USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > Centennial services of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, Wilmington, Delaware, October 13-20, 1889 > Part 26
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To the indomitable energy and perseverance of Brother Foster, the Sunday-school owes much of its success. It was never too cold or too hot, too stormy or too muddy for Brother Foster to be at his post of
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duty. He was superintendent from its organization in '81 until the 3d of August, '88, when he resigned, and removed his membership to Mother Asbury. Brother A. W. Brilely was elected his successor, and still occupies the position; he is a very devoted and efficient officer.
We deeply deplore the removal of Sister W. E. Tomkinson from our midst, who for nearly two years had been a faithful worker in this Sunday-school. Besides having a class of young ladies to whom she was very attentive, she has illustrated the lesson for the day upon the blackboard, and given interesting talks to the school in explanation of the same. She is greatly missed by the many friends who have become so much attached to her in church work and fellowship Our church now has fifty-three members; some of whom were converted under the beech tree, and others in the stable, the birth place of the Saviour. In the autumn of 85 Mrs. Martha J. Inskip and Miss Carrie Foster spent some two weeks here in revival meetings, and quite a number of con- versions were the result, a few of whom remain unto this present. We have two local preachers, Revs. Chas. Simmons and G. Howard Smedley, who are always ready when called upon to preach a good sermon. There is but one class, which is led by the pastor. The trustees concluding that the church needed some repairs and improve- ments, set about the work in August last, and by the 22d of Septent- ber had the church ready for reopening. The walls and ceiling have been painted, the seats and wainscoting beautifully grained, new window-shades put up, the old stoves taken out, a cellar dug and a new heater put in. The church now presents quite an attractive appearance, and will be much more comfortable in cold weather. The whole cost of these improvements was about $350; and in addition to this, the trustees desire to purchase the adjoining lot, which will be about $350 more, making a total of $700. Much credit is due Brother J. W. Coley, the president of the board of trustees, and the noble few who aided him in pressing this enterprise to such a successful com- pletion. Dr. Murray, Presiding Elder, was present at the reopening, and preached at 10.30, from Gen. xv: I. $356 were subscribed in the morning. The Rev. L. E. Barrett preached at 3 P. M., from Acts XxVi: 19. The collection amounted to SIoo.
At 7.30 P. M. the Rev. J. D. C. Hanna preached front St. Jolin vi: 16, 20. Brother Coley then made a statement of the repairs made, and what had been raised during the day. Brother Hanna took the finances in hand and asked for the remaining $250. Bro. Joseph Pyle being present, and having a deep interest in Silverbrook's success, and anxious that the whole amount should be secured, made a proposition
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that if the congregation would raise $200, he would pay the last $50 when a deed was given for the lot. Brother Coley then very agreeably surprised us by reading a list of the names of those who had pre- viously contributed, amounting to $105, leaving $95 to be provided for, which was soon done; and the grand total of $700 raised in one day. The people here are loyal to Methodism, and all seemed pleased with the work done, but were impressed with the fact, that we now need a Sunday-school room in addition, which the trustees purpose to build during the coming year. Silverbrook stands in the southwestern suburbs of the city, as one of the light-houses of Methodism.
"Immovably founded in Grace, She stands as she ever hath stood; And brightly her Builder displays, And flames with the glory of God."
In conclusion we will add one thing more: as Brother Watkins, of Kingswood, stated in his paper that no saloons or bar-rooms sur- rounded the light-house in the northeastern part of the city; so we are happy to say that none of these dens of vice surround the light-house in the southwestern part. We have had them, but they are among the things of the past. Some years ago a brewery was started by the side of the beautiful stream from which this part of the city takes its name; but it was of short duration, the proprietor, in a drunken riot, took the life of his fellow man, and fled the country to save himself; so that ended the brewery. In a few months another party concluded that he would try the sale of intoxicants, fitted up a room in his house for a bar, and liung out his sign; but like the brewery, it was short-lived, he proving to be the best customer; and one evening on retiring for the night, after having imbibed rather too freely of the ardent, and being unable to steady himself on reaching the top of the stairs, lost his equilibrium, fell down the steps and broke his neck; so that closed the bar.
