USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > A Century of history of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana : with sketches of it's [sic] pastors, officers, and prominent members and reminiscences of early times > Part 13
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Statistics as to the growth of the Church, reception of members, officers elected and other events of interest dur- ing the period of my ministry, can be obtained from the min- utes of session. Of these I have no memoranda.
My pastorate closed in the late fall of 1900 when I re- ceived a call to the greatHome Mission Church of Wau- sau, Wisconsin. This church gave opportunity for new lines of activity in its broad scope of domestic missions and claimed the pastor's utmost measure of energy and di- rection for eight years, up to its semi-centennial-a fitting climax for his work.
CHAPTER X.
REV. CHARLES S. NICKERSON, D. D.
Charles S. Nickerson was born in Ohio, both his ances- tors being from Plymouth Colony. He was, therefore, of un- mixed American blood. His mother had five ancestors on the Mayflower, including Captain Standish and John and Priscilla Alden. . One of his father's three Mayflower ances- tors, Stephen Hopkins, in 1622, was granted a license to make and sell all the beer in the Colony for three years. Mr. Nickerson adds, so far as he could learn, he was the first licensed saloonkeeper in America.
Mr. Nickerson graduated from Union Theological Sem- inary, New York. He served the Church of Greenport, New York, 1887-1889, Waukesha, Wis., 1889-1892; Racine, Wis., 1892-1901, before coming to Evansville.
While pastor of the Walnut Street Church he was hon- ored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Marietta Col- lege in 1904. He came to Evansville in 1901 and remained until 1907. The church had then about 500 members and an excellent chorus choir under Prof. Tinker.
He had one son, Harold, who is now in business in Shreveport, Louisiana, married, and with one daughter.
He was a scholarly man of wide culture. There was no science which he could not correctly and effectively use in illustration. "His interpretation of Scripture was original and instructive, and his exposition of Sabbath School les- sons to teachers was an intellectual and spiritual treat and most helpful and inspiring.
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He was a mechanical genius, resting his mind by man- ual labor in a shop at the parsonage. He had invented a typewriter, giving visible writing, for his own use and was advised by Racine friends to patent it and manufacture. He was given three months' leave of absence to perfect the scheme. When he left Evansville he went to Chicago to work on the model and push the manufacture, feeling a respon- sibility to the Racine friends who had invested money in it. However, he preached in nearby vacant churches frequently.
In 1913 he returned to Racine, to his old church, which had been so unwilling to give him up to Walnut Street, and has now rounded out fifteen years of acceptable service there.
While in Evansville he became convinced, on account of the problem of the downtown church and the proximity of Walnut Street to Grace Church, that a union with Grace Church was desirable and he urged the union; but a vote of the congregation revealed a strong sentiment for remain- ing a separate organization in the present edifice. A strong factor in this sentiment was the condition of union, the abandonment of the old Walnut Street Church, so dear to their hearts.
CHAPTER XI. REV. JOHN KENNEDY, D. D.
Dr. John Kennedy was born in Perth, Scotland, May 25th, 1866 and apprenticed to a printer in his youth. In- vited by his uncle to learn farming with him at Montrose, Iowa, he sailed for America in April, 1884, in the good ship, State of Georgia, which made the trip in fifteen days.
He farmed about three years, during which time he was converted, in 1885, and he says, "for a year argued religion with Joe Ritter, an agnostic, which made him a progressive in theology." He was graduated from Parsons College in 1892, "in its high and palmy days, when three stars of the first magnitude adorned the educational sky of Iowa: Pro- fessors Wilson, Harkness and Johnson." He graduated from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1896 and the same year was ordained and installed in a little church in Wayne Co., Pa., later called to Mt. Clemens, Mich., in 1900 and Wal- nut Street in 1907. He has been three years in the Imman- uel Church of Tacoma, Washington, where he was called from Evansville.
In 1914 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater, Parsons College. He was moderator of the Synod of Indiana at Delphi about the same time and delegate to the General Assembly at Atlanta.
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He had a strong Scotch accent and brusque manner, was a student of the best literature (his reading of Burns being in great demand) and an intellectual preacher, with forceful delivery. He took always a deep interest in civic affairs and was prominent in an effort to close vice resorts.
