Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1912-06-13
Re. Dedication Of Apples
Reformed Church,
June 9, 1912.


church began in the summer of 1911.
The membership being small, not many
took part in the work nor the paying OF
the expenses. The entire cost of the
work and material was 1884.
The history of this church dates back
many years, and is full of interest. The
Apple congregation was organized April
Is, ITO, by Rev. Jonathan Rahauser.
The first church was built of logs, in which
the Reformed and Lutheran congrega-
tions worshiped for many years, many
of whom came many miles, carrying their
guns with them, which were placedin the
"gun corner" ready to be used in case of
an attack by the Indians.
Near the church stood school house,
and back of it stable for the pastor's
horse. Some persons still living, remem-
Der the schoolhouse and the stable.
The ground for the church and Gem
etery was donated by Mr.. Peter Apple.
hence the name of the congregation and
church. Fiftv-five years later, in 1926,
the present stone church was built, and
occupied jointly by the Reformed and
Lutheran congregations till 1857, when
the Lutherans withdrew and built a
church in the town of Thurmont, then
called Mechanicstown.
Between ITO and the present time,
June 9, 1912, many eminent and learned
ministers were pastors of Apples con-
gregation. Rev. Jonathan Rahauser,
was not only the first pastor, but he laid
the foundation for the Reformed church
in many places. Hagerstown, Emmits-
burg, Nd, and St. Marks in Adams
county, Pa, were included in his charge,
when he turned the charge over to his
brother Theodore Rahauser, who served
he large, laborious charge for ten years
1908 to 1876.
Rev. j. W. Runkle was the next pas
or. At this time, the charge consisted
Of Carlisle, Emmitsburg, Apples, fancy
town and St. Marks, which Rev. Runkle
served for five years.
Rev. David BOssler became the next
pastor and served eleven years, and dur
ing his pastorate the stone church Of
Apples was built.
Rev. Elias Heiner became pastor in
1888, and after two years, he took up the
missionary work in Baltimore city, where
he became the founder of the Reformed
church.
Rev. j. w. Hoffmeir, was an assistant
to Rev. Heiner, preached in the German
language for several years.
Rev. DR.. Sam'l r. Fisher became the
pastor from August %, 1896, to August
rs, 1889, when he was elected assistant
Editor of the Reformed Church Messen-
ger, with DR.. B. S. Schneck, and finally
he became chief editor.
Rev. William Phillips became pastor
March 5, 1843 to August 80, 1886.
Rev. DR.. Geo. w. Aughinbaugh was
the next pastor and served ten years.
Rev. DR.. E. E. Higbee then supplied
the charge for several months.
Rev. H. |. Comfort became the next
pastor in 1858, for six years.
Rev. N. E. Gilds became pastor in 1864
to IA.
Rev. Henry Wissler began his pastor
ate on July rs. 1875. Under him the old
church was repaired at an expense of
$500. but these improvements could not
stay the tide which ended in dividing the
congregation, and building new church
in Thurmont. The new church at Thur
mont was built and dedicated June 10,
1880. Rev. Wissler closed his pastorate
on October l, 1884.
Rev. A. B. Stoner became pastor Apr.
l, 1885 to May l, 1883. During his pas
torate the charge consisted of six con-
gregations -Thurmont, Creagerstown,
Rocky Ridge, Apples, Sabillasville and
st. Jacobs.
Rev. Geo. A. Whtmore became pastor
January /, 1889, and served seventeen
years.
After the division of the Apples con-
gregation and the building Of the new
church at Thurmont, which is only mile
from Apples church, the members from
Apples congregation became fewer in
number, and had only afternoon services.
The few members kept up Sunday
School and remained loyal to the old stone
church.
In repairing the church. great changes
have been made. The old church was
lowered eight feet, the upper windows
were taken out, a new ceiling put in, the
side and rear galleries taken out, stone
vestibule built with concrete floor and
porch ten feet wide. The pulpit was
lowered, a neat chancel rail and platform
constructed. New modern pews were
put in the auditorium and the whole floor
neatly carpeted.
The rededicatory services were largely
attended.
The first service was held on Friday
evening, June 7, 1912, when Rev. ]. B.
Shontz, supply pastor, preached to a
small audience.
Early on Sunday morning people began
coming from all directions in buggies,
carriages and automobiles, and long be-
fore the hour of service, the church was
filled, and the large green yard was pack
ed with vehicles and people. Extra
benches were placed in the isles until ev-
cry foot of space was taken and yet ma
ny were not seated.
A large choir had been organized, and