The Congregation
Snow Hill's congregation was comprised of both celibate members of the Society and married members of the community.
We are indebted to the family of Mr. Elmer Gleim for a transcript of the gravestones at the "Nunnery Cemetary".
The Householders
Snowberger
Ella Snowberger wrote for the Morrisons Cove Herald., which published a booklet entitled "Ella's Recollections" each year. Doris Sink has transcribed "A Family From the Alps".
Knepper
"Antietam Ancestors", a publication by the Waynesboro Historical Society, printed a history of the family of Wilhelm Knepper. Read a transcript of "The Knepper Family"
Reed
Elizabeth Knepper, a member of one of the last generations listed in the Knepper Family history above married Samuel Reed. To learn about their family and descendants, read "The Reed Family of Quincy Township, Franklin County, Pa".
The Solitaries
For a list of the male Solitaries living at Snow Hill in 1850, click here
The last of the Solitaries of Snow Hill, Obed was truly a "man for all seasons" and a master of many talents.
The Vorstetters
The Vorstetters or Pastors at Snow Hill have been, in chronological order:
George Adam Martin
George Adam Martin was born near Lundschal, Germany, in 1715, baptized as a member of the Church of the Brethren in 1735, ordained as a minister in 1739, and a colorful character mentioned in most histories of the Church. Martin served various Brethren congregations until 1762 when he disagreed with the elders of the church on certain doctrinal matters. He formed his own congregation with about sixty others and was disowned by the Church. Elder Martin was married to Mary Knepper and had a number of children. He died on April 29, 1794 and is buried at Stony Creek, Brothers Valley, Somerset County, Pa.
To learn more about George Adam Martin, some in his own words, and how he came to lead the Antietam Awakening, we suggest you browse this chapter from "Chronicum Ephratense; A History of the Community of Seventh Day Baptists at Ephrata, Lancaster County, Penn’a"
John Horn
John or Johannes Horn left the Brethren Church with George Adam Martin and joined the Ephrata group. He also assisted in the formation of Snow Hill. Johannes married Catherine Knepper, the sister of Mary Knepper Martin. His will was probated on 28 March 1803 in Franklin County, Pa.
Peter Lehman
born 24 May 1757 and died 4 Jan 1823. Peter Lehman is buried in the Nunnery Cemeteries. Called "Father of Snow Hill, he died at the age of 65 years 7 months 8 days
Andreas Fahnestock
Andrew Fahnestock, born 1781, learned his German Seventh Day Baptist doctrine from Peter Lehman (originally from Ephrata), and was considered the logical successor upon Lehman's death in 1823. Fahnestock served (Snow Hill) for seventeen years He usually traveled on foot on his many journeys to the dwindling parent church. A picturesque character with a flowing white beard, dressed in a long drab coat, wearing a broadbrimmed white hat, and carrying a long staff, he was jokingly hailed by teamsters. One asked if he had ever seen the devil. The reply, which showed Fahnestock's sense of humor, 'I never want to see him plainer that I do now.' silenced the teamster." Andrew Fahnestock was a weaver, a farmer and also an inventor. He made a pump which sold for $14.50.
Benjamin Specht
In 1835, a young man named Benjamin Specht came to Snow Hill and joined the society. Specht had been born in 1812 near Stoystown at the top of the Alleghenies. He was devout and had composed a hymn entitled, 'Ich bin das brod des lebens, spricht Christian unser,' (I Am the Bread of Life). Having gained favor, Specht was elected pastor February 14, 1840. His term was short, for he died in 1843 at the age of thirty-one and was buried in the cloister cemetery.
John Riddlesberger
In 1845, John Redelsperger (Riddlesberger) was installed at Snow Hill as Lehrer (pastor) as Fahnestock was spending more time at Ephrata then Snow Hill. He continued to divide his time between Snow Hill and Ephrata, the home of his ancestors, and died after nearly forty years of service as pastor, serving both.
Abram Golley
chosen pastor1852
- - - Ely
Jacob McFerren
John Walk
John A. Pentz
W.A. Resser
Benjamin Miller
Vernon Will
probationer