USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > Manual of the Union Park Congregational Church and Society, of Chicago, Illinois ; containing articles of faith and covenant, standing rules, basis of union between the church and society, officers and members of the church and society, etc > Part 8
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Congregational Sunday School Publishing So. . ciety, supplies main school and primary dep't, printed programs, etc. 182.32
Congregational Sunday School Pub. Society sundries for Children's Day exercises . 19.40
Pettibone & Co., Sunday School supplies 8.00
M. J. Fitch Paper Co., Sunday School supplies 1.74
W. B. Marensson, sundries for primary dep't 3.55
Womans' Board of Mission of the Interior, same 3.00 Chicago Job Book-Binding Co., binding library books 35.10
Congregational Sunday School Publishing Society, for same. 26.00
Mize & Stearns, printing quarterly records 13.00
Congregational Sunday School Publishing So- ciety, for same. 16.75
IS. f. Harris & Co., stars and standards 30.00
F. P. Rounds, for music 94.00
D. W. Cobb, coin wraps, stationery, etc., I year 2.40 Louis I,loyd railroad train for Summer picnic 239.75
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OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
Printing, $12.00; sundry expenses, $5.58, same $17.58 $878.54 $1,316.89
Balance on hand December 1, 1891 $$2.50
$1,899.39
D. W. COBB, Treasurer.
Chicago. December 1, 1891.
In addition to the above, expenses to the amount of $300.00 have been paid by the Church.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT.
Books in library Dee. 1, 1890 88S
Books in library Dec. 1, 1891 789
Books in hands of scholars 12
Lost, condemned of given .w.
Total circulation 3675
Average circulation ( 17 Sundays) 78
About 100 books were re-bound during the year, and a con- siderable number had to be condemned on account of their poor condition. There is great need of new books in this library, especi ally for the older readers.
FRED'K I. MERRILL, Ist Librarian.
Many of these books being nearly worn out were donated by vote of the school to a Mission Sunday School in Oregon at the request of Rev. G. P. Moore, of our Seminary.
PRIMARY LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Library books which required binding have been sent this year along with the main library books to be bound.
There are now on hand in this department of the library 196 books that await distribution ; 53 of this number are of the 99 new Books added in March, 1890.
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A record is kept of the books drawn out by scholars and the length of time they have retained them, which should not exceed two weeks.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM B. MORTON, Primary Librarian.
December, 1891.
REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
After brief illnesses, four of our little ones have entered the heavenly home -- Clara Sandy, Mortimer Spooner, Eddie Eldridge and Robbie Watson. It is a comfort to the parents and friends to recall the ways in which these children tried to follow the example and teachings of their Savior.
Nearly one-half of our teaching force has changed, the chief cause being removals, but at no time has the work suffered, for willing hets have been ready to respond to every need. Some who have gone to other fields had rendered years of faithful service in our midst. The attendance and interest have been good.
It is a continual surprise to notice from what varied surround- ings our children are gathered. In many homes, the only religious influence comes through the instruction of the little ones in the Sunday School. It is a point of interest that we have this year enrolled three little girls from Constantinople, Honolulu and India. Who can tell how far the influence of the Union Park Sunday School may extend?
There were special exercises at Christmas time, Faster and Children's Day, in which the primary department participated. The Christmas offering was appropriated to Miss Haven's work in China. At Easter the children bought a bible for the primary room, which is marked with the weekly Golden Texts, and in which is kept the names of graduates, and a record of the deaths. With the Thanksgiving collection, a picture of "Christ in the Temple " was bought for the new primary room of Porter Mem- orial Church.
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Three classes and one teacher were transferred to the main room in June.
Instead of the usual picnic a "Butterfly Party " was given in September in the large room, attended by 250 children, who spent two happy hours together, and carried home pretty little paper butterflies as souvenirs.
The recent Mills meetings were not without a blessing to the children, many of whom are trying to follow the teachings of the Holy Spirit. May He guide them into all the truth.
MRS. JOHN BRYNER, Primary Superintendent.
FURTHER REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT.
