Today, we will look into the history of the village of Kreidersville. The village is on the old road from Bethlehem to Lehigh Gap. It consisted of a tavern, store, foundry and a score of buildings. It derives its name from Conrad Kreider, a native of Switzerland, who settled there during the colonial era.

He was born Sept. 7, 1736, and came to Allen Township as a young man with his parents and married Regina Bastian. He owned a store and tavern and operated several mills on the Hokendauqua Creek. Kreider was appointed “wagonmaster” during the Revolutionary War by the justices of Northampton County June 26, 1777.

He reported that there were 550 wagons assembled. Northampton County furnished 200 wagons to the Army during the Revolutionary War. Kreider and his wagons played a crucial role in saving an American icon, the Liberty Bell, from British control.

As the British occupied Philadelphia, it was decided that the bell should be taken away and hidden in a safe place. It was placed on a wagon and driven toward Allentown, but on the way through Bethlehem, the wagon broke down on the town square and was repaired by the brethren. After great effort, the bell was hidden beneath the floor of Zion Reformed Church, where it remained until the British left Philadelphia. The bell, America’s symbol of liberty, was thus saved for future generations.

Kreider died on the anniversary of his birth at the age of 92. The American patriot, who has been all but forgotten, was buried in the cemetery at Zion Stone United Church of Christ in Kreidersville - a fitting site.

It would be a trip back in time to visit the church cemetery, where more than 50 veterans of the Revolutionary War rest in eternal peace. For many years, the late Harold Smith led a very inspirational service there on Memorial Day weekend. Fortunately, the service continues to the present day.