During the Revolutionary War, Great Britain brought hundreds of soldiers across the Atlantic to fight to preserve the American colony for the British Empire. Not only did soldiers of the British Army come to America's shores, but mercenaries to disrupt the American forces, similar to today's terrorists, came too. This was true until the American colonial forces defeated the British.

Among those who came was Cyriacus Spangenberg. He was different than the ordinary soldier, a man who came from a good English family with a good background and education. After spending some time with the British forces in western Pennsylvania, Spangenberg became tired of military life, and for some unexplained reason, decided that he would like to become a minister of the gospel. Morally, Spangenberg did not have a good reputation. While serving with the British, he had been in and out of trouble, and his reputation had reached a low stage. This was one of the reasons he decided to take up preaching - he wanted to prove that he was not as bad as some people thought. He also expressed a desire to honor his family and had written to them in England, expressing his desire to reform.

Spangenberg, after leaving the British forces, came to Somerset and Bedford counties, (then known as Bedford County), because an uncle, the Rev. Samuel Dubendorf was preaching in western Pennsylvania. Dubendorf agreed to do all he could to have Spangenberg ordained as a minister.

In those times, someone who desired to preach the gospel could be ordained by a group of ordained ministers if they thought the individual was morally strong and right and educated sufficiently to serve a congregation. There were always openings to serve the Western Pennsylvania villages.

But Spangenberg faced difficulties. Despite the support of his uncle, the panel of ministers considering his application turned him down several times. This, however, did not deter Spangenberg from preaching. Declaring that he had been ordained and ignoring the fact that he had not, Spangenberg began preaching in the rural areas of Bedford County, including villages near Somerset.

Spangenberg, who was a persuasive speaker, finally settled in Berlin, Pa., where he was accepted as the minister of a small group of settlers. From his very first day, Spangenberg faced problems. He was controversial and the congregation quickly realized that a mistake had been made. Although Spangenberg's evil doings were not pinpointed, he evidently was not too careful about concealing them, and the congregation decided to call a meeting to decide his fate.

The entire community, along with Spangenberg, turned out for the meeting. One of those present was an elder of the church, Jacob Glessner, one of the most prominent residents of the area, and in fact western Pennsylvania. From the start of the meeting, the discussion was heated. Tempers flared on both sides with a few defending their preacher, but most opposing him.

Elder Glessner, who had remained silent until most of the congregation had expressed their opinions, finally rose to speak, and because of his prominence, all listened. Glessner spoke of the shortcomings of Spangenberg, making it plain that he was against his continuing as minister, and there was little doubt that when he finished speaking, Spangenberg would no longer serve the church.

As Glessner spoke, Spangenberg became enraged beyond control. Finally and suddenly, as Glessner concluded his remarks, Spangenberg drew a dirk - a long knife - from beneath his coat, lunged toward Glessner and plunged the dirk through Glessner's heart. Glessner staggered to the church altar and died there before the horrified members of the congregation. NOTE: (Other sources say he lived for two days after having been stabbed).

Slow to react, the congregation failed to apprehend Spangenberg at the time, but he was caught hours later. He was charged with murder.

On April 27, 1795, Spangenberg was tried. As expected, he was found guilty of murder in the first degree. He was jailed in Bedford, pending his execution, which was delayed due to his efforts to obtain a pardon - an effort that failed.

On the day scheduled for his execution by hanging, Spangenberg rode a wagon to the place of execution in Bedford. And, by his side on the wagon was the coffin in which he was to be buried.

The hanging was public, as was common in those days. And on hand was a large crowd - a carnival atmosphere crowd. Among them were many of the congregation which he had at one time served.

More Information on Cyriacus Spangenberg

Glenn W. Glessner - Quincy, Illinois

Web Page Updated on February 14, 2004