USA > Illinois > Cook County > Chicago > The New church and Chicago; a history > Part 24
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Mr. Headsten, who is an authorized candidate for the ministry, has read of the doctrines thoroughly and very receptively, and is well qualified to preach. He is un- doubtedly sowing seed, some of which will fall "on good ground," but thinks he has not met with sufficient appar- ent success to warrant him in giving up his secular em- ployment.
He occasionally fills the pulpit in some of the parish churches, and is very deserving of encouragement, and should have substantial missionary assistance.
Dr. Charles S. Mack of La Porte, authorized to preach, has for several years, in the absence of pastors, adminis- tered to the Chicago congregations to the entire satisfac- tion of his auditors.
THE OFFICIAL ORGANIZATION.
The official organization of the Chicago Society is made up of a president, secretary, treasurer, and six trustees. Of these the president, secretary, treasurer, and two trustees are elected each year by the annual meet- ing.
Besides these, there is, as a member of the executive committee, one who is elected annually by each of the parishes, who are known as "parish delegates." There being at present four parishes, there are four such mem- bers.
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There is also a ministerial member elected annually by the committee, from the local ministers.
The rules of order require that the president and treas- urer be elected from among the trustees, consequently the number of members of the executive committee is twelve, all of whom have like privilege of voting and speaking.
The president and secretary of the Society fill the offices of chairman and secretary of the executive com- mittee.
The committee makes its own by-laws and appoints such sub-committees as it deems necessary.
The title to the real estate of the Society is vested in the six trustees.
Besides the above, each parish has its official organiza- tion elected by the parishioners.
Officers of the Society and members of the executive committee for the latter part of 1905, are as follows:
President, Charles Henry Cutler; ministerial member, Rev. Eugene J. E. Schreck; trustees, Charles Henry Cutler, C. Jesper Cobb, Frederick A. Smith, Dr. Joseph P. Cobb, Col. Joseph R. Putnam, and Edwin A. Munger; secretary, Clark Scammon Reed; treasurer, Col. Joseph R. Putnam; parish delegates, Robert Matheson, Charles L. Moulton, F. Sherman Layton, and Lewis P. Mer- cer, Jr.
THE CORRECT NAME.
A study of the origin and early use of the name of the Chicago Society warrants conclusion that it is very fre- quently incorrectly written. It is seen that the certificate of the legal organization (Sept. 7, 1843), says the name is, "The Chicago Society of the New Jerusalem;" the constitution of the same date, signed by five hundred mem-
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bers, gives it as the same, and the certificate of 1849 required by law has it the same. As Mr. Scammon originated the name, and wrote the early records, it is fair to conclude the above is correct. This makes the preced- ing "The" part of the name, and it should invariably commence with a capital "T," in which many who write the name fail.
GIFTS AND LEGACIES.
The Church in Chicago has been the recipient of gifts and legacies as follows: From Hon. Jonathan Young Scammon, a library; Mr. John Sears, Jr., money; Dr. Franklin Scammon, money; Hon. Isaac S. Britton, a library; Mrs. Abigail W. Turner, money; Mrs. Maria Sheldon Scammon, a memorial tablet to her husband, and money; Miss Arianna Evans Scammon, money; Mr. James Speirs, books; Hon. Charles Carroll Bonney, books; Mr. Willet Northup, books; Col. Joseph R. Putnam, books; Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Crane, money.
The meeting of the General Convention occurred in Chicago in 1853, 1860, 1865, 1871, 1882, 1890, and 1903, and of the Illinois Association very many times.
And now to those who dominate the affairs of the New Church in Chicago, whose relationship to the founders of it is as that of grandchildren-several of whom are, in fact, grandsons and granddaughters of pioneers-the fact is cited that to them now stand delivered the property and affairs of the Church in exactly such condition, and on exactly such basis as for several decades the ancestors struggled to provide for, namely, the establishment of several church homes to be owned by the mother Society.
So strenuously and effectively has this principle been guarded and nurtured, through the many severe trials
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that have been experienced, that now, seeing it accom- plished, and seeing the happiness of church life that pre- vails under it, the conclusion is most rational that it is all of Divine Providence.
Further, to you men and women of the Lord's New Church who hold this trust, the admonishment is given that you, as His stewards, deliver it to your successors, intact and inviolable, both as to the elements of spirituality and the material, so that the present conditions may rule until He orders otherwise.
