Tulpehocken Trinity Reformed Church (Richland, PA)

The congregation bases its founding date upon an entry made in the diary of John Philip Boehm, citing October 18, 1727 as the first celebration of communion. The church was served by John Philip Boehm and Michael Schlatter. The church has been housed in three different buildings, the current building built in 1853. It has been served by only 18 pastors. Tulpehocken received its Rose Deed in 1745. The deed conveyed 100 acres of land to the church for a consideration of 40 pounds and stipulated that a red rose be paid annually to Caspar Wistar and his heirs in the month of June. Thus, the church has become known as "the red rose church." In 1957, a Christian Education area and Socail Hall were constructed with stones that were transferred from an old mill along the Tulpehocken Creek. Pastors included: John Philip Boehm (1727-1748, with a few years break in between); Michael Schlatter; Dominicus Bartholomawus (1748-1752); William Henry Stoy (1752-1755); John Waldschmidt (1756-1757); Philip William Otterbein (1758-1764); John Zufall (1765-1769); William Hendel, Sr. (1769-1782) Andrew Loretz (1785-1786); Daniel Wagner (1787-1793); William Hendel, Jr. (1793-1824); Thomas Leinbach (1826-1864); Charles H. Leinbach (1864-1883); Henry J. Welker (1884-1921); Milton F. Klingaman (1921-1923); Morgan A. Peters (1924-1930); J. Donald Backenstose (1931-1943); Irvin L. Rudisill (1943-1947); Alvin J. Forry (1947-1953); J. Donald Backenstose (1953-1969); Charles Neiswender, Jr. (1969-)