USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > The New church and Chicago; a history > Part 23
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From May 1, 1895, the services were conducted for a time, as has been said, in Steinway hall, at the rental rate of two thousand dollars annually, and the book rooms and Western New Church Union were established in Rooms 901 and 902 Steinway hall, at a rental of sixty-five dollars per month.
To the meeting of the executive committee, which occurred Nov. 4, 1895, report was made by a special committee previously appointed, that a church near the corner of Berkeley avenue and Forty-second place had been leased to July 1, 1897, at a monthly rental of fifty dollars, and the special committee was empowered to expend money not exceeding one thousand dollars in put- ting it in order for worship, and in moving the organ and furniture formerly in the Van Buren street temple; thus was the foundation laid for Kenwood parish. The serv- ices were inaugurated December 15th under the name, "Kenwood Church of the New Jerusalem."
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1896.
In the annual meeting of the Society held Jan. 20, 1896, a committee consisting of Dr. Oscar Oldberg and Miss Arianna E. Scammon was appointed to receive con- tributions for a memorial window to the Rev. John Ran- dolph Hibbard, to be placed in the National Church in Washington, the proposition being carried through to completion; the window so placed at a cost of about two hundred dollars.
The reports from the parishes for 1895 show the average attendance at worship to have been, Englewood, ninety; North division, sixty; and Kenwood, two hundred. Sunday-schools were conducted in all. The two pastors, Messrs. Mercer and King, served the three parishes; Mr. Mercer at Kenwood in the morning, Mr. King at Engle- wood in the morning, and the two alternating at the North side chapel at four in the afternoon.
ALEXANDER OFFICER.
Feb. 7, 1898, the executive committee placed on record memorial remembrance for Mr. Officer, which remains a tribute of love from the Society. The following is pre- pared for this history:
Mr. Officer was born in New Cumberland (near Har- risburg), Pa., in 1820, making his home in Chicago in 1849, in which year he became a member of The Chicago Society of the New Jerusalem, remaining an active and very devoted member until physically incapacitated in 1895, when he was compelled to withdraw from activity in all affairs, but ever remaining a devoted servant of the Church.
He was for a half century an interested and faithful student of the doctrines of the New Church, attaining a
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degree of intelligence in the writings as to place him among the doctrinaires, a place rarely attained by laymen.
In the biographical article devoted to Mr. Scammon in the fore part of this history, he is cited as a most con- spicuous example for laymen, reasons being given. Now, having made a careful study of the New Church in Chi- cago, covering its seventy years of life, we are able to point to another equally extraordinary, though of a different kind.
A close reader, and a deep thinker; a talker of limited extent, but a ready and attentive listener; always present when there was anything doing, or to be done; a devoted attendant at the sanctuary, and ever-willing contributor; for forty-five years a daily worker for the Church and for its extension, ever living in the sphere of it; we look into the past and see a small group of men to whom must be given the credit for the physical effort indispensable to the planting and nurturing of the Church in Chicago and adjacent territory, in the background of which we see him of whom we are writing, Mr. Alexander Officer, the man at the helm.
Mr. Officer brought conservatism, care, and conscien- tious fidelity into everything with which he was connected, and impressed all who knew him with his lovable char- acter and personality.
Mr. Officer's first marriage was to Frances Dickinson. From this marriage there were born four children, Mary Williams Officer; Walter Officer; Kate Dickinson Officer, and Frances Officer. Of these, Kate Dickinson Officer (Mrs. Rollin A. Keyes), is living. The second marriage was to Emma M. Hemple. There were no children from it. Mrs. Emma M. Hemple Officer lived some years after his call to the higher life.
The writer will presume to digress from the good rule
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not to write in the first person, to here make lasting nota- tion of the interest and affection which make up his mem- ory of Mr. Officer, whom, in the Church and its affairs, he had the pleasure of meeting during twelve or more years.
By the meeting of the executive committee of May 1, 1898, a resolution was adopted that Rev. John S. Saul be employed as Coadjutor pastor and installed as pastor for the North side parish, and the chairman was instructed to arrange for having the resolution put into effect.