The close of another year finds our school in a condition which in many respects is more favorable and more encouraging for the future than ever before.
There have been a great number of unavoidable changes in our working force during the past two years. In looking over the list of teachers two years ago I find only eighteen out of the whole number who are now teaching the same classes as then. Nearly forty of our present teachers are new, within two years. Such frequent changes are very detrimental in many ways, and it is ahnost impossible to change teachers without losing scholars. At present, however, our classes are all supplied with regular and competent teachers, and others equally good are ready for service when needed.
Our Teachers' Meetings have been regularly held except dur- ing the Mills meetings and a few weeks in mid-sumner, and with better attendance than last year.
Twenty-five members of our school have already united with the Church on confession of faith during the year, and a very large mimber are now expecting to unite at the next communion. Of the number who have signed cards during the Mills meetings, signifying their desire to lead a christian life, 133 took, this import- ant step during the sessions of our own school. . This large num-
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ber of converts, more than any other thing, fills our hearts with gratitude, hope and courage.
A Junior Christian Endeavor Society formed among our scholars should, and doubtless will be, a valuable means for en- couraging and developing these young beginners in the christian ยท life.
During the year the marked improvement in on Sunday School singing has been commented upon by many visitors. For this, credit in large measure is due to our efficient leader in sing. ing, Mr. Hicks.
The continuation of the present practice of introducing with the familiar Gospel Hymns, occasional musical selections of a more churchly and dignified character which will be remembered with pleasure when the more ephemeral pieces are forgotten, would, I believe, be of benefit to the school.
Written examinations have been continued each quarter dur- ing the year. Bible search questions given weekly during the past three months have proved an incentive to bible study, as well as an occasion for friendly competition among our brightest scholars. More classes than formerly bring their bibles and use them, being encouraged to do so by merit marks in the class-books and favor- able mention in the " Record." Public services in the Church have been held Christmas and Easter Sundays and on Children's Day, in which the exercises were conducted mainly by, the Sunday School, and were occasions of much interest and profit, and were all very largely attended.
Onr library has not been replenished with any considerable number of new books for two years, though abont 100 vohnnes have been re-bound and put back into circulation during the past year. A liberal appropriation for new book's the coming year would be a wise expenditure.
We have undertaken, in addition other appropriations and expenses, as shown in the Treasurer's report, to raise $500 for the new Porter Memorial Church, $200 of which has already been paid over. The remainder should be raised and a few outstanding bills paid as soon as practicable.
The school held a very enjoyable picnic, at St. Charles, by
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invitation of Deacon Butler, who hospitably entertained many of the officers and teachers at his house, and made a liberal contri- bution to the pienie expenses.
In relinquishing the office of Superintendent, which I have held for the past two years, in favor of one so experienced and so successful as my honored friend and predecessor, Mr. Jenkins, I confidently bespeak from om teachers the same harmonious sup- port, and promise him from myself the same hearty co-operation that I have enjoyed during my superintendency.
I regret that pressure of other work has not permitted me to do as much visiting or cultivate as intimate personal acquaintance with members of the school as I might profitably have done under other circumstances. This, more than any other one reason, has led me to give up this work, which, though ardnous, has proved in most respects so delightful, because seemingly so fruitful, while I have been engaged in it.
J. H. TEWKSBURY, Superintendent.
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UNION PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
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LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
The year's work of this Society closed with the ammal meet ing, held September 30th, 1891.
There were held during the year thirteen (13) regular meetings, with an average attendance of 90.
Mrs. Win. Ripley, Chairman of Directresses, reports 509 garments made, and distributed as follows :
Half-Orphan Asylum, Protestant Orphan Asylum, Truant Aid Society, Hospital for Women and Children, West Side Woman's Christian Association, poor families in our Church, 8 boxes and 11 barrels sent to Home Mission field.
Mrs. A. M. Forbes, Treasurer, reported money raised by the Society as follows :
Balance in treasury . 11.85
Membership fees 111.00
Contributions for Home Missions 150.45
Donations 89.95
McCall Mission (by Miss Lyman ) - . 43.00
Free Church of Italy (by Mrs. G. H. Gilbert)
26.00
Truant Aid Society
25.00
Social work
69.00
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society (by Mrs. J. M.
