notorious Andreae.† It was not long before this party disagreed among themselves, and before the death of Andreae a party of them elected parson Rapp for their minister.

a sum of money, but were unfortunate, and the congre gation derived no benefit from it. They afterwards resolved to send to Europe, and make collections in Germany and England, to pay the debt; but this was strenuously opposed by the German Lutheran ministers here, who succeeded in defeating this measure.

Pastor Handschuch, and his friends, (who were those who had built the church and were the most orderly The creditors seeing no probability of having their part of the congregation) now withdrew; the number was small, consisting of only about twenty families, a- claims liqnidated, became very uneasy and insisted upmong whom were the elders and wardens of the church; on having the money due them, or security for its payTo pay them was impossible, and nothing rethis small party entreated Mr. Handschuch not to desert ment. them; they rented a house for £12 per annum in March,mained, but to give them the security they demanded; 1753, in which they held divine service, and Mr. Hands- this was done by the Swedish provost Dr. Wrangle,-chuch also lived, and kept a school 4 days in the week. pastor Muehlenberg, and Mr. Henry Keppele, who be But it was soon perceived that pastor Handschuch could came security for the payment of the whole debt of the not subsist any longer in Germantown, and he removed Barrenhill congregation, amounting to upwards of £1000 to Philada. where he received the appointment of Pro- currency, these obligations, caused these gentlemen fessor Extra Lingua Gallica, in the Academy, in addi- much uneasiness, altho' for some time, the creditors tion to some other employment; he continued, however, showed every disposition to be lenient-the interest even could not be paid and increased the debt from to visit Germantown, holding divine service there. In 1756, pastors Handschuch, Muehlenberg, or Brun-year to year. Two or three of the obligations, were at holtz preached for the German Lutherans every other length put into the hands of an Attorney; another credSunday in the German Reformed Church; at this time, itor, who held a bond for £300, when he understood the party opposed to Mr. Rapp, had it in contemplation others had demanded their money, insisted upon being to build a church for themselves, in Germantown. paid, principal and interest without delay. When af After the death of pastor Brunholtz, Mr. Handschuch fairs came to this extremity the securities made up the amounts thus demanded, out of their own private funds was in 1757, elected minister of Philadelphia, it was therefore no longer possible for him to attend to Ger- to prevent further trouble, and expense. A short time mantown, nor in the power of pastor Muehlenberg to do after, a letter was received the Chaplain of the king of so, therefore, in 1758, that part of the congregation,oppos- England, authorizing pastor Muehlenberg to draw on ed to Mr. Rapp, had no separate divine service. In that him, for £100 sterling, and with this money satisfy the year the church officers of this party, purchased a lot of most urgent and clamorous of the creditors. After this ground for £100, for the purpose of building thereon a the church, school house and lot,were by indenture conSchool house, to serve for a meeting house, but it was veyed to the German Lutheran congregation of Philanot deemed prudent to commence building on it just delphia, and the church was to be considered, parochial to that of Philadelphia.

then.

In 1759, pastor Muehlenberg preached occasionally, for the Lutherans, in the Reformed church-and about this time, a stone Schoolhouse was built at Barrenhill, twelve miles from Philadelphia, where a good school was kept, which was well attended by scholars-Mr. Muehlenberg preached in it several times.

St. Peters church at Barrenhill, was built in the year 1761. Pastor Muehlenberg laid the corner stone of it. The disturbances in the Germantown congregation, was one of the principal causes,of its being built;the situation was considered an excellent one for collecting, a large congregation, as the surrounding country was chiefly settled by Germans and the small distance from Germantown, enabled the party opposed to Mr. Rapp, to attend at this church. There is no doubt the congregation of the Barrenhill church, would soon have become numerous, had not the prospects, of the opponents of Mr. Rapp, at this time begun to brighten; strong hopes were entertained, of again getting possession of the Germantown church. Pastor Muehlenberg gave towards the building of the Barrenhill church, out of a certain legacy £24, he preached in it before it was roofed, in which state it had cost about £500 currency, and the cost of finishing it was upwards of £500 more. pears the congregation had subscribed very little towards the building of this church, for they were in debt upwards of £1,000, when the church was finished. In order to pay part of this debt, they (against the will of the Lutheran Clergy,) endeavoured by a lottery to raise

It ap

† Conrad Andreae, was like Kraft, a disowned minister of Deux Ponts; in 1750 the congregations of old Goshehoppe and Indianfield dismissed him for marrying a woman a second time, when he knew her first hus band was living; he was here twice imprisoned for misdemeanors. After this he was minister in New Goshehoppe a short time; in 1751, he had a call to the congregation of New York, which he declined. After the congregation of New Goshehoppe, had, with great tronble, rid themselves of this man, he came to Germantown, where in 1753 he died, in miserable circumstances.

