USA > Illinois > Cook County > Oak Park > Thirty years of Grace Church, Oak Park : the same being a brief record of its life and work, illustrated with portraits and such historical views as were obtainable > Part 5
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THE OFFICIAL STAFF 1909
Top Row: Robert Thompson, Sexton, E. P. Sperry, Clerk, R. R. Reno, Treasurer Bottom Row: Ralph W. Ermeling, Organist, The Rector, W. K. Barradell, Choir Master
1909 GRACE CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL
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during the whole time) with as reverent a congrega- tion as was ever in any Church.
The united choirs of the Parish, the regular and the auxiliary ones, sung the service and led the hymn singing, assisted by the Parish orchestra, Miss Ran- dolph and a few other instrumentalists. The Rev. J. C. Hathaway read the first lesson and the Rev. L. B. Hastings read the second lesson while the Rector sung the office.
Instead of the sermon the Rector delivered a lec- ture upon "Three Hundred Years' History of the American Church." This was illustrated by sixty- three superb lantern views.
When the year 1907 came a new movement in the publication of the Items was made possible through the great kindness and assistance of Walter J. Gun- thorp, a member of the Vestry. It was hereafter to be published weekly, instead of monthly, and was not to be disfigured by advertisements. It is now ending its third year of weekly publication during which time it has scarcely missed an issue, and kept all the Parish news and needs before the people. Its first issue tells of the installation of an electric fan motor, to blow the organ, in place of the unsatisfactory water motor in use, and of the gift of an embroidered purple chalice veil and burse by Harry B. Brooks and Mrs. Brooks in memory of their daughter, Meeta.
In January two very beautiful and much-needed alms-basons were given to the Church by Mrs. William F. Pelham in loving memory of her father, Mr. A. J. Smith, one of the most Godly and Christian men in his day. He was a living exemplification of the fact that a man can be in business and a Christian at the same time-even if the business is railroad matters.
An epidemic of scarlet fever in February provoked the Board of Health to close all churches and schools, but the Rector of the Parish felt that God should be
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then specially sought by intercessions, at least of His Priests, and the weekly letter in Items of February 10th reads :
"As most of you are aware, the Board of Health issued an order which peremptorily closed all the houses of worship on last Sunday, and the same order will be enforced on Sunday, February 10. Your Rec- tor stated to the Board that he had no desire to set at naught their authority, nor to be a cause of a further spread of the epidemic, yet Grace Church (while not advertising nor urging any to participate in the services) would offer intercessions at the usual hour.
"Perhaps, it may be of comfort to the afflicted, and the 'shut-ins,' to know that there was a celebration of the Blessed Sacrament in which they and theirs were specially remembered before God at 7:30. It was in- deed a solemn moment when the Rector paused and read before God the names of all the sick and afflicted ones in the Parish.
"At 10:30 the office of morning prayer and litany were said. These offices never seemed so real before. It seemed as though the holy men of old had composed them especially for us and ours, and yet they had been in use for centuries. How specially fitting was the col- lect for the day. 'O Lord God, who seest that we put not our trust in anything that we do; mercifully grant that by Thy mighty aid we may be defended against all advertisities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'
"At the time of 'the offering of the evening sacri- fice' you were all again remembered."
The Lent of this year saw services very poorly at- tended, owing to much illness. The Rector was in- vited by the Board of Missions of the Church to be one of four missioners who should go to San Fran- cisco to preach a united mission there on behalf of the Churches ruined and congregations scattered by the
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THE AUXILIARY CHOIR 1909
Top Row: Mary R. Brown, Organist, M. McMurphy, Edith White, Esther Starring, Lillie Betting,
Georgine Conklin, Barbara Eicholz, The Rector
Bottom Row: H. Sutcliffe, Mrs. Shayler, Satie Payne, Stella Reynolds, Armand Burn, Maggie White
THE ACOLYTES GUILD 1909
Henry Schall Frederick C. Payne C. Phillip Miller Eric Stastny Richard Coombs, Jr.
severe earthquake of the previous year, but he felt obliged to stay at his post and minister to his people.
