USA > Kentucky > Jefferson County > Louisville > After thirty-five years, 1865-1900; a history of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Louisville, Kentucky. Dedication souvenir > Part 3
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Evidently some of the members who were expelled or allowed to withdraw, intended to become members of the West End Mission, over which Rev. H. H. Monroe was the pastor, for we find that in June of 1874, the Official Board passed the following resolution:
"Resolved, That this Official Board enter their protest against the Rev. H. H. Monroe receiving any of the members expelled from this church until they render Disciplinary satisfaction to this church."
Brother John Brooks, one of the founders of Epworth Church, and now a resident of Salem, Indiana, was reported in October of 1874, as neglecting the means of grace, but in November of the same year, a paper was presented to the Lead- ers' and Stewards' meeting, signed by Brother Brooks, express- ing sorrow, if, by seeming to connect himself with the persons excluded from the church, he had done either the church or the pastor any wrong, and regrets if, by absenting himself from the church, he had seemed to be actuated by any improper motive. After the reading of this paper, Brother Brooks was granted a letter of transfer to the West End.
Financially, the church seemed to be at this time in a good condition, for the amounts apportioned to the church for the support of the ministry was as follows:
Preacher in charge $2,400
Presiding Elder . 110
Bishops 15
Conference claimants. 40
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The spiritual interests of the church, gathered from the pastor's reports, would indicate that the Sunday-school had an average attendance of about forty-five, and that all the means of grace were well attended and the services interesting.
At the third Quarterly Conference held on October 31, 1874, Richard T. Stevenson, having been recommended by the Stew- ards' and Leaders' meeting of the charge, as a suitable person to be licensed to preach, and this conference being well satis- fied with his qualification as required by the Discipline, it was unanimously ordered that the license be granted him. Richard Stevenson was the son of Dr. D. Stevenson, the pastor of the church at that time, and is now a Professor in the Ohio Wes- leyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and has, on several occa- sions, very acceptably filled the pulpit of Trinity Church, and expects to be present at the dedicatory services in connection with the new church edifice. The conference year of 1875 closed with both preacher in charge and Presiding Elder's sal- ary paid in full. This year also ended the labors of the Rev. Dr. Stevenson as pastor of Trinity Church. Since then, and up to his decease a short time ago, Rev. D. Stevenson was the very efficient President of Union College, at Barboursville, Ky.
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REV J. S. CHADWICK, SIXTH PASTOR. 1875-1878.
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CHAPTER VI.
A PERIOD OF PROGRESS.
THE Forty-eighth Session of the Annual Conference was held at Louisville, Bishop R. S. Foster, presiding, and the Rev. Duke Slavens, a former pastor of the Church, as Secretary. During the session of this conference, and through the instrumentality of Brother Amos Shinkle, Covington, Ky., whose interest in Trinity Church we have already noted, the Rev. J. S. Chadwick was appointed to the charge, and from the very beginning we note the increase in the attendance at the Sunday-school, and all divine services. It might be inter- esting just at this time, to insert the familiar names of some who came into the church during the early ministry of Rev. Chadwick. We record with pleasure the names of Bro. Leon Rosengarten, Frank D. Carley, Nannie Jones, Rebecca Mc- Ready, and the return of Rev. W. H. Ongley and Mary B. Ongley, one of the founders of the church, and heretofore men- tioned, from Indiana. The following, extracted from the pastor's report to the Quarterly Conference held on July 3rd, 1875, is worthy of note:
"I am happy to report that the congregation has largely in- creased since conference. Many new families are identifying themselves with the Sabbath services in our church, and a few are taking special interest in our spiritual and temporal prosperity. The members of our church and congregation seem greatly encour- aged in their work, and many hearts are devoutly praying that God would graciously revive his work. The Wednesday night lecture and prayer meeting are well attended and are of deep spiritual in- terest.
"As pastor of the church I desire to call the attention of all the church officers to the fact that our church very much needs internal cleaning, and if this can be accomplished, I believe it will greatly add to our prosperity and the glory of God. The walls might be washed, the ceiling calcimined, and otherwise improved. I would like very much also if the Board would take some action with reference to changing the altar arrangements of our church.
