Houtz, Anthony (1758-1813)

Reverend Anthony Houtz began his theological career in 1782 at Lancaster, studying under his pastor, Rev. William Hendel, First Reformed Church (UCC). In 1787 Anthony Houtz was ordained by Coetus as a minister of the German Reformed Church in the U.S. and assigned as regular pastor of the Lancaster Charge which included: (1) Reyer’s, (2) Cocalico, (3) Heller’s Zeltenreich, and (4) Muddy Creek. In 1790, Rev. Anthony accepted a call to Harrisburg, Dauphin County and his churches included: (1) Harrisburg, (2) Middletown, (3) Shoop's at Paxton, and (4) Wenrich's at Linglestown. In addition he supplied: (1) Hoffman’s at Lykens Valley, and (2) David's at Killinger. In 1798, Rev. Anthony migrated across the Susquehanna River to Cumberland County, PA, and his churches included: (1) Carlisle, (2) Trindle Spring, (3) Churchtown, (4) Frieden's (Historic Peace), and (5) Camp Hill. Reverend Anthony Houtz was responsible for the building of Historic Peace Church in Camp Hill dedicated May 1799. In 1969, the Pennsylvania Historic & Museum Commission became the caretaker. From Cumberland County, the Reverend Anthony Houtz family moved to Seneca County, NY, 1804, where he served Burgh and Merkel and Hoster churches as well as Jerusalem church. The Houtz Family soon moved to Etna, Tompkins Co., NY, where he built a fine home and served the people of Lansing and Salmon Creek. The Houtz family was a very prosperous and influential family leaving a legacy to this day in the village of Etna. Reverend Anthony Houtz died April 2, 1813, and is buried in the Etna graveyard, land donated by the Houtz family for the community.