SPECIAL PERSONAL MENTION.
The Chicago Society of the New Jerusalem is in the control of the third generation of its members. Of the twenty-one who in February, 1849, signed the letter to Mr. Hibbard, asking him to consecrate the Society, only one, Harriette M. Whiting (Mrs. Theodore Knudsen), is known to be living; and with the retiring from activity of Mr. Alexander Officer in 1895, effort in the physical church by the pioneers came to an end.
Of the second generation, though many are living, all have retired from activity in the secular affairs but three, who are members of the executive committee for 1905, and who it is not unlikely will retire before long.
But the Church is in good hands; scattered over a vast territory within the great city are the intelligent and strong men and women, of young and middle age, who, devoted to it, make up the congregations, study its needs, and zealously look after and administer to them.
In making note of some whose lives on earth have been distinguished for service to the Church or otherwise, the compiler leaves all of the present generation to succeed- ing historians; while it is quite likely that among those
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from whom he makes selections there are many whom he does not mention who are quite as deserving as those he does.
BABCOCK.
Mr. Henry H. Babcock and wife, Mary P. Babcock, joining the Church in 1871, were deeply interested and very useful members, until in the prime of life Mr. Bab- cock was suddenly called to his heavenly home. Some years later the location of her home being changed, it be- came impossible for Mrs, Babcock to keep up Church at- tendance. They are both remembered with a great deal of affection by their brethren.
BARRY.
Mr. Samuel S. Barry and Abbie C. A. Barry, his wife, becoming members in 1853, were devoted and faithful forty years.
Mr. George Barry, a son, and his wife, Mary B. S. Barry, members from 1862 and 1864 respectively, were as devoted as circumstances would allow for forty years. They were both prominently connected with the Second Swedenborgian Society and the Union Swedenborgian Church, and advocates of those movements. He was a veteran of the civil war and member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
BARTON.
Mr. William A. Barton and his wife, Hannah Barton, became members of the Church and Society in 1872, now quite a third of a century, remaining active and useful; Mrs. Barton being called to the spiritual world within a few years.
BENSON.
Mr. Olaf Benson joined the Society in 1858, and Jessie E. Arnold joined in 1863. They were married by Mr.
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Hibbard in the Adams street temple Dec. 16, 1865. For thirty-five or more years they were industrious and useful members of the Church; much of the time Mr. Benson being a leader in the Sunday-schools, and many years an officer and prominent and efficient committeeman. Yet active people and devoted, they and their several children are regular participants in the Sheridan road services.
BLANEY.
Dr. James Van Zandt Blaney, who joined the Society in 1847, being the eleventh member, was active and devoted for many years.
He was a professor in Rush Medical college, commen- cing with its organization in 1843; very early in life attained eminence as a physician and scientist, in the line of his profession and in others; becoming a member of the Masonic order in the highest degree possible, he was the first Grand commander of the Illinois commandery of Knights Templar, and July 4, 1857, using the ritual of the Masonic order, laid the corner-stone of the University of Chicago, over which meeting Judge Thomas Drummond of national fame presided, and for which Hon. Isaac N. Arnold was orator. He served through the civil war in the medical department with much distinction, being on the staff of General Sheridan at the battle of Winchester, leaving the service at the close of the war, bearing the rank of lieutenant-colonel and medical director. He was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion. Doctor Blaney married Miss Clarissa Butler, a niece of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler.
BONNEY.
Hon. Charles Carroll Bonney and Lydia P. Bonney be- came members of the Chicago Society in 1881, though they were members of the Church very much earlier.
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Mr. Bonney, by profession a lawyer, attained eminence in the profession, and served in the legislature as a mem- ber of the Senate. He was an industrious and general reader, a man of letters, and a student of all subjects, men, and affairs. He read the writings of Swedenborg with interest and understandingly to such an extent as to become one of the doctrinaires, and spent much time for years in teaching the doctrines to classes.
The crowning work of Mr. Bonney's life was his con- ception, organization, and presiding over the World's Parliament of Religions, and World's Congress Auxiliary, which is set forth in an article devoted to the subject.
BROWN.
Mr. Hiram Brown, one of the pioneers of the Church in Chicago, was for many years, and until his death, a deeply interested and industrious member.
