USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Record of the twenty-fifth anniversary of South Park Presbyterian Church, Newark, N.J. : October 27th to the 30th, 1878 > Part 3
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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS
OF
SOUTH PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
Read at the Anniversary on October 27th, 1878, by
F. C. WILLCOX, Sec'y of Church Schools.
The excellent and carefully prepared historical narrative of the church Sunday Schools, by Mr. F. C. Willcox, Secretary of the School, is here given in full.
The quarter-century report of the Mission School, prepared for a previous public occasion, by Mr. Thos. Darlington, was kindly put into the hands of the publishing committee. It is necessary in the historical connection, and is full of interest; it is also given in full. There must unavoidably be an incidental going over of the same ground in two reports of the Sunday School work in the same church -- especially as the Church School was second in time, and had its origin in the Mission School.
WE have met this afternoon to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the schools connected with this church, and we would extend a most hearty welcome to all present.
Our whole force consists of a parish and mission school, each having an infant department attached thereto.
Although the Mission School is a little more than twenty- five years old, and our own regular anniversary does not strictly occur until December, still we both join with our fostering church on this joyful occasion, and gladly accept the invitation to add our history.
The report, which it is now my pleasure to present, cover- ing as it does a quarter of a century, must necessarily be brief, and confined mainly to facts. And we earnestly trust that no heart will be grieved if, through inadvertence, some faithful and earnest worker should not be mentioned ; for it is almost impossible in this sketch to pay a just tribute to all those faithful ones who have been among us.
From the report of Mr. Darlington, read at the Silver Wedding of the Mission School, from the memory of some
32
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
of our older teachers, and from the earlier records, we have been able to collate the following facts :
About 1851 the Mission School was started in the old Chestnut Street Depot, under the superintendence of Mr. John P. Jackson, Sr.
In 1853 the Parish School was started in the chapel, and the infant department also had its origin under the very effi- cient management of Mrs. J. P. Wilson.
In 1854 the Church School moved from the chapel to the present lecture-rooms. Here the school was very ably man- aged, with Mr. Ralph Pierson as superintendent, and Mrs. Eliza Armstrong, lady superintendent.
The school was rapidly increased, and it was with much pleasure that the teachers saw the gratifying results. At this same period Mr. Asa Whitehead taught a very inter- esting Bible class of young ladies.
In 1856 Mr. Archibald Parkhurst was elected superin- tendent of the Mission School, and held that position till 1860. The same officers as in the previous year had charge of the church schools. During the next two years there was no change in the officers of either school, except that Miss Mary H. Gill, in 1857, took charge of our infant de- partment. It was in this same year that Mrs. Wilson organized a Bible class for young ladies, who met for an hour and a half previous to the morning service of each Sunday. During the eleven years in which it was faithfully taught by its founder, forty-three ladies received instruction, and when, in 1868, Mrs. Wilson, on account of indisposition, was obliged to give up the class, there was the most gratifying result that all of her scholars had become church members, except nine, who were communicants on entering the class.
In the next year (1858) Mr. Ralph Pierson was reelected superintendent, Mrs. Armstrong lady superintendent, Dr. Woodhull secretary, and Mr. Hastings librarian and treas- urer. The whole number of scholars at this time was five hundred and seventeen, apportioned as follows: Mission
33
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
School, one hundred and fifty-seven; Church School, one hundred and seventy-four ; infant department, one hundred and ten ; Mrs. Wilson's Bible class, thirty-four; and Mr. John Whitehead's Bible class for gentlemen, forty-two. At this time the very excellent plan had been adopted of having each teacher visit a certain part of the city contigu- ous to the church and urge children who were not in regular attendance at any school to join our bands. We should not here neglect to speak of the earnest efforts which the late Dr. Woodhull used to bring the boys of his class to Christ. Twice a week they met at his office, in Hill street, for the purpose of prayer, and much good grew out of this noble action of their instructor. During this year thirty-nine Bibles were presented by our pastor to those scholars who perfectly recited the Catechism.
The next year (1859), at the annual election, Mr. Pierson was again made superintendent, but declining, the late John P. Jackson was called to the office. Mrs. Armstrong and Dr. Woodhull were reelected. Dr. L. G. Thomas and Mr. Jas. Hastings were elected respectively treasurer and libra- . rian. The number of scholars in our school was one hun- dred and seventy-nine, and in the infant department, one hundred and thirty-four. Number of books in the library, six hundred and twenty. In this same year the hand of death removed four little children from the infant depart- ment.
