USA > New York > Tompkins County > Ithaca > History of the First Presbyterian church of Ithaca, New York, during one hundred years : the anniversary exercises, January twenty-first to twenty-fourth, 1904 > Part 7
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Up to this time, missionary funds were raised by subscription. The Freedmen's cause was unpopular with some in the congregation apparently, and, to avoid controversy, it was decided " to resort to a plate collection for this year " (1871). In September, 1872, it was
" Resolved, to continue the card system of soliciting funds for the benevolent and char- itable institutions of the Church suggested by the General Assembly and found so productive of an increased contribution as the present year exhibits."
In November, 1874, this additional action is recorded :
"The report of the committee to whom was referred the matter of a more expedient mode of raising the necessary funds for supporting the gospel at home, and also abroad, made a report
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which was accepted, viz. : the weekly and monthly pledge system for the year ensuing, com- mencing January, 1875."
On January 8th, 1871, Dr. Wisner died at the home of his son in Cedar Rapids, Iowa ; his body was brought here for burial. Rev. James Shaw, D.D., of the Brick Church, Rochester, preached the funeral sermon. It was an impressive burial of one who, under God, mnade a greater impress for good upon this community,-and that against great odds at the first,-than any other man, then or since. The Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church, and others, adopted resolutions testifying to their esteem of Dr. Wisner and their sympathy with his family and with this Church. Our Church adopted appreciative resolutions, and erected on the church wall a marble tablet to the memory of its great Pastor.
In September, 1874, it was decided to fit up the basement of the chapel as a dining room and kitchen. This helped the social life of the Church, by affording added facilities ; meagre indeed they were, in comparison with the ample and delightful equipment we now enjoy. No longer do we stand in line at the trap door, awaiting our turn to descend upon the good things pre- pared by the ladies, but we now check our wraps in the "cloak rooms " and repair to the " parlor " to enjoy a fire on the hearth, ere we enter the spacious "dining room " and are served by the gracious ladies efficient as aforetime.
Dr. White held strong opinions regarding popular social amusements and was aggressive in asserting them. Very soon after his coming, in January, 1867, a communication regarding dancing, card-playing, attending theatres etc., was debated in meeting of Session and then referred to Presbytery "for advice." These amusements were preached against frequently, and all possible authority was brought to bear upon members of the Church to adjure them. The tone of Church life and discipline, as reflected in the records, is more like that of the earlier day. It is recorded of young girls coming into the Church from the Sunday School that " their carnal mind has been taken away and the new heart given them ; " the examinations for admission to the Church were most scrutinizing, so that many who confessed Christ at that time were abundantly " able to give a reason for the faith that was in them." It was inevitable that a man of Dr. White's strict type should offend some people by his very conscientiousness in the discharge of his duty as he saw it ; and a considerable number left the Church at this time and joined the Congregational Church, adding much to the effective working force of that congregation; some of them afterwards returned to this Church.
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That Dr. White was, however, held in high esteem by the larger number in this Church is evidenced by the fact that his salary, originally $1,500, was soon raised to $2,000, and in December, 1874, was again advanced "to $3,000 and house rent," -- the highest salary this Church has ever paid to any of its Pastors.
At a meeting of the Church and congregation, held May 7th, 1877, Dr. White presented his resignation and it was accepted. He was an able preacher, feeding his people the strong meat of the Word. All the members of his large family were and are held in high esteem by those who were associated with them in the work of this Church during his pastorate. To them, as to us all, it is a source of great regret that Dr. White has felt unable to accept our urgent invitation to be with us and participate in this anniversary. He has, however, sent this message :-
"I cannot express the love I bore and still bear to this Church, nor the strength of my desire and prayer that 'peace may be within her walls and prosperity within her palaces,' and thus the beauty of the Lord may be upon her. Neither can I describe the precious and tender recol- ections I cherish for the 'saints' with whom I had such sweet fellowship, both of the living, and those who have gone on before. I rejoice in the blessing of God which has followed the labors of those who came after me in the pastorate. Some time I hope to see the splendid new edifice for the worship of God, and perhaps to be permitted to bear a message to your people. May I ask you to present to the Church my most affectionate greetings, and to those who knew me my sincere personal regard, as well as my regret that I cannot now be with them? As I write a host of much beloved forms is passing before my eyes, with whom I hope to stand ere long in the nearer presence of Him who hath redeemed us with His precious blood.
