History of Egypt church

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aass_EJ_5ft

Book-iliA^Si

HISTORY

II

the Holland Synods says that with the approval of the brethern, he placed the newly arrived six ministers, among them Domine Wissler at Egypt. At the Coetus held October i8 to 24, 1752, at Lancaster, John Jacob Wissler, of Egypt, was present.

In the minutes of a special Coetus held at Philadelphia on December 12, 1752, occurs the following: "As regards Domine Wissler, located at Egypt, at no great distance from Dos. Weiss and Leydich, he is more of a friend to Dos. Steiner and Rubel than to us, and we are also afraid that he will not come up to our expectations. Neither did he come to this meeting, but sent in writing the following excuses; viz., 'That he had an engagement to preach, and to marry a couple, that he had to visit the sick and had house visitations on hand, nor could he leave his wife alone, and that he had no money for the journey.' "

In the church book in 1752, after the text, Matthew, 19: 14, occurs the name, "John Jacob Wissler, Dillenberga Nassauicus, pastor of Egypt, Jordan and Heidelberg."

Rev. Wissler was born at Dillenberg, Feb. 23, 1727, and was the only one of the six young men who came with Schlatter who was married. He seems to have been the first regularly appointed pastor of Egypt congregation. His salary in 1753 is recorded as 35 pounds. The first entry written by Rev. Wissler was on Sept. 24, 1752. Of the sixteen entries of baptism made by him, seven related to Egypt, seven to Heidelberg, and two to Jordan congregation. He also recorded the confirmation here in 1753 of fourteen boys and seventeen girls, and in 1754 of two boys and two girls. Of the earlier ministers, he was the only one who recorded any deaths, of which there are two, Abraham Wotring, on Nov. 28, 1752, and Elizabeth, daughter of the late Henry Roeder, of Heidelberg, on May 10, 1753. He recorded also two marriages, one on December 12, 1752, in Heidelberg, the very day on which Coetus met, showing that, one, at least, of his excuses was true.

In the Coetus minutes of October 30, 1754, mention is made of his death, "a month ago, after a sickness of two months," and his widow was given ten pounds. In 1756, Coetus gave his widow six pounds; in 1757, six pounds; and in 1759, two pounds, eight shillings. In a letter written by Rev. Stoy, dated Sept. 30, 1757, referring to the Indian troubles, he says: "The place where Domine Wissler labored, when living (Egypt), has been pillaged and robbed of its inhabitants."

From 1754 to December, 1764, Egypt was without a pastor. Who preached here is unknown. Although there are many records for these years in the church book, there are no names of ministers recorded. Two baptisms are recorded on Oct. 5, i755> very poorly written, evidently by a layman, and one on May 2, 1756. Then the handwriting improves, and there are two recorded on June 6, 1756; two on July 15, 1756; two on August

15, 1756; and one on November 7, 1756. In 1757 there are five records, and in 1758, six; in 1759, one; in 1760, three; in 1761, six; in 1762, one; and in 1763, three. The last, on April 12, 1763, and the last in the old church book, was a daughter of John and Margaret Snyder, all three of whom were killed by Indians on October 8, 1763, about a mile northwest of here.

In the minutes of Coetus of 1763, is the following: "A call was presented to us by the three congregations in Weythall (Whitehall) township and Northampton county, in which they earnestly desire to have a regular pastor, for whom they are willing according to their ability to contribute fifty pounds, Pennsylvania currency, per annum. If it were possible to raise this sum to fifty pounds sterling, we would humbly beg your Reverences to secure a pastor for them. But as this sum (fifty pounds Pennsylvania currency) is too small properly to support an honest man, we dare not venture to do so. However, should the Reverend. Fathers know of a way to increase that sum, the increase would be accepted with cordial gratitude."

In the minutes of 1764 it is stated that "Lancaster, Reading, York, Tulpehocken, Whitehall, Easton, Goshenhoppen, important places for preachers, request, beg and pray through us for help." In 1765, Rev. Weyberg, President of Coetus, reported having visited several congregations, among them Whitehall, and found them in good order.

