Gans expenses to Ohio Synod,
Rev. D. Zacharias do N. C.,
Dec. 1
do
1859
Feb. 28
East Pennsylvania Classis,
West Susquehanna
do
East
do
do
Zions
do
do
do
do
do
Mercersburg
Lebanon
do
East Susquehanna
West
do
Zions
New York
CR.
Classis,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Maryland
West Susquehanna
Six months interest, Kieffer legacy,
Philadelphia Classis,
Lancaster
do
Goshenhoppen do
Minutes sold,
Amounts due by the several Classes per assessment in aid of
the Contingent Fund of Synod :
do
do
Geo. Besore, Treas. Sem'y, Kieffer interest,
do
do
do do
R. F. Kelker, for act of incorporation,
S. R Fisher, Stated Clerk,
J. H. Derr translating Minutes,
Balance in Treasury,
1858
do
M. Kieffer & Co., 3,000 copies Eng. Minutes, 360,00
do do 2,000 do Ger. do 275,00
do do postage,
54
285,00
285,00
12,00
75,00
25,00
285,99
$1,668,53
do
1857 and 1858
1858
1848 to 1858
1858
1352 to 1858
$914,19
6,00
60,00
36,00
5,00
31,50
35,00
50,00
20,00
,50,00
9,00
285,00
80,71
43,00
42,35
75
$1,668,53
1856 to 1858
1858
1852 to 1853
69,65
28,00
30,00
46,00
$428,31
The Committee on Finance, to whom the above report was
referred, submitted their report, which was received and
adopted:
25,00
40,00
$00,00
1,00
13,70
57,00
8,00
94,96
20,00
The Committee on Finance would respectfully beg leave to
report:
89
That the only document placed in their hands was the report
of the Treasurer of Synod. From it, with the accompany-
ing vouchers, the committee ascertain that $1,668,53 were re-
ceived and $1,382,54 disbursed during the year-leaving $285,-
99 in the Treasury.
The apportionments heretofore made by Synod, for the re-
plenishment of its Treasury with funds adequate to the carry-
ing forward of its business, have not been fully met by all the
Classes. There is still due from a number of them balances
and full sums, in some instances, which amount in the aggre-
gate to the sum of $428,31. The committee regrets exceed-
ingly the existence of this fact. It is disrespectful to Synod
and unjust to those Classes that are punctual in meeting the
demands of Synod. Besides, the operations of Synod, in its fi-
nances, may be seriously embarrassed, should this state of
things be allowed to continue.
The committee has no data upon which to base the probable
expenses of Synod for the coming year, but presuming that
they will be the same as during the past, the following appor-
tionment would be submitted, as proper to be made to supply
the wants of the Treasury the coming year. Along with the
sum apportioned for the present year, are stated the amounts
due from the several Classes in arrears, as per the Treasurer's
statement.
East Penn'a. Classis,
""
West Susqueh'a.
East 66
Lebanon
Lancaster
""
(6
Virginia
Mercersburg
Goshenhoppen
New York
((
Zions
66
(6
Maryland
Philadelphia 66
66
""
(6
"6
66
Clarion
North Carolina 66
New.
$60,00
30,00
30,00
50,00
C
45,00
55,00
60,00
40,00
20,00
60,00
40,00
20,00
30,00
Old.
$60,00
1,00
13,70
57,00
8,00
94,96
20,00
69,55
28,00
30,00
46,00
Total.
$120,00
31,00
43,70
50,00
45,00
112,00
68,00
134,96
40,00
60,00
109,65
48,00
60,00
46;00
The committee would recommend the following resolution :
Resolved, That the several Classes be enjoined to make pro-
vision at their next annual meeting, for the immediate pay-
ment of the assessment now made for the benefit of the Synodi-
cal Treasury;-and further, that those in arrears on appor-
tionments heretofore made, be required to liquidate the same
without any further delay.
The committee would further state that should Synod ex-
3
90
pend as much on the publication of the Minutes of this, as or
the last year, the Treasury will be left in debt.
Respectfully submitted
F. A. RUPLEY.
A communication was received from the Rev. Bernard C.
Wolff, D. D., in relation to the payment of balances still due of
monies borrowed for the $17,000, Fund, and referred to the
Financial Committee of Synod.
The Financial Committee of Synod submitted the following
report, which was adopted:
The Financial Committee beg leave respectfully to report:
That since the last full statement of their account presented
to Synod, as found in the Minutes of this body for 1856, the
following sums have been received on the $17,000 fund by
your committee's Treasurer. From
Maryland Classis,
Goshenhoppen "
Mercersburg 66
East Penn'a.
Susquehanna
(6
"(
East Pennsylvania Classis,
66
$1,216,71
There would, accordingly, be still due upon the original as-
sessments, from
Goshenhoppen
Philadelphia
Mercersburg
(6
66
$ 98,95
322,76
185,00
600,00
10,00
$850,25
379,79
471,95
104,65
$1,806,54
And this amount is exclusive of interest, which should prop-
erly be charged upon all amounts not paid at the time of the
last settlement of the committee. In reference to the collec-
tion of these arrears, your committee, with some humiliation,
confess their resources of persuasion, entreaty and reproof ut
terly exhausted. Reiterated appeals have been made to the
several delinquent Classes, with comparatively little effect. In
some cases we can explain this apparent dereliction of duty.
Since the enterprise was started in 1852-3, and the first assess-
ments were made, many pastors, who then labored diligently
to raise the amounts laid upon their respective congregations,
have changed pastoral fields, and find it extremely difficult, in
their new field of labor, to make up for the neglect of their
predecessors. This we know to be especially the case in the
Philadelphia Classis. Then again in many of the Classes, sev-
eral congregations and pastoral charges, have raised their full
91.
amounts, and the Classes to which they belong, are delinquent
through the remissness of other charges and their pastors.
And yet we feel pursuaded, that, if delinquent pastors and
congregations could be brought to realize their moral respon-
sibility in this matter, and to consider the great advantages
accruing to the Church at large-and thus to each individual
congregation-from this entire movement, there would be lit-
tle difficulty in collecting the balance still due.
At the same time, we confess ourselves unable to devise or
apply any plan for reaching the case, different from the meth-
od hitherto adopted, which seems to have proven inadequate.
We, therefore, earnestly request Synod either to release us
from this onerous and unpleasant work, or to give us such di-
rections, as, if properly attended to, may enable us at once to
effect the final settlement of this lingering and vexatious ac-
count.
If Synod cannot do this, we must beg that immediate pro-
vision be made to liquidate the most pressing claims, amount-
ing to $621,50, due to several members of the committee, and
obtained, in part, by them, by notes discounted in Banks, which
are unwilling to grant any longer indulgence. In the event
of the adoption of this last method, we would recommend that
the Treasurer of Synod be authorized to borrow the sum named
on the credit of Synod, and pass it over without delay to your
committee's treasurer, Geo. Z. Kunkel, Esq.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. A. BOMBERGER, Chairman.
The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That the Financial Committee be directed to pay
over to the Treasurer of Synod so much of what may be received
on the $17,000 fund, as may be necessary to refund the sum
borrowed by said Treasurer, in accordance with the recomenda-
tion of the preceding report.
Resolved, That the present delegates to Synod from the
Classes delinquent on the $17,000 fund, be appointed special
committees to urge their respective Classes, to pay over to
the Financial Committee the amounts of their delinquencies,
and to co-operate with Synod's Financial Committee in carry-
ing out the object of their appointment.
A collection was taken up for defraying the expenses of the
present meeting, amounting to $16,18 and paid over to the
sexton of the Church, in which the sessions of Synod were held.
3
92
ARTICLE XVI
Appeals and References.
The Committee on Minutes of Classes reported as an irreg
ularity, the fact that the Classis of New York was unwilling
to assume its indebtedness to the Contingent Fund of Synod of
$20,00 as they consider the proportion too high. It was
Resolved, That the Classis of New York be exonerated from
paying the amount due from them on the assessments of past
years,
The same Committee reported as an irregularity, the fact,
that the Classis of Goshenhoppen specified as one of its items
at a special meeting, the "transaction of such business as might
be deemed necessary," contrary to Sec. II., Art. 12 of the
Constitution; and also the fact, that the Classis of East Sus-
quehanna dispensed with the installation of the Rev. C. Z.
Weiser. It was
Resolved, That the attention of these Classes be directed to
these irregularities respectively.
The same Committee also reported as an irregularity, the
fact, that the Classis of Maryland received an Elder as a mem-
ber of Classis, whose credentials had not been received at the
regular meeting. The item was approved.
The Classis of East Pennsylvania, as reported by the Commit-
tee on Minutes of Classes, directed the attention of Synod to
the fact, that the Classis of Goshenhoppen did not pay due rc-
gard to certain resolutions forwarded to them by the Classis of
East Pennsylvania through their Stated Clerk
It was
Resolved, That this subject be referred to the Classis of Gosh-
enhoppen, and that the Classis be directed to take measures to
have the existing difficulties adjusted as soon as possible.
The Committee on Minutes of Classes reported an appeal of
the Rev. Daniel Weiser from the decision of the Goshenhop-
pen Classis at a special meeting in Berks county, in reference
to its reception of the Pennsburg congregation. The appeal
was referred to a special committee, consisting of the Rev.
Diedrich Willers, John W. Steinmetz, Charles Cast, and El-
ders George Shollenberger and John Wolfensberger, to exam-
ine the papers in the case, and if found in order, to propose the
order in which the appeal shall be prosecuted before Synod.
In this connection the Committee on Overtures reported a pa-
per from the Pennsburg congregation, bearing on this particu-
lar case.
It was referred to the same committee.
This com-
mittee submitted the following report, was received and adopt-
.ed.:
93
The committee to whom was referred the appeal of the Rev..
D. Weiser from the decision of the Goshenhoppen Classis in
the case of the Pennsburg congregation, respectfully report,
That they first endeavored to effect an adjustment of the
difficulties between the two parties, but in this were unsuc-
cessful. They then examined the papers in the case, and found.
them in order; and would recommend that the appeal be taken
up in the following order:
1) The papers and documents in the case shall be read.
2) The parties shall each be heard, and allowed thirty min-
utes to present their case.
3) An opportunity shall then be afforded the members of
Synod to express their views.
4) The Synod shall proceed to decide the case.
Respectfully submitted,
DIEDRICH WILLERS, Chairman.
The appeal was accordingly taken up. The papers in the
case were read. The parties were heard; after which the
Synod resolved to proceed to decide the case without debate.
The vote was taken by YEAS and NAYS, and the result was as
follows:
To Sustain the Appeal :-E. Kieffer, F. J. Mohr, W. II. Groh,
J. F. Pontius, T. G. Apple, A. B. Wingerd, J. H. A. Bomber-
ger, L. A. Brunner, M. L. Shuford, C. Cast, J. Rodenmayer,
D. Smith, J. Beck, J. H. Derr, S. Gutelius-15
Not to Sustain :-H. F. Hartman, W. Goodrich, J. Sechler,
D. Willers, B. S. Schneck, N. S. Aller, R. Umstead, J. Garner,
P. Hoover, H. Wissler, W. H. Knode, H. A. Wilt, J. E. Heis-
ter, F. W. Kremer, J. F. Moers, C. J. Becker, J. Laubach, T.
Butz-18.
Non Liquet-H. Williard, M. A. Smith-2.
The Committee on Minutes of Classes reported an appeal of
Levi L. Jacoby, in behalf of the congregations served by Mr.
Simon K. Gross, a suspended minister, from the decision of the
Classis of Goshenhoppen, refusing to restore Mr. Gross to the
functions of the ministry. The appeal was referred to a spe-
cial committee, consisting of the Rev. Henry F. Hartman,
Amos H. Kremer, Franklin J. Mohr, and Elders John Garner
and Peter Roller, to examine the papers in the case, and if
found in order, to propose the order in which the appeal shall
be heard before Synod. This committee submitted the follow-
ing report, which was received and adopted:
The committee on Mr. Jacoby's appeal in the case of Mr.
Gross, beg leave to report:
That they have carefully examined the documents pertain-
ing to this case. They find several petitions, signed by many
of the former members and friends of Mr. Gross, praying the
94
Goshenhoppen Classis to restore him to the functions of the
holy ministry. The papers of the petitioners are accompanied
by testimonials in favor of his behavior and moral character,
since his deposition. On the other hand, your committee have
thoroughly investigated the evidence before the Classis, upon
which Mr. Gross was suspended. He was informed by Classis
to desist from preaching. Mr. Gross complied with the decis-
ion. He, however, preached afterwards, often in his congre-
gations upon the permission of some of the members of Classis,
given on the floor of Classis, to fill the appointments of their
own supplies in case they did not come themselves, in order to
avoid disappointing the audience. Several applications having
been presented before Classis by many members of his charge
in favor of his restoration, based upon the firm declaration of
his innocence, and a regular notice given of their appeal to
Synod, with the prayer to investigate the case, your committee
recommend, that, inasmuch as the appeal is in order, both par-
ties interested be heard in closed session, according to the
usual order of the constitution in case.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. HARTMAN, Chairman.
The case was accordingly taken up. The documents per-
taining to it were read. The appellant was then heard at
length; after which statements were made by some of the
members of the Classis in explanation of its action. The mem-
bers of Synod were then afforded an opportunity to express
their views. After this was done, the vote was taken by
YEAS and NAYS, with the following result:
To Sustain the Appeal: J. Laubach, T. Butz, W. A. Wilt, B.
S. Schneck-4.
Not to Sustain. A. B. Wingerd, J. Beck, T. G. Apple, C. J.
Becker, J. H. Derr, J. E. Hiester, F. W. Kremer, J. F. Moers,
C. Cast, M. A. Smith, H. Wissler, W. H. Knode, J. Roden-
mayer, D. Smith, J. H. A. Bomberger, N. S. Aller, P. Hoover,
J. Garner, R. Umstead, D. Willers, W. H. Groh, J. F. Pontius,
W. Goodrich,-23.
Non Liquet: M. L. Shuford, F. J. Mohr-2.
Excused from Voting: S. Guteluis, E. Kieffer, H. F. Hart-
man-3.
Rev. A. L. Dechant and N. S. Strassburger were appointed.
a committee to visit the congregations of Mr. Gross, and ex-
plain to them the action of Synod.
Nothing occurred.
ARTICLE XVII.
Complaints.
95
Nothing occurrod.
ARTICLE XVIII.
Sunday Schools.
ARTICLE XIX.
Publication.
The following report was received from the Board of Pub-
lication and referred to the Committee on Publication :
The Board of Publication has had three meetings during the
year. The business of the firm has been carried forward,
amidst all the embarrassments with which trade has had to
contend the past two years, with commendable activity. It is
true, this assertion may be deemed rather extravagant by some.
Yet, when the history of the Establishment is kept in view;
the disadvantages under which the firm prosecuted its labors
for years; the amount of liabilities that once threatened the
solvency of the Establishment, but which have now been so
much reduced as to make their payment only a matter of time;
all this and much more, considered properly, will confirm the
declaration of the Board.
The firm, M. Kieffer & Co., rendered their annual statement
of the condition of the Printing Establishment for the year end-
ing 1st of October, 1859, to the Board at its last meeting, a few
days ago. From this statement, the Board is led to infer, that
reasonable prosperity is accompanying them. To assure the
Synod of this, a brief synopsis of their statement is herewith
appended. The liabilities of the firm in whole are put down at
$16,819,201.
It is not deemed important in this report to give all the
items swelling this aggregate. Suffice it to say, that it embra-
ces all the debts of the Establishment, including money due
Bank, Saving Fund, individuals, original investment of firm,
and also deferred payment of $3,000 on Mansion House.
Now as an offset to this, the firm has produced assets to the
amount of $45,721,18. That Synod may form its own estimate
of the character and worth of these assets, a statement of them
is herewith given, viz:
Lot and building,
Presses and engines,
Types, fixtures, stoves, &c.,
Stereotype plates English Hymn Book,
do German do
do
do
do
Printing Ink,
Paper on hand in office,
de English and German Catechisms,
Carried over,
$10,000,00
3,050,00
2,000,00
250,00
400,00
100,00
68,25
657,78
$16,526,03
96
Amount brought over,
Bindery tools, Presses, &c.,
Material on hand in Bindery,
Books bound,
Books in sheets,
Due on accounts for Messenger, (estimated),
Kirchenzeitung, do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Former building and lot sold,
Books,
Binding,
$16,526,03
850,00
334,25
3,795,37
1,516,75
9,000,00
4,200,00
6,869,29
629,49
2,000,00
$45,721,18
The Board deem it due to the firm to accompany this state-
ment with a few explanatory remarks. It will be perceived,
that the liabilities this year have been increased some $930,644.
They were reported at last Synod as $15,888,551. They are
now $16,819,201. Yet when the facts in the case are known,
this increase will be but nominal. It will be remembered that
at the last meeting of Synod the Rev. B. Bausman was chosen
Editor of the Messenger, and the Rev. B. S. Schneck Editor of
the Kirchenzeitung-and the Board were directed to fix their
salaries respectively. At its next meeting the Board voted
$700 as the salary of Editor of the Messenger, and $500 for the
Editor of the German paper. This in itself was an increase of
$800 in the expenses of the firm. Heretofore Dr. Fisher had
performed the duty of editor and general superintendent-
while the salary of the editor of the German paper had been
$100. Besides this, a considerable amount of expense has
been incurred by the firm in the way of renewal of type, pur-
chase of a new engine, which alone cost some $700 or $800.
Then it must be remembered the office has been removed du-
ring the year from the building in which its operations had
been carried on since its origin, to the Mansion House, lately
purchased by the firm, with the consent of Synod. This item
of removal itself was attended with no small expense. All
these different considerations will evidence to Synod that al-
though the aggregate liabilities this year are seemingly great-
er by $930,611 than last year-yet really, not more than, from
the nature of the case, could have been expected.
Yet while the liabilities of the establishment have been in-
creased somewhat, it is with pleasure the Board can report
that the assets of the firm have increased during the same pe-
riod $2,654,06. The Board regrets that so large an amount of
the means of the firm are kept inactive and unproductive-
some $20,000 alone due for the papers and books, &c. Could
some means be devised by which this large amount due the
Establishment, could be called in, the firm with ease could be
relieved from every embarrassment and a handsomne sum be
left to carry on its operations. It is presumed, however, that
much of this large sum will be lost to the firm. It is, howev.
着
​UPD
97
ever, upon the face of their books and justly due them. The
other assets of the firm are believed to be at their cash value.
The Board takes pleasure in stating, that a sale was effected a
few weeks ago, of the old Printing office building for $2,000-
payable in the Spring of 1860. This in itself will reduce the
liabilities of the firm to a corresponding amount.
The Board would also state, since the removal of the office
to its present location, that it is much more eligibly situated.
The house is much better adapted for the purposes in view.
The rooms appear to be well suited for the different uses to
which they are applied. It is hoped, with these additional ad-
vantages and facilities for business, a corresponding increase
will be realized by the firm.
The statement of the firm concerning the circulation of the
papers of the Church is by no means flattering. The fact is,
it is a shame to us, as a Church, that our periodicals are not
more widely circulated. Why do we not send out at least
10,000 Messengers and an equal number of the Kirchenzietung?
Could the Board of Publication report that number of subscri-
bers, with the accompanying patronage, then could liberal
things be devised. But with our small list, it is with great
difficulty, favorable results can be reached in a short time.
New subscribers for the year to the Messenger,
do
do do do do Kirchenzietung,
Messenger less than the previous year,
Kirchenzeitung more than do do,
Subscribers to Messenger, Oct. 1st, 1858,
do do 1859,
Kirchenzeitung, do 1858,
do
do
do
do
do
do 1859,
Actual decrease during the year on Messenger,
do.
do Kirchenzeitung,
do
do
Received on Messenger,
do
do
do
do
Kirchenzeitung,
Books and Jobs,
Bindery,
Loans,
The Board take no pleasure in making this part of their
statement to Synod. Surely, some earnest efforts should be
made by which the circulation of our Church papers should be
extended.
RECEIPTS.
Total income,
Due Treasurer, Oct. 1st, 1859,
$4,081,04
1,860,87
5,828,99
216,92
6,260,00
108
60
$18,247,82
2,989
2,981
2,399
2,212
383
380
7
187
514,65 $18,762,454
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid principal on notes due last year, $3,342,38
on loans of the year,
do
2,390,00
do Int., materials, hands, agencies, &c., 12,910,18
Balance due Treasurer, Oct. 1, '59, 119,89 $18,762,461
7
98
ļ
The action of last Synod in reference to the publication of a
Church Almanac was duly considered by the Board. Had Syn-
od devised ways and means by which the proposed Almanac
in manuscript, could have been placed before the Board ready
for publication, it is presumed the desire of Synod would have
been met without delay. But it is submitted with due defer-
ence, by the Board, that it is not their province to prepare
books and pamphlets for publication at the mere suggestion of
Synod, however earnestly each individual member of the Board
might wish to see this object accomplished. If Synod is anx-
iously desirous to carry forward operations of this character,
let suitable individuals be designated for the preparation of
such works as may be desired. In that event, the Board would
take pleasure in carrying out the recommendation of Synod.
Otherwise, it is feared this suggestion will remain a dead let-
ter. Besides all this, it was altogether out of the question to
prepare an Almanac, such as would meet the wants of the
Church for 1860, at the time the request of Synod came offi-
cially before the Board. An Almanac, to receive general cir-
culation, should be issued at least six months before the new
year. It was scarcely more than this before the wishes of Syn-
od were acted upon by our Board. The practicability, there-
fore, of the measure, for the present, was doubted; and in
view of this fact, its publication was deferred. Should Synod
wish the measure carried out the coming year, it is presumed
the end would be better accomplished by making it the work
of an individual. Time and expense might be gained in this
way.
Some portions of the Church may esteem the Board of Pub-
lication as the channel through which publications of various
kinds are to be prepared and issued to meet the great wants
of our Zion. There is no doubt the Church needs more denom-
inational literature. Her history, genius, character and doc-
trines need to be more fully known, to disarm prejudices against
her, as well as to build up her friends in true love and devotion.
Feeling in common with many in the Church this great want,
yet the Board cannot, under its present constitution, carry for-
ward this desired work. Our province lies in another direc-
tion. It is in the language of Synod, "to have charge of the
Printing Establishment, and to superintend the publication of
the periodicals of the Church, and of such books as have been,
or may be, authorised by Synod." These instructions to the
Board are plain and positive. They give but little discretion:
"Books as have been, or may be, authorised by Synod." If
funds, such as are adequate in an undertaking of this kind, (for
it is folly to think of publishing books without funds) be fur-
nished, the Board will take great pleasure in carrying forward
99
the establishment, in conjunction with M. Kieffer & Co., so as
to meet the wishes of the Church.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN REBAUGH, President.
F. A. RUPLEY, Secretary.
The Committee on Publication submitted the following re-
port, which was received and adopted:
The Committee on Publication beg leave to report:
That they have examined the Report of the Board of Pub-
lication, and find that it has, during the last year, attended to
its usual duties. The liabilities of the Printing Establishment
at Chambersburg are set down at $16,819,201, and its assets
are estimated at $45,721,18. There are 2981 subscribers, to the
Messenger and 2212 to the Kirchenzeitung. In both cases the
circulation should be much greater.
Respectfully submitted,
J. H. A. BOMBERGER, Chairman.
The committee appointed by the Synod of last year to re-
port on the contract of Synod with M. Kieffer & Co., submitted
their report. The report was received, and after a lengthy
discussion, a motion for the adoption of the resolution ap-
pended to the report was lost. The following resolution was
then adopted:
Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed to confer
with M. Kieffer & Co., in reference to an adjustment, in such
way as they may together devise, of the difficulties existing
between Synod and the firm.
:
The following persons were appointed the committee of con-
ference Rev. Henry Harbaugh, John Beck, Frederick A.
Rupley, John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., and Elders Rudolph F.
Kelker, John Rodenmayer, and William Heyser. This com-
mittee submitted the following report, which was received and
adopted:
The committee of conference with M. Kieffer & Co., would
report:
That they had several conferences with the firm, at which the
views of both parties were freely expressed and discussed. The
committee made a number of propositions to M. Kieffer & Co.,
none of which were accepted by them. The firm think, that,
in justice to themselves, they can accede to no other terms of
settlement of the difficulties at present existing between them
and the Synod, than those provided in the articles of agree-
ment.
Respectfully submitted,
H. HARBAUGH, Chairman.
100
The following resolution was then offered, and, after con-
siderable discussion, adopted:
Resolved, That any change at this time in the relations of
this Synod with the firm of M. Kieffer & Co., who have in
charge the Printing Establishment, would be attended with
loss to Synod, and prudence suggests the continuance of these
relations until the expiration of the agreement, and that, in the
mean time, the liabilities be reduced, and the indebtedness to
the Establishment collected, so as to render a change possible,
without serious loss, and further, that the ministers and elders
use their best endeavors to increase the circulation of the
Church papers.
The following resolution was also adopted:
Resolved, That the Trustees of Synod be instructed to enter
into such arrangements with M. Kieffer & Co., as will fully
secure the interest of Synod in the real Estate held by the
Printing Establishment conducted by M. Kieffer & Co.
The following statement was received from M. Kieffer & Co.,
and ordered to be entered on the Minutes:
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF THE PUBLICATION FIRM.
Whereas we have been expected, in at least two instances,
to publish the Synod's books on more favorable terms than
those specified in the contract existing between us and said
body; and whereas we believe that the dissatisfaction existing
with some in regard to the course pursued by us as a Firm, in
conforming to the letter of our contract, grounds itself in mis-
apprehension, we deem it proper to make the following state-
ment:
We have always admitted, that in the author of a book is
vested the right of authorship, that literary labor should be re-
warded, but if this book become the property of Synod,
whether by sale or grant, then the Synod is bound to give us
the printing of the same on the terms specified in the contract
and not on any new terms !-the profits or losses to be equally
divided at the end of the term contracted for. In case the Synod
is at an expense in procuring the copy-right of the book, we agree
that the same be paid by the Establishment. Be it understood
also, that the Firm are willing to yield their claim to publish
other books than those which are of a symbolical character,
such as Catechisms, Hymn books, Liturgies, &c. All other
denominational literature, including the proposed critical edi-
tion of the Heidelberg Catechism and Digest of the Proceedings
of Synod, we think, should be brought out and circulated in a
free way, without the imprimatur of Synod.
Again the business Firm as such has nothing to do whatever
with the editorial department, and are not willing to be held
101
responsible for any difficulties that may arise from this depart-
ment.
M. KIEFFER & CO.
The committee appointed by the Synod of last year, to pro-
pose a plan for the creation of a Board of Publication to pro-
vide a Church literature, submitted their report in connection
with the discussion on the report of the committee on the
contract of Synod with M. Kieffer & Co. It was received, and
then laid on the table. After the subject of the contract was
disposed of, the report was taken up, and recommitted with a
view to amendment. The Rev. John H. A. Bomberger, D. D.,
and Isaac S. Demund were added to the committee. This
committee submitted the following report:
The committee on the creation of a Publication Board, report
as follows:
Inasmuch as the body of the report presented by the commit-
tee appointed last year, discusses points which are, in a great
measure, superseded by proceedings already transpired in the
present Synod, your committee would simply present for the
consideration of Synod, the following:
·
1. The adoption of the following plan for the establishment
of a Board of Publication :
This Board shall be known by the name and title of: "The
German Roformed Church Publication Board."
It shall be the office and mission of this Board to furnish the
Church with such literature, original, selected, and by trans-
lation, by publications periodical and permanent, as shall be
suited to develop her peculiar life, and in general to promote
true piety and sound intelligence.
The Board shall consist of nine members, five of whom shall
be ministers and four laymen. The President of Synod shall
always be a member of the Board Ex-Officio. The other eight
shall, the first time, be elected by Synod by ballot, from a
double number of candidates placed in nomination. Of these
eight members, two shall hold office four years, two three years
two two years, and two one year. The term of each one shall
be determined by his age-the older always holding the longer
term. In place of the two whose office expires each year,
Synod shall elect by ballot two others from à double number
placed in nomination; but always a minister in place of a min-
ister, and a layman in place of a layman. The term of office
shall begin and expire with the meetings of Synod each year.
Five members shall constitute a quorum.
The Board shall organize by electing its own officers-a
President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall
perform the usual duties of those offices. They shall be in
office for one year when they may be re-elected, or others shall
be elected in their pace.
102
The Board shall hold four regular quarterly meetings in each
year, on the first Wednesday in January; first Wednesday in
April; first Wednesday in July; and first Wednesday in
October; which last shall be the annual meeting. The Board
shall also hold an anniversary at and during each annual meet-
ing of Synod. Besides, it may hold adjourned and special
meetings at the call of the President whenever its business may
make this necessary. In case of vacancy by resignation or
death, the Board shall have power to fill the vacancy till the
next meeting of Synod, when the vacant place shall be filled in
the same way as at the regular election of members of the
Board.
The Board shall examine all manuscripts, or books submitted
to them for publication; and shall agree before any MSS. or
book shall be published by the Board.
The Board shall have all its printing and binding work done
by contract, by the cheapest and best bidder offering.
The Board shall have power to make contracts with authors
either for the purchase of original or translated works, or for
copy right, and fix the price of the sale of its publications,
wholesale and retail.
The Board shall open a publishing house at some eligible
point within the bounds of Synod, where its publications shall
be kept and from which they shall be issued; and besides the
publications of the Board, they may keep on hand other ap-
proved and standard religious publications; and may import
from foreign countries such books as may be needed and or-
dered by ministers and members in the Church.
Besides this publishing house, the Board may establish sub-
depositories at such points as they may deem proper.
The Board may employ an agent or agents for the sale and
circulation of its publications; as also for the management of
its publishing house and depositories-always allowing such
percentage on the publications of the Board as shall be agreed
upon between the Board and its agents. If it seem more expe-
dient, the Board may employ those agents which it shall need
in the publishing house, at a fixed salary
The Board may contract with any publisher or publishers,
for any publication approved and secured by the Board, allow-
ing him, for a copy-right consideration agreed upon between
them, to publish as his own book any number of copies, he
agreeing, on such terms as shall be settled between him and
the Board, to furnish the Board such copies as they may desire
from time to time with the imprimatur of the Board on the
title page.
The Board shall decide what works shall be stereotyped;
and whenever a work is stereotyped, the first profits from its
publication shall be appropriated to the payment of the plates,
and when thus paid for, the plates shall be the property of
Synod.
103
All the property which the Board may have, or shall at any
time acquire, shall belong to Synod, and be held for it by the
Trustees of Synod: but the use of it shall be under the control
of the Board of Publication, until the capital of the Board shall
have reached the sum of at least $20,000.
Synod shall not abstract from the fund or profits of the
Board anything whatever, with a view of applying it to other
objects or purposes except by the consent of the Board.
The Board shall make a report to Synod annually of its con-
dition, progress, and prospects.
The Board may open a book to take subscriptions for its
publications; and any individual, Sabbath school, literary as-
sociation, or congregation, subscribing for all the publications of
the Board, and paying cash for them within two months after
the publication day in the case of books, and paying cash in
advance in the case of a serial publication, shall receive them
at 10 per cent. under the regular wholesale price. But no sub-
scription, except in the case of periodicals, shall be taken for a
less term than five years.
An individual, Sabbath school, or congregation that shall
pay into the funds of the Board at one time $30 or more, shall
receive a certificate of Honorary membership, which shall
entitle the holder thereof, either personally or by written or-
der, to draw from the publishing house one dollar's worth of
its publications annually, during the term of his own natural
life, provided the allowance for each year be drawn within the
limits of the year.
The Board may sell any approved publication at reduced
prices, or distribute it gratuitously, in case a congregation, or
benevolent individual, may make provision for the same by
furnishing the stereotype plates, or otherwise contributing
funds for that purpose. In like manner the Board may reduce
the price of a publication in case an author or translator shall
present to the Board his copy-right.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a two-third
vote of Synod.
The Board shall have power to make all necessary By-laws
for its own management; provided such By-laws be not in con-
flict with this Constitution.
2. That this Board so elected shall have power to take such
measures during the year toward securing the end in view as
it shall deem advisable; provided only that no action be taken
that will in any way pecuniarily obligate the Synod.
3. That the Board be directed, during the year, to examine
carefully the above plan or constitution with a view of embody-
ing in it, or removing from it, any articles that may be found
from reflection and experience to be required for its perfection,
and report the same to the next Synod for its consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
H. HARBAUGII, Chairman.
104
The report was received. It was then
Resolved, That the action of Synod upon this report be post-
poned until the next annual meeting of Synod.
The Classis of East Susquehanna, as reported by the Com-
mittee on the Minutes of Classes, called the attention of Synod
to the necessity of having our English Hymn book enlarged by
the addition of more hymns, together with the insertion of
the Constitution of the Church. This subject was taken up ;
and after considerable discussion, it was
Resolved, That the further consideration of this subject be in-
definitely postponed.
Cha
The following report was received from the Stated Clerk of
Synod, in regard to the publication and distribution of the
Minutes of last year, and adopted:
The undersigned would respectfully report,
That, in accordance with the resolution of Synod, he had
3,000 copies of the Minutes of the last annual meeting publish-
ed in the English language, and 2,000 copies in the German
language; and distributed them amongst the Classes, as fol-
lows; East Pennsylvania Classis, German 299 and English 139;
Zions, German 25 and English 55; Lebanon, German 55 and
English 35; Maryland, German 50 and English 450; Philadel-
phia, German 47 and English 46; Virginia, English 36; Mer-
cersburg, German 13 and English 172; Goshen hoppen, German
30 and English 18; New York, German 8 and English 5; Lan-
caster, German 30 and English 101; Clarion, German 75 and
English 275; East Susquehanna, German 180 and English 320;
West Susquehanna, German 41 and English 49; Synod of Ohio
and adjacent States, German 44 and English 105; Elders and
others, English 26, and Corresponding bodies, German 6 and
English 12; making a total of 899 German copies, and 1,844
English copies, and leaving on hand 1,101 copies of the Ger-
man and 1,156 copies of the English edition. The distribution
was made according to the order of the respective Classes.
Several members of some of the Classes, especially of the West
Susquehanna Classis, received no copies, simply because the
Stated Clerk received from them no orders as to the number
desired or the manner in which they were to be sent. The
expense of publishing the two editions averaged 12 7-10 cents
per copy. When the publication was commenced, it was sup-
posed, that the expense would not exceed the limit fixed by
the Synod; but as the Minutes exceeded those of the previous
year in size to the extent of twenty-eight pages, which was
not discovered until it was too late to lessen the number of the
editions, it was impossible to confine the expense to the exact
limits fixed by the Synod. As it is, much less has been charg-
105
ed for the work than would have been charged by any other
office than that at which they were published.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL R. FISHER, Stated Clerk.
Resolved, That those Classes and individuals who have not
received their proportion of the Minutes, be requested to in-
form the Stated Clerk as to the number they desire, and the
manner in which they are to be sent.
The following preamble and resolution were also subsequent-
ly adopted:
Whereas, it appears form a statement made by the Stated
Clerk, that a large number of copies of the Minutes of last
Synod are still on hand, thus making it impracticable for Syn-
od to authorize again an equally large, or even larger edition,
and, whereas, it is believed, that such large editions would
greatly further the interest of the Church at large and that of
our benevolent operations in particular, Therefore
Resolved, That the attention of all the Classes, especially of
those somewhat delinquent, be again respectfully directed to
this important subject, and that they be requested to take such
action as will largely increase the circulation of the Minutes of
Synod.
The following memorial in regard to the new German Hymn
book, together with three copies of the book, was received from
the Rev. Dr. Philip Schaff, and referred to a committee con-
sisting of the Rev. Diedrich Willers, Benjamin S. Schneck, D.
D., Joshua H. Derr, Daniel Weiser and Elder Rudolph F.
Kelker:
To the Reverend Synod of the German Reformed Church in session
at Harrisburg, Pa.
A MEMORIAL ON THE NEW GERMAN HYMN BOOK.
Reverend and DEAR BRETHREN :-I beg leave to lay before
you a few copies of the large or critical edition of my German
Hymn Book which has left the press a few days ago. As I am
not the author but simply the compiler, I can without any
immodesty commend it as a rich treasury of devotion contain-
ing the choicest hymns of all ages and denominations of the
Church; and as to the style of publication, it will be readily ad-
mitted on all hands, that it compares favorably with the very
best hymn books ever published in Europe or America.
We
In view of the relation which this work, in its earlier pre-
paratory stages, sustained to your body, and which, under its
present completed form, it may sustain to you hereafter, I
think it respectful and proper to accompany these specimen
copies with some explanatory statements.
3
106
It is well known that the new German Hymn Book was
originated, without any agency of my own, by your action at
the Synod of Chambersburg in 1855 apppointing a committee
for its preparation with myself as Chairman; that it was pre-
pared according to hymnological principles which met your
full approbation at the Synod of Allentown in 1857; that the
body of manuscript as prepared by your Chairman at the re-
quest and with the concurrence of the other members of the
committee, and accompanied by a unanimous report of the
committee, was ready to be delivered to the Synod of Freder-
ick in 1858 for authoritative publication; but that such publica-
tion, for reasons which have no connection whatever with the
merits or defects of the work, was unexpectedly defeated, the
committee finally discharged, at their own request, and thus
all connection of the book with Synod dissolved.
In consequence of this action of the Synod of Frederick, the
alternative was forced upon me, either indefinitely to postpone
the publication of the book or to publish it as a private pro-
duction on my own resposibility and risk. With the consent,
and in part at the urgent solicitation of the members of the late
committee and many other friends of the new German Hymn
Book who justly think that the publication of a work so much
needed and so long desired, should not be any longer delayed for
purely foreign and accidental causes, I concluded to adopt the
latter course. I did not do so, however, till after long and care-
ful consideration. It was only after the lapse of seven months
since the dissolution of the committee by the late Synod, that
I put the first pages of the manuscript into the hands of the
printer, and it was not till the 22nd of August last, that I con-
cluded an agreement with one of the leading publishing houses
of the city concerning the publication and sale of the work, an
agreement, moreover, in which I expressly reserved for Synod
the right to the purchase of the copy-right on the simple con-
dition of paying the expenses and assuming the stock on hand
at cost.
The book now comes before you under a new character al-
together.
First as regards the contents. Since the Synod of Frederick
I subjected the manuscript, with the employment of all the
leisure time I could command, to a thorough revision, yea,
I may say, to an entire reconstruction, and added a large
number of critical and explanatory notes at the head and under
the text of the hymns. These accessories to the text, printed
in very small type, have, it is true, greatly increased the cost
of composition and tend to limit its general circulation and
popular use, but they give it a more scholarly and valuable
character and make it, it is hoped, more instructive and in-
teresting to ministers and educated laymen. It is intended,
107
however, to issue, as soon as the demand will justify it, a cheap
pocket edition without the hymnological apparatus, containing
nothing but the text of hymns like other books of the kind.
The other difference relates to the form and title of the new
Hymn Book. It is published under my own name, though
without any prefatory remarks, and simply as a German Hymn
Book without any denominational sanction. For I had no
right, to use the name and influence of the Synod of the German
Reformed Church on the title page or in a preface, without
her express permission and authority.
Nevertheless Synod can now, if she see fit to do so, upon a
careful examination of the work, with perfect propriety adopt
the same as her own child, with the consent of the parent, and
order either its definite or allow its provisional introduction into
the German congregations under its care. This requires, of
course, a new action altogether, since the Synod's connection
with the hymn book as it came before her consideration at
Frederick is by Synod's own action finally and absolutely dis-
solved.
In case you should see your way clear to adopt this course,
I am happy to state, that the agreement with my publishers
enables me to offer you, for benevolent purposes, a consideration
of ten cents for every copy sold of the larger edition as soon as
the expenses are paid (which in case of the speedy in troduction
will be met in a short time), and five cents for every copy of
the proposed pocket edition from the date of its publication,-
with the understanding, however, that a just proportion of this
copy money shall be allowed to the Western Synod in case she
should adopt and introduce the book into her territory.
It is not my intention or wish at this time either to ask or
to oppose such introduction. In view of well known difficulties
connected with the present publication arrangements of Synod,
which, however, it is to be hoped may soon be adjusted to the
satisfaction of both parties concerned, I can hardly expect, even
if I felt disposed to ask for, a definite and final action at the
present meeting, and I shall be satisfied for my own part if
Synod puts the new Hymn Book on the same footing with the
new Liturgy by either expressly authorizing or quietly ac-
quiescing in, its provisional introduction for an indefinite period,
especially in those congregations where the Hymn Book of
1841 which was to be superseded by the present one, has never
been introduced, and where, in open violation of the Constitu-
tion, more than half a dozen unauthorized hymn books (some
of them prepared even by and for other denominations) are
now in public use and likely to continue in use to the injury of
the unity and harmony of worship, unless the one now offered
for your consideration, and originally prepared by your order
and for your benefit, and that without any expense to Synod,
be permitted quietly to take their place.
108
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In conclusion, I may be permitted to express my sincere
satisfaction, that a work, the past history of which, you all
know has been accidentally, though unavoidably connected
with an unusual amount of external trouble, care and anxiety,
in addition to the mere literary labor, is now before the public
in such shape and form as will meet the wishes of its most san-
guine friends, and with prospects which fully justify the views
and principles laid down in my final report as Chairman of the
late committee on the new German Hymn Book. Like many of
its most precious and most edifying hymns, this book is em-
phatically a child of sorrow and pain, a flower grown on the
tree of the Cross. May it now go forth on its mission of peace
and good will, either as a book of private devotion or as a
standard of public worship, and with its sweet melodies of
prayer, praise and holy joy, sounding from many ages and
many lands with all the sacred associations of the past and
with the freshness of undying youth, prove to all its readers a
rich source of edification and spiritual growth in every Chris-
tian grace and virtue.
With sentiments of brotherly esteem and affection I sub-
scribe myself
Your obedient servant and brother in the Lord,
PHILIP SCHAFF.
Theological Seminary, Mercersburg, Pa., Oct. 11, 1859.
The committee to whom the foregoing memorial was refer-
red, submitted their report, which was received, amended, and
adopted, and is as follows:
The committee on the memorial of the Rev. Dr. P. Schaff,
in regard to the German Hymn book, report as follows:
We have given the German Hymn book such a perusal, as en-
ables us to report favorably in regard to it. The old Church
tunes are embodied in it, in connection with new, though partly
strange tunes. With regard to the contents of the hymns, we
must say, it is a "Prachtvoll Gesangbuch." The hymns are
full of life, and the spirit of the Church breathes through them,
from the early ages of Christianity to the present time.
We
accordingly recommend the following resolutions for adoption:
Resolved, That we adopt the Hymn book, issued by the Rev.
Dr. P. Schaff, as the standard German Hymn book of the Ger-
man Reformed Church in the United States, and that its use
in the public worship of our congregations be and hereby is
authorized and recommended.
And further-Whereas, Dr. Schaff, the author of the present
Hymn book, has made such business arrangements with his
present publishers, that any change in the same at the present
time, would produce undesirable complications, therefore
109
¡
Resolved, That although we have adopted it as the present
standard German Hymn book of the German Reformed Church,
he be allowed to continue to publish it according to his present
arrangements, provided that he allow a proper preface, togeth-
er with the imprimatur of Synod, to be prefixed to all books
intended to be sold in our congregations.
D. WILLERS, Chairman.
The following additional resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the Trustees of the Synod be authorized to
enter into an agreement with M. Kieffer & Co., guaranteeing
to them the payment of one thousand dollars out of the Syn-
od's interest in the Printing Establishment, at the close of the
present contract with Synod, on condition that they surrender
their right to publish the editions of the new German Hymn
book.
Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be instructed to have three
thousand copies of the Proceedings of this Synod duly authen-
ticated, published in the English, and two thousand copies in
the German language, and distributed amongst those entitled to
receive them.
-
The following preamble and resolution were adopted:
Inasmuch as the hymn on our present Church Member's
Certificate contains an unusual and exceptional case of Chris-
tian experience, and is, therefore, not generally appropriate,
therefore
Resolved, That the Board of Publication respectfully request
the firm of M. Kieffer & Co. to publish with as little delay as
possible, another and more suitable Church Member's Certifi-
cate.
The following persons were chosen the Board of Publication
for the current year: Rev. John Rebaugh, Henry W. Super,
Frederick A. Rupley, Samuel Philips, and Messrs. Dr. John
Lambert, James Nill, Lyman S. Clark, Jacob Heyser and
John Bowman.
ARTICLE XX.
Church Government.
The following report was received from the committee ap-
pointed to translate the Provisional Liturgy into the German
language:
The committee to translate the Provisional Liturgy into the
German language, report as follows:
The committee has nearly completed the work assigned to
T
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110
it, with the exception of the Family Prayers, but desires time
to revise their labors in order to its better adaptation to the
wishes of the Church, as they have been expressed from vari-
ous sources, and to propose such changes as might seem to be
desirable. The committee would also beg for the privilege of
making a collection of Family Prayers from German sources,
instead of translating them from the English.
To attain this object, there should, we think, be an addition
of one or more members to the present committee.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN S. KESSLER, Chairman.
The report, together with the translation as far as made,
was referred to a committee consisting of the Rev. Diedrich
Willers, Thomas G. Apple, Henry Harbaugh, Joseph S. Dubs,
Henry F. Hartman, Charles Cast, and N. S. Strassburger.
This committee submitted their report. It was received,
amended and adopted, and is as follows:
The committee to whom was referred the translation of the
Provisional Liturgy into the German language, respectfully re-
port as follows:
It is an exceedingly difficult and laborious task to translate
a work of this nature so as to give general satisfaction. A
single word in the English language can often be translated
by such a variety of German words, that it becomes difficult to
make the proper selection. It must have cost the chairman
and members of the committee, to whom the translation of the
present work was entrusted, much time and labor to put it
into its present form. We cherish all due respect for the com-
mittee and their work; and yet we feel constrained to state it
as our opinion, that the translation under consideration will
not meet the expectations, which the German members of our
Reformed Church are authorized to entertain. We have been
convinced of this, by the careful examination of a single form-
ula, namely, the shorter form for the Baptism of Children. The
language of the Holy Scriptures has not been as closely adher-
ed to as it ought to have been. The committee seem also to
have been fully conscious of this fact, and hence have request-
ed, that they might be permitted to give their work a careful
revision.
The following action is recommended to Synod as covering
the demands of the case :
1.) Resolved, That the committee to translate the Liturgy
into German, deserve the thanks of this Synod for the ability
and faithfulness with which they have nearly completed the
task assigned them.
2.) Resolved, That the committee be continued and enlarged,
by the addition of four members, and directed to revise and
111
finish their work and to publish it without expense to Synod
in a provisional form, by the next meeting of Synod, if practi-
cable, for the examination and use of our German ministers
and congregations.
3.) Resolved, That the committee thus enlarged shall give a
faithful translation of the English Liturgy, with the permission,
however, to make such improvements as are obviously neces-
sary, and may be agreed to by the English committee, and
also to substitute in part original German family prayers for
some of the English family prayers, if they see fit to do so.
4.) Resolved, That the profits of authorship arising from the
publication of said Provisional Liturgy be equally divided be-
tween the committee and the Synod, after the expenses of the
committee are paid.
Respectfully submitted,
D. WILLERS, Chairman. ·
The Rev. Joshua H. Derr, John Gantenbein, N. S. Strass-
burger and Charles Cast, were added to the committee, as re-
commended in the resolutions appended to the foregoing re-
port.
From the report of the Committee on Minutes of Classes, it
appeared, that the amendments to the Constitution, creating a
Triennial General Synod to represent the whole Church, sent
down to the Classes by the last Synod, had not been adopted
by the constitutional majority of the Classes; but as there ap-
peared to be a general desire for some measure of the nature
contemplated, it was
Resolved, That this subject be referred to a committee to re-
port at the next annual meeting of Synod. The Rev. John H.
A. Bomberger, D. D., Samuel R. Fisher, D. D., and Emanuel
V. Gerhart, D. D., were appointed this committee.
The following report was received from the committee on
the change of the title of the Church, and adopted:
The committee appointed by the Synod on the proposed
change of the Church title from "German Reformed" to "Evan-
gelical Reformed," beg leave to offer the following report:
According to a request of Synod of last year, the subject of
a change was considered by the several Classes, at their annu-
al meetings last Spring, and the result is, that two Classes,
viz: Maryland and Philadelphia, of the fourteen Classes con-
nected with this Synod, have voted in favor of the proposed
change; and of the ten Classes constituting the Western Syn-
od, only two, viz: Miami and Westmoreland, desire the change
proposed.
In view of this very general expression of opinion, which is
112
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1
decidedly adverse to a change in the Church title, your com-
mittee beg leave to propose the following resolution for adop-
tion:
Resolved, That Synod deems it inexpedient to take any ac-
tion at this time looking to a change in the Church title from
"German Reformed" to "Evangelical Reformed.”
Respectfully submitted,
ELIAS HEINER, Chairman.
The following preamble and resolutions were offered:
WHEREAS, The 6th Article, Part 4th of the Constitution of
our Church, provides, that, "before an adult is baptized, he
shall conscientiously, in the presence of the assembly and be-
fore God, answer in the affirmative to" the four several ques-
tions in said Article expressed; and, whereas, in Article 10th
of the same part, it is also provided, that persons possessing
the requisite qualifications shall upon application be admitted
to the communion of the Church by the rite of confirmation,
according to the mode prescribed in the Liturgy adopted by
Synod, answering in the affirmative to the interrogatories proposed
in the baptism of adults, and,
Whereas, In the Provisional Liturgy permitted to be pub-
lished, none of the questions referred to in the above preamble
are to be found, either in the form for baptism of adults, or for
the rite of confirmation, and consequently the use of said new
forms by our ministry, without requiring the applicants in each
case to answer the said Constitutional questions, is a plain de-
viation from said Constitution; therefore,
Resolved, That this Synod earnestly requests the ministry of
the Church to adhere strictly to the Constitution, whenever
they are called upon to administer its rites and sacraments.
Resolved, That in order to avoid confusion hereafter, the
Committee who have charge of the German provisional Litur-
gy, are hereby instructed to introduce at once and before its
publication, the four constitutional questions required in the
baptism of adults and confirmation of members.
After some discussion, the above preamble and resolutions
were referred to a committee, with instructions to report at
the next annual meeting of Synod. The committee consists of
the Rev. Emanuel V. Gerhart, D. D., Samuel R. Fisher, D. D.,
Thomas G. Apple, Franklin W. Kremer, Henry Harbaugh and
Elders Rudolph F. Kelker and William H. Knode.
:
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ARTICLE XXI.
Miscellaneous.
The committee appointed by the last Synod to procure an
act of incorporation for a Board of Trustees of this Synod from
the Legislature of Pennsylvania, submitted their report. Their
report was received and adopted, and is as follows:
The committee appointed by the Synod at Frederick to pro-
cure the passage of an act by the Legislature of the State of
Pennsylvania, incorporating the Synod or a Board of Trustees
of the Synod, would respectfully report that they have per-
formed the duty assigned them, and herewith submit for ac-
ceptance a copy of the act, entitled "An Act to incorporate
the Trustees of the Synod of the German Reformed Church in
the United States;" and attested by Hon. Wm. M. Hiester,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The Act, as passed by the Legislature, is the result of a care-
ful examination of the subject by the committee in all its bear-
ings upon the pecuniary interests of the Synod.
The committee first conferred with a number of members of
the Church, and others, belonging to the legal profession, on
the leading features of a charter which would be adapted to
the present and probable future wants of the Synod; and then
held a meeting to agree upon the principles which were to be
embodied in it. This being done, we applied to several com-
petent gentlemen of the bar to write out the charter in proper
form according to our directions; but not succeeding, as such
a work required a good deal of labor, the chairman was under
the necessity of undertaking it himself. In the use of techni-
cal language we were guided in a great measure by the Act
incorporating the Trustees of the General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church, which we consulted, and to some of
whose features the charter now presented to Synod is conform-
ed, as the relative position of the General Assembly in 1799,
when the act of incorporation was obtained, seems to have
been very similar to that of the Synod of the German Reform-
ed Church at the present time. After the charter was written
out we handed it to an experienced member of the Lancaster
bar, who read the document critically, suggested a few modifi-
cations as to the use of legal phraseology, and pronounced all
its provisions and restrictions good and consistent with exist-
ing laws.
Another meeting of the committee was then held and the
entire charter unanimously adopted. By giving personal at-
tention to the matter, we succeeded in having the Act passed
in both Houses without amendments or delay; Hon. Bertram
Schaffer, of Lancaster, taking it in hand in the Senate, and the
8
114
Hon. James Nill, of Franklin county, in the House of Repre-
sentatives.
We think it unnecessary to give the reasons for the peculiar
features of the Act of incorporation in writing. We prefer
doing this, by permission, in an oral statement.
Expenses incurred $18,00, of which $12,00 have already been
paid by the Treasurer of Synod.
Respectfully submitted,
E. V. GERHART, Chairman.
The charter procured by the committee was accepted, and
is as follows:
AN ACT
To incorporate the Trustees of the Synod of the German Reformed Church
in the United States.
WHEREAS, The Ministers and Elders forming the Synod of
the German Reformed Church in the United States, consisting
of citizens of the State of Pennsylvania, and of others of the
United States of America, have represented that, by donations,
bequests, or otherwise, of charitably disposed persons, they are
possessed of moneys for benevolent and pious purposes, and
the said Ministers and Elders have reason to expect farther do-
nations for similar uses, but from the scattered situation of the
said Ministers and Elders, and other causes, the said Ministers
and Elders find it very difficult to manage the said funds in
the way best calculated to answer the intention of the donors;
therefore,
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly
met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That
Rudolph F. Kelker, Thomas II. Leinbach, William Heyser,
Amos H. Kremer and Daniel W. Gross, and their successors
duly elected and appointed, in manner as is hereinafter direct-
ed, be and they are hereby made, declared and constituted, a
corporation and body politic and corporate, to have continu-
ance forever, by the name, style and title of "Trustees of the
Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United States,"
and by the name, style and title aforesaid, shall forever here-
after be persons, able and capable in law, as well to take, re-
ceive and hold, all and all manner of lands, tenements, rents,
annuities, franchises and other hereditaments, which at any
time or times, heretofore have been granted, bargained, sold,
enfcoffed, released, bequeathed, devised or otherwise conveyed
to, or acquired by the said Ministers and Elders of the Synod
of the German Reformed Church, in the United States, or any
other person or persons, to their use, or in trust for them, and
the same lands, tenements, rents, annuities, liberties, fran-
chises, and other hereditaments, including personal property,
115
are hereby vested and established in the said corporation and
their successors forever, according to the original use and in-
tent for which such devises, bequests, gifts and grants were re-
spectively made, and the said corporation and their successors
are hereby declared to be seized and possessed of such estate
and estates therein as in and by the respective grants, bargains,
sales, enfeoffments, release, bequests, devises and other con-
veyance thereof is or are declared limited or expressed; also,
that the said corporation and their successors, at all times
hereafter, shall be capable and able to purchase, have, receive,
take, hold and enjoy in fee simple, or of lesser estate or estates
any lands, tenements, rents, annuities, franchises and other
hereditaments, by the gift, grant, bargain, sale, alienation, en-
feoffment, release confirmation or devise of any person or per-
sons, bodies politic and corporate capable and able to make
the same; and further, that the said Ministers and Elders, un-
der the corporate name aforesaid, and their successors, may
take and receive any sum or sums of money, and any portion
of goods and chattles that have been given to the said Minis-
ters and Elders, or that hereafter shall be given, sold, leased,
devised or bequeathed to the said corporation, by any person
or persons, bodies politic or corporate, that is able or capable
to make a gift, sale, bequest or other disposal of the same,
such money, goods or chattles to be laid out and disposed of
for the use and benefit of the aforesaid, agreeably to the inten-
tion of the donors, and according to the objects, articles and
conditions of this act.
SECT. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That no misnomer of the said corporation and their successors
shall defeat or annul any gift, grant, devise, bequest to or from
the said corporation: Provided, The intent of the party or
parties shall sufficiently appear upon the face of the gift, will,
grant or other writing, whereby any estate or interest was
intended to pass to or from the said corporation.
SECT. 3. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That the said corporation and their successors shall have full
power and authority to make, have and use one common seal,
with such device and inscription as they shall see fit and prop-
er, and the same to break, alter and renew at their pleasure.
SECT. 4. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That the said corporation and their successors, by the name,
style and title aforesaid, shall be able and capable in law, to
sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded in any Court, or be-
fore any Judge or Justice, in all and all manner of suits, com-
plaints, pleas, matters and demands, of whatsoever nature, kind
and form they may be, and all and every matter and thing to do
in as full and effectual a manner as any other person or per-
sons, bodies politic and corporate within this Commonwealth
may or can do.
116
SECT. 5. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That the said corporation and their successors shall be and
hereby are authorized and empowered to make, ordain and
establish by-laws and ordinances, and do everything incident
and needful for the support and due government of the said
corporation, and managing the funds and revenues thereof,
Provided, The said by-laws be not repugnant to the Constitu-
tion and laws of the United States, to the Constitution and
laws of this Commonwealth, to this act, or to the Constitution,
laws and regulations of the Synod of the German Reformed
Church in the United States.
SECT. 6. And be it further enacted by the authority afore-
said, That the said corporation shall consist of five persons,
neither more nor less, who shall be members of the German
Reformed Church, and continue to be meinbers of the said cor-
poration for the term of five years each, the term of office to
end always on the first day of January and the said Synod of
the German Reformed Church shall annually change one-fifth
of the said board or corporation, in such manner as to the said
Synod shall seem proper, but the same person may not be re-
elected until after he shall have ceased to be a member of the
said board or corporation for at least one year: Provided, how-
ever, That the aforesaid Trustees, namely, Rudolph F. Kelker,
Thomas H. Leinbach, William Heyser, Amos H. Kremer and
Daniel W. Gross, shall continue in office as follows: One of
them until the first day of January in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, one until the first day
of January one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, one
until the first day of January one thousand eight thundred
and sixty-three, one until the first day of January one thousand
eight hundred and sixty-four, and one until the first day of
January one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five; these dif-
ferent terras of office to be distributed by lot or otherwise by
the said corporation among themselves at their first meeting;
and further, if the place of any member of the said corporation
be made vacant by death, resignation or otherwise, it shall be
the duty of the remaining members of the said corporation, at
the first meeting held at which such vacancy shall become
known, to elect and appoint a person who is a member of the
German Reformed Church to the office of Trustee, or a mem-
ber of the said corporation, who shall, however, hold office
only for the unexpired term of the member creating such
vacancy, and the person thus elected by the said corporation
shall not be re-eligible by the Synod aforesaid until after he
has ceased to be a Trustee for the period of at least one year;
and further, if the Synod aforesaid fail during any year to
change one-fifth of the members of this board or corporation,
then the vacancy occurring on the first day of January, accord-
ing to the provisions and restrictions of this act, shall be filled by
117
the said corporation, and the person thus elected and appoint-
ed shall be a member of the said corporation for the term of
five years,
SECT. 7 And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That the corporation aforesaid shall have power and authority
to manage and dispose of all monies, goods, chattels, lands,
tenements and hereditaments and other estate whatsoever,
committed to their care and trust by the said Synod of the
German Reformed Church, but in cases where special instruc-
tions for the management and disposal thereof shall be given.
by the said Synod, in writing, under the hand of their clerk, it
shall be the duty of the said corporation to act according to
such instructions: Provided, The said instructions shall not
be repugnant to the Constitution and laws of the United States,
or the Constitution and laws of this Commonwealth, or to the
provisions and restrictions in this act contained.
SECT. 8. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid,
That the said corporation shall and may have a President, a
Vice President, who shall also be the Secretary or Clerk, and
a Treasurer; the President and Vice President to be chosen by
the said corporation out of their own number as often as they
shall see proper, and according to the rules by them to be pre-
scribed, but the Treasurer to be elected annually by the said
Synod, from among the members of the said corporation, in
such manner as to the said Synod shall seem proper, and the
same person shall be re-eligible to the office of Treasurer by
the said Synod from year to year, so long as he continues to
be a member of the said corporation. And the said corpo-
ration shall have authority to appoint such other officers and
servants as shall by them, the said corporation, be deemed
necessary, to all of which officers the said corporation, may as-
sign such a compensation for their services, and such duties to be
performed by them, to continue in office for such time and to be
succeeded by others in such way, the Treasurer being except-
ed, conformably to the provisions of this act, as the said corpo-
ration shall direct.
SEUT. 9. And be it further enacted by the authority afore-
said, That three members of this board or corporation, where-
of the President, or, in his absence, the Vice President, shall
be one, shall be a sufficient number to transact the business
thereof, and to make by-laws, rules and regulations: Provided,
That previous to any meeting of the board or corporation for
such purposes not appointed by adjournment, ten days notice
shall be previously given thereof by a circular, sent by mail or
otherwise, to each member of the corporation.
SECT. 10. And be it further enacted by the authority afore-
said, That the said corporation shall keep regular and fair
entries of their proceedings, and a just account of their receipts
and disbursements, in a book or books to be provided for that
118
purpose, and their Treasurer shall once in every year exhibit
to the Synod of the German Reformed Church in the United
States, an exact state of the accounts of the corporation.
SECT. 11. And be it further enacted by the authority afore-
said, That the said corporation may take, receive, purchase,
possess and enjoy messuages, houses, lands, tenements, rents,
annuities and other hereditaments, real and personal estate, of
any amount not exceeding ten thousand dollars yearly value,
but the said limitations not to be considered as including the
annual collections and voluntary contributions made in the
churches under the care of the said Synod of the German Re-
formed Church.
W. C. A. LAWRENCE,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
JNO. CRESSWELL, JR.,
Speaker of the Senate.
APPROVED, The thirtieth day of March, A. D. one thousand
eight hundred and fifty-nine.
WM. F. PACKER.
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH,
Harrisburg September 29, A. D. 1859.
}
PENNSYLVANIA, SS :
I do hereby certify that the foregoing and an-
L. S.nexed is a full, true and correct copy of the original
Act of the General Assembly as the same remains
on file in this office.
{
}
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and
caused the Seal of the Secretary's Office to be affixed the day
and year above written.
WM. M. HIESTER,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A committee, consisting of the Rev. Franklin W. Kremer,
Charles F. McCauley, and Elder Rudolph F. Kelker, was ap-
pointed to propose such action as may be called for by the
foregoing charter. This committee submitted the following re-
port, which was received and adopted:
The committee appointed to present to Synod such items in
the act incorporating its Board of Trustees as claim its imme-
diate attention, respectfully report the following:
1. The election of a Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.
2. The transfer of all the real and personal estate, together
with all papers and documents belonging to Synod, to the said
Board of Trustees.
They also beg leave to make to Synod the following sugges-
tion :
1. That the Treasurer be required to give security in the
119
sum of $
to the Board of Trustees, and that the bond be
placed in the hands of the Stated Clerk of Synod for safe keep-
ing.
2. That the Board shall annually offer to Synod the names
of two individuals, whom they shall deem suitable candidates
for the office of Trustee: Provided, however, that Synod in its
choice shall not be confined to the Board's nomination; the
election to take place on a different day from the one on which
the Synod chooses its various other Boards, and to be con-
ducted by ballot.
Respectfully submitted,
F. W. KREMER, Chairman.
William Heyser, Esq., was unanimously chosen Treasurer of
said Board of Trustees.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the thanks of Synod be tendered to Elder
William Heyser, for the faithful manner in which he has, for
a number of years, discharged his duties as Treasurer of Synod.
The Classis of Mercersburg, as reported by the Committee
on Minutes of Classes, requested Synod to take preparatory
steps towards a proper celebration of the Third Centennial of
the formation and adoption of the Heidelberg Catechism, which
will take place in 1863. The request was acceded to, and the
Rev. Henry Harbaugh, John W. Ñevin, D. D., D. Gans, Thomas
G. Apple, and Elder Goldsboro S. Griffith, were appointed a
to committee carry the object into effect.
The same Classis recommended to Synod to order the prepa -
ration of a critical standard edition of the Heidelberg Catechism
in the original German and Latin, together with a revised Eng-
lish translation and a historical introduction, to be published
in superior style, as a Centennial edition in 1863. The recom-
mendation was adopted, and a committee of seven, consisting
of the Rev. Emanuel V. Gerhart, D. D., John W. Nevin, D. D.,
Henry Harbaugh, John S. Kessler, D. D., Daniel Zacharias,
D. D., and Elders William Ifeyser and Rudolph F. Kelker, was
appointed to carry the contemplated object into effect.
The same Classis recommended to Synod, as another con-
tribution towards such a centennial celebration, to order tho
preparation and publication of a digest of the Minutes of Synod,
presenting a complete, yet condensed constitutional history of
our Church in this country from the first Synodical meeting in
1746 to the present time. The recommendation was adopted,
and a committee of seven, consisting of the Rev. Samuel R.
Fisher, D. D. Henry Harbaugh, Benjamin Bausman, Joshua H.
Derr, Prof. Theodore Appel, and Elders William Heyser and
John Rodenmayer, was appointed to carry it into effect.
¿
120
·
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That the profits of authorship arising out of the
publication of the Tricentennial edition of the Heidelberg
Catechism, and the Digest of the Minutes of Synod be equally
divided between the authors of said works and the Synod, dur-
ing the first term of the copy right.
The Committee on the Child's Catechism submitted their re-
port. It was received, and after considerable discussion, re-
committed with a view to amendment. It was subsequently
submitted again amended as suggested. The report was re-
ceived, and the Catechism prepared by the committee was
read. After considerable discussion the question was taken on
the adoption of the Catechism, and lost. The report, together
with the Catechism, was then referred to a special committee
consisting of Rev. Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D., Franklin W.
Kremer, and Thomas G. Apple, and Elders John Rodenmayer
and John P. Hassler, with instructions to report a minute on
the subject.
The following resolutions were offered, and referred to the
same committee:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare a
question book for the Heidelberg Catechism, something after
the order of the Sunday School Union Question books, retain-
ing the fifty-two Lord's days in the whole.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare a Child's
Catechism for such children as cannot read and such as just
begin to read, something after the order of Brown's Small
Catechism, including in it the Creed, the Ten Commandments
and the Lord's Prayer, to be in accordance with the doctrines
of the Heidelberg Catechism.
This committee submitted the following report, which was
received and adopted:
The committee appointed by Synod to report a minute ex-
pressive of its sense in the matter of the Catechism presented
by the committee of last year, herewith report :
That, the understanding of the committee as to the exact
nature and character of the Catechism, based upon the instruc-
tions accompanying their appointment, led them to suppose,
that it was to be, not a mere Question Book for very small chil-
dren, but for children and youth, suitable for that large class
found in families and Sabbath Schools. As it now appears,
however, that many of the members of Synod, were led to
expect a work of the former character, basing their expecta-
tion upon the action of Synod three years ago: Therefore
Resolved, That whilst this Synod highly appreciates the truly
excellent work of the committee, which has been laid before it,
121
it is not deemed expedient under the present circumstances, to
publish that Catechism.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Synod be, and hereby are
tendered to the committee for their great care and labor in the
preparation of this work.
The same committee to whom were referred certain resolu-
tions in regard to a Child's Catechism, would recommend the
following resolution for adoption :
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare a Child's
Catechism for such children as cannot read and such as just
begin to read, something after the order of "Brown's" small
Catechism, including in it the Creed, the Ten Commandments
and the Lord's Prayer, to be in accordance with the doctrines of
the Heidleberg Catechism, and report to the Synod in 1860.
Respectfully submitted.
B. S. SCHNECK, Chairman.
The following persons were appointed the committee called
for in this report: Rev. Henry Harbaugh, Daniel Gans,
Thomas G. Apple, Theodore Appel, and Elders John Roden-
mayer and William Heyser. It was further
Resolved, That this committee be instructed to prepare the
proposed Catechism as soon as possible and have it published
in the "German Reformed Messenger,"
A memorial was received from the Second German Reformed
Church of Reading, Pa. It was made the order of the day at
the opening of the afternoon session of the fifth day of the
sessions. At the time appointed, it was taken up and after
some discussion, it was
Resolved, That the memorial be referred to a special com-
mittee.
The Rev. Samuel Philips, John H. A. Bomberger D. D.,
William H. Groh, and Elders Goldsboro S. Griffith and Thomas
Butz were appointed this committee. The committee sub-
mitted their report, which was received, amended and adopt-
ed, and is as follows:
The committee on the memorial from the Second German
Reformed Church in Reading, beg leave to report:
That although the Classis within whose bounds the congre-
gation lies would be the proper body to which this paper, with
the important interests it represents, should be referred, and it
would be undesirable, by receiving it, to establish a precedent
by which similar appeals might be invited in future; yet there
are peculiar circumstances attending this case, which justify
us in making it an exception.
The case is one which, in the opinion of your committec,
has special claim upon our sympathy. It involves the im-
portant movement of establishing a second Church of our prin-
122
ciples and name, in a community in which we have had a foot-
hold for a century. The disastrous policy which has been
almost uniformly pursued in such instances, constitutes a
mournful page in our denominational history. That page
would tell of the claims of children neglected by us, and of the
declension of many local churches in consequence of such ne-
glect. It would bear confounding testimony against our penuri-
ous remissness, and furnish other denominations with over-
whelming grounds of accusations against us, for imposing upon
their liberal zeal, work which we were bound to do. This
is, mainly the reason, why in German communities, English
churches exist, of various persuasions, and some of them larger
and more flourishing than our own. Old established congrega-
tions have cultivated a spirit of selfishness, which has stood in
the way of Colonization and Church Extension, until some
foreign and less contracted policy was introduced, and the
result has been greater loss to the parent Church of the place,
than if it had branched out and established another congrega-
tion of its own name. To our Church would not properly
belong the saying of the prophet-Sing, O barren that didst
not bear! She has born children enough, only they have in
the great majority of cases been daughters, which soon as-
sumed another name, and joined themselves to a household
dissevered from the parent's interests, if not hostile to them.
This is true not only of Reading, but of nearly all the larger
towns and cities in which our Church established itself at an
early day. And it is high time, (if indeed not already too late,)
that our older churches awake to the pressing importance of
confirming and enlarging their influence and operations, by en-
couraging in every possible way, the organization of a new
congregation, out of their super-abundant inaterial.
In regard to the particular case before us, it is obvious that
the church in question is entitled to efficient aid. Indeed its
circumstances are such, that unless it receive immediate relief,
there seems to be no escape for it from instant bankruptcy.
A heavy burden of debt has been carried for years, until the
membership of that church feel themselves completely pros-
trated by the load. It is only in their extremity that they have
cried to us for help.
At the same time, we are glad to be able to report, as the
result of our conference with the respected Pastor of the First
Church and the Elder from that congregation, present at this
Synod, that they are ready to acknowledge the claims of the
Second Church upon their kindest feelings and liberal aid. They
have avowed an earnest desire to see the new interest relieved
of its distressing embarrassment, and their belief that the mem-
bers of the parent congregation will now assist that interest
to the extent of their ability. So far from repudiating the
claims of the Second Church, their chief regret seems to be
123
that the degree of monetary pressure now suffered in their
community, may render it impossible for their friends to con-
tribute to this object as liberally as they otherwise would.
In view of the whole case, therefore, we would recommend
the following action.
1. This Synod herewith express its deep interest in the
efforts that have been made to establish a Second German Re-
formed Church in the city of Reading, and trusts that what-
ever difficulties may now embarrass it, they will speedily be re-
moved.
g
2. The First Church in Reading is hereby affectionately re-
quested to make immediate exertions in aid of the new interest,
and especially to relieve it in its present difficulties, by assum-
ing the payment of so much of the debt of said church, as
would equal the sum of $2500. We believe that by a general
and cordial effort the First Church might either raise that
amount, or become in some way responsible for it.
3. We recommend this new interest to the immediate at-
tention of the Classis of Lebanon, trusting that it will be care-
ful not to suffer so important a movement to fail merely for the
want of a few thousand dollars.
4. The second church of Reading is commended to the favora-
ble consideration of the Church at large, with the hope that its
appeals for help will meet with a liberal response.
Respectfully submitted,
SAMUEL PHILIPS, Chairman.
In connection with the action of Synod on the foregoing re-
port, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to visit
the First Church at Reading, with a view to secure the sum
promised to the Second Church.
The committee consists of the Rev. Thomas H. Leinbach,
Franklin W. Kremer, and Elder Jonathan Klopp. The Rev.
John H. A. Bomberger, D. D., was subsequently added to tho
committee.
At the commencement of the sessions of Synod, the following
resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take notes of the
proceedings of Synod for publication from day to day and to
prepare a list of delegates in attendance, with their places of
sojourn while in Harrisburg.
Resolved, That the Rev. Joshua H. Derr, Henry Harbaugh,
and Elder Rudolph F. Kelker, be a committee to carry out the
objects of the above resolution, with authority to employ a
phonographic reporter, in case they deem it necessary.
124
Resolved, That places be provided for the special accommo-
dation of the reporters.
A communication was received from the Superintendent of
the Lunatic Asylum near Harrisburg, inviting the members of
Synod to visit that institution. It was
Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to
communicate to the Superintendent of the Asylum, the thanks
of the members of this Synod, for the kind invitation extended
to them.
The Committee on Nominations submitted their report at
the time prescribed by the standing rule of Synod. Their re-
port was received and adopted. The election was ordered to
take place on the morning of the fourth day of the sessions at
10 o'clock, and the Stated Clerk was instructed to have the
necessary number of copies of the nominations printed for the
use of Synod. At the time appointed, the election was held.
The Rev. William Goodrich and Lewis A. Brunner were ap-
pointed tellers, who superintended the election and reported
the result as found stated under their respective heads.
The following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, to be called
the Committee on Leave of Absence, through whom all appli-
cations for leave of absence from the sessions of Synod shall be
made, with the understanding, that this committee shall not
give a favorable recommendation to the Synod from any one
except for weighty reasons, which by them shall be deemed
satisfactory.
The Rev. Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D., Samuel Gutelius, and
Elder Rudolph F. Kelker, were appointed this committee, who
reported from time to time during the the continuance of the
sessions.
On the morning of the fifth day of the sessions, it was
Resolved, That during the remaining sesions of Synod, no
member shall be allowed to speak more than five minutes on
any question coming before Synod.
On the morning of the sixth day of the sessions, it was
Resolved, That evening sessions be hereafter held during the
present meeting.
The following statement from the Widows Fund Association
was presented, and ordered to be inserted in the Minutes:
125
Society of the Fund for Relief of the Ministers and Widows of
deceased Ministers of the German Reformed Church.
Various meetings of this Society were held during the ses-
sions of Synod, during which the following items of business.
were transacted :
1. The following Board of Trustees was elected by ballot:
Rev. John Rebaugh, J. H. A._ Bomberger, D. D., Albert Helf-
enstein, E. V. Gerhart, D. D., S. Gutelius, A. S. Leinbach,
E. Heiner, D. D., B. C. Woff, D. D., and Joshua II. Derr.
2. OFFICERS.-The following officers were clected:
President-Rev. John Rebaugh.
Vice President-
Secretary-Rev. Joshua H. Derr.
Treasurer-Rev. Bernard C. Wolff, D. D.
An examination of the various documents relating to the
funds of the Society, show, that these amount to about
$3,200,00.
The object of this society is, to raise a fund, safely invest it
in mortgages and bonds on real estate, or other good securi-
ties, and the proceeds are divided yearly among such ministers
who have become unable to fulfill the functions of the ministry
and thus unable to live by the Gospel; and among the
widows of deceased ministers of the German Reformed Church.
The conditions of membership in this Society are, the pay-
ment of an initiation fee of five dollars, and after that a yearly
contribution of three dollars.
The following resolutions were adopted:
CHRISTIAN UNITY.
Resolved, That this Synod has observed with pleasure the ap-
parently earnest agitation among several Evangelical Churches,
of the subject of Unity among all who love the Lord Jesus
Christ and hold the essential articles of the faith once delivered
to the saints.
Resolved, That the German Reformed Church occupies the
same position in reference to this important subject, which our
Church at first assumed, more than three centuries ago, and,
as we have no barriers in the way of the "Communion of
Saints," but have ever been ready to extend the hand of fra-
ternal fellowship to all ministers and members of Evangelical
Churches, as our common brethren in the Lord,-we hereby
openly declare ourselves still ready to second any proper meas-
ures that may be adopted for the consummation of the desired
unity among the members of the Body of Christ.
Resolved, That in the judgment of this Synod all effective
movements towards this desired end, must be preceded by a
126
sincere conviction and confession of the sin of schism, which
has caused the unhappy sectarian divisions which have so long
distracted our common Christianity, and must grow out of a
hearty longing after true inward communion among Christians,
as the only real bond of external unity.
The following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, there is now before the people of our land a
movement in opposition to that Christian observance of the
Lord's day, which has hitherto distinguished us as a nation,
therefore
Resolved, That the Synod of the German Reformed Church
hereby utters its solemn testimony against this movement as
calculated not only to undermine the foundation of our free in-
stitutions, which rest greatly on the virtue and piety of the
people, but also at war with the physical, mental, and moral
good of our citizens.
Resolved, That our ministers be requested at such times and
in such ways as they may regard suitable, to enlist the inter-
est of our people anew in favor of the proper observance of
the day of rest, with all its high and holy privileges.
ARTICLE XXII.
Resumption and Close.
Resolved, That this Synod will long remember the kind and
Christian reception given them by the pastor, congregation
and citizens of Harrisburg, at its present annual sessions among
them, and pray that the promises left on record in God's word,
to those given to hospitality, may be happily realized by them,
and that the pastor be requested to read this resolution to his
people, and also request its publication in the papers of the
place.
Resolved, That the Stated Clerk be requested to tender the
thanks of the members of this Synod to the Superintendents
and officers of the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania Central,
Northern Central, and Reading and Lebanon Valley rail-roads,
for permitting them to pass over their respective roads at half
fare.
The roll was called, and the following persons were found
absent without permission: Rev. Julius Kurtz, N. S. Aller,
Samuel Philips, William Philips, Franklin J. Mohr, William
Goodrich, Ephraim Kieffer, and Elders Samuel Utt, Philip
Hoover, John F. Pontius, Simon Lantz, and Jacob Sechler.
The minutes were read and adopted.
127
ARTICLE XXIII.
Adjournment.
In connection with the fixing of the time and place for hold-
ing the next annual meeting, the request of the Classis of
Maryland reported by the Committee on Minutes of Classes, to
make the next annual meeting a General Syned, was taken
into consideration. It was
Resolved, Thatinasmuch as the year 1863 will be the tricenten-
nial anniversary of the adoption of the Palatinate Liturgy and
Heidelberg Catechism, it is deemed inexpedient to authorize a
General Synod until that time.
It was then
Resolved, That we adjourn to meet in the German Reformed
church, Lebanon, Pa., on the third Tuesday of October, A. D.,
1860, at 7 o'clock, P. M.
The Synod was dismissed with prayer and the apostolic ben-
ediction by the President.
PHILIP SCHAFF, President.
SAMUEL R. FISHER, Stated Clerk.
Official copy from the original Minutes,
SAMUEL R. FISHER, Stated Clerk.
ご
​128
MINISTERS.
C. G. Herman,
Joseph S. Dubs,
John Zülich,
William A. Helfrich,
J. S. Herman,
Charles Becker,
, C. G. Eichenberg,
Cyrus J. Becker,
Alfred J. Herman,
D. F. Brendle,
Isaac K. Loos,
John Beck,
Joshua H. Derr,
Levi K. Derr,
Daniel Y. Heisler,
E. W. Reineke,
F Strassner,*
John Gantenbein,
John W. Lesher,
W. R. Hofford,‡
Vacant
do.
do.
STATISTICAL REPORTS.
CLASSIS OF EAST PENNSYLVANIA.
Congreg.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
6 Kutztown, &c.,
5 Allentown, &c.,
5 Jacob's, &c.
8 Ziegel, &c.,
8 Coxtown, &c.,
7 Chesnut Hill, &c.,
7 Weisport, &c,
3 Catasaqua, &c.,
4 Jerusalem, &c.,
5 Farmersville, &c.,
4 Mount Bethel, &c.,
1 Easton,
1 Allentown,
2 Tamaqua, &c.,
3 Bethlehem, &c.,
3 Plainfield, &c.,
Wilkesbarre, &c.,
5 Kreidersville, &c.,
(Teaching,)
(Licentiate,)
Members.
2 Saucon and Freemansburg,
1 Williams township,†
2 Hamilton and Cherry Valley,
* Lately taken charge. † Served by Rev. D. Rodrock of the
Unc. Mem
Baptized.
By Confir
By Certifi.
Communi
Excomm.
Dismiss.
Deaths.
S. School.
1460 1500 114) 54
2100 2200 190|100]
2801
314
700 750 135] 57
2100 2000 164 70
1540 1530 200 35101405
400 420 115 37
615 830 173 41]
675 800115 54 2 450
676 80010C) 59] 400
685 800 861 29 500
810 780 90 87 1 454
552 500 53 31 4 475
435 300 37 44 4 250
425 400 108 15 375
730 675 48 39 16
760 800 22 56
123 125 12
501
577
98
900
1200 1300 80 66
770
1538
565
1893
450 450 301
100 100 15
150 100| 10]
Classis of Goshenhoppen.
280
80
80
43 10 Maxatany, Berks county, Pa.
97 11 North White Hall, Lehigh co. do
4816 Stinesville,
do
do
8 Fogelsville,
do
8 Kutztown, Berks county,
9 Fennersville, Monroe county,
40 5 Weisport, Carbon
do
401
do
20
do
White Hall, Lehigh
5 Maxatany, Berks
45 5 Bethlehem, Northampton co.
do do
21 1 Easton,
do
128 1 Allentown, Lehigh county,
27
8 Richmond,
do
44 2 Tamaqua, Schuylkill do
529 3 Bethlehem, Northampton co.
16 4 Nazareth,
do
do
73
435
56
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
2 1
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
1 3 Wilkesbarre, Luzerne
do do
40
6 Petersville, Northampton do do
Easton,
do do do
Allentown, Lehigh
do do
20 3 Freemansburg, do
do do
12
2
10 2 Saylorsburg, Monroe
do do
Principal of the Allentown Seminary.