In March or April of '88, the brewery again started up, and just as it got in full blast, one bright, beautiful sunshiny day, about two o'clock, it was discovered to be on fire, and despite all efforts to save it, in a few hours it was in ashes. There has never been anything of the kind in Silverbrook since, and our earnest prayer is that there never will be again. Our heart's desire and prayer to God is that this beauti ful little church may be the birthplace of scores and hundreds,
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"And in the great decisive day, When God the nations shall survey; May it before the world appear That crowds were born to glory here."
When Mother Asbury, with her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters, with the many thousands saved through their instrumentality, shall come in triumph from North and South, East and West, into the kingdom of glory, lookout for Silverbrook, for she expects to come with rejoicing, bringing her sheaves with her.
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History of Wesley Methodist Epis- copal Church.
BY THE REV. W. G. KOONS, PASTOR.
Asbury has so many children that only a short time can be allotted each to tell its story in this Centennial home-gathering.
Wesley is next to the youngest child; comparatively a baby. The history of a baby is soon told. However, this baby has been blessed with good health and has grown very fast, and is to-day considerably larger than some of her sisters six times as old.
There was a time in our history when none of the churches claimed our paternity; but when success came we were surprised to hear members of Asbury, Union, St. Paul's and Grace, each laying claim to us. While with all the other Methodist Episcopal churches of this city, we trace our origin back to Asbury, as the Eve of Wilmington Methodism, we profess to belong to no one except the great Head of the church. As a spiritual power we trace our origin to a series of prayer meetings held in houses near where the church now stands. As our organization we ascribe our origin to the preachers' meeting of this city.
There had been a growing impression in the minds of both minis- ters and laymen, that Wilmington Methodism had not kept step with the march of improvement in our rapidly-growing city. This was and is to-day emphatically true of West Wilmington. Our church usually at the front, had allowed two of our sister denominations to plant their batteries on the frontier heights of our city ahead of us. All honor to our brethren of the Presbyterian and Baptist churches for their greater zeal. We have come not to fight them, but to help them to fight.
REV. W. G. KOONS,
Pastor of Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church.
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The Wilmington Preachers' Meeting at its session June 9, 1884, in Asbury Church, on motion of Rev. B. F. Price, adopted the following resolution :
"Resolved, That as pastors of the Methodist Episcopal churches of this city. it is our judgment that those parts of our city unoccupied by churches, furnishing opportunity for introducing and organizing religious service, ought to be entered by us at once; and that a com- mittee be appointed to inquire into the case, and report as soon as possible."
The committee consisted of Rev. J. E. Smith, Rev. S. T. Gardner. and Rev. C. W. Prettyman. At the next meeting of preachers, June 16, 1884, the committee reported that they had carefully surveyed the ground, and found necessity for two Methodist Episcopal churches in the western part of the city.
The first meeting on the ground was held December 23, 1884, at the house of Jas. Shakespeare, 306 South Jackson street. Both minis- ters and laymen were present. Rev. W. B. Gregg was made chairman. and Rev. S. T. Gardner secretary. The need of a church in the com- munity was urged by all. Other meetings for the same purpose were held at Asbury and St. Paul's. At the meeting in the latter church, Rev. Chas. Hill, Presiding Elder, was requested to appoint a pastor for a church and a superintendent for a Sunday-school, to be located near Maryland avenue and Jackson street. Rev. Jabez Hodson, a local preacher of St. Paul's, was made superintendent, and Rev. S. T. Gard- ner pastor.
A small room was obtained as a place of meeting at the corner of Maryland avenue and Linden street. On the following Sabbath twelve persons came to the preaching service, and twenty-four children gathered in the Sunday-school. The school was formally organized June 11, 1885, with Rev. Jabez Hodson superintendent. The room was very uncomfortable, so on March 25th, church and school moved into a store-room on the corner Maryland avenue and Bird street, now Newell's liquor saloon. The counter was removed and the partition between the store and sitting room taken down, making the place moderately comfortable, yet there was no place for the infant school. so the back kitchen was rented for the use of the infant school. Devices are numerous when we are in dead earnest. A smoky back kitchen is good enough for a young Methodist Sunday-school when God is at its back. In the early part of September, 1885, a large tent was purchased for $60, and pitched on the lots of Carlisle and Mitchel, near where the church now stands. Rev. Andrew Manship was
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engaged to assist the pastor in revival work, which was done with considerable success. The community was rough. While songs of praise and the voice of prayer were rising within, a mob was raging without the tent. Sometimes the brethren were compelled to arise from prayer without saying "amen," to collar the roughs who were trying to break up the meeting with eggs and stones.
