USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 10
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Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolu- tions be entered upon the minutes, and a certified copy of the same be forwarded to the family of our deceased associate, and late Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
GILBERT E. CURRIE, President.
W. H. POTTS, Secretary.
Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y., April 7th, 1873.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
The foregoing preamble and resolutions being read, on motion, they were unanimously adopted. After some further remarks were made, by several of the members, respecting the exemplary conduct of the de- ceased and particularly with regard to his punctuality in attendance upon the meetings of the Board, and the pride and pleasure he took in keeping correct records of its proceedings, with feeling expressions of sympathy toward the sadly bereaved family, on motion, the meet- ing adjourned.
JOINT-BOARDS NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE DISCIPLINE .- The constitution of Joint-Boards has already been described in the preceding pages ; and the attentive reader will have observed, that a large proportion of the financial business of Wesley M. E. Church has been transacted at such meetings. At the close of the recent Quarterly Conference, the subject of Joint-Boards became the topic of conversation ; when the Presiding Elder ex- plained that such meetings were not in accordance with the discipline, and he also believed them to be contrary to the law of the State. . The Pastor concurred in the views of the Presiding Elder, and thought it preferable for the Board of Trustees and Board of Stewards and Leaders to transact their respective business independent of each other. The President of the Board of Trustees remarked, that he had always entertained the same opinion, and from a careful ob- servation of the workings of both systems; he believed that the separate and distinct one, was better calcu- lated to promote the interests of the Church.
The subject is not introduced for the purpose of lay- ing down an absolute rule applicable to every case, but simply to record the fact of what has been the
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
tendency of Joint-Board practice, as far as the history and experience of this Church is concerned.
In the first place, the introduction of so much finan- cial business into the Stewards' and Leaders' meetings, has too frequently monopolized the time and attention of the brethren, so that little or no time was left for the consideration of those subjects directly bearing on the spiritual interest and religious improvement of the Church. In the second place, when the finances have been under consideration the discussions upon them have been chiefly confined to the members of the Trustees' Board ; the Leaders and Stewards have been known to make this an apology for non-attend- ance, and have left the business entirely to be trans- acted, as they would sometimes say, by the " moneyed men" of the Church. Under such erroneous impres- sions, month after month would be allowed to pass when scarcely any Stewards would put in an appear- ance, and the Trustees, with the Pastor, were obliged to transact the business. In the third place, the pre- judicial effect of Joint-Board meetings has been fur- ther illustrated with regard to the Trustees' meetings. Excepting the annual election, the meeting of the Board for organizing, and appointing the Sexton, Chor- ister and Organist, and fixing their salaries, there was no other business of importance to be attended to, through the course of the year ; and the consequence has been that members became indifferent, the monthly meeting neglected, so that a quorum could hardly be got together to transact any business. To such an extent has this lack of interest and defection been carried on, that for months in succession, no Trustee meeting would be held ; and the demoralization of both Boards was the inevitable result.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
Joint-Board meetings not unfrequently engendered party feeling, while they divided the strength of the officiary, by leaving the control and management of the affairs of the Church in the hands of a few, thereby tending to weaken and repress, rather than advance, the spiritual and material interests of the Society. Stewards and Leaders and Trustees ought to feel their individual responsibility, and strive persistently and conscientiously to do their own work, according to some rule and order, with an eye to the glory of God and furtherance of the Redeemer's kingdom. For these and other reasons which it is unnecessary to enumerate, we conclude that the best interests of the Church are subserved, and the good fellowship and harmony of the brethren better promoted, by each Board transacting its own business separately, but both working vigorously for one common end, the peace and prosperity of the Church and the conversion of sinners.
The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trus- tees was held in the Class-room, on Monday evening, May 5th, at eight o'clock, Bro. Currie in the Chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Benson. Present, Bros. Currie, Benson, Tippens, McLean, Potts, and Nostrand. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer reported the total amount of indebted- ness to consist of the following items :
Due, borrowed money of Bro. Nostrand $140 00
Amount due the Treasurer, to date. 1,835 45
Floating debt, in the form of Notes. 5,800 00
Funded debt, on Bond and Mortgage. 20,000 00
Total indebtedness to date $27,775 45
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
On motion the report was accepted and ordered on file. The following preamble and resolution were then read :
Whereas, Believing that the temporal and financial affairs of the Church can be better and more systemat- ically attended to by the Board of Trustees at their regular monthly meetings, therefore be it
Resolved, That this Board henceforth attend to the transaction of the business connected with the temporal and financial affairs of the Church, and that such pro- ceedings and action shall be duly recorded in the books of the Board, in order to comply with the requirements of the Discipline, and law of the State. And the better to carry this resolution into practical effect, Bro. D. W. McLean be, and is hereby appointed to act as Assistant Treasurer of the Board, On motion, the preamble and resolution were adopted. On motion the meeting adjourned.