MINISTERS.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHarges.
—————
Philip Mayer,
John Gring,
Thomas H. Leinbach,
Isaac Miese,
Augustus L. Herman,
Franklin W. Kremer,
Aaron S. Leinbach,
Henry Wagner,
Jacob D. Zehring,
Abraham Romich,
William 4. Good,
Jacob Klein,
Jonathan E. Heister,
Charles F. McCauley,
Joseph H. Apple,
Samuel Miller,
Vacant,
Without charge,
do
4 Fredericksburg, charge,
7 Tulpenhocken
6 Bern
do
8 Hamburg
2 Lebanon
do
do
CLASSIS OF LEBANON.
21st church, Reading, &c.,
4 Orwigsburg charge,
6 Host charge,
3 Jonestown charge,
3 Bernville do
5 Minersville do
5 Palmyra do
12nd church, Reading,
1 Emanuel charge,
Supply of Pottsville, &c.,
Tremont charge,
400
58 43
34
1500
149 56
965
1387 118 77
1090 240 96
1200 11
1090
937 935 80 5523 600
1125 226 63 5 925 3
207 35 32 5 207
1170 896 159 67
7801
210
250
304/304 44 13
321 605 37
750 852 181 44
400 301 27 23
652
296
200 250 30 1018 190
77
13
77
20
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
do
Orwigsburg, Schuylkill county,
21 5 Fredericksburg, Lebanon do
34 6 Meyerstown,
do do
43 10 Lower Bern, Berks
49 12 Reading,
do
24 2 Lebanon, Lebanon
114 3 Reading, Berks
do
17 5 Orwigsburg, Schuylkill
28 10 Bernville, Berks
do
do
do
do
do
do
9 3 Jonestown, Lebanon
4
6 Reading, Berks
56 6 Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill co.,
8 4 Annville, Lebanon county
9
do
do
Reading, Berks
1 Hamburg, do
Lebanon, Lebanon county,
Pa.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do

