USA > Maryland > Centenary pictorial album, being contributions of the early history of Methodism in the state of Maryland > Part 4
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Stone Chapel.
Like beacon lights to guide aright The voyager upon his way, Are these the temples reared by those Who dwell in realms of endless day. Long may God's people there unite In hymns of praise and fervent prayer, Long in sweet unity and peace May Christians come to worship there.
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tone Chapel.
THE house which at the present day is known by this title, was built in 1783, the year before the Methodists in this country organized themselves into a church, called the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States. It occupies the site of the first church that took the place of the Log Meeting House, and which was called Poulson's Chapel, because it stood upon land given by Mr. Poulson for that purpose. When rebuilt, it was made of stone, and therefore took the name of Stone Chapel. There is on the front of the chapel, high up, a tablet, on which is J. B. and J. D. These are said to be the initials of two men, viz. John Baxter and Jesse Durbin, who were the foremost instruments in the rebuilding of it.
This house, in its day, has figured largely in the establishment and perpetuation of Methodism. Many and glorious have been the meetings held therein, from which meet- ings have gone out into the regions round about, a most gracious influence. All the early settlers of the neighborhood and worshipers have passed away. They have entered into their rest. Their descendants in part make up the congregation. In the year 1800, there was a great revival here, at which time many were soundly converted from the error of their ways, and brought into the fold of Christ.
In the early days of Methodism, the preachers used to bear their testimony faithfully against slavery, and, perhaps, did what they could to rid the church of this great evil. Some of them rather roughly, and frequently in a manner that would not have been toler- ated in after years. Among these was Joseph Everett, who was not accustomed to smooth his tongue when speaking of it. On the occasion of a Quarterly Lovefeast, which was held in the chapel, in or about 1790, one of the members got up to speak ; he had not much liberty in speaking, and was several times interrupted by his cough. Mr. Everett perceiving his embarrassment, cried out to him, "Brother, you had better cough up those negroes, and then you will be able to speak better."
Those days have passed away, and with them the men that they originated ; another and quite a different race have risen up to take their places. In some respects, it is to
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STONE CHAPEL.
be feared, not so well adapted to the exigencies of the times. Many, however, are the men of strong minds on every hand who are engaged in preaching Christ, and we trust will be the instruments of great good in the name of the Lord. Oh ! that it may yet be said of all, that they preach him faithfully, that they stand completely behind the cross, and do not permit so much as their little finger to be seen.
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T. C. Ruckle
OLD CASSELL HOUSE.
Lith.by A, Hoen & Co.Balto.
'T. C. Ruckle.
JACOB
CASSELL'S HOUSE Built 1755
Jacob Cassell's Aid House,
"All houses wherein men have lived and died Are haunted houses. Through the open doors The harmless phantoms on their errands glide, With feet that make no sound upon the floors. We meet them at the doorway, on the stair, Along the passages they come and go, Impalpable impressions on the air, A sense of something moving to and fro.
There are more guests at table than the hosts Invited ; the illuminated hall Is thronged with quiet uninvited guests, As silent as the pictures on the wall."
Longfellow.
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The Cassell House.
THIS venerable house stands where it always has stood, as a relic of other days and years. It was the property of Mr. Jacob Cassell and his wife Margaretta. They here re- sided a great number of years prior to their passing into eternity, and reared a large fam- ily of children. All of whom have died, except Mr. Joseph Cassell, of Baltimore, himself now in extreme old age, with a heart full of faith and the Holy Ghost, leaning upon his staff, and waiting the coming of his Lord. Mr. Jacob Cassell and his wife, prior to Mr. Strawbridge's coming on Sam's creek, were members of the German Reformed Church, sometimes called Mr. Otterbeine's. He was a Marylander, by birth, and she from Penn- sylvania. He was a man of great firmness and decision of character, and when once con- vinced of the truth, not easily moved from his steadfastness. He was induced to liear Mr. Strawbridge, when he first came to the neighborhood, and was immediately awakened to a sense of his condition. On returning to his home he inquired for his fiddle, an old fam- ily piece, which he had made himself, and of which he was passionately fond. When brought to him, he broke it across his knee, and put it into the stove. That was the last of his fiddle, though he was quite an adept at playing, and prior to the change which had taken place in him took great delight in performing upon it.