Mr. William L. Brown and his wife, Catherine E. Brown, signed the roll of members of the Society in 1881; Mrs. Brown, as Catherine E. Seymour, having signed much earlier. Their years of devotion and industry have been of incalculable service to the Church. For his saga- cious advice, care as a committeeman, and ever-liberal material assistance, the Church in Chicago is indebted to Mr. Brown, as it is to a very few others who did much towards carrying it over some years of its troubled finan- cial history. He is a veteran of the civil war, was in the Vicksburg campaign, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and very prominent in the great world of affairs.
BURNETT.
Mr. William H. Burnett, it seems, never joined the Church in Chicago, and it is quite likely was not a mem- ber of the physical Church. His wife, as Myra Louise Sears joined the Chicago Society in 1869.
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Mr. and Mrs. Burnett were faithful and useful attend- ants many years.
BURNHAM.
Mr. Dyer N. Burnham, a lawyer of much prominence, and his wife, Sylvia E. Burnham, joining the Society in 1854-Mr. Burnham having been a member of the Church much earlier-were devoted and faithful a half century.
Mr. Edwin Burnham and Elizabeth K. Burnham, becoming members in 1856, remained attentive and most highly esteemed until at ripe age and mature in the teaching of the New Jerusalem they passed to their eternal home. Mr. Burnham was ever a prominent man of affairs.
Dr. Nathan C. Burnham and wife, Mary A. Burnham, becoming members of the Society in 1859, remained faith- ful to the Church ever after. Few men were deeper read or more at home in the writings of the Church than Rev. Nathan C. Burnham.
Mr. Daniel H. Burnham, a member of the Society from 1872, and of the Church from his youth, is a man promi- nent in affairs, whose achievements are distinguished, and whose reputation is national.
CURTIS.
Mr. John F. Curtis and Harriet Sophia Curtis have been earnest, faithful members of the Church since 1864. Mr. Curtis was an interested member, and prominent in the organizing of the Union Swedenborgian Church.
CUTLER.
Mr. Charles Henry Cutler became a member of the Society in 1867, and his wife, Hannah S. Cutler, in 1881; Mrs. Cutler having been baptized and confirmed by Rev. Mr. Mercer when she became a member of the Union
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Swedenborgian Church some years previous to her joining the Chicago Society.
Mr. Cutler's marked activity in the physical affairs of the Church commenced with the organization of the Union Swedenborgian Church in 1877, since when, now twenty- eight years, he has been continuously an officer, trustee, or committeeman; for several years, at different times, filling at once all the places. For ten years he has been the pre- siding officer of the Society and executive committee, being, in fact, president of the Society six years.
In character most exemplary; refined, modest, and courteous in deportment; consistent and steadfast in his churchmanship, and devoted to the sanctuary; Mr. Cutler ably personates the ideal church officer. He has not worked alone; by his side in sunshine and storm, shar- ing his burdens, sorrows, and successes, has walked the partner of his home and life, and mother of his children.
To attain the position of esteem and affection which Mr. and Mrs. Cutler occupy in the appreciation of their brethren of the Church, and very many friends, is to reach the zenith of private life.
DANIELS.
Rev. Eugene D. Daniels, ordained June 3, 1883, became pastor of the La Porte Society in 1894. He has been, and is a frequent visitor in Chicago, where he fills the pulpit of the different churches, and is always welcome. Mr. Daniels is a veteran of the civil war and a member of the Loyal Legion.
DYER.
Dr. Charles Volney Dyer and his wife, Louisa M. Dyer, ecame members of the Chicago Society in 1849, being the hirteenth and fourteenth to sign the constitution, and Tere signers to the request for the consecration of the Sciety.
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Doctor Dyer, young in years, attained prominence in his profession; becoming a man of many affairs, he gave up the practice of medicine.
Known as an abolitionist, he was ever a fighter against slavery; recognized as an officer of the underground rail- way, he was a known defender of fleeing slaves.
Being a friend of Mr. Lincoln, he received the appoint- ment to the "Mixed Court for the Suppression of the African Slave Trade." He was very prominent in the affairs of the Church for many years. Doctor Dyer was a man of quite general learning, with a great deal of experience and travel.
EBY.
Rev. Samuel C. Eby, ordained June 1, 1884, was pastor in St. Louis in 1885, Peoria in 1888, and London in 1893, where he remained until he returned to St. Louis in 1897. During his residence in St. Louis and Peoria, Mr. Eby has been much in Chicago, where he has filled the pulpits in the several churches on many different occasions. He was editor and manager of the New Church Messenger from July 1, 1902, to July 1, 1905, when it was issued from St. Louis.