A special meeting of the Society, held Sept. 24, 1898, authorized the trustees to borrow eight thousand dollars, to be used in building a new church edifice for the Englewood parish, to be located on the site of the old chapel, northeast corner of Stewart avenue and Seventieth street; the loan to be secured by mortgage on the property.
1899.
The loan, as above, was effected and the building erected, the dedication occurring the second Sunday in January, being the 8th of January, 1899.
The report of the parish speaks in very thankful and beautiful terms relative to possession of the "beautiful new house of worship;" extends thanks to the members of the executive committee for their faithfulness and care in looking after the construction, saying: "Mr. Cutler has been untiring in his personal attention to the work, and the members of the parish will be reminded of his faithful services whenever they think of the new temple." The church is named, "The Church of the Divine Human- ity."
THE HUMBOLDT PARK PARISH.
To plainly present this subject the following repetition will be excused.
As has been shown, a special meeting of the Society was held Aug. 23, 1855, which empowered the executive committee to provide for worship on the north side of the river, and to engage Mr. Ragatz to conduct it; and the city directory of the next year, in the list of church services, notes: "New Church German Society, service at nine A. M. and three P. M. in the basement of St. Paul's Church, Ohio street and La Salle avenue."
Further, it is shown, by the report of the executive committee for 1857, that through the effort of Mr. Ragatz, land had been obtained and a chapel erected on Reuben street near Chicago avenue, and that Mr. Ragatz' service had been transferred there.
The greater portion of the value of this land and chapel was obtained from members of the congregation, the value being two thousand three hundred and ten dollars, all of which was accomplished without incurring debt; the title to the property was vested in The Chicago Society of the New Jerusalem; Mr. Ragatz' congregation being known as the "German branch."
Mr. Ragatz continued to administer until in 1871, when he was succeeded by lay readers and others until 1883. During this time service was conducted quite regularly, for several of the years the place being filled by Mr. Charles Wieser, a licentiate. During 1883 Rev. William F. Schliffer was the pastor, while in 1884 and 1885 the service was again conducted by laymen; Rev. Adolph J. Bartels becoming the pastor in 1886, remaining
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in charge of the Society until 1899, though he performed much missionary service during all the years.
In 1893 the Reuben street (long since, Ashland avenue) property was sold for thirty-six hundred dollars, as has been shown, following which the services were transferred to 1140 West Division street.
During the latter part of his pastorate, Mr. Bartels caused a change of name from the German branch, and German Society, under both of which names the Church was known, to the "Second Society of the New Church."
Jan. 9, 1899, a report was made to the executive com- mittee, by a committee consisting of the pastors of the Society, which had been appointed some time previous, recommending the organization of the Second Society of the New Church into the Humboldt Park parish of The Chicago Society of the New Jerusalem. Accompanying the report, Mr. Mercer, as chairman, gave the names of forty-four members who would become members of the Chicago Society. The committeemen were instructed, and the committee continued to complete the organization.
In the meeting of the executive committee February 6th, a report was read, signed by Arthur T. Fletcher, president, and Lena B. Rauch, secretary, setting forth the complete organization, when the forty-four members were elected to membership in the Society, and Humboldt Park parish was established.
So we find that Humboldt Park parish is the straight descendant of Mr. Ragatz' La Salle avenue and Ohio street mission of 1855, fifty years gone. Contemporane- ous with the early years of struggle of the Chicago Society, the little sister supplied its own place of wor- ship, which so remained for thirty-six years; and by its own effort conducting its service, fairly continuously, many more years than has any organization of the Church in Chicago, excepting the Chicago Society.
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When thought is given to the life and experience of the German Society, and the little money that was used during the many years of its existence for the mainte- nance of the service is appreciated, one cannot fail the conclusion that love for the Church ruled in all-leaders and people.
The chapel and land, 910 Fairfield avenue, occupied by the Humboldt Park parish, were purchased in 1899, at a cost of eleven hundred and fifty dollars, including church furnishings. One hundred and fifty dollars cash was required, which people of the parish furnished, while one thousand dollars was carried in a mortgage held by one of the members. This mortgage the Chicago Society paid later, becoming owner of the property; and the amount advanced by people of the parish was eventually returned to them.
1900.
The annual meeting of the Society for 1900 was held January 15th in the hall located on the seventh floor of Steinway hall, where, following the erection of that build- ing, the annual meetings were generally held until 1905.