As has been said, the former occupants and owners of this now ancient dwelling place have all passed away, and it now belongs to Mr. Jacob Cassell, (familiarly termed "Uncle Jake," by all the young folks,) a son of Mr. James Cassell. It was built by its former proprietor, in 1758, two years before either Embury or Strawbridge emigrated to America ; the date of its erection is cut over the door. Subsequently, he built an addition to the end of it. It stands alone, by itself, as a memorial of days long since passed into eternity. Could it now tell its history and the part it bore in those early times, connected with the rise of Methodism in this country, thrilling would be the narrative. Frequently were its doors opened to the people of God, who assembled there for purposes of worship ; sometimes to unite their voices in meetings for prayer, and sometimes to hear the Word of Life dispensed. Frequently, the Rev. Daniel Stansbury (a man of precious memory) would come over from Liberty, where he resided, and preach for them. Sometimes Noah Fiddler, another pioneer of the gospel, would declare the word to those assembled. Many
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THE CASSELL HOUSE.
were the stricken ones, who sought and found pardon in believing on the Lord Jesus. Mr. Stansbury afterwards removed to this city and carried on the tailoring business, and here, finally. finished his course in great peace.
This house stood upon the main county road, which ran down immediately in front of it. On one occasion, in the early part of autumn, 1790, the neighbors had assembled for a flax meeting, along the road, a short distance from the house; they had taken with them a large stone jug, made in England, for the purpose of holding some drinking water, which at this time and others, they used to bury partially in the earth to keep the water cool. When they had finished the work in which they were engaged they returned to the house, forgetting the jug. Sometime after, a man by the name of Billy Roberts, who lived on Pipe creek, some two miles below Mr. Cassell's, passed along the road, and found it. He took possession of it, and as he rode by the house, Mrs. Cassell was standing on the porch. He accosted her in the manner in which he was accustomed to speak, and said. "Mrs. Cassell, I have found up the road this jug, so I have, so I have, and I will have it, so I will, so I will, if nobody wants it." Mrs. Cassell soon dispelled his pleasure at the prospect of owning the jug, by informing him that it was her property, and had been sent out from England by a sister of hers, and moreover, was prized very highly in the family. This little story is introduced here, as the occasion of saying, that one of the drawings our artist has made of this venerable structure, represents Mrs. Cassell and Billy Roberts, as engaged in this conversation. The other drawing of the same house was taken for the purpose of getting a likeness (and a most excellent one it is) of "Uncle Jake," as I held him by the hand, and thus detained him in conversation, while, unknown to him, Mr. Ruckle transferred him, as he then appeared, to the paper.
Leonard Cassell was, at that time, a youth, noted for wickedness ; he feared nothing, and when provoked to it, would attack the stoutest men. When his change took place, he was noted for fearlessness in piety, as before he had been for fearlessness in wickedness. On one occasion, whilst with Joseph and some others of their companions, early on Sab- bath morning, they were on their way to meeting, as they passed their father's mill, which stood a short distance from the dwelling, Mrs. Sullivan (the wife of Cornelius Sullivan, the miller, who was a Romanist) asked them to come in. After some hesitation, they complied with her request and went in. Mr. Sullivan, who was in the room, said to Leon- ard, " Well, Leonard, I have heard that you have made a fool of yourself, and have joined those noisy, hallooing Methodists." Leonard instantly answered him by saying, “Yes, Mr. Sullivan, I have joined the Methodists, and if by so doing I have made a fool of my- self. I have made a fool of myself for Christ's sake." This answer of the youthful follower of Christ at once silenced his elder antagonist, who said no more.
T. C. Ruckle.
LOAF WISDOM SNIEUNE WSSWE
Lith . by A.Horn & Co. Balto
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Mr. Durbin's Old House.
"The old house by the lindens Stood silent, And on the well worn pathway The light and shadow played. But they walked not 'neath the lindens, Who once were in this hall ; But shadow, and silence, and sadness Were hanging over all."
Longfellows.
Jesse Durbin's House.
