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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01794 4239
GENEALOGY 974.702 B792CT
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofwesleym00curr
HISTORY
OF THE
WESLEY M. E. CHURCH
OF
BROOKLYN, L. I., BY
GILBERT E. CURRIE.
WITH
LAWS RELATING TO THE INCORPORATION OF RELIGIOUS SO- CIETIES IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION SHOWING THE GROWTH OF METH- ODISM IN THE UNITED STATES AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
NEW YORK : N. TIBBALS & SON, No. 37 PARK ROW. NELSON & PHILLIPS, NO. 805 BROADWAY. 1876.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1876, by GILBERT E. CURRIE,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
PUBLISHERS' ADVERTISEMENT.
THE Publishers take pleasure in introducing to the public this work-the pioneer of a class destined ere long to become popular with the church-going and church-loving community-the History of the M. E. Society, bearing the venerated name of the illustrious founder of Methodism in the "City of Churches." Besides furnishing an interesting sketch of the rise and progress of the Society, the Author has interspersed throughout . the narrative practical suggestions regarding the Method of Keeping Church Records-the Manner of Transacting Official Business-Duty and Responsibility of Trustees-Hints on Conducting Prayer and Class-meetings-Love-feasts-Watch-night Services -- · Young People's Associations-Ladies' Union Aid Societies-Sunday School Instruction-Juvenile Missionary Societies-Sunday School Exhibitions, and other kindred topics, with Articles on the Economy of Methodism-Duty of Sunday School Children Attending Public Worship of the Sanctuary-Parental or Home Religious Instruction-Laws in Relation to the Incorporation of Religious Societies in the State of New York-Official Statistics Showing the Growth of Methodism in the United States and throughout the World, the whole forming a volume of interesting and useful information, which ought to be in the hand of every official member of the Church, and upon the shelves of every Sunday School library in the land. As the proceeds of publica- tion are to be devoted toward helping to reduce the floating debt upon the Church, it is therefore desirable that the book should have a ready sale and extensive circulation among the Methodist community.
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTION.
The History of a Religious Society not a Trifling, Indiffer- ent, or Insignificant Subject-Wesley M. E. Church not a Separate, Independent, or Isolated Society, but a Fraternal Member of a Large Family of Churches, United in Bonds of Christian Fellowship, Doctrine, Discipline, Economy, Usage, and Practice-Episcopal Bishops, Presiding Elders, Traveling Preachers, Office-bearers, and Hundreds of Thou- sands of Members Interested in its Prosperity and Well- being-The Spirit and Mission of the Work-The Objects and Aims Sought to be Promoted-Higher Appreciation of the Privileges and Benefits of Church Membership-The Re- sponsibility and Duty of Church Officers Examined and En- forced-Beneficial Results which may Accrue from Chrono- logical Records of Past and Present Members-The Moral Ef- fect and Influence of Obituaries of Deceased Members-En- couragement to the Society, to Persevere in its Labor for the Glory of God and Advancement of His Cause in the World.
CHAPTER I.
THE ORIGIN OF THE SOCIETY.
Circumstances Attending the Appointment of the Rev. Gad S. Gilbert to the De Kalb Avenue Charge in 1864- Dissatisfaction of the Official Brethren with the Appoint- ment-Unhappy Feeling Continued During the Year-Prop- osition Suggested to Inaugurate a Church Extension Move-
vi
CONTENTS.
ment-The Proposal Favorably Entertained-Resolution Adopted by a Number of the Members to Withdraw from the Church and Form a New Organization-A Building Site Selected, and the Refusal of a Plot of Ground Secured-The Society Organized by Presiding Elder, Rev. F. H. Pease-Names of the Persons Composing the New Society-Completion and Dedication of the Tabernacle on Tompkins Avenue-Election of a Board of-Trustees, March 27, 1865.
CHAPTER II.
REV. GAD SMITH GILBERT, PASTOR.
