JGethliiiem ^^cminarn ^oiiieair. HISTORY RISE, PROGRESS, AND I'RESENT fOXDITlOX BETHLEHEM FEMALE SEMINARY. WITH A CATALOGUE OF ITS PUPILS. 1785 — 1858. By WILLIAM C. REICIIEL. rillLADELnilA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT k CO. 185S. ^ PREFACE. TuE object of this volume is to present to tiic friends of Bethlehem Female Seminary, and the public generally, a faithful record of whatever is of interest in connection with this Institution from its original foundation down to the present time. In order to do full justice to the sub- ject, the author has found it necessary to connect with the immediate history of the Seminary an account of the town and community in the midst of which it was reared and fostered, and under whose auspices, through the divine blessing, it has prospered, and exercised its benign influence upon the widely-extended circle of its pupils and friends, through the lapse of upwards of threescore years and ten. The same spirit which prompted the original founda- tion of the town of Bethlehem, and of other similar establishments of the Moravian Church, also led to the establishment of this Seminary, as well as of other educa- tional institutions of a like nature. And in either case, whether with town or seminary, the main intention was to implant into the human heart the vital principle of true faith in Christ and then, in connection with a due improvement of our various faculties and talents, to cultivate and develop this principle by such means and appliances as the Sacred Volume and a deep and varied experience, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, had suggested to the venerable founders of the Moravian Church and their successors. Ml48;5Gc) ^ PREFACE. In order to a correct comprehension of the original and legitimate object of a Moravian town and a Moravian seminary or boarding-school, it will be necessary to con- sider them both from a strictly religious point of view. And as both seminary and town, so far as regards the principles which underlie their true design, are so inti- mately connected with each other, it becomes necessary, if we would give a correct account of the former, so to entwine the history of both that the reader may at once clearly apprehend the correspondence which exists be- tween them, and thus be enabled to appreciate their respective characteristics and objects. The author is, at all events, confident that the present volume will be a welcome acquisition to all those who have been personally connected with this Seminary in the capacity of pupils, and that it will revive and keep alive many fond and endeared memories of youthful j'-ears spent beneath the hallowed influences of Christian nurture. Those, too, who have heretofore superintended the Insti- tution and taught in it, will no doubt greatly enjoy the numerous reminiscences which are here called up, and, moreover, be enabled to transmit to their posterity, on the pages of this Souvenir, a true and proper record of their life and experience in this school. And those who now compose the Bethlehem Seminary, in their several capacities of principal, teachers, and students, when they look upon the ancient landmarks as they are here- with placed on record and preserved, and when they behold how the Lord has hitherto blessed and prospered the peculiar system of Christian education which others have devised and in which they have embarked, will feel greatly encouraged to a steadfast and consistent perse- PREFACE. ni verancc in this liii^h atul holy calling. And Khould the infornuition which this book may convey to the Chrifltian pjihlic coneernin 17 18 BETHLEHEM SOUVENIR. a portion of their time and means now for more than a century. As is well known to the readers of their history, the mission work was commenced in 1732, but a few years after the organization of the Moravian exiles who had found an asylum on the estates of Count Zinzendorf/ into a congregation of Christians, with the discipline and ritual of the old Bohemian and Moravian Church, styling themselves the United Brethren. Coeval with this renewal of the ancient Church, and the zealous activity of its members in behalf of the destitute heathen, was the interest manifested in the cause of education. Impressed with the importance of training their children in the way of the Lord, and preparing them for future activity in His service, the Church took the little ones of the flock into her especial keeping. In accord- ^ Lewis, Count Zinzendorf, a Saxon nobleman of wealth, talents, and prominent piety, is held in grateful remembrance by the Church of the Brethren, as having been the instrument, in God's hands, for its renewal and reorganization. It was in 1722 that he received on his estate, Berthelsdorf, in Upper Lusatia, a com- pany of Moravian exiles, descendants of followers of the Reformer and martyr John Huss, who had left their homes for conscience' sake June 17th of the same year, and Herrnhut, the seat of the first congregation, was commenced. As the ordinances and discipline of the old Church of the Moravian and Bohemian Brethren were here retained, and thus perpetuated, the present Church of the Brethren is a continuation of the former, and as such the oldest of the Protestant Churches, referring to the 1st of March, 1457, as the day of its origin. DETIILEIIEM SOUVKMIl. l!» ancc with the spirit of Iut s<»(i;il ropilRtiuiis, she colloptcd thcni into a separate body or class, intrusted tliciu 111 llic c'irr of jtioiis superintendents, jruidrd their feeble footsteps to the house of God, ;iiiarent that ere long application was made to the Brethren by many persons of other denominations, for the re- ception of children