In 1860 the officers of the Parish School were reelected, Mr. Crossman taking Mr. Arnold's place as assistant libra- rian. The total number of scholars in both schools was five hundred and seventy-five. We lost by death one of the eldest girls in the Church School.
In 1861, in the Parish School, the officers were the same as in the previous year. It was during the latter part of this year that our beloved superintendent, John P. Jackson, Sr., was called to the mansions above, and the school deeply mourned his loss, for he was warmly attached to it, being
34
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
one of the most earnest and patient of workers. The vacant office was filled by the election of Mr. Ira M. Harrison.
In 1862 the officers of both schools remained the same, and there was but slight change in the roll of teachers and scholars.
In 1863, Miss Mary H. Gill, who had been the very excellent teacher of the infant department of our school for six years, was compelled by failing health to give up her Sabbath work among the little ones. Her labors we shall ever remember with feelings of thankfulness that we were able to have such a true and devoted teacher to guide the young. Mrs. Wilson again took charge of the infant de- partment, and has continued to superintend it to the present time, having been very ably assisted during nearly the whole period by Miss Mary Connet.
In 1864 there was no change in the school.
In the next year (1865) the officers of the Church School were as follows: Superintendent, Mr. Ira M. Harrison ; Lady Superintendent, Mrs. Coes ; Treasurer, Mr. F. Wolcott Jackson ; Secretary, Dr. A. W. Woodhull ; Librarian and Assistant, Messrs. M. B. Crossman and Edward Reeve. The number of scholars was one hundred and sixty, with one hundred and seventy-seven in the infant department. The collections of this year amounted to $256.20. -
Passing to the next year, 1866, we find that the number of scholars varied but little from that in the previous year. But we lost two faithful teachers, whose memory will ever be cherished for their good works.
It was at this time that the present ladies' parlor and . infant school room were added, the whole expense being $1,700, which amount was collected in two days by Mrs. Wilson, who personally obtained subscriptions of $100 each from seventeen gentlemen in the church.
In 1867 the officers of the school remained the same, and Mr. Vail was elected assistant librarian.
In the next year (1868) we had one hundred and fifty
35
-
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
scholars, thirty-four teachers, four Bible classes, and one hundred and thirty-nine children, with five teachers, in the infant department. The collections amounted to $308.73. Mr. Ira M. Harrison was superintendent; Miss Sarah A. Gill, lady superintendent; Dr. A. W. Woodhull, secretary ; Mr. F. Wolcott Jackson, treasurer, and Mr. A. W. Taylor, librarian. The system now in use, of collecting the money from the classes at the end of each month for missionary purposes, was adopted. This was also the period when our pastor's wife was obliged to relinquish her Bible class, before-mentioned.
In 1869, at the annual meeting of the Parish School, as Mr. Harrison declined a reelection, having held most accept- ably the position of superintendent for seven years, Mr. A. I. Gillette was chosen to fill that office. The other officers remained the same, and Mr. E. L. Hamilton was elected librarian. Much praise is due him for the very able manner in which he has attended to our mental wants in furnishing us with good books. The records of this year show one hundred and fifty-eight scholars, thirty-two teachers, two Bible classes, and one hundred and thirty-six scholars, with five teachers, in the infant department, and nine hundred books in the library. The collections amounted to $450.93.
In 1870 the number of scholars and teachers in both departments was about the same as in the previous year. Three of the scholars united with the church. At the annual meeting Mr. Gillette was reelected superintendent ; Mrs. Ralph Pierson, lady superintendent ; Mr. F. Wolcott Jack- son, treasurer ; Dr. Woodhull, secretary ; Mr. Hamilton, librarian, and Mr. W. A. Perry, assistant librarian.
In 1871 the officers of both schools remained the same. The number of scholars was one hundred and sixty in the senior department and one hundred and ten in the infant department.
In 1872 the number of teachers and scholars remained the same as in 1871, and there was the gratifying result
36
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
that nine scholars had given their hearts to the Saviour. The collections in both departments amounted to $243.62. At the annual meeting Mr. Gillette declined a reelection, and our present superintendent, Mr. David C. Dodd, Jr., was called upon to fill that position, and the present secre- tary was elected assistant librarian.