There took place an interesting marriage on Mon- day morning, April 29, at eleven o'clock. Frederick A. Preddy, of Birmingham, Alabama, and Miss Jessie Waters, of North Moreton, near Oxford, England, were married in Grace Church. This fact is the more interesting because the bride came from the birthplace of the present Rector of Grace Church. A few days before her arrival, her father wrote asking that his daughter be married here, and she brought with her a letter from her vicar, the Rev. William Henry Young, introducing her, and stating that she had made her Easter Communion, and also had participated in the Holy Eucharist the Sunday before sailing.
This dear old vicar, now 76 years of age, gave the present Rector of Grace Church probably his first teaching of the Church.
(Since the above was written that aged priest has gone to his rest and has sent a prayer book he used for forty years to Rev. E. V. Shayler.)
When the Diocesan Convention met later in the year the Rector of Grace Church was elected a deputy to attend the General Convention to be held in Richmond, Virginia, in October.
The new worker added to the Vestry at the preceding meeting was F. L. Morrell, who still retains his men- bership upon the official board.
Another opportunity for outside and public work was offered on the evening of Sunday, June 23, when we held the public service upon the beautiful grounds of our fellow townsman, Mr. John Farson. The Indi- ana Society had been granted the use of the grounds the previous evening, and the genial host kindly offered the use of the same to the Rector and his congregation for the Sunday evening. There was no opportunity for extended advertising after the Rector had accepted
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this grand opportunity for missionary work, neverthe- less when Sunday evening came it found a congrega- tion which utilized all the 2,000 chairs and then left hundreds standing about the grounds. The choir was seated upon a rustic stage, underneath the great elms, which was lighted by all the brilliancy of an electrical display. They sang well, and the vast congregation of about 2,500 joined with heartiness in the hymns and chants.
The Rector preached a short sermon appropriate to the occasion and closed the service with the bene- diction. All in all it was an unique and wonderful occasion, and one which brought together the largest congregation ever assembled in Oak Park.
The new Church building was this year seen to better advantage than ever before, through the wise and painstaking efforts of Robert O. Thompson, the sexton, in beautifying the surrounding grounds. Flower beds were set out and all the spring and summer they were a pleasure to the eye, causing even praiseworthy com- ment in the newspapers. In token of their apprecia- tion the Vestry caused a letter of thanks to be indited and forwarded to the sexton. This is only one of the excellencies to be noted in the (now) seven years of Mr. Thompson's service.
The duties of the Rector had become so arduous by September, 1907, that the Vestry decided he should be assisted by a competent Secretary, who should also assist the Treasurer with the weekly pledge account and send out quarterly statements to all subscribers. Miss Georgine Elizabeth Conklin was appointed to the office, and was to serve also as Parish visitor. At the writing of this work she is still filling the position to the great good of the Parish.
The southern part of Oak Park having grown very rapidly during that year (one contractor alone having built two hundred houses) the Rector decided to begin
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operations for Church work in that section. He began investigating the situation and the results were that a work was established in what was named the Church House. It is described and its purpose indicated in the following words:
"Situated at 608 South Scoville Avenue is a three- story building owned by Mr. A. J. Flitcraft, which had been erected by him for a social clubhouse a few years ago. This has been leased for our extension work and given the name which appears at the head of this article. The building is splendidly equipped and fur. nished for our purpose. Upon the first floor are two splendid bowling alleys, none better in the country; one pool table and one billiard table. The second floor consists of connecting parlors, dining rooms, commit- tee rooms, kitchen and lavatory. The upper floor is the auditorium where with stage and chairs and cloak rooms every requisite for services and entertainments can be found.
"Nine hundred dollars per year is the rental, which with light and heat and care will probably total $1,500. The present plans are to carry on the work for the benefit of the entire neighborhood, along institutional Church lines, which will provide for the development of the body, the mind, and the spirit. A Sunday School will be organized at once and will meet at two o'clock in the afternoon. Following Sunday School will be an afternoon service for the present. The regular three services schedule will go into effect as soon as expedient.
"A men's club will be organized and the house opened two evenings every week for billiards, pool and bowling for the members, and once a month for a lecture and social gathering. A Girls' Friendly So- ciety will be organized to meet one evening during the week, and a Workers' Guild for the women. Soon a boys' organization will be formed.
"The Rector had hoped to establish a day kinder-
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garten at the outset, but the cost of equipment is so exorbitant that the kindergarten must wait until some big heart opens its purse and gives the Rector suf- ficient means for the purchase of the same.
