USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > Centennial services of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware, October 13-20, 1889 > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
180
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
generous, a carpenter and builder, did the carpentering work for the small sum of $700. It was agreed that the church should have the pew system, and being an innovation in the system of free seats, miet with much opposition, both in the Methodist circle and in the worldly opponents, and St. Paul's was known for years under the opprobrious name of " the silk stocking church."
The church was dedicated on Thursday, March 3, 1845, by the Rev. John Kennaday and Levi Scott, and St. Paul's became a fixed power for good in Wilmington. The first pastor was the Rev. John Kennaday, who served from 1845 to 1846; others were Joseph Castle, 1847 and 1848; Pennel Coomb, 1849 and 1850; F. Hodgson, 1851 and 1852; C. D. Carson, 1853; Joseph Mason, 1854; George R. Crooks, 1855 and 1856; Charles Cook, 1857 and 1858; Wm. H. Brisbane, 1859 and 1860; T. C. Murphey, 1861 and 1862; Wm. J. Stevenson, 1863 to 1865; Aaron Rittenhouse, 1866 to 1868; J. F. Clymer, 1869 and 1870; R. W. Todd, 1871 and 1872; J. B. Merritt, 1873 to 1875; Wm. P. Davis, 1876 and 1877, J. H. Caldwell, 1878 to 1880; M. A. Richards, 1881 and 1882; R. H. Adams, 1883 to 1885; W. L. S. Murray, 1866; C. Hill, 1887; L. E. Barrett is now the pastor.
In 1866 some of the most influential members in spirituality and wealth, believing that the cause of Christ would be promoted, and Methodism advanced by more and better accommodations provided for members and strangers, withdrew from St. Paul's and organized Grace M. E. Church. The withdrawal of so many members, amongst which were the pastor, the board of trustees with one exception, the Sabbath-school teachers with five exceptions, and more than half of the class leaders and stewards and all the wealthy members, left St. Paul's in a very weak and almost despondent condition. But the spirit of Methodism could not be crushed by this fearful and almost fatal blow. The members that stayed by St. Paul's with renewed zeal and with a determination that could not be defeated, manfully, and under the blessings of God, and with the spiritual pastor that God sent them, successfully maintained the influence and power of the church, and she arose gradually to her present position in the front rank of the churches in Wilmington. Within six years after the separation slie expended $7,000 in the remodeling and improvement of the church, and adding to the choir a pipe organ costing $1,500, and again, in 1882, made alterations in the audience room by taking out the gallery, frescoing the ceiling at a cost of $3,800. This same year the trustees purchased the property next door to the church for $12,200 to protect the church on the right. and again in 1886 extending the school-room to Shipley street, to accom- inodate twenty-four more classes. This improvement cost $6,000, which was raised on one Sabbath at the re-opening of the school.
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Sabbath-school was opened cotemporaneously with the church and has been in operation to this date. The superintendents, I think, (though I am not certain of being correct in the first ones) were as follows : Henry Hicks, Geo. W. Sparks, Wm. S. Hagany, J. Taylor Gause, Isaac Crouch and Joseph Pyle, the latter being elected to the afternoon school in 1866, and is superintendent at this date. The morning school was opened about the year 1858. The superintendents were W. H. Billany, Charles B. Lore, Joseph Pyle, Z. Pickels, John B. Tribler, James C. Morrow, Noble Hadley, and James W. Robertson, the present superintendent. The afternoon school has a membership of over six hundred scholars and seventy-two officers and teachers with an average attendance of four hundred and sixty. The morning school has a membership of one hundred and seventy, average attendance about one hundred.
The present trustees of the church are Joseph Pyle, president ; James C. Pickels, treasurer ; Jabez Hodson, Edgar A. Finley, B. Murgatroyd, Wm. Y. Swiggett, S. H. Baynard, Edwin F. Morrow and Win. Hukill. The secretary is Harvey Hoffecker, who is not a member of the board.
182
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
History of Union Methodist Episcopal Church.
BY THE REV. ADAM STENGLE, PASTOR.
The Union Methodist Episcopal Church, of Wilmington, Dela- ware, located on the N. W. corner of Fifth and Washington streets, is chronologically the fourth church in our city Methodism-the order being, Asbury, Ezion, St. Paul's, Union.
