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Churches referenced below:

St Paul's and Zion Record Book, 1871-1909

Eldred and Hegins Townships, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

As we have bought a new church Register for the use of the Mahantongo Charge of the Evangelical Association of the East Penn Conference,

It is therefore agreed:

That, at the Conference, we have asked our pastor S. Theo. Leopold to seek all possible information regarding this charge and record the same in his hand in this new Register.

The foregoing to which we have witnessed and signed our names.

Class Leaders
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Frank Herb
William F. Hepler
J. K. Updegrave

Exhorters
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Peter S. Wetzel
Elias Schucker

Stewards
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John Stehr
Moses Dunkelberger
A. F. Geist

circuit divided 1871

History of Mahantongo Circuit East Penn Conf. In the spring of 1871 at the Annual Conference held in Pine Grove Schuylkill Co Union Church, Hepler's Church and St John's Church Dunkelberger Class in Deep Creek were detached from what was called by the familiar name "Old Mahantongo Circuit" and formed the singlehanded Mahantongo Circuit.

Rev William Heim's administration 1871

Rev Wm Heim was appointed the first pastor, in which capacity he labored with considerable success.

At the next conference held in Pine Grove, Bro. Heim was removed and Rev David Lentz was assigned to the Pastorate owing to his inability to move on the circuit. he labored with much difficulty and under great disadvantageous nevertheless he established the Reputation of being a "good Pastor" especially so in his "Pastoral Visitations" but his stay was brief.

Rev Dr Lentz's administration 1872?

Rev BH Miller's administration 1873-6

At the next Annual Conference held at Tamaqua, Rev. B. H. Miller was appointed in charge of this field of labor.

Bro. Miller laboured the first & second year with good success the third year difficulties of an unfortunate character which in a measure proved disastrous to the cause of Christ occurred. the Pastor however had the good wishes of the majority of his people when he left and warm hearts were beating for him.

Rev S Theo Leopold's Administration

At the end of the year at the Annual Conference held in Schuylkill Haven 1876, Bro. Miller was removed and ST Leopold appointed in charge of the Circuit. I at once set myself with all the energies of my Soul to improve the Sabbath. Sabbath work on the circuit which to my sorrow was lying dormant when I came on the charge at the two principal appointments Kept up only at Deep Creek. I immediately announced from the pulpit that the Sunday Schools would be commenced to "Close no more". We accordingly went to work and the Schools steadily increased. Both numerically and in spiritual interest. They are all kept up during winter, after a severe ?_ of snow. He also introduced in all the schools on my charge and in one of the sister charges the Evangelical Lesson Leaf.

During the first years extra meetings, some 23 souls professed pardon and some united with us in church fellowship and God's people generally revived to God be all the glory.

During the first two years we had two very successful Camp Meetings in Bro Henry Lesher's woods. the first year we had 31 tents and the next 22 tents on the ground.

The third year we had a very glorious Camp Meeting in William Klock's wood near Pitman, 29 tents on the ground.

In the above are some giant mistakes which should be corrected. for instance:

1st the "Mahantongo Circuit" was not formed in the year 1871, but many years previous, it is true that the single handed "Mahantongo Circuit" was made "singlehanded", but as the Historian terms it viz "Old Mahantongo Circuit" existed many years previous to 1871. I have not now the "Records" by which to give the correct time, but the true History of the Circuit and when it was formed. I am however positive that the "Mahantongo Circuit" existed at least Fourty (40) years ago, the Old "Veterans of the Cross" as for instance: Seybert, Hesser, Gross, Leib, and a host of others, brought the "Bread of Life" to this place and neighborhood and formed the "old Mahantongo Circuit" at least 40 years ago.

2nd The circuit was never on the minit Book of the East Penn Conf. "Old Mahantongo Circuit" but only Mahantongo Circuit. The term "Old" would indicate that there is or was in existence a "New" or "Young" Mahantongo Circuit, which however is and never was the case in the East Penn Conf.