It was his war work which made him best known and loved in the city. At the beginning of the World War he took a strong stand against Germany and read and preach- ed much on questions involved, his eloquent speeches at- tracting attention. He was the foremost of the four min- ute speakers and was the honor guest at a farewell banquet at the McCurdy Hotel, given by the Chamber of Commerce and war workers associated with him in various campaigns, a most remarkable tribute to the esteem in which he was held in the city. Catholics, Jews and representatives of all denominations delighting to do him honor. On the pre- sentation of a gold watch, his reply was characteristically witty and greeted with applause.
He was much interested in the campaign for the erec- tion of a Methodist College in Evansville and was an enthu- siastic canvasser for funds. During his pastorate, by the development of suburbs, Walnut Street became more and more a downtown church with its attendant problems, so did not grow in numbers, but held its own in usefulness and influence.
During his pastorate, Dr. George F. Pentecost, a re- vivalist of note, and as a boy a resident of Evansville, was invited to deliver a series of sermons, which he did with great power. A Mens Brotherhood, the Abrek and Emily Orr-Westminster Circles, had their beginning at this time.
Mr. Kennedy's pastorate, following immediately that of Dr. Nickerson, whose pastorate had ended with the failure to unite Walnut with Grace, presented a rather difficult situation. He became friendly with Dr. Wiggington, pas- tor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and, through his influence, Walnut was invited to unite with Cumberland. This proposition, like the one formerly made by Grace, con- templated the abandonment of Walnut, its membership to be transferred to the other church. The union of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. with the Presbyter- ian Church, U. S. A., had resulted in three Presbyterian churches within a few blocks on Second Street, an undesir- able congestion which it seemed the part of wisdom to rec- tify. But the members of Walnut Street were faced by an embarrassing situation. There had been a feeling on the
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part of some in Grace Church that failure of Walnut to unite with them had been an unfriendly act, so of course it would not have done, so shortly afterwards to accept an in- vitation from First Cumberland. So the Session of Walnut, in replying to the invitation referred to this situation and informed the Session of First Cumberland that any nego- tiation towards union was a matter to be taken up by the three churches in friendly conference (this letter was pub- lished in the daily newspapers). However, an invitation at that time being made by the officers of Grace Church for the First Cumberland to unite with them, the two churches took favorable action on the proposition and Walnut was not consulted or included-the membership being transferred as a whole to Grace Memorial and Walnut bravely faced her problem of a down-town church with a scattered field, but with the belief that in Christ's name she could still minister to souls of men.
CHAPTER XII. REV. LESLILE G. WHITCOMB.
For months following Dr. Kennedy's ministry, the church was without a pastor; however, the activities of the congregation continued-carried on by the momentum of ninety-seven years of consecrated effort.
History repeated itself : a sincere, earnest worker from the west appeared but, for reasonable reasons, the feeling was "the Lord hath not chosen this'; an interesting one from the south and a spirited one from the north gained the at- tention of the church members, but, the thought was still- "neither hath the Lord chosen these."
A congregational meeting in despair, mentally and from the heart cried-"Are here all from whom we may choose ?" Dr. James G. K. McClure, President of McCormick Theo- logical Seminary, responding to a Macedonian call, came to the rescue by sending one of the graduating class of 1919. The scholarly, earnest, inspiring presentation of Romans 1:14-16 as a text, won every heart. The Lord to each one seemed to say-"Call him. This is he." Unanimously, Walnut Street Church decided to invite the Rev. Leslie G. Whitcomb of South Bend, Indiana to become its minister.
On the part of the young man of thirty and his wife- formerly Miss Freda Kriewitz-to whom he was married August the twentieth, 1918, there was-at the time of de- cision-much hesitation. The conscientious couple, en- grossed in duty of that nature, had planned constructive
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Rev. Leslie G. Whitcomb.
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work along institutional lines in a Chicago church. "But" said Mr. Whitcomb "we will consider letting the Lord lead us where He will." Of this beloved son of his ministry, the fatherly Dr. McClure, with his exceptional insight into hu- man character, wrote "Mr. Whitcomb is profoundly im- pressed by the kindness of your people and by the oppor- tunity of the church. He is humble in view of all that is involved in the situation. He questions his ability to meet the opportunities and expectations of the church as he feels they should be met. I believe he is capable of meeting your needs. He is far better prepared to take up your work than is the usual student, just graduating from the Theo- logical Seminary."
