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 A Brief History of Tabor
Tabor dates back to 1760, when George Steitz, the founder of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, gave land to church officials for the price of five shillings and the “payment of one red rose in the month of June forever.” Because of this, Tabor is known as the Red Rose Church and celebrates this rental payment still today, over 240 years later. We're making plans now for our 250th Red Rose Anniversary in 2010, which promises to be a year-long celebration.
Expanded History
Tabor is a church that has dominated the religious, historical, and architectural
life of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, since 1792. Her ties to the community can be traced
 even further, dating back to 1760. American Indians claimed the land Tabor now stands on until sometime in the early 1700’s, when the land was taken over by German settlers. By 1756, plans were being laid out for a city to be called Steitztown (in honor of George Steitz), later named Lebanon. On June 10, 1760, Steitz deeded Lot #136 to Frederick Steindorff, Felix Miller, and Jacob Sollinger, all deacons of the Dutch Presbyterian Congregation (Reformed Church), for five shillings. It is recorded that he sold the lot “well regarding the advancement of true religion and piety and favoring the members of the said congregation of the Reformed Church.” Rather than usual ground rent payment, Steitz asked only for the yearly payment of “one red rose,” thus beginning a tradition Tabor proudly continues to this day.
A log church was constructed and dedicated on July 18, 1762, during the pastorate
of Frederick Miller. It was at this time that the name Tabor was given to the
 Reformed congregation. In 1777, two hundred Hessian prisoners of war and their wounded were housed in the church. Sometime during the winter of that same year, many of the Hessians escaped from the church, leaving no trace of their whereabouts. This log building served as the home of the Reformed congregation until June 6, 1792. On that date, lightning from a severe storm caused extensive damage; no fire ensued, but all the windows were broken and the tower was destroyed. The early Reformed congregation members worshipped at Salem Lutheran Church until a new church could be built.
No time was wasted, as the cornerstone was laid for a limestone structure on June 26, 1792. Rev. William Hendel preached the sermon on this special day, quoting scripture from Genesis 28:22. The names of builders, carpenters, stonemasons, and metal workers were carefully recorded. The project took 4 years to complete and cost approximately $6,500, but the outcome was a 42-foot by 62-foot house of worship. Three services were held on May 8, 1796, the day of the dedication of the building.
 The first major addition to Tabor benefited the ministry of music: in 1809, a pipe organ was installed. A stone wall constructed in 1772 or 1773 was replaced in 1816, bounding the northern and eastern sides of the graveyard. Parishioners were called to worship at Tabor by the ringing of two bells from the belfry on the roof of the church. In 1827, an imposing stone tower was constructed on the south side of the building. The stone base of the tower was topped by two wooden spires that made Tabor the tallest building in Lebanon.
An ever-growing congregation embarked on a building project in 1844 that would change the configuration of Tabor and develop the church as we know it today. A second story was also added at this time, becoming the center of worship for the main services. Perhaps the most interesting aspects of the second story addition are the lintels located above the second story windows. Moving from north to south along the Tenth Street side of the building, these lintels are carved in German and can be translated as follows:
- “High German Reformed Church – Rebuilt A.D. 1844”
- “The sensible man likes to learn God’s Words, and he who loves wisdom has learned gladly.”
- “The cornerstone of this church was laid the 26th of June 1792.”
- “Lord, let Thine eyes be upon this house day and night. Hear the cry of Thy people.”
- “The law of Thy mouth is dearer to me than many thousand gold and silver pieces.”
- “Do penance, and believe in the Gospel.”
Tabor Reformed Church Choir—1861
The first brick chapel was built in 1872 and later enlarged in 1890. In 1914, the present chapel was built, after the sale of the cemetery west of Tenth Street.
First Reformed Church group—1906
Confirmation class of 1911
Tabor’s Legacy of Leadership
To lead these people, Tabor has been blessed with pastors that have been pioneers in the field of religion. Nineteen pastors have served Tabor through several name changes and over 240 years of worshipping God:
• Rev. Frederick Casimir Mueller
• Rev. William Stoy
• Rev. Dr. John Conrad Bucher
• Rev. John William Runkel
• Rev. Andrew Lorentz
• Rev. Ludwig Lupp
• Rev. William Hiester
• Rev. Henry Kroh
• Rev. Henry Wagner
• Rev. Dr. Franklin W. Kremer
• Rev. David E. Klopp
• Rev. Edward S. Bromer
• Rev. Howard E. Bodder
• Rev. William D. Happel
• Rev. Paul C. Shumaker
• Rev. Malcolm E. Barr
• Rev. W. Miller-Price, Interim Pastor
• Rev. David C. Mark
• Rev. David Goode, Interim Pastor
• Rev. Michael Dack
• Rev. Winfield Engler
• Rev. Joseph W. Hedden, Jr |
1762-1766
1766-1768
1768-1780
1782-1784
1785-1786
1786-1798
1800-1828
1828-1835
1835-1851
1851-1889
1889-1898
1898-1905
1906-1909
1910-1938
1939-1943
1943-1973
1973-1974
1974-1992
1992-1993
1993-1996
1996-1997
1997 |
 Malcom E. Barr |
Of this list of pastors, two seem to be outstanding among those that served at Tabor’s altar. John Conrad Bucher came from Switzerland to America in 1756, entering the British Military Service. On April 19, 1760, Bucher was commissioned a lieutenant, and later a captain, and took part in the war that is known as Pontiac’s Conspiracy. When the Revolutionary War began, Bucher accepted a chaplaincy in the “German regiment,” so called because is was composed of soliders from the Pennsylvania Counties. Rev. Bucher entered upon his duties in Lebanon in 1768 and continued until his death on August 15, 1780, while officiating at a wedding. So esteemed was Rev. Bucher that, although a hearse was waiting to carry his body back to Lebanon from Annville, his friends would not allow it, choosing instead to carry their dead pastor on their shoulders to his home, a distance of 5 miles.
The longest pastorate in the history of Tabor was that of Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Kremer, who began his duties April 1, 1851 and served for thirty-eight years, until June 14, 1889. It was while conducting a funeral cortege that his horse and carriage was struck by a fast express on the Lebanon Valley Railroad, at the crossing near the Hill Church. During Kremer’s ministry, the church grew in numbers and influence. Records indicate that Rev. Kremer officiated at 3,245 baptisms and 1,754 confirmations, and conducted 1,247 marriages and 1,647 funerals.
Circa World War I
Much more of the history of Tabor lies in her people than the building itself. Members of Tabor have always been active and have shown great consideration for the growth of the church, as well as the welfare of the community. We invite you to come and listen to our stories of tradition, friendships, and faith and service to Jesus Christ.
Come, make a friend at Tabor. |