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While the present platform may have added to it some architectu- ral beauty, I regard it as a hindrance to our Methodistic way of church service; besides, when funerals are held in the church it is im- practicable conveniently to locate the coffin containing the remains so that persons can pass to view the same. I believe that the entire expense of the improvements here suggested can be realized, and when the work is done I am satisfied that the members will be pleased, and strangers will have an additional inducement for making our church their home. "
"Personally, I have been busy and happy in my work during the quarter now closing. I have been profoundly impressed and greatly pleased with the interest manifested in Trinity Church by some who are not members of the same; in their souls may they prosper in the measure with which they labor to advance the general wel- fare of our beloved Zion. J. S. CHADWICK, Pastor."
The pastor's suggestion was heeded, for in October, 1875, the interior of the church was improved at a cost of $1,080, all of which was provided for and paid. In March, 1876, the fol- lowing paper was presented and approved:
"LOUISVILLE, KY., March 4, 1876.
"The committee appointed at the official meeting held at Trinity M. E. Church, March 1, 1876, beg leave to report the following pre- amble and resolutions:
"WHEREAS, So many acts of kindness have been shown our church during the past years by our brother in Christ, Amos Shin- kle, Esq., of Covington, we feel that we should give an official ex- pression of our appreciation, therefore,
" Resolved, That we do most heartily and sincerely tender to Brother Shinkle our thanks for the handsome donation made by him to Trinity Church, believing that he was actuated by a gener- ous Christian spirit and an earnest desire to see Methodism prosper in this section of the country. His personal interest shown, the substantial aid given, have greatly strengthened the church and encouraged the membership.
"Resolved, That we will ever hold our brother in kind remem- brance and pray that the Lord may give unto him of the abundance of his grace continually, blessing his labors for the Master and increasing in power and usefulness.
"Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the minutes of this meeting, and that a copy be presented to Brother Shinkle. "Signed, L. T. ROSENGARTEN, "W. G. STEVENSON, "A. GUNTHER, Committee."
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On March 7. 1876, a Mission Sunday-school was organized, known as the Hancock Street Methodist Episcopal Sunday- school. It held its sessions in the afternoon and Brother Harry Rose was its superintendent. The report and details of this school are reported in the chapter on Sunday-schools.
Another item of interest occurring just at this time, May 7, 1876, is that C. P. Fink, the present President of the Board of Trustees of Trinity Church, and church chorister, was received into full membership. The pastor reports the charge in a healthy and growing condition. Several of the scholars of the Hancock Street Mission, heretofore mentioned, joined the church, thus showing that the pastor and the Official Board of that day recognized the fact that mission work could be made a feeder to the home church. An item which we can not fail to report, is that Miss Clara J. McLaughlin, a member of the com- mittee on Historical Research, who has rendered valuable and faithful service in the compilation of this history, was received into full membership under the pastorate of Rev. Chadwick on December 3, 1876. Rev. Chadwick's three years were possibly, up to this time, three of the best years in the history of Trinity Church, and the work of the church during his administration is best reviewed in a final letter written to the Official Board, and which we publish in full:
"DEAR BROTHERS: With the close of this quarter I terminate my official relation to Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. I offer devout thanks to Almighty God for the uninterrupted harmony and peace which has existed between us. My intercourse with this official body has been of a very pleasant and congenial char- acter and I shall retain delightful recollections of the hours spent together. The officers have endeavored to discharge the various duties confided to them. Those who have been added to the Board during my pastoral term have, with the older members, contrib- uted by their counsel and zeal to the strength of the charge. Our church building has been greatly improved, both within and with- out. The Trustees have paid an old debt to a former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Reily. The benevolent collections have all been taken with a slight increase each year.
"Our Sunday-school has greatly increased in attendance. I bear sincere testimony to the diligence, ability and success of the officers and teachers. They have worked faithfully, and the inter- est displayed by the scholars in the study of the lessons shows the
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result of their labors. I have been present at our Sunday-school every Sunday during the three years past, unless out of town or hindered by special official duties.
"The peculiar position of our Methodism in our city, the severe struggle and strain through which this church has passed, rendered my appointment one of special anxiety and immeas- ·urable responsibility. But God has been with you, Brothers, and with me. The spiritual welfare of the church has been, and is such to-day, as to call for profound gratitutde to our Heavenly Father. Our congregations have steadily increased. The divine seed has grown surely and perceptibly, if not, in all cases so rap- idly as we could have wished. The brotherly love which prevails between us and our brethren of the M. E. Church, South, must result in good. Never before were there two great churches in such fraternal recognition as now.
