USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > Centennial services of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware, October 13-20, 1889 > Part 24
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The school prospered, and help was needed. More room became a necessity. A more permanent place of meeting was sought, and after much thought and prayer, application was made to St. Paul's Metho- dist Episcopal Church for assistance. After much solicitation the society at St. Paul's accepted the school, and about February, 1873, the name of the school was changed to St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Mission of Wilmington, Delaware.
Geo. R. Greenman was appointed superintendent and M. D. Lam- born, secretary and treasurer, with following teachers: Brothers Enos W. Clair and Peters, and Sisters Alice Rinker, Amanda Clair and E. B. Dorman. At this time the school was still held in the home of Wesley Beerbrower, where it was continued to be held until his removal from the city in the spring of 1873. Brother and Sister Bangs, then kindly offered the use of their home, on Claymont street, as a place of meeting. This offer was accepted, and there the school went in April of 1873.
About this time the teachers' association of St. Paul's appointed a committee to procure a suitable lot, and build a chapel. A lot was soon procured from Eli Mendinhall, at the corner of Fourth and Clay- mont streets, but the erection of a building was not begun until about the first of September, when the project was put into the hands of Bro. Jacob F. Sharp, who put new life and energy into the enterprise. A building was begun and completed about the first of November. The dedication occurred about the middle of the month, and the name was again changed to "Kingswood Chapel of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church of Wilmington." About this time the school met with a severe loss by the removal of Brother and Sister Bangs to Balti- more. Sister Bangs taught the children the sweet songs of Zion. The record tells us that she would gather the children into her home during the week evenings and teach them to sing. This added testimony is
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given : "God's Holy Spirit came very close to us, making His presence felt." For the two Sundays prior to going into the chapel the school was held in the home of Wm. Powell. It was thought the school would flourish in its new chapel, but like many another, it met with its reverses. The loss of a leader for the singing, and several changes in the officers and teachers weakened the school for a time.
On March 8, 1874, M. D. Lamborn took charge as superintendent. On July 19, 1874, Jacob F. Sharp succeeded him, with Brother Zach. Pickels as musical director. At this time I find on the minutes the following record : "It is hoped that Kingswood Chapel may yet be known as a church in Wilmington." The school began to grow again, and on November 22, 1874, the first anniversary was held. Addresses were made by Rev. J. B. Merritt, pastor of St. Paul's, and Bro. Joseph Pyle, who took a deep interest in the work.
Brother Sharp's health failing, H. M. Rile was appointed superin- tendent on March 7, 1875. He served until February 13, 1876, when Bro. Alfred W. Guest, a member of Kingswood Chapel succeeded hini. Brother Guest served until October 7, 1877, when he severed his con- nection, as he was about to remove to Cambridge, Md.
He was succeeded by Wn. Powick, who served until February 8, 1878, when he was followed by Jabez Hodson.
Under his superintendency it was suggested that some improve- ments be made to the chapel, viz: painting the outside, and kalsomin- ing it within. This was begun and completed under the supervision of George W. Todd, who was appointed to succeed Brother Hodson as superintendent, April 13, 1879.
From then till now Brother Todd has given Kingswood his entire services, and not only so, but he has during all these years, Sunday after Sunday, gathered and brought with him help in the shape of volunteer teachers from St. Paul's Church.
Some six or seven years ago, the interest of the school having steadily increased under Brother Todd's guidance, the members of Kingswood Sunday-school Association appointed a committee to pre- pare plans for an addition to the chapel for the use of the 'infant department.
After much delay, and the appointment of several committees, Brother Todd thinking that the time had come when the improvement must be made, again brought the matter to the attention of the trus- tees of St. Paul's Church. Their approval and assistance was asked and a committee was appointed to put the matter on a working basis.
With Brother Todd as leader in this enterprise the work was faith -
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fully performed, and the infant department was separated, so that it could the more successfully prosecute its work. In this improvement much help was given by the friends at St. Paul's; added to this was the energy and business tact of Bro. Geo. W. Todd, which made it a financial success.
Little can be gathered of the infant department, save that for many years it was most faithfully ministered unto by Sister Amanda Clair.
Thus the work has grown, until at present there is a flourishing school. On Sunday, October 6, 1889, the school was formally organ- ized under the provisions of the discipline, as an "independent" school, with Bro. Geo. W. Todd, as superintendent, Alex. Z. Clair, as secretary. The last named has for several years been punctually at at his post, and deserves great credit for the manner in which he has done his work.