Yours very truly,
THEODORE F. WHITE."
The next Pastor, Melancthon Woolsey Stryker, was called in April and installed May 21st, 1878. He was born at Vernon, N. Y., January 7th, 1851 ; graduated from Hamilton College in 1872, and from Auburn Theo- logical Seminary in 1876; was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Utica, April, 1874; preached at Bergen, N. Y., 1874-5; and, being ordained by Cayuga Presbytery, May 30th, 1876, was Pastor of Calvary Church in Auburn, 1876-8. After five years of service in Ithaca, he terminated his pastorate here in 1883 to accept a call to Holyoke, Mass. Subsequently, lie became Pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago where he continued until 1893, when he became President of Hamilton College, over which institution he still presides with marked ability and success.
Mr. Stryker came to this Church in the strength and enthusiasm of his young manhood. At the first meeting of the Session after his installation, it is recorded that " after conference and discussion it was resolved that on and after the first Sunday of July next the morning Church service be held at half-past ten o'clock, and the Sunday School immediately after the close of
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said Church service. Also, it was resolved that the Pastor be authorized to make such change in the hymn-books used in the Church services as he may deem expedient." The latter resolution sounds a distinguishing keynote of Mr. Stryker's pastorate. Undoubtedly the service of praise needed elevating. In a report at the end of the first year's work, when he had served as Supt. of the Sunday School, it is stated that "a new hymn-book has been adopted, with the intention of supplanting the frivolous music and puerile words of much of the late Sunday School song books, with a more worthy collection." Not only were the children gathered for an hour on Thursday afternoons to practice the new hymns, but the adults as well were drilled, being urged to stay after the Wednesday evening prayer meetings for practice in correct hymn-singing, and taught by the musically-inclined Pastor. Calling to his aid all who could make worthy contribution of musical suggestion and helpfulness, especially Prof. Max Puitti of Wells College, Mr. Stryker com- piled and issued in succession three hymn-books ; the last of these included his own new version of the Psalms for responsive reading. This is the hymn-book still used in our Church services, Mr. Stryker having twice made generous contributions of the same to the Church. His most permanent legacy in this regard, however, are several fine hymns from his own poetic pen. He has since published a volume of Poems ; also one of Addresses.
New life and new principles of administration were put into the Sunday School, notably in regard to the benevolences. The school was taken dis- tinctively under the care of the Session, the Superintendent being appointed by the Session ; no moneys were collected in the school for its own main- tenance. Great stress was laid on making the gifts for definite and before- ascertained objects, and for loyalty to the work of the regular Church Boards. In 1879, the support of Rev. Aeneas McLean in Chili, a Missionary under the Board of Foreign Missions, was undertaken ; also that of Rev. George Bird, of American Forks, Utah.
The church building was renovated, "a new and valuable organ was secured and placed behind the desk (the pulpit was abolished) and above in an alcove added to the building, and congregational singing fully estab- lished," with a cornet to lead. A Church Library, distinct from the regular Sunday School library, was founded through the initial bequest of Mrs. Daniel Bates, in 1879. Its design is to afford a working library for teachers and others interested in bible study, many encyclopedias and other works of reference being included. By the terms of the original gift, the Church is to make an annual offering for the maintenance and increase of this library. Recently, many of the best missionary books have been added.
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF CHAPEL, 1864-1899
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Mr. Stryker was active in securing the transfer of this Church from the Presbytery of Geneva to the Presbytery of Cayuga with which it had been affiliated prior to the existence of the Ithaca Presbytery.