The Sunday School assembled in the Church, as on former occasions, to take part in the Forty-fifth Anni- versary of the Brooklyn Sunday School Union. The schools of this district proceeded, by appointment, to DeKalb Ave. M. E. Church. The weather was very pro- pitious-being one of the finest days in the sunny month of May-which brought out a large assemblage of pa- rents, relatives and friends of the children ; so that the whole line of procession was crowded with interested spectators. When the exercises at the Church were over, the school again wheeled into line and counter -. marched up and down Bedford Avenue ; after this was finished, the order was given to march to the residence of Father Titus in Kent Avenue. On arriving at the house of their venerable, beloved and afflicted friend,
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
the scholars and teachers formed into an open square, on the street, opposite the garden ; when Bro. Currie proceeded to acquaint him of their arrival, and sug- gested, if he was only able to show himself at the parlor window for a minute or two, this would satisfy the children ; but no sooner did the old veteran hear of the visitors than he sprang to his feet, and with tears in his eyes, said that he would go and see them, as he thought it would be the last time he would meet the School on Anniversary day. So wrapping him- self up, he left the house, and proceeded to the plot, overlooking the street, and as soon as the children got a glimpse of him they gave him three cheers and then sang one of the Anniversary hymns. During this time, the tears were flowing fast down the veter- an's furrowed cheeks. The Pastor addressed Father Titus in a few feeling and appropriate remarks on the object of this unexpected but friendly and affec- tionate visit, and concluded by hoping with the bless- ing of God upon the means used he might be spared, and soon have the pleasure of visiting the place so near and dear to his heart, the Sunday School. Father Titus replied, he was very happy to see the children, and ex- horted them all to be good and remember the instruc- tions they received, Sunday after Sunday, from their teachers, and should he and they never meet on earth again, he prayed that they would all meet in their Father's house above. He thanked them again and again for their kindly visit-the children sang an- other hymn, and, when finished many of them came forward and shook his hand and bid him farewell, and then formed in line again and marched to the school- house, where they partook of refreshments.
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
Father Titus never left his sick chamber again. The disease from which he suffered confined him closely to his bed, from whence he never arose until weeping friends conveyed his mortal remains to their last rest- ing place in Greenwood.
The First Quarterly Conference was held in the Lec- ture-room, June 13, 1873, at eight o'clock, P. M. Rev. C. B. Sing, Presiding Elder, in the Chair. The session was opened with prayer by the Elder. On motion, Bro. Curric was appointed Secretary. Members present, Rev. C. B. Sing, Presiding Elder, Rev. C. B. Ford, Pas- tor, Bros. G. E. Currie, Geo. W. Lush, Robt. Benson, and T. C. Nostrand. There was no complaints nor appeals. Report from the Pastor on Sunday School : number of schools, 1; officers and teachers, 31; scholars of all ages, 255 ; average attendance, 213 ; I have preached once to the children and catechised them ; the state of the school is prosperous, but might be more so by a few more faithful and earnest teachers. Report of the Church : received into full membership, Martha Nickerson ; received by ietter, Sarah H. Bink, Joseph Dikeman, Mary Caillonest, Elizabeth Eyre, Augusta Osborne, George Nicholson, Maggie Nicholson, Mary Tucker and Virginia Osborne; dismissed by letter, viz .: A. L. Brower, Lithia Gardner, Ambrose Hill, Mary Hill, Alice Prentice, Thomas Taylor, Ellen C. Whipple, Sarah Shields.
The following pastoral labor has been performed during the quarter : visited and made 100 calls ; bap- tized 3 adults and 4 children, and attended 3 funerals. The state of the Church is peaceful and quiet, and our congregations have increased during the quarter, and are larger than the previous one. A few of the mem-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
bers are faithful in works of patience and love, but many exhibit very little zeal for the cause they profess to love.