3rd The East Penn Conf did not convene at Pinegrove 2 Years in succession, as it is given above. It had not its "annual session" in 1871 at Pinegrove, but 1872. the "Singlehanded" Mahantongo circuit was not formed in 1871 at Pinegrove, but in 1870 at Catasaqua and W Heim appointed its Pastor. In the year 1871 the Annual Conf had its sessions at Lebanon, Pa where & when the then existing "singlehanded" "Mahantongo Circuit" was discontinued and the 2 Churches "Union" and ""Zions" were attached to Uniontown Circuit and the same supplied with 2 men viz: J. L. Werner and D.S. Stauffer who laboured with good success at these two places. the Revival meetings were glorious feasts for Gods people. The undersigned can not now remember what number were converted during the year, but especially at "Zions" church, the protracted meeting was a glorious success. as high as 37 were at one time kneeling at the alter pleading for Mercy. In 1872 at the annual session at Pinegrove, the 2 churches "Union" and "Zions" were again taken from Uniontown Circuit and "St Johns" from Berrysburg, and formed as in 1870 in a singlehanded Charge with D. Lentz as its Pastor.

J.L. Werner's Administration

At the annual Conf held at Allentown in Feb 1879, J.L. Werner was appointed to serve on this Circuit who laboured the following year with tolerable good success. A Camp Meeting was held during the Summer in Wm Klock's grove near Pitman with 29 tents where a few souls were converted. Missionary money collected at Camp Meeting amounted to $90.86. during the Fall and Winter of this Year, Protracted efforts were made at the different churches and fourty-six were converted of which 22 joined the church, only one member died during the year, however during the Fall and Winter, the Messenger of death went over part of the circuit and 29 dear children were swept away, disease Diphtheria and Scarlatina.

The amount total of Missionary money collected this year was $126.09. The Preachers Salary for this year was $466 out of which amount he had to pay his house Rent $61.00 and his moving expense.

Werner's 2nd year

At the Annual Conf held in Weisport and Lehighton, Feb 1880, J.L. Werner was again appointed to labour over this circuit. he laboured during this year under some disadvantages. his labour was however not in vain. A Camp meeting was held during the Summer in the Grove owned by Isaac Heim, with 32 Tents the camp meeting was a good one, but then were no Conversions. the amount of Missionary money collected at said camp meeting was $78.26. during this year only one member died.

The Sunday Schools 4 in Number are doing well, is however plenty room for Improvement.

Zions Class was this year divided and a new Class organized at Christs Church to be called Christ Class no. 3. an Election of Officers was held on Sabbath Feb 20th in the afternoon at Zions for the old Class and an Election was to be held in the Evening at Christs Church for new Class. but owing to the dissatisfaction in regard to Boundaries, the Election was opposed by the principal Members of said Class, and the Preacher in Charge was compelled to postpone the whole matter, to be adjusted in the future, with reluctance however. What the consequences will be, the future will disclose. O! the curse of church Property owned and ruled by single Individuals.

The Preachers Salary for this year ending Feb 1881 including House Rent was $490.14. $19.86 short of his allowance. The Missionary Collections amounted to $148.01.

J.L. Werner's Administration from Feb 1881 to Feb 1882

At the Conference held at Millersburg, Dauphin Co Pa, Feb 1881, J.L. Werner was again, for the third year, appointed pastor of the circuit. He laboured with some difficulties, caused by an investigation held by him against one of the members on the circuit viz: C.K. Herb, a certain Homeopathic Physician, who had eloped with a certain woman from Philadelphia, a so called "grass widow". The said C.K. Herb, after an absence of 5 or 6 months, returned again from the West whence he had gone, and brought his concubine with him, and commenced housekeeping with her alongside of his legal wife whom he had left. The preacher in charge appointed a committee to investigate the matter and after a hearing of both sides, expelled the defendant. Some of the members protested against the action of the pastor and used their influence, what little they had, against the pastor and consequently against the work of the Lord. They were however largely in the minority, however "One sinner destroyeth much good".