"I thank God for the constant spiritual interest that has per- vaded all of our services, and for the special visitations of the Holy Ghost in revival power. The pastorate with you has been one of spiritual growth and peace to myself. I trust that many to whom I have ministered are the better for having heard the gospel preached in this time.
"In severing my official relation with you, as soon I must by the law of our church, along with the consciousness of my own unworthiness, I have the satisfaction of believing that I have tried to serve the cause of Christ and do my duty as a Methodist minister and of feeling that the church is in such condition spirit- ually, financially and socially as will prepare the way for a pros- perous and happy administration by him on whom, in the provi- dence of God, the fortunate lot may fall of being my successor.
"To my Presiding Elder, for both official recognition and per- sonal attention, I present sincere thank -.
"Upon you all, dear brethren, I invoke the divine blessing, and for Trinity Church I pray increased and continued prosperity.
"Respectfully submitted,
"Signed, J. S. CHADWICK, P. C."
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REV. C. A. HOLMES, SEVENTH PASTOR. 1878-FALL 1879.
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CHAPTER VII.
SPRING TO FALL CONFERENCE.
B ISHOP JESSE T. PECK, at the Annual Conference held at Covington in 1878. appointed Rev. C. A. Holmes as pastor of Trinity Church, who continued in such relation until the 16th day of August, 1879. at which date he released the congregation from all monetary obligations, and upon which release a resolution was passed, which reads as follows: .
"Resolved, That at the request of our pastor, Dr. Holmes, we extend his vacation until October 1st, he releasing us from all obli- gation- from salary since August 16th, and we arranging for our- selves the requisite pastoral supply."
This resolution was passed unanimously. It must not be understood from this, however, that because the pastorate of the Rev. Holmes was short that it was not successful. Indeed, there was a feature in connection with Rev. Holmes's pastor- ate that had not heretofore prevailed, in the fact that Mrs. Fanny Speed, Mrs. Gabriella Buckner, Mrs. D. G. Bly and Mrs. Fanny Budd were members of the Official Board. No doubt these sisters' judgment in church matters was just as effective in the Official Board as in their own homes, and Brother Holmes, no doubt, felt that if they were good coun- sellors in their homes that they would be good counsellors with their Holmes. Rev. Holmes was a man of unusual strength of character. He was firmness itself wherever principle was involved. In the dark days of National history his voice was ever heard in the support of the flag of his country. In mat- ters of political and religious interest, he was outspoken and positive in support of what he deemed the right, and his address on the occasion of the decoration of the soldiers' graves in the National Cemetery at Cave Hill, made him many warm friends, even of those who honestly differed with him. He was a natural orator and a speaker of unusual eloquence and
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force, and that his labors were appreciated is evidenced by the following resolution passed by the Official Board of the church on February 3, 1879:
"WHEREAS, We recognize that the pastorate of Rev. C. A. Holmes, D. D., has been most efficient and satisfactory, giving to our church a marked growth in all its departments, we hereby peti- tion the Bishop at the next Annual Conference to re-appoint Dr. Holmes as our pastor for the ensuing conference year."
The resolution was unanimously agreed to, and in addition thereto it was agreed that if the Rev. Holmes was returned the next year, not only was he to have the rent of a parsonage, as heretofore, but a salary of not less than $2,000. Bro. Holmes returned to the charge from the conference at Somerset in 1879, and remained, as before stated, until August; his family, how- ever, did not return, but remained in the East whither they had gone at the time of the Annual Conference in March. A copy of Dr. Holmes' sermons can be found in the Sunday-school library, and the reading of them will, no doubt, be enjoyed by those who had the privilege of hearing them during his minis- try. He died on March 15, 1897, at Beaver, Pa., his last ser- mon being from I Thess. 2:4, and was preached on Sunday, February 28th, of that same year, just two weeks before he quietly passed in sleep from this world.
We find that during the pastorate of Rev. Holmes, Brothers Major W. R. Kinney and R. R. Glover, both now deceased, were very active in the church work. Their presence at every Board meeting indicates that they had the interests of the church very much at heart, one being a leading professional man, and the other a leading business man, no doubt their counsel was of great value to the Board of which they were honored members.