Though it is of such comparatively recent origin, yet there is already an error generally prevalent regarding both its founder and the date of its origin. Thus presenting another example of the import- ance of keeping accurate historic records of our churches, and also of the fact that our Methodisni has very generally failed to do so. The error referred to is, that Union Church was founded in 1850, and by the Rev. Andrew Manship, both of which are incorrect.
While the writer would not pluck a single flower from the wreath which adorns the brow of this worthy servant of God, yet fidelity to facts in the presentation of this historic sketch, absolutely require him to correct this error. From the undisputed testimony of many living witnesses, as well as from several "old records," the Philadelphia Conference Minutes, and also from the Rev. Andrew Manship's book, "Thirteen Years in the Itinerancy," it clearly appears that Union Church was founded in 1847 and by the Rev. Edward Kennard, who at that time held a supernumerary relation in the Philadelphia Confer- ence, which Conference at that time included all of tlie territory now embraced in the Wilmington Conference. Brother Kennard's estimable widow, as well as two daughters and a son, still survive him, the latter is a prominent merchant on Market street, in our city.
It appears that during the year 1847, Mr. Kennard with his family removed from Elkton, Md., to this city. Soon after his arrival a
REV. ADAM STENGLE,
Pastor of Union Methodist Episcopal Church.
183
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
house at Third and Orange streets, in which a society of Methodist Protestants worshiped, was sold and he became the purchaser. Inme- diately he organized a Methodist Episcopal society in this house, preaching regularly himself, and in the following March (1848) re- ported his work to the Philadelphia Conference as "Orange street," with fifty-three members. That this new society was duly accepted by the proper authorities is evident in the Conference minutes of that year (1848), for in the " list of appointments " made at that session we find "Orange street " connected with St. Paul's under the pastoral care of Rev. Joseph Castle and Rev. E. Kennard supernumerary.
The following year (1849) it appears in the minutes of the above- named Conference as a separate charge, to which the Rev. H. S. Atmore was appointed, with the Rev. E. Kennard as supernumerary. The society seems to have prospered up to this period, for according to the Conference minutes of March, 1849, when Brother Atmore was ap- pointed, it reported seventy-three members, one local preacher, one Sabbath-school with 100 scholars, and also collections for Missions and for Conference claimants.
But during this year (1849) the tide turned, resulting in a complete change of its personnel as well as of its name and location, to which fact doubtless is due the prevalent error regarding its founder and the date of its origin. This change was brought about after the following manner : Early in the year 1849, under Mr. Atmore's pastorate, for several reasons it was decided to build a new and more commodious church, and in a more eligible location. It was to be a two-story brick structure, with lecture and class rooms on the first floor. A lot was soon secured on Second street, near Washington, trustees were elected, and a building committee was appointed, and the work of con- struction was pushed forward with considerable enthusiasm. On the sur-
face the outlook was promising, but, nevertheless, trouble was brewing. This grew out of two facts which proved disastrous to the young enter- prise. The first was the very common mistake of building without first counting the cost and securing a sufficient sum to guarantee the success of the enterprise ; the second was a matter of less frequent occurrence, but wholly inexcusable, namely, the "laying of the corner-stone with Masonic ceremonies " instead of the ritual of the church. This latter fact proved so exceedingly offensive to some that they positively refused to support the movement any farther. Thus the church sustained a serious loss, and this too at a period in her his- tory when she was least able to bear it.
Nevertheless, the work proceeded for a little while, but the decreasing resources together with the increasing liabilities, soon
184
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
yielded their legitimate fruit. And the society found itself in the greatest financial embarrassment from which it seemed impossible to extricate itself; and hence operations on the building were necessarily indefinitely suspended, and this, too, at the most critical point in its construction; for the walls were erected to the full height designed, but were left without doors, windows or roof, while winter was at hand threatening their destruction before operations could be resumed in the spring, while even such a resumption seemed exceedingly improbable.
