History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men
Chapter XXVII. Churches of the Mennonites, Dunkers, Reformed Mennonites, River Brethren, and Amish
Amos Herr was ordained minister in 1850. He was the first of the Mennonite ministers in Lancaster County, who conducted religious services in the English language. Several of their ministers in this county now preach in English
Herald of Truth, July 15, 1897, Page 221, 222, 223
OBITUARY
Brother Amos Herr of Lime Valley, Lancaster Co., Pa., one of the oldest and most widely known ministers of the Mennonite church in the county, died at his home near Lime Valley, on Saturday at 2 A.M., June 19, at the advanced age of 81 years, 3 mos. and 27 days. Bro. Herr was born on the farm upon which he resided his whole life time, on the 23d of Feb. 1816. He was a son of Bishop Christian Herr, who was a bishop and an efficient laborer in the church, and the author of a number of German Hymns which were published with his biography in 1887.
Bro. Amos was one of eight children of whom only the youngest, a sister, survives. Benjamin, who died about eight years ago, who was also a bishop in the church, was a brother. He (Amos) was ordained to the ministry in 1850, or in 1851, probably by Bishop Henry Shenk, and while, like most of our ministers, he followed the occupation of farming, the preaching of the Gospel, the gathering in of souls into the fold, and the building up of the Church was after all his life-work. He was, in this labor of love, in his time, no doubt the most active man in the Church. His comprehensive understanding of the word of God, his fluency as a speaker, his deep sympathies coupled with his warm social qualities, his devoted friendship, and affectionate love toward all make him a general favorite among all classes of people, and gave him an influence wherever he spoke, or whenever the people became acquainted with him, and the people listened to his earnest and lucid expositions of the scriptures with interest and with pleasure. He was called far and near to officiate at funerals among the different societies. He was ordained to the ministry when our people were accustomed to having all their church services conducted exclusively in the German language. Our brother's quick observation early convinced him that if the church would hold her young people, who were being educated in the English language, in the church, it would be necessary to preach the Gospel to them in English also; and for some time he was the only English Mennonite preacher in the county. His ready use of the English language and his willingness to preach to the people in that language attend much to his popularity among all classes. He was humble and submissive, in all his ways, and much devoted to his church and the principles and doctrines that she represents. He took an active part in securing the historical data and testimonials contained in the little volume, "The Mennonite Church and Her Accusers." In fact he collected a large portion of the facts concerning the stability and character of the Church as represented in that work and he was zealous in refuting bodily the unjust charges so unblushingly brought against her. He always was a warm and devoted friend to the HERALD OF TRUTH and the Mennonite Publishing House. He was deeply interested also in the Sunday school cause, and did all he could in every way to advance the cause of Christ. Indeed he was one of the strongest and ablest defenders of the Mennonite Church, and in his death we lose truly a Pillar of the Church.
From an exchange we copy the following: "He was ordained to the ministry about fifty years ago, and it was in the discharge of his duties, as an expounder of the Gospel, that he became known to the whole community, and commanded the esteem and respect of all its citizens. Until the time of his demise, he had an active charge of the Brick Church, at Willow Street, and also the Strasburg and New Providence charges. His abilities were soon recognized beyond that circumscribed district, and he was frequently called to distant points, to officiate at funerals, and in other functions. In matters where legal or financial points became involved in church affairs, or when questions demanding deliberate considerations arose, his able advice was almost invariably sought and his wisdom followed with beneficent results. As a citizen he was honored no less than as a minister, and his eminent qualifications of mind and heart endeared him to numberless friends, by whom his demise will be deeply and universally mourned." He had several attacks of vertigo the latter part of March, followed about a month before his death by heart failure. He recovered partially from both of these attacks, but later on his entire system seemed to give way to general debility and nervous prostration. His remains were laid to rest on the 22nd at the Brick meeting house where a large concourse of people had gathered to show their love and respect for the faithful minister who had labored so earnestly for almost half a century to build up the cause of Zion.
He leaves a sorrowing companion and four children to mourn his death. But we feel sure that our loss is his eternal gain. Peace to his ashes.