Rev. William Macafee became the eighth pastor of the charge, and immediately upon his coming the roll of members was gone over with a view of ascertaining who were "wilfully neglecting the means of grace." A number of names were noted and the pastor took it upon himself to visit them. The visits were made, and as a result thereof, three sisters were dis- missed, and five brothers and one sister were dropped. In fact,
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REV. WILLIAM MACAFEE, EIGHTH PASTOR. 1879-1882.
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all during the ministry of the Rev. Macafee, we find that great stress was laid upon the question, "Are any wilfully neglecting the means of grace? " and very often class-leaders were exhorted to visit and labor with such persons. An item of interest is the fact that Brother James Dunn, who has for a number of years been, and is now, one of the efficient trustees of the church, was received into full fellowship on December 5, 1880.
It seems at this time that the finances of the church were getting behind, as we note there was an indebtedness of $500, and Rev. R. D. Carley was appointed to lay the matter before the congregation and solicit subscriptions in order to liquidate the same, and a request was made of the pastor that he preach a sermon on the subject of systematic giving. The financial interests must have been well taken care of, as a result of the sermon by the pastor, for we find that immediately thereafter the church employed Brother Junius Klein as organist, at a salary of $100 per annum, beginning October 2, 1881, he being the first salaried organist.
During Brother Macafee's administration responsive read- ings were inaugurated at the morning service. It is also wor- thy of note that at a meeting of the Quarterly Conference, on March 30, 1881, a motion was carrried that a committee be appointed to consider the propriety of procuring a parsonage by purchase or otherwise. Joshua F. Speed, Frank D. Carley, John Wilson, Abraham Gunther and D. G. Bly were made such a committee.
The Annual Conference was invited to hold its session of 1872 at Trinity Church, and requested to return Rev. Macafee another year. The invitation was accepted by the Annual Conference, the session was held in Trinity Church, and the Rev. Macafee was returned to the charge.
During the year the church was called to mourn the depart- ure of Joshua F. Speed from the labors of the church militant to the joys of the church triumphant, and the following reso- lutions were adopted and inscribed upon the minutes:
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RESOLUTIONS OF THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE OF TRINITY M. E. CHURCH ON THE DEATH OF HONORABLE JOSHUA F. SPEED.
In the death of Joshua F. Speed Trinity M. E. Church has lost one of its most earnest supporters, wisest counsellors, and most faithful friends.
We tender our sincere and most earnest sympa- thy to Mrs. Speed in this the hour of her great affliction, commending her to the care of Him who alone can help in life's darkest hours; who never leaves nor forsakes, and who pities those who fear Him, as a father pities his children.
We share with Mrs. Speed a feeling of deep gratitude that the deceased, before his death, was enabled to make confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he died in peace, and in the Christian hope.
It is ordered that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the Quarterly Conference and that a copy be sent to Mrs. Speed.
Com. on Resolutions
REV. WM. MACAFEE, JAS. F. BUCKNER, ABRAHAM GUNTHER, J. H. DUNN.
LOUISVILLE, KY., June 27, 1882.
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During the pastorate of Rev Macafee the church had the honor of being presented with a pipe organ, and when the old church was torn down the organ was removed to the temporary quarters at Fourth and Chestnut, and was finally sold by Pil- cher Brothers, who are building the organ for the new church, to a church somewhere in the South.
A general renovating of the church, including frescoing of the walls and ceiling was had, and altogether things were in good shape for the succeeding pastor. It will be remembered that after leaving Trinity Church, Rev. Macafee became the pastor of Governor Mckinley at Columbus, Ohio, and upon McKinley's being elected to the presidency he requested that Rev. Macafee be sent to Washington, but the Bishop did not concur in the request, and sent the Rev. Frank Bristol, of Chicago, instead, and Rev. Macafee was sent to Evanston, Ill., where he is now serving a large and influential congregation.
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REV. I. A. PEARCE, NINTH PASTOR. 1882-1885.
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CHAPTER VIII.
PARSONAGE AND WESLEY CHURCH.