In 1880 a new Manual was prepared. In addition to the list of member- ship, the covenants and forms of the Church, it contained considerable mat- ter of historical interest. In the annual Narrative of Religion sent to Pres- bytery in 1880, it is stated that
"The Infant Room has this year been arranged as a distinct department of the school, with its own superintendent and six assistant teachers. We would call the attention of Presbytery to the urgent need of some general system of examinations which should assure certain attain - ments in fundamental knowledge as a condition of advance into the intermediate department of our school, and the undertaking of the international series of lessons." "The wide igno- rance of adult Church members on the simplest rudiments of sacred history, Church polity and the first principles of the doctrine of Christ " is deplored. Further, "our prayer-meeting is well sustained in numbers and earnestness, but is far too formal and conventional. Notwith- standing Paul's principle that in Christ there is neither male nor female, our women labor under the bondage of tradition and keep silent save in singing. The difficulty of substituting conversation for speech-making,-of having short prayers one minute long,-of getting the people to bring their Bibles,-of making it natural for young converts to take part, is heavily felt. Our prayer-meetings are sometimes the best and sometimes the dullest of all our meetings. The attendance averages 150 to 175 ; we use printed topics. The young men sustain an excellent meeting three-quarters of an hour preceding service each Lord's day evening." "There is needed a more vital connection between the Eldership and the ranks of the laymen ; with us as with much of our Church at large, spiritual supervision and visitation, teaching and admoni- tion, has lapsed into disuse." "It is to be lamented that the women of our Church are not bound together in a missionary society in connection with the General Assembly. The Pastor would deplore the diversion of such work from the regular channels of our own Church, believ- ing that the aggregate of intelligence and effort is thereby greatly diminished."
The Pastor's efficient wife was chiefly instrumental in remedying the last inentioned condition of affairs, for, under her inspiring leadership, there was organized the Women's Missionary Society which still plays so large and useful a part in our Church. Mrs. Stryker was its first president. The next year's narrative records increased gifts, and that "the missionary papers of our Church are largely taken and read."
The efforts made to improve the midweek meeting may be gleaned from these notes printed on the last page of the topic cards :-
"Be very brief,-perorations smother. Pray in your heart through the whole hour. . Remember that 'in Christ there is neither male nor female,' and that America is not Corinth. . . Sing right out,-' so loud that earth and heaven may hear.' Don't come early for the single purpose of displaying modesty in taking a back seat ! Don't monopolize the register ! Bring some one with you who never came before and introduce him to your Pastor. Greet one another. . . . Here we are to speak honestly and tenderly to each other and to God. If we are just ourselves, glad, earnest, affectionate, and care nothing for the starch of routine and artificial solemnity,-then a child's heart will not take cold. Such simplicity would be devout. . . . Praise would pour, not ooze and trickle. The icicles would all melt. It would be sum- mer-yea, and harvest !"
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During Mr. Stryker's pastorate two Elders of long standing and efficient service in this Church passed to their reward,-Elders George Beers and Joseph Esty, the latter having held the office for fifty-one years. And shortly after Mr. Stryker's removal from Ithaca, another most valued Elder, Mr. Josiah B. Williams, died, November, 1883. Appropriate resolutions were in each case adopted by the Session.
At a meeting held on March 28th, 1883, the congregation voted to unite with Mr. Stryker in his request to Presbytery that the pastoral relationship be dissolved. Thus ended a strenuous, hopeful chapter of this Church's life. Its memories are cherished still by many, and its work abides.
More than a year elapsed before the next Pastor was called. During a large part of that time the Church was signally favored by having Rev. Anson J. Upson, D.D., Professor in Auburn Theological Seminary, occupy the pulpit. His earnest and able, spiritually-helpful sermons, and his gentle and lovable charm of manner, could not fail to have a beneficent effect upon all who heard and knew him. In December, 1883, the committee on secur- ing a Pastor reported " that of all the candidates heard and enquired about only one was found upon whom the whole committee agreed, and they pro- posed the name of Rev. James Stevenson Riggs for the consideration of the congregation." The call then extended was declined, Mr. (now Doctor) Riggs accepting about that time a New Testament Professorship in Auburn Theological Seminary which he continues to serve with ever-increasing ability and inspiring example.
On May 26th, 1884, a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. Asa S. Fiske, of the Howard Street Presbyterian Church of San Francisco, Cal. Mr. Fiske accepted this call, and entered upon what proved to be the second longest pastorate in this Church.