130
MINISTERS.
Daniel Ziegler,
Jacob Sechler,
Frederick W. Vandersloot,
Daniel Riegle,
Amos H. Kremer,
George Leidy,
Jacob Ziegler,
William C. Bennett,
Samuel Kuhn,
David Bossler,
Emanuel H. Hoff heins,
Jacob O. Miller,
Daniel Gring,
David Hefelfinger,
T. P. Bucher,*
Julius Kurtz,
John Ault,
W. K. Zieber,*
W. M. Reily,
Vacant,
do
do
*
* Recently taken charge.
Congregations.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
6 Creutz creek charge,
do
5 Littlestown,
5 Windsor charge,
5 Dillsburg charge,
1 Carlisle,
CLASSIS OF ZION.
4 Conowago,
6 Bloomfield charge,
5 York charge, (German)
5 Abbottstown charge,
1 York (English)
6 Shrewsbury charge,
Newville charge,
3 Gettysburg charge,
Emanuel's charge,
2 Sulpher Spring,
2 Hanover charge,
3 Landisburg charge,
3 Zions
do
4/Mechanicsburg charge,
Members.
Unc. Miemb.
Baptized.
By Confirma.
By Certificate.
Communicants
Dismissed.
Excommunica.
615400 9043
1000 500 64 33
582
650
365
350
347
350 200 46 55
226 192 1821
220 1
295 200 5312
290 4
356463 26 11
3
265 1
1
149
250 300 30 5
525 350 52 24 6 510
400
275
440 300 6440 2 410
196 125 6 1
120
500/300
450325 5421
155 175 15 29
500 400
400
140
460
Deaths.
Sab. Schools.
35 4 York, York county,
Pa.
50 2 Littlestown, Adams county, do
do
do
18
11
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
20
10
12
York,
4 Dillsburg, York
1 Carlisle,
do
do
do
do
Boiling Springs, Cumberland co do
3 6 Bloomfield, Perry county,
do
4 York,
do
6 Abbottstown,
4 Gettysburg,
York,
225 6 Shrewsbury,
31 Newville,
Gettysburg,
888888
22 3Hanover,
23 Carlisle,
Hanover,
Berlin, Prussia, Europe.
708 800 120 18 4 635 10 21 10 Landisburg, Perry
do
140/100 9/17|
90
Mechanicsburg, Cumb. co.,
do
98888888
do
do
do
do
do
do


