CHURCHES BETWEEN THE MOUNTAINS
A HISTORY OF THE
LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONS IN
PERRY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
by
REV. D. H. FOCHT, A.M.
CONCLUSION
I HAVE now finished my task. The history of the Lutheran Church in Perry County is now before the reader. From the earliest stages of her rise and progress to the present time we have followed her with patient interest and marked her gradual growth and various operations with delight. The small cloud that rose between the mountains nearly a century ago, now covers the heavens,--the feeble vine that was planted in the wilderness has thrown out its branches, and now occupies the land from mountain to mountain. From the past we look hopefully into the future. Much has been done; much remains to be done. But the great Head of the Church lives, and she shall live and prosper. He guided her thus far, and will guide her safely and triumphantly to the haven of rest eternal in heaven. If she is true to Christ and her mission, her future career will exceed in glory her past history. May the Lord Jesus baptize with the Holy Ghost her ministry and laity. May she rise and shine, her light come, and the glory of the Lord rise upon her!
"I love thy Zion, lord,
The house of thine abode;
The Church, O blest Redeemer, sav'd
With thine own precious blood.
I love thy Church, O God!
Her walls before thee stand,
Dear as the apple of thine eye,
And graven on thy hand.
If e'er to bless thy sons
My voice or hands deny,
These hands let useful skill forsake,
This voice in silence die.
If e'er my heart forget
Her welfare or her woe,
Let ev'ry joy this heart forsake,
And ev'ry grief o'erflow.
For her my tears shall fall;
For her my pray'rs ascend;
To her my cares and toils be giv'n,
Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heav'nly ways,
Her sweet communion, solemn vows,
Her hymns of love and praise."