Asa Severance Fiske was born at Strongeville, Ohio, March 2nd, 1833 ; graduated from Amherst College in 1855; studied theology at Andover and Yale Seminaries ; served as tutor at Amherst for two years ; was licensed to preach by Franklin County Congregational Association ; was ordained and settled as first Pastor of the First Congregational (Plymouth) Church of St. Paul, Minn., in 1858; enlisted in Infantry Volunteers in 1861 ; was made Chaplain, and served through the Civil War; was Pastor of the Second Con- gregational Church, Rockville, Conn., 1865-70; Pastor of St. Peter's Pres- byterian Church, Rochester, N. Y., 1870-75; Pastor of Howard St. Presby- terian Church, San Francisco, Cal., 1875-84; Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Ithaca, 1884-96; since 1896, Pastor of the Gunton Temple
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Memorial Presbyterian Church of Washington, D. C. Mr. Fiske received the degrees of A.B. and M.A. from Amherst College; and D.D. from Hamil- ton College in 1890. Many of his sermons and addresses are in print, among them two volumes-Reason and Faith, and The Story of Ruth.
At the installation of Mr. Fiske, on Wednesday, October 8th, the Rev. Dr. Upson of Auburn, and Rev. Mr. Hewitt of Weedsport participated. At the March communion following, fifty-three united with the Church on confes- sion of their faith in Christ. The congregations soon were reported as large and the benevolences greater than ever before. Work in outlying districts was prosecuted with new vigor,-Sunday Schools and evangelistic meetings being held at Hayt District, at Burt's and at Forest Home; a Mr. Van Auken was employed for a time, at $10 a week, to aid the volunteer workers in this. In December, 1887, "The Treasurer of the Session Fund was authorized to pay from that fund $5 to aid the Cornell University students in hiring busses for the work in South Lansing." For a short time a Sun- day School was conducted on east hill, being held in Prof. Wait's rooms in Cascadilla Place, and nineteen scholars being reported in attendance. In this connection it inay be mentioned that, in 1891, steps were taken to pro- vide another Presbyterian Church on east hill, somewhere in the neighbor- hood of Cascadilla Place, and a lot was promised by a lady living in another part of the city. This movement had the active support of six Elders of this Church, but was strongly opposed by the Pastor who felt it would be too great a loss for the mother Church. Soon afterwards three of those most active in the movement, who were Professors in the University, left the city, and the project was abandoned.
During these years a Church Bible Class was ably conducted by Prof. Francis M. Burdick. Prizes were offered to the younger scholars of the School for attendance at Church services and for learning the catechism ; and the practice of presenting bibles to the baptized children of the Church on their reaching the age of ten was continued. Sunday School Teachers' Teas were held occasionally; the Home Department of the S. S. was organized and pushed with vigor, under the superintendence of Prof. John S. Reid. At one time 2,000 "welcome cards " were procured. Receptions for the Presbyterian students were held each fall ; a Presbyterian Union,- as well as other denominational groups,-was encouraged among the students of the University.
In 1888, Mr. A. B. Brooks became Clerk of Session, succeeding Prof. Henry S. Williams who had long and efficiently served in that position ; and Mr. E. P. Gilbert became Treasurer of the benevolent funds. A special fund of $1,083.30 was raised in commemoration of the Centennial of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. In April, 1889, Union Evange- 4
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listic Services were conducted in this city by Rev. B. Fay Mills ; after these meetings closed, forty-six united with this Church on confession of faith.
The parish was districted and visitation by Elders and Deacons planned. In 1892 a religious canvas of the city was made under the cooperative direc- tion of all the Churches. The "Brookfield services " (printed orders of service with hymns, responsive scripture readings, etc.) were used for a while ; for a time also, some of the boys acted as ushers. The Church, in various ways, showed its cordial and active interest in the Young Men's Christian Association. In 1896, the Boys' Brigade was organized by Prof. Duncan C. Lee, with the approval of the Session. It has been an interesting and useful arm of our service since then. Besides holding weekly drills and inculcating ideals of manly deportment, Prof. Lee has usually spent a week in camp with the Brigade each summer. The "Do What You Can Mission Band " also did good service for several years. The Good Friday service, (held in unison with the Congregational Church), was first held in 1896, and is still maintained.