131
MINISTERS.
Elias Heiner, D. D.,
Vacant,
John S. Foulk,
Vacant,
Daniel Zacharias, D. D.,
George W. Glessner,
Samuel H. Giesy,
Mortimer L. Shuford,
Henry Wissler,
Walter E. Krebs,
Joseph W. Santéė,
William F. Colliflower,
Moses A. Stewart,
Charles Cast,
John Kuelling,
Lewis A. Bruner,
Jesse Steiner,
Cong.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
CLASSIS OF MARYLAND.
1 First church, Baltimore,
1 Second
do
do
do
do
do
do
1 Third
1 Fourth
1 Frederick City,
1 Middletown,
2 Hagerstown charge,
Mount Moriah charge,
do
do
6 Manchester
2 Emmittsburg
4 Cavetown
3 Jefferson
1 Burkettsville
1 Silver Run*
1 Second church, Hagerstown,
1 St Johns' church, Frederick,
3 Boonsboro' charge,
4 Glade charge,
do
do
do
do
2 Clearspring charge,t
1 Fifth church, Baltimore,
4 Mechanicstown charge,
5 Taneytown charge,
Foreign Missionary,
1 St. Johns', Washington,
Without charge,
Without charge,
Memss.
U.Mem
Baptis.
Confir.
Certifi.
Comm.
Dismi.
Excom |
D. C.
320 270 30 27
210 148 17 34 9 191 2
400 261 37 123
500
437 561 54 16
440 343 28 12
220 259 32 15
120 62 15 7
590 569 58|28|
335 200 20 11
390 195 39 20
316 300 29 31
185 85 16 15
475 530 18
130150 11 2
195 146 20 4
300 200 227
372 348 26 20
130 175 10 6
225 77 21 23
230 180 20 23
375 350 54 17
3 320 5
6
3
5
2
401 6
385 4
180 7
111
475
5 250 4
380
2 275
175
280
8 130 8
165
200 1
2
372 1
5
100
20
225 5
2
160 4
8 320 5
Deaths F
S. Sch.
104
27
14
8
7
17 2 Baltimore,
do.
81
do.
1
do.
2 Frederick City,
4 Middletown, Frederick co.
1 Hagerstown, Washington co.
2 Sharpsburg,
do,
do
6 Manchester, Carroll
35
5
3
6
5
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
17
5
6
11
4
10
Md.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do do
2 Emmittsburg, Frederick do
3 Cavetown, Washington co.
4 Jefferson, Frederick co.
Burkettsville, Frederick co.
Silver Run, Carroll co.
1 Hagerstown Washington co.
1 Frederick City,
Gustavus E. Gramm,
Henry J. Comfort,
John G. Fritchey,
Benjamin Schneider, D. D.,
Frederick A. Herzberger,
Robert Douglas
William H. Zimmerman,
George L. Staley,
Mt. Washington F. College,
* Supplied by the Rev. Jacob Sechler, Littlestown, Pa. †Supplied by Rev. J. Rebaugh, Greencastle, Pa.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Boonsboro, Washington co,
2 Walkersville, Frederick co.
2 Clearspring, Washington co.
1 Baltimore City,
do
1 Mechanicstown, Frederick eo. do
do
do
5 Taneytown, Oarrol
Aintab, Syria.
Washington City,
D. C.
Shepherdstown, Jefferson co. Va.
Frederick City,
Md.
Mt. Washington, Baltimore co. do
132