into their schools. Repeated requests of this kind, and (he hope of in- stilling lessons of piety and virtue into the liearts and minds of tho.se who at a future day would control the welfare of society, induced the Brethren to open board- ing-schools for the public in several of their villages 20 BETHLEHEM SOUVENIR. on the Continent of Europe, in England, and in the United States. The Church has always kept these institutions under her own charge, and has committed their supervision to ministers of the gospel, being desirous to inculcate lessons of heavenly wisdom upon the heart whilst storing the mind with know- ledge and forming habits of industry and order. The existence of many of these schools for more than half a century, and the constant patronage which they have enjoyed, certainly afford some evi- dence of their excellence, and especially of the bless- ing of God which has attended them, — this work having been undertaken in his name and for his sole glory. Bethlehem, the first permanent settlement of the Brethren in North America, was commenced, near the close of 1740,^ by the remnant of a Moravian colony ^ On the 22d of December, 1740, a party of Moravian Brethren left Nazareth (where they had been engaged since April in building a large house for the celebrated George Whitefield, intended by him for an asylum and a school for negroes) and commenced fell- ing trees on the spot where Bethlehem now stands. Their work was commenced amid many privations, the cold being intense, and a deep snow covering the ground. A small log house was com- pleted early in the next year, and such preparations as the winter season would allow forthwith made for the erection of a more com- modious dwelling. By the end of June, 1741, the timber was squared, and on the 28th of September the corner-stone of the " house at the Lehigh in the Forks of the Delaware" was laid with appro- priate solemnities. David Nitschman, the first bishop of the Re- newed Church of the United Brethren, conducted the ceremonies, BET II 1. 1: U K M SOU V K N 1 K. 21 whicli had boon s«'iit to Geor» Agency at IJothloheni. ' It consisted of fifteen married couples, five widowers, and twenty-two young men. On the latter it was expected the labor and hardships incident to a scttltMiicnt in a new country would chiefly fall. Brother Peter Buclilor led this first important colony to Pennsylvania. Among the number were several who afterwards became conspicuous as ministers and missionaries, aj. Nathaniel Seidcl, Gottlieb Bczold, Frederick Post, David Bishop, and Jo.«cph Shaw. There were P^nglish as well as German Brethren in the company. The vessel in which they sailed — the snow "Catharine," Captain Gladman — had been especially purchased and etjuippcd for the voyage. Constant intercourse between the Brethren in Europe and America, and the frequent transportation of colonists, rendered it expedient for the Church to have a vessel at her control. Accord- ingly, in 1743, the "Little Strength" was bought at London, and fitted out for sea. She was succeeded by the snow " Irene," built at New York in 1748. Nicholas Garrison, a Staten-Tslander. who had become acquainted with the Brethren, (having repeatedly carried their missionaries in his ship from the AVest Indies to New York,) and who joined their society in 1743, rendered the Church of his adoption effectual service, as an experienced .sea- captain, for the space of thirteen years. He took coinniand of the " Little Strength," and afterwards of the "Irene," which latter he navigated until 1756. A book of sailing-directions used on board the Irene, kept in Low Dutch, is yet preserved in the archives of the Church at lifthlehcni. November 20, 1757, the Irene, now under Cnptain Jncobson, cleared Sandy Hook for the la.«*t time, for when ten days out nlie was taken by a French pri- vateer. The hitter, with her prize. nia see, ears to hear, and a mouth to speak. Recollect, we never forget to use our mouth, our teeth, our palate, our ears, for the purposes they were given, — all which is pleasing to the Creator; whereas, our misusing them displeases him. But our hands and feet, such noble instruments, should be kept out of use, would this not be a sin ? dementia. Indeed, I think we should abhor the least impulse to idleness in future, as we would flee from an enemy ready to attack us. But, ladies, do you also pursue nice needlework, embroidery, tambour, drawing, and the like ? Prudentia. If you please, ladies, accompany me to the next apartment : the answer awaits you there. [Exeunt.] [They return.] BETHLEHEM SOUVENIR. 61 Clementia. I think you have brought to perfection what was in its infant state before. Louisa. I am of your opinion, Lady Clementia. Marcella. So am I. Florella. "We were speaking before of princesses heading their family affairs. A striking example occurs to me this moment. 1 allude to the present Queen of England, who, with her three eldest princesses, takes the chief care in nursing his Majesty the king in his illness.^ Louisa, She is, besides this, a lady of great character. Florella. Because of her great virtues and her maternal tender- ness, displayed not only towards her family, but towards all her subjects. Narcissa. Is the king dead ? Prudentia. No news have arrived of that, as yet. Last papers mention his illness not so dangerous. Laurella, [looking out of the window.] A coach holds down at our court. Industria, [to Laurella.] Please, madam, accompany me to see them alight. The equipage seems like that of Lady Eveline. [Exeunt.] [Enter Industria and Laurella, with Lady Eveline with her four daughters, Rosalinda, Amelia, Charlotte, and Emmeline.] Prudentia. Welcome, Lady Eveline, with your dear little ones. [Kisses them.] Industria, [to Eveline.] Surely, madam, your daughters have grown prettily since I saw them last. Laurella. So I think. Lady Eveline. They are, madam. Industria. But, Lady Eveline, we heard little Miss Emmeline has had the smallpox lately. Lady Eveline. She had, madam ; but, thank God, she has hap- pily recovered. Emmeline. I wished so much to die, good ladies, that I almost regretted my recovery ; yet ray kind mamma told me I ought to be pleased with the will of God, — which I obeyed. ' Charlotte, wife of George the Third. The king at this time was suffering from his first attack of insanity. 