Organization of the Ladies' Union Aid Society-Organiza- tion of the Sunday School-Juvenile Home Missionary Soci- ety Established-First Quarterly Conference held April 14, 1865-Conveyance by Deed, in Fee-Simple, of the Five Lots of Land to the Trustees-Death of Mrs. Gad S. Gilbert -Invitation to Rev. Francis C. Hill to become Pastor for the Ensuing Conference Year-The Invitation Accepted- Statistical and Financial Statement of the Condition of the Society for the first Year, ending March 31, 1866.
CHAPTER III.
REV. FRANCIS C. HILL, PASTOR.
Organization of a Joint-Board-Advice of the Pastor to Commence the Erection of a New Church Edifice-Induce- ments Presented for Immediate Action-Anticipated Finan- cial Assistance from the Centennial Church Extension Fund -Subscription Books Prepared, and Solicitation Begun for the New Building Enterprise - Rev. Charles E. Harris Preaches the Centennial Sermon in the Tabernacle, and Subscriptions taken up at the Close of the Sermon for the New Church-Plans and Specifications Presented and Ap- proved-Contracts Given Out and the Work Commenced- Foundation Stone Laid by the Rev. Heman Bangs, Presid- ing Elder of the District, Thurday, April 25, 1867-Resig-
vii
CONTENTS.
nation of the Old, and Election of a New Board of Trustees -Disruption between the Pastor and Several of the Offi- cial Brethren-Silver Wedding Ceremony of the Pastor's Marriage, Celebrated January 20, 1868-The Fastor Re- quested to Leave the Charge by the Disaffected Members, but is Solicited to Remain by the Principal Official Breth- ren-Bishop Janes and Elder Bangs are Appealed to, on the subject, and they Approve of the Pastor Remaining- Resolution of the Trustees to Present the New House of Worship to the Methodist Episcopal Church for the Use and Service of its Ministers-Some of the Trustees Object and Protest against such Action-Withdrawal of the Disaffected Brethren from the Church-Ladies' Union Aid Society Dis- continued.
CHAPTER IV.
DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH.
The Dedicatory Services on the Opening of the New Church, held August 2, 1868, and Conducted by Bishop Janes, Assisted by the Presiding Elder, Rev. Heman Bangs, and the Rev. Hiram Mattison, D.D .- Editorial Notices of the Dedicatory Services by the Brooklyn Gazette, Daily Eagle, Brooklyn Daily Union, and New York Daily Tribune-The Seces- sionists from Tompkins Avenue Resolve to Organize a New Society-Sunday School Juvenile Missionary Society Monthly Meeting-A Donation Visit to the Pastor-Close of the Rev. Francis C. Hill's Pastoral Charge of Wesley M. E. Church.
CHAPTER V.
REV. J. W. BARNHART, PASTOR.
On the Recommendation of the Rev. F. C. Hill, the Rev. J. W. Barnhart is Invited to Become Pastor-He Accepts the Invitation, and Conference Confirms the Appointment- The Pastor Receives an Invitation to Address the Children on the Brooklyn Sunday School Anniversary-Mr. Barnhart Becomes a Great Favorite with the Young-The Annual Sab-
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CONTENTS.
bath School Picnic-The Manner the Day was Spent, and how the Children and Teachers Enjoyed Themselves-The Pastor's Unsuccessful Attempt to Establish a Bible Class- Close of the First Conference Year-Difficulties Among the Members of the Choir-Young People's Friday Evening Meet- ing-Pastor's Summer Vacation-Ladies' Auxiliary Society Organized -Watch-night Services -New Year's Calls-In- crease in Church Membership and Sabbath School-Close of the Second Conference Year-Annual Election of Trustees- Anniversary of the Brooklyn Sunday School Union-Annual Excursion of the Sunday School to Glenwood Grove-The Pastor as Sunday School Teacher.
CHAPTER VI.
ERECTION OF THE SCHOOL HOUSE.