But what principally enabled the sureties, to meet their engagements, and re-pay themselves what they had advanced, was the legacy of a man of rank, (whose name was either unknown here, then, or if known, was kept secret, but is known now to have been the Count of Roedelsheim,) by whose Will 13,000 Gulden, were bequeathed to the German Lutheran Congregations of Pennsylvania, for certain purposes; 3,000 of which were expressly given, for the purpose of paying the debt for which Mr. Muehlenberg, and others, had become answerable on account of the Barrenhill Church.

Some years ago, this Church stood much in need of repair, the congregation objected to making them, unless the right to the church was again restored to them; which the Philadelphia congregation agreed to, and it was accordingly re-conveyed to the Barrenhill congregation.

It is more than probable the transfer of this property to the Philadelphia congregation, was only a precautionary measure, to prevent the Church falling into the hands of those who had occasioned so much trouble in Germantown.

In the year 1762, a petition signed by upwards of 100 heads of families, belonging to the Germantown congre gation, was presented to the Synod, praying that body again to appoint a Minister for them-to this the Synod replied, "that this could not well be done, as the church was then in the hands of those who had contributed To this the deputies of the nothing to its erection." petitioners answered, that they would have the Church restored to them; either amicably, or they would obtain possession of it, by a judicial decision; in the mean time they had made arrangements to have divine service per formed, either in the German Reformed Chuch, or in The Synod deliberated two the public schoolhouse. days, on this business, and finally came to the conclusion that Peter Kurtz, of Tolpehocken, should go to Germantown, and officiate there, as minister,

This year; the party opposed to Parson Rapp, appoin ted six of their number to attend to, and conduct the suit, they had brought against their opponents, for the restoration of their church. Pastor Muehlenberg and

1830.]

GERMAN LUTHERAN CONGREGATION OF GERMANTOWN.

Provost Wrangel, preached occasionally for them in the
Reformed Church.

195

in the Church, when one of these tumults took place; he with others, was under the necessity of making his exit through the window.

Pastor Voight remained at Germantown only a short time. In March, 1765, he accepted a call to the congre. gation of New Hanover and Providence.

In April 1763, it was decided by the Court that the key of the church, should be delivered to the party opposed to Parson Rapp, so that they might hold divine service in the church, on one Sunday, in the morning, and on the next Sunday in the afternoon; the other party to In the same year, Parson James Van Buskerk was ap have the same right. As the party which had so long pointed minister for this congregation. He was ordain been excluded from the church had now partial posses- ed a Deacon, at Providence, on the 11th October 1763, sion of it, it was necessary to maintain this right by bav- by Provost Wrangel, Peter Muehlenberg, &c. He offiing service in it regularly on the appointed days. Pas ciated in the congregation about four years, when he tor Kurtz accordingly left Tolpehocken, to take charge was appointed by the Synod, minister of the congrega. of the Germantown congregation, and on the 1st May, tions of Macunschy, Saccum, and Upper Dublin, where 1763, he preached in the morning at Barrenhill, and in he remained until he died. the afternoon in the Germantown church, without op. In June, 1769, Pastor John Frederick Schmidt acceptposition. Pastor John Nicholas Kurtz arrived in Phila- ed a call to this congregation. He preached his first delphia, (as a Catechist,) with Pastor Brunholtz, in sermon as Pastor, the 10th August following; he also 1745; he was ordained in Philadelphia, on the 26th of preached every other Sunday at noon, in the Parochial August 1748, and had been minister at Tulpehocken 17 Churches of Frankford and Whitepain, and occasionalyears before he was appointed minister for German-ly at Barrenhill: in which Church, divine service had town. From this place, he returned in 1764 to his old been held, every other Sunday by the Germantown congregation. About 1770, he was elected minister for ministers, during the times of Pastors Kurtz, Voight and the Yorktown congregation, where he continued twen- Buskerk. After Pastor Schmidt's election to Germanty years; he died at Baltimore at the advanced age of town, Mr. Daniel Schroeter, a student of theology, and 74. assistant in the Academy, to Professor Kuntze, of PhilaAfter Pastor Kurtz left Germantown, Pastor John delphia, had the charge of Barrenhill. After Mr. SchroLudwig Voight was appointed. He was educated at ter's departure to Manheim, above Lancaster, Mr. Mælthe University of Halle, and ordained at Werningorode; ler, another student of divinity, and assistant in the acahe arrived at Philadelphia on the 1st April, 1764. Short-demy, was appointed to officiate in that congregation, ly after his arrival, he was appointed minister of Ger- and continued to do so, until 1784, when he went to mantown, and preached his first sermon there the 10th Albany. At this time the congregation applied to Pasof June, 1764. tor Schmidt, for his services, who was under the neces sity of declining the call, but promised all the assistance his time and strength would permit.