In the minutes of the Coetus held at Lancaster on May 9, 1765, is stated that one, John Daniel Gros, a well-educated man, who came over with Rev. Hendel, was received into the Coetus. The minutes then continue as follows: "The time in Holland being too short, on account of the departure of the ship, he could not further address himself to the Rev. Synods and await their decision. Therefore he at once desired our assistance here. We were obliged to take him from the ship, because several sheperdless congregations wanted to take him, engage him, and receive him as their pastor. To stop and prevent all disorder, we examined him in theology and languages, and found him exceedingly well versed. His delivery was defective, but his credentials from Marburg and Heidelberg were genuine and fine. Mr. Hendel's testimony to his conduct and diligence at the University of Heidelberg as long as he knew him there, was of very great weight with us. In this manner we ordained him and located him at Whitehall, where he is serving four congregations with zeal and praise. We trust that this worthy man will be accepted by your Reverences, and that our action, demanded by the state of affairs, will meet with approval."

Further on we find the following: "At Whitehall 'Domine Gros found 94 members in the one congregation, Egypt; from the middle of December to May, baptized 7 children, received 13 members."

According to the inscription on the fly leaf of the record book of the Reformed church at Unionville, December 20, 1764, is the date Rev. Gros took charge of the four congregations of AUentown, Egypt, Schlosser's and at the Jordan. In 1766, Rev. Gros reported 31 families at Egypt, 12 members received and 7 baptized.

The first baptismal record written by Rev. Gros at Egypt was dated April 28, 1765, and is the first entry in the second church book. This book contains the following inscription: "Church Book of the Congregation in Egypt, begun in the 3'ear 1764, under the care of Rev. Daniel Gros, Reformed Minister." On the fly leaf is the following memorandum: "The Egypt church. The Reformed congregation was founded Anno 1733. The first was a log church, built in 1764. The second was of stone, 40 by 50 feet, and was built in the year 1785. The third is of brick, 50 by 65 feet, and was built in 185 1. It cost in money expended $7,383.00, and including the work, cost about $11,000." From other memoranda we learn that Nov. 8, 1765, George Jacob Kern, who had the custody of the alms money, paid £2. 4s. 8d. to Jacob Mickley, the elder, his successor. On December 17, 1766, Jacob Mickley paid ^i. 6s. to his successor as almssurveyor, John Schadt. On the same date, the church account was examined, and no claims were found against the congregation, but all debts were paid. This was signed by Adam Deshler, Michael Newhard and Rev. Gros.

In 1767 the four congregations purchased a house and six acres of land, situated in what was called "Moyer's Valley," for use as a parsonage. The cost of this was one hundred and fifty-two pounds, Pennsylvania Currency (.$345.67). Egypt's share was one-fourth, or thirty-eight pounds. In addition to this there was spent upon the parsonage ^^31. 13s. 4d., of which Egypt's share was £']. i8s. 4d. Adding to this 2s. 6d. for writing the agreement, made the total for this congregation amount to ^46. lod. From an old account book of the congregation we find that this amount was made up as follows :

Peter Burkhalter 4 o o

George Jacob Kern 4 o" o

Johannes Schad 2 12 6

Christoph Schneider * 15 6

Adam Deshler 3 4 o

Peter Deshler 17 6

Jacob Mickly, Jun 2 10 o

Peter Kohler 3 4 o

Jacob Kohler, Sen 5 o

Jacob Kohler, Jun i 15 o

Ulrich Flickinger i 3 o

Jacob Mickly, Sen 2 5 o

Nicolaus Mark 17 6

Peter Steckel 3 o o

Jacob Schreiber 2 10 o

Nicolaus AUemann 12 6

Jacob Flickinger i o o

Peter Flickinger. . . 9 o

Jacob Moritz 3 o

Michael Neuhart, Sen i 2 o

Michael Neuhart, Jun 10 o

Johannes Moritz 4 6

Nicolaus Draxel 2 o o

George Leibenguth 5 o

Johannes Hoffmann 2 10 o

Jacob Miller i o o

George Koehler 13 o

Engelbert Hoffmann 16 6

George Flickinger 4 o

Bastian Miller 5 o

Martin Mickly 2 6

Christoph Kern 3 o

Peter Siegfried 3 o

Frederick Neuhart i 6

Peter Neuhart i 6

Peter Burkhalter added 15 10

Total Receipts i^ 46 o 10

The above was signed, May 29, 1771, by J. D. Gros, Abr. Blumer, Michael Neuhart, Jacob Mickly, Jacob Miller and Nicolaus Marck.