"Two house warmings will be held soon, one for the neighborhood, the other for Grace Parish. Dates to be announced later.
"In the selection of the name and the carrying on of the work every effort will be employed to use largest sense. A religion which is nothing more than a prayer meeting or preaching misses its aim. The whole man must be made stronger, happier, better. No narrow sectarianism in name or conduct shall mark its progress.
" 'The Church House.' There is only one Church. Christ ordained it 1900 years ago. It preaches the whole Gospel to man, and gives him opportunity to use it all. But a Church, properly speaking, when locally considered, means a honse for Divine worship only. No entertainments can be held therein, for it has been set apart for worship. But a Church House carries with it the Church idea for service, and the house idea for labor and rest, and social intercourse-hence the selection of the name 'The Church House.'
"May it be the forerunner of the day when sectarian- ism shall be done away forever and no Methodist or Presbyterian or Baptist or Congregationalist or Epis- copalian name shall mar the beauty of the Church of the Living God; when men shall have become strong enough to scorn the tenets and doctrines of individuals and shall love and serve and worship in the way which the Founder of the Church, Jesus Christ Himself, com- manded."
At the opening of this enterprise there were gathered forty children into the Sunday School. It was divided into seven classes, and Miss Ethel Forbes was or- ganist. A Guild of faithful women was organized;
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and the other features, as above outlined, were grad- ually and successfully developed. Everything was full of promise for some months, when the owner had the opportunity to sell the building to the Roman Cath- olics. This he was anxious to do and claiming a tech- nicality regarding the signature, invalidating the lease, he took the matter into the justice courts. During the delay the enthusiasm of workers and constituents was dampened, and although the matter was amicably set- tled out of court, yet we were compelled to abandon it in April of the following year.
A vacant store was then rented for the Sunday School alone, but was unsuitable and the work was abandoned temporarily. The faithful Guild had ac- cumulated, and now holds in the bank $140, which will some day be used to buy a lot in that locality upon which a Church may be built.
One of the most important features of Parish life is the Sunday School, but as no record has been kept, a history of Grace Church Sunday School cannot well be written. For reasons known to parents and Par- ishioners, i. e., general lack of interest, the Sunday School has not shared in the same degree of success which has been the lot of the Parish. There has al- ways been a Sunday School and always a few devoted workers in it. Thomas S. Rattle was a superintend- ent, H. J. Ullmann was at the helm for some years and gave it much thought and painstaking care; Charles L. Chenoweth followed and devoted himself and all his talents to its interests, until he resigned in August, 1907. Then the Rector became active Superintendent and planned a radical change of hour from 12:15 P. M. to 9:30 A. M. He says in Items of September 1st :
"A radical change will mark the opening of the Sunday School on Sunday, September 8th. It will assemble at 9:30 A. M. instead of 12:15 P. M. After due investigation and consultation and conference we have
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concluded to make this change. The Sunday School, since the present Rector has known it, has not been a success. The reasons therefor are numerous, but the fact is painfully apparent despite the loving service of officers and teachers. One reason has been of assist- ance to failure and that was the time of the session, 12:15 P. M. Neither morning nor afternoon. The chil- dren were not fitted by the morning at home and those who attended morning service were too tired to be of any use or pleasure. 'Hungry and thirsty their souls fainted in them.' The Rector, officers and teachers, most of them having attended service, are too tired to teach. These are sufficient reasons for the change, but there are others."
Since this latest change the Sunday School has grad- ually shown an improvement; and has a large corps of twenty-five teachers and eight officers. Teachers' meetings are held every Friday evening; and the les- sons and work thoroughly discussed.
There is no intention of faulting anyone in the fore- going brief statement. Perhaps as much has been done as could be under the circumstances, but some of the circumstances could have been changed. The school is doing better than anyone can reasonably expect under its limitations. Give a carpenter a pile of wood and provide no tools, or workshop, what results could be expected? Until the Parish and Vestry take a greater interest, and provide a proper place, with ample equipment, the Sunday School will never reach its highest efficiency. In going through the official records of the Parish the most prominent notice of Sunday School, which comes to view, is the request that the children take better care of the Prayer Books and Hymnals. It is safe to see in the completed Parish House a place for this important educational work of our children.
