The History of the Organization of
St. James' Lutheran Church

During the summer of 1881, three members of the Mt. Union Lutheran Church, namely Messers. John W. Angel, Henry H. Rowe, and Abram E. Null, and two residents of Union Bridge, namely Mr. D.C. Derr and Prof. James Yeats, the former a member of the Lutheran Church in Funkstown, Md. and the latter a member of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and Rev. D. B. Floyd, the pastor of Uniontown Charge of which Mt. Union was a component part, were considering the propriety of establishing a Lutheran Congregation in the town of Union Bridge.

After due notice had been given, the question was submitted to the Mt. Union Congregation on Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 1881. By a rising vote (but one member voting in the negative), the members present composing the congregation, expressed their willingness to dispose of their interest in the church property at Mt. Union, and to remove their church home to Union Bridge, provided the Lutherans in and about Union Bridge would join them in the erection of a church building in Union Bridge.

The same day on which this vote was taken, Oct. 23, 1881, at t o'clock p.m., the pastor of the Uniontown Charge preached his first sermon in Union Bridge. The services were held in the hall above Mr. Jessie Anders' store. The sermon was based on the text found in Matthew 16:26; "For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Besides filling his other four appointments in the charge, Rev. D. B. Floyd, from the above date, held divine service regularly every two weeks in Anders' Hall, Union Bridge.

The following paper was drawn up by Rev. D. B. Floyd and submitted to the Lutherans of Union Bridge for their signatures:

"Christian churches should be planted in centers of population. The present population, spirit of enterprise and numerical growth of Union Bridge demand an extension of the field of Christian activity. The church of Jesus Christ should always move abreast with the spirit of noble worldly enterprise. There is need of another church of Jesus Christ in Union Bridge. Just at this time there seems to be a remarkably favorable opportunity for the permanent establishment of a Lutheran Church in this growing town. The hand of Providence has now opened the way for this branch of the church of Christ. God waits only for the respective names hereto, we the undersigned Lutherans and other Christians of Union Bridge, thus signify our willingness to cooperate with the brethren of the Mt. Union Church in the organization of a Lutheran Congregation in Union Bridge."

This document with the preceding facts was presented to the consideration of the Middle Conference of the Maryland Synod at the meeting in Taneytown, Oct. 31st, 1881. The Conference appointed H.W. Kuhns, and Messrs. John W. Angel and D.C. Derr whose duty it should be to consider further the feasibility of organizing a Lutheran Congregation in Union Bridge. The committee went to work at once. The chairman, Rev. D.B. Floyd, drew up the following article of agreement:

"Whereas it is our opinion and belief that the erection of a Lutheran Church in Union Bridge, Carroll County, Maryland would promote the glory of God and would extend the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ among men - would be the means of producing greater opportunities for the salvation of souls - would open up wider fields of Christian activity and usefulness and would be a lasting benefit to ourselves and those who may come after us; therefore, resolved that we the undersigned members of the Lutheran and other church residing in and about Union Bridge, hereby agree to join the Mt. Union Lutheran Congregation as members of the same with the following understanding, viz:

1. That by this uniting, the Mt. Union congregation shall erect a Lutheran Church edifice in the town of Union bridge on a lot as desirable as can be secured, at such time as may be within limits attainable.

2. That in case of failure to erect a house of worship in Union Bridge, our connection with the Mt. Union Congregation shall be left to our discretion, and the privilege of withdrawment shall be granted us in order to unite with other churches more convenient.

3. That after this church edifice shall have been erected in Union Bridge, the church organization may be removed thereto, provided an earlier period of removal should not be deemed more favorable. But if said organization should, for any reason remain at Mt. Union, after the church shall have been built in Union Bridge, and certificates of honorable dismissal shall be given by the Mt. Union Congregation to all communicant members who may desire to remove their membership thereto.

4. That we will do all within our power, by our prayers, by our effort, our influence, our pecuniary aid, toward the erection and establishment of a Lutheran Church edifice in Union Bridge.

5. That in harmony with the spirit of the document already signed by us, looking toward the erection of a church in Union Bridge, we hereby renew our obligation to cooperate with our brethren in every way pointing to the effectual consummation of the desired end.

6. That to signify our determination to carry out the spirit and letter of the preamble, resolutions, etc. embodied in this document, we hereby affix our respective signatures to the same."