Chapter XXVII. Churches of the Mennonites, Dunkers, Reformed Mennonites, River Brethren, and Amish
Amos Herr was ordained minister in 1850. He was the first of the Mennonite ministers in Lancaster County, who conducted religious services in the English language. Several of their ministers in this county now preach in English
Herald of Truth, July 15, 1897, Page 221, 222, 223
OBITUARY
Brother Amos Herr of Lime Valley, Lancaster Co., Pa., one of the oldest and most widely known ministers of the Mennonite church in the county, died at his home near Lime Valley, on Saturday at 2 A.M., June 19, at the advanced age of 81 years, 3 mos. and 27 days. Bro. Herr was born on the farm upon which he resided his whole life time, on the 23d of Feb. 1816. He was a son of Bishop Christian Herr, who was a bishop and an efficient laborer in the church, and the author of a number of German Hymns which were published with his biography in 1887.
Bro. Amos was one of eight children of whom only the youngest, a sister, survives. Benjamin, who died about eight years ago, who was also a bishop in the church, was a brother. He (Amos) was ordained to the ministry in 1850, or in 1851, probably by Bishop Henry Shenk, and while, like most of our ministers, he followed the occupation of farming, the preaching of the Gospel, the gathering in of souls into the fold, and the building up of the Church was after all his life-work. He was, in this labor of love, in his time, no doubt the most active man in the Church. His comprehensive understanding of the word of God, his fluency as a speaker, his deep sympathies coupled with his warm social qualities, his devoted friendship, and affectionate love toward all make him a general favorite among all classes of people, and gave him an influence wherever he spoke, or whenever the people became acquainted with him, and the people listened to his earnest and lucid expositions of the scriptures with interest and with pleasure. He was called far and near to officiate at funerals among the different societies. He was ordained to the ministry when our people were accustomed to having all their church services conducted exclusively in the German language. Our brother's quick observation early convinced him that if the church would hold her young people, who were being educated in the English language, in the church, it would be necessary to preach the Gospel to them in English also; and for some time he was the only English Mennonite preacher in the county. His ready use of the English language and his willingness to preach to the people in that language attend much to his popularity among all classes. He was humble and submissive, in all his ways, and much devoted to his church and the principles and doctrines that she represents. He took an active part in securing the historical data and testimonials contained in the little volume, "The Mennonite Church and Her Accusers." In fact he collected a large portion of the facts concerning the stability and character of the Church as represented in that work and he was zealous in refuting bodily the unjust charges so unblushingly brought against her. He always was a warm and devoted friend to the HERALD OF TRUTH and the Mennonite Publishing House. He was deeply interested also in the Sunday school cause, and did all he could in every way to advance the cause of Christ. Indeed he was one of the strongest and ablest defenders of the Mennonite Church, and in his death we lose truly a Pillar of the Church.
From an exchange we copy the following: "He was ordained to the ministry about fifty years ago, and it was in the discharge of his duties, as an expounder of the Gospel, that he became known to the whole community, and commanded the esteem and respect of all its citizens. Until the time of his demise, he had an active charge of the Brick Church, at Willow Street, and also the Strasburg and New Providence charges. His abilities were soon recognized beyond that circumscribed district, and he was frequently called to distant points, to officiate at funerals, and in other functions. In matters where legal or financial points became involved in church affairs, or when questions demanding deliberate considerations arose, his able advice was almost invariably sought and his wisdom followed with beneficent results. As a citizen he was honored no less than as a minister, and his eminent qualifications of mind and heart endeared him to numberless friends, by whom his demise will be deeply and universally mourned." He had several attacks of vertigo the latter part of March, followed about a month before his death by heart failure. He recovered partially from both of these attacks, but later on his entire system seemed to give way to general debility and nervous prostration. His remains were laid to rest on the 22nd at the Brick meeting house where a large concourse of people had gathered to show their love and respect for the faithful minister who had labored so earnestly for almost half a century to build up the cause of Zion.
He leaves a sorrowing companion and four children to mourn his death. But we feel sure that our loss is his eternal gain. Peace to his ashes.