In this year, 1767, Paul Balliet represented this charge as a delegate at the meeting of Coetus, and it is recorded that ten shillings was paid him to ride to Coetus, presumably for his expenses.

In 1768,. Rev. Gros was Secretary of Coetus and reported a membership of twenty families at Egypt, having baptized nine, and confirmed 41 in the four congregations. He adds; "In each congregation is one winter school. Two congregations are served every Lord's Day."

In 1769, Rev. Gros was President of Coetus. In that year, quoting from the minutes, is the following: "Domine Gros, who is much beloved by the Reverend Coetus as well as by his charge at Whitehall, this year received a regular call from two large congregations at Saucon and Springfield, which last year already were commended to the Reverend Fathers. Domine Gros showed

^5

considerable inclination to accept this call, and complained especially on account of the unfitness of his present dwelling at Whitehall. He lives in a very poor building, also at a place where no wholesome water can be had : which to a minister in this country, who has nothing to drink but water, may be a chief cause for complaint, especially in the hot summer days, when through bad water one's health can easily be impaired. The delegate from Whitehall (who was Peter Roth, of AUentown) was questioned concerning this and replied, that the congregations at Whitehall, were well satisfied with Domine Gros, and that they would be sorely grieved, if they were forced to lose him. We resolved to leave this matter to the decision of Domine Gros, that he may determine for himself whether he could leave the charge which he has hitherto had, and accept the call to Saucon and Springfield. Do. Gros thereupon declared, that the separation from Whitehall would be very hard for him, because he well knew that his ministry among them had been blessed by the Lord to the good of many souls, and for the future even more was to be expected; that therefore he could not leave these congregations unless Coetus would recommend to them in his place the first capable minister whom the Reverend Fathers might send over. This request was granted in the hope that the congregations at Whitehall would see to it that their future pastor need not make such complaints."

Rev. Gros is reported in 1769, as living with his family at Whitehall, and having a membership of 34 families and baptized 16 at Egypt, and confirmed 30 in the whole charge.

In the Coetus recor4s of 1770, it is stated that the resolution of the previous year in regard to the four congregations served by Domine Gros was confirmed. The resolution is as follows: "That, because Domine Gros goes to Saucon and Springfield, the congregations which he leaves shall be supplied by the first capable rninister who may be sent to us by the Christian Fathers, in order that this vineyard, so prone to turn into a wilderness, may not again, from want of cultivation, be entirely destroyed and become unfruitful."

In 1 769, it is recorded that the share of Egypt congregation towards the pastor's salary was 18 pounds, 15 shillings ($50.00). In 1770, Rev. Gros reported at Egypt, 36 families, 10 baptized, and 45 confirmed in the whole charge. His salary was 70 pounds.

Rev. John Daniel Gros, D. D.

John Daniel Gros was born at Webenheim, in the county of Zweibrucken. He attended the Universities of Marburg and Heidelberg, went to Holland to arrange to be sent to America by the deputies, but found the ship ready to sail, and came over without waiting for them. He took the oath of allegiance at Philadelphia, Dec. 4, 1764. The Coetus located him in Whitei6

hall, where he labored must successfully, and the people became greatly attached to him. In 1769, he was called to Saucon, but so great was his attachment to his charge that he would not give them up until they had a pastor, as already mentioned. For a time he served both charges, although quite a distance apart. He would preach in his old charge three Sundays and the fourth Sunday in Saucon and Springfield. But in 1770, he left his old charge, giving his entire time to Saucon. In 1772, he complained to Coetus that his congregations did not pay his salary. Because of their want of love, stubbornness, neglect of church worship and failure to pay his salary, he therefore accepted the next year, a call to Kingston, N. Y., where he was pastor from 1773 to 1783. He was pastor of the German Reformed Congregation in New York City, from 1783 to 1795. He became Professor of German Languages at Columbia College, 1784-1795; of Moral Philosophy there, 1 787-1 795 ; regent of the University of New York, 1 784-1 787. Columbia College gave him the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1789. He died May 27, 1812. He published the first great book published in America on moral philosophy, entitled "Natural Principles of Rectitude, a systematic treatise on Moral Philosophy," Philadelphia, 1795.