Winter drove the church back again to its rented room, corner Maryland avenue and Bird street, where they worshiped till early in spring of 1889, when the owner of the property sold it to E. J. Newell, to be used as a liquor saloon. The church did not give up its rented right to use the property without a legal contest. The lawyer who argued the case against us said, "These people are so noisy that they are a disgrace to any community." The disgraceful church was thrust out to make place for a graceful saloon. The lawyer who argued the case against the church, though young in years, died a few months after that speech. Our interpretation will be according to our faith, but I am persuaded that others, beside Uzzah, have died because they laid irreverent hands on the ark of God.
We will now return to the formal organization of the church, which took place June 4, 1885. After a legal call of the members by Rev. Chas. Hill, Presiding Elder, seventeen names were enrolled as members of the new church. In the selection of a nanie there was considerable debate between those advocating Cookman and Wesley, but the founder of Methodism as was his wont won. The following were elected trustees : Wm. E. Gray, president ; Wm. H. Mullin, secretary ; John S. Stone, treasurer ; E. S. Meeteer, Wm. T. Morris and John R. Wright. Wm. T. Morris was appointed class leader.
When compelled to vacate, as above related, the church moved to the private house of John A. Stone, 205 Maryland avenue. This was a time of great discouragement. I don't know that it is very pious to feel resentment, but some of the brethren told me that they gritted their teeth very frequently as they walked past the place where they ought to have been worshiping God and saw a lager beer sign deck- ing its front, while they walked on to a private house to worship God. In the month of May the tent was again pitched, and services were continued in it till late in the fall when it was found again necessary to seek shelter indoors. This time the old Weccacoe Engine House, on Jackson street, near Second, was rented of Jos. L. Carpenter, Jr., whose liberality made the rent easy on the struggling church. Ser- vices were held in the second-story. The long flight of stairs, the small dingy room, the carpetless floor, the rude furniture, gave the worship of the little band an element of heroism.
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In the spring of 1886 three sixteen-foot lots were purchased of Swithin Chandler, and one sixteen-foot lot of J. C. Johnson, at the corner of Jackson and Linden streets, where the church now stands. Plans were secured from E. A. Thorn for a church 50x70 feet and two stories high. The foundation was dug, the cellar walls and piers were built, the first set of joists put into place, when a lack of funds and the cold weather stopped the building.
The corner-stone was laid October 23, 1886. A heavy blowing rain drenched the congregation and but very little money was sub- scribed, and but very little of that subscribed was ever paid, so it was found after all possible collections had been made that there was a debt of $1,375 on the lots and $375 on the foundation.
In March, 1887, the writer was appointed pastor. He came to Wilmington all puffed up with pride at the idea of being a city preacher, but was rather shocked when he inquired for his church and found none, but was invited to peep through a crevice in a high fence, and saw a hole in the ground, walling in three feet of water and covered with $1,750 debt. His heart almost failed him as he was ushered into the dingy little Weccacoe hall, where the services were then held. Tlie choir did something unusually appropriate on Sabbath morning when they sang as a voluntary before the new pastor's first sermon, "Cast thy burden on the Lord."
Services were contined in the Weccacoe through the summer with congregations frequently equal to the capacity of the hall. During this time money was collected to pay off the debt on the foundation. With the special assistance of Rev. W. L. S. Murray and Rev. Eli Mendinhall and Bro. C.,W. Howland, the pastor set about to get sub- scriptions to complete the church. After carefully surveying the field, a meeting was called at the Presiding Elder's, 307 West Seventh street, in June; a number of the prominent Methodists met with the officials of the church to consider plans. It was agreed that the original plan should be cut down to a single story 50 X 70; this was afterward reduced to a single story 35 x 59.
