Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1886-03-20
Reminiscence Of SHartinsburg
No. bad

In previous statement / recounted
the names Of q few ministers Of the
! gospel, Of the various church organ
izations in existence from 1847 to
1852. Ia 1882 the Lutheran church,
as now known, was first occupied by
Rev. G. p Krauth as pastor. Be
fore this the German Reformed and
Lutheran congregations held joint
interest in an old log church, which
occupied the corner of the German
graveyard on John street. Well do
/ recall the quaint and plain struct-
ure, with the small pulpit standing
outside the altar, which was reached
by spinal stairway Of about twelve
steps, also grand old organ. After
the edifice was abandoned the organ
was destroyed, by whatsoever chose
to carry away its parts. The Pres
byterian church was located on King
street, nearly opposite the present
Baptist church The first minister
] can recall was Rev. Peyton Harri-
son, who is still living and resides in
Baltimore. The German Reformed
minister was Rev. Douglass, with
whose preachings, as a child, | used
to be charmed and [ would often re-
quest permission to go and hear him,
in preference to going with my own
dear mother, to the Lutheran church.
The Baptists had no church or or
ganization in the town, but had a
church in the country near the Ope.
quon. | recall with pleasure Of at.
tending a school taught by Rev.
Herndon, in what is now known as
the Pyle property, who of1ciated as
pastor for that church. The Episco-
pal church was heavy stone build
ing located in the present Norborne
cemetery-entrance to church where
the gate to cemetery now is. Its
minister was Rev. Mr. Johnson,
who was succeeded by Rev. Talifario
The Catholic church was located
within the present burying ground
of that church, under the ministry
of Father Whelan, afterwards the
popular Bishop of West Virginia,
and succeeded by Fathers O'Brian
and Plunkett. At the period of
which | write we had no railroad,
but it was being then laid out, and
many of the older citizens will re-
member that engineers camp under
a Mr.. Latrobe, chief" assisted by
Mr.. Shipley, located in tents about
where the planning mill now stands.
The Methodists had church in a
stone structure on East John street
and Spring alley, afterward used as
a foundry by Mr.. Pampell, TWAS
the usual custom at that day to call
it the meeting house, not honoring
it with the title of church.
What change do we now see !!
One fine church edifce with large
membership, and another in course
Of construction; both working for the
same object-the conversion of the
world-but distinct and seperate on
question long since settled and
never to be revived, it is hoped.
They deserve honor for their pro-
gress, and are blessed ofGod in their
worthy efforts to extend the king
dom of Christ. We had at that per-
iod quite number of worthy Quak-
ers in the county, but can recall
only occasional service held by them
in town. Yet, often a yearly meet
ing would be held at the stone
church near Arden. l recall revi-
val of religion held by the Metodists
in the old stone church, which in it's
influence for good, reached and
quickened every christian in the
town. Old Father Riley, now dead g.,
the worthy christian father of the
two brothers Riley, now efficient
ministers in Baltimore Conference,
conducted the revival services. How
wildly l recall his personal eXorta-
ton on one occasion. | was sitting
with other boys on the steps leading
to the gallery. Below me was gen
tleman who was very much exercised.
His habits of life were dissipated. l
knew him well, and boy as was, my
heart sympathized with him in his
apparent distress. The minister adj
dressed him personally: John, seek
the Lord. Christ will give you
peace. Come, now is the time" He
replied to the minister: "No, no /
am too wicked and mean" "Just
what | like to hear you say" rejoin-
ed the minister, "you are not far
from the kingdom, come now -" He
went forward, and in short while l
noticed him standing and shouting.
From that hour, the man was chang
ed Often have / listened to his
heartfelt prayers. Long after |
watched his course of life and never