Rev. Abraham Blumer succeeded Rev. Gros as pastor of the Egypt congregation.

Rev. Abraham Blumer.

Abraham Blumer was born at Grabs, then in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, December 14, 1736. (Old Style.) At his baptism on December 19th, his sponsors were Magistrate David Hildy, Captain General John Hildy, Catharine, wife of High Bailiff Schmidt, and Anna Blumer, wife of a relative. His father was John Jacob Blumer, minister at Betschwanden and Grabs, Switzerland, who died in 1746, and his mother was Salome Shindler, of Mollis. His grandfather, John Henry Blumer, was Deacon at Shwandi and Pastor at Grabs, and his ancestors held offices of distinction in Switzerland for generations, the genealogical tablets of the family running back to Othmar Blumer, who was Church Steward at Shwanden, in the sixteenth century. Of his four brothers, three died in military service, one as Major, one as Ensign, and one as cadet, and one died on his voyage to America.

Abraham Blumer matriculated at Basle, August i, 1754. He was ordained June 8, 1756. He became chaplain of a Swiss regiment, in the service of the King of Sardinia, July 11, 1757, remaining in it until 1766, when, according to Rev. Dr. Good, he entered the teaching profession in his canton. He became vicar to a sickly minister and also private tutor. Rev. Mr. Planta, the pastor of the German Reformed church at London, wrote a letter, June 26, 1770, to the deputies, strongly urging his appointment. He appeared before the deputies August 22, with Rev.

Charles Lewis Boehme, and also before the classical committee, August 27, 1770. He left Amsterdam, September 6, 1770. He arrived at New York the latter part of January, 1771. He appeared before the Coetus in February, and in that month took charge of the four congregations in Whitehall charge, one of which was Egvpt. In the records of Unionville church, he wrote the date of his taking charge of the congregation February 17, 1 77 1. His first baptism at Egypt was on June 2, 1771. In October, 1771, Rev. Blumer attended the session of Coetus and reported a membership at Egypt of forty families. In 1782 he

Silhouette of Rev. Abraham Blumer.

reported 38 families at Egypt, 14 baptized, 12 confirmed and one school, with 53 pupils. In 1785 the report was very full, and gave at Egypt 44 families, 23 baptized, 14 confirmed, and one school, with 46 pupils. The yearly salary is given as one hundred pounds, with twenty pounds perquisites, and ninety-five pounds expenses. Rev. Blumer was a well-educated man and was possessed of considerable ability and scholarship. In 1774, he received a call from the French Reformed church, of New York City, which he declined in a letter written in the French language. (See Dubb's Reformed church in Pennsylvania.) He was clerk of Coetus in 1773 ^-^d 1784, and president in 1774 and 1785. In 1785, he purchased a tract of 195 acres along the Jordan at the present "Iron Bridge," on which a house built by him still stands.

He was pastor here for thirty years, until I\Iay, 1801, when old age compelled him to resign. He retired to his home where he died April 23, 1822, at the age of 85 years, and was buried at the Jordan Reformed church. During his pastorate he baptized 2517 children and confirmed 1137. The last entr}^ in his handwriting in the Egypt records is dated May 17, 1801.

During Rev. Blumer's pastorate, the second church was built. The cornerstone was laid June 13, 1785, and the church was dedicated June 4, 1786. The cost was £893.0 s. 3+ d. ($2,381.73). At the same time an organ was installed into the church at a cost of i: 154. 2 s. 9 d. (S411.04).

The two congregations, prior to erecting the new building, entered into an agreement, of which the following is a translation: "This i8th of April, Anno Domini, 1785, we, the members of the Evangelical Reformed and the Evangelical Lutheran congregations, belonging to the parish of Egypt, in Whitehall township, Northampton county, in the State of Pennsylvania, have bound ourselves and agreed to erect a new stone church, 50 feet long and 40 feet broad, for joint use, and we herewith give to our joint architects, chosen for that purpose, namely, Peter Kohler, Esq., Samuel Saeger, Philip Jacob Schreiber, Adam Zerfass, Jacob Mickly and Nicholas Saeger, Sen., full power to place the above-mentioned church, upon one of the most suitable spots on our joint church lands. We also bind ourselves and each other to contribute to the requisite and necessary expenses according to our ability, until the said church is built and completed, which we hereby certify to with our own signatures, on the above-mentioned day and date."