FORREST.
Mr. Joseph K. C. Forrest was the fifth to join the Soci- ety, which he did in 1847. He was a native of Cork, Ireland, born Nov. 26, 1820. His father and father's family were very distinguished for their importance ir affairs, both private and governmental.
Mr. Forrest was one of the early editors of the Chicag Journal, of the Chicago Democrat, and one of the foundes of the Chicago Tribune, to which he gave its name. Fe is spoken of in biography as a brilliant journalist. May of his latter years were spent in connection with the Ci-
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cago Daily News. He filled office under the county dur- ing the forties, and was clerk of the city in 1873.
He has the distinction of being the only regularly ap- pointed leader in worship, excepting the several ministers, that the Chicago Society has had, having been displaced by the election of Rev. Mr. Hibbard to the pastorate.
Mr. Thomas L. Forrest, a brother of Joseph K. C. Forrest, the seventh signer, also in 1847, was the first secretary. His name is prominently identified with affairs in the history of the city, banking being his business for a long time. He lived an exemplary life, being devoted to the Church, and a great student of the writings. At very advanced age he passed from the natural to the spir- itual sphere in 1904. For a number of his latter years Mr. Forrest's churchmanship was that of the Academy.
HILL.
Mr. James M. Hill became a member of the Society in 1862, and his wife, Ella E. Hill, in 1870. Mr. Hill con- tinued an active and useful member until he was called to the higher life, while Mrs. Hill, still living, is a very devoted and useful churchwoman, the church mother of Kenwood parish. Their several children are all devoted to the Church.
JONES.
Mr. William E. Jones was the fourth to join the Soci- ety. He was a partner with Mr. William B. Ogden in the real estate firm of Ogden, Jones & Co. For many years very prominent in affairs, Mr. Jones was distinguished in the community, and a useful member of the Church.
JUNGE.
Mr. Carl Franz Wilhelm Junge and his wife, Phoebe Freeman Dyer Junge, as members of the Society, date from 1861. For many years Mr. Junge was secretary
:
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and a useful committeeman; in fact, a most useful church- man. Being well read in the Writings, and a clear inter- preter of them, and most exemplary in life, he was well fitted for the office of superintendent of the Sunday-school, which he so ably filled for many years.
On the organization of the Academy as a distinct Church, Mr. Junge and members of his family became identified with it, and have so remained.
KEYES.
Mr. Rollin Arthur Keyes entered the Society in 1877. three years following Miss Kate Dickinson Officer, whom he married.
Mr. and Mrs. Keyes, very highly esteemed and most useful members of the Church, continued their activity and interest in the Chicago Society, nearly, if not quite, twenty years, ceasing only when compelled by removal of their home to a distant suburb. Mr. Keyes is another of the group of members referred to, whom the Church and Society owe much for their care and generosity dur- ing years when they were in great need of moral and ma- terial support. He is prominent in business of different kinds.
LANDENBERGER,
Rev. Louis George Landenberger, ordained Jan. 10, 1890, became Missionary pastor of the Illinois Associa- tion in 1893, which place he is yet filling. Mr. Landen- berger is a frequent visitor in Chicago and a familiar occupant of the different pulpits. He is an industrious, faithful servant of the Church, and has very many friends scattered over several states.
LOCKETT.
Mr. Oswald Lockett became a member of the Society in 1869-thirty-six years ago-during many of which he
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bestowed much time on the service and affairs of the Church. He is a prominent man of business.
MATHESON.
Robert and Annie Matheson, as members of the Church in Chicago, date from 1901, though they were receivers of, and believers in the doctrine of Swedenborg much earlier.
Having raised their children in the faith of the Church, several members of the family will regularly be found in attendance at service in Sheridan Road Church.
NORTHUP.
Mr. Willet Northup, becoming a member of the Society in 1867, remained a devoted member of the Church until called to the higher life a third of a century later. For very many years he was an earnest, industrious, and gen- erous churchman. In 1875 he married Jennie Kimball who, as Jennie Northup, became a member of the Society a year later.
OWEN.
Mr. George H. Owen and Jeanie B. Owen joined the Society in 1888, having been members of the Church from a much earlier date. They have ever remained earnest and attentive. Mr. Owen's marked ability as a reader is frequently made use of in the pulpit, he having served very many times in Chicago.