Worthy of serious consideration is the reflection of Mr. Whitcomb, "Already I have been impressed time and time again, with God's opening and shutting of doors of work. From my youth, I have been surrounded, in my home, by a religious atmospherre. Ever before me is the picture of a mother solicitous for my spiritual welfare and the example of a Godly father, zealous in every good work."
"I felt the call of the West to California and a fruit ranch-but God called me to evangelistic service as a singer, under the direction of the Los Angeles Bible Institute. It was during this period that I felt the urgent call to the gospel ministry. Although my father was only too willing to sup- ply my financial needs, I felt I could not accept his assist- ance unreservedly-and, in my human weakness, thought that the door was surely closed because of the lack of funds to secure the necessary college and Theological Seminary education. Again God opened the door of opportunity."
"I entered Hanover College in 1912-supplying a church at Burrows, Indiana, during the summer of 1914, where I was urged to continue throughout the year. It seemed unwise to decline the offer and I transferred to Wa- bash College where I was graduated in 1916. The pastorate of a South Chicago church to be developed along institu- tional lines was mine during my training in the Seminary. The door was closed again upon a work to which Mrs. Whit- comb and I had decided to consecrate ourselves: the Lord opened the door to service in this grand old church of tra- dition."
Mr. Whitcomb was too modest to tell of High School honor as an orator and debater. He did not mention the significance of the key he wears. Silently and eloquently it bears the message of which one may justly be proud- Phi Beta Kappa scholarship honors from Wabash College.
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The contact of the deeply rooted, study, steady, long- existent Walnut Street Church and the impulsive, efficient, stirring, always-ready-to-be-led-by-the-Lord Mr. Whitcomb has been mutually helpful and beneficial.
A visitor, hearing the first sermon-"I am debtor to the Roman and the Barbarian * I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ," said, "Prepare for jolts. Pad your old-fashioned ideas. He will save the boys. They adore live-wires. I know whereof I speak." The jolts have come, but there have been no casualties.
Some see visions; others dream dreams. In his enthu- siasm and zeai, Mr. Whitcomb dreamed of his cherished con- structive work as the result of the union of old Walnut and young Washington Avenue churches. The proposition caused great opposition and consequent defeat, but Mr. Whitcomb met the keen disappointment in a soldierly way, accepting the situation as one of God's closed doors, and, undaunted, sought an open door for usefulness.
Always impatient to be "about his Father's business," he has never failed to manifest a sweet, cheerful, sanguine spirit even under the weight of discouragement. In his lexicon, there are no such words as can't or fail. If funds are not adequate to supply the equipment necessary for work with his boys, he puts his skillful hand to his tools to build -or make what he wants. His avocation has been a power not only for the church and the young people but for him- self, since it serves as an outlet for exuberant spirit. He has been an aristocrat in the true sense of the word-"one who performs a common task in a superior way."
All who really know and understand Mr. Whitcomb, love him-especially the boys and the mother of the boys. He has "measured up" to Dr. McClure's estimate of him. His first sermon, after he became pastor of the church, has been magnetic: "If your heart is to my heart as my heart is to your heart, give me thine hand."
Mr. Whitcomb and Mrs. Whitcomb-and their two chil- dren :- Leslie Calvin and Mary Jane-are here. It is hoped that their chapter in the history of the church, will be a long, and as it promises to be, a successful one. His friends trust that-not only to the end of the Evansville chapter, but to the completion of ministerial work, Dr. McClure's words -in regard to Mr. Whitcomb-may be a constant benedic- tion : "May it be well with the young man. I am desirous that he continue to grow in himself and in his influence for many years to come."
MARY P. GILCHRIST.
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CHAPTER XIII.
SOME PROMINENT MEMBERS.
OUR ROLL OF HONOR.
"Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth."
Mrs. Charles Kimley Mrs. India Withey
Mrs. Elizabeth Forgy Miss Eloise Copeland Dr. Edwin Walker "They also serve who only stand and wait."
Memory brings to all of us the names and faces of oth- ers, too numerous to mention. These now I would bring into the circle of our fellowship-these, unnamed and un- sung, who were faithful here in loving unremembered serv- ice and have gained recognition and reward in the Master's "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord."
IN MEMORIAM.
MR. J. N. McCOY.