No minister was ever more beloved and respected, or better calculated to restore order in a congregation than Pastor Schmidt. Such was his popularity, that the dis contented again returned to the Church, and complete harmony was once more restored in the Germantown congregation.*

At this time the troubles in this congregation were far from being allayed; the adherents of Parson Rapp were not satisfied, and continued to occasion many disturbances. It was their aim, once more to expel the party which adhered to the minister of the Synod, and serious fears were entertained in 1765, that they would succeed; at this crisis, the affairs of Parson Voight's party at once took a favorable turn. A person, high in office, interested himself in the concerns of this congre- The congregations of Germantown and Barrenhill, gation-he appointed a day, when both parties should were doomed to experience a severe visitation. On the meet, and hold an election for the minister they wished British taking possession of Philadelphia, detachments to have, either Pastor Voight or Parson Rapp. An e- of the enemy were pushed to Germantown, and beyond lection was accordingly held, when it appeared Pastor it. Pastor Schmidt's sentiments, as regarded the revoluVoight had 120 votes, and Parson Rapp not a single one. tion, were well known. He lived at that time, in the first In consequence of this election, Pastor Voight's party house above M'Clanagen's, since called Chew's house, obtained entire possession of the church, and some time and was compelled to leave Germantown, (as many after of the Parsonage; and divine service was held reg-members of his congregation did.) His house was plunularly every Sunday. dered by the enemy, and what was not carried away, was totally destroyed by them. His place of refuge was New Goshehoppe, where he endured many privations; after the British left Philadelphia, he returned to Germantown and to his pillaged dwelling.

In this way Parson Rapp lost his office, as minister of the German Lutheran Church of Germantown, after holding the same about 12 years, against the wishes of the Synod, and in spite of the influence Pastor Muehlenberg possessed with the German Lutherans, in the The Church at Germantown received no material inProvinces. (He, in a great measure, if not altogether jury, but the organ had been destroyed. The Church regulated every important step taken in the different at Barrenhill, had been by turns, occupied by the concongregations, and either appointed, or had appointed, tending armies, as a Battery and Stable. It had receiv such ministers to the different churches, as he pleased.ed considerable injury, and at the time of Pastor It was this influence that enabled him to have elected Schmidt's return to Germantown, was almost in ruin; for the Philadelphia congregation, those ministers who full of rubbish and dirt. The inhabitants in the neighpreceded Pastor Helmuth, about which time his influ-borhood of it, had either been driven away, or had been ence was on the wane.)

pillaged, and were then in a most miserably impoverished state, and destitute of even the necessaries of life. — A large portion of the members of the Germantown church, were in the same state, and the distress of the congregation for a considerable time after, was very great, of which the Pastor had his full share.

Pastor Schmidt continued (after his election to the Philadelphia congregation,) to officiate for this congre.

