the misfortune of one minister In July, 1808 the Rev.d. Philip Gloninger became pastor of this congregation.  He is said to have been an “able man and a fine speaker.”  His labors were blessed and the congregation rapidly improved under him.  These spoke of him as having been an earnest devoted man of God’s faithful in dealing with his Catechismens, warning them against Sin, and urging them most earnestly to give themselves to the Savior.  The text of his introductory Serman was Esther 4:16 last clause: “Komme ich um, so komme ich um.”  (“and if I perish, I perish.”) Mother Heckert, who related this fact to the Rev. M. A. Smith , said, “Und ganz gewiss er ist auch umgekommen.” (“and with certainty he perished.”)  It seems that on a certain occasion in going to his appointments, he crossed or attempted to cross the Swatara Creek on the ice.  The ice gave way and he and his horse sank into the deep water.  But providentially he made his escape.  Yet from that day was dated the decease which some time after that terminated his earthly existence. [Back to tales of 1700s and 1800s ]