Pressing Necessity for a New School House-The Prop- osition of Father Titus Accepted by the Joint-Board- A New Building Resolved upon-Committee Appointed to Procure Plans, Specifications, and Estimates for the Work -The Committee's Report Received and Adopted, and the Building Commenced-Pastor's Enthusiasm and Zeal as Chairman of the Building Committee-Resolution of the Quarterly Conference Requesting the President of the Board of Trustees to Prepare a History of the Church from the Date of its Organization-Action of the Joint-Board Rel- ative to Inviting Rev. C. B. Ford, Pastor for the Ensu- ing Conference Year-Bro. Ford Accepts the Invitation to Become Pastor-Completion and Occupancy of the new School House-Size and Appointments of the Building- Young Ladies' Fair and Festival and Success of the Enter- prise-Opening Services at the New Chapel held Sunday, April 7, 1872, with Preaching by the Pastor-State of Church and Sunday School at the Close of the Conference Year.
CHAPTER VII.
REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
Annual Election of Trustees-Induction of the new Pas- tor to the Charge-Sunday Morning and Evening Services in the Church-Organization of the Young People's Literary
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CONTENTS.
Union-Philip Phillip's Evening Entertainment of Sacred Song-The General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church Holds its Session for the First Time at the Acad- emy of Music, Brooklyn, May 1, 1872-Several Ministers from Distant Parts of the Country Visit Tompkins Avenue Church and Preach to the People-Revision of the Book of Discipline-Election of Eight New Bishops-First Quar- terly Conference, held June 25, 1872-Envelope System of Raising Funds Considered in Joint-Board-Renting of Pews Discontinued-Pastor's Summer Vacation-The "Envelope System " Adopted-Young People's Literary Union Musical Entertainment-Ladies' Auxiliary Society and Report of the Treasurer-Social Reunion at the Parsonage - First Quar- terly Conference, and Pastor's Report on the State of the Church and Sunday School-Importance of Keeping and Carefully Preserving Church Records-Young People's Fair and Festival, March 25, 1873-Close of the Conference Year.
CHAPTER VIII.
REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
Second Year of Bro. Ford's Pastorate-Annual Election of Trustees-Death of Thos. P. Moses-Resolutions Relative to the Deceased-Joint-Boards not Recognized by the Discipline, nor by the Law of the State-Resolution of the Board of Trustees Regarding the Management of the Tem- poralities of the Church-Brooklyn Sunday School Anni- versary-Visit of the Sunday School Children to the Resi- dence of Father Titus-Eighth Annual Excursion of the Sabbath School to Eaglewood Park-Ladies' Annual Tea Meeting, November 6, 1873-Commencement of the Win- ter's Revival Campaign-Fourth Quarterly Meeting held March 5, 1874-Death of Father Titus-Resolutions Relating to the Deceased Adopted by the Quarterly Meeting-Spe- cial Meeting of the Officiary-Invitation to the Pastor to Continue His Pastoral Relation for the Ensuing Conference Year.
X
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IX.
REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
Third Year of Bro. Ford's Pastorate-Annual Election of Trustees-Annual Meeting of the Trustees, Election of Officers, and Treasurer's Report-Preparation for Repair- ing the Church-First Quarterly Conference, held June 12, 1874-Ladies' Ice Cream and Strawberry Festival-Sunday School Annual Excursion to Oriental Grove, East River -Bro. W. D. McLean's Visit to Scotland-Repairing, Alter- ing, and Beautifying the Church Completed-Re-opening Services-Young People's Literary Union Disbanded-Sun- day School Infant Class Entertainment - What Shall be Done to Improve Our Prayer Meetings ?- Third Quarterly Conference, held December 11, 1874-Sunday School Christ- mas Festival-Watch-night Services, Love-feast, Preaching and Prayer Meeting-Week of Prayer and Subjects for cach Evening's Meditation and Prayer-Harlem Praying Band Services on Sunday, January 10, 1875- Protracted Meetings Commenced-Special Meeting of the Official Breth- ren, held January 11th-Invitation Extended to Rev. Fred- erick Brown, of Westport, Conn., to Become Pastor for the Ensuing Conference Year-The Invitation Accepted - The Trustees Make an Effort to Raise Five Hundred Dollars - Anniversary of the Sunday School Home Missionary Society, Addresses by Ezrael A. Barker, Esq., Rev. Geo. L. Westgate, and others, Singing by the Children, and the Treasurer's Report-Fourth Quarterly Conference, held March 12, 1875.