Another difficulty grew out of the so called "Wild Cat" or "graveyard life insurance companies" of which quite a number of members held stock or policies, and which was one of the meanest frauds perhaps that ever was introduced and the pastor strongly protested against it, both in public and private, and therefore some of them used their influence against the Pastor. The government however prosecuted and punished some of the ring leaders of said life Insurance companies, which made an end to the nefarious business. however some of the members of this charge had lost hundreds of dollars; this and other difficulties made it hard work for the Pastor, but after all his labours were not in vain. A Campmeeting was held during the year, in the Grove of Moses Dunkelberger, at or near Hegins. There were no conversions. About $70 dollars missionary money was raised at said Camp meeting.

The Protracted meetings were crowned with some success. At Union Chuch, the first one only two were converted, at Christ church five, at St. John's twelve, at Zions seven. Twenty six in all to The Lord be all the praise.

At the annual Conference held at Bethlehem Northampton Co Pa Feb 1882. F Sechrist was appointed to serve on this charge who laboured the following year with good success. Peace and harmony prevailed with little exception everywhere. A Campmeeting was held in Bro. Henry Leshers grove commencing August the 10th and was continued till August 16th with some 30 tents. The Campmeeting was a grand Success & souls were converted and Gods people were greatly revived. The amount raised for missionary was $105.60. On the night of the 3rd day of June, Lightening Struck our Union CHurch and demolished her to some extent. The Brethren went to work and remodeled the church again at the Expense of about $1300. The Church was rededicated Jun 21st 1883. Rev Jas O. Lehr PE of the district officiated. The amount of money necessary on the day of the dedication to pay all expenses was in the neighborhood of $800, about $500 had been raised before the dedication. The remaining $800 was raised by cash and subscription and all were well pleased. Protracted Meetings were held in all our Churches, the first in Christ Church, the conversions were 8. The Second was held in Zion church, 22 have been converted. the third was held in St Johns Church, 10 conversions. the Fourth and Last was held in Union Church which resulted in the conversion of 54 souls. To God be all the praise.

F. Sechrist from Feb 1883-Feb 1884

At the annual Conference held at Philadelphia Feb 1883, F. Sechrist was again appointed for the second year, who laboured the coming year with good Success. Peace and Harmony prevailed everywhere. A campmeeting was held in Bro Jacob H Klock's grove commencing August 16th and was continued till August 22 with some 32 tents. the campmeeting was a success. Gods people were greatly revived but no conversions have taken place during the campmeeting but undoubtedly seed has been sown that will spring up in the future, the amount raised for missionary purposes was about $82. Protracted meetings were held at all our Churches, the first in Zions church, 23 have been converted. the Second was held in St Johns Church 2 conversion. the Third was held in the Union Church, 9 conversions. Christ church is no more, it has been torn down during the year level to the ground by its owner. may the Good Lord keep all the converts steadfast, Amen.

F Sechrist's Admin from Feb 1884-Feb 1885

At the annual Conference held at Lebanon Feb 1884, F Sechrist was again appointed for the Third year, who labored the coming year with but ordinary success. Peace and Harmony prevailed everywhere in the circuit. A Campmeeting was held in Bro Jacob H Klocks Grove Commencing August 25th and was continued for five days. Some 33 tents were in the Grove. the camp was a Success. Gods people were greatly revived. but no conversions. the amount raised for missionary purposes was about $89. Protracted Meetings were held in all our churches. The first in Zion Church, 4 have been converted. The second was held in Union Church, 13 were converted. The Third was in St John Church and resulted in the conversion of 13 Souls. May God keep them all faithful. may God bless Mahantongo Circuit is my Prayer, Amen.

CS Brown's Adm from Feb 1885 to Feb 1886

At the annual conference session held at Catasaqua Feb 1885, C.S. Brown was stationed to labor on this charge for 1 year. this was a year of quietness; peace and unanimity reigned on the whole charge. the labor of the humble and unworthy servant of God was not in vain.

A camp-meeting was held in J Klock's grove commencing on the 21st day of August and was continued to 27th, there were 35 tents on the ground neatly arranged. 2 souls were converted and God's people greatly revived and encouraged. preaching was practical and powerful, missionary money raised was $70.

St John's church at Hegins was nicely remodeled etc with an expense of a little less than $200. all was secured by subscr. and a balance left in the treasury of $23. well done. so it should be at least all paid for and no debts.