Peter Kohler, Philipp Jacob Schreiber,

Samuel Seeger, Adam Zereass,

Jacob Mickly, Heinrich Steckel,

NicoLAus Seeger, Sen., Jacob Meyer,

Peter Burkh alter, Engelbert Hoffmann,

Peter Deshler, Wilhelm Laury,

Georg Koehler, Abraham Hartmann,

Johannes Moritz, Jacob Kohler,

Friedrich Neuhart, Caspar Ritter,

Johannes Hoffmann, Georg Flickinger,

Christian Seeger, Jacob Fischer,

Nicholas Saeger (Tanner), Adam Traxel, Daniel Kern, Johannes Steckel,

Johannes Grob, Jacob Geiger,

Jacob Laub, Michael Neuhart, Theobald Herzog, Adam Deshler, David Neuhart, Johannes Schantz, Jacob Kern,

Peter Burkhalter, Jun., Johannes Meyer, John Kern, Georg Schad, Christoph Kern, Jacob Shantz, Adam Scheurer, Jacob Seeger, Johannes Schad, Michael Neuhart, Jun., Peter Neuhart, Peter Hoffmann, Philip Knappenberger, Jacob Mueller, Sen.

Heinrich Ruch,

Christian Traxel, Jacob Flickinger, Peter Meyer, Jacob Steckel, Peter Kern, Georg Remely, Philipp Roth, NicoLAUs Traxel, Johannes Kocher, Sebastian Mueller, Michael Ringer, Sen., Heinrich Jehl, Andreas Siegfried, NicoLAUs Herzog, Jacob Hartmann, Jun.

Christian Bertsch, Heinrich Biery, Andreas Fuchs, Andreas Jehl, LoRENZ Ruch, Martin Mickly, Georg Jacob Schneck.

Abr. Blumer, Minister.

Joh: Caspar Dill, Minister.

The laying of the cornerstone of the new church took place June 13, 1785, at which time sermons were preached by Revs. Blumer and Shellhard, before a large assemblage of people, and a copy of the following resolutions was placed in the cornerstone : "As we, the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed congregations in Whitehall township (otherwise called Egypt), have agreed to build a house of God for our common use, therefore have we drawn up the following articles :

No minister shall be admitted into the church, who is erroneous in doctrine, or is scandalous in conduct, or who was not lawfully called to the ministry.

U.

Both congregations shall have an equal right and share in this church.

III

In order to guard against misunderstanding and dispute, it is established, with the approbation of both congregations, that none shall obstruct the other in the service of God, but each shall hold justly to its alternate time.

All repairs, which shall become necessary to this house of divine worship, shall be paid jointly.

V

The consistories of the congregations, and the pastors chosen, shall conduct the congregations to the best of their abilities, and keep in order the accounts pertaining to the church.

Done this 13th of June, 1785, and signed with our own signatures, by us, the Architects, Elders and Deacons of both congregations, on the day on which the cornerstone was laid." Peter Kohler, Samuel Saeger,

Ph. Jacob Schreiber, Adam Zerfass,

Jacob Mickly, Nicholas Saeger,

Michael Neuhart, Nicholas Hertzog,

Michael Neuhart, Jun., Jacob Laub.

John Hoffman.

Abr. Blumer, Pastor.

JoH : Caspar Dill, Pastor.

The treasurers of the two congregations, Peter Burkhalter, Esq., and Samuel Saeger kept accurate and detailed accounts of all receipts and expenditures. An assessment was laid upon each member, according to his means, which amount he was required to pay. The members of the Reformed congregation were assessed as follows :