By the meeting, the by-laws of the Society in use now, save as they have been amended, were adopted.
Rev. Lewis P. Mercer read his resignation as pastor of the Chicago Society, announcing his intention to devote his whole time to the work of General pastor of the Illinois Association; the resignation to take effect as soon as arrangements might be completed for the filling of his place as pastor of the Kenwood parish.
In its report the executive committee, by its long-time faithful chairman, Mr. Charles H. Cutler, said:
"After mature and careful deliberation and being fully aware of the responsibility, your committee deemed it
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necessary to notify the parishes of the inability of the Society to continue the support of the ministers, and under the lead of the Senior pastor, generously supported by the Coadjutor pastors, an earnest effort has been made to awaken in the members a realization of responsibility for the support of the ministry, with encouraging results."
The report from the Kenwood parish shows an average attendance at morning service of one hundred, and that the parish had determined that the correct thing to do was to conduct its service and affairs without depending on the Society.
The report of the executive committee of the Engle- wood parish, by Mr. Oscar Oldberg, chairman, speaks of the freely bestowed contributions by the members for the support of the services, promising a decided increase in the revenues, and showing a healthy condition.
The North side parish reported by its chairman, Mr. Robert Matheson, that it had raised a subscription list which, with Sunday offerings, would produce such an amount that, by allowing him time for secular work, an arrangement had been made with Rev. John S. Saul for the year 1900. The membership was given as fifty-six, and average attendance fifty; the average attendance at the Sunday-school being forty-two.
From the report of the Humboldt Park parish is seen that on Sept. 17, 1899, the chapel, 910 Fairfield avenue, was first occupied by and dedicated to the uses of the Lord's New Church, "the occasion," the report says, "will remain a memorable one, owing to the large attendance and general pleasure." The Sunday services were being conducted as they had been, by Mr. Mercer and Mr. Saul alternating, in the afternoon, besides which there were different services and classes held during the week.
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The average Sunday attendance was forty; at the Sun- day-school, thirty. The report is signed, William Kel- logg, president.
The report of the pastors, signed by Mr. Mercer, Mr. King, and Mr. Saul, shows for 1899: Baptisms, eleven children and fourteen adults; thirty-one confirmations; ten marriages; and eleven funerals.
The pastors say: "We believe that the present organ- ization of the Society, with the parishes upon the footing of individual churches, is a good movement; but it is a means, not life. It will be efficient in the degree that it is an occasion for a new life, warm with zeal and wise with purpose to obey the voice of the Lord, and to cooperate with one and another, to exalt the Church as the primary interest in life."
The report of the treasurer, Jan. 1, 1900, shows assets amounting to four hundred and forty thousand dollars, and liabilities, one hundred eighty-three thousand and seventy-five dollars.
The report of the treasurer further shows that the seven lots which the Society owns in Oakwoods cemetery con- tain about five hundred square feet each, in which, up to that time, there had been seventy-six interments, leaving room for about the same number.
A special committee, consisting of Joseph R. Putnam and Joseph Sears, to which had been referred the resigna- tion of Rev. Lewis P. Mercer, which he submitted to the annual meeting January 15th for suitable answer, reported to the meeting of the executive committee March 5th, with a letter which it was deemed met the requirements, and which was adopted as the expression of the Society in acknowledgment of his long and faithful service.
The secretary was instructed to have a copy of the letter suitably engrossed and to present the same to Mr.
KENWOOD CHURCH AND PARISH HOUSE, Woodlawn Avenue and Forty-sixth Street, Kenwood,
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Mercer, and also to have publication of it made in the New Church Messenger, all of which was done. As the expressions of the letter are to an extent a repetition of what has been said, it is not necessary to give it.
A meeting of the Society held March 16th authorized the placing of a mortgage on the North Clark street chapel and land, to secure a loan of eight thousand dollars at six per cent. per annum, to be used in paying pressing indebtedness. The mortgage was made and the money obtained.
1901.