After notice of time and place of meeting had been duly given, this article of agreement was submitted by the committee to all parties concerned in Anders' Hall, Union Bridge, Nov. 28th, 1881. The committee were all present except Rev. Dr. Diehl. The agreement was signed by sixteen of the afore-said twenty-one Lutherans of Union Bridge...The sixteen Lutherans of Union Bridge who attached their signatures to this agreement were received at the same time and place as members of the Mt. Union Congregation by the pastor in the presence of the assembled congregation. A building committee was appointed at this meeting consisting of Rev. D.B. Floyd, Messrs. John W. Angel, Abram E. Null, F.T. Bively, James Yeats, H.H. Rowe, and D.C. Derr and Henry T. Williams, the last refusing to serve. This building committee proceeded at once to obtain a location for the church building. Two available lots were considered - the one was a corner lot on which the church now stands, and the other lots was located on the same street, but nearer the Dunker Church and not on a corner. The committee were divided on the selection of one of these lots - three members standing for one and three for the other. The pastor had the casting vote. Both sides pledged themselves to be satisfied with the decision which he should make. He decided in favor of the lot on which the church now stands. The lot having been received, the pastor went to work to solicit subscriptions for the church building. He secured subscriptions which amounted to $1800.00. In March, 1882, the ground was broken for the church structure, the original dimensions of which were to be 45'x65', Gothic architecture with lecture room, audience chamber and vestibule and tower.

For causes over which he had no control, Rev. D.B. Floyed resigned the Uniontown church April 1st, 1882 to accept a call to Boonsboro, MD.

Written by Rev. D.B. Floyd and transcribed by Rev. C.L.T. Fisher.

The following, most of which is taken from the "Union Bridge Index", a weekly paper issued at his time, connects the foregoing with the subsequent history of the church.

Suddenly and no doubt providentially, Mr. Floyd was called to another field of labor. The little flock thus left without a shepherd, was somewhat discouraged and suspended building for one year, not giving up as was commonly reported. During the following summer, Abram E. Null burned 180,000 bricks, finding all material, etc. which as accredited as his subscription to the church. Most of the stone were donated by Mr. Solomon Shepherd. Stone, brick and sand were nearly all hauled free of charge. Messrs. W.W. Ogle and Ben F. Phillips laid the stone and brick, (On May 24th, 1883, the cornerstone was laid). Joseph Wolf Esqr. was the architect and builder..."

Although it was the original intention and understanding that the entire membership of Mt. Union would remove their church home to Union Bridge, yet when the time came for such removal, there were some who refused to do so. These kept up, contrary to the understanding, the Mt. Union Organization. It became necessary to form a new organization at Union Bridge. This was done on Sunday, Dec. 30, 1883, just one week before the dedication of the church.

When this organization took place, it was no longer a part of the Uniontown Charge, the Mt. Union Congregation still existing and constituting the usual number of churches in said charge. The church in Union bridge now began to look forward to the formation of a separate charge, and by correspondence with the Board of Home Missions, it was ascertained that the congregation would be received as one of its missions when a suitable pastor could be secured. Rev. W.S. Delp continued to supply the church with preaching every two weeks till July, 1884.

Rev. Fisher, then a member of the middle class of the seminary at Gettysburg, having indicated to the Board of Home Mission his purpose to work in the home field when he should graduate, was recommended by the Board to the congregation as a supply during the summer. He served the church three months. When he returned to the seminary in the fall, the church was recommended to secure a permanent pastor at once. It held a congregational meeting, but failed to elect anyone, some preferring to wait till spring when Rev. Fisher could take charge permanently. This action did not meet with the hearty approval of the Board, but finally it consented to the plan and recommended Rev. Fisher to let himself be placed before the church as candidate for the pastoral relation.

A vote was taken, and it was almost unanimously agreed to let the charge remain vacant till spring. Rev. Fisher was selected, in the meantime, as a supply. During this time, he preached every two weeks, morning and evening or sent someone from the seminary or elsewhere to take his place.

In May, 1885, Rev. C.L.T. Fisher was elected unanimously as pastor and took active charge in July, when the church was formally received upon funds of the Home Mission Board. The church agreed to give $200.00 annually toward the pastor's salary while the Board agreed to give $400.00 making a total of $600.00. In October of the same year, (1885), Freedom Church was added to the charge and agreed to pay $100.00 a year, relieving the Board of that amount, whose duty it was then to pay $300.00 yearly.

A little addition was made to the membership of the church during his administration. He relinquished the charge in June 1886, and was succeeded by the Rev. M.E. McLinn who took charge July 1st, 1886, continuing as pastor until November 1st, 1890. During this time, an important change took place. Woodbine, Taylorsville, and Keysville were added to the charge, and in consequence of this, a division was effected with the ratification of Synod, and Union Bridge Charge will henceforth consist of Union Bridge and Keysville congregations.

A parsonage was built also during this time; a very pleasant, attractive, and comfortable home for the minister. The church debt was entirely cancelled, and the parsonage fund started which secured about a hundred dollars in the parsonage debt.

Spiritually, the church can be said to be progressing though no marked outpouring of the Spirit occurred.

Rev. G.G.M. Brown took charge March 1st, 1891 and resigned Dec. 1st, 1893, serving Union-Bridge Keysville Congregations for two years and nine months.

In May, 1894, Rev. Robert L. Patterson, then a student in the senior clas of the Gettysburg Theological Seminary, supplied the pulpit made vacant by the resignation of Rev. Brown. he was invited to visit the Keysville Congregation after which the two congregations extended him a call upon a salary of $500.00. The call was accepted, and he entered upon his labors June 9th, 1894. The church made steady and solid progress during his pastorate. The debt on the parsonage was reduced from $2100 to $1375.