THIS is a strongly built house, old and antiquated ; it shows how rude, in one sense, yet convenient, in another, were the places where our Father's worshiped God, and took sweet counsel together. Often in the quietness of the evening, when the bustle and tumult of the day was over, were they accustomed to meet together for purposes of prayer and other exercises, that were best calculated to strengthen their confidence, build them up in their most holy faith, and thus enabled them to spread the triumphs of the Redeem- er's kingdom. Mr. Durbin's dwelling, like those of Mr. Cassell and Mr. Willis, was fre- quently the place of assemblages of the people, where God made bare his arm most gloriously in the conversion of souls. Could it speak its own history, doubtless, like as was said about the aforementioned houses, it would tell a story that would make our hearts rejoice at the fervor and simplicity of those seasons that caused the ears of sinners to tingle, and the hearts of God's children to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. This, however, is at this late day impossible, and we are left to conjecture only on this in- teresting topic. All of that early day have passed away, and of the meetings they held we now know comparatively little. Being men of God, fervent in spirit, of great sim- plicity and sincerity, they had gracious access to the throne of Divine Grace in their pray- ers, and great was the result, as seen in their assemblages together. Many were cut to the heart, as may be learned from their descendants, and many were made to rejoice in the Lord. They were engaged in a noble cause. They laid the foundation deep, broad, and permanent, for all time to come, of that work which we now enjoy in the "fullness of God." The blessings of which in turn our children, and children's children, we trust, will never cease to be partakers of. The same God rules in the armies of earth and heaven : the same throne of grace, sprinkled by the all atoning blood of the Lamb, is accessible ; prayer and supplication, offered in faith, are at this day, as in that, all availing ; surely then, we have but to present ourselves before the throne, in godly sincerity and simplicity,
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JESSE DURBIN'S HOUSE.
and offer up our petitions with the same fervor, to cause them to be heard in heaven and answered on earth. Great must be the company of those who believe. Let us then apply ourselves diligently to the task, and God will assuredly roll back upon us those Apostolic days of fire and success.
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T.C. Ruckle
Lith by A.Hloen & Co. Ballo.
BALTIMORE, Md.
Lovely Lane Meeting House.
The earliest consecrated house To Methodists here known ; Here souls were early won to Christ, That find with Him a home.
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Now, sounds of busy life are heard, Where once saints met to pray,
And careless tones of mirth and song From passers by each day.
So change must pass in time on all Our temples framed for prayer,
Then may our spirit's home be heaven, No change can enter there !
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Lovely &Pane Alerting house.
THIS Meeting House was an humble structure, located in Lovely Lane, which lies immediately south of Baltimore street, running from Calvert to South street. The history of this first Methodist Meeting House west of Jones' Falls, and which has long since been removed, and its precise site scarcely known, reveals the following facts : On February 11, 1774, William Moore and Philip Rogers took up a subscription towards building a church, and secured a lot for that purpose. In April, 1774, the foundation of the house was laid. In October, of the same year, the building was so far completed that Captain Webb, the British officer, and faithful pioneer local preacher, delivered his gospel message to the congregation assembled therein. In May, 1776, the first Conference of Methodist preachers, held in Baltimore, took place in this Meeting House. The first three Conferences had been held in Philadelphia.
In December, 1784, the most important epoch in the history of American Methodism occurred, which has given to the Lovely Lane Meeting House, and to the preachers assembled on that occasion, a commanding position in the religious history of this country. The Methodist Societies in the United States were here organized into the "Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America," and Rev. Thomas Coke, LL. D., and Rev. Francis Asbury became the first Bishops of the church.
From this humble church building went forth that efficient church organization, which, under the blessing of God, has filled the land with glorious fruit. The rapid growth of Methodism, soon rendered the Lovely Lane Meeting House too limited to accommodate the people, and arrangements were made for the erection of a large and commodious church, in the centre of the city. Thereafter, the Lovely Lane Meeting House was vacated, and the congregation removed to the first Light Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
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T. C. Ruckle.
OLD LIGHT ST M.E. CHURCH 1779.
Lith by A. Horn & Co.Balto.
First Light Street Church,
The olden pile, where holy men, Preached Christ, the crucified ;
The Asburys and Georges Spirits, now glorified.