Chapman) 1,262.15
Total amount raised
$2,087.90
MRS. WM. HI. FRENCH, Secretary.
December 9, 1891.
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REPORT OF THE WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
Auxiliary to the W. B. M. I.
The annual meeting of this Society was held Jaunary 21, 1891, when reports were read and officers elected.
Regular meetings have been held in connection with the Benevolent Society, when letters or addresses from missionaries are heard, together with any news from mission fields that can be gleaned for our stimulation and profit.
We have a monthly missionary prayer meeting, to which we should welcome a larger number; who would be glad to join in prayer for the success and increase of mission work at home and abroad.
The return of Miss Ada Haven, for eleven years our missionary to Pekin, China, has been one of the events of the year. It has been a delight to hear her voice, and her words have been an inspiration and encouragement.
We have had, through our delegates, interesting reports from the various meetings of the W. B. M. J.
The ammual thank offering meeting, in which the Young Ladies' Society joined, was held October 8. Our Treasurer reports contributions for the year amounting to $1,262.15. This includes a gift of $100 from an " unknown friend."
MRS. E. J. HARKNESS, Secretary.
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UNION PARK CONGREGATIONAL, CHURCH
REPORT OF CHURCH VISITOR.
The first thought suggested by a review of the year's work is thank fulness for physical strength sufficient for the need.
Often the most difficult question that meets the Visitor as the work of the day is to be planned, is to decide which are the most essential things to be done. Sometimes the number of even these seems more than can be accomplished, but night finds them and some other desirable things done; and rest comes with the thought that having committed one's timeand way to the Lord, what cannot be done we are not responsible for, no matter how necessary it may Scell.
The general line of work has been the same as in previous years, and need not be entered into in detail.
The Oakley Sewing School was held every Saturday afternoon for six months with all the interest and profit of former years.
The proposed introduction of sewing into the public schools may make this branch of work unnecessary, but we shall await clear indications that it is so, being slow to abandon the oppor- tunity for influencing for good the lives of many we could not otherwise reach. The art of sewing is but a small part of what we believe the girls learn in these afternoon hours.
The ladies' missionary meeting and that for children, in con- nection with the Junior Christian Endeavor Society, have been held monthly, and each of these Societies contributed $18.00 to the treasury of the W. B. M. I. the past year. Those trained in the Mission Band are coming forward as active workers in the Mission- ary meetings of the Senior Christian Endeavor with a spirit and earnestness that encourage the expectation that when they come to be the men and women of the church it will be marked by a strong missionary spirit. Last Sunday evening the children and young people had the great pleasure of listening to Miss Haven, in whose work in the Bridgman School in Pekin they have so long been
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interested. The evening was stormy but they could not miss the opportunity of hearing one they have prayed for so long, and the honse was well filled with most attentive listeners.
Of the general condition of the work at Oakley yon will hear from others. Less visiting has been done there than in former years for the reason that it has been so thoroughly and success- fully done by the Pastor and his assistants, and by the people, organized and directed by him, that the work in the home field seemed more imperative.
For relief of the needy I have received from the Deacons' find $200, and from individuals $69.75, and from the Christian Endeavor Society for Thanksgiving dinners $15. 11, making a total of $285. 16.
Part of the money received from individuals was given as a special find to be used at the discretion of the Visitor for cases when she would not feel at liberty to nse Church funds.
I am also indebted to the Ladies' Benevolent Society for a very liberal supply of new and excellent bedding and clothing for women and children that has made glad the hearts of hard-working mothers and little chikhen, who would otherwise have suffered from the cold.