The board of church extension having granted us $400, and the subscriptions liaving reached $1,200, it was thought safe to begin the building. Lewis T. Grubb, the contractor, started work September 1, 1887,and the building in its present form was dedicated December 4, 1887. A Ladies' Aid Society had been organized and had provided carpet and chairs for the new church. St. Paul's had donated a lot of cast-off pews which the members of the church scraped, repainted and had them in place by dedication. Chas. Crossgrove and Wesley Meeteer,
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two young men of the church, made with their own hands and pre- sented a beautiful pulpit stand. Geo. W. Childs gave the Bible and J. Miller Thomas the hymn book. S. H. Baynard presented us a large clock to give us what all free-hearted Methodists so greatly enjoy-a good time. Rev. W. L. S. Murray preached in the morning, Rev. E. L. Hubbard in the afternoon, and Dr. Jacob Todd at night. Sub- scriptions and cash were secured, more than covering the cost of the building. The building was then formally dedicated and the doxology was sung with a good will. Thus far had we come after three years of bloody conflict for mere existence. Six months before the doxology was sung on the night of dedication, the most stout-hearted thought Wesley a forlorn hope.
June 1, 1888, a revival began which lasted till March 10th, the time of Conference. I took the names of one hundred and sixty who professed conversion, and received one hundred and three on probation. After the revival had continued about three weeks, and thirty-five had been converted, the pastor called to his assistance Andrew J. Dolbow, an exhorter in Asbury Church, who rendered very efficient service. It was an old-fashioned meeting. Christians shouted, leaping from the floor, and clapping their hands to express their joy. Sinners cried out loud for mercy, not only at the altar but also in the pews.
Another gracious revival came in the fall of 1888, beginning the 7th of October, and lasting six weeks; one hundred professed conver- sion and seventy-five joined church.
May 13, 1888, a Young Christians' Association was founded to help the young converts. It is still alive and doing excellent work.
The present officials of the church are: Rev. W. G. Koons, pastor; Rev. J. W. Harris, local preacher; H. L. George, Sunday-school superintendent; R. C. Jones, assistant; Mary S. Gray, superintendent of infant school.
Class leaders .- J. J. Wilhelm, Jas. E. Adams, Jas. E. Wirt and H. L. George.
Trustees .- Jacob Lamplugh, Chas. Ayers, Robert Carlisle, Jas. Wirt, Wm. E. Gray, Joseph Hildreth, H. L. George, John Gordon and Samuel Coyle.
Stewards .- Wm. E. Gray, H. L. George, R. C. Jones, J. W. Harris, L. L. Saunders. Baldwin Hygate, Geo. Murray, Thos. White and Z. T. Gross.
The rapid growth of Wesley is shown by the following figures taken from the Conference minutes and the church record: Organized
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June 4, 1885, with seventeen members ; number of members reported March, 1888, 22: reported March, 1887, 41; reported March, 1888, 70; reported March, 1880, 170; now on record, October, 1889, 225 full members and 15 probationers, making a total of 240.
These are the outlines of our history. They show the goodness of God. Paul has planted and Apollos has watered, and God has given the increase. There was a time when Wesley was considered a reproach to Methodism, but no reproaches could drive us to the wall, because God was in the midst of us; no persecution could sink us, because underneath were the everlasting arms. Wesley was started for the salvation of souls. She is on that line. Her type of religion is as warm-hearted and fiery as that of Asbury.
We do not exhort the people to shout, but if any one can't help it. we're not too badly scared to say Amen. We have laid the founda- tions, the oncoming years will see the present building giving way to a larger one, and the roll of membership enlarging, until by the next centennial, Baby Wesley will be as big as Mother Asbury.
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History of Cookman Methodist Epis- copal Church.
BY THE REV. ALFRED T. SCOTT, PASTOR.
Eleven squares west of Grace Church, three quarters of a mile east of Mt. Salem, there was a portion of the city bounded on the north by Gilpin avenue and extending southward ten squares, unoccupied by a Methodist church. With commendable zeal, our Presbyterian and Baptist brethren have planted their churches in that locality, and are getting the children of the Methodist families into their schools. On this as well as other accounts, the need of a Methodist church has for years been felt and talked of.
During the presiding eldership of Rev. Charles Hill, this feeling found expression in the call for a meeting at the home of Mr. William L Buck, on Van Buren street, beyond Delaware avenue. By request the writer was present at that meeting. Although after a full discussion of the matter, it became evident that those there present were generally convinced that something ought to be done, yet the Rev. R. C. Jones,. then pastor of Mt. Salem, because of an earnest effort being in progress to rid that church of an old debt, seemed to use his influence against the movement, fearing a division of interest might frustrate their desires. So all efforts to supply the recognized want were soon aban- doned.