Protracted efforts wre seasons of refreshment and victories achieved. the first was held in Zions Church which resulted in the conversion of 15 souls - second in the Union Church 10 conversions. the third in St John's which resulted in the conversion of 10 souls. may they keep faithful to the end is my sincere prayer.

CS Brown's Admin From Feb 1886 to Feb 1887

At the annual conference session held in Reading Feb 1886 was again appointed on this charge to labor the second year. this was a year of peace and quietness, a campmeeting was again held in Father Leshers grove, 33 tents were pitched. the meeting was good, but no conversions. $90 was raised for missionary purposes.

Protracted efforts first at St John's church, which resulted in 3 conversions. second in Zion's church. this was a glorious meeting. quite a number were converted and all the members revived. third meeting was in the Union Church, also a number of conversions. thirty four conversions on the circuit. May the good shepherd of souls keep them all faithful to the end is the sincere prayer of the pastor.

CS Brown's Admin 1887 to 1888

At the annual conference held at Bangor Northampton Co Pa, it was my lot again to labor the third year on this charge. this year we had financial difficulties. We had a camp meeting again, 36 tents were on the ground. the camp was held over Sunday. good order prevailed. on account of incessant rain and wet weather, we were many times prevented of services. it would be a great advantage and many conveniences, if this circuit would have a Tabernacle for their services, especially when the weather is not favorable.

Protracted efforts were held at every appointment and also conversions at every place, but not so many. This brings my services to a close for this term or the specified time to labor according to our rule on this charge. These were of my best and most successful years of my ministry. I now bid a hearty farewell to all the kind friends of Mahantongo Circuit, and the blessing of God to sustain them. success to the successor is my humble prayer, Amen.

F Sechrist's Admin 1888 to Feb 1889

At the annual conference held at Norristown Montgomery Co Pa, Feb 1888, F Sechrist was appointed to labor on this charge, who labored this year with ordinary success. Peace and harmony Prevailed with but one exception everywhere on the circuit. A Campmeeting was held in Father Leshers Grove with about 28 tents on the ground. the camp was held over Sunday. good order prevailed. the people of God were greatly revived but no conversion.

Protracted efforts were held at every appointment. the first Effort was made in Zions Church which resulted in the conversion of 19 souls. second in Union Church 25 conversions. the third was held in St John Church which resulted in no conversions at all. otherwise the meeting was good and was a blessing to Gods people.

F Sechrist's Admin 1889 to 1890

At the annual Conference held at Pottsville Schuylkill County Pa Feb 1889, F Sechrist was again appointed to labor on this charge. who labored this year with ordinary success. Peace and harmony prevailed everywhere on the circuit. A Campmeeting was held in Father Leshers Grove with about 27 tents on the ground. The Campmeeting commenced no August 17th and was continued to the 23rd. the Campmeeting was good but no conversions.

Protracted meetings were held at every appointment the first effort was made at Zions chuch, 11 souls were converted and Gods people greatly revived. the second in Union Church which resulted in the conversion of 11 souls at this meeting, La Grippe had taken hold of a great number of the persons but fortunately no case proved fatal for which we thank God. The third was held in St John Church and resulted in the conversion of 26 souls. may God keep all the convert from backsliding is my prayer.

F Sechrist's Admin 1890 to 1891

At the annual Conference held at Shamokin Northumberland Co Pa Feb 1890, F Sechrist was again appointed to labor on this charge. who labored this year with ordinary success. Peace and harmony prevailed everywhere except St John Class was disturbed about church trouble, their being a difference of opinion so me, Esher and other ___ Esher, which caused a great deal of trouble and bad feelings. some of the Esherite refused to support the Pastor and some would not attend preaching services, taking for an excuse that the Paster was one of the Committee on the trial of Esher, whihc trial resulted in Esher's suspension. A Campmeeting was held in Father Leshers Grove with about 28 tents on the ground. The Campmeeting commenced no August 14th and was continued to the 21st. the Campmeeting was good but no conversions.

Protracted meetings were held at every appointment the first at Zions chuch, 6 souls were saved. the second in Union Church which resulted in the converison of 14 souls. The third was held in St John Church, 1 soul was the result of the meeting. this brings my service to a close. God bless Mahantongo Circuit.