During the year land at the southeast corner of Califor- nia avenue and Le Moyne street, fronting fifty feet on the avenue, was purchased by the Society at a cost of five thousand dollars, for a site for a church for Humboldt Park parish, and the same year Mr. Saul became the pas- tor; some time thereafter Rev. Eugene J. E. Schreck being employed by the North side congregation to admin- ister in the afternoon, filling the pastorate vacated by Mr. Saul.
There was also purchased during the same year land at the southwest corner of Woodlawn avenue and Forty- sixth street, being fifty-seven feet on the avenue, and one hundred and eighty on the street, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, to be used for a church and parish house for Kenwood parish.
The cost of the organ installed in the Englewood Church in 1901 was two thousand dollars, to which must be added the cost and installation of the motor.
During the first half of 1901, Rev. John S. Saul admin- istered to the Kenwood parish, much, if not all the time, save three Sundays in April, when Rev. Charles H. Mann filled the pulpit. October 1st of that year Rev. Eugene J. E. Schreck became the pastor,
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1902.
In 1902 land was purchased on Sheridan road fac- ing south between Rokeby street and Sheffield avenue, being 1210 Sheridan road, having a frontage of sixty feet, costing five thousand six hundred dollars, for a site on which was erected the present Sheridan Road Church and parish house; the name "Sheridan Road Church" being soon after adopted by the people of the parish, adding another to the several names by which the North side congregation has been known since the establishing of the mission before the fire. Also in the same year the North Clark street chapel and land-the old Church home-was sold to the Herman Baptist Church for ten thousand dollars. During the interim between this sale and the completion, ready for occupancy, of the Sheridan Road Church, the congregation worshiped in a hall on Hampden court.
The Humboldt Park Church was completed and fur- nished in 1902 within the amount appropriated; the dedica- tion occurring Sunday, October 26th, under the leadership of Rev. Mr. Saul, Presiding minister; Rev. Mr. Schreck delivering the dedication sermon; parts in the ceremony being taken by Mr. Charles H. Cutler, president of the Chicago Society, and Mr. John J. Geiger, president of the parish. The auditorium was filled beyond the seating capacity. After the service a bountiful dinner was enjoyed in the Sunday-school room by all who chose to accept the hospitable invitation.
1903.
In 1903 an organ was purchased and placed in the Humboldt Park Church, at a cost of one thousand and thirty-eight dollars.
May 31st of that year the Sheridan Road Church was
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dedicated under the direction of the Presiding minister, Mr. Saul, Rev. Lewis P. Mercer delivering the sermon and administering other parts of the service, assisted by Rev. Mr. Schreck, while the parish organization was represented by Mr. Robert Matheson, its presiding officer. Following the service as in Humboldt Park, a collation was served in the parish house.
During this year the chapel and land, 910 Fairfield ave- nue, formerly occupied by the Humboldt Park congrega- tion, was sold for one thousand and twelve dollars.
A day when heavy rain fell much of the time, March 10, 1903, at noon the corner-stone of the Kenwood Church was laid by the pastor, Rev. Eugene J. E. Schreck, assisted by Revs. John S. Saul, Samuel C. Eby, Louis G. Landenberger, Charles A. Nussbaum, Eugene D. Daniels, Adolph J. Bartels, and Herbert C. Small. Mr. Charles H. Cutler, president of the Chicago Society, presented the stone, and Dr. Joseph P. Cobb, president of Kenwood parish, placed it in position.
Mr. Schreck opened the service by reading from the Word, Mr. Saul offered prayer, and the other members of the clergy read portions of the One Hundred and Eigh- teenth Psalm alternately. Mr. Schreck delivered the doc- trine of the Church as represented by the corner-stone, annointed it, and declared it laid; flowers were laid on it, and the benediction pronounced.
About fifty persons were brave and devoted enough to disregard the fierce rain and be present. On the com- pletion of the ceremony, as above, they retired to the resi- dence of Mr. Schreck, in the immediate neighborhood, where luncheon was enjoyed, and Mr. Eby delivered an address intended to be part of the ceremony. Others made short speeches. Of the addresses several were later put in print.
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The General Convention for 1903 held its annual meet- ing in Chicago, commencing Saturday, June 27th, and closing Tuesday, the 30th. Its sessions were held in the Kenwood Church, while the meetings of some of the auxiliary organizations were held in the Englewood and Sheridan Road Churches.
