REV. W. J. ANDRES  

REV. W. J. ANDRES. Among the prominent and old residents of the Lehigh Valley is this gentleman, who is now in charge of the Lutheran Churches at Moorestown, Christ Church in Moore Township, and Zion Church near Kreidersville, and also the one at St. Peter’s near Seemsville, in Northampton County. He is one of the active workers in the Master’s vineyard, and has acted as pastor of the “Moorestown Charge,” as the churches comprised within this district are called, since 1877. A native of Lehigh County, he was born October 3, 1848, to Nathan and Sarah (Schantz) Andres, who were also natives of Lehigh County. The Andres family were among the pioneers of that county, having settled there probably as early as 1740, and were prominently identified with the development and settlement of that locality.

            Rev. W. J. Andres was reared on a farm, giving to his father his services when not attending the district school. Later in his youth it was his privilege to attend the Keystone State Normal School for two courses. Prior to this time he had taught school for three years successfully. For one year he was Assistant Principal, and subsequently for two years was Principal of Weaversville Academy at Weaversville, Pa. For the three succeeding years, having concluded to devote his life to the ministry, he pursued his higher studies in the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, from which celebrated institution of learning he was graduated in 1877.

            Soon after his graduation, Mr. Andres, as previously stated, took charge of the churches of this district, which he has served faithfully and well up to the present time. To his own ambition and energy of purpose, he owes the fact of his success in life, as he was obliged to hew out his own pathway, and earned the money with which to educate himself. He enjoys a large acquaintance in this county, and is highly regarded as a truly just, honorable and upright man. He is public spirited, and takes great interest in all movements having for their object the elevation and progress of society.

            January 5, 1881, Rev. Mr. Andres married Miss Anna E. Mory, a native of Northampton County. She is the daughter of John Mory, a well known and highly respected citizen of Bath, and has been a valuable helpmate to her husband, assisting him with her counsels and sweet Christian spirit. For six years our subject served as School Director on the Bath School Board, and formerly served as its Secretary. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and though not an active worker in the cause, he is interested in its success.