While the Rector was attending the General Con-
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vention of the Church, in October, 1907, the Vestry and Parish were planning for a reception upon his return, which as well as being a welcome home should be ob- served as the tenth anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood. Preparations were made upon an elaborate scale, guided by S. F. Forbes and W. J. Gunthorp.
At this brilliant affair an exquisitely illuminated testimonial, containing words of love and esteem, and a handsome gold watch with a cross attached, were presented to the Rector, on behalf of the congregation, by the Reverend G. C. Stewart, of St. Luke's Church, Evanston. The Rector thus voiced his gratitude in the next week's Items:
"As I think of the beauty of the scene in the Parish House where, supported by your loyal Wardens and Vestrymen, you greeted me in a stream of hundreds; as I ponder over the eloquent, forceful, earnest, true- ringing words of my dear brother, the Reverend George Craig Stewart, of St. Luke's, Evanston; as I recall and re-read the words of that beautifully illuminated testimonial of appreciation which you gave me to keep for ever, so long as my eyes can see and my heart can throb; as I think of the exquisite watch which can tell me its own expression of love in every tick, words fail me. And I can say only this-one moment of this joy- ful knowledge repays for all the years of toil. May God in His goodness reward you, one and all. May He still draw us closer each to each and each to Him- self. May He bless our united efforts for His King- dom and His children. May He daily succor, defend and guide us with watchful care, until we all receive the testimonial which shall be read out of the Lamb's Book of Life. Amen."
The changing of workers in a large Parish must be looked for, constantly, and in November the Parish
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lost a most capable worker by removal of Henry O. Wilkinson, to whom was sent the following letter :
"In accepting your resignation, the Vestry, on be- half of the Parish, desires to utter a word of appre- ciation of your faithful and loving and loyal services to the Church. As a Vestryman your services have been efficient and wise and constant; as a member of the choir your attendance upon rehearsals and services, in spite of adverse circumstances, was a lesson to the thoughtless and an inspiration to the thoughtful; as a worker in the Men's Club, you were a large contributor in its upbuilding; as a Churchman you were loyal to your Rector, and therefore loyal to your Church, ever endeavoring to upbuild and sustain its highest and most efficient interests. For these and all other good things we thank you, and offer our appreciation in His Name for whom it was done. May He constantly guide and keep you wheresoever you may be called to life and labor."
To fill the vacancy in the Vestry E. J. H. Wright was elected and is still in useful service; and W. F. Pelham, who had been a most successful President of the Men's Club, was made Clerk of the Vestry.
Upon the following Sunday the twin babies of the new Clerk and Mrs. Pelham were baptized; and a thank offering for their birth and baptism, the brass book desk for the Baptistery was given and inscribed, "A Thank Offering for Harriet Cornell and Elizabeth Miriam Pelham."
During the following Lent the Rector asked the men of the Parish to make a corporate communion (he holding a second service for others at a later hour). One hundred and sixty-nine men received the Holy Communion that morning, and presented a sight long to be remembered.
The only feature of the following annual meeting, other than that of routine, was the election of E. P.
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Sperry to the Vestry and Robert R. Reno as Parish Treasurer. Mr. Sperry had for some years been a precentor in the Sunday School, a teacher therein, and served a good year as President of the Men's Club. The frequent change of Parish Treasurer may be noted. This is largely due to the fact that the duties are extremely arduous and exacting, and are growing more so every year. Grace Church has never been a pew-rent Church. Its support has always been derived from the weekly voluntary offerings of the people. This system brings more work to the Treasurer than in Parishes where other financial systems prevail. Hence, when R. R. Reno was elected Treasurer, in order that he might not be overburdened, it was de- cided to place the weekly accounts in the hands of the Parish Secretary, Miss Conklin, while the Treasurer should receive all moneys, pay all bills and keep the books. This system has worked so admirably and Mr. Reno is such an excellent Treasurer that it warrants a continuance indefinitely.
