USA > Washington DC > History of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church : and of the work of the church and Sunday school for the semi-centennial year, including additional reports to June 30, 1893, with a synopsis of the semi-centennial services of the church and Sunday school, April 16 and 17, 1893 > Part 16
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Two deaths have occurred during the year, Mr. John H. McCormick, assistant superintendent of the inter- mediate department, and Mr. Isaac N. Kalb, associate superintendent in charge of the adult department. These active and useful brethren are greatly missed from the places they filled so well. Mrs. Henry Raabe, a member of the pastor's class, was also recently trans- ferred to the heavenly world. Since July 1, 1878, we have suffered the loss by death of 22 members of the school, viz., 3 teachers and 19 scholars.
The affairs of our church and Sunday school in this semi-centennial year altogether indicate a better con- dition and a more hopeful outlook than ever, and our jubilee begins with the thanksgiving to the Lord for His abounding grace towards us in the effort to extend " the gospel of peace and good will " among men.
Yours truly,
S. DOMER,
Pastor of St. Paul's.
December 30, '92.
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Entertainments in 1892.
Three given by the classes of the school: one by Mrs. Eckhardt's class May 13, one by the primary depart- ment May 25, and one by Mr. Phillips' class June 22. All were well planned and executed, and occasions of much pleasure to the large number present, and sources of revenue and profit to the Sunday-school treasury, etc.
OUR PICNIC IN 1892.
This time at Bay Ridge, Monday, June 27, and under the able management of the committee in charge, Messrs. John C. Parker, E. G. Schafer, B. F. Meyers, and Lee Pitchlynn, was a most enjoyable affair. All the children in the school went free, and the cost for others was $1 each. A rebate from the railroad com- pany enabled the committee to pay most of the expense attending the picnic, free tickets, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHS.
One of the primary department members was taken in May, 1892, through the kindness of Mr. Lee Pitch- lynn, of Mr. McClain's class. It contains the pictures of the teachers, Miss Grace E. Fox and Miss Nettie E. Seitz, and 58 scholars, and the pastor and superintend- ent, who were invited to be part of the group taken, which was gathered in front of and in the door of the church.
In 1893 the church was also photographed, the pic- tures of the interior, showing the jubilee decorations, being rare souvenirs. This also to the credit of Mr. Lee Pitchlynn.
THE LIBRARIES.
During the past year that of the main room was over- hauled; a number of books taken from and 54 new books added to; 19 books were rebound. The primary department had 110 new books added to its list in December.
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ENGLISHI LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Mrs. Delia Domer-Alleman, formerly organist in our Sunday school, and now residing at Harrisburg, Pa., spent the holiday season at the parsonage. Her little boys accompanying, made the welcome trio at the old home. At the Christmas festival she presided at the organ a part of the evening. It was a pleasure to once inore see our former organist and musical leader in the place which she so long and so ably filled, and to hear her voice in song as in years gone by. Come again !
Mr. Henry Orth, of Mr. Fox's class, now in college in Bethlehem, Pa., was home for the Christmas season and in his place in class and school. He is active in christian work at school, and will be so here, now that he has completed his studies and returned home to stay.
Who is preparing to teach ? Now is a good time, and your class a good place. Remember, we do not graduate from the Sunday school, but should grow up to try and do for others as others have done and are now doing for us. Many of our teachers come from the Bible classes. Teachers, invite your scholars to prepare to teach, and prepare now.
St. John, in the closing years of his life, in one of his epistles, says : "I write unto you, young men, be- cause ye are strong." Let all our young men be strong for truth, for temperance, for the Bible and its blessed teachings, for Christ and His cause, the Sunday School and the church. God bless our many young inen.
Our young ladies are noticeable in the school, many of them being generally present, and a number as teachers, active and reliable in that position. May the number be increased and the handmaidens of the Lord be blessed in our midst.
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HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S
The Pastor's Class.
He enjoys their presence, loves their company, and observes with gladness the interest, the enthusiasmn which characterizes thiem as students of the Word of God and members of the Sunday school. To these members of his class in particular, and to all the teachers and their classes in general, he offers his kindest pastoral greetings with the opening of the year, praying and hoping that this may be to all a blessed year of Sunday- school associations and Christian endeavor. May our school, with its happy faces of teachers, young people, and children, be like a garden full of rare and beautiful plants and flowers, on which the dews of Hermion de- scend, and where we may take our morning walks and sing our suminer songs, quite on the verge of heaven!