THE ninth pastor was appointed in the Fall of 1882, and served the limit of three years. His name was I. A. Pearce, and one of the best results of his ministry in Trinity Church was that he left with the church his daughter, who was married to Junius C. Klein, the organist of the church and secretary of the Official Board. Sister Klein remaining with us has afforded the church the pleasure of an occasional visit from Brother and Sister Pearce.
The question of the parsonage again came up at a called meeting of the Quarterly Conference in June, 1883, and Brother Abraham Gunther made a statement to the effect that Sister Fanny Speed would donate $6,000 toward the purchase of a parsonage, whereupon a committee consisting of Brothers Buckner, Gunther and Rosengarten was appointed to look after a suitable parsonage, and confer with Sister Speed in reference thereto, with power to make a purchase. The parsonage was evidently purchased by this committee, for we find that on December 8, 1884, the Official Board resolved to raise by public collection on December 21st, (on which date the Rev. B. Lane with whom they had been corresponding in order to ascertain his feelings about accepting a call to the charge was to preach for them,) the amount of the indebtedness outside of the parsonage debt, all of which goes to indicate that the parson- age had been bought, and inasmuch as Rev. Pearce lived at No. 925 Sixth Street, which is at the present time the parson- age of the church, we can safely record it as a matter of history that the property came into possession of the church in the lat- ter part of the year 1884. All the pastors since Brother Pearce's time have made the present parsonage their home, and many delightful evenings have been spent at No. 925 Sixth Street by members of the church, congregation and friends.
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We have therefore thought it wise to insert a picture of the parsonage at this point, inasmuch as the present Official Board has listed it for sale, claiming that it is not easily accessible to the church.
At a meeting of the Board on September 30, 1885, Abraham Gunther was requested by the Board to correspond with Brother Amos Shinkle, of Covington, requesting him to inter- est himself in securing a pastor at the following Annual Conference. Brother Gunther attended the conference and much curiosity was indulged in as to who would succeed Rev. Pearce in Trinity pulpit. Bishop Harris satisfied their curiosity by appointing Rev. J. Reid Shannon, who had never been known or heard in Louisville. Brother Shannon preached his first sermon on October 1I, 1885, taking for his text, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost?" It was soon demon- strated that he was a pulpit orator of no mean ability, and the general public soon became aware of the fact that they could be edified by attending services at Trinity Church, and fre- quently the house was taxed to its utmost capacity. Brother Shannon made it a feature to frequently preach a series of ser- mons, and these series were always heartily received by the general public.
During his ministry a Building Committee was appointed with a view of remodeling the church. The committee made estimates on improvements as follows: Windows, $500; fresco- ing, $350; removing the pipe organ from the rear of the church over the door, to the rear of the pulpit, $400; lights, $150; or, in other words, to raise about $1,500 for such improvements. During the summer of 1886 these improvements were begun and the church building was given a general overhauling. Carpets and cushions were cleaned, painting was done, and the re-opening was held on the third Sunday in September, 1886, and the following resolution, which is of interest, was adopted:
"Resolved, That on the re-opening of the auditorium no beg_ ging collection be taken, but that cards be printed and placed in the pews for those who desire to contribute, same to be collected in the baskets when the regular collection is being taken."
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TRINITY PARSONAGE. 925 SIXTH STREET.
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REV. J. REID SHANNON, TENTH PASTOR. 1885-1888.
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During Brother Shannon's ministry many probationers joined the church, but were not held on account of the lack of an organization among the young people, there being no Epworth League in that day. It is proper that we should mention here that Brother Shannon suffered greatly from insomnia during his pastorate in Louisville, often finding it necessary to walk to Cave Hill and back after evening services in order that he might be able to sleep at all.
At the close of the conference year, 1887, the Board requested of Bishop Andrews to return Rev. Shannon to Trinity Church for another year. This request was to be made heartily and urgently. The Conference, through Bishop Andrews, granted the request, and Brother Shannon was returned for the third year. The General Conference met in May of this year and extended the time limit from three to five years, but previous to the meeting of the General Confer- ence a meeting was held and a resolution was offered that, in the event of the General Conference extending the time limit, Trinity Church cordially invited the Rev. J. Reid Shannon to remain as pastor for the remainder of the term as extended. It was also during this year that the church suffered a great loss in the death of Bro. Abraham Gunther, who died suddenly March 24, 1888. The resolutions, as adopted by the Board, read as follows:
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