MINISTERS.
John H. Crawford,
John C. Hensell,
Henry St. John Rinker,
George W. Aughinbaugh,
Daniel Feete,
Daniel G. Bragonier,
J. M. Titzel,
George H. Martin,
Charles Cast,
Vacant,
MINISTERS.
Congre.
CLASSIS OF VIRGINIA.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
Congr.
161
200
3 Middlebrook,
5 Rockingham,
4 Mill Creek,
2 Central,
230
35
3 Woodstock,
180
2 Martinsburg,
133
2 Shepherdstown and Winchester, 138
108
121
Loudon,
1 Martinsburg, (German.)
Pendleton,
CHARGES OR CONGREGATIONS.
No charge,
3 Newton,
2 Lincolnton,
3 Guilford,
3 Catawba,
3 East Rowan,
2 West Rowan,
8 Davidson,
Members.
CLASSIS OF NORTH CAROLINA.
George Boger,
John Lantz,
David Crooks,
G. William Welker,
Jeremiah Ingold,
Thornton Butler,
Samuel J. Fetzer,
P. Alison Long,
Vacant: Newton; Friendship 24 members Stoner's 40 members.
Memb.
161
9 6
25/55 200
3119 1 230
35
19 20 3 180
21 5 3 133
211 2 138
9 8 1 108)
30 12
121
U. Mem
157
2016
154 99 12 27
305 313 27 9
474
99 90 7 1
2801
35 6
262 296 8 1
812 130/18/17
3 3
2 1
10 10
Sab. Sch.
HOLES
3
6
2
32
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
1 Middlebrook, Augusta co., Va.
4 Mt. Crawford, Rocking'm co. do
4 Hamburg, Shenandoah co.
do
2 Edenburg,
do
do
do
4 Woodstock,
do
do
do
do
do
1 Martinsburg, Berkley do
2 Shepherdstown, Jeffer. do
Lovettsville, Loudon do do
1 Hagerstown, Wash. do Md.

POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
Klutt's Tanyard,
21 1 Newton,
Lincolnton,
1 Brick Church,
Lincolnton,
Gold Hill,
Eufaula,
Midway,
28888898
N. C.
do
do
do
138

MINISTERS.
Samuel Helfenstein, D. D.,
Samuel Helfenstein, Jr.,
John S. Ermentrout,
Charles Lukens,
George D. Wolff,
Charles W. Schultz,
John R. Kooken,
E. M. Long.
John H. A. Bomberger, D. D.,
Nicholas Gehr,
John Gantenbein,
J. G., Wiehle,
Samuel G. Wagner,
Jesse B. Knipe,
Alfred B. Shenkle,
William Sorber,
N. S. Aller,
do do sup.,
William G. Hackman, sup.
sup.
Samuel G. Wagner,
Jesse B. Knipe, sup.
P. Seibert Davis,
{
Congregati.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
No charge.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
1 Philadelphia,
1,Zions,
1 Bethel,
1 Salem,
2 Böhms,
2 Pikeland,
2 Trappe,
4 Brownbacks,
2 Pleasantville,
1 St. Peters,
1 Wentz',
1 Whitemarsh,
CLASSIS OF PHILADELPHIA.
1 East Vincent,
1 Norristown,
Members.
170
150
466
263
165
61
U. Members.
574
277 420 24 19 18 277
556 758 26 22 42 481
400 500 40 9 400
153 29 107 722|
10 3 2 150
10 4 150
19 1394
249
1 263
18
31 4 165
1
61
124
110
150
Baptisms.
By Certific.
By Confirm. |
LO
5
26
4 8
6
Communic.
Excommuni.
Deaths.
Dismissed.
Sab. School.
10
80
110
1 120
6 3
3215
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
Norristown, Montgomery co., do
2 Philadelphia,
do
1 Kensington, Philadelphia co., do
9 2 do
do
do do
do
do
do
do
do
Pa.
do
Gwynedd, Montgomery co.,
Blue Bell,
do do
Norristown, Montgomery co., do
Frankford, Philadelphia co., do
Norristown, Montgomery co., do
89
42
3 Philadelphia,
2 1 Blue Bell, Montgomery co.,
3 Chester Springs, Chester co.,
11 3 Trappe, Montgomery co.,
East Vincent, Chester do
1 Norristown, Pa.
134

MINISTERS.
Philip Schaff, D. D.,
Bernard C. Wolff, D. D.,
Samuel R. Fisher, D. D.,
Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D.,
John Rebaugh,
Samuel Philips,
Frederick A. Rupley,
Theobald Fouse,
Henry Heckerman,
Jacob Hassler,
William M. Deatrick,
Henry W. Super,
Samuel H. Reid,
Nicholas E. Gilds,
Joseph Hannaberry,
Charles F. Hoffmeier,
Isaac G. Brown,
Thomas G. Apple,
John G. Wolff,
Daniel M. Giles,
Aaron Wanner,
Vacant,
Frederick A. Scholl,
Jacob Mayer,
William D. C. Rodrock,
Joshua Riale,
Benjamin Bausman,
Cong.
CLASSIS OF MERCERSBURG.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
TEMUD
Professor in Theological Seminary,
do
do
do
Editor of the Ger. Ref. Mess.,
German cong., Chambersburg,
Middleburg charge,
Chambersburg charge,
1 Shippensburg charge,
Woodcock Valley charge,
5 Bedford charge,
3 Martinsburg charge,
3 Yellow Creek charge,
2 Waynesboro' charge,
2 Huntingdon charge,
5 St. Clairsville charge,
4 Strasburg charge,
2 Friend's Cove charge,
Mercersburg charge,
Greencastle charge,
McConnellsburg charge,
2 Loudon and St. Thomas charge,
4 Grindstonehill charge,
3 Waterstreet charge,
Superannuated.
Without charge,
do do
Missionary in Iowa.
Associate Editor of the Messenger.
Without charge-Joseph S. Loos. Licentiates-Jeremiah M. Mickley, C. Beecher Wolff.
60 79 7 7 60
100 225 18 8 6. 90 2
340 307284423, 310 7
150 100 18 17 16 140
425 600 50 37 7 402
460 400 39 18 3 440
152 14013 9 6 140
175 2243916 9 162 2
250 160 33 15 4 200|
220 250 25 10 3 220
560 7156837 5 500 5
156 150 12
1 110
250 300 19 14 220 1
170 14927 5 9 157
332 3201838 3
105 9322 14 15
235 175 41
268
1
242 175
300 308 24 4
91
91 2
210 2
178
260 3
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
Mercersburg, Franklin county, Pa.
do
do
do do-
do
do do
do
do do
do do
2
10
1Greencastle,
do
do
6 1Chambersburg,
4 1 Shippensburg, Cumber. do
10 4 James Creek, Hunting.
10 4 Bedford, Bedford
24
5
4
Chambersburg,
do
1 1Martinsburg, Blair
2
2 Pattonsville, Bedford
7
CO
do do
do do
do d'o
do do
Waynesboro', Franklin do do
13 Huntingdon, Huntingdon do
15 4 St. Clairsville, Bedford do
2 Schellsburg,
do
9 2 Charlesville,
do
2 Mercersburg, Franklin do
2 Greencastle, do
do do
3 Alexandria, Huntingdon do
2 St. Thomas, Franklin do
2 Chambersburg, do
do
do
Greencastle,
Columbia, Lancaster
Fayettville,
Lisbon, Linn
Chambersburg,
99999999999998898
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do Iowa.
P&.
135

MINISTERS.
Daniel Zeller,
John A. Strassburger,
John D. Kessler, D. D.,
Daniel Weiser,
Peter S. Fisher,
Samuel Hess,
Lewis C. Herman,
William Philips,
William G. Hackman,
N. S. Strassburger,
A. L. Dechant,
A. J. G. Dubs,
Robert A. Van Cort,
David Rodrock,
A. S. Vaughan,
Vacant,
do
N. S. Aller,
D. F. Brendle,
W. A. Good,
Vacant,
(supply.)
do
do
Cong.
CLASSIS OF GOSHENHOPPEN.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
Superannuated,
do
3 Upper Milford, St. Peters, &c.
2 New Goshenhoppen and Swamp,
3 Tohickon, Indianfield, &c.,
5 St. Paul's, Jerusalem, &c.,
1 Lobachs,
2 Reiglesville and Upper Tinicum,
Towamencin,
4 Pottstown, Amity, Limerick, &c.,
4 Keelers, Boyerstown, &c.,
5 Saucon charge,
6(Falkoner Swamp, &c.,
4 Durham, Tinicum, &c.,
Missionary at Doylestown,
2 Ridge Road, Zions, &c.,
1 Hilltown,
1 New Hilltown,
1 New Williamstownship,
1 Pricetown,
1 Baumstown,
160
860 1000
1125
800
60
725 680
500
600
850
715
140
}
25'11
86 24
86 24
88/53
15
66 23
63 50
108 51
12 55
49 21
160
6 849
735
719
46
624
485
610
715
94
44
53
8 2 Allentown, Lehigh
do
do
4 Pennsburg, Montgm. do
5 Sellersville, Bucks
6 Hellertown, Northam.do
Upper Hanover, Montg'y. co do
Easton, Northampton county do
1 Kulpsville, Montg'y
do do
6 Pottstown,
do
do do
do
do
do
do do
do
do do
do
do
3 2
42
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
Allentown, Lehigh county, Pa.
Sellersville, Bucks do
do
do
do
do
do
12 1
123 6 Frederick,
161 7 Allentown, Lehigh
9
New Hanover, Montg'y do
Ottsville, Bucks
Doylestown, do
{
}
136