History of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men
Chapter XXVII. Churches of the Mennonites, Dunkers, Reformed Mennonites, River Brethren, and Amish
Amos Herr was ordained minister in 1850. He was the first of the Mennonite ministers in Lancaster County, who conducted religious services in the English language. Several of their ministers in this county now preach in English
Herald of Truth, July 15, 1897, Page 221, 222, 223
OBITUARY
Brother Amos Herr of Lime Valley, Lancaster Co., Pa., one of the oldest and most widely known ministers of the Mennonite church in the county, died at his home near Lime Valley, on Saturday at 2 A.M., June 19, at the advanced age of 81 years, 3 mos. and 27 days. Bro. Herr was born on the farm upon which he resided his whole life time, on the 23d of Feb. 1816. He was a son of Bishop Christian Herr, who was a bishop and an efficient laborer in the church, and the author of a number of German Hymns which were published with his biography in 1887.
Bro. Amos was one of eight children of whom only the youngest, a sister, survives. Benjamin, who died about eight years ago, who was also a bishop in the church, was a brother. He (Amos) was ordained to the ministry in 1850, or in 1851, probably by Bishop Henry Shenk, and while, like most of our ministers, he followed the occupation of farming, the preaching of the Gospel, the gathering in of souls into the fold, and the building up of the Church was after all his life-work. He was, in this labor of love, in his time, no doubt the most active man in the Church. His comprehensive understanding of the word of God, his fluency as a speaker, his deep sympathies coupled with his warm social qualities, his devoted friendship, and affectionate love toward all make him a general favorite among all classes of people, and gave him an influence wherever he spoke, or whenever the people became acquainted with him, and the people listened to his earnest and lucid expositions of the scriptures with interest and with pleasure. He was called far and near to officiate at funerals among the different societies. He was ordained to the ministry when our people were accustomed to having all their church services conducted exclusively in the German language. Our brother's quick observation early convinced him that if the church would hold her young people, who were being educated in the English language, in the church, it would be necessary to preach the Gospel to them in English also; and for some time he was the only English Mennonite preacher in the county. His ready use of the English language and his willingness to preach to the people in that language attend much to his popularity among all classes. He was humble and submissive, in all his ways, and much devoted to his church and the principles and doctrines that she represents. He took an active part in securing the historical data and testimonials contained in the little volume, "The Mennonite Church and Her Accusers." In fact he collected a large portion of the facts concerning the stability and character of the Church as represented in that work and he was zealous in refuting bodily the unjust charges so unblushingly brought against her. He always was a warm and devoted friend to the HERALD OF TRUTH and the Mennonite Publishing House. He was deeply interested also in the Sunday school cause, and did all he could in every way to advance the cause of Christ. Indeed he was one of the strongest and ablest defenders of the Mennonite Church, and in his death we lose truly a Pillar of the Church.
From an exchange we copy the following: "He was ordained to the ministry about fifty years ago, and it was in the discharge of his duties, as an expounder of the Gospel, that he became known to the whole community, and commanded the esteem and respect of all its citizens. Until the time of his demise, he had an active charge of the Brick Church, at Willow Street, and also the Strasburg and New Providence charges. His abilities were soon recognized beyond that circumscribed district, and he was frequently called to distant points, to officiate at funerals, and in other functions. In matters where legal or financial points became involved in church affairs, or when questions demanding deliberate considerations arose, his able advice was almost invariably sought and his wisdom followed with beneficent results. As a citizen he was honored no less than as a minister, and his eminent qualifications of mind and heart endeared him to numberless friends, by whom his demise will be deeply and universally mourned." He had several attacks of vertigo the latter part of March, followed about a month before his death by heart failure. He recovered partially from both of these attacks, but later on his entire system seemed to give way to general debility and nervous prostration. His remains were laid to rest on the 22nd at the Brick meeting house where a large concourse of people had gathered to show their love and respect for the faithful minister who had labored so earnestly for almost half a century to build up the cause of Zion.
He leaves a sorrowing companion and four children to mourn his death. But we feel sure that our loss is his eternal gain. Peace to his ashes.
