USA > Kentucky > Jefferson County > Louisville > After thirty-five years, 1865-1900; a history of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Louisville, Kentucky. Dedication souvenir > Part 5
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The dedicatorial services were held September 16th to September 23rd, 1900. Bishop C. H. Fowler, D. D., LL. D., of Buffalo, N. Y., preaching on the first of the above dates; and Bishop C. C. McCabe, D. D., LL. D., of Omaha, Neb., on the second date. The week was filled in with lectures and meetings of various character, the whole being a fitting close for this noble work.
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DEDICATORY PROGRAM.
TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, SEPT. 16-23, 1900.
Building Committee.
*R. R. GLOVER, Chairman, C. P. FINK, { J. B. SENIOR, C. B. NORDEMAN, G. W. MORRIS.
*Deceased, June 21, 1900.
W. B. COLLINS, Pastor.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16.
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Sunday-School-C. B. Nordeman, Superintendent. 9:00 A. M. Sermon by Bishop C. H. Fowler, D. D., LL.D 10:45 A. M. Junior Epworth League Mass-meeting, D. F. King, Superintendent 3:00 P. M.
Epworth League Service, J. O. Duncan, Leader . 7:00 P. M. Sermon by Rev. J. W. Turner 8:00 P. M.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. CAPT. H. S. IRWIN, Chairman.
Lecture-"Great Deeds of Great Men," by Bishop C. H. Fowler, D. D., LL.D. 8:00 P. M.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18. HON. R. D. HILL, Chairman.
Interdenominational Platform Meeting 8:00 P. M. SPEAKERS: Rabbi Moses, Rev. E. L. Powell, D. D., Rev. W. F. Lloyd, D. D., Rev. S. S. Waltz, D. D., Rev. C. R. Hemphill, D. D., Rev. G. E. Hiller, Rev. Carter Helm Jones, Rev. C. E. Craik, D. D.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. C. C. STOLL, Chairman.
Epworth League Evening- Address by Rev. F. A. Schell, D. D. Subject: "Vision and Service.". 8:00 P. M.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20. C. P. FINK, Chairman.
Organ Recital-
By Prof. Albert F. McCarrell, of Chicago, Ill., assisted by Mrs. Carrie Rothschild Sapinsky, Contralto, Louisville, Ky., at. 8:00 P. M.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21. W. B. COLLINS, Chairman.
Reception to Former Pastors and Presiding Elders with addresses by same. 8:00 P. M.
Social Hour at close in Assembly Room.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22. COL. THOS. W. BULLITT, Chairman.
Lecture-"Bright Side of Life in Libby Prison," by Bishop C. C. McCabe, D. D., LL.D 8:00 P. M
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23.
Sunday-school, C. B. Nordeman, Superintendent .. 9:00 A. M.
Sermon, by Bishop C. C. McCabe, D. D. LL. D .. 10:45 A. M.
Dedication of Church.
Sacramental Service and Love Feast, Bishop McCabe, Leader 3:00 P. M. Epworth League Service, R. H. Lindsey, Leader. 7:00 P. M.
Sermon, by Rev. Isaac Crook, D. D., LL. D. 8:00 P. M.
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Pastors of Trinity Church.
1. REV. J. H. BRISTOW, 1865-1866 (deceased).
2. REV. W. H. BLACK, 1866-1868, Washington, D. C.
3. REV. DUKE SLAVENS. 1868-1870, Adams, Neb.
4. REV. J. MCKENDREE REILEY, 1870-1872 (deceased).
5. REV. DANIEL STEVENSON, 1872-1875 (deceased).
6. REV. J. S. CHADWICK, 1875-1878, Brooklyn, N. Y.
7. REV. C. A. HOLMES, 1878-1879 (deceased).
8. REV. WM. MACAFEE, 1879-1882, Evanston, Ill.
9. REV. I. A. PEARCE, 1882-1885, Knoxville, Tenn.
10. REV. J. REID SHANNON, 1885-1888, Toledo, Ohio.
11. REV. ISAAC CROOK, 1888-1891, Ironton, Ohio.
12. REV. J. W. TURNER. 1891-1896. Evansville, Ind.
13. REV. W. B. COLLINS, 1896 -- , 925 Sixth Street, City.
NOTE .- Lectures by Bishops Fowler and McCabe and Organ Recital, 50 cents each, season tickets, $1.00. Tickets can be obtained from members and friends of the church.
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MR. and MRS. JOSHUA F. SPEED. (From the original painting by Healy.)
JOSHUA FRY SPEED.