Promptly on his arrival in Evansville as paymaster of the L. & N. R. R., Mr. McCoy identified himself with the Wal- nut Street Presbyterian Church, where his exemplary life and genial disposi- tion was an inspiration to the young people of the church in whom he was al- ways greatly interested.
As teacher of a large class of young men in the Sunday School and as advisor to the Young People's Society of Chris- tian Endeavor, he came into close con- tact with the young people and by his whole-hearted in- terest in their social as well as spiritual life, won their con- fidence and regard and encouraged their hearty co-operation in the services and activities of the church.
H. J. PFAFFLIN.
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MR. ROBERT SMITH.
Comparisons are invidious. Especial- ly in a session of such splendid men as the pastor of Walnut Street church could claim to assist him in his work and yet none would begrudge the honor due Elder Robert Smith. His fidelity and efficiency as he represented the session and the church on many occasions in Presbytery was remarkable.
I shall never forget the earnest and forceful address he made in behalf of Ministerial Relief, impressing all who heard him with his thorough knowledge and sympathy for the men for whom he pleaded. His business life brought him in touch with occasions and scenes of heart break and sorrow and here again his tenderness and large hearted sympathy served to make smooth the pathway of the af- flicted that they might lean on him as a friend and a brother.
SAMUEL N. WILSON.
SAMUEL W. LITTLE.
S. W. Little served as an Elder of this church for a period of thirteen years and was much beloved by the members of the Session as well as by all who knew him. The outstanding characteristic of his life was his quiet, unassuming manner and an exempli- fication of a strong Christian char- acter, with an abiding faith in Al- mighty God. He believed that the Presbyterian Church was the great- est religious organization in the world and had a superior knowledge of its history and doctrines. So well versed was he in technical matters relating to church government, that his advice was often sought by his pastor and the Session, and he was frequently referred to as our "Church Lawyer." His voice was always raised in behalf of peace and concord whenever there was the slightest suspicion of discord in any phase of church work. He was kind, humble and generous.
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He gave much of his time and money to every worthy cause in the community. He rendered financial aid to many young men who were struggling to get a start in a professional or business career, and found great joy in searching out poor boys whose habits and industry warranted them as being worthy of help. As a co-worker and as one who knew him intimately and well, I am pleased to pay this tribute to this exemplary man.
M. H. LOCKYEAR.
ยท James L. Orr.
There fell a prince, a man with a pull like a plant. Some men are appraised at the first meeting and others reveal heights and depths, as time goes on. Some are like steel engravings, very in- teresting; others are like paintings in oil by the masters.
About fifty miles from us is the great mountain Rainier, towering 15,000 feet above the sea level, bearing on its bosom, seven glaciers, a sublime mon- arch of the Cascades, "companion of the morning star, at dawn and of dawn a herald.'' No one has lived long enough to outlive his wonder, when it rests on his view. Old men still gaze upon it with the wonder of boy- hood.
James L. Orr was not quickly appraised. It was my privilege to associate with him for eleven years, to council with him in the Session, to observe his scrupulous oversight of all matters, his painstaking care of all the flock. His re- ception of new members was an event. There was a gravity befitting the occasion, yet a kindliness and a deep felt joy that communicated itself to all as he extended the hand of fellowship and bade the new convert look to Christ and at all times make full use of the church. Did ever man enjoy making others happy more than he? He naturally loved folks. The list of members was like a romance to him. The names brought up faces and biography, playground, camp and sacrament.
One shrinks from a mention of his charities. He was Charity. His liberality abounded. It was a vital element of his being. It was not so much that he did liberal things, dispensed of his goods, he was Liberality-in spirit.
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It was a great voyage of discovery, this pastorate in as- sociation with Mr. Orr. I discovered a granite mountain, towering into the heaven of his faith, lofty principles, se- rene, even severe, and the explorer discovered among its grandeurs, beautiful valleys, fair as Paradise, watered by cool fountains, where flowers bloomed in profusion in the cool of the evening, angels visited these haunts and the breath of heaven lingered among them.
He reminded me of the Westminster Confession of Faith in his passion for order and system, his veneration, dignity and solemnity. More frequently he suggested the Twenty-third Psalm and at the Sacrament it was Revelation Twenty-second He has moved out into his own great or- bit of light and immensity. There are those too young to remember him, who will yet swing into that firmament of Christian fellowship drawn thither by a force invisible and irresistable. They will be stars in his crown.
