The History of St. John’s (Hain’s) Reformed Church

Rev. William J. Kershner

Sixth Period – 1883-1916

Rev. William J. Kershner, the pastor of Hain’s Reformed Church is the son of the late Jacob Kershner and his wife Mary, nee Lavenberg. He was born February 3, 1852, in Perry township, Berks county, Pa. He attended the public school in Perry township until the age of 10, when he attended the school at Leesport. At that time Leesport had a graded school and very efficient teachers. At the age of 14 he was confirmed in Zion’s Reformed Church by Rev. Sossaman Herman. In the following spring he went to the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, Pa. After mastering the elementary branches and having taught school three terms, he entered Ursinus College. After pursuing his studies in this institution for two years he entered Franklin and Marshall College, from which institution he graduated in 1877. In the fall of 1877 he entered the Theological Seminary. located at Lancaster, from which he graduated May 13, 1880. During the same year the title of A.M. was conferred upon him.

In the month of June, 1880, he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Lehigh Classis. Having been licensed and ordained to the holy ministry, he took charge of Christ Church, Allentown. After a successful career in this charge for three years, he received a call from the Sinking Spring charge, September 8, 1883, signed by David H. Gring, Isaac Hain, Benneville Lerch and John S. Dundore, elders; James Gass, J. Franklin Bechtel, Franklin G. Krick and Peter White, deacons.

Rev. Kershner was married, March 27, 1883, to Emma Gordon Burkhard, of Allentown, Pa. This marriage was blessed with a son and a daughter, H. Harold and Florence E. Kershner.

He never sought his own, but always the welfare of the congregation.

Source: History of St. John’s (Hain’s) Reformed Church in Lower Heidelberg Township Berks County, Penna. by Rev. W.J. Kershner and Adam G. Lerch. Reading, PA: I.M. Beaver, Publisher, 1916, p. 319.

Submitted by: Nancy.