In 1873 we had the same officers (with the exception of the lady superintendent) as in 1872. The rolls showed one hundred and sixty scholars and thirty-two teachers in the senior department and one hundred and five scholars and seven teachers in the infant department. We record with much pleasure that eleven of the scholars resolved to turn from the world and give their hearts to God.
In the next year, 1874, the officers remained as in the last year.
Passing to 1875, we find that the same officers in the Parish School were again reelected, and the school num- bered one hundred and sixty-six, with an infant department of one hundred and twenty-five. Through the earnest, personal efforts of the late Mr. A. I. Gillette our Sunday school room was improved and rendered more cheerful, and the library was replenished.
In 1876 the Church School consisted of twenty-nine officers and teachers and about two hundred scholars.
It was in the Spring of this year that our school was entered by death, and a most faithful officer removed. We refer to the late Dr. Addison W. Woodhull, Elder in the church. He had been connected with the school almost from its formation, and its welfare and interests seemed to be a personal matter with him, and he frequently referred with deep regret to the fact that attendance at the teachers' prayer meeting was not made a duty which each one felt that he owed his God, the school, and himself.
In the Fall of 1877 we were again visited by the hand of Providence, and called to mourn the loss of a former super- intendent. I cannot more fitly commemorate him than by
37
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
quoting the tribute which the late Dr. Woodhull paid him, in his report of 1872, when Mr. Gillette declined a reelection. He said : "I feel assured that I but express the feeling of every one connected with the school when I say that his services were always of the most faithful and painstaking character, and that the duties of his office were ever per- formed with zeal and alacrity, and with a congeniality that drew to him the affection and esteem of all who were under his charge."
During the latter part of last year the congregation responded very liberally to requests for money to replenish our library : $110.55 was collected and $108.03 expended for books, leaving a balance of this fund of $2.52.
The new books were placed in the hands of the scholars during January of this year.
At the annual meeting held the 20th of last June the following officers were elected :
Superintendent-Mr. David C. Dodd, Jr.
Lady Superintendent-Mrs. E. C. Platner.
Treasurer-Mr. F. Wolcott Jackson.
Librarian-Mr. E. L. Hamilton.
Secretary-Mr. F. C. Willcox.
Committees have been appointed in each school to co- operate and devise plans by which greater interest and work may be developed in the school.
We have departed from the old routine of exercises, superseding them by others of a more interesting nature.
Our faithful and beloved pastor still questions the school at the end of each month on the parts of the Catechism recited in that time.
Another new and most excellent plan of impressing the lessons upon our minds has been introduced by our pastor- that of preaching a short sermon to the schools on the last Sunday of each quarter on the work passed over in that period. Our records now show about fifty officers and teach- ers and three hundred scholars in the Mission School (both
38
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
departments), and twenty-five officers and teachers, with one hundred and fifty scholars, in the Parish School (both departments).
Our library numbers four hundred volumes.
The amount of collections for missionary purposes, con- tributed during the last twenty-five years by the Church School, has been about $5,600-$1,000 of which was by the infant department.
In this brief review we see very many blessings for which to be thankful to Almighty God. Can we not, ever looking to the Throne of Grace for strength and help, incite new energy in our schools ? Will not each teacher and scholar, on this Sabbath, ever memorable for the pleasant recollec- tions which it shall bring to us in the future, resolve to bring in as many scholars as possible, and fill our ranks with new recruits ?- for the field for work is large.
Let us, then, " Rejoicing in Hope," pray that God in His infinite goodness will bless and mightily strengthen us, and cause our Sunday Schools to be foremost in the glorious work of Christ.
FRANK C. WILLCOX,
Secretary South Park Pres. Church Sunday School.
OCTOBER 27, 1878.
Owing to the absence of any record of the earlier years of the South Park Mission Sunday School, it was necessary, in the compilation of this sketch of its history, to resort to the memories of those who took part therein.
As we are fortunate enough to have remaining with us several of those who commenced with the enterprise, we have been able to arrive with some degree of certainty at the following particulars :
39
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
Shortly after the erection of the railroad depot at Chest- nut street, it being noticed that a number of children congregated around that place on the Sabbath, creating much noise and confusion, with some destruction of the property, through the efforts of Mr. John P. Jackson, Mr. Samuel P. Smith, and others (Mr. Jackson obtaining the use of the depot building for that purpose), a Sunday School was opened.
