Rev. Peter S. Mack

Tribute to Rev. P. S. Mack in The Lutheran Observer

“Another standard-bearer in the army for the Lord has fallen, and has been carried to his rest. Rev. P. S. Mack, whose early death it becomes our sad duty to announce in the columns of the Observer, departed this life on the 10^th ( ? ), at Hummelstown, Pa., at the  age of 37 years, 6 months, and 2 days. He was born in Washington township, Berks county, Pa., and he received his literary and classical education at Trappe, Montgomery county, Pa. He taught school from 1860 to 1870, and studied theology principally in private. He felt it his duty to enter the ministry, and to preach the gospel was his steadfast purpose. He was of Mennonite parentage, and received a pious training in youth. He was licensed by the Synod of East Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, September, 1870. He resigned this mission in July, 1871, and accepted a call to the church at Watsontown, Pa. On account of the ill health of his family, after a successful pastorate of two years, he resigned, and took charge of Zion’s Lutheran church at Hummelstown, Pa., July 10, 1873. Here he was a successful pastor for nearly four years. His health failing, he was compelled to resign this charge. He preached his last sermon November 5, 1876. In the spring of 1877 he moved to Trappe, Montgomery County, Pa., and in nine months he so far recovered his health that he returned to Hummelstown in the spring of 1878, and opened a music store and taught music until his last illness commenced, four months previous to his death. He was elected a member of the school board of the borough, and held the position up to his death. He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his early departure.

Considering his years, and the mental and spiritual attainments he had already acquired, and the disadvantages under which he labored, he was a fine biblical and German scholar, and was also an accomplished musician, and taught a large class of pupils. During the last four months of his life he was a constant and severe sufferer from that dread disease, consumption [tuberculosis].  Well known and highly respected, his death made a deep impression in this whole community, as well as in the Church. Whether as a father of family, or minister of the gospel, or member of synod or conference, or as a teacher; whatever duties were made incumbent upon him he discharged with fidelity. He was a deeply spiritual man, and during his long illness his entire resignation to the will of God, his deep humility and unwavering faith, were often remarkable. To him faith truly was “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When dark clouds gathered around him, his faith changed even his darkness into brightness .It illumined his pathway and sweetened his sorrows. The long time of his sickness was as cheerfully spent in suffering the will of God, as the former part was in doing it. Never was a single murmur known to escape his lips, even under his severest sufferings. He had…

Souvenir History of Zion Lutheran Church, 1753-1893

“ He [Mr. Rizer] served the congregation as pastor until January 1, 1873 and was succeeded by Rev. P. S. Mack, of Watsontown, Pa, May 22, 1873.

On June 2, 1873, an amicable division of the charge was effected, and Hummelstown has since then constituted a pastorate by itself.

            It was Mr. Mack’s reward to witness the testimony of the Holy Ghost to his preaching in a precious religious awakening during the winter of 1874, when many who are still faithful to the consecration which they then made, gave their hearts to Christ, and the church had great joy in the Holy Ghost.

            Many of the things which he suffered, in body and in spirit, during his pastorate, [spirit of travail], may never be known, either by those who caused him anguish of heart by their impenitence, or by those who rejoiced his soul by their fidelity; but the following interesting entrance in his diary on January 1, 1875, shows that, as a true shepherd, he was deeply concerned about his flock:

January 1, 1875. –Have had heaviness of heart for some weeks; partly on account of ‘sins of the world,’ and seeming indifference and lukewarmness of so many professed Christians; and partly from, to me, inexplicable causes. ‘Cleanse thou me from secret faults,’ O god. By God’s help

“Resolved, that ‘I will leave all and follow Christ.’

Resolved, That I will consecrate myself anew and unreservedly to Christ in the ministry of reconciliation.

Lord, help me to this for Christ’s sake, amen.”

This private diary contains many allusions to his bodily sufferings, such as:

November 29.-Preached in the morning to ordinary audience,*** with unusual difficulty. Afternoon attended to Sunday-school duties with more satisfaction. Evening preached to good audience with more comfort.”

January 9, 1876.-Preached to large and very attentive audience with comfort. Taught Bible-class – room full. Evening preached to good audience with freedom, and labored with inquirers till 10. This was a precious day to us. Thank God!

August 27 I find this laconic reference:

“Camp-meeting-needs no comment!”

Mr. Mack was instrumental in organizing the Ladies’ Aid Society in 1875-a society which has performed faithful and devoted service almost continuously ever since. It was, as first organized, pledged to work “for the good of the church at home and abroad.” In January, 1881, it was merged into the Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society, and became an auxiliary of the synodical society. Mrs. Dr. Jacob Shope was its first president. Miss Alice Heckaman was a delegate to the Synodical convention at Schuylkill Haven in 1882. That year the society reported 45 active and five honorary members, and contributed $25. The following year the convention…The following letter is only a sample of the blessing of its work….

On March 11, 1877, Mr. Mack made the sad announcement to the Council that owing to his sickness, and upon the advice of several physicians, he would be compelled to relinquish his  duties as pastor. “With very deep regrets his resignation was accepted,” and a committee, consisting of F. Z. Stecher, John R. Stoner and Levi Ebersole was appointed to draft resolutions of respect and esteem.

He writes in the Church Record as follows: “Our relations were pleasant and harmonious, and , I trust, in every way profitable. To God be all the glory!”

While he was pastor he held 7 communions, baptized 54 children, solemnized 27 marriages, attended 46 funerals and received 48 new members.

He was a fine Biblical and German scholar, and an accomplished musician. He was also a man of earnest piety, thorough consecration to duty, and loyalty to his Master. His one controlling purpose was to preach Christ, Which he did until compelled to cease, and that was anguish to him.

He died in the triumphs of the faith, October 10, 1879.

The following action, proposed by Dr. Jacob Shope, was taken by the Church Council:

“Whereas, in the providence of an all wise God our much beloved brother and former pastor, Rev. P. S. Mack, has been removed by death from our midst; therefore be it

“Resolved. That we show our love and esteem for the deceased brother by taking his remains in charge, and burying them at our expense in the Hummelstown cemetery; and that a committee of three be appointed to make selection of and purchase said lot or lots. Said lot or lets shall be for the benefit of deceased clergymen, or members of their family who may die while residing in our midst, and said lot or lots to be the property of Zion’s Lutheran congregation, of Hummelstown, Pa.” (26-29).

 

From The Hummelstown Sun Peter Mack, 1842-10/10/1879  37 years, 6 months, 2 days

Darius Mack  1866? d. 3/27/1932, 66y 2m 200day,of Hummelstown married Minnie Prowell of Golldsbor (Goldsborough?) 8/29/1889

Mary Estelle Mack  married John B. Singer of Steelton 8/7/1894. Reception held at home of the

Bride’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. F. G. Stecher (Peter’s wife remarried?)

John Homer Mack

Luther Mack

Peter Stauffer Mack, 9/2/1874 – 7/4/1875 Infant son 

Harry Henderson Mack, 11/16/1875 – 7/7/1922

Jesse Baer Mack, youngest son, 7/12/1878 - 9/1//1881

Emanuel Rambo           d. 1881 Isadore’s father