Classes for ladies and gentlemen-Rev. Dr. S. Domer's, Mr. H. H. Seltzer's, Mr. John F. McClain's. Classes for young ladies-Miss Annie Eckbert's, Mr. Dan. N. Klapp's, Miss Belle F. Leeds', Mr. George F. Muth's, Miss Jennie Barron's, Miss Clara Meyers'.
Classes for young men-Mr. Albert F. Fox's, Miss Emma O. Meyers', Mr. John C. Parker's, Mr. M. M. Rouzer's.
If not a member of this or other school, you are in- vited to join one of the above or other classes in the school. Please report to the superintendent, and rest assured of a welcome.
THE MODERN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Older members of the church are joining the Sun- day-school movement from time to time. Bible stu- dents, old and young, are in this wonderful seminary of the ages. What an inspiration to everybody this is,
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when the solid men of the community and of the church-when men and women of intelligence and ex- perience-come into these active Christian efforts, and by their presence, their example, their zealous coopera- tion, help the young people and the children into the mysteries and blessedness of the kingdom of Heavenly truth. Come, men and women of these "Last Times," get into line and head the procession for the "City of God."
·
Our Primary Department.
The primary department, with its 3 teachers and 132 scholars, a total of 135 members, is nearly three- tentlis of our enrollment. The average offering of each member is 2 cents and over.
Little helpers, large givers !
Occupying the front seats in the main room for the opening and closing exercises of the school, from the time the present superintendent took charge until December 22, 1892, its members added much by their presence to the joyousness and spirit of the occasion of each session of the school. They were crowded very much while in their old room, but on December 29, 1892, the new room, much larger and more beautiful, was occupied by them, the children for the first time assembling there. To its teachers the superintendent gives credit for faithful performance of duty, for zeal and enthusiasm in their work, and congratulates them on successes attained and their growing fitness for the responsible positions which they occupy in this nursery of the church.
The patience, loving care, industry, and faithfulness of these teachers of the little children have a continuous reward in the blessed work they are doing.
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HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S
The primary department teachers, 1876 to 1889, Miss Mollie Davis and her assistant, Miss May Parker, now Mrs. J. Paul Smith, have not been forgotten in the development and growth of the Sunday school, by either officers, teachers, or the scholars of those days. During the years of reorganization and upbuilding of the school, when many of the conveniences, helps, and encouragements of the present time were only in pros- pect, these teachers were in the front rank among the workers, and did noble service in bringing about the successes which have been realized in the school. Miss Mollie is still a member of the school in the pastor's class, and Miss May is married and has withdrawn.
Miss Mary Butler, for many years teacher in the primary class prior to the above, is still active in the work, having charge of that department at the Memorial afternoon school.
ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
In response to the request of T. W. Leonhart, the superintendent of St. Mark's Lutheran Sunday School, in South Washington, 50 copies of the "Gem of Gems " was voted to that school by the Sunday school of St. Paul's, in session October 10, 1892. The books were most cheerfully given, and they were most thankfully received and acknowledged.
We can also say the same in reference to the $100 donated St. Mark's to assist in purchasing the pews placed in the church during the fall of 1892.
REPORTS.
The reports of the superintendent, the secretary, Mr. J. Granville Meyers, Jr., and of the treasurer, Mr. Albert F. Fox, will show very fully the operations of the school in all departments of work, and will prove a valuable record for our own members and all others in- terested in Sunday-school management and work.
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ENGLISH LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Our Improvements.
Voted for November 14, 1892. Completed December
24, 1892. New room first used Christmas, December 25, 1892.
Results : more room for the primary department as well as the entire school. A fine appearance. A better arrangement.
Cost $400, to be paid in shares of $1.00 each. By earning, saving, giving at the rate of two cents per week for this year.
The birthday banks in the main room and the pri- mary department are in view at every session, and are kept supplied by the members of the Sunday school, the birthday of each being noted by an offering of at least one cent for each year of age attained. All offer- ings in these birthday banks are for missionary purposes, and the banks are opened and the offerings reported at the end of each synodical year.
What a pleasure to have the pastor with us every Sunday! To hear him in sacred song and prayer, and as he speaks words of counsel and cheer to the Sunday school to realize the oneness of our blessed faith. What a privilege to be in the pastor's class. Many others are invited to join it and receive the benefit of his teaching. May he long be spared for work here.
The superintendent bears cheerful testimony to his never-failing cooperation and support during the many years they have been associated together in the work.
DEATHS IN 1892.