At the death of ,Elder George Rankin (December 26th, 1888), who, "for twenty-two years bore his part in the councils of this Church with great faithfulness," an appropriate minute was adopted by the Session. It was the custom of Mr. Fiske to make the closing Sabbath evening service of each year a Memorial Service for members of the Church who had died during the year. As a member of the G. A. R., and of the Masonic order, the Pastor conducted the Memorial Day and Easter services attended by these organizations, with enthusiasm and helpfulness. In 1893, a City Federation for the purpose of encouraging all good works and the suppres- sion of vice was cordially entered into.
During the pastorate of Mr. Fiske the local charities were increased and their work greatly furthered through the beneficence of members of this Church. Hon. Edward S. Esty, by a gift of $5,000, made possible the Chil- dren's Home. In 1892 the Esty family gave a building for a Hospital, and with additional endowment from them and others, initiated the noble work of that institution. In the twelve years of the Hospital's existence over $30,000 has been contributed to it by members of this Church.
Honor was conferred upon the Church, as well as upon its Pastor, by the election of Mr. Fiske as Moderator of the Synod of New York at its annual meeting held at Watertown in 1891.
During the latter part of Mr. Fiske's pastorate the project of building a new edifice was pressed with earnestness, Mr. Fiske hinself making an ener- getic canvass for subscriptions. Some degree of success was had, but the time was not ripe for the carrying out of the effort and it was abandoned.
Faithfully yours.
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Mr. Fiske resigned his pastoral charge in May, 1896, to take effect the following August. In accepting his resignation, the congregation
"gratefully bear testimony to the zeal and efficiency of his pastoral work. He has lovingly ministered in all our homes, has faithfully visited the sick and infirm, has tenderly comforted the bereaved, has encouraged the disheartened, has warned the thoughtless, and has carried to many a heart the good news of love and cheer. The Gospel of Christ has been proclaimed by him with unfailing faith, with unswerving fidelity, and with unquestioned power. There will long abide in Church and community the example he has given us of a good citizen, able and fearless, possessing the courage of his convictions, and battling with steadfast purpose against public and civic wrongs, wherever and however entrenched. We assure our Pastor and his family that the loving good will of the people of this congregation and of the City of Ithaca shall be with them wheresoever they may make their home and into whatsoever field of service God may lead them."
"In recognition of his faithful service in this Church," a free-will gift of $1,475 was presented to Mr. Fiske at his departure.
The present Pastor, Rev. John Frederick Fitschen, jr., was born August 26th, 1867, at Tenafly, N. J .; graduated from Williams College in 1889, and from Auburn Theological Seminary in 1892; was ordained by the Presbytery of Utica, October 7th, 1892, and at the same time installed Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Waterville, N. Y. Accepting the call of this Church, extended to him December 30th, 1896, Mr. Fitschen began his work here March Ist, 1897, and was installed as Pastor April 5th, 1897. At the service of installation three Presbyters from Auburn partici- pated ; Rev. Frederick W. Palmer preached the sermon, Rev. Prof. Willis J. Beecher gave the charge to the people, and Rev. Pres. Henry M. Booth, his life-long Pastor, gave the charge to Mr. Fitschen.
October IIth, 1899, Mr. Fitschen married Miss Ruth Williams, a member of this Church.
A noteworthy feature of this pastorate has been the adoption of the system of pledged weekly envelope offerings; it has been continued for six years, with the result that any deficit in current expenses has been avoided, and at the same time the benevolences have largely increased. By this plan pro- vision is first made to supplement the income received from pew rents for our own maintenance, also for Sessional and Sunday School expenses, and the remainder of all moneys received is distributed quarterly to the various causes before-determined upon. At the beginning, to ascertain the proper percentages, an average of the Church offerings for four preceding years was taken as the basis of apportionment. Each year, on the recommendation of the Session, the schedule is voted on by the congregation. Few changes are made from year to year; for several years the apportionment has been as follows :
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I. $2,000 (or more, if needed) for current expenses over and above income from pew rents.
2. $1,000 of principal to be paid on mortgage.
3. Interest on mortgage.
4. $200 for the Session fund (for General Assembly, Presbytery, communion table and inci- dentals.
5. $250 for our home Sunday School.
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