Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1873-12-13
Lutheran Church in ShepherdstOwn.

following interesting history OF the Lu-
theran Church of this town =
The early history of Sbepherdstown
is enveloped in much obscurity. 1t
seems that some German emigrants
were among the earliest settlers, but 1t
was long after their first settlement that
a church was organized. The first ac-
count We have of Germans in the neigh.
borhood dates about 1870. In 1865 4
Lutheran congregation was formed,
with Henry Bedinger, Henry kukus,
Martin Entler, Philip Kleber and Mich
olas Wolford as Elders. In 1776 4
ministerial supply was supplied in the
person of Rev. Mr.. Bauer. How long
he remained is uncertain After his
withdrawal, Rev Mr.. Wittbahn served
the congregation for three years; but as
to the condition of the congregation
and the labors Of the pastor, we know
nothing. Then followed Rev. Nicode-
mus. who served the church fora period
of seven years, and was succeeded by
Rev. George Young, who is spoken OF
as a very godly and efficient man. lie
served the congregation four years with
great acceptance. After him came Rev
Mr.. Weymer, who served with fidelity
for three years.
But after all their selfdenying efforts,
the final success OF the congregation was
yet doubtful, and many discouragcments
overlook the little band. AS yet, they
had no house OF worship, their minister
had never lived among them, but had
resided either at Winchester, or Fred
erick, or Hagerstown, and Of course
was with his flock but little. Thus for
many years they were left either with
out or with partial supply from dis
lance. After the resignation OF Rev.
Weymer, they were supplied only occa-
sionally, however, 10y Rev. Christian
STREET, who, it is said, was at that time
the only Lutheran minister in the State
of Virginia, and was then chaplain to
the United States Congress. That EN-
inently godly man and eloquent preach
err of the gospel, whose pious labors
were truly abundant, was known
throughout the United States, and was
loved and revcred by all. His mortal
remains now rest in the old Lutheran
God s-acre," at Winchester, Va.
Realizing the great Importance OF hav-
inc pastor in their midst, the congre-
CATION at Shepherdstown and that at
Martinsburg united III call to Rev.
David Young, of Mannheim, Pa. lie
came, and to him, more, perhaps, than
to all his predecessors, is the con9reSa-
ton indebted for its prosperity. lie is
represented as very intelligent, earnest
christian, a pungent preacher, and an
efficient pastor. Through his earnest
efforts the cornerstone of Il church was
laid in August, 1875, which is still to
be seen in the side of the present build
ing. "The morning Of brighter day
now seemed to dawn upon the congre
CATION. The house was soon completed
and the old men, who had for fifty years
sat in sackcloth and tears, now began to
rejoice in hope" But how mysterious
are the ways of Providence ! Just as
the dawn appeared and the rejoicing
began, the beloved pastor was called to
his reward above, and they were left III
darkness and gloom. After another
adverse of fortune and wasting by ne
elect, Rev. Mr.. Babenach preached oc-
casionally for them. Then, it is said,
Mr.. Jasisiski supplied them for awhile.
One Bache, whether clergyman or not
it is not stated, about this time created
faction in the church, and rs consc-
ouence of this, other churches were per
mitted to reap much Of Rev. Ioung's
labors.
Up to this period, preaching had been
only in the German language, but now,
fortunately for the struggling congrcga-
ton, the services of Rev. {. L. krauth,
ST., were secured, who began to preach
in the English language. lie was
Young, but an able and faithful pastor
and preacher. Through his judlcious
and faithful labors, the congregation
was much improved, many OF the stray
ing sons were brought back, and pros
perity attended the efforts Of pastor and
people.
Rev. Krauth served as pastor for
eight wears, and was succeeded by Rev.
Jacob Medtart He was worthy pas
tor, and the cause prospered under ms
ministry. After seven years of faithful
service he resigned, and was succeeded
by Rev. Reuben Wiser, who spent two
years with the congregation. Then fol
lowed Rev. DR.. Martin, who served four
years, and left a grateful remembrance
behind. He was succeeded by Rev.
Samuel Sprechcr, whose short admins
tration of but one year was greatly
blessed. Next, Rev. James y. Selss
was called, who served the congregation
with great acceptance. 1t was during
his soiourn at Shepherdstown that he
prepared and published his Lectures
on the Hebrews" At the end OF two
years he was called to another field, and
was followed by Rev. {. L. kranth, Jr.,
who served the congregation with en-
tire satisfaction. But when he had
been with them but seven months he
was called to Winchester, and feeling it
his duty to accept, the church again be
came vacant. Rev. Beale NJ. Schmuck
err was called to succeed Bro. krauth,
and served the congregation from April
1913, to some time in 1851 or 1892.
Rev. J. u. Smeltzer was next called,
and entered upon his duties in 1852.
His ministry was signally blessed, his