In connection with the school special mention should be made of the services of Aubrey Vandever, who served as secretary for a number of years; Mrs. S. E. Hoffecker, who aided as assistant superintendent, and Mrs. Fannie Forbes, superintendent infant school, who has lately removed to her home in Maine.
To-day the school is in a condition which foretokens advancement in all lines of Sunday-school work.
During all the years from 1873 until 1884, the pulpit was supplied, for the most part, by the local preachers of St. Paul's Church. Among them were Bros. Isaac L. Crouch, Jabez Hodson, Jacob F. Sharp, and Albert Thatcher; the last two being familiarly known as David and Jonathan. Sunday after Sunday these faithful brethren came to preach the word of life to the Kingswood people. During a part of this time the Rev. A. T. Scott, a supernumerary of the Wilmington Conference, supplied this work.
With him were associated Bro. Alfred W. Guest and wife, and Sisters Amanda Clair and Elizabeth B. Dorman, who, in the dark hours of Kingswood Church life, were always on hand to do good, and aid in keeping the church doors open.
The first revival occurred during Bro. Scott's pastorate. There was a quickening in spiritual life, and as a result the church grew for a time.
Nothing of a permanent character, however, was accomplished until the Rev. R. H. Adams was sent to St. Paul's Church. Kingswood lay very near his heart, and it was during his pastorate that a gracious revival broke out in the chapel, and many were soundly converted.
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Brother Adams was aided in this revival by some of the members of St. Paul's, who night after night wended their way to the little chapel, and helped on the good work.
Among those who so nobly stood by Kingswood, may be mentioned Brothers Joseph Pyle, Jabez Hodson, Jacob F. Sharp, Albert Thatcher, and Geo. W. Todd, and Sisters S. E. Hoffecker, and Sue Simpson. The result of this meeting was that at the ensuing session of the Conference, in 1884, the Rev. W. A. Wise was associated with Rev. R. H. Adams as assistant pastor of St. Paul's Church, and assigned to Kingswood.
Here begins the church-work regularly; the people felt as if they were at last getting to be a regular church. During Brother Wise's first year there was a wide-spread revival. The meetings were held in St. Paul's tent, which had been erected on the vacent lot adjoining the church. Here for many weeks services were held with good results.
It was during this pastorate that the church was improved by putting in gas, and papering the walls, and putting blinds to the windows. In 1886, at the end of Brother Wise's second year, Kings- wood was left to be supplied. Bro. Chas. Hill was presiding elder. A committee, consisting of Brothers Daniel A. Forrest, William Leathem, Alfred Wilson, and Jno. W. McCauley, waited on Brother Hill and asked for the appointment of the Rev. Wm. L. White, a local preacher of Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, as their pastor. The request was granted, and Brother White began his work.
For three years he rendered efficient service as pastor of Kings- wood, having had during the last year quite an extensive revival. When it is remembered that this brother did the work in addition to following his daily avocation, it may be seen how heavily the burden fell upon him. The congregations increased greatly during the terms of Brothers Wise and White, so much so that it began to be whispered that a new and larger church was needed. But where could the neces- sary funds be found? The people at Kingswood were not able to do this work alone, and they must appeal to the large sympathies of Wil- mington Methodismı.
At the last Conference the present pastor was sent to Kingswood, which was still a mission of St. Paul's. Frequently the independence of Kingswood has been a mooted question, but no definite action was taken until the people of Kingswood, with their pastor, asked St. Paul's Quarterly Conference to set them apart in their official relations, St. Paul's still retaining the church property. Kingswood Chapel was thus formerly set apart on June 10, 1889.
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On June 12, 1889, the Presiding Elder, Dr. W. L. S. Murray,. organized and held the first Quarterly Conference of Kingswood Methodist Episcopal Church.
The following were the officers of the church: pastor, Rev. R. Irving Watkins; local preacher, Rev. Wmn. L. White; class leaders, the pastor, Powell F. Clayton and Asel Stiles; stewards, Daniel A. Forrest, John W. McCauley, William Leathen, Alfred Wilson, Benjamin Price, Thomas Proven, Annie V. Guthrie, Ellen Dixon, and Reba B. Smith, the last named being the recording steward, and Geo. W. Todd Sunday-school superintendent.