MINISTERS.
MINISTERS.
Con.
Diedrich Willers,
John F. Busche,
John Lichtenstein,
William Meyer,
Lewis B. Schwartz,
T. Grosshüsch,
O. Lohr,
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
1 First church, Lancaster,
1 Second do do
1 Salem, Harrisburg,
CLASSIS OF LANCASTER.
4 Millersville charge,
7 Ephrata charge,
3 New Providence charge,
5 Hummelstown charge,
1 Maytown,
President F. and M. College,
Prof. in do do do
do do do do
Without charge,
3 Elizabethtown,
Congr.
Henry Harbaugh,
Isaac S. Demund,
Daniel Gans,
Isaac Gerhart,
John W. Hoffmeier,
Daniel Hertz,
John V. Eckert,
Martin A. Smith,
Albert Helffenstein, Jr.,
Emanuel V. Gerhart, D. D.,
Thomas C. Porter,
Theodore Apple,
John W. Nevin, D. D..
J. Naille,
142
96
Without charge-Albert Helffenstein, Sr.: Manheim sup. by I. E. Graeff and W. T. Gerhard.
CLASSIS OF NEW YORK.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
Fayette,
1 New York city,
Buffalo,
1 Tonawanda,
1 Boston,
Mem
Bap
U.M
1 Rochester,
2 Elizabethtown,
356
120
198 166
Con
Cer.
275
142
507
231
| 77
139
139
39 12
260 200 60 28
5239
260 3
198
144
290 4131 1215
4711
7356)
216 1 Lancaster city,
55 1112 1 4 1 1 do do
6 9 2128
2 3 2 Harrisburg,
Com
Exc
Dis
Dea
S. S.
41 25
100 10
4214
46 15
12818
275
142
385
189
80!
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
3
do
11
do
43
2Ephrata, Lancaster county, do
5 New Providence, do
7
do
4 9
4 Hummelstown, Dauph. co., do
do
do
do
do
do
do
Lancaster,
do
9
18
Maytown,
Lancaster,
do
do
do
Elizabethtown, Lan. co.,
Pa.
do
do
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
do
16 2 Fayette, Seneca county, N. Y.
1 New York city,
Buffalo,
do
do
1 Tonawanda, Erie co.,
Boston, Mass.
Rochester, New York.
1 Elizabethtown, N. J.
137
MINISTERS.
Isaac Shellhammer,
Rudolph Dünger,
William Goodrich,
Nathaniel E. Bressler,
Albert G. Dole,
Jared Fritzinger,
Henry Hoffman,
George Wolff,
David W. Wolff,
John B. Pörner,
C. Z. Weiser,
Ephraim Kieffer,
C. A. Rittenhouse,
John W. Steinmetz,
Vacant,
Congregations.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
CLASSIS OF EAST SUSQUEHANNA.
4 Union,
3 Ashland,
6 Bloomsburg,
7 Armstrong Valley,
1 Milton,
7 Mahony,
Briarcreek,
4 Paradise,
4 Danville,
10 Conyngham,
1 Selinsgrove,
7 Lykens Valley,
4 Shamokin,
5 Sunbury,
6 Berrysburg,
Members.
Deaths
Unc. Members.
Baptisms.
By Certificate.
By Confirmation
Communicants.
Dismissed.
Excommunicated
Sabbath Schools.
217 270 57 15
160 170 25 13
500 425 46 60.11450 1
371 325 47 297
160 180 18 8 8150
500 400 7230 418
220 100 15 43 210
680 700 60 58 34 640
210 130 32 15 8175
454 543 100|37 407
160 250 27|20.12130
500 700 5053 400
225265 55 4 3184
480 340 43 35 12 350 1
200「160
130
150
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
13 4 Black Creek, Luzerne county, Pa.
14 4 Fountain Spring, Schuylkill co., do
23 6Orangeville, Columbia county, do.
21 6 Fisherville, Dauphin
do do
8 31Milton, Northumberland
25 12 Greenbrier,
do
do do
do do
do do
9
3 Berwick, Columbia
730 17
5 7
35
4 Limestoneville, Montour
do
do do
do do
3 Danville,
9 Hazleton, Luzerne
do do
6 9
do do
1 Selinsgrove, Snyder
32 8Millersburg, Dauphin
do do
do
19 3 Shamokin, Northumberland do
12 5Sunbury,
do
Berrysburg, Dauphin
do do
do do

MINISTERS.
Jonathan Zellers,
Daniel S. Tobias,
Adolph B. Caspar,
Henry Wiegand,
William R. Yearick,
Samuel Gutelius,
F. J. Mohr,
D. G. Klein,
John C. Bucher,
L. C. Edmonds,
W. H. Groh,
H. Daniel,
G. W. M. Schultz,
H. Aurand,
C. H. Leinbach,
P. A. Schwartz,
Vacant,
do
do
do
do
do
do
Congs.
CLASSIS OF WEST SUSQUEHANNA.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
No charge,
Rebersburg,
4 Middlecreek,
7 Nippanose,
No charge,
5 Freeburg,
4 Williamsport,
3 Bellefonte,
1 Mifflinburg,
5 Aaronsburg,
5 Boalsburg,
2 Liberty Valley,
6 Beaver Dam,
No charge.
2 Lewisburg,
4 Nittany,
Union congregation,*
do
1 New Berlint
2 Eden and Salem‡ do
1 St. Peters]
do
1 Messiah 2
1 Centreville¶
do
2 Laurel Run and Quays
Membs.
Unc. M
Baptis.
Confim |
Certifi.
Comm.
Excom.
Dismis
350
150
418
248
270
133
3442
4018
350
124
1972 6 348]
6313 7 243| 1| 1
36 19 40 230
225
11 9 1 133
25 16 4 221
400 500 416214 400 215
408 346 4451 6 372
247 300 16
148
440
9036 1 318)
77
28
a298
246 450 15
110
185
410
511
8 9
15
290
7 230
110
133
77
28
Deaths
S. Sch.
Lock Haven, Clinton county, Pa.
22 8 Rebersburg, Centre do do
20 4 New Berlin, Union
25 Road Hall, Lycoming
Walker, Centre
4 5 Freeburg, Snyder
10
2
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
628
сл
do do
do do
do do
do do
1 Williamsport, Lycoming do
3 Zion, Centre
4
1 Mifflinburg, Union
5
do do
do
do
6 Aaronsburg, Centre
7 Boalsburg, do
17 2 Liberty, Tioga
1819 Middlecreek, Snyder
New Berlin, Union
Lewisburg,
do
do do
do do
do da
do do
10 5 Hublersburg, Centre do do
do
do do
do do
a Last year's report, with the addition of Dreisbach's congregation approximately.
* Supplied by Rev. A. G. Dole; † C. Z. Weiser; W R. Yearick; || A Committee; A Committee; Rev. A. B. Caspar;
• Connected with Mifflinburg charge.
1
138
}
F

139
MINISTERS.
D. B. Ernst,
L. D. Leberman,
H. F. Hartman,
F. W. Dechant,
Abner Dale,
F. Wise,
J. G. Shoemaker,
C. A. Limberg,
J. S. Shade,
Vacant,
do
do
B. Boyer,
Lucian Cort,
S. N, Callender,
Philip Zeiser,
Congrega.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
3 Sagertown,
8 Mercer,
CLASSIS OF CLARION.
3 West Greenville,
3 Harmony,
Fairview,
2 South Bend,
5 Rimersburg,
Luthersburg,
5 Petersburg,
4 Tylersburg,
4 Redbank,
3 Kittaning,
Superannuated,
Without charge,
do do
dd
do
/
DETOA
211
321
400
1432 5 201
107/49 309
25 13 10 395
15
140
41 10 5200
35 6 147
50 18 19 270
210
446
88
155
170
250
180
320
225
451 600 49 65
130
41 57
267
150
Excommuni
Dissmissed.
4
5 6
do do
1
do do
Sagertown, Crawford co.,
3 Meadville,
do
3 West Greenville, do
2 Harmony, Butler
Brady's Bend, Armstr.
11South Bend,
8 4 5Curlsville, Clarion
3 Punxatawny, Jefferson
2 Lamertine, Clarion
do
do do
10 5
CYD
3
POST OFFICE ADDRESSES.
∞
Pa.
do do
88888888
West Greenville, Mercer co.,
Rimersburg, Clarion
Meadville Crawford
Hamburg Mercer
do
do
do do
do do
do do
do
do do
do do
do do
}

140
East Pennsylvania Classis,
Lebanon
do
Zion
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
East Susquehanna do
West Susquehanna do
Clarion
do
Maryland
North Carolina
Virginia
Philadelphia
Mercersburg
Goshenhoppen
New York
Lancaster
888888888888
1
TATISTICAL SUMMARY
CLASSES.
→
Total,
SYNOD OF OHIO AND ADJACENT STATES. Ten Classes.
Total of the two Synods. Classes 24.
Ministers.
Congregations.
23
3 xa
19
20 105 16686 17160 1897 874 37 12185
16 57 9868 4143 1397 599 51
74 7471 5130 647 330 16
49 6395 5046 796 355 203]
26 1633
23 1310
146
17 17 3466 1696
29 51 4682 4870
15 48 5935 2280
11 1232
30 1703 366
76 5037 4958
61 4533 1596
46 3075 600
9
17
14
Members.
16
13
Baptisms.
Unconfirmed Memb.
Confirmations.
Certificate.
Communicants.
223
674 7272647991
143 385 14450 2379
146 136 10
275 206 177
464 286 118
584 317 6
257 77
250 135 11
560 391 87
451 383 86
377 250 39
Excommunicated.
Dismissed.
Deaths.
Sabbath Schools.
12 751 117
20 420 76
16 238 54
52 297
43
7784
5893 5
5595
1633
1310
14 31 20
3373
39 90
21
37 116
40
4158 4
5037
38
18
5 254
1071
34 5
1490 4 12 90
4301 9 49 229 69
3760 3 34 139 6.7
2561 16 40 25
8101 4339 841
2911 1927 574
60151 25 3062729 593
17209 6 188 643 179
36610508717650370/110126266 1415 77350 31 4943372 772



141
I
SYNOD
Of the German Reformed Church of Ohio and adjacent States.
REPORT ON THE STATE OF RELIGION FOR 1859.
God's all ruling presence is indicated in the events and con-
ditions of his Church. With a deep sense of this truth, we now
turn to view his glory as revealed in her religious life. As a
Synod we are again permitted to look upon this "bush that is
burning," yet unconsumed. Contemplating it, we devoutly re-
cognize Him, who is the giver of all good, in his merciful deal-
ings towards us during the year that is past. Whilst our num-
ber as fellow-laborers in the vineyard of our Lord is increased,
but one has fallen at our side.
With Christian sorrow we are called to record here the death
of an aged and venerable father in Israel. Father G. Weisz,
we can number amongst us no more. He has been called since
our last annual meeting, from his lengthened labors on earth,
to his everlasting reward in heaven. His hand assisted in
founding our Zion in the wilds of the West, nor did it cease
from toiling till her structure was reared to adorn and endear
the scene of our labors. The seed he assisted in sowing has
yielded the fruit that we are permitted to gather. With rever-
ence we cherish his name, whilst we record his life with those
that are the "fathers of the Church."
1. In representing the State of Religion, we would but re-
flect the sentiments expressed in the reports from the various
Classes within our bounds We are warranted from these to
affirm that the State of Religion is advanced.
An evidence of this is found in the Church extension, which is
frequently presented to our notice. This prerogative of the
kingdom of God, and which has ever been an evidence of its
supernatural origin and constitution, and which is so clearly
expressed in the words "Go ye and make all nations to my dis-
ciples," has marked her past year's history. Not only is it
evinced in the considerable accessions to old congregations, but
also in the establishing of many new ones, and their prosper-
ous condition. The preached word has not been ineffectual,
and the many fields presented which "are white for the har-
vest" have not all remained unentered. Though the laborers
have not been sufficient, yet the prayers to the Lord of the
harvest that he might send laborers therein have not been un-
answered. Charges are more generally supplied with minis-
ters, and a number have been found to respond to calls from
entirely missionary fields.
Another evidence is found in the Church's increased zeal and
activity. In harmony with Her divine institution, the pres-
142
>"
ence of Her ever-living Head is manifest in the doing of the
Father's will, so that she may stand acknowledged as His, in
the verification of the promise, "Lo I am with you alway.'
The reviving influence of saving grace through the divinely
constituted means, is more clearly reflected in the lives and ac-
tions of those who are its subjects. An inward life, showing
itself outwardly in a truly Christian deportment, and in a con-
stantly renewed activity in doing the will of God, may well
challenge, both the admiration and confidence of men. The
increased earnestness in the worship and service of God, is at-
tended with its legitimate consequences. These are presented
to view in the increased liberality and effort to spread the Re-
deemer's kingdom, and to win souls unto Him. The various
instrumentalies for the accomplishment of these ends, have
been more effectually employed. The increased attendance
upon the means of grace as well as the increased use of our re-
ligious literature, and also the increased contributions to our
missionary operations and literary institutions, are all indica-
tions of a healthy and permanent growth.
A third evidence is found in the attention given to the Church's
proper religious life. The proper form through which the divine
presence as a life moves and acts, is being more clearly recog-
nized, and its heavenly beauty more admired and correctly ap-
preciated. That a specific life cannot exist in any or every
form, or without a form at all, is a truth more generally felt and
acted upon. Hence there is necessarily more thought bestow -
ed upon the importance of a continuous identity-a growing
dislike to become anything else from that which the Church
in her true character has always been. This is apparent (theo-
retically at least, if not practically,) in the use and account
made of our venerable symbol of Faith, the Heidelberg Cate-
chism, as the form expressive of her anciently true and contin-
uous life. To bring this specific life to assume and pervade its
own specific form, as to some extent it has, demands increased
attention to be bestowed upon the young, especially upon the
children of the Church. This, after all, must be found to be
the proper soil to cultivate in order to make sure of an abundant
harvest. The more thoroughly and successfully this work is
performed, the more is accomplished by our labors in the vine-
yard of the Lord.
2. But to reflect truthfully the sentiments of the Classical
Reports, another side of the Religious State remains to be pre-
sented. We are again warranted in affirming that there is not
only room, but an urgent necessity for the State of Religion to be
improved.
The treasure of the Divine life, through grace is imparted to
earthen vessels-the burning bush is growing on earthly soil.
“Make all nations to my disciples," implies a process wrought
in the material of a sin-ruined world. Short-coming, therefore,
143
marks the condition of the Church now as alway. The clearer
the light of Christ's life shines forth, the darker are the shad-
ows thrown out from the life of the world. Often the want of
a truly Christian life on the part of those professedly Christian,
militates against the advancing glory of Christ's kingdom
among men. Not only does this lifelessness permit those in-
volved in this inconsistency, to neglect the cultivation of indi-
vidual and family piety, but produces an inefficient and even
improper impression upon the world. Regarding only the
absence and not the presence of the transforming power of our
holy religion, many are led to neglect the Christian's privilege
here, and forfeit the Christian's heritage hereafter.
Also, an undue attachment to the interests of this life, is seen
to weaken the aspirations after the good things of the "world
to come." Involved and entangled in inferior interests, due
attention is not given, and due effort is not put forth to further
the interests of Christ's kingdom. Hence its progress in out-
ward form, as also in inward character, is greatly retarded.
The want of a more general and truly Christian liberality to
sustain our missionary and educational operations is seriously
felt. These are especially now the channels through which the
Church is called to accomplish her work, and the evil so fre-
quently brought to notice can not but seriously affect her true
interest and her progress.
Finally, this is seen to carry along with it another, and per-
haps the greatest hindrance, namely, an insufficiency of minis-
terial labor. The word of life at many points is but seldom
dispensed, and the ineffectual attempts to supply it to destitute
places, is a sadening indication of failing to do that which ought
to be done for the advancement of the cause of Christ, and for
the salvation of souls. The clearest utterance of the indwell-
ing life of the Church is the "preached word," and just in pro-
portion to the deficiency here, there will be a deficiency of a
convincing apprehension of the Christian religion on the part
of men. Never, perhaps, for our Church, was there a time
when the prayer to the Lord of the harvest was more earnest-
ly required than now, that he might send laborers into his
harvest.
In conclusion, we are forcibly reminded from the considera-
tion of the Religious State of the Church, that there is demand-
ed at our hands, earnest and faithful labor in the service of our
Divine Master. And further, that our "labor in the Lord” is
not in vain, and hence, can take new courage for the future,
knowing that it is the will of God to have his kingdom prevail
over all.
The promise is again verified, as it ever must be, "Lo I am
with you alway even unto the end."
Respectfully submitted,
S. MEASE, Chairman.
144
MINISTERS.
1 D. Winters,
2 T. H. Winters,
<<
<6
3 P. C. Prugh,
4 A. H. Baines,
5 G. W. Williard,
6 H. Rust,
7 J. Vogt,
8 I. H. Reiter,
9 S. Mease,
10 G. Z. Mechling,
11 J. Richards,
12 A. Wanner,
13 A. C. Kendig,
14 C. Saure,
15 J. M. Lefever,
16 E. F. Loeders,
17 J. Weaver,
18 J. A. Leis,
19 J. McConnell,
20 L. Rike, without char.,
21 J. Pence,
22 J. Stoneberger,
23 S. K. Denius,
24 J. Kercher,
25 J. Dahlman,
STATISTICAL REPORTS.
Congr.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
4 Mount Zion,
1 Cæsar's creek,
2 Highland,
2 Xenia,
3 Fairfield,
2 Dayton, First church,
Cincinnati, First church,
3 New Madison,
3 Miamisburg,
1 Cincinnati, Second church,
4 Seven Mile,
6 Union,
4 Germantown,
3 West Alexandria,
1 Cincinnati, Third church,
3 Darke county charge,
MIAMI CLASSIS.
1 Dayton, Second church,
4 Mount Salem,
I
4 Anna, Illinois, Union county,
Confir.
M. not
M. Con
Comm.
Baptis
Confir.
Certifi.
Dismis
Deaths
Sab. Sc
89 83 83
4122~~1 ∞
76
7
52
18 4
466 440 59
125 120 26
250 245 46
113 213 189 33
2|228 228|20|
130 180 160 22
193 305 295 83
132 112 22
170 232 210 32
20 31 28 5
10
44 4 6 21
80 16
46,00
27 26 1
169,00 Xenia.
40
124,82 Fairfield.
35 19 2
225,28 Dayton.
1225 7 4 1 180,88 Cincinnati.
1814
4,50 New Madison.
15 7 6
150,00 Miamisburg.
3 2 1
Cincinnati.
129 125 13 32 10
743,25 Seven Mile.
300 82 106 2
82,10 St. Paris.
210 150 14 1 1
66 261 233 69 104 15
115 194 211 57 774
8
1
5 6
40,00 Chambersburg, Pa.
20,00 West Alexandria.
52,13 Cincinnati.
32,00 Carrolton, O.
36,00 Dayton.
49 4
83 80 31
162 10
53 15
18,00 Pratt, Shelby county.
Miamisburg.
Anna, Union county, Ill.
West Alexandria.
Tremont.
23
5 2
Contri. to
Benevole.
objects.
1
2
320 5
2 9 1
3 5 2
24
1 3 2
1 1
5 2 6 5 3
9 4
49
312 1
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
$60,75 Dayton.
Xenia.
Germantown.
Lacon, Marshall eounty, Ill.
-