PUTNAM.
Col. Joseph R. Putnam and Mrs. Alice Putnam became members of the Society in 1872. Their activity as work- ers in the Church began with the Second Swedenborgian Society, now a third of a century ago, since which time they have been unremitting in industry and worshipful attendance. If there have been years during which Mr.
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Putnam was not an officer or committeeman, or both, they have indeed been few. He is now, as for years, the treasurer of the Society, which, under conditions that have ruled a great deal of the time, has been a trying office to fill. He is a veteran of the civil war, in which he attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel, commander of a regiment. At his desk, Room 27, Portland building, he may be found during business hours, where he was thirty years ago, interested in the affairs of the world; and on Sunday morning in a pew well forward in Ken- wood Church .. He is a member of the Loyal Legion.
REED.
Mrs. Florence Scammon Reed was baptized, as has been noted, by Rev. J. R. Hibbard, in 1845; consequently with 1905 she has been a member of the Church sixty years; longer than was her father, Hon. J. Young Scammon; longer than was Mr. Hibbard; longer, it is believed, than any other member of the Chicago Society, present or past.
ROOT.
Dr. George Frederick Root and Mary Olive Root entered the Chicago Society in 1864. So inspiring and lovely is the memory of Mr. Root, there can be nothing given here but an entirely inadequate tribute. But what more is necessary, and what new thing can be said? His name is known and is dear to the whole world, and will so remain as long as the pages on which are engrossed "The Battle- Cry of Freedom," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," and "Just Before the Battle, Mother" exist, and as long as memory is passed to succeeding generations. No person knew George F. Root but to love him; to those of his genera- tion-members of the Chicago Society who so well knew him-his character is exemplified by the long life that he so successfully lived, in the sweet profession of which he was master.
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For many years the attendants at sociables and affairs of the Church were the beneficiaries of Mr. Root's delightful entertaining; on many occasions assistance being rendered by accomplished members of his family.
Mr. and Mrs. Root were devoted New Church people; the members of their family, early in life having become members of the Church, were reared within the sphere and teaching of it.
No class of people as keenly and lastingly appreciates the sentiment that flows from Mr. Root's poems of song as the veterans of the great war; consequently nothing could be more fitting than the act of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion in placing him in the list of its hon- orary members. He was one of six citizens of Chicago to be so honored.
Mr. Ebenezer Towner Root and Almira Kimball Root became members of the Society in 1867. They were very devoted and active, and reared their children with the knowledge of, and faith in the New Jerusalem.
Mr. William Azariah Root joined the Society in 1867, and his wife in 1881. They were regular and attentive a long time.
Professor of Music Frederick Woodman Root, who became a member of the Society in 1871, rendered many years of very useful service to the Church in the line of his profession, much of which was gratuitous. Mr. Root has many friends in the Church.
Miss Frances S. Root, becoming a member in 1881, was devoted and earnest many years.
SAFFORD.
Prof. Truman Henry Safford and Elizabeth Marshall Safford entered the Chicago Society in 1866.
Professor Safford was for many years a member of the faculty of the University of Chicago; the first, and for
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years director of the Dearborn observatory. He was a prominent member of the Church, and frequently con- ducted the service.
SARGENT.
Mr. Ezekiel H. Sargent and Mary E. Sargent entered the Society in 1881, and were attentive and useful mem- bers many years. They were prominent in the Union Swedenborgian Church from the organization. Mr. Sargent was called to the higher life within a few years, while Mrs. Sargent will be found, when in the city, with . her many friends in Kenwood Church.
SAUL.
Rev. John S. Saul, ordained Oct. 17, 1872, commenced his labors in Chicago in 1898 as pastor of the North side, or Lincoln Park parish, as then called; becoming pastor of the Humboldt Park parish in 1901. Since the depart- ure from Chicago of the Rev. Lewis P. Mercer, Mr. Saul has performed the duties of Presiding minister of the Illinois Association, being now a regularly installed General pastor and Ordaining minister, which office he fills in addition to that of pastor for Humboldt Park parish.
Industrious, modest and unobtrusive, sound and demo- cratic in his churchmanship, Mr. Saul is peculiarly fitted to deposit the seed of the New Church in the minds of the plain people-that class of the human family on which order and justice rest, and from which genuine member- ship in the New Jerusalem is most easily recruited.
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