Just prior to the meeting of the second Quarterly Conference, the official board of Kingswood sent a communication to the board of. trustees of St. Paul's, asking for a transfer of the church property.
At St. Paul's second Quarterly Conference, held September 9, 1889, a resolution was passed by which the church property was to be transferred to a legal board of trustees, to be elected by Kingswood Methodist Episcopal Church, in accordance with the laws of the State.
On September 11, 1889, the second Quarterly Conference of Kings- wood accepted the proposition made by St. Paul's in reference to the property, and joined in asking the Presiding Elder, Dr. Murray, to nominate the trustees to be elected by Kingswood. Thus, after many years, the wishes of the early workers of Kingswood have been fulfilled, and to-day Kingswood is no longer a mission, but is an inde- pendent church, and looks forward to the time when a new edifice will take the place of the present building.
Our people have already subscribed about $1,000 toward a new church. We have a Ladies' Mite Society in successful operation, and we hope, ere long, to have a church which will meet the demands of this part of the city. May I add, that, owing to the efforts on the part of the church and Sunday-school, in connection with the Swedish Mission and our local Women's Christian Temperance Union, we have rid our section of the city of the curse of many saloons; and to-day, with a population of more than three thousand, there is at present but one saloon.in our midst.
Great credit is due Rev. Wm. L. White, a former pastor, and Geo. W. Todd, our Sunday-school superintendent, for the existing state of affairs. Methodism is alive on this great question, and in no church in the city more so than in Kingswood.
As a child of Methodism we hope to grow and keep pace with the onward progress of the coming century, and leave such memories as will be pleasant in the years to come to those who have so nobly stood by us in the day of small things.
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History of the Whittington Methodist Episcopal Chapel.
BY THE REV. J. A. RICHARDSON, PASTOR.
The task of preparing an historical paper of Whittington M. E. Chapel has been a difficult one, and indeed, this one is very imperfect, because there have been no records kept of the church, and I have been compelled to rely upon the treacherous memory of a few who were connected with its founding.
We do not claim to hold position in the ranks among the noted and more wealthy churches of our city, but as the proverb "He is truly great that is little in himself, and that maketh no account of any height of honor."
Whittington, the granddaughter of the illustrious Asbury, and the third or youngest daughter of Ezion, is situated on Buttonwood street, south of the Christiana creek, in the section commonly known as South Wilmington.
It was in this place that many persons from the lower part of this State and from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, who were not the aristocrats of society nor even the rich milk, much less the cream of the race, began to settle.
Of this place it could be truly said, as was said of Nazareth, "It was noted for its wickedness," and it has been a question, not of Nathaniel, but of many who are familiar with its history, "Can any good thing come out of South Wilmington?" Corruption had been allowed to prevail until it had wrought itself into men's characters so as to have affected their minds and become, as it were a part of themselves. Gambling, drunkenness, rioting and low class women, were the vices which pervaded the place. Virtue and morality
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kept their distance and dare not show themselves, but it was almost use- less to expect an era of peace and prosperity among these people until they had been touched by the facilities instituted for their enlighten- ment. An ignorant people can be governed by despotic force, but none but an intelligent and moral people can govern themselves.
The negro, if educated, refined and christianized, will be a most faithful ally in the perpetuity of good government; but if left in ignor- ance, will remain a tool of evil and designing demagogues, a constant menace of the peace of society. This place was everything but attrac- tive, only for those who wished to engage in these vices, or to do ser- vice in the Master's vineyard. No field was ever so inviting to the laborer for God than here. There was one feature connected with the early history of the place that made it especially attractive to a Method- ist preacher, and I have no proof that this was not the chief induce- ment which attracted the preacher. To many of the primitive inhabi- tants this place is better known as "Turkeytown," and a good fat turkey for a Thanksgiving dinner was then quite a treat to a poor Methodist preacher; however, whether this be the cause or not, there were a few persons in whose hearts dwelt a love for God's church. Among them were Francis Byrd and wife, who had tasted the rich blessings of God's grace, and feeling a deep interest in these semi- heathens, began to agitate the organization of a Sunday-school. Their knowledge of procedure was somewhat limited and they therefore applied to Abraham Murray, one of the leading men of the Ezion M. E. Church, for advice.