145

MINISTERS.
1 G. Weisz,
2 I. S. Weisz,
3 H. Williard,
4 P. D. Schory,
5 J. H. Buser,
6 J. Buhl,
7 J. B. Thompson,
8. H. King,
9. J. C. Henneman,
10 S. 8. Rickly,
11 C. W. Hoyman,
12 J. C. Klar,
18 N. H. Loose,
10
Congregations.
NAMES.
Superannuated,
4 Salem's, David's &c.,
2 Columbus, &c.,
1 Lancaster,
4 Kinnickkinnik,
2 Basil, &c.,
2 Delaware, &c.,
3 Union charge,
7 No report,
Without charge,
Somerset charge,
4 Tarlton, &c.,
4 Sugar Grove,
LANCASTER CLASSIS.
Members.
Baptisms.
Confirmed.
Deaths.
Communicants.
Dismissed.
Sabbath Schools.
250 31 23 2151219 2
561910 53
5 2
160 26 22 160
110 6 10 110
1 6 4
4 2
1
15225
3
610 60 29 539|12|
200 8 1170] 6| 4]
23] 108 13
2
80 1/
42
22
213
Contributed.
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
Lancaster, Ohio.
$64,00 Lithopolis, Fairfield county, Ohio.
20,00 Columbus, Ohio.
Lancaster, Ohio.
20,00 Oskaloosa, Iowa.
113,00 Basil, Fairfield county, Ohio.
Delaware, Ohio.
Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio.
6,21 Piketon, Pike county, Ohio.
Columbus, Ohio.
77,00 Somerset, Ohio.
50,00 Stoutsville, Ohio.
Sugar Grove.
146

1
MINISTERS.
N. P. Hacke,
H. E. F. Voigt,
Wm. Conrad,
G. B. Russell,
L. H. Keafauver,
F. K. Levan,
R. P. Thomas,
A. B. Koplin,
Benjamin Knepper,
G. A. Fickes,
William Wienel,
J. J. Roemer,
Vacant,
1
Congregati.
WESTMORELAND CLASSIS.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
6 Greensburg, (German,)
Mount Pleasant,
4 Berlin,
1 Grace church,
4 Greensburg, (English,)
6 Somerset,
2 Salem,
5 Shade,
7 Wellersburg,
4 Grantsville,
2 Superannuated,
4 German Mission,
Beams' charge,
2006
670 670 81 40
367 367 47 10
297 250 16 21
421 3 $40,00 Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
8 7 18,00 Mt. Pleasant,
do
6 4 6 3 30,62 Jenner Cross Roads, do
56 74 74121012 7 1 2185,00 Pittsburg,
|214|113|102|1210 3
do
do
2 61,00 Greensburg,
3 15,00 Somerset,
do
380 358 30 40 8
200 204 198 21 23 8
16119217215 22
do
do
do
30,00 Salem Cross Roads,
8230,00 Elk Lick,
2 4 45,00 Wellersburg,
3 4 3 10,00 Fremont, Ohio.
Leechburg,
Rochester,
206 13955 27 2
90 151 109|17|18|
66 104 104 7
| 66104
♡
Benevolent
Contrib. for
2♡
POST OFFICER ADDRESS.
do
do
147


MINISTERS.
S. B. Leiter,
Wm. McCaughey,
Jesse Hines,
P. J. Spangler,
J. J. Excell,
C. H. Reiter,
C. Zwisler,
H. Hess,
Jesse Schlosser,
L. Follett,
D. G. Philips,
H. Shaull,
MINISTERS.
H. A. Mühlmeier.
J. T. Kluge,
H. A. Winter,
J. Bossard,
J. J. Brecht,
Congrega.
NAMES OF CHARGES.
4 Tuscarawas,
4 Navarre,
6 Savannah,
8 Fulton,
4 Reedsburg,
4 Carrolton,
2 Congress,
Shelby,
Akron,
Without charge,
do do
do
do
Congregati. |
Emanuel,
Zion,
SANDUSKY CLASSIS.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
Ebenezer,
Saron,
166 166 18
189 186 21 7 4 1
115 110 10 10 3 2
850 3582 312
115 80 4 5
155 112 6 9
75,21
25 20
SHEBOYGAN CLASSIS.
1
9 6
4 $27,00
14 31,54
4 4 48,26
4 60,00
2 40,00
2 30,00
4,50
30,00
++++
41&
1
pt the La
*
1121 —
21
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
40 Navarre, Stark county,
40 do
do
20 Nankin, Ashland do
40 Summit, Summit do
45 Reedsburg, Wayne do
40 Smithville, do do
15 Canfield, Mahoning do
10 Shelby, Richland do
Akron, Summit
Nankin, Ashland
Ashland, do
Leetown, Virginia.
do
Benevolent
135 135 270 16 321 315 1 $15,00 Sheboygan, Wisconsin,
75 65
108 99 212 11
41 28 65 2
100 5
do
do
Ohio.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
8
do
do
6 Lowell, Dodge county.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Ashford, Fon du Lac co., Wh
148
MINISTERS.
F. Rahauser,
R. Good,
J. H. Good,
M. Stern,
H. J. Rutenick.
J. Klingler,
W. K. Zieber,
H. Eschmeier,
J. G. Ruhl,
Eli Keller,
J. J. Escher,
J. Knie,
M. Kieffer, D. D.,
C. Weiler,
P. Joerris,
P. Roser,
E. E. Higbee,
P. Tendick,
J. Heller,
H. Kortheuer,
J. B. Kniest,
D. W. Kelley,
D. H. Reiter,
E. Brakefield,
C. Raths,
C. Banks,
W. Witzgall,
F. A. Edmonds,
Congr.
CONGREG'NS OR CHARGES.
Superannuated,
3 Zion, Good Hope,
2 Tiffin, Second church,
5 Gallion charge,
Editor Evangelist,
3 Bethlehem charge,
Superintendent of Miss.
1 Toledo,
5 Marion charge,
4 Bucyrus charge,
Berwick charge,
2 Vermillion
1 Fort Seneca,
Superannuated,
5 Upper Sandusky,
St. Peter,
1 Tiffin, First church,
2 Windfall charge,
3 Fremont,
3 Findlay,
1 Sandusky,
3 Thompson,
6 Allen county charge,
Without charge,
1 Ellmore,
3 St. John's,
Licentiate,
Shelby.
TIFFIN CLASSIS.
Membs
Comm.
Baptis
Confir.
By Let. |
Dismis
Excom
86 7014
156 140 55 934 8
470 |80|43|30|
44
57 15
120 120 15
216 216 38 6
240 24043 7
240 237 67 15 2
120 82|31|21
65 65 640
97 73 26 14 3
150 80 5 1 3
153 21 9
100 100 25 712 3 2
90 30 4 41
35 20 6
214154 17
12
220
37 2113]
123
25 11
~
LO
Deaths
Sab. S. |
18 2
1 10
7 2
8 1
110 2
9 3
-THA
1 4
Minutes of
1 10
Synod.
Eng. Ger.
2 10
20
01
mod pred pro 00
5
1 24
2 1 10
1
12
18
2
10
25
50
10
13
♡ co
6
4
purpo.
Benev.
for
Contri.
钥
​POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
72,18 Tiffin, Seneca county,
23,00 do do do
Gallion,
5,00 Tiffin,
25,00 Herring, Allen county,
Tiffin,
Toledo,
95,34 Marion,
92,00 Bucyrus,
126,00 Tiffin,
30,00 Tiffin,
}
Vermillion, Erie county,
Gallion,
Upper Sandusky,
New Bremen,
Tiffin,
Attica, Seneca county,
Fremont,
Findlay,
5,21 Sandusky city,
Bellevue, Huron county,
Lima,
Fremont,
Ellmore,
Ohio.
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
9898888888
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
9889988.
do
do
15,00 N. Bavaria, Henry county, do
do
do
do
Shelby,
go

149
}
MINISTERS.
J H. Kline,
W. Ellers,
D. Lantz,
J. G. Kissell,
W. B. Sandoe,
A. Shröder,
P. Vitz,
F. W. Wasnick,
T. Winter,
A. Butt,
W. M. Reed,
E. Spangler,
Congregations.
ST. JOSEPH CLASSIS.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
1 St. John's congregation,
2 Colon charge,
No Report,
7 Union charge,
St. Joseph's charge,
1 Detroit Mission,
Adams county Mission,
Bush Creek charge,
Superannuated,
2 Neriah charge,
2 Jefferson charge,
3 Lafayette,
No report,
140 170 27 11 251010 1 $100,00, Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
90 90 7
2 3
Colon, Michigan.
Constantine, Michigan.
Auburn, Indiana.
Bryan,
do
200 300 40 32
210 2104837
62 6210 4
41 41 6 2
150 150 3413)
105 105
1023
69 69 9 5 2
105 26 2
105/105
18
1
10 4
23
∞ 2
2
1 ∞
22
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
Detroit, Michigan.
9,00 Decatur, Indiana.
20,00 Pulaski, Ohio.
West Alexandria.
Pulaski, Ohio.
do do
¡Edgerton, Ohio,

10,00
150
MINISTERS.
G. H. Zumpe,
C. Pluss,
John Blaetgen,
M. G. I. Stern,
August Tönsmeier,
C. Scheel,
F. W. Steffens,
J. D. Colliflower,
George Weber,
MINISTERS.
T. P. Decker,
D. Kroh,
J. Hoyman,
F. C. Bauman,
H. Knepper,
H. 3. Bassler,
H. Bentz,
Congregatio.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
3 Zions, etc.,
Lawrenceburg,
1 Vacant,
1 First G. R. ch., Indianapolis,
1 First G. R. ch., Louisville,
2 Emanuel and Salem,
2 Vacant,
3 No Report,
No Report,
INDIANA CLASSIS.
Congrega.
Vacant,
3 Cedarville,
4 Orangeville,
3 Harmony,
Vacant,
5 Foreston,
1 Warsaw,
Members.
Membs. Bap.
Baptisms.
Confirmations
14013425
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
184 16 1
23 4
7
47 7 8 35 1 1
8612 2 90 5 1
80 30 10 80 3 1
7610 32 1 1
6422
ILLINOIS CLASSIS.
Deaths.
Communic.
Sab. Schools.
Paroc. Sch.
Members.
Baptized.
Confirmed.
Minutes of
Synod.
100 5 2100
2185288218 6
63 14 6 63
Eng. Ger.
1 25
2
145 12 142 2
822512 82
1 4
1 45
Communic.
Deaths.
Dismissed.
Certificate.
S. Schools.
50 7 1 1 2 10
25
1009
51
6
GA
Collections
Benevolent
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
Poland, Clay county, Indiana.
Lawrenceburg,
do
do
Evansville,
Indianapolis,
do
Louisville, Kentucky,
Vernon, Jennings county, Ind.
Terra Haute, Indiana.
Boundary City, Jay county, do
Dayton, Indiana.
12 1
Freeport, Illinois.
5,00 Cedarville, Illinois.
24 411,000 Orangeville, Illinois.
Rockdale, Iowa.
4 1
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
Ogle Station, Indiana.
8,00 Foreston, Illinois.
Keokuk, Illinois.
¿


151

MINISTERS.
J. W. Hamm,
D. Kemmerer.
P. Herbruck,
J. G. Zahner,
R. Köhler,
G. Ziegler,
G. Rettig,
J. Ackeret,
J. B. Ruhl,
E. H. T. Woehler,
J. D. Gackenheimer,
J. F. Engelbach,
Vacant,
F. Wahl,
S. N. King,
P. Becker,
C. Fehr,
S. Seibert,
J. Rettig,
V
Congrega.
CONGREGATIONS OR CHARGES.
7 Manchester,
5 Wooster, charge,
6 Canton charge,
ST. JOHN'S CLASSIS.
5 Shanesville charge,
2 Mt. Eton charge,
7 St. Peter's charge,
5 New Bedford,
2 Mt. Eton charge,
5 Canfield charge,
3
4 St. Paul's charge,
3 Akron charge,
3 Calcutta cbarge,
4 Springfield charge,
3 New Lisbon charge,
6 St. Peter's charge,
2 Youngstown charge,
3 St. Peter's,
8 New Philadelphia,
↓
II DOMNE
520 733924
409 98 36 16
797 13659|40
390
200
6352 35
20 3
4431 23
537
280
7253 23
325
442721
160
9
170
15
110 25
128
223
159 126
184
22 7
47
15/20
1512 3
36
36 4 4
179 2411
do
do
5 $51,00 Nimisilla, Summit county, Ohio.
2232,57 Wooster, Wayne county,
488,61 Canton, Stark county,
6 86,61 Ragersville, Tuscarawas co., do
8,91 Mt. Eton, Wayne county, do
38,20 N. Georgetown, Columb. co.,
19,50 New Bedford, Coshocton co., do
8,00 Mt. Eton, Wayne county, do
2 33,10 Canfield, Mahoning county, do
10,00 Albion, Ashland county,
do
do
do
Wiltshire, Van Wert county, do
16,50 Akron, Summit oounty,
10,00
1
POST OFFICE ADDRESS.
2
3
8888888888
do
do
23,00 Poland, Mahoning county,
21,75 N. Lisbon, Columbiana co.,
28,36 Columbiana, Whitley co., Ind.
Youngstown, Mahoning co., Ohio.
2,20 Canton, Stark county,
New Philadelphia,
do
do..
WILSON
ANNEX
AISLE 79
Act of Incorporation of Synod,
Adjournment,
Appeal of Rev. D. Weiser,
Appeal of L. L. Jacobi,
Child's Catechism,
INDEX.
Christian Unity, resolutions on
Church Title, report of committee on
Clopp Mrs., Legacy of
Communications received,
Correspondence with Sister Churches,
Duncan, Ex-Sheriff, suit against
Examination, Licensure and Ordination,
Finance, report of committee on
Financial committee, report of
Goshenhoppen Classis, subject referred to
Heidelberg Catechism, Third centennial celebration of
Hymn Book, English, proposed enlargement of
Hymn Book, new German,
Irregularities, reported and action on,
Kieffer & Co., contract with
report of committee on
Items referred to Board of
Election of Boards of
Nominations, report of committee on
Overtures, committee on
Kieffer Legacy,
Leave of Absence, committee on,
Liturgy, translation of
Liturgy, resolutions in regard to the use of the
Minutes of Classes, committee on,
Minutes of Synod, committee on,
Minutes of Synod, Publication of
Missions, reports of Boards of
do
do
do
do Anniversary of Domestic Board of
Publication, report of Board of
do
do
do
do of committee on
request to Board of
Board appointed,
do proposed Board of
Reading, Second church of
Religion and Morals,
Rules of Order,
Sabbath, observance of
Standing committees,
Statistical Tables,
Synod, report of Treasurer of
•
do reporters of proceedings of
✔
•
•
**
:
Synod of Ohio and adjacent States, Statistics of
Theological Seminary, report of Board of
do
do
do
do
of committee on,
Board of elected,
proposed removal of
dɔ
do
Theological Tutorship,
Triennial General Synod,
Widows Fund Association, statement of
·
·
•
>
>
■
·
•
PAGE.
113
127
92
93
120
125
111
51
7
10
51
28
18888
89
90
92
119
104
105
92
99
54
124
109
112
23
8
109
55
83
85
86
86
124
10
95
99
109
109
101
121
29
6
126
8
128
87
123
144
38
49
50
54
52
111
125


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