[66-14] REV. GEORGE K. MESCHTER, M.Db May 2, 1840; d June 4, 1910; s Rev. George and Sophia (Kriebel) Meschter [66-7]: m Nov. 21. 1867, MARY ANN KRIEBLE, b Feb. 6, 1845; d June 28, 1904; dau Charles Y. and Sarah (Anders) Krieble [25-36].
Children (6):
George K. Meschter was born on May 2. 1840, on his father’s farm in the extreme northern part of Towamencin Twp.. Montg. Co.. Pa.. near the Salford Schwenkfelder Meeting House. Much of George K. Meschter’s early education was acquired by study at home. When he was about twelve years old he attended for the first time a pay-school kept in the Salford Schwenkfelder Meeting House, an old stone structure standing on the grounds. a few vards to the north of the present building. He next attended Tennis’ Public School about one mile from his home. When approaching manhood he determined to secure as good an education as he could, as a consequence of which he later studied at the Kulpsville Academy for several terms and for a short time at the Quakertown Norma] School. For two years he taught in his native township. first at Pleasant Vallev. and then at Fry’s School. After this period of teaching he spent one year at Treemount Seminary. Norristown, Pa., in order to fit himself for the study of medicine. The following year. 1864, he studied under the preceptorship of Dr. Joel H. Krauss, of Worcester, Montg. Co.. Pa. In the fall of 1865. Mr. Meschter entered the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated from that institution in 1867, the regular medical course then requiring but two years. However, wishing to be as well prepared as possible for his profession. he pursued graduate work the following vear in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Blockley and Pennsylvania Hospitals.
Having purchased the practice of his preceptor. Dr. Krauss. Dr. Meschter began his professional career in Worcester, Pa.. on March 1, 1868. At this one place for twenty-five years he faithfully and enthusiastically pursued his profession, acquiring one of the most extensive practices in the county and being one of the busiest physicians. Doctors B. T. Kohler, E. K. Blank. James M. Anders, David D. Custer, and Josiah K. Gerhard studied under him as preceptor, the last becoming his professional partner. Dr. Gerhard died in 1886, whereupon Dr. James R. Care became associated with Dr. Meschter. In spite of his busy practice Dr. Meschter occasionally took time to lecture on medical topics at public schools, teachers’ local institutes, and at the North Wales Academy. Soon after entering upon his professional career, he became a member of the Monte. Co. Medical Society, and remained identified with it throughout his life. at one time serving as its president. Partly because of failing health Dr. Meschter gave up the active practice of medicine in 1893.
Dr. Meschter assumed the duties of a second calling while still a practicing physician. He was elected minister of the Schwenkfelder congregation of the Middle District on March 23, 1883. to succeed the Rev. John B. Kriebel, deceased. He pondered until fall on whether he should accept this election, after which he took up his added duties. After the death of Rev. William S. Anders in 1907,
Dr. Meschter became senior minister of the Middle District. He was also active in the Schwenkfelder Mission in Norristown, Pa., and was consequently invited to assume full charge of this mission in 1905. He continued as its minister until 1908 when he asked for permanent release. His reason for doing so is to be found in his letter of resignation, which follows: . ‘‘Woreester, Pa., Jan. 7, 1908.
To the Members of the Home and Foreign Board of Missions of the Sechwenkfelder Church:
Brethren, I herewith tender my resignation as pastor of the Norristown Schwenkfelder Church. I take this step, as you probably know, by advice of my physicians, who advise me to give up my work. It is my desire that this resignation shall go into effect, and all my services in connection with said church cease with the close of the regular services of worship on the coming Sabbath. Yours fraternally, George K. Meschter.”
Dr. Meschter preached his farewell sermon on Jan. 12, 1908. With the same faithfulness and enthusiasm as in the medical profession he pursued his work as minister, and was anxious in every possible way to advance the interests of the church. He was identified with every movement of the Schwenkfelder Church of denominational import. In 1882 he was a member of the Building Committee of the Worcester Schwenkfelder Church. He was secretary of the Board of Home and Foreign Missions of the Schwenkfelder Church from 1904 until 1910, having resigned only shortly before his death. He was a member of the Board of Publication of the Schwenkfelder Church since its inception in 1884. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Perkiomen Seminary for a number of years and was vicepresident of this body.
Dr. Mesehter spent the last three winters of his life in St. Petersburg, Florida, the warm sunny climate of which benefited his health; but these annual visits could at best only prolong his life. On the morning of June 4, 1910, he arose early—as frequently——chatted happily with his son’s, Cyrus’, family and began trimming small trees on his lawn. Not feeling’ well he went into his library at 6.15 A.M. to lie on the sofa. The family soon found that his condition had become alarming; he had an attack of cerebral hemorrhage. Of this he died at 6.45 A.M. He obeyed the orders of his Great Physician, and followed the voice of his Good Shepherd. In the appropriate quotation of the Rev. Harvey K. Heeb- ’ ner in his funeral address: “Dead he lay among his books! The peace of God was in his looks.” On June 8, 1910, he was laid to rest in the pretty cemetery of Worcester Schwenkfelder Church. [C. K. M.]