In order to give greater emphasis to Ascension Day, 1908, a Suburban Choir Festival had been planned for Grace Church. It was beset by unusual difficulties at every service during the day, and it is recorded thus:
"Ascension Day has passed into history with all its efforts for God and His worship. A steady down- pour of rain of enormous volume continued from 5:30 to 6:30 A. M., so that only a very few very brave persons attended the early celebration of the Holy Communion. At 9:30 the storm had abated somewhat, but the attend- ance was shockingly small, not more than twenty-five being present. Preparations for the suburban choir festival in the evening were going on quietly all day and about two hundred choristers reported for re- hearsal and supper in the Parish House at six o'clock. It was well that they did, for from seven until eight- thirty a wild tornado and thunderstorm were the greet-
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ings of the elements. A gale of sixty miles an hour felled the trees along the streets and the car systems were blocked. Constant flashings of lightning, the heavy peals of thunder, 'the very windows of heaven were opened and the waters flowed withal.' Conse- quently, very few (not more than 150) heroic souls at- tended the service. It was a great pity, for it was an unusually beautiful service of great inspiration and uplift. (In passing, we ought to say that only a few of those who live nearest the Church were heroic enough to come.)
"Two hymns, 'Crown Him with Many Crowns,' and 'I Heard a Sound of Voices,' were sung through while the great chorus entered the Church in procession. The procession was headed by the processional cross and every choir was preceded by a banner. Two proces- sional crosses in one procession are an anomaly. The choirs advanced in following order: Grace Church, Grace Church Auxiliary Choir, La Grange, Riverside, Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. The Rector of Grace Church was precentor, the service being wholly choral, the Rev. R. V. Cooper, of St. Paul's, Riverside, read the lessons, and the Rev. Theodore B. Foster, of Emman- uel, La Grange, preached a spdendid sermon upon the beauty, glory and privilege of worship."
To better care for that phase of Church work among boys, there was organized in the Parish under the guidance of the Rector, May, 1908, the Oak Park Mili- tary School. Its motto is, "Self-control, reverence and purity." F. D. Updike, Frank W. Thomas, of our Parish, E. S. Conway and Henry Neil, with the Rec- tor as principal of the school, are the Board of Di- rectors. The school was incorporated under the laws of the State, and R. W. Cavanaugh of the Illinois Na- tional Guard, was commissioned as Major and placed in charge of the military instructions. About fifty boys are enrolled in the school. It meets weekly and
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beside the military drill the Rector gives an instruction in the moralities of living.
After a summer of steady but uneventful work, the autumn brought the resignation of the Curate, Rev- erend Jay C. Hathaway, following two years of de- voted service. His life here left a strong impress upon the congregation, and he left to become Rector of Maryville, Missouri.
During these years of occupancy of the new Church the need of an Altar to harmonize with the other sur- roundings had been long felt. In response to that feeling the Parochial Guild had been devoting one or two hundred dollars each year towards it; and the fund developed in other ways.
In September, 1908, William P. Gunthorp received an unexpected legacy at the death of an old friend. It was a memory love legacy of one hundred dollars. This legacy Mr. Gunthorp generously gave to the Altar Fund; and it should be added that he had previously given the hymnals needed by the auxiliary choir, at its institution ; and subsequently the handsome chairs for the clergy now in the sanctuary.
There is now invested for the new Altar about $1,300 and it is hoped that the gifts at the Jubilee, which oc- curs coincident with the publication of this history, will be sufficient to complete the necessary funds re- quired for its purchase.
At the services of the Church opening, December, 1905, an envelope with a dollar bill was found in the alms basin. It was marked "A seed for the endow- ment fund of the choir." In January, 1909, R. W. Ermeling, the organist, and the choir, from a wedding fee received, each contributed $50 towards this fund; and a small endowment is already on hand. It is a beginning.
An interesting service of dedication of windows was held February 14, 1909. Three windows had been
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given and were brought from London, England, for installation at that time. There were two double nave windows and one baptistery window, all exquisite ex- amples of stained glass. The first window was in memory of J. Perine Sharp, Warden, Vestryman and faithful communicant in the Parish. The subject is the appearance of our Lord to the Disciples upon the even- ing of Easter Day, and saying, "Peace be unto you." The second in memory of Rose Evans is a beautiful reproduction of the raising of the daughter of Jairus, "Maid I say unto thee arise." The third in memory of William Holland Gunthorp, infant son of W. P. Gunthorp, Jr., a delightful treatment of Christ bless- ing little children, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me."
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