Parson Rapp came to Pennsylvania with a colony of Germans in 1750. In 1751, when C. Andreae declined a call to the New York congregation, he recommended Parson Rapp for that place. He went there in the middle of the year; how long he remained is not known; but in 1753 he was a minister in Germantown. He was a man of much firmness; and as a preacher, stood high among his followers. Many were the charges and complaints preferred against him to the Synod, even from *In 1812, 27 years after he had left Germantown, the members of his own congregation; but as he did not be- members of this congregation, on hearing of the death long to that body, no redress could be granted those of Pastor Schmidt,held a meeting, and resolved that their who complained. Many tumultuous and disorderly oc-corporation be requested to attend his funeral. At this currences took place, in, and out of the Church, during time, a poor man, aged 80 years, undertook to walk 11 his time. An aged man, still living at Germantown, was miles, to see once more his former pastor.

gation every other Sunday, until the arrival in 1786, of perance,this pernicious vice is believed to derive encour Pastor John Frederick Weinland, from Germany, who agement from the unnecessary number of taverns and tarwas immediately elected minister of this congrega-ern licenses. The actual wants of the public, with respect tion, and who continued at Germantown, until 1789, to places authorized to retail spirituous liquors, are alwhen he accepted the call to New Providence, ready supplied beyond the number limited by the call where he died. In 1790 Pastor Frederick D. Schaefer of travellers, and the necessity of accommodation in was elected minister of this congregation, and in 1812, meetings of business; every additional tavern is a source miniter of the Philadelphia congregation. of almost inevitable mischief. The encouragement of idleness, which is uniformly the result, would, of itself, furnish a powerful argument against the increase of them; for idleness alone must lead to poverty; and porerty is too often the parent of distress and crime. But the resort of idleness is the resort of vice; intoxication disqualifies its victim both for present exertion and fu ture energy. If he should not seek relief in immediate crime, he at least becomes useless to his family and burthensome to the public-in a word, a pauper. The mul tiplication of tavern licenses is thus fatal to morals and injurious to the finances of the commonwealth. The insignificant revenue produced from them is soon absorbed in lavish appropriations for the support of the poor; as a foe to virtue, they are a certain evil; as a source of public income, they are of less than doubtful efficacy.

In the same year, Pastor John Becker, (who was ordained in Philadelphia in 1817) was elected minister of Germantown. He is a native of Philadelphia.

In 1819 the old German Lutheran Church was razed, and the present Church built in its place.

In 1827, Pastor Becker accepted the call to the congregation of Lancaster-when the present minister, Mr. Benjamin Keller was elected.

Of later events, I am unable to furnish information, although efforts were made to obtain it.

PRESENTMENT OF THE GRAND JURY.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Grand Inquest observe with pleasure, that a bill is before your honorable bodies to amend the evils before mentioned as regards taverns and tavern licenses, and rely upon such measures being taken as will reme dy the subject complained of in that respect.

The memorial and representation of the Grand Inquest of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, inquiring for the County of Philadelphia, respectfully represent: That in the opinion of this inquest, the most serious public evils exist, in consequence of the lamentable fact of extortion, in the taking of illegal fees by subordinate magistrates not being an indictable offence. This o- It is believed, that the existence of so many authorispinion has been strongly impressed on your memorialists ed places of vicious association gives countenance and in the course of the execution of their duties; during encouragement to others, which are altogether without the present session of the Court of Quarter Sessions of pretence of protection from the law. The young and this County, occassions have arisen when this radical dissolute, who have commenced a career of irregularity defect in our criminal jurisprudence has become deplo-in taverns, find too easy opportunity for greater enor rably manifest; so much so, that the Grand Inquest have mities, in the various disorderly houses, where dancing, felt it their public duty to call the attention of your hon. gaming, and still more degrading debaucheries are ourable bodies to this defect in our public laws, which practised. The vigilance of the police has been in this respect are grossly inadequate to the protection strangely evaded, or its powers have been imperfectly and security of the people; particularly of the poor and exercised, to permit so many evils of this description to the ignorant who are perpetually the subjects of arise. What can rescue a youth of indulged profligacy this sort of imposition and oppression. No reflection from a manhood of infirmity, immorality and crimeought to be cast on the character of the state, because Associations the most pernicious are believed to exist in this dangerous and abominable offence has been strick- numerous instances; and the utmost rigor of the public en from our criminal code; for this was not the result of authority is required for their suppression and punishdirect legislation, but the accidental consequence of gen- ment. When it is found, as may frequently be the case, eral language. The 13th section of the act of 1806, en- that persons are connected with them of tender years, titled "an act regulating arbitrations," has compelled it is hoped that they will be withdrawn from the imper the Judges of the Supreme Court to determine, that a fect control of parents and masters, which has proved so civil action for the pecuniary penalty, provided by the ineffectual, and consigned to the guardianship of that fee bill for taking illegal fees is the only remedy left to asylum for juvenile delinquents, the House of Refuge, the citizens, whether the receipt of illegal fees is an in- which alone can stop the progress of iniquity, and inspire nocent and accidental, or a corrupt and fradulent act. the wish, with the ability, of amendment. The result of the existing law of extortion therefore is, that the distinctions between moral guilt and innocence, between corruption and mistake, are confounded, and that the unprincipled man, who knowingly and wilfully extorts money to which he is conscious he has no just claim, is placed on the same footing with the honest magistrate, whom the intricacies of the fee bill may betray into accidental error; for our Supreme Court have determined,that mistake and the absence of any corrupt motive forms no apology or excuse in an action for the legal penalty, where any thing more than the fees set down are received by a magistrate.