Their feet once trod those sacred aisles, Their voices joined in prayer, And through all changes that have come, Their influence lingers there.
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First Light-st. ethodist G. Church.
NEVER was a kind and liberal mother more entitled to the grateful remembrance of her happy and prosperous children than is Light Street Methodist Episcopal Church, standing as she does in the midst of churches and chapels, which may be properly regarded as branches of the grand old vine which our fathers planted, near the close of the past century.
The prosperity of her children is the crown of her rejoicing in the Lord ; she has not been bereaved of her children, they still live. The number of the family at the early homestead has been lessened by the establishment of other churches, but children and mother are alike endeavoring to advance the interests of Messiah's kingdom.
The family record is interesting, and is often consulted, to the fourth generation, to as- certain the dealings of God to an honored and useful family. Some lived to maturity, others died in childhood, but the memory of all is precious. All religious movements have not been successful; some have failed in their infancy. but others have prospered, and still have a name and a dwelling place. We propose, in this Centenary of American Methodism, to consult the family record of our church in Baltimore city, that the genera- tions to come may read and know of the wonderful works of the Lord in the days of our fathers.
We select as our standpoint of observation, Light Street Church. This is eminently proper, from the antecedents of this old sanctuary, as also, from the mighty results which have been achieved through its instrumentality.
No place for Divine worship is more generally known among the Methodist commu- nity, and none has ever received more marked respect than this old citadel of American Methodism.
This denominational interest in Light Street Church, has arisen in part from the numerous Conferences, both annual and general, which have convened therein. The de- cisions of the pioneer ministry, which were enunciated in that church, and which aided in
TG
LIGHT STREET CHURCH.
giving form and stability to the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America, have entered into the permanent history of the times in which they lived.
Some of these assemblages of ministers were seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord ; the earnest simplicity, burning zeal, and acknowledged piety of the carly Methodist preachers were signally owned by the Lord Jesus Christ, and their meetings for consultation on the affairs of the church were often crowned with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and with the conversion of many precious souls.
Probably, more of the great lights of Methodism, from all sections of the United States, have held forth the Word of Life in Light Street Church, than in any other place of public worship on the American continent.
The first church was located on the northwest corner of Light street and Wine alley. The building was commenced in August, 1785, being 46 feet front by 70 feet deep.
On May 21st, 1786, the church was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God by Bishop Asbury ; subject in the morning, Psalms Ixxxiv, 10; in the evening. 1st Kings ix, 6-9.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, had now acquired a house of worship of respectable style, commodious and favorably located.
The subject of liberal education engaged the attention of Bishops Coke and Asbury, and their early fellow laborers. Cokesbury College was erected at Abingdon, Harford County, Maryland, and was opened by Bishop Asbury, on the 10th of December, 1787 ; subject, 2d Kings iv, 40. The building and necessary apparatus cost upwards of ten thousand pounds. The success of the college during its brief career, was highly satis- factory. On December 4th, 1795, the college was destroyed by fire, the act of a base in- cendiary, who escaped detection and merited punishment.
The Methodists of Baltimore, rallied to the relief of the church, to repair this dis- heartening calamity, a large and elegant Assembly Room, which stood on the lot where the present Light Street Church stands, was purchased, and Cokesbury College was re- opened under favorable auspices.
A sad trial awaited the first Light Street Church and the second Cokesbury College. Mr. Patrick Colvin, father of the late Miss Rachel Colvin, departed this life ; his mortal remains were borne to Light Street Church, December 4th, 1796. Rev. Henry Willis was officiating on the occasion ; in the midst of the solemn service, a cry of fire was heard, the flames were issuing from a contiguous building, and in a short time the first Light Street Church and the second Cokesbury College were smouldering ruins. It was remark- able that this destructive fire occurred precisely in one year after the loss of the first col-
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LIGHT STREET CHURCH.
lege by conflagration. Now church and college were both destroyed, leaving Baltimore Methodism without a house of worship, west of Jones' Falls. This catastrophe, awoke valuable sympathy among the citizens of Baltimore ; and the members and friends of the church immediately projected the building of a new and commodious edifice. It was deemed expedient not to re-establish the college, under the circumstances, but to await the future openings of Divine 'Providence in relation to that subject.
