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 Zion's
Reformed Church. --Among the early
settlers of Greenville and vicinity, there were quite a number of the
Reformed faith, such as the Kamerers,
Reichards, Christmans, Wassers, and others.
For a number of years, they. were without church privileges, but in the
early part of this century, a church was erected, about three miles
south-west of Greenville, called the Good Hope Church, and owned jointly
by the Reformed and Lutheran congregations. On the Reformed side, they
were served for many years by Rev. Philip
Zeiser. In the spring of
1857, Rev. H. F. Hartman became pastor of four
congregations, near this place, and, in 1860, he organized a Reformed
church, in Greenville, consisting of thirty-two members. But, owing to his
many pastoral duties, he was unable to give much time to the care of this
infant congregation. Still, advancement was made in the procurement of a
house of worship. The Congregational Church, built in 1842, on Clinton
street, above Mercer, was purchased, and, in 1863, remodeled, at an
expense of some $2,000. In the spring of 1865, an invitation to become
pastor of the church, was extended to Rev. C. R.
Dieffenbacher, and, on the 1st of April, 1865, he entered upon his
work. At that time, but twenty-two of the original members were to be
found, but as they had now a pastor of their own, new life
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and courage
appeared, and the church rapidly increased. At the first communion, after
the present [1877] pastorate began, there were forty-three communicants,
and the highest number at any one time since, has been 135. The whole
number received into the congregation, by certificate, has been 204; and
by confirmation, ninety-nine; making a total of 303. The present
membership is about 160. Services are held in two languages, English and German.
In the latter, one-fourth of the time; but, as a large portion of the
membership does not understand that language, and but few require it, it
is hoped that it will be gradually abolished. Additions are made to the
congregation at almost every communion season, and its friends have reason
to believe that its permanency is secured, and its future growth certain.
The society has a flourishing Sabbath-school, with fifteen officers and
teachers, and 125 scholars. A catechetical class meets weekly, a greater
portion of the year.
History
of Mercer County, 1877,
page
100.
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