Peter Kohler, Esq., £ 29; Peter Burkhalter, Esq., £ 29; John Hoffman, £ 25; Jacob Mickly, £ 22; Jacob Kern, £ 22; Adam Deshler, £ 22; Elizabeth Steckel, widow of Peter Steckel, Henry Steckel and John Steckel, £ 22; Philip Jacob Schreiber, £ 20; Jacob Kohler, £ i?>; Peter Kern, George Remely and Jacob Miller, Sen., each £ 16; Martin Mickly and John Schad, each £ 15; Nicholas Traxel, £ 14; Peter Deshler, Peter Newhard and Philip Roth, each £ 13; Frederick Newhard, George Schad and Henry Biery, each £ 12; Michael Newhard, Jun., John Moritz and Jacob Flickinger, each £11; George Flickinger, £ io\ Christopher Kern, £ 8, 10 s. ; Peter Meyer, £ 8; Andrew Siegfried, £ 7, 10 s. ; Adam Traxel, Daniel Kern, Engelbert Hoffman and David Newhard, each £ 7 ; John Grob and Jacob Hartman, each ^5, 10 s. ; Michael Newhard, Jacob Steckel and John Kocher, each £ 5 ; Peter Hoffman and Sebastian ^Miller, each £ 4; Martin Meyer, £ 3, 10 s. ; Jacob Meyer and IMartin Graff, each ;^3; Christian Traxel, £ i. 10 s. ; George Hartman, ^ i. 2 s. 6 d.; Jacob Geiger, £ i; John Kern, Abraham Hartman and Andrew Keck, each 15 s.; Philip Faust, 7 s. 6 d. ; and Adam Kern, 3 s. The total contribution of the Reformed members amounted to £ 545. 2 s. 6i d.

The members of the Lutheran congregation were assessed as follows:

George Koehler, £ 25 ; Samuel Saeger, iJ 22 ; Christian Saeger, £ 22; Lorenz Ruch, £ 14; Conrad Leisenring, £ 12; John Meyer,

£ ii; Nicholas Saeger, Sen., ^ lo; Adam Zerfass and Andrew Fox, each £ 9; Adam Scheurer, £ 8. 10 s. ; Caspar Ritter, Christian Bertsch and Theobald Herzog, each £ 8; Jacob Laub's Executors and Adam Miller, each £ 7. 10 s. ; Michael Ringer, Sen. and Jacob Kretschman, each £ 7 ; Nicholas Saeger (son of Christian Saeger) and Andrew Jehl, each £ 6; Nicholas Herzog, Jacob Saeger, George Helferich and Jacob Wolf, each £ 5 ; Henry Ruch, £ 4; Henry Jehl, £ 3, ID s. ; George Jacob Schneck and Michael Deiber, each £ 3; William Laury, Peter Reng and Jacob Shantz, each £ 2 ; Sybilla Leisenring, widow of Conrad Leisenring, Sen., contributed £ 2; Philip Knappenberger, £1.175.; Michael Ringer, Jun. and George Miller, each £ 10. 10 s. ; Michael Zellner, £ i. 2 s. 6d.; Margaret Meyer, widow of Nicholas Meyer, contributed £ i ; Michael Miller, John Schantz and Philip Kurtz, each 15 s. ; Jacob Fischer, 10 s.; and George Hausser, 3 s. 9 d. The total contribution of the Lutheran members amounted to £ 262. 17 s. 4 d.

These assessments were paid in installments, and interest was collected upon overdue installments. Upon the occasion of the cornerstone laying, on June 13, 1785, there was collected ^11. 12 s. 4 d. On June 16, 1785, ten pounds alms money was received from the Reformed congregation. Contributions from non-members were received as follows :

Christian Gilbert, of Lowhill Township 7 6

Caspar Thomas, of Lowhill Township 3 9

Abraham Dufheld & Longstreet 7 6

Gottfried Knauss, of Northampton Parish i 2 6

Nicholas Mafcks, formely a member of this Parish, now

in : 10 o

John Miller, carpenter, of Allentown 7 6

Jacob Buchman, of Lehigh Township i 16 o

John Henry Geiger, of Heidelberg Township . 7 6

Peter Ealer, Esq., Sheriflf of Northampton County 15 o

Conrad Ihrie, of Easton 10 o

Adam Heberly, of Jordan Parish i 5 o

Conrad Marcks, of Northampton Parish 10 o

Theobald SchafTer, of Lehigh Township i o o

Peter Kuntz, of Lehigh Township 10 o

John Roth, of Northampton Parish 7 6

John Lichtenwalder, of Jordan Parish 15 o

Carl Beyer, Doctor, of Kutztown 17 7

Joseph Bossner, shopkeeper 7 6

Carl Hornberger, of Lynn Township 7 6

Jacob Kolb, of Northampton Parish i o o

David Deshler, of Northampton Parish 2 5 o

John Loeser, now of Egypt Parish 9 o

Adam Deshler, of Northampton Parish i 4 o

Michael Kolb, of Northampton Parish . i 10 o

On June 4, 1786, at the dedication of the church, there was collected £ 26. 2 s. 6 d.