The Present Light Street Church.
Let it be remembered, that this building does not occupy the site of the first church, the present lot is on the south west corner of Light Street and Wine Alley, being the opposite corner to the one previously occupied. The deed of trust for this property, is from Daniel Grant to James McCannon, William Hawkins, Isaac Burneston, Samuel Owings, John Hagerty, Job Smith, Caleb Hewitt, Walter Simpson and Philip Rogers. The price paid for the lot was £5,360, Maryland currency.
On October 29, 1797, being about ten months after the loss of the first church, Bishop Asbury dedicated the new Light Street Church.
For nearly seventy years, this landmark has remained in national peace and war ; loy- ally devoted to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to the Government of the United States. The church has been extensively remodelled and improved, in its interior arrangements ; and is occupied by a class of intelligent, useful and liberal people.
The encroachments of business upon the centre of the city have left but few families residing near the church. The erection of other prosperous churches have properly drawn away many who had strong ties to the mother church; these causes have diminished the congregation, but a glorious future is predicted for those who still sustain this place of worship, and who contemplate the future erection of a Monumental Methodist Episcopal Church, which may furnish ample material for the future historian.
The Preachers' House, or Parsonage, at the rear of Light Street Church, has been occu- pied for nearly seventy years, by the beloved and honored pastors of the station. Plain, upretentious, comfortable and retired, it has been the temporary home of Bishops and other visiting ministers.
The Conference Room located in the upper story of the Preachers' House, has an in- teresting history. It was first used as a private academy, for the instruction of youth. In the year 1801, the Male Free School of Baltimore, was organized and occupied the
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LIGHT STREET CHURCH.
room for school purposes, until the institution was removed to the new building on Court- land street which was erected in the year 1812.
In the year 1810, the Baltimore Annual Conference assembled for the first time in what has been known from that period, as the Conference Room at the rear of Light Street Church. Annual and Quarterly Conferences, Leaders and Preachers' Meetings, Sab- bath Schools, Prayer Meetings and important church committees, have occasionally occu- pied it from that time to the present.
The Sabbath School Building, immediately south of the church, was erected in the year 1843, Bishop Waugh, of precious memory, laid the corner-stone with appropriate ser- vices, the building was designed to accommodate the Asbury Sunday School, No. 1, which was organized in the year 1816, and which for many years had been conducted in the room of the Male Free School on Courtland street. The Sabbath School of Light Street Church, is in a prosperous condition, and conducted by faithful and efficient officers and teachers.
Other objects of interest remain unnoticed, a more extensive historical sketch was not contemplated, and this interesting history must be abruptly terminated.
What hath God wrought ! from the days of Robert Strawbridge and John King, in Maryland, and especially in Baltimore City ?
"Could the first sower, see and hear, As we, this Centenary year ; Amazed that seed from Erin old, Should thus produce a million fold,
And now to Him shall glory be, To none, O Holy Christ, but thee ; Thy mighty hand the work hath done, And all these souls for glory won,"
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T. C. Ruckle
HOVNO SHING (TO LAGAT ST BALTIMORE
Lith.by A. Hoen & Co.Balto.
Parsonage
Here came the minister at eve, Home to his own fireside, With his children playing at his knee, His wife close by his side. What thrilling memories awake At names of by-gone days, Asbury, Soule, Sargent and George Here met with prayer and praise : To them no fairer place was known Than this, the spot they called their home !
Old Parsonage House, Fight-st.
THIS relic of by-gone days, stands immediately in the rear of the present Light Street Church, which is situated a few feet south of the first Light Street Church, and was burned down, December 4th, 1796. The church is located some short distance south of Baltimore Street. The Parsonage is still used for the dwelling of the preacher in charge of the City Station, and is now occupied by their most excellent pastor, Rev. Lyttleton F. Morgan, D. D.
This old house has been a part and parcel of Methodism nearly from the beginning, and is connected with all that is interesting in the history of the church. During the ex- istence of the first church it was used as a dressing room for the hall, that then occupied the site on the front; this hall was burned down, setting fire at the same time to the church, which stood on the opposite corner of a very narrow alley (Wine alley) which passed between them.
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