62 BETHLEHEM SOUVENIR. Prudentia. Obedience to parents is not only commendable, but a duty which divine and human laws require. Industria. As God is so kind as to allow no virtue unrewarded, he in a particular manner bestows his blessings on obedient children. Remember, little miss, to keep his commandments is entirely for your own good. Emmeline. I love our Saviour, madam, therefore I wished to die, when I was sick, that I might go to him. Industria. Dear little child ! [aside.] Continue, my dear, in the way begun, and follow your good mamma's instruction ; then if you die, sooner or later, you will go to heaven and see our Saviour eternally. Charlotte. I also love our Saviour. Amelia. So do I. Rosalinda. And I, good ladies. You cannot think -how many pretty things mamma tells us of him, — above all, of his love to his fallen creatures, which brought him from his throne to complete our salvation and eternal life by his death on the cross. Amelia. Mamma also told us he arose from the dead, and now sits on his throne at the right hand of his Heavenly Father and intercedes for us. Eveline. I am much rejoiced to find Lady dementia with her sisters here. dementia. So are we to see you, madam, with your dear children. Amelia, [whispering to Industria.] Good madam, I should like to live here. Industria. My dear, you have liberty to speak your mind before all the ladies. Be under no restraint here. Amelia, [courtsying.] I thank you, madam. Industria, [to the other children.] So you, my dears, do as if you were at home. We are all good friends to your mamma, and, for her sake, also your friends. Amelia. But mamma told us, when we are in company with ladies, children should not speak till called on : therefore, as I wished to acquaint Lady Industria with a thought of mine, I spoke it but softly, and find her goodness not only pardoned me, but, more, permitted me to speak my mind freely. Industria. I approve of your mamma's instructions, since good manners are an ornament to young ladies, and contribute a great deal to make them useful members of society. BETHLEHEM SOUVENIR. 63 Charlotte. I often am heartily ashamed, considering mamma's kindness in forming our minds with the best instruction in the world, that I am as yet not more capable of pleasing her. Prudentia. That is also very good in you, that you are con- vinced, without a person's telling you, that you are not as you should be : it is a good step taken for a happy amendment. Industria. But, miss, such a thought is not your own : it is wrought by a superior hand. Charlotte. Mamma told me it is our Saviour's. Amelia. Mamma warned us also, that if ever we were com- mended in company for good behavior, not to look on it as praise given to us, but to the grace of God that made us so. dementia, [to Evelina.] No doubt, dear madam, your daugh- ters will be in time ornaments to our sex, and jewels to their dear mamma. Laurella. So I think, madam. Evelina. I thank you, ladies. It is my earnest prayer to God that he may form them into his image and keep their souls in his hands, according to his gracious promises. With respect to society, I hope my poor advice tends only to make them no idlers. Prudentia. Their good manners charm me. Industria, [to Emmeline.] My dear, what will you give your good mamma for giving you such a good education ? Emmeline, [courtsying.] Oh, good madam, my sister and I often considered this point ; but mamma, noticing it, kindly informed us the greatest recompense for her pains would be if she could find we complied with her desires. CJiarlotte. Oh, our mamma is so good ! Prudentia. Your mamma is very good ; that is true, my dears : but know, your mamma acknowledges all that is good in her to be our Saviour's. Rosalinda. So she does, dear madam, as she often has told us. Industria. My little dears, you cannot lend too attentive an ear to your mamma's instructions with regard to spiritual or temporal things ; and I heartily wish all our young ladies had the same good opportunity to improve and cultivate their minds that you have. dementia. Nothing looks more despicable in company than a glittering young person without manners. Marcella. And how many are at this time neglected in their education ! 64 BETHLEHEM SOUVENIR. Narcissa. A poor girl, if she applies to good manners, industry, and cleanliness, is preferred to such a gaudy miss by all persons of true sense. Prudentia. Do the little misses find pleasure in industry ? Children, [courtsying and smiling.] Yes, ma'am. Evelina. They learn to knit, spin, sew, tambour, embroider, draw, and all a lady ought to learn ; and I must say, to their credit, it is a pleasure to them. Children. I thank you, ma'am. Louisa. I heard Miss Emmeline's voice is much admired in singing. Evelina. It is indifferent, madam; but, if you please, she may sing the verse she last learned. Industria. Please, ma'am, to permit her. Evelina. Emmeline, my dear, sing the verse you last learned, to the ladies. Emmeline, [courtsying, sings :] " All glory to the Sovereign Good, And Father of compassion,"