Brother Murray, a man of great influence and whose name is dear to many hearts in this city, gave the command to "Go forward." Accordingly in the early part of the year 1873, a Sunday-school con- sisting of five children was started in a private house on Buttonwood street, then occupied by Francis Byrd and family.
The founders of this school were Francis Byrd, Solomon T. Bantum and Charles H. Smith. Francis Byrd and Charles Smith were then exhorters and Solomon T. Bantum a local preacher in Ezion M. E. Church. Wm. Blake was appointed the first superintendent. In this organization a resolution was passed to have preaching at ten o'clock each Sunday morning, and Rev. Charles H. Smith preached the first sermon and God poured out His spirit upon them. The superintendent, William Blake, who was indeed zealous for the cause, and grasping every opportunity to make the school a success, labored faithfully, going into the highways and hedges and persuading the children to come to Sunday-school. In the face of hundreds of excuses he did not despair, and on several occasions niet the excuses at his own expense,
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
furnishing some of the children with sufficient clothing to attend the school, and even paying some of them to attend. Through his earnest and faithful efforts the school prospered, and soon they needed larger quarters. Their condition was made known to Rev. Hooper Jolley, who was then pastor of Ezion, and an effort was immediately put forth for a church. They first attempted to purchase a lot on A street, where the St. Paul's A. U. M. P. Church now stands, but failed.
Afterwards they succeeded in purchasing a lot on Buttonwood street in a low, marshy place, and built a small chapel thereon, which was dedicated to the service of God in the month of August, 1873, by Rev. Hooper Jolley, and a mission was organized consisting of twenty in the Sunday-school and about thirteen church members. John E. Johnson, Francis Byrd and William Blake were selected by the trustees of Ezion and appointed as the first trustees, and Francis Byrd was made the first class leader.
The chapel was named in honor of one of the old veterans of the cross of Christ, Rev. Joseph Whittington, a former pastor of Ezion, under whose preaching many souls were awakened to a knowledge of sin and sought the blessing of God's grace. He was a good Christian and a powerful gospel preacher, and many both white and colored have had their souls fed while listening to his simple yet forcible manner of preaching the story of the cross; he was a blessing to the church. We cherish his memory, and as he has crossed the line of battle below and is standing on Zion's hill, may we follow his precepts and examples, until we cross the dead lines and stand with him around the throne of God. The mission now seemed to gain new vigor, and a life of prosperity seemed inevitable; but alas ! in February, 1875, it became a prey to the devouring flames and was entirely burned.
The hearts of the people were sad, their hopes seemed for a while blasted, their only beloved Zion was gone, and they were compelled to return to their primitive mission house, where they stayed only one week and then rented a house on the corner of A and Buttonwood streets, where they remained about six months during which time the Rev. Solomon Cooper, then pastor of Ezion, came to their relief and rebuilt the chapel. and they were once more mnade happy in a new chapel, which was dedicated to the service of Almighty God in the summer of 1875 by Revs. Lewis Y. Cox and Perry G. Walker.
In the autumn of this year the public school, through the untiring efforts of Girard Rollins, one of the members of Whittington, had its origin in the church where it was held for nearly one year. From this little chapel emanated our public school which now numbers on roll one hundred and three pupils, with an average attendance
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of eighty-seven and one-half per cent., ranging from the first to the tenth grade, under the principalship of the efficient teacher, Miss Emilie N. Dorster, who has served as principal nine successive years.
This work remained a mission under the supervision of Ezion until the Conference of 1876, when it was organized into a circuit with Browntown M. E. Chapel, and Rev. William Holland, a local preacher from Zoar M. E. Church, Philadelphia, was appointed as pastor. He remained one year. During his administration the church was in a prosperous condition; the present choir was organized and everything bid fair, but another calamity befell it. In September of that year, during a terrific storm which swept over this city, the banks of the Christiana yielded to the rolling waters, and this section of Wilmington was overflowed, the church became, as it were, a pool, but quite unlike the noted Bethesda, for instead of desiring to be put in, the people were anxious to get out, and the pastor, who was by no means a Baptist, was carried out by one more used to the water. God's word, the bread of life, was cast upon the water, but the sign was soon seen and gathered after a few hours, as the Bible was washed from the pulpit and floated upon the water in the church. This was indeed bad enough, but the worst was not yet, after the waters subsided the serpent made his appearance in the church. We do not pretend to say that this was his first time there, but his first visible appearance. Snakes, frogs, lizards, etc., found refuge in God's sanctuary, and for three weeks the people were compelled to abandon the church.