HELEN LEE BROOKS.
His life was gentle; and the elements So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, This was a man! - Julius Cæsar.
I "N order to form a just estimate of a man, it is necessary to consider not only his early environment, and associations, but also his ancestors, their dispositions, -characteristics and achievements.
Those whose privilege it was to know personally Joshua F. Speed, or those who, like the writer, have felt the influence of his magnetic personality on y through his writings, the meager- ness of which must be deplored, will not be surprised to learn that he came from an illustrious race. His grandfather, Cap- tain James Speed, won his spurs in the Revolution, and was a prominent member of the conventions which resulted in Ken- tucky becoming an independent Commonwealth. His mater- nal grandfather, Joshua Fry, also a Virginian, was conspicuous in the early history of Kentucky, particularly in connection with educational interests. As the early tutor of his grandson, Fry, no doubt, exerted a potent influence on the character of his pupil. That straightforwardness and simplicity which char- acterized all of Mr. Speed's actions may be traced to the sturdy Virginia schoolmaster.
John Speed and Lucy Fry were married in 1809, and began housekeeping at the old homestead, known as Farmington, about five miles from Louisville There Joshua was born in 1814, the fifth in a family of ten children. His education was not unlike that of the average young man of his day. After completing his studies in the schools of Jefferson County, he entered St. Joseph's College at Bardstown. A serious illness interrupted. his college life. After his recovery, his father was
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anxious for him to return to school, but he declined to do so, saying he was old enough to care for himself. The next two or three years of his life were spent uneventfully, but not un- profitably, in the prosaic atmosphere of a large wholesale store. The life of a merchant seems to have been congenial to him, for at the age of twenty-one he left Louisville to engage in mercantile business in Springfield, Illinois. The seven years he spent as a merchant in Springfield are full of interest. It was there he made the acquaintance of Stephen A. Douglas, Colonel Hardin, General Shields, Judge Gillespie, and formed what was destined to be a life-long friendship with the great Lincoln. No more forcible index of a man's character can be shown than in the selection of his friends. And it is interest- ing to note that without exception the friends of Joshua Speed were men of superior intellect and earnestness of purpose. To him, life even from boyhood, was real and earnest, and this gravity and seriousness naturally led him to seek the compan- ionship of men of like disposition.
But his part in the early history of Springfield was not merely that of a spectator. He took an active interest in pub- lic affairs, and was assistant editor of a newspaper. Though a man of pronounced views, his personal friends were in all parties, and his friendships were never affected by political or religious differences. His broad, liberal mind could tolerate nothing petty or selfish.
The circumstance which marked the beginning of Mr. Speed's intimacy with Lincoln throws so clear a light on the noble nature of both men-the one who gave and the one who accepted the favor-that I give it in Mr. Speed's own words:
"It was in the spring of 1837, and on the very day that he ob- tained his license, that our intimate acquaintance began. He had ridden into town on a borrowed horse, with no earthly prop- erty save a pair of saddle-bags containing a few clothes. I was a merchant at Springfield, and kept a large country store, embrac- ing dry goods, groceries, hardware, books, medicines, bed- clothes, mattresses, in fact everything the country needed. Lin- coln came into the store with his saddle-bags on his arm. He said he wanted to buy the furniture for a single bed. The mat-
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tress, blankets, sheets, coverlet and pillow, according to the fig- ures made by me, would cost seventeen dollars. He said that was perhaps cheap enough; but small as the sum was, he was unable to pay it. But if I would credit him till Christmas, and his experiment as a lawyer was a success, he would pay then, saying in the saddest tone, 'If I fail in this, I do not know that I can ever pay you.' As I looked up at him, I thought then, and think now, that I never saw a sadder face.
"I said to him, 'You seem to be so much pained at con- tracting so small a debt, I think I can suggest a plan by which you can avoid the debt and at the same time attain your end. I have a large room with a double bed up stairs which you are very welcome to share with me.
" 'Where is your room,' said he.
"'Up stairs,' said I, pointing to a pair of winding stairs which led from the store to my room.
"He took his saddle bags on his arm, went up stairs, set them down on the floor, and came down with the most changed countenance. Beaming with pleasure, he exclaimed, 'Well, Speed, I am moved! '"
Early in 1842 Mr. Speed sold his store in Springfield and returned to Kentucky, and in the same year was married to Miss Fanny Henning. For forty beautiful years they were permitted to walk together in love and harmony. No two natures ever balanced and complemented each other more per- fectly than did these two. As the years came and went, bur- dened with cares and responsibilities, their mutual devotion grew even stronger and more steadfast. After years of wedded life, Mr. Speed wrote to his wife: "I wrote you yesterday, and to-day, having some leisure, I will write again, upon the prin- ciple, I suppose, that where your treasure is there will your heart go. My earthly treasure is in you; not like the treasures only valuable in possession; not like other valuables acquiring increased value from increased quantity; but, satisfied with each other, we will go down the hill of life together, as we have risen."
