The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-12-05
CITY INTELLIGENCE.
GFor Additional Local Items see Third Poge,l ]

lfW huuWtoHuS LOCut ASHS St0 1tbU O9t'J
THE OLD LUTHERAN CEMETERY.-Front-
ing on Eighth anG Franklin, equi-dstant be-
tween Race ana Vine streets, is the old Luthe-
ran battle-ground surrounded by high brick
wall-a barrier to pres erye the sanctity of the
dead from contact with the busy world around.
Loug has ii been a resting-place for those who
saw this city in its infancy, and marked its
growth nearly century ago.
controversy has nov arisen in the body of
the German Lutheran Church, IN relation to
private importance. controversy as to
whether the encroachments of the busy world
surrounding, necessitated by daily increase of
trade, the large amount its sale would bring,
and the desire OF the larger body OF the church
to erect church edifCes and school houses near
the limits OF the city, of sufficient importance
to warrant the removal of the dead to some other
quarter and the sale of the property.
controversy emanating from the congrega-
tion, the majority of whom think the funds
which the sale of the property would bring of
great i'm portance for the extension OF their sect
and of their field of operations; while the mi
nority not viewing matters in the same light,
object to the removal of the remains of their
relatives and friends.
disposal of this property, some facts relating to
its origin and history may be acceptable to the
public.
The German Lutheran congregation, by which
the cemetery is owned, oates its organization
and establishment from the 25th daV OF Septem-
tember, l765, in pursuance of charter granted
by Thomas and Richard Penn, Esqs., true and
absolute proprletors of the province of Pennsyl-
vania and the counties on the Delaware By
this charter Rev. Henry Muhlenbe1g (then rector
OF st. Michaers Church), the trustees, vestry-
men, and church.wardena and their successors
duly elected, were created corporation, to
have continuance forever, by the above name,
and having power to purchase and hold lands
within the province above mentioned The char
ter was subsequently confirmed by legislative
enactment on the Sd of March, 1880.
In the year 1776 the land of the Eighth Street
cemetery wasi purchased, at cost OF about
parcel of land on the corner OF Franklin and
Vine streets, donated by the Penn family, and
that portion surrounding st. Michaers Church,
we're known as The Lutheran Burial Ground.
The controversy in the church at present IS
in relation to the disposiug of the tirst-named
plot, which has been made of immense value by
the business ass ociations around. Any other
denomination could inter only by the payment
Of twenty-tw dollars for each interment.
As near as can be estimated, the number OF
burials from the year of Its purchase to the year
1868 is about twenty Thousands large num-
Der, when we take into consideration the visible
size of the ground, but not so when we learn
that when the first ground was filled another
layer of earth was deposited on top, forming
new ground. The bodies OF those first Inferred
lie at the depth of fifteen feet from the surface.
During the years 1898 and 1898, when the yellow
fever ragged so terribly, the interments were the
most rapid; so great number, that the minis
ters were authorized not to attend them, and
hence the above estimate is likely to fall below
the right number. A large number of Revolu-
tonary fathers "sleep their last sleep" beneath
its sod.
1t is proposed that in case the ground is sold,
the bodies shall be removed to place opposite
Laurel Hill Cemetery. Much feeling has been
raised in the church in relation to this matter,
and its conclusion is anXiously waited for by
both parties. The Church Council, composed
OF twelve elders and nine church wardens,
having failed in past years to receive the legls-
latlve privilege to sell, has laid the matter
haCOr fhn nnrf for onnt
The adjourned meeting OF the friends and
relatives of those who have been buried in the
ground, who oppose the sale of the property
and the dislnterment of their remains, convened
in the City Assembly Rooms last evening The
attendance OF ladies and gentlemen was quite
large, notwithstanding numbers, who held op.
posite views to lnat OF the call OF tne meetlng
retired by request.
The chairman, Mr. Smith Skinner, called the
meeting to order, and, after the preliminary busi-
ness, in order to give the reason for assembling,
stated that the Lutheran Church Council had
decided to sell tae burial ground fronting on
Eighth and Franklin streets. They made appli-
cation to the Legislature, in the year l864-66, for
the privilege OF selling, which, under their
charter, was unlawful and were defeated. They
applied to the Court OF Common Pleas last Sep
tember Which appointed an examiner to hear the
testimony OF those in oppositlon and he re-
ported against its sale. The judge, however,
oveTrued bis decision, and has appointed
another examiner, who has issued the fol
lowing:-
In the matter OF the petition the sale of estate
by the German Lutheran Congregation;
The undersigned appointed by the said Court TO hear
and report upon the claims of persons holding lots
the buTying ground the above con9regation situate
the east side of Eighth street, between Race
Vine streets in the city OF Phade pha, hereby In
Cordance with The rder of Court OF November ~ 1865
gives notice all parties holders of lots interested
therein to appear before HIM az his office No AS Wal
December A D. 1885, at 8 O'Clock p NJ. then and ther
TO present their several CLAIMS.
This notice given the purpose of enabling per
sons having ations buried in said ground or hayln
rights Of burial Eanted 70 them 0y sac & PGId
THoMAsJ ]. WoRRELL. Examiner.
Contributions were received to defray contr
gent expenses of the meetings, and financ
committee was appointed to receive funds +
fee counsel.
MMotlons that the officers, if they deem it e!
ROCKHILL g. WILSON