Only Better With Age Traditional Cache
OReviewer: As there's been no cache to find for a long time or has had no owner response for at least 30 days, I'm archiving it to keep it from showing up in search lists, and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements.
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You’re looking for a small well hidden lock n’ lock container. Please hide the cache the same or better then you found it.
Please use the large parking lot across the street from the cache.
This cache has been placed with permission by the owner of the property. Please do not attempt to locate the cache after dusk and as always be respectful.
Please notify us immediately through geocaching.com if you have any problems!
Old Holtzschwamm Paradise Union Church
This historic church originated in 1775. Rev. Jacob Goehring, who then lived at Carlisle, was the first pastor. Rev. John George Schmucker was pastor in 1809, and Rev. Conrad Reiman in 1817. The church was first owned by the Lutherans, and the congregation for many years was ministered to by the pastors of St. Matthew's Church of Hanover. Rev. Jacob Lischy, as early as 1750, performed the duties of a missionary through this section for German Reformed churches, and Rev. William Otterbein, of the same denomination, for a short time preached here.
February 15, 1826, an article of agreement was formed between the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, which gave to both equal rights and privileges to the church, church property and burying ground.
The following named church officers bound themselves and their successors to fulfill the articles of agreement: John Trostle and Ludwig Swartz, elders; and William Trostle, Samuel Zerfas, John Baker and Daniel March, wardens of said congregations, Lutheran and Reformed. It was witnessed by Henry King, John Wehler and George Trostle, and acknowledged before Jacob Ernst, February 27, 1826.
Since 1826 those who ministered to the Reformed congregation were: William Vandersloot, Charles Helfelstein, Daniel Ziegler, for twenty-seven years; Jacob Kehm, Jacob Zeigler and I. S. Weisz. Rev. O. P. Schellhamer has been pastor of the church since 1894. Its membership is about 300.
Rev. A. G. Deininger was pastor of the Lutheran congregation for fifty-one years in succession, and died September 28, 1880, aged eighty-six years. He was succeeded by Daniel Sell and Henry J. Darmstetter. In 1907 the congregation under the pastorate of Rev. E. Lenhart had a membership of 275. This church is a fine brick structure surrounded by a beautiful grove.
Take time to look around at the cemetery and structure of the church!
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