This was certainly a dark period in the history of this church; indeed, it is difficult to conceive a darker; disaffection and dissension in the ranks; a depleted treasury, an overwhelming debt; confidence destroyed; creditors clamoring for their money and indignantly denouncing the whole scheme a swindle; while other churches even withheld their sympathy. Indeed, so thoroughly discouraging was the outlook, that even Pastor Atmore abandoned the charge in the midst of the year for another and more hopeful field of labor. Very naturally, then, the embarrassed and deserted congregation became demoralized and scattered, some joining other churches, some drifting hither and thither, some backsliding entirely, while a small remnant held on, "standing still to see the salvation of the Lord." But to all except to the most extraordinarily sanguine, this seemed to be the end of this mission, which began so auspiciously, and promised so much. Accordingly we are not surprised to find in the minutes of the ensu- ing Conterence, March, 1850. "No Report," the only report made concerning it.
But it has been said, "The darkest hour is just before the dawn;" so it proved in this case. As the disheartened Israelites were rallied and delivered from the oppressive yoke of Jabin, King of Canaan, through the heroic efforts of the prophetess Deborah, so this despond- ing society was rescued from the destroyer through the heroic efforts of a woman. That woman was Miss Margaret Rumford, then a mem- ber of the Asbury M. E. Church. At the critical period, in the fall of 1849, she, "touched by the mute appeals of the forsaken walls," per- sonally contributed and solicited funds sufficient to put a roof on the building and otherwise protect it from the ravages of the winter. But for her efforts, seconded by a few others of like spirit, it is almost certain that I'nion Church would never have been completed.
At the Philadelphia Conference in March, 1850, the Rev. Andrew Manship was appointed to this charge which was now called "Union Mission," and henceforth "Orange street" appears no more in the Conference minutes. Why the name should have been changed is apparent, for it could no longer properly be called "Orange street"
185
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
after its removal from that street. But why it was called "Union", does not appear on the records, so far as I know. But it is more than probable that the name was inspired by the hope that members of Asbury and St. Paul's would unite with the "Orange street" remnant and so resuscitate the mission.
Mr. Manship arrived soon after Conference, but alas ! he found no Union, and indeed very little out of which to construct one. He found indeed a dismembered society, and also an unfinished edifice hope- lessly encumbered by a debt of nearly $3,000. A Quarterly Conference minute book of those times says: "When he came he found no congre- gation nor church in which to preach, the former congregation that had commenced to build at Second and Washington streets, having been left without a pastor and consequently were scattered."
But it may be inquired "Why could he not have preachied in the former place of worship at Third and Orange streets?" Because that was the private property of the Rev. E. Kennard; and it appears that after the departure of the Rev. H. S. Atmore in the previous year, Mr. Kennard resumed control of this place, preaching there for a short time himself, when, owing to the fact that the lease by which the ground was held was about to expire, he removed the house to Seventh and Walnut streets. Here it became known as Kennard's Church; here he preached; and here was organized the Sabbath-school which developed into the Scott M. E. Church. And after having been used for a variety of purposes, it at length became again what it was originally, "the first Methodist Protestant Church of Wilmington, Delaware," and since then it has been rebuilt and remodeled and very much improved.
But notwithstanding the discouragements, Brother Manship heroically faced the situation; and, with Mr. Edward Moore of St. Paul's as his surety, he rented the Odd Fellows Hall at Third and King streets for five dollars a Sabbath. This he used as a rallying point and here he re-organized the scattered members of Orange street together with others into the church thenceforth to be called "Union." On the first Sabbath in this hall he received two persons into the church, both ladies; and the first was the aforesaid Miss Margaret Rumford. It is only just to add that she still remains an honored and efficient member of this church; and though she may not be so strong in body now as she was then, yet she retains all of the spirit and zeal which made her the deliverer of "old Union" in the fall of 1849. She is still a regular and cheerful as well as liberal contributor to the support of the church of her choice; and though she resides about eight squares from the church, she is yet a regular attendant upon class and prayer- meeting, as well as upon the public services.
186
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
The Odd Fellow's Hall was at that time the only theatre in Wil- mington, and during the week it was used for theatrical purposes, which, of course, were in striking contrast to the Sabbath services. This fact was not only the occasion of many pleasantries, but also of much unfriendly criticism on this new society; and thus doubtless some were restrained from enlisting with them, who otherwise would have done so.