JOHN KENNEDY.
Tacoma, Wash.
MRS SAMUEL BAYARD.
Possessed of rare social and intellec- tual powers from her girlhood days, as Miss Martha Orr, to her ripened wo- manhood she occupied a prominent place in the religious and social life of Evans- ville. Her home was a hospitable cen- ter, where all her friends loved to meet. She was always the willing and capable helper, whenever sickness or sorrow or charity made its appeal. Her church, her charitable societies, her Bayard Park were all close to her heart.
Her modesty, reserve and serene dignity only served to emphasize her deep sympathy and kindliness.
At her death, she left a legacy of $5,000 to this church, so dear to her heart, the interest of which was to be used to defray deficiencies or provide for improvements.
A FRIEND.
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MRS. LIZZIE SHANKLIN.
A sweet, dainty combination of seem- ingly contractictory characteristics. "oT know her was to love her."
So frail and delicate, yet so strong when shut-ins and strangers needed her, when friends wanted her, when the var- ious services of the church called her. What might be church duty to some was always a pleasure to her. Society func- tions, that she loved but always placed second to her church, were never com- plete without her. She was beloved by young and old.
A rare personality-our dear Mrs. Shanklin. "Serene- ly she walked with God's benediction upon her. When she had passed it seemed like the ceasing of exquisite music."
MARY P. GILCHRIST.
A Group of Active Members
MRS. ROBERT SMITH.|
So woven into the pattern of Walnut Street Church is the life of Mrs. Robt. Smith, nee Anna Farrell, that it would be impossible to separate the design of any one ac- tivity. Threads-rich and substantial-of intense love, keen and intelligent interest, indefatigable energy run through the Sunday School, the Missionary Society, Prayer Meeting, every church service .
One pastor said, "She has helped preach more sermons than she knows, for she has given the support of alert, ex- pressive, interested, sympathetic listening."
Could one read in the fabric her song, it would be :
"I love Thy Church, O God, Her walls before Thee stand.
For her my tears shall fall, For her my prayers ascend. To her my toils and care be given, Till toil and care shall end."
MARY P. GILCHRIST.
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MRS. JAMES CUTLER.
Among the many women of precious service in the Church in its varied ac- tivities, we believe no finer, more effi- cient Missionary Treasurer could be found than Mrs. Cutler, to whom in so- cial gathering when some delinquent sis- ter confessed, "I believe I am indebted to the Society, but I don't know how much," to which the prompt reply came, "I know," as the alert Treasurer pro- duced her memorandum and book with its suggestion for immediate liquida- tion.
S. N. WILSON.
MRS. EMILY SULLIVAN DALZELL.
Among the members whose names form the history of Walnut St. Presby- terian Church, I can think of no one, who so deserves praise for her stead- fastness over a period of fifty-eight years.
Generous and sympathetic by nature, her counsel and assistance have been claimed by many less fortunate. For years she was the distributor of the Benevolence Fund of the church, by per- sonal visit, ascertaining the need and supplying it secretly in the name of the church. All the womens' societies have depended on her help in the years that are gone, the Aid, the Missionary Society and the Sab- bath School Through association with her many have learn- ed the beauty of sacrifice and love.
Her loyalty to friends and church and her unswerving faith in God, strong traits of her character, abide with her still.
May she be long spared to the old church she has loved and served so well.
SUSAN GARVIN.
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MR. WALTER L. SULLIVAN.
The Session gladly gives Mr. Sullivan the respect due an elder brother ruling for 27 years. His unswerving faith in the reality of religion, his loyalty to the church and his optimism make him a helpful and revered member.
He refused recently the honorary title of Superintendent Emeritus of the Sun- day School, preferring that of substi- tute, saying "he did not intend to be put on the shelf." And today he is one of the busiest persons, present, every Sab- bath. There is no department which does not receive his help and encouragement. As a teacher he is ready to take any class, or become an interested learner in the Adult Bible Class. To him the Bible is a rich storehouse and the Sun- day School a life school.
By his devotion, by his faithfulness and by his unselfish efforts for all, he has endeared himself to young and old and is today the most honored member of the school.
JOHN N. CULVER.
BYRON PARSONS.
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