The first nine years of their married life Mr. and Mrs. Speed spent on a farm about thirteen miles from Louisville, on the
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Salt River road. It was while he was living on this farm that Mr. Speed held his first and last public office, that of State Legislator.
The farm dwelling was a simple log house, but the grounds were covered with rare and beautiful flowers; the roses in par- ticular being the admiration of all their friends and neighbors. Mrs. Speed, always of a studious disposition, became a pro- ficient botanist, and many delightful hours were spent in the woods searching for rare species of wild flowers. It is a beau- tiful picture-this rustic cottage among the roses, the abode of perfect peace and happiness. It is a temptation to linger in this delightful spot, rather than follow the subject of our sketch into the noise and turmoil of the city.
Nine years after his marriage, in 1851, Mr. Speed moved to Louisville and formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. James A. Henning, in the real estate business. This rela- tion continued until Mr. Speed's death, and the firm of Hen- ning & Speed became one of the best known and most pros- perous in Louisville.
Until the year 1861 Mr. Speed's life was comparatively un- eventful. The dawning of that year found him heart and soul in the cause of the Union. As the confidential and trusted friend of Lincoln he was enabled to be of great service. Lin- coln, previous to the war, had visited at the Speed homestead, shortly before Mr. Speed's marriage. There had been no ces- sation in their intimacy begun in the "large room" over the store in Springfield. When Mr. Lincoln found himself at the head of a nation at the most critical period of her history, when the position of one State might mean so much, it was natural that he should turn to his "own familiar friend" for help and encouragement. And never was confiding friendship rewarded with more absolute loyalty. In that stormy time much depended on the attitude of Kentucky, and it was of the greatest importance that the President should have some one upon whom he could rely, whose knowledge of the State, abil- ity, judgment, and fidelity were unquestioned. What man so fully answered this description as Joshua Speed? And through all those gloomy days that tried souls of brave men he was
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a veritable tower of strength to President Lincoln. The next five years was the most active period in Mr. Speed's life. He spent much of his time in Washington, and was entrusted with many important missions. The President and members of his Cabinet constantly consulted him, and on every occasion he displayed unerring judgment. He gave freely of his time, energy, and money to the cause he believed to be just without seeking to attract the least attention to himself, and refusing both emolument and honor, even declining a seat in the Cabi- net. Though an ardent supporter of the Union, he incurred no ill will. His was one of those rare natures that could be generous to individuals, though opposing the cause they espoused. Few will ever know how important a part Joshua Speed played in the history of Kentucky. Cautious, deliber- ate, uniformly reticent, he worked untiringly for the cause that lay nearest his heart; and when through all the terrible con- flict Kentucky remained loyal, he was amply repaid for all his labors.
From the close of the war until the illness which preceded his death, Mr. Speed devoted himself entirely to his business, and with the exception of an extended trip to California in 1874, he was never long absent from Kentucky. At the time of his visit to California, the Chinese question was the one subject of absorbing interest. In view of the present import- ance of China to the civilized world, a brief extract from his lecture on his trip to the Pacific Coast is interesting as well as suggestive: "We send paid missionaries to their country to teach them to be Christians. They come to our country with- out pay and ask to work for bread, and we Christians give them instead a stone."
Though for many years a skeptic, before his death Mr. Speed became a believer in the Christian religion and a com- inunicant of his wife's beloved Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1867 the Speeds purchased a beautiful tract of land near Beargrass Creek,and there built the residence which Mrs. Speed still occupies. The grounds were beautified by every species of trees and shrubs that would grow in this latitude, and large conservatories were filled with the choicest flowers.
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In these beautiful surroundings, enjoying the companionship of his devoted wife, Joshua Speed spent the quiet afternoon of a busy life. Sixty-eight years filled with business activities, generous deeds, and countless little kindnesses that none but himself knew of, this noble man dwelt blameless among his fellowmen. In the verdant springtime, when the balmy breeze was redolent with the breath of the roses he loved so well, and the birds were filling the air with tender melodies, and all Nature preaching a glorious resurrection sermon, "he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side."
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MRS. FANNY HENNING SPEED.