Mr. Isaac N Kalb, associate superintendent in charge of the adult department ; Mr. John H. McCormick, as- sistant superintendent of the intermediate department ;
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Mrs. Henry Raabe, member of Dr. Domer's class, adult department.
DEATHS IN 1893,
To June 30, inclusive. Mr. Emerick W. Hansell, February 14th, member of adult department and vet- eran member of the school.
SURPRISE PARTY.
That little surprise party at the home of the superin- tendent of St. Paul's Sunday school! An enjoyable evening! A happy time! An expression of regard for the superintendent and his family! Generous hospi- tality toward the surprisers, and general flow of con- gratulations and good cheer!
The superintendent of St. Paul's English Lutheran Sunday School was surprised at his residence on Friday evening at 8.15 o'clock, May 27, 1892, by the appear- ance of the pastor, officers and teachers of the Sunday scbool, and others, bearing gifts and refreshments, and special kind greetings on this, the anniversary of his birth. Dr. Domer, the pastor, on behalf of the officers and teachers of the Sunday school presented the super- intendent with a large and beautiful copy of the Bible (Oxford edition), inscribed in the pastor's handwriting as follows:
LUCIUS D. ALDEN, SUPERINTENDENT
OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OF ST. PAUL'S ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, WASHINGTON, D. C. A Tribute of Respect, Love, and Good-will on the Anniversary of His Birth, from the Officers and Teachers of the School, With the Prayer, and Hope, that His Useful Life May long be spared to the School and Church. Washington, D. C., May 27, 1892.
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ENGLISH LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Remarks were made by the pastor full of kind feeling and christian love, and of appreciation of the superin- tendent and his work, alluding in tender terms to Mr. J. H. McCormick, the assistant superintendent, who recently died, and to Mr. I. N. Kalb, the associated superintendent, who was so ill, and expected to die. Mr. Alden responded in words of appreciation and gratitude, and with his family gave a hearty welcome to the friends. Mr. George Muth presented Miss Belle Leeds' (teacher) regrets, she being unable to be present. Miss Grace Fox presented the superintendent, on behalf of the primary department, with a photograph of the class, but recently taken. After a season of social con- verse the friends adjourned to the dining room, and there enjoyed a collation spread by the surprise party. Prayer was first offered by the pastor, and a blessing asked on the superintendent, his family, his home, and on all present. A season of song and converse closed this delightful evening, made happy by the presence of so many Christian friends, and at a late hour they de- parted, wishing the superintendent many happy returns of the day.
Floral offerings were presented by Mrs. J. G. Meyers, Mrs. Geo. Muth, Miss Sophie Pitchlynn (through Mr. Lee Pitchlynn, she being ill and unable to be present), and Miss Minnie Brower. Mrs. Opperman, Mrs. Fox, and Mr. and Mrs. McClain very kindly took charge of and served the refreshments.
Among those present were:
Rev. Dr. S. Domer, Mrs. L. L. Domer, Miss Annie Eckbert, Mr. A. F. Fox, Mr. H. H. Seltzer, Mr. J. H. McClain, Miss Emma O. Meyers, Mr. George F. Muth, Mr. John C. Parker, Miss Frances Augusterfer, Miss Ada Augusterfer, Miss Jennie Barron, Miss Minnie Brower, Miss Nannie Fleming, Misses Grace and Mar- garet R. Fox, Mr. Elder McWilliams, Mr. B. Frank
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HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S
Meyers, Mr. J. Granville Meyers, Mrs. E. C. Opper- man, Mr. M. M. Rouzer, Miss Helen Schreiner, Misses Minnie and Nettie E. Seitz, Mr. Lee Pitchlynn, Mrs. A. F. Fox, Mrs. J. G. Meyers, Mrs. M. M. Rouzer, Mrs. John H. McClain, and the superintendent and his family, who thanked them for their beautiful presents and good wishes.
Changes in 1893, January to June, Inclusive.
CLASSES.
Mr. Alden's, transferred to class of Mr. John C. Parker, January I.
Miss Fleming's to Mr. Alden, May I, and to Mr. Raabe to date, July I.
Miss Kemp's to Miss Ella House to date, July I.
APPOINTMENTS.
Teachers-Mrs. N. T. Haller, assistant in primary department, January I.
Mr. Henry Raabe and Miss Ella House, intermedi- ate department, to date, July I.
RESIGNATIONS.
Teachers-Miss Nannie Fleming, May 1; Miss Zada Kemp, June 30, both leaving the city.