CHAPTER X.
THE DECENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.
The Trustees Resolve to hold a Decennial Anniversary of the Society and Appoint a Committee to Make the Necessary Arrangements-Committee Prepares a Circular on the Subject, and Addresses it to Pastors of Sister Churches and Ministers of other Evangelical Denomina- tions-Favorable Responses are Received-The Date fixed
xi
CONTENTS.
for the Decennial Anniversary to take place on Sun- day, March 28, 1875-The Celebration is held-Report of the Proceedings from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle-The Mem- bers of the Church Visit the Parsonage, and Pay their Respects to the Pastor and his Family, and Present him with a Token of their Affectionate Regard, on the Closing of his Pastoral Relation with the Church-A Summary of the Pas- tor's Labors During the Past Three Years-The Pastor Preaches his Farewell Sermon, Sunday Evening, April, 4, 1875, and Takes an Affectionate Leave of the Members of the Church and Congregation.
CHAPTER XI. .
IN MEMORIAM, OBITUARIES OF DECEASED MEMBERS.
Catharine Darby-Mary G. Gilbert-Rev. Gad Smith Gil- bert-George Wesley-Fanny Jacobs-Elizabeth Melville- . Sarah Jane Fisher-Jeremiah Johnson-Gertrude A. Brower -Matilda Aberle-Charles Jackson-Father Wandell-John Granger - Camilia Aberle - Lettia McCormack -Cornelia Walraven-Robert Currie-Thos. P. Moses-Maria Auld- Maria Aberle-Mary Johnson-Caroline Cathcart-Ancel Titus -Jane Mowlen.
CHAPTER XII.
FORM OF RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
Reception of Probationers Into Full Membership-The Duty of those Seeking to be Saved from their Sins, and Desirous of Leading a New Life to Avail themselves of the Privilege of Church-fellowship-Difficulties in the Way, and Excuses for Neglecting this Duty-Disciplinary Form of Receiving Candidates for Full Membership-The Form of Receiving Members by Letter, or Transferring of Mem- bership from One Church to Another-Promptitude in Pre- senting Certificates by Members on Removing to New Locations Recommended - Apologies for Procrastination . Considered-General Rules of the United Societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
SUMMARY RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.
Difficulties Encountered and Good that has been Accom- plished -Paucity of Members at the Formation of the Society- Rude and Uncouth Construction of the Taber- nacle-Sparsely Populated Neighborhood-Residents having Formed Church Associations-No Assistance or Aid from the Centennial Church Extension Fund-Division in the Society and Secession of some of its Members-Want of Unity Among the Official Brethren-Frequent Changes in the Plans for Raising Funds-Sunday School Failing to Sustain the Church in not Supplying Fresh Accessions to the Membership-The Good that has been Accomplished- Eligible Situation of the Church-Its Commodious Size and Comfortable Appointments - Building with a View to Future Requirements-Suitable, Convenient, and Substan- tial Chapel or School House-Generous Liberality and Self- sacrificing Spirit of the Members and Officiary of the Church-The Number of Persons who have been Received into Full Membership by Probation and by Letter-Im- provement in the Sunday School, Establishment of Two Bible Classes, and Object Instruction on the Black-board -Young People's Christian Union Organized-Ladies' Union Aid Society Reorganized and in Active Operation-Deceased Members who have Finished the Course with Joy and En- tered into Rest-Duty of Members Removing from Other Sec- tions of the City or Country into this Location to Cast in their Lot, and Unite with the Church-Review of the Past Affords Abundant Reason for Mutual Congratulation Among the Members, and of Gratitude to God for His Goodness, and Encouragement to the People to Go Forward in their Good Work, Trusting Alone to Him for Success and Prosperity.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF MEMBERS.