Where they worshiped I have not been able to ascertain. The inhabitants were forced to their upper stories, and some of them beyond that. Many left their homes and made room for the reptiles which were constantly coming in. Times looked desperate, but God was all sufficient, and the faithful of God seemed to hear that soul-cheering promise so full of consolation to the Christian, "Lo, I am with you always."
In 1877 Rev. I. H. White, now Presiding Elder of the Salisbury District of the Delaware Conference, was the first regularly appointed pastor, he was appointed by Bishop Levi Scott, who presided over the Conference then in session at Chestertown. Rev. White continued pastor for two years, during which time the organization was greatly strengthened financially.
In 1879 he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas M. Hubbard, who rearranged and reseated the church during his pastorate. An organ was purchased by the choir. The church prospered financially. Having served two years, Rev. Hubbard was removed and Rev. Harri- son D. Webb was appointed his successor.
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Brother Webb was much beloved by the people; he was a good financier, and did a good work in building up the church in every respect. On July 17, 1882, the chapel was turned over to the board of trustees, which had already been appointed by the trustees of Ezion, in consideration of the sum of $200. Brother Webb served two years, and in 1883 was succeeded by Rev. J. J. Campbell, who remained one year; during which time an effort was put forth to purchase a new and better site on which to build, and a lot 30 x 100 feet, on the east side of Townsend street, between A and B streets, and adjoining the public school ground, was purchased at a cost of $250, and the first payment made.
In 1884 Rev. William F. Butler, D. D., was appointed pastor, but owing to mental derangement he was not able to complete his year. Whittington was at this time taken from the circuit and made a station, and Rev. Hezekiah Grinnage, a local preacher, and a son of Rev. Asbury Grinnage, one of the fathers of the Delaware Con- ference, was appointed by Presiding Elder I. H. White to finish the year out. In 1885 Rev. Andrew J. Wallace became pastor and proved himself efficient for the work during his administration. The building lot was paid for, the Sunday-school was greatly increased, and a new board of stewards was appointed, and the trustees were newly elected and duly incorporated February 10, 1886. A seal of the incorporation was purchased by the church, and new life began to spring up. Brother Wallace spent two years of sucessful but hard labor. In 1887 Rev. .C. A. Tindley, who had been for two years pastor of Cape May Circuit, was appointed pastor and made his first visit, preached on Sun- day, May. 7, morning and evening, and completely captivated the people. At this junction a new work was established in Cape May City and Rev. Tindley, being quite a favorite among the people of both classes in Cape May, was asked for as pastor, he was therefore re- moved from his work in South Wilmington, and it was supplied with Rev. Wm. Hilton, a local preacher from Zoar M. E. Church, Philadelphia. Rev. Hilton made one visit and stayed one day, but because of some dissatisfaction returned home the following morning .and never came back.
For a while they were without a pastor, and the sheep began to stray; darkness seemed to overshadow them, the members became dis- ·couraged and the people dissatisfied. At length Rev. William J. Hudson, a local preacher from Salisbury, Md., was appointed as a supply, making the third pastor within the period of three months. By his efforts and the constant appeals of the leading officials and a few faithful members, the fort]was held until 1888, when it was con-
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nected with New Castle Circuit, and your humble servant, (J. A. Richardson,) was appointed pastor by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, at the session of the Delaware Conference, held in Whatcoat M. E. Church, Dover, Delaware. Being nothing but a babe in the ministry, and having learned of the character of the place, I shuddered at the thought of being pastor here, and to make it worse, one of my predecessors on leaving the Conference said to mne: "Richardson, rise, go to South Wilmington, that great city, and cry against it, for their wickedness has gone up before Him." And I, like Jonah, desired to flee, but hearing the voice of God in His many promises to sustain me, and being encouraged by my Presiding Elder, Rev. William H. Coffey, who had been iny faithful friend, I came trusting in God and with faithful prayers. Here I pause and sigh. Could I have said that in these fifteen years of trial and conflict through which Whittington Chapel had passed, she had captured the monstrous foe, I would have been happy; but no, although vigorously assaulted by these heroic captains of the Lord's hosts, he was still raging, and I thought that if ever there was a place in God's vast domain, where the naked, plain, simple word of God's truth was needed without a satin dress on, it was here.
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