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FANNY HENNING SPEED.
A Creature not too bright or good For human nature's daily food;
* * * * k * * *
A perfect Woman nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort, and command;
And yet a Spirit still, and bright
With something of angelic light .- Wordsworth.
In these days of hurry and confusion, when there is so little time for gentle deeds of courtesy; when the aim of every man and woman seems to be purely selfish; when man too often forgets the courtly deference his grandfather believed to be due to womanhood; when the obnoxious influence of the new woman (or her caricature) has pervaded all society like some poisonous germ; when "a gentleman of the old school" is spoken of with a half-pitying, half-contemptuous smile; when the word "gentlewoman" has almost ceased to have a place in our language; what a relief it is to meet a woman whose nature is so gracious, so gentle, so lovable that "lady " seems a weak and unfitting term to apply to her, and to describe her adequately we just have recourse to that grand old word, gentlewoman!
Such a woman is Fanny Henning Speed. Born in the first quarter of the century, and of aristocratic parentage, her girl- hood was spent after the simple manner of that time. Her parents were Virginians, and, like most of the gentle families of the Old Dominion. were Episcopalians. Coming to Kentucky soon after it became an independent Commonwealth, her par- ents found no Established Church near their home.
While a mere child, Fanny, in company with her sister, was sent to Science Hill Academy at Shelbyville, Kentucky, a Methodist Episcopal school, conducted by Rev. John and Mrs. Julia Tevis. As a schoolgirl we may believe that Mrs.
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Speed displayed those same admirable qualities that have made her so much loved in her later days. Born just one year later than England's gracious sovereign, it seemed fitting that she too should wield the sceptre of a queen. And in the merry month of May, while a pupil at Science Hill, Fanny Henning was chosen, without a dissenting voice, to be Rose Queen. The winter preceding this springtime had been long and severe, and it was decided to celebrate May Day with unusual pomp and rejoicing. The regal Victoria did not compose and rehearse her coronation speech more carefully than did the lovely Rose Queen. But, alas! just before the momentous occasion, Her Majesty was attacked by that most uninteresting malady of childhood-measles. Both the Queen and her loyal sub- jects were hopeful of the sovereign's recovery in time for the festivities, but the day before May Day the physician pro- nounced the fatal sentence that Fanny was too ill and weak to endure the fatigue of the exercises. A proxy queen delivered the carefully conned coronation speech while, in unenvious enjoyment, the real sovereign viewed the ceremony from a convenient window. This simple incident of Mrs. Speed's girlhood is dwelt on as revealing the native beauty and unsel- fishness of her character.
At the age of twenty-two, in the full bloom of young womanhood, Fanny Henning was given in marriage to Johua F. Speed, and the gods themselves, we may believe, conspired to bless the union.
Always of a religious temperament, Mrs. Speed, in early youth, united with what is now known as the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South. But in 1865 she cast her fortunes with the Loyal Eighteen, who for conscience sake steadfastly held to the primal principles of Methodism as taught by Wesley, and organized in Louisville the Methodist Episcopal Church. From the very beginning of Trinity Church until the present moment, Mrs. Speed has been a corner-stone. Never aggress- ive nor dictatorial, she has by a life of sweetness and conse- cration inspired in all who have come in contact with her a desire for nobler things. Her affection for her husband was complete, as is her devotion to his memory. The honor and
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fame that came to her husband were hers also; and she desired no other. Though eminently fitted by natural and acquired graces to be a leader in society, Mrs. Speed has never aspired to be a power in fashionable circles. She has strictly followed the example of Jesus of Nazareth, and "gone about doing good " As she now looks back over four score years spent in alleviating pain, poverty, and sorrow we are sure a peace and satisfaction fills her soul that is past the understanding of the votary of vanity fair.
Miss Jennie Cassidy, in her noble work of establishing the Flower Mission, found an efficient coadjutor in Mrs. Speed. The first few years that followed the organization of the Flower Mission was a period of struggle, and during that try- ing time Mrs. Speed was a constant source of encouragement to Miss Cassidy.
Mrs. Speed has been called, and perhaps rightly so, the Lady Hutingdon of American Methodism. But as I study the career of that energetic noblewoman, and compare her to the gentle patroness of Kentucky Methodism, I can not but believe that there is a womanly sweetness and tenderness in the American gentlewoman that the English Countess did not possess. It would not be difficult to imagine some of the so-called strong- minded women of to-day storming the doors of Parliament and demanding entrance to a secret sesssion, as did Lady Huntingdon; but to conceive of our Southern gentlewoman taking part in such a proceeding is impossible.