The memorialists deem it due to the many respectable and useful citizens who hold the commission of the peace in the district, to disclaim any idea of a general denunciation of these officers, or any reflection on them as a body. They are anxious, that the motives of their petition should be assigned to what has truly given rise to it; a conviction that such a modification of our existing laws is required for the general good, as will make the fraud,corrupt and wilful receipt of illegal fees indic table, and punishable as a misdemeanor in office.

And the Grand Inquest further represent, that while great exertions are making for the suppression of intem

The Grand Jury regret to find, in the very construction and discipline of the prisons, sources of increasing crime. In the views which they have to present on this subject, there is nothing novel. They fear indeed, that the frequent repetition of them has so familiarized the public mind to the evils they display, that it has be come insensible to the necessity of correcting them. To delay a remedy is to entail on future generations the exposure which forms so serious a calamity at the present day. Our prisons, instead of being places of refor mation, are schools of vice. How can this fail to be the case, when nightly associations are not merely permitted, but enforced, by crowding together numbers of unclassed convicts? Associations where the practised in iniquity and the yet inexperienced in guilt are brought together, with all the necessary results of combined precept and example, to perpetuate the wicked practises of the former, and foment the depraved inclinations of the latter. Accident may have brought many into the reluctant commission of their first offence. A knowl edge of the ways of vice; a hardihood derived from encouragement; a promise of co-operation and fellowship; and above all, a constant, a never ceasing familiarity with thoughts of mischief, perpetually inspired and

perpetually rewarded, will prompt to the desperate and skilful perpetration of the second. Can the public authorities find a justification for continuing these evils, in a desire to delay the necessary expenditures for the correction of them. If expense were an object in com parison with the misery and vice which the alternative presents, it fails as an argument here; for the expense of multiplied crimes and criminals might readily be demonstrated to out weigh immeasurably that of the means of their prevention. Political economy finds sources of revenue in the virtue of the community; in the devotion of its operative classes to the regular habits of productive industry; in the exercise of all the faculties of all the citizens in accumulating stores of national wealth and national happiness. It looks to the most lavish and wasteful expenditure in idleness and vice.While prisons are so arranged as to permit a free intercourse between criminals, they neither correct the offender nor protect society from depredation. One, or a few, may be arrested and confined; but numbers are let loose to pray upon the unguarded with combinations formed to give effect to daring dispositions and minds instructed in guilt. An increase of accommodations is loudly called for; such as would separate the guilty; destroy combination among the most depraved; and exclude the less vicious from contamination. These are not merely speculative views. The construction of the great Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania, is already manifesting, in practice, its own advantages. Other states have matured establishments, which correct the evils adverted to, at an expense short of that required for our defective and pernicious system. A very beneficial and thorough reform of our alms-house is now in progress, by which all vicious paupers of all descriptions; as it would promote decency, modesty, morality and cconomy. There can be no valid reason why an equal reformation should not immediately take place in our prisons and prison dicipline.

The Grand Inquest believe it to be very unjust and injurious to compel persons committed on suspicion of crime, to associate with old and hardened convicts, as is the case in the Arch street prison.