Mr. Charles O. Krause, star member of the Roll of Honor, left the city February 2, 1893.
In their new homes and new work they liave the prayers and best wishes of a large number of former associates in church, C. E. and Sunday school. God bless and prosper them.
NEW OFFICER OF THE SCHOOL.
Mr. George F. Muth, musical director, from January 1, 1893.
Vacant office-superintendent of adult department.
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ENGLISH LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Entertainments in 1893.
An Illustrated (stereopticon) Lecture on the evening of February 3, by Dr. G. G. Burnett, of California, gave great pleasure to a large audience, and netted $60.05 to the credit of the Sunday-school improvement fund. This was tendered the school by Dr. Burnett free of cost, and was much appreciated.
The Primary Department May Annual took place on the evening of May 26, and was a great success. The large audience enjoyed the class march and the choice programme of exercises. The net proceeds were $66.63, this also for the Sunday-school improvement fund. To the teachers of the classes great credit is due for the success of the annual.
The Flower Committee of the Christian Endcavor Society gave an entertainment on the evening of June 22, 1893, with an excellent programme of vocal and instrumental music, and the Delsarte drill by a number of young ladies. The chairman of the committee was Mrs. J. Granville Meyers. Prof. Charles H. Chase was musical director, and Mr. Edward Muth assistant.
The Annual Picnic took place on Wednesday, June 28, at the Ruppert place on the Seventh street road, kindly offered for use of the school by Bro. A. S. John- SO11. The committee consisted of Mr. John C. Parker, Mr. M. M. Rouzer, and Mr. A. F. Fox. A large num- ber attended, and the day was spent very pleasantly.
SPECIAL DAYS, 1893.
Our Foreign Mission Day in 1893, took place on February 26, with an attendance of 303 and class offer- ings of $77.62. The board and its work had been kept before the school, and it entered heartily into efforts to
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HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S
secure a good contribution to this great and blessed cause. Much interest was manifested and the mission- ary spirit aroused and increased. The following is from the Observer of the 24th of February, with refer- ence to preparations for the day:
THE POCKETS IN ST. PAUL'S.
"All observing persons who entered the Sunday- school room of St. Paul's English Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 5th, knew that something out of tlie usual order of things was on hand. The chandelier, st- perintendent's desk, piano, organ, banners, etc., were decorated with the unique little "pockets " sent us by the Secretary of our Foreign Mission Board. The red ribbons on these pockets matched our carpet nicely, and
gave the room quite a gala appearance. For several Sundays past a few had been seen on the front chande- liers, as if to excite our curiosity and to tell us that something was coming. Last Sunday, however, beside the decorations there was one for each inember present, and plenty left over to be taken or sent to the absentees. Our very able and energetic superintendent urged each one to take a pocket and to put it in a conspicuous place at home, that we might not forget to deposit our offer- ings from day to day. To some who expressed fears of the pocket being too sinall and frail for the large col- lections so common in our school, he quickly replied by referring such to their grocer, who would furnish then with paper sacks of sufficient size and strength.
" The children of the primary departinent, as well as those of other departments, were urged to earn as much of their offering as possible, as in this way they would give their very own money to this grand cause. We are glad to say that the very earnest words of our worthy superintendent were not in vain, for in several homes which we visited this week we noticed the pockets in conspicuous position. Those in the Sunday-school room will remain where they are till after Foreign Mis- sion Day, thus constantly reminding us of the fact that as St. Paul's never has fallen behind, so this time we want to be nearer the front than ever before.
"G. E. F.
" Washington, D. C."
24I
ENGLISH LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The Easter Anniversary.
The Easter Anniversary in 1893 took place Sunday evening, April 2d, in the presence of a large audience. The morning session witnessed the largest attendance in the history of the school, 368 members present, and a collection for church extension of $71.61, increased at the night service. The floral and other decorations were superb, the great cross in which were placed the class floral offerings presenting when completed a beautiful appearance. "Beautiful Morning," a song service by Emma Pitt, was rendered with great effect. Violins, cornet, cabinet and pipe organs added to the splendid singing of the school.
The secretary's report showed the enrollment as 464; the average attendance for 1893, 271; the Sunday offer- ing, $20.66, and 73 cents per member per Sunday con- tributed.
A beautiful floral wreath was presented by the school in memory of Mrs. Henry Raabe to Mr. Raabe, and mention made of wreaths presented, according to the custom of the school, at the funeral of each of the fol- lowing members who died since last Easter: Mr. Kalb, Mr. McCormick, and Mr. E. W. Hansell.