Though both the Hennings and Speeds were slaveholders, Mrs. Speed from childhood had the spirit of an Abolitionist. Had she lived in New England, she no doubt would have been a prominent figure in that coterie which was graced by Lucy Stone and Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. Since the abolition of slavery she has retained all her family servants, and their wel- fare is one of her chief cares. As she touchingly puts it, she is "trying to pay back." Various schools established for the education of the colored people of the South have found a gen- erous contributor in Mrs. Speed.
But it is for the work of her own beloved Church in Ken- tucky that Mrs. Speed has given more largely than for any
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other enterprise. The difficulties, sacrifices, and sufferings of the itinerant minister and his family in the mountains of Ken- tucky have never been adequately depicted. To do justice to the self-denial of these noble men and their devoted wives would be a worthy task for the pen of an artist. Through summer and winter, often insufficiently fed and clothed, too poor to afford a horse, these nameless noblemen "go about their Father's business." The succor and encouragement Mrs. Speed has been to these men, their wives and families, no one will ever know, since even the donor has kept no account of her munificence.
When Dr. Stevenson, at one time pastor of Trinity church, interested himself in founding a college in the mountainous district of Kentucky, he had a cordial sympathizer and liberal supporter in Mrs. Speed. Union College at Barbourville, Ken- tucky, is the result of their combined efforts. Though not yet holding a place among the great universities of the country, inany earnest, studious men and women are glad to claim it as their Alma Mater. Union College is still weak and struggling for existence, but there are some who trace their aspirations for better things to the lessons learned within its walls. Since its inception Mrs. Speed has been the animating spirit of this school. Through her bounty more than one poor student has been able to complete his course, and prepare himself for an honorable vocation.
In the "Vision of Sir Launfal," Lowell has taught a pro- found truth- that of the blessedness of true giving. The coin haughtily flung to the crouching leper as the noble knight started on his quest for the Holy Grail, was not real charity. But when Sir Launfal returned, old, disappointed and poverty- stricken, and met the leper, he recognized in him the image of "mild Mary's Son."
"He parted in twain his single crust, He broke the ice on the streamlet's brink, And gave the leper to eat and drink. 'Twas a mouldy crust of coarse brown bread,
'Twas the water out of a wooden bowl- Yet with fine wheaten bread was the leper fed,
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And 'twas red wine he drank with his thirsty soul.
* * * *
Not what we give, but what we share: The gift without the giver is bare:
Who giveth himself with his alms feeds three, Himself, his suffering neighbor and me."
This seems to me to be the secret of the incalculable good which has accrued from Mrs. Speed's benefactions. With her bounteous alms she has always given herself, and thus "fed three. "Though now enfeebled from age and illness, she is never too weary to assuage want and suffering whenever it is in her power to do so. Talent, influence and wealth are hers; and all she uses to assist the unfortunate and helpless. "By their fruits ye shall know them," was the crucial test the Master applied to those who professed to be his followers. Judged by this standard no woman ever lived on earth more worthy than Mrs. Speed, to be called a disciple of the gentle Nazarene.
I shall never forget my first conversation with Mrs. Speed. As I left her, I could not but think how applicable to her were Scott's beautiful lines:
"Souls are to some mortals given,
With less of earth in them than heaven."
And a longer and closer acquaintance has but served to deepen that first impression. A frail tenement of clay never enshrined a sweeter, brighter spirit. Her ethereal soul seems to be sep- arated from heaven only by a transparent veil of mortality.
The afternoon of her long life is fast waning, and eventide approaches. As she looks back through the mist of years and re-lives in memory the days of her youth and womanhood, the recollection of the pain she has soothed, the bitter, cruel poverty she has relieved, the aching hearts she has comforted, the poor but ambitious students she has aided, must rise as sweet incense from the altar of a consecrated heart. I know I but echo the fervent prayer that is in the hearts of all who have come under the influence of this gracious woman when I say, "Thank God for a life so exalted, so unselfish, so consecrated."
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REV. H. H. MONROE.
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ABRAHAM GUNTHER.
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SECTION II .- CHAPTER I.
SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINISCENCES.
F. S. COON.
THE Church has long recognized the fact that its greatest.
hope for enduring strength lies in the instruction of the children in the great fundamental truths of the Bible, and the ordinances and doctrines cf the Church. Experience has taught her that the best way to do this is through the medium of the Sunday-school. For this reason, orthodox churches of all denominations gather the children together for religious in- struction at least once a week.
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