But nevertheless the society grew rapidly, several things con- tributing to this end. The earnestness of the preacher, and the novelty of the place, attracted large congregations. And besides this, there had for sometime been considerable friction at Asbury, which was now greatly intensified by the return of the pastor in the face of a decided opposition, and still further aggravated by some indiscreet utterances on his part regarding the opposition. And as Asbury was already full to overflowing, and a new church was a necessity and only a question of time, accordingly a large number seized this opportunity of withdrawing from the "old church" and uniting with the "new." An "old record" of Union Church, though imperfect, shows that about thirty persons were received by Mr. Manship by letter during the first month (April,) and about seventy-five more in the same way during the rest of the year. The record does not show whence these came, but under the circumstances it is more than likely that nearly all of them came from Asbury.
As the hall could not be obtained for religious services during the the week, the prayer and class meetings were held in private houses in different parts of the city, and, of course, the new church thus labored under some disadvantage. But again help came very unex- pectedly. The trustees of St. Paul's Church, "endorsed by the entire congregation," generously granted Mr. Manship the use of their lecture room, without expense, two evenings of each week as long as it was needed.
In order to produce a more general interest in this new church enterprise, a meeting was called very early in the year in St. Paul's Church, which was attended by the ministers and leading Methodists of the city as well as by others. Bishop Waugh delivered an appro- priate and soul-stirring address to this congregation, which doubtless contributed greatly to Brother Manship's success.
The enthusiasm of the preacher, the number and character of the accessions, and the encouragement received from other sources, speedily inspired hope for the abandoned enterprise at Second and Washington streets. Accordingly at an early day a new board of trustees was appointed, consisting of Asa Poinsett, Geo. McGee,
187
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
John Rudolph, Grubb Talley, Albert Thatcher, Thomas K. Baynard and Edward Moore.
This board assumed all the obligations of the former, made satisfactory arrangements with the creditors, and then vigorously pushed forward the work to completion, at a cost of about $7,000. The church was dedicated by Bishop E. S. Janes, on Thursday, November 28, 1850. The Bishop preached at 10 A. M., and the Rev. Henry Slicer, of the Baltimore Conference, at 3 and 7 P. M. During the day the debt was reduced to $2,400, which balance was also paid off after a brief interval.
It is due to Brother Manship to say that he collected a consider- able part of this money in Philadelphia, "down the Peninsula." and elsewhere, whither he went "on begging tours."
At the close of the first conference year Mr. Manship had the pleasure of reporting the church completed and nearly paid for; a society of one hundred and fifty-four members and one hundred and forty probationers; a flourishing Sabbath-school, which had been organized in the Odd Fellows Hall, of two hundred scholars; a Sunday-school library containing three hundred volumes; and collec- tions as follows: For Missions, $51.00; for Bible Cause; $8.25. for Conference Claimants, $25.50. This is a record which few pastors have excelled, if any; and of which any might justly feel proud.
The following named persons, in connection with the trustees already named, constituted the first officiary of the church after its re-organization in the spring of 1850. Class Leaders: Barney C. Harris, John Boyce, Isaac McConnell, Wm. Edmundson, and Albert Thatcher. Stewards: Asa Poinsett, John Rudolph, George McGee, and John Guire. Exhorters: Wm. Edmundson, Frank Supplee and Cyrus Stern. Cyrus Stern was also the first Sunday-school superin- tendent, and Miss Margaret Rumford was the first female superin- tendent; both served in their respective offices for several years with great success and with eminent satisfaction to the school.
The society, now thoroughly established, grew so rapidly that within fifteen years a larger edifice was absolutely demanded. Accord- ingly, in 1865, it was decided to build a larger church and in a more desirable locality. The Quarterly Conference appointed the pastor, J. D. Curtis, Stephen Postles, Cyrus Stern, J. C. Pickels, Asa Poinsett. WVm. Edmundson, and Wesley Talley, a committee to secure the site for the new church. This committee selected the lot on which the present edifice now stands. The Quarterly Conference approved their action and referred the matter of building to the board of trustees: and this board appointed Steplien Postles, Cyrus Stern and Jethro
188
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
Mccullough, three of their number, "a building committee, with full power to erect and complete the church." These men at once pro- ceeded with the work and vigorously pushed it to completion, and the edifice is a standing testimonial to their efficiency and fidelity in this responsible position.
While, however, great credit is due to each of the three named, it is only just to mention the chairman, Stephen Postles, as deserving special credit; for he not only gave the work his constant personal supervision, but also cheerfully contributed considerably more than one-tenth of the entire cost of the church.