197

Samuel C. Atkinson,
Isaac Collins,
John Cole,

By direction and on behalf of the Inquest aforesaid,
namely:
William Boyd,
Alfred Ingraham,
Samuel Castor,
Joseph Walmsley,
Thomas Hart,
Nicholas Ambruster,
Peter Grim,
Edward Penington,
John M'Alister,

Francis R. Wharton, John Poulson, Patrick Galbraith, Francis G. Smith, John Magg,

James M'Cann.

The Board of Managers of the Orphan Society present their annual tribute to its patrons, and invite them to unite in returning thanks to God for all the benefits bestowed on these children of his care-on this household of his mercy-wherein the lisping tongue of infancy is daily taught to speak his praise. The Institution has this day reached its fifteenth anniversary— several of its first Managers are still in the Board-many were associated at an early period of its existence, and all experience a heart-felt interest in its success, and remember with how firm a faith its amiable Foundress predicted its prosperity: from her own benevolent nature she judged, that in this community friends would successively arise, to foster the orphans collected within the walls of her asylum, and up to this period a generous public has amply redeemed her pledge. On the 3d of March, 1815, the first little destitute orphansdestitute no more-were received; since when, two hundred and thirty-two have been admitted, cherished and instructed, and at a proper age one bundred and five have been indentured. There are now in the Asylum ninety-five, who are here present, still the recipi ents of your bounty, warmly clad, plentifully fed, and duly trained to lift their eyes and hearts to you on earth, and to God, their Heavenly Father.

The income of the Society has not for the last two

The Grand Inquest visited the House of Refuge for the reformation of juvenile delinquents; and inspected the halls, dormitories, work shops, school rooms, chapel, &c., and were much gratified with the good order, cleanliness and general arrangements, which, in their opinion, are well adapted to effect the benevolent pur-years been quite adequate to its expenditure, owing to pose of this noble institution. We are fully persuaded, that this community will derive extensive and permanent benefit from it, in preventing an increase, if it does not materially lessen the number of convicts, as long as its affairs shall continue to be administered by a Board of Managers, who are qualified and zealous in the discharge of the important trust committed to them, and whose only reward is a consciousness of the faithful discharge of their duties; the reformation of the numerous vicious youth committed to their guardianship and the approbation of their fellow citizens.

The Grand Inquest would respectfully recommend to the judicial authorities, to send to this institution all children who are friendless, and who lead an idle, vagrant life, who have commenced a career of vice, by committing petty thefts, are acquiring habits of intem. perance, frequenting gambling houses, theatres and houses of ill fame: of such children, it is believed our city and liberties contain a sufficient number to fill the 150 unoccupied dormitories at the House of Refuge. We regret to learn, that its treasury is entirely destitute of funds; and we cannot in too strong terms, recommend this Institution to the favourable attention and patronage of the Legislature, the public authorities and of our fellow citizens generally.

They therefore pray, that your honorable bodies will give such relief in the premises as to you may seem requisite. Philada. March 10, 1830.

WILLIAM BOYD,

Foreman of G.Jury.

the diminution of annual subscriptions, which has probably arisen from a supposition that the funds were sufficient; this not being the fact, the Board earnestly petition their patrons to persevere in this good work, until the object for which they have hitherto given their willing aid, is accomplished.

The munificent legacy of our late liberal fellow-citizen Frederick Kohne, Esq. has provided against the future wants of the institution, and identified his name with its prosperity. Monuments of adamant would not so gloriously perpetuate his memory as the benefactions furnished to protect the helpless innocent and reclaim the youthful sinner.

The family in the Asylum has been blest with a greater degree of health, than in several preceding years.Nine have been admitted, and twenty-two bound out. Expenses for maintaining the family, three thousand seven hundred dollars,

An item in the Treasurer's report, entitled "the Orphan's Fund," though of a private nature, as it appears before the public, may require explanation, that subscribers may not suppose the money contributed for the support of minors, is diverted from its object. It is known that children received into the Asylum are strictly orphans; deprived of both their parents, and indeed in most cases, are those who have no where to lay their heads,-frequently they are received from strangers in whose houses their parents boarded and died; or from aged relations too poor and too old to afford them the