On the Fourth of July, 1888, an honored local preacher, then con- nected with this (Asbury) church, Rev. W. W. Taylor, who had formerly resided in the neighborhood, and who was well acquainted with the condition of affairs, determined that something must be done. Accompanied by Mr. Benjamin McVey, of Mt. Salem, he proceeded to. examine the region already named to see if any building could be
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHI.
secured in which to preach the gospel and hold a Sunday-school. They succeeded in renting of Mr. Geo. Gregg, the lower story of the building No. 1307 Scott street. The upper room was already rented by a fife and drum corps.
Brother Taylor at once began to prepare the room for religious services. With the assistance of Rev. J. H. Simms and other friends, he succeeded in having some plain benches made; the aisles and platform carpeted, and a pulpit built. Thus the room, capable of seating about one hundred and fifty persons, was ready for occupancy.
The first service was held on the afternoon of July 29. 1888. Rev. Jas. E. Bryan. pastor of Asbury Church preached the first sermon.
Among those present were: Father Taylor, Mrs. Mary I .. Crozier, the widow of one of the members of our Conference; Mrs. Mary Ingram and Brothers J. H. Simms, Lewis Maxwell, Charles A. Foster and Andrew J. Dalbow. On the following Sabbath about twenty children were gathered in Bro. Solomon Hersey, of Union Church acted as superintendent. Preaching services were held under the direc- tion of Father Taylor every Sabbath afternoon after the Sabbath-school had closed its session.
At a meeting of the school onAugust 26th, a Sabbath-school board was elected according to the provisions of the dicipline. Wm. L. Buck, to whom reference has already been made was elected superintendent, Solomon Hersey, assistant; W. T. Morris, also of Union Church, was elected secretary, Mrs. W. L. Buck, treasurer, and Millard T. Toft, librarian. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, but it was not until the 30th of August, that, after some discussion, it was decid- ed to adopt the name of " Cookman Methodist Episcopal Sabbath- school."
At a meeting held October 17th, to consider the interests of the enterprise, the presiding elder, Rev. W. L. S. Murray, Ph. D., ap- pointed Rev. W. W. Taylor, Wm. L. Buck, Millard T. Toft and Mrs. Mary L. Crozier as a committe of ways and means to supervise the affairs of the church. On the 25th of the same month Solomon Hersey, W. T. Morris, W. J. H. Lingo, Charles Beadenkopf, George Gregg, Mrs. W. L. Buck and Mrs. W. J. H. Lingo were added to the committee.
At the quarterly conference held in Asbury Church, September 1. 1888, a request was received from the Cookman school asking to be re- ceived as one of the Asbury Sabbath-schools. This was agreed to on condition that "no pecuniary liability should be incurred." Thus was this work brought into connection with Asbury Church. Whether
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Cookman is to regard itself as a child or grandchild of Asbury, under such a connection, is a puzzle our brains have not been able to solve. Had not Father Taylor been a local preacher connected with Asbury quarterly conference it would seem as if Cookman were a stray waif born out of wedlock and coming to Asbury for adoption.
Thus the work in both departments was well under way. The people were attending the church service, and the Sabbath-school was increasing in number. Father Taylor's heart rejoiced to see the work of the Lord prospering. But a shadow was about to darken the prospect. Father Taylor was taken sick, and on December Ist was called from labor to reward. Death found him prepared and fully ready to go to be "forever with the Lord." The funeral services were held in Asbury Church, Rev. J. E. Bryan, assisted by Rev. H. S. Sander- son and the writer, gave expression to their love. Brother Solomon Hersey read some verses he had composed for the occasion and present- ed the resolutions of respect and regard which were passed by the ways and means committee of Cookman. A large and deeply interest- ed audience gave evidence of the hold this simple-minded, entirely de- voted man of God had gained over them.
Thus again is illustrated the usefulness of the local branch of our ministry. So far as the work at Cookman is concerned, there is little ground to believe that this effort so long talked of would yet have been commenced, had not Father Taylor set himself to do it. Out of this conviction grew the desire on the part of those interested to keep this fact in remembrance, and to do honor to this worthy man; and so they have erected a neat monument over his grave in Mt. Salem Cemetery, on which is the inscription, "The founder of Cookman M. E. Church." As the Methodist Episcopal church looks back with grateful remembrance to a local preacher, Philip Embury, as the man under God, to take the first steps toward calling her into being, so may Cookman when she shall have become a large and useful organi- zation, thank God for the work of Rev. Will. W. Taylor.
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