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Memories of the York Church - Anna Sheets

I didn't expect to come up here to give a talk this evening. It is quite a surprise to me, but since my name was mentioned and I have heard some people talking this afternoon about this Church I thought I would make a little explanation.

I think my memories go back pretty far. I well remember the time before we had Churches. Our house was built for the purpose of holding meetings. We had three large rooms with removable partitions. The meeting was at our place every 16 weeks. If I am not mistaken there were also meetings in New Freedom at Bowser's place. That house was built for the same purpose. In 1872 the Church at Loganville was built, then we went to Loganville to worship.

My grandmother was living with us and always went along, she thought it was so far and said that she would like to have a Church built somewhere within two miles of our home, we were then living at Brillhart Station. Then my grandmother said, "Now since we have a church at Loganville we want to have one nearer home." So she gave my Father money, I do not know exactly how much it was. He was to keep the money until he would find a proper place to build a Church. So after we moved over here then Father said, "Now is the time to build that Church." So we went to Loganville and asked the council; they told him it would be all right, but the meeting house was to be built on our farm. Then, of course, it seemed farther to town than it does now. Father knew the people could not come out here to attend services so he looked for a suitable place in the City. He purchased this place from Alexander Smyser. The price was supposed to be $1200.00 but Mr. Smyser donated $400.00; the other money my grandmother had given to my father, paid for the land where this Church now stands.

I heard this afternoon that some people were under the impression that my father bought the land and gave it to the Church. Being a Trustee he bought it in the name of the Church with the money given him in about the year 1874.

I think not many here would remember my grandmother, she was Lydia Landes Sprenkel. She was baptized in 1838 in the Big Conewago creek near the home of L. F. Latshaw.

How many members are here this evening that were members when the First Church here was built?

It surely was worth while when you see how many members arc here now. God knew where he wanted a Church when in 1874 through Grandma Sprenkel he started His Church here. I thank you.