The Names of the Members Composing the Society at the Time of its Organization-Persons who have been Ad-
xiii
CONTENTS.
mitted into Full Membership by Probation-Members from Sister Churches who have been Received by Letter Dur- ing the Past Ten Years.
CHAPTER XV.
ALPHABETICAL RECORD OF MEMBERS.
This Record Comprises the Members in Regular Stand- ing at the Close of the Conference Year, Ending March 31, 1875.
CHAPTER XVI.
OFFICIAL RECORD.
Officiary of the Church-The Presiding Elder of the Dis- trict-Pastor in Charge-Board of Trustees-Board of Stewards and Leaders-Class Leaders-Superintendent and Officers of the Sunday School-Officers of the Juvenile Home Missionary Society-Officers of the Ladies' Union Aid Society-Chorister and Organist.
CHAPTER XVII.
STATISTICAL RECORD.
Number of Members in Full Connection-Number of Probationers on Trial-Infants Baptized-Adults Baptized -Officers, Teachers, and Scholars in the Sunday School -Number of Volumes in the Library.
CHAPTER XVIII. FINANCIAL RECORD.
The Gross Annual Receipts and Disbursements-Moneys Received from all Sources, Including Subscriptions, Dona- tion, Quarterly and Plate Collections, Ladies' Fairs and Festivals, Tea Meetings, Lectures, and Missionary Society -Aggregate Expenditures for Current Expenses, Building, Repairing Church Property-Amount of Bonded and Float- ing Debt, with Balance of Assets over all Liabilities.
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CONTENTS.
APPENDIX.
The Methodist Episcopal Church and Her Economy. By Hon. E. L. Fancher - Anniversary of the M. E. Sunday School Union. Resolutions on the "Absence of Children from Preaching," and Home Religion-Religious Progress in America During the Last Hundred Years-New York Law Relating to Religious Incorporation. Act of 1813-Synopsis of Section of Act Relating to Disturbance of Religious Meetings and Assemblies for Instruction-Supplementary Act to Law of 1813, as Amended 1826 and 1850. Passed, March 29, 1875-Remark on the Supplementary Act of 1875. By Rev. A. S. Hunt, D. D .- Statistics of Methodists in the Unit- ed States, Episcopal and Non-Episcopal, 1875-General Sum- mary of Methodists Throughout the World-City of Brooklyn M. E. Churches and Sunday Schools-Methodist Episcopal Church Statistics for 1875-New York East Conference Sta- tistics for 1875-Brooklyn M. E. Church Statistics for 1875.
INTRODUCTION.
DOUBTLESS to many, on the spur of the moment, and without due reflection, the announcement that a history of a single society or religious organization has been issued from the press may seem a trifling, insignificant affair, and scarcely worthy of any consideration. When the subject is viewed from a merely secular or worldly stand-point, the unpretentious character of its circumstances, situation, and condition may appear in some measure to justify this hasty and unwarrant- able conclusion. It is admitted on general principles, that in a single, solitary, local church or society, ter- ritorially bounded within narrow and circumscribed limits, the amount of moral and religious influence must be comparatively small, unless there be other dominating circumstances to produce and bring about more favorable results ; such, for example, as the eminent piety, intellectual endowments, great repu- tation, learning, and popularity of its ministers, or the large number, wealth, liberality, and superior social position of its members. After taking these into account, and making due allowance for their
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INTRODUCTION.
value and importance, they fail fully to represent the extent of the interest, influence, and services of a church less distinguished, it may be, in such extrane- ous circumstances, but which is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the Master, and labors faithfully and perseveringly to spread abroad the honor and glory of his name. A church thus endowed, and animated with Apostolic zeal, must be measured by another rule, and tested by quite a different standard.