The arrangement for the social work of the Church, inaugu- rated last year, of asking all the ladies of the Church whose health and home duties will possibly permit, to share in the pleasure of welcoming the new members by calling upon them, proved so satisfactory that it was decided to continue it this year. The mm- ber of strangers is so large that no one could call npon all, so a list is made for each lady by the Chairman of social work of 5 or 6 names of those who have recently come among us, who live near to her, upon whom she can call. This does not hinder any one from calling upon as many others as she can, and does avoid the danger of some being overlooked. It is hoped that strangers will look upon calls received not as " duty calls," in the sense the words are sometimes used, but as an expression of the loving interest the Church, through its individual members, extends to all who enter its fellow- ship, to welcome them to a share in the work committed to this Church by her Glorified Head.
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If the spirit of His new commandment "That ye love one another as / have loved you " has entered into our hearts, surely this service for the Church He so loved will not be looked upon as an irksome duty, but rather as the privilege of love.
To all of us who have prayed and waited with longing anticipation for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our midst, the crowning joy of the year, as indeed of all the years of our work together, has come to us in the November days, when, for more than three weeks, we gathered morning after morning in our own little prayer meeting, and afternoon and evening with the great congregation, to listen to the Lord's message as brought to us by His messenger -- accredited as such by the wonderful power of the Spirit that accompanied his preaching searching the heart, illum- inating the divine word and greatly strengthening our faith and love.
In many hearts, we are sure, there has been awakened a more earnest desire to know Christ, and be wholly given up to do His will. We have also had the joy of answered prayer and of seeing hundreds coming to Christ.
Before this Church is opening now, opportunity for a year of such service as has never been presented to us before. Scores of homes are open to us and through us to Christ's salvation. Hun- dreds who have been interested may be won to full discipleship and an earnest Christian life if the power of Christ's life in the Church shall be felt, as He longs to manifest it in all its redeeming power. We have no might for this great work, but God has, and He delights to give; may He also make us willing to receive and help us to be faithful to the trust committed to ns.
December 9, 1891
BELLE M. SPENCE.
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DEACON'S 30TH ANNUAL REPORT.
Another milestone in the history of this Church has been reached, and as we review the year just closed we feel we have reason for profound gratitude and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for the kind way in which He has lead us as Pastor and people and the continued assurance he has given of His presence with us in all our Christian work. Not until within the past few weeks has there been any very marked spiritual interest manifest in our midst, nevertheless the faithful labors of our Pastor, together with the work of the varions organizations connected with the Church, have been characterized by much earnestness and zeal, and we believe the harvest so recently garnered has been largely due to the faith- ful sowing of the seed during the past months of the year. Should We not be encouraged to greater faithfulness in the Master's work knowing we shall surely reap if we faint not ?
The Sabbath services have been regularly held throughout the year, acceptable pulpit supplies being furnished during the absence of our Pastor. The morning congregations have been steadily increasing in numbers, and since the summer vacation have been unusually large. The Choral Society has done much to increase the interest and has thus insured a better attendance upon the evening service.
The average number present at our Wednesday evening prayer meeting has been greater than in former years, and the excellent subjects selected by the Pastor for our consideration have yielded much of helpfulness and inspiration. The papers furnished us on the occasion of the Monthly Concerts have been exceedingly inter- esting and instructive.
Perhaps the most important organization connected with the Church is the Sabbath School; under the efficient leadership of Mr. Tewksbury and his Assistants, with the earnest, faithful, loving labors of the teachers, it has accomplished very much in leading
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the young to a knowledge of Christ's teachings, and the results of these faithful instructions will never be known this side of Eternity. At each Communion Season we have rejoiced to welcome some from the Sabbath School into our fellowship, and we look forward with great hope and joy for still larger accessions to our numbers from this source. Reports from the various societies will acquaint you with what has been accomplished in the different departments of Church work but we can not but speak in the highest com- mendation of the grand work done by the Society of Christian Endeavor. This organization cuibracing considerably over one hundred consecrated young men and women has held weekly meetings throughout the year, and its members have developed a spirit of self-sacrifice and aggressiveness in their work for Christ which might well be imitated by all.
Our Church has sustained its nsnal benevolent work through- ont the year which has been reported to you in detail this evening.