J Stermer Mar 4th 1891

At the Annual Conf held at Allentown Pa Feb 28 to Mar 3rd. Rev J Stermer was appointed on the field of labor. This is a remarkable year for our church in the East on account of the church trouble. in the name of our Lord we entered upon our duties. our 1st Quarterly Conf was wonderfully blessed as well as the 2nd.

Aug 13-19th in Lesher Grove

At Hegins, we had a Campmeeting this year which was termed by our old [centers?] the best ever held in the [] 5 were converted. $90.00 missionary money was raised. no traff... Sold on Sunday good order prevailed.

1st Parsonage Built

at the Quarterly it was resolved to build a parsonage. Frank Kehler, Wm Hepler, and Wm Bressler were elected trustees for the same. at Zions a revival was held which resulted in the conversion of 12 Souls, at Union was also blessed with a good revival, 11 Souls were blessed. Total 28. at Hegins we were driven out of our church by the Esherites, and hence could not hold an extra meeting. we rented however the school house where we have S. School & hreacting [?]. at Good Springs we have regular Services and also a Sunday School.

2nd Year Feb 23 1892, J Stermer

At the Annual conference held in Lebanon, Lebanon Pa. I was appointed to labor on this field the coming year. in the name of our Lord we entered upon our duties. Camp opened this year one week earlier and hence closed one week earlier. it was a busy year. the parsonage was finished.

Zion Church, built 1892

we builded a church at a cost of about two thousand dollars and paid for. our revival at the the Union church was not blessed with many converts, at Zion (31) came forward

CJ Warmkessel Admin

CJ Wormkessel was appointed to this charge at the annual conference held at Bethlehem.

Bro Wormkessel labored under difficulties known only to himself. his health had been poorly previous to his coming here. Withstanding this he preached very acceptable to the people and was loved by all. his success was good all in all.

CJ Warmkessel, Admin Mar 2 1892

At the annual conference held at Reading. He was appointed to this charge the second time.

This year he suffered much an account of Sickness. In the month of June he came to his death by his own hands by a spell of insanity. The balance of the year the charge was served by Local preacher. A Light having good success in many conversations. But failed to see the finance of the charge, see Statistical record.

HW Wingert, Admin Mar 4 1895

At the annual conference held in Schuylkill Haven, I was appointed to this charge found room for improvement in many respects. We found the people willing to be lead in higher attainment of divine life and found it necessary to make some improvements on the parsonage. We charged the coal and wood house from the yard to the seller, remodeled the stable, brought the water from an adjoining spring to the rear of the house. Extended the rear of the porch and rearranged the yard, put up grape arbor, planted trees, and so forth. The year past peaceable among all men. Our church had assumed a new name the fall previously, namely The United Evangelical Church. Tender this name in the name of God and through Jesus our blessed Saviour. we had a prosperous year. We had 35 conversions, had arranged to hold A camp meeting and had securerd 35 tenh? but being too difficult for the P.E. B J Smoyer to attend on account of his health and too much work and on account of the largeness of his district, it was a bandend?. We had Two deaths this year.

HW Wingert, Admin Mar 3 1896

At the annual conf. held at Shamokin Pa, I was sent to this charge the second time, gladly received by the people, entered the work of soul saving at once as the meeting had been held over conference with many seakers. This year was blessed in many respects. We had a grand in gathering of souls as you will see in the statistical report.

Zion and Unione alone 1896

We reported 167 members last year this year we can report 212. This year we discontinued the class at Hegins and transferred the remaining members to this and Zions classes. This year one member died. During this year in the month of October, We had a visitation of a great storm. all our members had some damage. While some had their barns destroyed and horses and cattle killed. The Parsonage property had been damaged somewhat. The pastors family found refuge in the cellar. all the churches escaped all damage.

HW (M) Wingert, Mar 1 1897

I was reappointed to this charge. This year we had nothing special to happen out of the regular order of things. We had good prosperity on the charge, church services where well attended. Had good meetings and the church was greatly revived. The membership was reported at the year 221. all collection full. This ended this Third year with the church in good conditions.

