Elizabethtown

(1902-)

The Gospel Messenger 01-08-1889 p 28 Vol. 27 No. 2

  I left home Dec. 10 to attend the dedicatory services of the new meeting-house in Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., PA. the name of this church is Chiques. It was organized in October, 1868, with about two hundred members and three minsters, viz.; Philip Zeigler, Jacob Reider and Samuel R. Zug. – the two former being now dead. Since its organization they have built three house, two 50x80 feet, and one 10x70,  costing, in all, over $12,000. The membership now numbers over 500, presided over by Eli. S. R. Zug, assisted by Jacob L. Eshelman, Jones P. price and A. l. Eshelman in the ministry, and J. W. Gibble, S. Gibble, B. R. Zug, D. M. Eshelman, J. S. Gerlach and H. ‘s. Zug as deacons.

  The old house in Elizabeth was to small for the growing congregation, and the church decided to build a new one, which was consummate in the early winter, the new house is “beautiful for situation,” and is spacious, plain and substantial, - being constructed of the best material the walls are brick and the inside finished with yellow pine, oiled. I judge it to be the largest church in town, of which there are quite a number. Many members reside in town, and their influence, financially and spiritually, is felt. If they continue humble and prayerful, and work aa he demands of the town require, a glorious future is before them.

  It was estimate that fully 1500 people turned out at the dedication. The house was full it its utmost capacity, but all cold not be admitted, consequently one had to go away. Brethren H. light, Jonas Price, Wm. Hertzler and Crouthamel, and  other churches,, were Present and took part in the service over Sunday. Bro. Light remained until Thursday, and preached in the day-time in the German language. I remained over Sunday. The attendance was good, - rather large throughout. There were about eight hundred or more at the last meeting previous arrangements called me way when the meeting should have been continued. There seemed to be much love and union among the brethren and sister, and my stay among the was pleasant.    J. A. Sell.  McKee’s Gap, Pa.