Saturday evening following the opening of the Conven- tion, Divine service was held in the Sheridan Road Church, conducted by Rev. Louis G. Hoeck.
Sunday morning the service in all the parishes included the administration of the Holy Communion; the morning worship in Sheridan Road Church being conducted by Rev. James Reed, and in the evening by Rev. John W. Stockwell.
In Humboldt Park Church, Rev. William L. Worcester presided in the morning; in the afternoon Rev. Louis H. Tafel conducted service in German; and in the evening Rev. Albinus F. Frost delivered his lecture, "Swedenborg and the Books He Wrote."
In Kenwood the sermon was delivered by Rev. Lewis P. Mercer; the Lord's Supper being administered by Rev. Samuel S. Seward, president of the Convention. The evening worship was conducted by Rev. Charles W. Har- vey.
In Englewood, Rev. John Goddard presided in the morning, and administered the Communion, Rev. George Henry Dole conducting the evening worship.
Service in the African mission was conducted by Rev. James E. Thomas, of Washington, D. C. This mission, or work among the colored people, has been under the leadership of Mr. Albert Simons for five or more years, and has been continued with as much regularity as may seem consistent with ruling conditions. Mr. Simons is entitled to credit and encouragement. The present meet- ing place is 3600 South State street.
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The number partaking of the Communion in the several places of worship was 437.
The Sunday offerings, which by custom go to the treas- urer of the Convention, amounted to $241.87, and sub- scriptions for the Board of Home and Foreign Missions, made the following day, amounted to $403.25; total, $645.12.
The attendants from outside the city, who availed them- selves of the privilege of obtaining special traveling rates, numbered 159.
The cost of providing for the annual meeting, met by the Chicago Society and people of Chicago, was $1,021.58.
Oct. 1, 1903, Rev. Eugene J. E. Schreck became pastor of the Englewood Church, being succeeded in Kenwood by Rev. John W. Stockwell, under the same date.
1904.
The formal dedication of Kenwood Church occurred Sunday, Jan. 10, 1904, at four P. M., being led by Rev. Mr. Saul, as Presiding minister; Rev. Mr. Schreck preaching the sermon, while the pastor, Rev. John W. Stockwell, filled the part falling to him, as did the presi- dent of the parish, Dr. Joseph P. Cobb.
The total parish membership, as shown by the reports for 1904, is four hundred and sixty-one. Besides these there are many members of the Church and of the Chicago Society who reside in suburbs, and yet others that are not included.
The system in vogue, as may have been seen, contem- plates furnishing to each of the established parishes, and to others as they may become ready for them, a church and parish house, organ and motor for same, and to keep them in repair, all without cost to the parishes; while
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they should entirely support the services, supply furnish- ings for parish house and parlors, and meet other parish expenses.
When the proposition now under consideration, to furnish a parish house for Humboldt Park parish, is car- ried into effect, which it is quite safe to say will be with- out unavoidable delay, all the parishes will have the equipment which, as above, the Society contemplates sup- plying.
It may be said that honest desire exists among the people of the several parishes to attain the position of self- support, and there are reasonable grounds for hope that the desire will be realized some time.
The property of the Society, as shown by the statement of the treasurer Jan. 1, 1905, amounts to $206,494.95, which, of course, to be converted into money would require to be very much reduced. The income of the Society based on 1904 should be $6,300, while the annual expenses, together with some special expenses, will amount to $5,100. Providing more aid than was given the parishes in 1904 will not be required by them, a balance of $1,200 will be left.
Owing to the purchase this year of a motor for the organ in each of three of the churches, and extensive repairs on the Englewood Church, this showing is possibly more unfavorable than the average.
There is no indebtedness.
During 1904 the Chicago Society and a few individual members contributed eleven hundred dollars for the use of the General Convention in its successful effort at Swe- denborg house in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis; sent delegates to the Convention, and its three pas- tors to visit Swedenborg house, costing three hundred dollars, and there is now being circulated in the Society a
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paper on which liberal subscriptions are being written, to provide money with which to start a permanent fund for the assistance of aged needy ministers, these and others being in addition to the fixed annual expenses.
For several years persistent missionary effort has been carried on among the Swedes in Chicago, by Mr. John Headsten, who is of that nativity.
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