Name previously spelled Stern

Rev. George P. Stem, a son of the late William and Eliza Kemmerer Stein, was born at Cherryville, Northampton Co., Penna., and spent his boyhood at Stemton, Pa., now a part of the Borough of Alliance, where his father was interested in the Stemton Car Works..

He received his early education in the public schools of Stemton, the Weaversville Academy, under Prof. Edward Kummer, and the Preparatory Department of Muhlenberg College. Entering the College as a freshman, September, r882, he continued his studies here until the end of the junior year, entered the Senior Class of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., September, 1885 and graduated in June,. 1886.

He engaged in the profession of teaching, and for two terms taught the Grammar School, at Slatington, Pa.

He entered the Eastern Theological Seminary at Lancaster, Pa., the opening of the fall term, in x888, graduating in May, 189I, and was examined and licensed by Lehigh Classis. Having received and accepted a call from the Littlestown charge, Gettysburg Classis, he was ordained and installed as pastor on the evening of July , 1891, by a committee consisting of Rev. j. C. Bowman, B. D., Rev. W. E. Krebs, D. B. and Rev. F. C. Lindamán. His pastorate of nearly eight years marked an increase in church membership, benevolent contributions and improvement of the parsonage and church building.

Rev. Stem became the assistant to the late Dr. W. R. Hofford, by whbm he had been confirmed at the Mickley's church, and upon his death became his successor of the Egypt charge, consisting of the Egypt, Miller and Cementon congregations. He was installed as pastor, Trinity Sunday, June 2, 1901, by the Rev. S. G. Wagner, P. D., Rev. A. R. Bartholemew, D. D., and Rev. T. J. Hacker, D. P.

During the pastorate of Rev. Stem, the evening communion and English services were introduced, as also the envelope system, and 100 hymn books procured for the use of the congregation. The offerings of the charge for benevolence were doubled. The extensive church improvements are described in detail under another head.

In June, 1891, he married Elizabeth Laubach, daughter of the late Adam and Caroline Laury Laubach. Three children were born to them, Laury George, Karl Kemmerer and Caroline Laubach Stem.