ROLL-CALL SUNDAY, 1893.
Our second roll call took place on May 28, with 254 present and $15. 24 class offerings. A wet day and many absent. Remarks were made by Mr. H. H. Seltzer and the superintendent in memory of Mr. Kalb and Mr. Mc- Cormick, the assistants who died about one year ago.
Dr. Domer and the other members of the church council and the jubilee decoration committee were pre- sented by the superintendent with large and handsome souvenir badges, made from the ribbon used in the floral decorations and on the portrait of Dr. Martin Luther at the jubilee services. The badges show the old
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HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S
church, the present one, and pictures of Rev. J. E. Graeff and Dr. Domer, and are suitably inscribed, and at the next jubilee will be of great value.
CHILDREN'S DAY, 1893.
Our children's day service in 1893 took place on June Iith, at II A. M., in the audience room of the church, with a large audience present, and the school with full ranks marching up after the regular session, which had taken place as usual. The exercises were delightful. The primary department liad a large part of the pro- gramme, and won great credit for itself and the teachers, Misses Grace E. Fox and Netty E. Sietz and Mrs. N. T. Haller.
Letters were received and read from two of the or- phans at the Loysville Home, Augusta M. Reed and Joseph R. Bechtol, and the pastor, Dr. Domner, inade a short and impressive address The decorations were very fine, and with the illustrations of scriptural child life and scenes, the plants, birds, and music, the appro- priate service prepared by the Lutheran Publication So- ciety, and excellent music and singing, the children's day of '93 passed by in the most delightful manner. The home and its good work was noted, and in addition to the offering at the regular session another collection was taken and a large amount realized. At the regular session 336 were present, and the offering $75.86.
REVIEW DAYS.
The Ist and 2d quarters' reviews were successful days in the history of the school. Large attendance and offerings, with hearty interest and responses, manifesting an increased enjoyment of these specially social days. The entire school as one class, and the review conducted by the superintendent, with music specially adapted to the lessons reviewed.
·
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ENGLISH LUTHERAN SUNDAY SCHOOL.
At the review on June 25th Mr. Alden closed his fif- teenth year of service as the superintendent of the school, having re-entered and been elected to that office July 7, 1878. From that date he has believed in the "Review," and has personally conducted fifty-nine of the sixty since that time, missing but one, the fifty- fourth, when absent sick, the 4th quarter of the year 1891.
During this last review he was surprised by the gift of a large and beautiful bouquet of roses from Miss Sophie and Mr. Lee Pitchlynn, of the school, and later by an immense floral horseshoe with the figures " 1878 " and "1893" attached, the gift of the teachers, pre- sented by Dr. Domer, the pastor, with most beautiful and complimentary remarks, which were responded to by Mr. Alden with appreciation and gratitude to all who so kindly remembered the occasion.
Mr. Edward Leeds, of Mr. Parker's class, has re- cently been appointed leader of music in the junior de- partment of the Sunday school at Calvary Baptist Church. During the past year he led the singing at the Assembly Presbyterian school. He improves the opportunity afforded by the lesson hour to attend for a time his own class and school.
Some of the Letters Received in 1893.
BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. (GENERAL SYNOD.)
BALTIMORE, February 28, 1893.
Mr. LUCIUS D. ALDEN.
MY DEAR BRO. : Bro. Fox has just informed me that the "pockets" have emptied out the splendid sum of $129.98, or $26.58 in advance of last year's offering for the same cause. I congratulate you and your school
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HISTORY OF ST. PAUL'S
on that offering. I congratulate the board, the church at large, our missionaries in India and Africa, and I congratulate the cause of Foreign Missions in general on the excellent help it has received from St. Paul's Sunday school. Wishing you continued success in the work, I am,
Yours fraternally,
GEO. SCHOLL.
BALTIMORE, May 2, 1893. Mr. A. F. Fox, Treasurer.
DEAR FRIEND: I think you have every reason to be proud of the record St. Paul's Church and Sunday school is making for itself. The contributions of the Sunday school passing through my hands is ahead of any school in the Maryland Synod.
With kind regards, yours truly,
WM. H. JAMES.
TRESSLER ORPHANS' HOME, LOVSVILLE, PENNA. LEBANON, June 17, 1893.
DEAR BRO. Fox, Treasurer:
Please return to your school our thanks for their very liberal collection on children's day to our blessed cause. You stand first on the list so far as reports have come in. I am looking for big reports from Drs. Albert and Studebaker. Reports thus far most encouraging.
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