Respectfully submitted.
C. B. FORD, Preacher in Charge.
Are there any reports on Missions, Sunday School, Tracts, Church Records, Parsonage and Furniture, Preacher's Salary and Conference Claimants ? Ans. None. What amounts have been apportioned to the support of the ministry ? For the preacher in charge ? None. For Presiding Elder, $50 ; for Bishops, $16 ; for rent, $600 ; for traveling and moving expenses, none ; to preacher in charge, $258.34, including $25 missionary money. Are there any recommendations for license to preach ? None. Are there any reports from the Leaders ? Bro. Nostrand's class, whole num- ber, fifty members ; average attendance, fifteen. Bro. Benson's class, whole number forty ; average attend- ance, five. Pastor's class, whole number, fifty ; aver- age attendance, ten. Young people's class, whole number, fifty ; average attendance, twenty.
The next Quarterly Conference will be held Monday evening, Oct. 6th, 1873.
The meeting was closed with the benediction by the Pastor. On motion, the meeting adjourned with the benediction of the Elder.
This year the officers, teachers, and scholars of the Sabbath School anticipated with more than usual pleas- ure the approaching season for going on their annual excursion, which was not only to a new place, but they were to be accompanied by the Sunday School of Janes' M. E. Church, and extra musical entertainment in the
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
form of a brass band had been engaged for the occa- sion. The following is a copy of the card of invitation :
"EIGHTH ANNUAL EXCURSION, WESLEY M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL,
TO EAGLESWOOD PARK, ON THURSDAY, JULY 10TH, 1873.
The new and elegant steam tug JANE KENNEDY, and large and commodious Barge REPUBLIC, will leave foot of South Sixth street, at half past eight, A. M., sharp.
SPLENDID BALL AND CROQUET GROUND. ADULTS' TICKETS, 50 CENTS."
The excursion and pic-nic was really a success in every particular ; the weather was all that could be desired, and the company most agreeable, and the whole affair resulted financially and socially much bet- ter than had been anticipated, and no accident oc- curred to mar or destroy the festivities of the occa- sion ; the excursionists returned home in the evening, perfectly delighted with their day's recreation and en- joyment.
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in the Class-room, Monday evening, July 14th, at eight o'clock. Bro. Currie in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Nostrand. Present, Bros. Nostrand, Tippens, Benson, McLean and Currie. The Chairman presented the following report of the Ladies' Strawberry Festival, as furnished by Mrs. Thos. P. Moses, the Treasurer :
Total receipts $131 30
Total expenditures. 39 05
Balance paid over to the Trustees.
$92 25
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
On motion, the report was accepted, and the thanks of the Board tendered to the Committee for their effi- cient services.
The Treasurer reported a total indebtedness due him to date. of $1,935.45, with a further indebtedness for salaries now due, amounting to $278.50 ; thus making a total liability of $2,060.50. Taking into account the extra disbursements which had been made during the past six months, the financial condition of the Church was considered improved, and afforded encouragement for the future. The "Envelope System " was recom- mended to be more earnestly urged upon the members of the Church and congregation. The Treasurer's report was accepted.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
The monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in the Class-room, on Monday evening, Sept. 8th, at eight o'clock, P. M. Bro. Currie in the Chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Nostrand. Present, Bros. Currie, Benson, Nostrand, McLean, Tip- pens and Potts. The Treasurer reported a total indebt- edness due him to date, of $2,447.20, including $300 of borrowed money, toward meeting the last six months' interest. The report, on motion, was accepted. John E. Luckey, the Chorister, applied for the use of the Church to hold a concert of sacred music, the proceeds to go toward the purchase of a new organ for the use of the Church. On motion, it was resolved that the ap- plication for the use of the church be granted for such object. On motion, it was resolved that Bro. Benson be authorized to have the roof of the school-house painted. On motion, the Pastor and Bro. Luckey were appointed a committee to procure suitable hymn books,
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
set to music, to be used at Wednesday prayer meetings. On motion, it was resolved that the services on Sunday be regularly advertised in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
Second Quarterly Conference was held at the Class- room, on Monday evening, Oct. 6th, 1873. The Pre- siding Elder, Rev. C. B. Sing, in the Chair. The session was opened with prayer by the Elder. On motion, Rev. C. B. Ford was appointed Secretary. Present, Rev. C. B. Ford, Bros. Currie, Lush, Tippens and Miller. There being no complaints or appeals, the Pastor reported on Sunday School : That he preached once to the children and catechized them once during the quarter. The state of school was about the same as last quarter. Report of the Church : Received into full membership, George F. Beardsley, Caroline Beardsley, Minnie E. Beardsley, Emma Bishop, Joseph B. Stanton, Mary E. Hawxhurst. Received by letter, Maria Cowan, Mary Cowan, Joseph R. Hall, Kate Stevens, Lizzie Tippens. Dismissed by letter, Eliza Cavill, Josephine Lawrence Brown, George Sexton, Clarissa Sexton and Henrietta Wisks.
