The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-03-25
COUNTY Pa

vOtS tell us that ne Travelled on loot To
his various appointments; that he was
humble in spirit and faithful in the per-
formance of duty. His piety was great
er than his education il is true, but new
erheless he was true spiritual shepherd
| and his paternal spirit secured for him
the well merited title of Father Shell
hammer.
In the year 1929 Rev Daniel S. Tobi
as became pastor Of this congregation,
now located in the town, and continued
to serve il till 1851. In the meantime
n growing want for English service ne
cessitated the employment of pastor in
this language. Accordingly in the year
1914, the Rev. Henry Funk became the
colleague of Rev. ID. 5. Tobias, the form
er serving in the English and the latter
in the German. This double arrange
ment continued till the close of Rev.
Tobias pastorate of this congregation,
when the transition from the German
language to the English language was
completed. Rev. Funk remained the
sole pastor during the following three
years and then declining health necess
tated his resignation.
His successors in regular order were
Revs w. Goodrich, E. B. Wilson and
A. Houtz. This congregation at one
time was the largest in the neighbor
hood, but by removals and deaths its
ranks have become very much depleted.
Within the last ten years however, its
membership has been doubled. Since
1910 it has been worshipping together
with the Presbyterian and the Lutheran
congregations in the Union church. Du-
ring all this time, with very rare excep
tions, there has been maintained spirit
of unity and fellowship between these
congregations. Being of one faith, one
baptism, and of one Lord, they all gen
orally attend when there is divine service,
and especially when the Lords Sup
per is administered. In this church has
often been felt by many devout wor-
shipper the sentiment of that beautiful
and fraternal hymn:
| "Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
| Is like to that above"
Here, too, the experience of the wor-
shipper has given renewed sanction to
the doctrine of the communion of saints.
TO worship here is sacred privilege and
pleasure. Hallowed by the sacred asso-
Citations of forty years, the old Union
church will soon undergo repairs which
will beautify the temple of our dear de-
parted ancestors and do honor to their
posterity.
| IllDLEY REFORMED CONGREGATION.
Previous to 1888 the Presbyterian
brethren worshipped in a log church To-
Gated where the present Union church
now stands The Reformed at that
time had no organization there, but wor-
shipped at the upper Briarcreek church.
The old log church becoming dilapidat-
ed, it became necessary to build new
one. The Presbyterian brethren made
overtures to the Lutherans and Reform
ed in ,he neighborhood to unite with
them in building hew Union church.
The agreement was entered into and the
present Union church was built in 1888
and rebuilt in 1872.
With the building of this church began
the organization of the Hidley Reformed
congregation. 1t was organized mostly
of members from the upper Brarcreek
congregation. This congregation was
served by the following pastors: Revs.
Isaac Stiely, Henry Hoffman, John w.
Lescher, A. r.. Hottenstein and A.
IIoutz. From the time of its organiza-
ton till 1871, this congregation belonged
to the North Susquehanna charge. AT
the annual meeting of classis held at
Shamokin in 1871, it was transferred to
the Orangeyille charge.
The members of this congregation are
generally wcll-to-do farmers. The com
nunity is known as tasty in dress ard
somewhat worldly in their pursuits.
And while the latter is still quite promi'
nent we are happy to say the people
are inclined to be somewhat more spirit
ually minded, and more liberal in their
contributions to benevolent objects.
That this congregation is behind the
others in some particulars cannot be de
MED, but its former associations have
done much to shape its character 1t
was at one time under the control of Il
minister who belonged to the Independ
cnt Synod. This spirit is occasionally
seen yet, but is fast dying cut. 1t once
belonged to charge having eight or ten
congregations, and was not accustomed
to do much for the pastor. And it has
just made the transition from the Ger
man to the English language Brother
Hottenstine was the last pastor who
preached in the German language and
a. Houtz the first regular English pas
tor. Within the last few years, the Hid
ley church and graveyard have been
greatly improved, which has awakened
a church pride in the people. The Sab
bath school is well patronized and ably
conducted The relation Of the three
denominations is harmonious and peace
full. The prospect of the Reformed con
gregation here is good. 1t has taken II
higher stand in the sphere of morals and
christian obligation. The atmosphere,
however, effects not only the barometer
in this place but we are sorry to say al
so the attendance upon divine worship,
but not SO much 50 much so the attend
ance at the Fair or election. a more
regular and better attendance, especially
in the afternoon, would be q better man
Hesitation of the christian life and zeal
The singing in this church is not SC
good as it might be. AS each denomi
nation is too weak to have a good choil
of its own, and as there is ample materi
al in the three denominations to form q
good choir, why not organize union
choir like that at Orangeville? Wake W
brethren and move in the line of pro
gress. a. ii.