The lecture-room was dedicated December 23, 1866, and the auditorium November 17, 1868, by Bishops E. R. Ames and Levi Scott.
The entire cost of the church and lot was $36,000, which was all provided for and paid within a few years, making the church entirely free from debt. The edifice is most admirably located; is well planned and built, of first-class material, well adapted to its purposes, and is one of the handsomest and largest in the Wilmington Conference, a credit to the building committee and an honor to our Methodism.
The church, though once entirely free from debt, is unfortunately not so now. About the year 1876, the church was mortgaged for 1,000, which encumbrance still remains.
During the year 1882 the trustees purchased the house 513 Jefferson street, for $4,000, as a church parsonage. Of this amount about $1,000 remains unpaid, but is in a fair way of liquidation. The house is commodious and conveniently located, and every way suited for the purpose for which it was purchased.
Union Church has had only a brief, yet a very eventful history. Time and space, however, will not permit us to indulge the desire to re- call the many interesting and thrilling events of her forty-two years' existence. Like nearly all churches having a large membership, she has had sunshine and storms. While in 1876 the roof was blown from the building by a terrific storm which swept over our city, the church has also been racked and torn by storms within, which carried away many of her members.
During the late war her intense loyalty to the government was well known. Frequently the walls of "Old Union" echoed the eloquence of patriotism, as it issued from the pulpit and the pew; in stirring appeals to men to rally around the "Star Spangled Banner," and in earn- est pleading with God for the overthrow of the rebellion, the abolition of slavery and the triumph of truth. Those appeals were not in vain. Those prayers have been answered.
189
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
But the "Old Union" is no more. The building was sold and the proceeds were applied to the "New Union." The "Old Union" passed through many hands and was used for a variety of purposes, some of which I am informed were exceedingly disreputable. But the Reformed Episcopal Church of the Covenant finally bought the property and redeemed it from such base purposes, and occupied it as a place of worship for several years. But that church having also sold it, the present owner has demolished it and erected upon the site thereof several stores and dwellings, so that nothing remains to remind the passer-by of the former things.
It would be exceedingly interesting to know how many souls have been gathered into the heavenly garner through the instrumentality of Union Church ; but this knowledge is denied us for the present. It has been in some measure a revival church, aflame with primitive Methodist fire, and hundreds of souls have been born to God at her altars.
At present the church is enjoying a season of quiet prosperity. She numbers six hundred and forty members who are divided into twelve classes. She has a flourishing Sabbath-school of about eight hundred scholars and about seventy officers and teachers, and a Sunday-school library of more than a thousand volumes.
The church has had twenty-one pastors, of which the following is a complete list, from its origin in Orange street in 1847 to the present year 1889.
"Orange street " from 1847 to 1850. - 1847, Edward Kennard, supernumerary preacher of the Philadelphia Conference ; 1848, J. Castle and F. Kennard, in connection with St. Paul's; 1849, H. S. Atmore.
"Union " from 1850 to the present .- 1850-1, Andrew Manship ; 1852-3, Joshua Humphries : 1854-5, James B. Maddux ; 1856, I. T. Cooper ; 1857-8, John Ruth ; 1859-60, Win. Barnes ; 1861-2, John W. Arthur ; 1863-4, James A. Brindle ; 1865-6, J. D. Curtis ; 1867-8, W. E. England : 1869-70, Samuel L. Gracy ; [871, J. H. Lightbourne ; 1872-3, Charles Hill ; 1874-6, T. E. Martindale ; 1877-9, J. B. Mann ; 1880-2, Adam Stengle; 1883-5, C. W. Prettyman ; 1886-9, Adam Stengle.
While the vast majority of the members who came to the Union from Asbury in 1850, have joined the Church Triumphant and have entered into the heavenly rest, yet a considerable number remain lingering on this shore, amid the halo of a glorious sunsetting, await- ing the summons from the Father to enter the blissful abode of His
190
CENTENNIAL EXERCISES
saints beyond the bounds of time and sense. Among these are Miss Margaret Rumford, Cyrus Stern, Caroline Stern, Eliza Harris, Susan Sinex, Susan Foord, Catharine Kelley, Mary A. Flagler, Joanna Gordon, Hannah McDonnel, Mary Robinson, James Dawson, Mary Dawson, and perhaps others.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.