The school was under the superintendence of Mr. Jack- son and his sister, Mrs. Eliza Armstrong. This was about the year 1851, and continued until the opening of the Mul- berry street chapel, a little over a year later. An attempt was made to take the school to the chapel, but it was unsuc- cessful. In 1853 the Rev. Mr. Campfield, assisted by Mr. David Joline and a few others, started the school anew in the depot, Mr. Joline being the first superintendent.
From that time to the present it has continued its regular sessions.
Mr. Joline was superintendent until 1856, when Mr. Archibald Parkhurst succeeded to the office. He con- tinued as such superintendent until May, 1860, when Gen. Joseph C. Jackson was elected.
Owing to the call for his services in another field, by reason of the breaking out of the rebellion, he left after one year's services, and Mr. Humphrey R. Fuller was elected in May, 1861. He continued as such superintendent until his removal from the city, in 1863. During this period the school was transferred to the chapel in Mulberry street, where it now is.
Mr. Francis N. Torrey succeeded Mr. Fuller as superin- tendent.
At this time the average attendance was one hundred scholars, twenty-four teachers and officers.
Mr. Torrey was elected superintendent for five years suc- cessively, but in September, 1869, owing to his ill health, was obliged to give up, and Joseph D. Doty acted as
40
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
superintendent the remainder of that year, and was elected for the six following years.
In the year 1871 it was resolved that the chapel was dilapidated, repulsive, and unwholesome, and efforts were made to obtain new accommodations.
These efforts ended in the refurnishing, enlarging and repairing of the chapel, at an expense of about $1,800. The funds were obtained by great sacrifices on the part of the teachers, aided by subscriptions from friends in the church and by an organ concert kindly given by Miss Eliza- beth H. Marsh, which extinguished the debt which had been crippling their usefulness.
It was during the latter part of this period that the con- vention at Indianapolis adopted the uniform lessons which have so greatly added to the interest and utility of the Sun- day School.
During the year 1874, owing to Mr. Doty's business duties necessitating his frequent absence, Mr. Daniel Halsey was elected assistant superintendent, in which office he has con- tinued until the present time.
At the annual meeting in May, 1875, Mr. Doty removing from this city to Philadelphia, our present superintendent, Mr. John Y. Foster, was elected, and has been continued in the office until the present time.
In the year 1876 it became necessary to enlarge the chapel a second time, which was done at an expense of about $800. During that year a new library was procured for the school, costing $250, and a new organ-the money for the organ being chiefly given by two of our present teachers. Over $1,100 was raised in that year by the teachers, with very little outside help, except as they came as visitors to enter- tainments and lectures given for this purpose.
The school now numbers fifty officers and teachers and two hundred and thirty-two scholars, including an infant class of about seventy scholars, making a total of two
41
REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
hundred and eighty-two-the average attendance during the last few months being two hundred and sixty-one.
We have a Dorcas Society, to which one person alone has contributed the sum of $100, which sum, with the other contributions, has been most judiciously expended under the direct personal supervision of the society.
Mention must be made of our weekly prayer meeting, which, without doubt, has been our most efficient means of producing and keeping alive the interest of all in their work. Here have we taken sweet counsel together ; here have been strengthened the hands which hung down; here have we found cause to praise Him who giveth songs in the night.
THE BENEFIT ACCOMPLISHED.
A few of our number have been transferred from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant, one of whom, Rev. Nathan P. Campfield, here first received his call to the sacred office. The names of others are: Alfred E. Allen, A. E. Ballard, Jonathan Bailey, - Crawford, Walter Harris, Lewis Harris, Simeon Pierson, Miss Eliza B. Brown, Miss Drummond.
At no time have we seen greater reason for encourage- ment in our labors than at the present, and we rest confi- dently in His promise who said, " He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him"-Ps. cxxvi. 6.
In 1780, it is generally believed, Robert Raikes com- menced the Sunday school. A hundred years have not yet passed, and we learn from the statistics of the convention held at Atlanta that the Sunday school army in this country and Canada now numbers 6,843,997 scholars (privates), with 894,793 teachers and officers.
What a matter for congratulation to every true patriot, philanthropist, and Christian.
