Historical accounts repeatedly cite that when there is political or social unrest within any community, few remain unaffected. These two broad factors would have a significant and negative effect on the families and their lifestyles fueling negative ramifications in our community. From 1775 through 1837, encompassing 62 years, the Jordan congregation was challenged by many conflicts that included being stifled by the oppression of the English, encountering national skirmishes and wars, subjected to brutal taxation and confronted with internal turmoil. Jordan had lost many good men in the French and Indian War that ended in 1766, only to have the English impose a stamp tax that was intended to replenish the funds spent by the English while ‘defending the American colonies’. Although repealed, another tax was quickly imposed on the staples being used by the Colonists. Taking sides became a way of life adding to the calamity of the times. A Continental Congress was established that encouraged its citizens to bear arms and ammunition. Several member of Jordan stepped forward and were instrumental in this move to retaliate against the British oppression. Familiar names such as Haas, Koons (Kuhns), Stettler, Lichtenwalner, and Knerr, to name a few, were active in the Revolutionary War. Whether it was by choice or chance, Jordan was fully involved in the war effort. Several Jordan members fought on the front lines and women stayed behind to tend their families and farms, while others were involved in the manufacturing of arms. This was a difficult, dark time in America’s and Jordan’s history.
National peace had been achieved in 1814, however Jordan, now a congregation of 825 ‘communicants’ was about to experience another hurdle as there were pastoral resignations, internal squabbling among Jordan members and volatile Congregational Meetings. It was resolved that a committee of mediation be established to hear the opinions of all sides and render judgements that were to be abided by. “Blight Years” is the historical reference to this time in Jordan’s history, however, these years also contributed to the maturation of young America and the Jordan congregation as the church struggled for security and stability in a rapidly changing world.
National peace had been achieved in 1814, however Jordan, now a congregation of 825 ‘communicants’ was about to experience another hurdle as there were pastoral resignations, internal squabbling among Jordan members and volatile Congregational Meetings. It was resolved that a committee of mediation be established to hear the opinions of all sides and render judgements that were to be abided by. “Blight Years” is the historical reference to this time in Jordan’s history, however, these years also contributed to the maturation of young America and the Jordan congregation as the church struggled for security and stability in a rapidly changing world.