This Church was represented at the International Council of Congregational Churches held in the City of London early in June, In out Pastor and Prof. Fisk, who were both active workers on several prominent committees. By special request they gave us at one of our Wednesday evening meetings an interesting and graphic account of the proceedings of the Council ; also their estimate of its beneficial results.
We report with much satisfaction the growth and prosperity of the two branches of this Church.
Mr. James has had charge of the services at Oakley the larger part of the year and by his sympathy with the people and his earnest Christian spirit has endeared himself to them and has accomplished much in arousing an interest among the members in the work. Miss Spence has also been an indispensable worker in this field. A very gratifying increase in the unmbers present at the various services has been noticeable.
The outlook for the Porter Memorial Branch was never so promising as now. Under the leadership of Mr. Smith, as Pastor, assisted Mr. Dorr, who lias so long been the faithful Superintendent of the Sabbath School, a good work has been done. Twelve were received into the Church at the last Commmion, nearly all from
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the Sabbath School. On the lot purchased last year a building has been erected and as a result of the indefatigable efforts of our Pastor, Mr. Jenkins, and others, $11,000 was raised for this purpose and the Church was dedicated with appropriate services the last Sabbath in November free from debt. A result for which we should be truly grateful. A remarkable feature connected with the dedicatory services was the presence of the Rev. Jeremiah Porter whose name the Church bears. He was Pastor of the first Church established in this City when its population was only 300. With more pleasant surroundings and greatly increased facilities we believe the growth and permanency of this Church is fully assured.
While we thus review the work of the year just ended and plan for more efficient service for the Master in the year to come, eleven of our number have severed their relations with this Church, and as we are confident are now engaged in the higher activities of the Church above.
R.dph Hathaway Pierce died Janny 19, aged 22 years. He united with this Chich June 27, ISS6, but was absent from this City several years before his death.
Mrs. Zoe Swisheh Allen died March 2; she came to ns by letter, January 5, 1872. She possessed remarkable social graces and was the only daughter of the well-known Mrs. Jane Grey Swisheh.
Mr. Artemas Blake died March 31, aged 77 years. He joined this Church September 13, 1868. He was a man of sterling chris- tian character and of mature christian experience. He was always interested in the success of the Church, and though he bad long been feeble in health, was a regular attendant at Church service. He died strong in the hope of a glorious immortality.
Mrs. Mary Mead French entered into rest April 1, having been received into the membership of this Church by special vote only a few weeks before when unable from illness to be present; but for years she had been as truly identified with all the Church interests. Failing health made it impossible for her to do much outside her home, but no appeal to her for sympathy or substantial help was ever made in vain. She loved the Lord's work, and the Home Mission Work was especially near her heart.
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UNION PARK CONGREGATIONAL, CHURCH
Mrs. Frances Perce Sears died April 6, aged 63 years. She became a member of this Church June 30, 1872, and was always deeply interested in its welfare and took an active part in its work so far as health and strength permitted. She had a genuine Chris- tian experience and an intelligent interest in the Lord's work.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ross Hicks died June 19, aged 67 years. Although her residence among us was less than a year her influence had been felt in the Church as a woman of rare christian culture and experi- ence. One who had walked very close to the Master and of whom it might truly be said that she sought first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Blessed with the training of a devoted christian mother ; her early married life was spent as the wife of a home missionary in the West. Through the trials of that life, and early widowhood, leaving to her alone the care and training of a large family of children, she learned to know by a rich experience the Lord's faithfulness to His promises, and the blessedness of trusting Him for everything, and was always looking for oppor- timities to reach other souls and help them into the same blessed faith.
Mrs. Harriet Whittlesey Wagner died July 30, at the age of 27. She became a member of this Church upon confession of her faith at the age of 17, and her whole after life showed the sincerity of the consecration then made. Combining rare sweetness and strength of character with a love that laid all at the Master's feet, she was a valued helper in many departments of Church work. The Christian Endeavor, the Missionary and Mission School work were especially dear to her, and the memory of her sweet, earnest life will abide with her associates there, as well as in the home of which she was the light and joy -- an inspiration to all that is highest and purest in christian living.
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