During the summer of 1897, negotiations were begun for the addition of Mt. Tabor Congregation, Rocky Ridge, to the charge. Largely through the efforts of the pastor, this arrangement was consummated and Oct. 1st 1897, the charge was formed and the pastor's salary raised to $650.

On August 4th, 1899, Rev. Patterson announced his decision to return to the Theological Seminary for a post-graduate course of study and offered his resignation to take effect Oct. 1st following. The resignation was declined, but the pastor's wishes were finally yielded to, and the pastoral relation severed. Rev. Patterson's last services as pastor were held Sunday, Sept. 24th. Patterson's last services as pastor were held Sunday, Sept. 24th. The Holy Communion was administered in the morning, and the closing sermon preached at night from the text, Josh. 3:4, last clause of the verse. Length of pastorate, five years and four months. At a congregational meeting held Sept. 24, 1899, a call was extended to Rev. G. W. Enders, Jr. of Argusville, NJ which call was accepted; said acceptance dating from Dec 1. 1899.

Rev. G. W. Enders, Jr. resigned the pastorate Sept. 1st 1905. During this pastorate, the mortgage indebtedness-float-ing day of $1810 was paid-church and parsonage removed at a cost of $1200.

Rev. O E Bredgenzer, formerly of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Myersville, MD began his pastoral work Oct. 1st, 1905; ended Dec. 31, 1912. He kept no record of communions, deaths, baptisms, accessions either by confirmation or by letter, and marriages. The church councils were not elected and installed regularly, did no visiting- consequently, for seven years, according to these books, this charge has been dead.

Because of their inability to obtain a regular pastor, this charge called Gould Wickey, a seminarian, to supply them during the summer months. He began his duties May 4, 1913. His duties ended Sept. 15, 1913. This summer, it was agreed to raise the salary from $675 to $800, also agreed to renovate the parsonage, the cost thereof at this writing not known.

The pastorate of Rev. Geo. A. Royer began October 1st, 1913. Teh pastorate of Rev. Geo. A. Royer closed Jan 31, 1916.

Rev. W.O. Ibach elected June, 1916. Assumed pastorate on July 1, 1916. Rev. W.O. Ibach closed pastorate on Dec. 2, 1923.

At a congregational meeting held April, 1925, a call was extended to Rev. P.H. Wiliams of Riverdale, MD which was accepted and assumed work June1, 1925.

Lighting struck and set fire to the tower of the church on September 25, 1928, damaging the property to the amount of over $3,500. The damage was covered by insurance. In repairing the damage and restoring the tower, a number of other improvements were made on the exterior and interior.

A rededication service was held Nov. 26th. Mr. W.O. Hiltabidle, general secretary of Y.M.C.A. of York PA and a son of the congregation, made the address at the morning service Nov. 25, and the Rev. J.B. Rupley, secretary of the Maryland Synod preached at the afternoon service, conducting the service of the rededication, and Rev. William A. Wade, D.D. preached the sermon at the evening service. All services were largely attended.

In January, 1936, the council decided to make a special drive to cancel the debt on the social hall which was $260. Mrs. Chas. W. Fowble was appointed to make the canvas, and Rev. Williams was to write to members and former members who live at a distance for a contribution. The response of those canvassed and written to was generous, and the entire debt was cancelled in March, 1936.

Service of P.H. Williams ended June 30, 1941. The pastorate of Rev. Charles C. Sellers began July 1941 and ended Aug. 29, 1943. Rev. Sellers resigned the charge because of continued sickness in his family. he moved to Florida where he became pastor of a Presbyterian Church.

Dr. A.A. Kelly, a retired pastor residing at Oak Ridge agreed to act as regular supply pastor during the difficult years of World War II. He ended his pastorate on October 29, 1946 after serving faithfully for three years.

Richard H. Miller, a graduate of the Gettysburg Seminary was unanimously elected pastor by the Union Bridge, Keysville, and Rocky Ridge churches, and accepted a call to begin his pastoral duties upon graduation from seminary on November 1, 1946.

The preceding history of St. James Church was taken from the original record book which was begun on March 4, 1886.

On August 4, 1863, ground was broken for a new Educational Building. On October 27, 1963, the cornerstone for this building was laid. The Educational Building was dedicated on March 22, 1964 (Palm Sunday). Total cost of said building was $47,000. It was dedicated with a debt of $30,000. The pastor, Rev. W. A. Markley. In 1970, Union Bridge voted to go on their own. Since said date, the parsonage was remodeled, and Dr. Jacob W. Heikkinen, a professor of Theology at Gettysburg Seminary, served as vice-pastor from 1970-1973. In 1971, there was a mortgage-burning ceremony for the debt of the Educational building.

In July, 1973, Rev. Richard Michael, a newly graduated seminary student, became pastor and has served with great dedication throughout the past 33 years.