This brief sketch was published in a volume entitled Pages of History About Narrowsburg. It was published by Arthur N. Meyers and printed at Delaware Publications.

RR photo by Laurie Stuart

Reprinted from Pages of History About Narrowsburg,
By Arthur N. Meyers
October 1, 1932

It was on the 25th day of August 1869 that the Lutherans in and about Narrowsburg laid the cornerstone of their beautiful church, where for over sixty years they have worshipped God in the beauty of Holiness.

Indeed, it is to be regretted that we do not have more specific details concerning the beginnings which were made in the year 1868. We are able to gather from the meager records, however, that a farmer by the name of George Kelz called Pastor J. Goetz, of Honesdale, Pa., to baptize his child. He told the pastor of the number of Germans living in and around Narrowsburg. The pastor, availing himself of the opportunity, gathered these scattered Lutherans together and conducted services in the German language. These services were continued by Pastor Herman, who succeeded Pastor Goetz in Honesdale. Then, for a short period, Pastor Frankfort of Hawley, Pa., conducted services once a month.

Sometime in the year 1868, these Lutherans decided to organize as a congregation. They extended a call to Pastor Detzer of Paterson, N. J., to become their shepherd. Through the courtesy of the board of trustees of the Methodist Church, services were held in their house of worship. This small but aggressive group of Lutherans felt, however, the immediate need for their own house of worship. The plans were soon ready.

But they had the unfortunate experience just at that time to lose their pastor. The outlook was rather discouraging. But with a determination that was based upon the fact that they were about their Father’s business, they decided to go ahead with their plans. Being actuated by that love for the Gospel as it is proclaimed by the Mother Church of the Reformation, those staunch Germans, in the true spirit of a Luther of old, went diligently about their work, contributing what they had in the way of means and muscle. For the church as we behold it today is in its essential parts the physical expression of their handiwork, as well as a living monument to their spiritual ambitions.

Nor were they alone, for God provided them with another leader in the person of Pastor C. Starker, who laid the cornerstone in the new church building on August 25, 1869. The building was ready for service and consecrated on the 4th Sunday in Advent of the same year.

Another progressive step was taken during the pastorate of Pastor J. F. Wilken, who succeeded Pastor Starker. At a congregational meeting on September 28, 1872, a resolution was passed to join the Synod of Pennsylvania. The congregation withdrew from this Synod at a later date in order to affiliate itself with the Ministerium of New York upon whose territory it is located. Pastor Wilken also deserves credit for building the Sunday School room, he himself advancing the money without interest. But suddenly he passed away and he was buried among his people.

Pastor Borchard became his successor. In 1879, the New York Ministerium sent Pastor George Buch to Narrowsburg. During his time, the friendly parsonage was built. Since 1879 several pastors served the congregation: Pastor Carl Schmalz, 1879-1881; Pastor J. M. Steiner, 1881-83; Pastor J. J. Dietrich, of Suspension Bridge, 1883-85. In 1885, the Rev. Otto Posselt returned from the mission fields of South Africa and came to Narrowsburg. His successor was Pastor Lorenz, 1887-89.

The situation changed then. The pulpit was supplied from the year 1889 until the year 1910 by pastors residing at Port Jervis or Middletown, New York. Pastor William Drach of Middletown, N. Y., became his successor. The young people came forward with a request to have one service conducted in the English language, to which Pastor Drach readily responded. The successors of Pastor Drach were: pastors Trebert, Meinecke, Theodore Posselt, a son of Otto Posselt, a former pastor, and Pastor Schaffer.

While this arrangement provided for services, it was unsatisfactory. Consequently, the congregation decided to elect a regular full-time pastor. Pastor Henry Meyer, who had become well acquainted with the congregation while still a student at Mt. Airy Seminary was called to become the first full-time pastor after a lapse of many years. During his ministry, the Ladies’ Aid Society was organized. His pastorate occupied a period of about three years, 1910-13. A new organ was purchased by the congregation while Pastor Theodore Palleske was the minister, 1913-14. In June 1915, Pastor F. W. Otten began a four-year pastorate, 1915-1919. It was productive of much good work. During this period, the fiftieth anniversary was celebrated. The beautiful church windows we all admire so much were secured through pastor Otten’s efforts. The Rev. H. A. F. Kern, D. D., became pastor in June 1920, and remained with the congregation until October 1922.

The Rev. Conrad R. Reisch, a senior in the Mt. Airy Seminary, received a call from this congregation and became pastor after his graduation in May, 1923. His resignation, which was received in October 1927, was accepted in a deep spirit of regret. During this period of a little over four years, he had won his way not only into the hearts of his people but into the life of the community as a whole. A farewell dinner given to him by the church and the people of the community on his departure was indeed a fitting testimony of their love for the pastor and the man. During his pastorate, the old parsonage was sold and the house next to the church was purchased for that purpose. The budget system and the every member canvass were introduced. Electricity and new electric fixtures were installed during this period.

The pastorate of Rev. Raymond E. Agnew began on June 1, 1928, immediately after his graduation from the Seminary in Philadelphia, Pa. Large accessions characterized his work. A good attendance at services became the rule rather than the exception. The interior of the church and Sunday school was renovated during his pastorate so as to present a most pleasing and religious appearance. Keeping up with the times, we now find the English language used in the services. However, an occasional German service is still held for the benefit of a few of the older people.

To read a feature on Pastor Phyllis Haynes, click here.