The following pastoral labor has been performed during the quarter : I have made about one hundred pastoral visits and calls ; baptized four children and attended five funerals. The state of the Church is as follows : there is at present some manifestation of an increasing interest in the spiritual prosperity of the Church. The prayer meetings are very well attended, and there has been one case of conversion recently. We are hopeful. Respectfully submitted.
C. B. FORD, Preacher in charge.
No report on Missions, Tracts, and Preacher's salary.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
What amounts have been received on account of the foregoing, this quarter, and how have they been applied ? Ans. To preacher in charge, $375, What amounts have been apportioned to be raised this year for benevolent purposes ? Ans. For Board of Church extension, $32. Is there any change desired in the Board of Stewards ? Yes. Bro. George Sexton resigned and Bro. John Tucker appointed. Has any money been raised for the Rockville Centre Parsonage suit ? Expect to raise the amount assessed, $6.
Are there any reports from Leaders ? Bro. Nos- trand's Class, fifty, whole number ; average, about twelve. Bro. Benson's Class, whole number, forty ; average attendance, six. Pastor's Class, whole num- ber, fifty ; average attendance, twelve.
When shall the next Quarterly Conference be held ? Thursday, Dec. 11, at 72, P. M. The meeting adjourned with the benediction by the Pastor.
The ladies of the Church, at this time, were prepar- ing to hold their usual annual Tea Meeting, which was looked forward to with interest, as an occasion when they anticipated a social reunion of the friends, and former members of the Church, who had removed to other locations, but desired to return a friendly visit, and have a "good time," at the Ladies' annual Tea Meeting. As there were no protracted meetings in progress at this season, the ladies made the best of . the opportunity thus afforded ; social intercourse and mutual enjoyment being their aim rather than any financial gain ; we may safely affirm they succeeded well in accomplishing their object. The following ticket admitted its bearer to the Chapel, and secured to the same lucky individual an excellent cup of tea :
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
" THE LADIES
OF THE WESLEY M. E. CHURCH,
WILL HOLD THEIR ANNUAL TEA MEETING,
IN THE CHAPEL, ON WILLOUGHBY AVENUE, THURSDAY EVE'G, Nov. 6, 1873. TICKETS, 50 CENTS.
Please preserve this coupon and present it for supper."
Among the number of visiting friends this evening, the ladies had the pleasure of meeting with their former Pastor, the Rev. F. C. Hill, and his amiable lady. The ladies, and gentlemen too, on this occasion, had a right, good, sociable time, and a first-rate supper, and the re- sult of the whole was, that a respectable contribution passed over to the credit of the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.
The third quarterly meeting for the Conference year, was held at the Parsonage, on Thursday evening, Dec. 11th, at eight o'clock, P. M. Presiding Elder, Rev. C. B. Sing, in the Chair. The session was opened with prayer by the Presiding Elder Bro. G. E. Currie was appointed Secretary. Present, Rev. C. B. Ford, Bros. T. C. Nostrand, G. W. Lush, Henry Tippens and G. E. Currie. There being no complaints or appeals, the Pas- tor presented the following reports on the Sunday School and state of the Church :
Sunday School, 1 ; officers and teachers, 30 ; number of scholars, 248 ; average attendance of teachers and scholars, 177. He had not preached to the children, but had catechized them, during the quarter. State of
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
the School not materially changed since last quarter. The Pastor received during the quarter into full mem- bership, George H. Hinds ; and by letter, Edward Gul- lifar, Mary M. Gullifar, Gertrude McCottar. Dismissed by letter, Matilda J. Burdge, Sarah H. Brink, Rebecca Carlisle, Augusta Osborne, Virginia Osborne. Pastor made over one hundred pastoral visits and calls. Bap- tized one infant, and attended seven funerals during the quarter.
