Longswamp United Church of Christ, Mertztown, recently celebrated what would have been William Schubert’s 200th birthday.

Schubert served as organist for the Longswamp Union Church for 52 years; Zion Lehigh Church in Lower Macungie Township for 22 years and St. Paul’s Union Church, Mertztown, for 15 years.

He lived in the farmhouse adjacent to the church for most of his years in Longswamp.

The house was built in 1844, and has served as a school, parsonage and sexton’s home.

Owned by the church, it houses historical materials, and is known as The Schubert Haus.

In addition to serving as organist, Schubert was a teacher, justice of the peace, civil engineer, notary public and artist.

Schubert was married twice and had 16 children.

Brian Biery, formerly of Allentown, traveled from Raleigh, N.C., for the celebration. Biery, great-grandson of Schubert, is also a great-grandson of Uriah Biery, who was born in Heidelberg Township, and was a well-known iron ore operator in Mertztown.

Also taking part in the celebration were Paul Eddy, Wayne Schubert, Diane Eddy, Robert Schubert and Philip Sittler.

Schubert, of Whitehall Township, is a great-grandson of William Schubert. Phillip Sittler, formerly of Bethlehem, traveled from Georgia for the event. He is a great-great grandson of Schubert and a grandson of Edwin and Cora (Knerr) Bortz formerly of Weisenberg Township. Diane, of Boyertown, and Wayne, of Schnecksville, are great-great grandchildren of Schubert.