Record Type: Church Records

This organization, which is more commonly known as the Jersey Baptist church, is the oldest Baptist church west of the Allegheny mountains. It is the oldest church of any kind in Somerset county, and perhaps the oldest in Southwestern Pennsylvania. For many years after its organization, Maryland and Virginia settlers were among its members, while … Read more

<center>DISCIPLES’ CHURCH</center>The Disciples’ church, in the northwest portion of Shade township, was organized by Rev. Chauncy Forward in 1849. Among the original members were Ezra Dunham, Samuel Hunter, John and Jacob Berkebile, George W. Clark, and their families. The pastors have been Revs. Forward, James Lanphere, L.R. Norton, James Piatt, James Darsie and the present … Read more

<center>SALEM CHURCH</center>Salem church, of the Evangelical Association, was probably organized about 1843, either by Rev. S .B. Kring or J. Dick. In the absence of records a satisfactory history cannot be obtained. Among the first members were Daniel and Adam Sorber and others. The pastors have been:Rev. S. B. KringRev. J. DickRev. William StullRev. T. … Read more

Otterbein United Brethren church, Shade township, was organized in 1858 by Rev. Daniel Shank. The first members were:Joseph LohrConrad Moyer and wifeBenj. Lape and wifeHenry LohrEphraim Lohr and wifeJacob Dull and wifeJohn Wagner and wifeAustin Lohr and wifePierce Lohr and wifeAdam Berkebile and wife. For list of pastors see history of Bethel United Brethren church, … Read more

Graef’s Evangelical Lutheran church was organized with twenty-four members on May 24, 1871, by Rev. J. Tomlinson.Elders chosen were:John GraefPhilip ReitzDeacons:Anthony WechtenhiserHarrison T. Lohr Rev. J. K. Bricker, the first pastor, was succeeded by:Rev. R. SmithRev. J. H. WalterickRev. J. L. MillerRev. J. C. ShoupRev. J. N. Unruh The church was erected in 1871 at … Read more

Shade Reformed and Lutheran church, a part of the Hooversville charge, was organized by Rev. Hoyer in 1835. There had been preaching for some years prior to the organization of the congregation. A house of worship was erected about 1823, which, renovated and repaired, is still in use. Rev. Schmucker was the preacher at the … Read more

St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran church, situated at Roxbury, is a part of the Berlin charge. The congregation was organized with thirty members, by Rev. J. W. Poffinberger, December 23, 1882. First officers were: Elders: Philip Ling, Peter BoyerDeacons: W. M. Diveley, Daniel Snyder, Joseph Reitz, William ReitzTrustees: John Ginder, Alexander Ware, Henry Reitz The house … Read more

The Union church, at Mount Healthy was erected about 1850, by the Lutherans, Methodists and United Brethren. It is a frame building, and cost about six hundred dollars. The first minister of the United Brethren was Rev. John Sidman. The first trustees were:John Black, of the MethodistsJohn Ware, of the LutheransWilliam Barick, of the United … Read more

St. John’s church (Roman Catholic), New Baltimore, dates back to 1824. In that year the place was visited by Rev. Th. Heyden, who continued to supply the congregation several years. There was no resident priest until 1850, when Rev. Joseph Theresia Gezowsky became the pastor. His successors have been:Rev. Richard BrownRev. T. TamchinaRev. Frederick SenecaRev. … Read more

Meyersdale church of the Brethren, or German Baptists, was organized in 1876, with two hundred and fifty members. This church now has two hundred and seventy-five members and three meeting-houses. The meeting-house in Meyersdale was erected in 1851. Bishop, C.G. Lint; ministers, John R. Lichty, S.P. Maust, U.D. Braucher, E.K. Hostetler, D.M. Fike. The first … Read more