The following amounts had been collected for benev- olent objects, Tracts, $5; Freedmen's Aid, $5; Sunday Schools, $5. The state of the Church is financially op- pressed, but do not despair of relief. Spiritually we are trusting in God ; and the signs of the present indi- cate advancement in the future.
Reports on Missions, none. On Sunday School, none. Sunday School collection, $5. On Tracts, some distrib- uted. On Church Records, all right. On Parsonage and Furniture, all right. On Preacher's Salary,. fif- teen hundred dollars, and house rent. What has been done for Missions ? Nothing. What for Church exten- sion ? Nothing this quarter. What amounts have been received for the support of the ministry, and how ap- plied ? Ans. Salary of Pastor paid up to first of Nov- ember. Missionary Conference fund paid, $25. To Presiding Elder, for six months, $25. Paid for rent of Parsonage, during the year, $600. Is there any change desired in the Board of Stewards ? Ans. None. Are there any recommendations for license to preach ? Ans. None. Have the general rules been read ? Yes. Are there any reports from Leaders ? Bro. Nostrand's Class, forty-four.on the books, with an average attendance of twenty. Bro. Benson's Class, an average attendance
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
of six. Pastor's Class, fifty names on the books ; ave- rage attendance of fifteen. Young People's Class, fifty names on the roll ; average attendance of twenty-one. When shall the next Conference be held ? March 5th, 1874. The meeting was closed with the benediction by the Pastor.
During the same evening that the Quarterly Confer- ence was held, the " Grand Concert of Sacred Music came off, at the Wesley M. E. Church, Thursday eve- ning, Dec. 11, 1873, admission fifty cents," under the leadership of Mr. John E. Luckey, the Chorister. He was ably assisted by several ladies and gentlemen from sister churches, and the entertainment was one of the best ever held in the church, and gave great satisfac- tion to all present. The attendance was not as large as had been anticipated, nor such as the superior char- acter of the performance deservedly merited. The pro- ceeds of the concert were devoted toward paying for the new Harmonium for the use of the Choir.
The Sunday School assembled on Christmas day, in the Chapel, where the children were entertained, as usual, by the officers and teachers, and abundantly supplied with fruit, confectionery and cakes.
The time-honored " Watch-night" was held in the Chapel on New Year's eve, as usual. At the close, after the Pastor had wished all present the compli- ments of the season, he invited them to call at the par- sonage, where he would be happy to see them, but as he was not in the habit of making "New Year calls," he hoped that none would be disappointed or consider themselves neglected by his not visiting on that day.
This winter's regular campaign, with its usual ac- companiment of protracted meetings, although later
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
than usual in commencing, was attended with at least more than ordinary interest, and religious feeling. The interest awakened among the young, and especially the children of the Sabbath School, was exceedingly encour- aging to the officers, teachers and parents to witness the desire on the part of the children to flee the wrath to come, and lay hold on eternal life, by coming, in the days of their youth, to the out-stretched arms of a loving and all-sufficient Savior. As the Winter ad- vanced the revival spirit increased in interest and the prayer meetings continued to be well attended. One feature in this revival, is worthy of especial notice, that is, the young persons who came forward to the altar for prayers, the majority were boys. This cir- cumstance served to touch the feelings of parents and members of the Church with peculiar tenderness and sympathy. When one after another of those youths arose to testify, to the power of saving faith in the atoning blood of Jesus, and were able to rejoice in a sense of God's pardoning favor and love, so that they could joyfully say-
" My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear, He owns me for his child, I can no longer fear. With confidence I now draw nigh, And Father ! Abba Father cry !"
It was refreshing to see the big drops of grateful tears welling up, and rolling, in copious streams, down their cheeks, while they breathed a fervent prayer that these youth-the children of pious parents-should be kept, . steadfast to the end, and become pillars in the house of God, to go out no more forever. It is but giving a faint expression of the feeling which prevailed through-
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