Now that the Papal power and the Ottoman Empire are being broken, doth it not appear that the stone cut out
42
TRIBUTE TO THE PASTOR.
without hands shall become a great mountain and fill the whole earth ?
The following affectionate and tender tribute to the pastor from the superintendent and officers and all the teachers of the Mission School, and signed by them individually in the original manuscript, was read by Mr. Darlington. It is too highly appreciated to be omitted in the permanent record of the transactions of this memorable occasion, as it will ever have its place permanently in the heart of its grateful re- cipient :
NEWARK, N. J., Oct. 27, 1878.
REV. JAS. P. WILSON, D. D. :
The undersigned, officers and teachers of the Mission Sunday School of the South Park Presbyterian Church, cannot permit this anniversary occasion to pass without giv- ing a formal expression of their feeling toward you as their pastor and friend. The twenty-five years which have elapsed since you commenced your pastorate, and this school started on its career of usefulness, have been memorable in the spiritual history of nearly all of us. Some of us have in this period, through your influence, been brought, as we believe, to a saving knowledge of Christ, and, as we hope, to an activity not altogether fruitless in His service. Some of us have labored with you from the beginning in the work of both Church and Sunday School. All have enjoyed, first or last, the benefit of your instructions and example. We wish now, standing amid the recollections of the years whose results are to-day gathered into sheaf, to testify our sense of your fidelity, and our appreciation of the value of your work among us and around us. You have maintained the stand- ards of sound doctrine ; have taught and illustrated a genu- ine, practical piety ; have resisted all compromises with the spirit of worldliness; have faithfully warned against the lures and temptations, especially, that lie in wait for the young.
Twining our bit of rosemary about the " white stone " of this anniversary day, thankful for all the precious memories
43
TRIBUTE TO THE PASTOR.
it commemorates, we pray, unitedly, that the years as they go may bring to you prosperity, peace, and the solace of that perfect trust which has its foundation in the promises of Him who never forsakes His own.
Very sincerely yours,
JOHN Y. FOSTER.
Isaac N. Doty,
T. W. Disbrow,
Jean. R. White,
W. C. King,
Arch'd Parkhurst,
Mrs. V. N. Wright,
Lizzie Parkhurst,
J. Wm. Tuttle,
Thomas Darlington,
Lavinia Morehouse,
Mamie Pierson,
Lizzie M. Blake,
Alex. T. Looker,
Lizzie Baldwin,
Thomas Darlington, Jr.,
Huldah N. Clark,
George W. Howell,
M. C. Underwood,
Helen Wilson,
L. A. Doty,
Daniel Halsey,
Mrs. Wm. A. Thompson,
W. G. Wagoner,
Mary A. McDermit,
Oscar E. Day,
Mary C. Johnson,
M. B. Gardner,
M. Cornelia Brown,
Samuel Clark,
Maggie Baird,
W. A. Thompson,
Mrs. Morehouse,
E. Alex. Underwood,
Laura E. Foster.
44
TRIBUTE TO THE PASTOR.
AN OFFERING FROM A SUNDAY-SCHOOL SCHOLAR OF THE SOUTH PARK CHURCH TO THE PASTOR, ON THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY, 1878.
I.
The silver circle closes to-day
Of our quarter-century passed away ; We meet once more at this sacred hour To thank the Lord for the strength and power
That have led us on through years gone by, Those years that from memory never die.
II. "Our days are as grass," the Psalmist saith ; For what is our life ?- 'tis but a breath ! A few short days, and the race is run, Like a story told, a sweet song sung ; The words float by, and the music seems Like far-off melody heard in dreams.
III. Oh ! friends so loved, who have passed away Like morning mists at the dawn of day, Since, under the elm trees' peaceful shade The corner-stone of this church was laid, Your ransomed spirits, fair and bright,
Are watching us from the realms of light !
IV.
The years of the past are dead and gone ; The present is ours-we journey on. The banner of Christ in his right hand, Who thro' all these years has led our band ; Whose loving voice has proclaimed the truth In the ears of age and wayward youth.
V.
Our hearts beat quick, and our eyes grow dim, As we think of all our Guide has been ; He has helped us bear our griefs and cares By kindly counsel, by earnest prayers ; And his tender words sweet comfort brought To the aching chords of the mourner's heart.
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