Communion altar from Brickerville United Lutheran Church (originally Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church). Rectangular altar of painted softwood, panelled construction all four sides with pegged mortise and tenon joints. Small panels over large. Door in the back with a recessed panel and knob handle. Molding around base, the edge of the top, and framing the recessed panels.
Modification to altar in 1947 by Bob Helman (signature underneath when removed 10-17-00) was a long platform shelf covering the back 2/5 of the top, with holes at the back, including an electrical outlet. Entire altar has been given a new coat of paint, a light chocolate brown on top and white on the sides. The unpainted interior has one shelf with a vertical divider.
Altar has been used since circa 1800 to serve communion, using the Brickerville United Lutheran Church's ten-piece pewter communion service which is also in collections (P97.08.01-10).
Perhaps made by Emanuel Dyer of Manheim or Mr. Zartman of Brickerville.
Large crack on top, approx. 4" from front, running halfway across top. Recently painted. Some separation at moldings. Large hole bored in altar top (for electric wire) underneath the added platform, now removed. The modern base molding also removed. Repainted top with brown and attached molding at ends of top to secure plexi top. Paint removed on door.
Object ID
P.00.34.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Heritage Center Collection, acquired through generosity of James Hale Steinman Foundation and V. Ronald Smith
Printed document is a naturalization certificate infilled for "Jacob Dickart" (sic), a prolific gunmaker of Lancaster. Printed on now-brown laid paper, it is a printed form for naturalizing foreigners who did not swear oaths. Now mounted in a modern black frame.
The certificate was designed for non-Quakers who had resided in the Commonwealth for seven years and who had never taken an oath of allegiance to King George II because of conscience, eg. Mennonites, Moravians & other sectarians who believe the Bible prohibits the swearing of oaths. Although Jacob is believed to have been raised in a Lutheran home, he later followed the Moravian faith.
Edward Shippen, Jr., Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of the Province of PA filled out this form for Dickert, who appeared before Judges William Atlin, William Coleman, and Alexander Stedman, in Phila. on Sept 24, 1765. An embossed seal is created out of a small square of paper and affixed to the upper left corner of the document.
HJ Kauffman notes that Dickert was born in Mainz, Germany in 1740, came to America with his parents in 1748. Family settled in Berks Co. and later, son Jacob moved to Lancaster in 1756, where he likely apprenticed with the gunmaker Matthias Roessor (as did Wm. Henry). Dickert worked c. 1760-1820. In 1764, he married Johanetta Hofer of York, PA, and the following year he travelled to Phila. to obtain this document. Kauffman states he was active in the Moravian church.
He died 1822.
See G90.7.1 file on Dickert rifle with family info. Transparency of a document with
General signs of age: soiling, minor foxing, dog eared corners with some minor losses. Fold line 3" from top, small holes along bottom. There is a backing of acidic paper which is attached with adhesive.
Mounted in a modern black frame by Lancaster Galleries for 2006 exhibit.
Pewter chalice, part of the Warwick Congregation's (now known as the Brickerville United Lutheran Church) communion service.
High straight-sided flaring cup on a stem wih knop created by joining two pewter salt stems. A tankard lid is used for the base. Both the knop and edge of base are beaded. Attributed to William Will (working 1764-1798) .
Engraved on the side of the cup are the initials "HIA/ MWM" within a decorative wreath with bow. Engraved on the bottom of the base is "1799", likely indicating the year the chalice was presented to the church for ceremonial use. Segments of wrigglework are also found nearby.
Provenance
The engraved date of 1799 likely signifies the year the chalice was presented to the church. The two sets of initials on the cup are certainly the individuals who presented it. The entire communion service remained in use over the years until the congregation decided in 1997 to find a safe place for this valuable communion set. Purchased by the Heritage Center of Lancaster County
Chest is red-painted poplar. Lid has molding pegged to 3 sides, supported by plain iron strap hinges. Brass escutcheon at keyhole. Wrought iron bail handles on a heart-shaped plate, on each end. A till is at left end of interior.
White-painted platter-shaped panels at each end, two on lid and two on front. Above the painted front panels is a thin, long, white-painted cartouche containing a painted inscription along with geometric floral/star motifs. The inscription reads: "17 BARBARA POTZERIN 95."
On the underside of the lid, left side, is pasted a fraktur measuring 6.5" x 8" showing a woman in a red dress and a man in a pink coat and black pants flanking a text block, with red and blue flowers above.
The fraktur is a "baptismal sponsor's letter form" done with ink and watercolor on laid paper for "Maria Barbarra" Potzer, born March 11, 1768 in Warwick Township, Lancaster County. The central text block expresses good wishes for the child (translation in file)and in the upper left and lower right corners are the names of baptismal sponsors, Maria Barbara Fockt [?] and Jakob Zook [?]. This unusual form was used in the Alsace/Palatine areas, according to Pastor Fred Weiser.
Barbara Potzer was original owner. Maker of the chest is unknown. The fraktur is by the Sussel-Washington artist.
Provenance
Chest was purchased at a sale in Harrisburg in approximately June, 1979, by seller, H. William Koch. It
Multiple large marks and stains on lid, including two blotches of a varnish-stain. Edges are worn, and bits of wood are missing in several areas. Base is separating from the front and sides. The iron hinges are rusted. Top has a long split along grain.
A condition report and treatment proposal for the fraktur were done by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia in May 1986, but no treatment was done.
Object ID
G.79.103.1
Notes
This is a twin of the "Anna Nislesin" chest (G.95.29.1) except for paint color and feet.
There is a group of several other similar chests (see file).
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Role
Artist
Credit
Gift of the James Hale Steinman Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Deed (indenture) printed by Ephrata Cloister on vellum for John Miller, blacksmith of Lancaster Borough, and his wife Elizabeth, for use in selling lots in the "Town Called "Millers Burgh." Blank areas are filled in by hand for sale of property to Margaret Stout for 50 pounds. Initially filled in on May 1, 1764, and completed at bottom on March 8, 1765. Pink linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed at bottom right. The headpieces printed at top left is done in elaborate letter style using the first two words "This indenture." Each initial line is done in the distinctive illuminated manner of Ephrata Cloister, employing floral and foliate designs.
Reverse is also used as a deed for the transfer of property for Margaret Stour to Patrick McElkar, begun 1770 and completed 1771. Red linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed to bottom right (of reverse).
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Framed for 2006 Printed Word Exhibit.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-07-28
Condition Notes
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