Wesley M. E. Church, it should be observed, is not a separate, disjointed, isolated, independent organi- zation, relying upon itself for existence, regulation, discipline, and action. No! It legitimately belongs to, and is associated with, and acknowledged as, an integral and fraternal member of a large, powerful, prosperous, and influential family, having a numerous and vigorous progeny, whose branches extend to the remotest corners of the land, and whose sons and daughters may be found upon every continent and island of the globe, and whose prayers and songs of praise may be heard, spoken and chanted, in nearly every language of every nation, kindred, people, and tongue. The Society is not only united with a great religious denominational family, in the bonds of Christian fellowship and love, but this union is cemented, guaranteed, and perpetuated by uniform- ity of doctrine, articles of faith, economy, discipline, usages and customs throughout the length and
xvii
INTRODUCTION.
breadth of the land; so that Methodism, in fact, is the same in America as it is in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the islands of the sea, and is what it was preemi- nently styled by its illustrious founder, "The United Societies," being none other than "a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation."
From what has been said regarding the unity of the Methodist Church, its constitution, doctrine, dis- cipline, usage, Episcopal supervision, and itinerant ministry, it will be seen that although there are many members, yet there is but one body ; "and as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body " in Christ. Consequently the legitimate result of this unity is, as the Apostle has described it, "Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it ; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it." Hence the community of feeling, sympathy, charity, and brotherly-love which prevail and characterize the membership of the Church,-the body of believing Christians. Hence the history of the trials and strug- gles, or the successes and triumphs of one member of the family finds a ready and responsive echo in the minds and hearts of the other members. The experi-
xviii
INTRODUCTION.
ence of one cannot, therefore, be a matter of indiffer- ence to the other members. The Bishops in their Epis- copal supervision, Presiding Elders in their quarterly visitations to their respective districts, and traveling preachers in their frequent changes from one field of labor to another,-cach and all become more or less identified with the progress or retrogression, the pros- perity or adversity of every society, however it may be situated, or wherever located ; so that the inter- est felt on its behalf is spread far beyond the cir- cle of its local habitation, or the limited sphere of its membership. This unity, community of fellowship, feeling, and interest is one of the most distinguishing characteristics, as it is one of the noblest virtues and brightest glories connected with our beloved Method- ism. And we pray that this essential element of Christian charity, brotherly-love, and fraternal sym- pathy may never grow less, but increase more and more, until the whole church becomes thoroughly im- bued with its spirit and electrified by its blessed and benign influence.
With these views and feelings, the task of prepar- ing the present sketch was undertaken at the earnest solicitation of our associates, as officially expressed through the Quarterly Conference. We had hardly commenced the work of collecting the materials when it appeared to us that a favorable opportunity pre- sented itself of attempting, at least, to do some-
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INTRODUCTION.
thing more than simply to record the dry, matter- of-fact details connected with the history and experience of the Society during the past decade. We thought were the subject carefully and judiciously treated, there might possibly accrue from our labor some permanent, beneficial result. The more we considered the matter, the stronger became the conviction, that there were societies located in other parts of the country, similarly circumstanced with Tompkins Avenue, having to con- tend with trials and difficulties, and whatever advice or encouragement may be given to the one, may in some degree be appropriate and serviceable to the others.
In our efforts to render the history of the Society productive of some practical result, while recording events connected with the narrative, we have found it necessary sometimes to pronounce censure instead of · praise, and remonstrance in place of commendation. When indifference to privileges or dereliction in duty, when errors in judgment or blunders in prac- tice were to be exposed ; when arrogance, caprice, or prejudice had to be rebuked and removed,-in every instance the same has been exercised with moderation, without partiality or any undue bias, but in the spirit of brotherly-kindness and Christian charity. The object sought to be attained has been reformation and improvement, rather than any desire of complain- ing or fault-finding. The difficulty and delicacy of our
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