H M Wingert, Mar 2, 1898

Fourth year. This year was the most pleasant of all in many respects though tinged with many sad death, among the membership among these was Sister [Mrs?] Henry Lesher and Mrs. Charles Herb, both died of heart failure, both leaving large families to morn their loss, aside from this we had good meetings and our collections better than in any of the former years, as you will see by the statistics of this record.

Thus Four years more have been eternal record of the Triumphant which will disclose the unwritten record which we can not record by earthly means. We had Twenty Weddings, 70 Baptisms, 32 deaths in and out of the church in these four years. The church membership increased from 161 to 230 a total gain of 69.

Thus we leave the charge in the hands of God and my Successor, hoping and praying that God may still prosper, the more and more. Amen.

H C Lutz, Mar 1 1899

At the annual conference held at Mohrsville, Pa. I was appointed to serve this charge.

When I arrived I found things in a fair condition.

Was royally received by the people and received many tokens of friendship during the year. It was the most pleasant year in my life as a Minister, so far.

The spiritual life of some of the members might be deeper, yet we had good meetings at both churches, which resulted in 24 conversions and 19 accessions.

In the beginning of the year we had the unpleasant duty of holding a church trial between J J Kehler of Frackville and Sarah Kehler of Zions Church.

When coming we found 226 members on the roll, yet not withstanding 21 accessions we lost 3 members. This is due to the many removals from the country to the Towns and Cities.

We lost 3 members through death.

We reported 223 members to conf.

H C Lutz, Feb 27, 1900

At the session of conference held at Lancaster Pa, I was appointed to this charge for the 2nd year. We were gladly received by the people and had a pleasant year in some respects. We had a camp meeting this year near Hegins, which resulted in much good. 25 souls were saved and through its influence about 100 more were saved in the surrounding country. The need of a Church is greatly at Hegins, on account where no doubt we could do a good work. In general the work might be in a better condition, the great draw back being the indifference and worldliness of number of the members. Two members died during this year. Conversions on the hie? were 16, Lost 13 received 14, a gain of one member. Membership 224.

H C Lutz Feb 1901

At the session of conference held at Hazelton, I was appointed to this charge for the 3rd year. The year was not particularly eventful. We had a most glorious revival at Union church resulting in 20 conversions and 16 accesssions. The 3 years resulted in 60 conversions. We leave the charge with 228 members. Also had a good Camp meeting at Hegins. And started project of building a church at Valley View.

W A Shoemaker, 1902

I came to the charge in 1902, Early in the year, we had serious trouble with small pox. The Union Church was closed for six weeks. We organized NLCE? Soetat? at both churches. The Society at Union church was successfull but at Zion the people had? no interest and the Society died. We had a good revival at Union Church, and added some good material to the church but we suffered heavy losses by removal of members at other charges.

W A Shoemaker, 1903

This year we canceled the large standing debt of $339 on the parsonage. We had a few conversions and accessension but again lost many members by removals.

W A Shoemaker, 1904

Heavy death losses. Three and one half percent of the membership died this year, among them Frank Kehler, a pillar of the Union Church. We had Seven? conversions?.

Z L Gruber

1906. When conf. at Sunbury, read the appointments, we were Stationed on this field, we came here as Strangers, but were kindly received, this was a year of Success, we remodeled the union church and reopened the Same the 29th of June. We also had good revivals at both appointments.

Z L Gruber 1907

This year conf. was held at Tamaqua and we were reappointed. Sept, back again, this was a glorious year, we had a splended revival in the Union Church.

Z L Gruber 1908

This year conf. was held in Reading and we were again Sent on this charge, we were again kindly received and had a prosperous year, this year we rebuilt the Zion church, reopened the Same in October. Bishhop Wm F Heil was Present. This year we had a glorious revival in the union church.

Z L Gruber 1909

Conf was held in Easton, we were Sent on this charge for the fourth and last year, we were kindly received by all the members, this year we had the best revival, held for many years in the Zion church, our membership increased Every year, both S.S. and church.

St Paul's and Zion Record Book, 1930-1953 (coming soon)