In addition to this, the Reformed congregation collections (Allmosen) amounted to iJ 8. 17 s. 8 d.; that of the Lutherans to ^ 4. 1 1 s. 5 d. ; and nails were sold amounting to ;^ 5. i s. 2 d., thus bringing the total receipts to £ 893. 3+ d.

The expenditures in building the church were as follows: ^

The board and lodging of the carpenters, masons, quarrymen and mortar-carriers at 1 5 pence per day, the account of which -v^as kept by Conrad Schneider, the schoolmaster, and which was furnished by Jacyb Mickly, Henry and John Steckel, Peter Kohler and John Hoffman, amounted to ^ 117. 3 s. 2 d.

The master joiners, John Miller and George Jacob Newhard, agreed to do the carpenter work for £ 200, Pennsylvania Currency. The total cost of the carpenter work, including interest on the payments, amounted to £ 224. 11 s. 3^ d.

Nicolaus Ott, of Allentown, agreed to do the mason's work for £ 89. 5 s., Pennsylvania currency. The total paid hirti, including interest, was £ 90. 9 s.

The smith's work was done by Peter Kern, of Whitehall township, at the rate of 14 pence per pound. The total paid him for iron supplied, tools sharpened and interest, was ^88. 11 s. 10 d.

The shingles were purchased from Eyre and Wever, of Philadelphia, and cost £ 38. 5 s. 6 d.

The boards were of white fir, pitch fir, white pine and oak, and were purchased from Christian Wirth, Jacob Mickly, John Hoffman, Michael Strohl, Michael Ohl, of Penn. township, Abraham Duflield, George Gilbert, Abraham Sterner, John Moritz and Peter Schneck, and the total cost was iJ 76. 19 s. 9 d.

To the following quarrymen, mortar carriers and laborers, namely, John Merkel, John Schanz, John Hoffman, Solomon Ringer, Dietrich Hartman, Christian Kaesebauer, John Meyer, Abraham Hartman, John Loeser, Jacob Hauck, Daniel Roth, Jacob Kraft, Michael Zoellner, Conrad Naas, John Kern and John Kohler, at three shillings per day, was paid ^^57. 19 s. i d.

The nails were bought of Wister & Co., in Philadelphia; Gottfried Roemelt, in Bethlehem; Wm. Gibbs & Co., in Philadelphia; John Richards, in Philadelphia; Christian Heckewelder and Abraham Levering, in Bethlehem; and Peter Rhoads, in Allentown, and cost ^^ 31. 18 s. 3 d.

The paint was purchased from Henry Epple and others in Philadelphia, and cost £ 14. 18 s. 11 d.

The glass, bought in Philadelphia and Bethlehem, cost £ 24.

The lime, bought of Samuel Saeger and Theobald Herzog, cost £ 2. 13 s. 4 d.

For hair, bought of Philip Roth, Adam Zerfass, Simon Dreisbach, Samuel Saeger and Thomas Mowharter, was paid ^ I. 2 s. 6 d.

For the sawing of wood by Peter Kohler and Jacob Shantz, and of laths, by Frederick Beck, of Lehigh township, was paid £ 22. 4 s. 2 d.

For brandy, was paid ;^ 14. 12 s. 6 d.

Among the miscellaneous expenses, were; 3 s. 9 d. for a white pint bottle, put in the cornerstone; £2. 16 s., for 1600 bricks of Charles Colver, of Bethlehem; £ i. 15 s. 9 d., for travelling expenses of Henry Epple, of Philadelphia, son-in-law of Peter Burkhalter, Esq., who painted the pulpit, altar, &c., without charge ; £ I. 2 s. 6 d., to Andrew Leisenring & Co. for the customary " Trinkgeld," for the carpenter apprentices; for Linseed, ^11. 14 s. ; to Jacob Strein, for keeping all the accounts, iJ 5. 3 s. 10 d. Total £ 87. II s.