Chapter XXVII. Churches of the Mennonites, Dunkers, Reformed Mennonites, River Brethren, and Amish
Amos Herr was ordained minister in 1850. He was the first of the Mennonite ministers in Lancaster County, who conducted religious services in the English language. Several of their ministers in this county now preach in English
Herald of Truth, July 15, 1897, Page 221, 222, 223
OBITUARY
Brother Amos Herr of Lime Valley, Lancaster Co., Pa., one of the oldest and most widely known ministers of the Mennonite church in the county, died at his home near Lime Valley, on Saturday at 2 A.M., June 19, at the advanced age of 81 years, 3 mos. and 27 days. Bro. Herr was born on the farm upon which he resided his whole life time, on the 23d of Feb. 1816. He was a son of Bishop Christian Herr, who was a bishop and an efficient laborer in the church, and the author of a number of German Hymns which were published with his biography in 1887.
Bro. Amos was one of eight children of whom only the youngest, a sister, survives. Benjamin, who died about eight years ago, who was also a bishop in the church, was a brother. He (Amos) was ordained to the ministry in 1850, or in 1851, probably by Bishop Henry Shenk, and while, like most of our ministers, he followed the occupation of farming, the preaching of the Gospel, the gathering in of souls into the fold, and the building up of the Church was after all his life-work. He was, in this labor of love, in his time, no doubt the most active man in the Church. His comprehensive understanding of the word of God, his fluency as a speaker, his deep sympathies coupled with his warm social qualities, his devoted friendship, and affectionate love toward all make him a general favorite among all classes of people, and gave him an influence wherever he spoke, or whenever the people became acquainted with him, and the people listened to his earnest and lucid expositions of the scriptures with interest and with pleasure. He was called far and near to officiate at funerals among the different societies. He was ordained to the ministry when our people were accustomed to having all their church services conducted exclusively in the German language. Our brother's quick observation early convinced him that if the church would hold her young people, who were being educated in the English language, in the church, it would be necessary to preach the Gospel to them in English also; and for some time he was the only English Mennonite preacher in the county. His ready use of the English language and his willingness to preach to the people in that language attend much to his popularity among all classes. He was humble and submissive, in all his ways, and much devoted to his church and the principles and doctrines that she represents. He took an active part in securing the historical data and testimonials contained in the little volume, "The Mennonite Church and Her Accusers." In fact he collected a large portion of the facts concerning the stability and character of the Church as represented in that work and he was zealous in refuting bodily the unjust charges so unblushingly brought against her. He always was a warm and devoted friend to the HERALD OF TRUTH and the Mennonite Publishing House. He was deeply interested also in the Sunday school cause, and did all he could in every way to advance the cause of Christ. Indeed he was one of the strongest and ablest defenders of the Mennonite Church, and in his death we lose truly a Pillar of the Church.
From an exchange we copy the following: "He was ordained to the ministry about fifty years ago, and it was in the discharge of his duties, as an expounder of the Gospel, that he became known to the whole community, and commanded the esteem and respect of all its citizens. Until the time of his demise, he had an active charge of the Brick Church, at Willow Street, and also the Strasburg and New Providence charges. His abilities were soon recognized beyond that circumscribed district, and he was frequently called to distant points, to officiate at funerals, and in other functions. In matters where legal or financial points became involved in church affairs, or when questions demanding deliberate considerations arose, his able advice was almost invariably sought and his wisdom followed with beneficent results. As a citizen he was honored no less than as a minister, and his eminent qualifications of mind and heart endeared him to numberless friends, by whom his demise will be deeply and universally mourned." He had several attacks of vertigo the latter part of March, followed about a month before his death by heart failure. He recovered partially from both of these attacks, but later on his entire system seemed to give way to general debility and nervous prostration. His remains were laid to rest on the 22nd at the Brick meeting house where a large concourse of people had gathered to show their love and respect for the faithful minister who had labored so earnestly for almost half a century to build up the cause of Zion.
He leaves a sorrowing companion and four children to mourn his death. But we feel sure that our loss is his eternal gain. Peace to his ashes.
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