USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 11
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
out the congregation, to say that an unusual amount of interest and sympathy was felt and taken in the sal- vation of these boys. Some of the youngest of the number, immediately on finding peace, through believ- ing in Christ, became earnest, and eloquent exhorters in calling upon their companions and friends to come out on the Lord's side, and like them, by repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, find ' peace and happiness to their souls. These juvenile ex- horters, for a time, put to blush many of the older and more experienced christians in the Church by their boldness and courage in standing up and "speaking and testifying for the Master."
The protracted meetings at length came to a close, and the numerical result to the Church, of the winter's campaign, is given by the Pastor in his report, at the fourth Quarterly Conference, which was held in the Class-room of the Chapel, March 5th, 1874. The Pre- siding Elder, C. B. Sing, in the Chair. The session was opened with prayer by the Rev. L. D. Nickerson. On motion, the Rev. C. B. Ford was appointed Secretary. Members present, Rev. C. B. Ford, Rev. L. D. Nicker- son, John Tucker, G. E. Currie, W. G. Hotaling, T. C. Nostrand, Henry Tippens and D. O. Miller.
What committees shall be appointed ? On Missions, G. E. Currie, T. C. Nostrand and D. W. McLean. On Sabbath Schools, Geo. F. Beardsley, Geo. Nicholson and W. G. Hotaling. On Tracts, John Tucker and Car- oline Aspinall. On Church Extension, Henry Tippens, D. L. Nickerson and Robert Benson. On Church Re- cords, G. E. Currie. On Parsonage and Furniture, Rob't Benson and D. W. McLean. On Church Music, G. E. Curric and D. O. Miller. On estimating Preach-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
er's Salary, T. C. Nostrand, D. W. McLean and G. E. Currie. On estimating amount, necessary for Confer- ence claimants, W. H Potts, G. E. Currie and John Tucker. Are there any complaints ? None. Any ap- peals ? None. The preacher in charge reported, on the school, as follows :
Number of schools, 1 ; number of officers and teach- ers, 33 ; number of scholars of all ages, 250 ; number of scholars, fifteen years of age and over, 47 ; under fifteen, except the infant class, 123 ; infant class schol- ars, 80 ; average attendance of officers and teachers, 26 ; average attendance of scholars, 171 ; number of conversions during the quarter, 16. I have not preached to the children, but catechized them three times during the quarter. The state of the school is healthy and en- couraging.
Received by letter, Geo. Atkinson, Horatio Berry, Jacob Blackney, Elizabeth Blackney, Mary Hoffman, Laura E. Peden, Rositta Lewis, Chas. D. Wadsworth, Martha C. Wadsworth, William D. Wadsworth. Dis- missed by letter, viz. : Maria Cowan, Mary Cowan, Sol- omon Hawxhurst, Hattie Hawxhurst, Emily Holman. Deceased during the quarter, Ancel Titus. Withdrawn, Joseph Aspinall, Carrie H. Granger, Isaac Myers, Em- ma Longi, Julia N. Wendell. The following pastoral labor has been performed during the quarter. I have made two hundred and twenty pastoral visits and calls, attended seven funerals, and baptized ten adults and one infant. The following amounts have been collected for benevolent objects during the quarter : For Church extension, $10 ; Bible Society, $10. Subscribers have been obtained for our periodicals, as follows : Christian Advocate, 21 ; Ladies' Repository, 1 ; Quarterly Review, 1,
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
The State of the Church : There has been manifest- ed an increased interest in spiritual matters during the whole quarter, and especially since the 1st of Jan- uary, 1874. Not less than fifty persons have professed conversion, thirty-nine of whom have joined the Church on probation; of these eighteen are heads of families. The Church has been greatly blessed also in the genc- ral quickening of her members. Respectfully sub- mitted.
C. B. FORD,
Preacher in charge.
Report on Missions, verbal report. On Sunday School, no report. Church extension, collection taken, $5. On Church Records, verbal report, all right. On Parson- age and Furniture, no report. Report of the Trustees on Church Property : Value of property, $45,000 ; debt on same, $27,500 ; insurance, $21,000. What amounts have been received for the support of the ministry, and how applied ? To preacher in charge, $258.33. Pre- siding Elder, $12.50. Sabbath School, $5. Church ex- tension, $10. Tracts, $5. Sunday School Union of the M. E. Church, $5. For Education, $8
Is there any change desired in the Board of Stew- ards ? Yes ; appointment of J. P. Cook. Who shall be Stewards for the ensuing year ? George W. Lush, W. G. Hotaling, D. O. Miller, Jacob ?. Cook and Geo. Nicholson. Who shall be Recording Steward ? David 0. Miller. Who shall be District Steward ? Geo. W. Lush. Are there any recommendations for license to preach ? Yes ; John Tucker was recommended and license granted. Have the general rules been read during this quarter ? Yes. Have the rules in relation to the instruction of children been observed ? In part.
-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
District Stewards meet at South Second Street, Mon- day, May 4th, at 1:30, P. M. Are there any reports from the Leaders ? Bro. Tucker's Class, average at- tendance, ยท seven. The Classes are about to be re- arranged. When and where shall the next Quarterly Conference be held ? Thursday, May 11th, 1874.
Pursuant to a resolution passed at the Quarterly Conference of the Wesley M. E. Church, held in the Class-room, Thursday evening, March 5th, the under- signed was appointed a committee to draft resolutions relative to the death of Father Ancel Titus, who de- parted this life on Thursday evening, February 26th, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. The following is submitted as the report of such committee :
Whereas, It has pleased God, in his providence, to remove from our midst, after a protracted and painful illness, our venerable father, and much-beloved friend and associate, Bro. Ancel Titus, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, at the close of a long career of unre- mitting activity, perseverance and zeal, in helping to sustain the temporal and spiritual interests of the Church, and advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, has finished his course, having kept the faith, and en- tered into the rest that remaineth for the people of God. Be it
Resolved, That, while bowing with meekness and sub- mission to this afflictive dispensation, and while feeling sensible of the almost irreparable loss we have sus- tained, in the death of our venerable friend and asso- ciate, we do, nevertheless, gratefully acknowledge the goodness and mercy which has been vouchsafed, in con- tinuing his life for so many years, and granting him that unusual degree of health and strength, and vigor
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
of mind which he enjoyed ; and for the bestowment of the ability and disposition to contribute liberally of his substance and labor, to advance the prosperity of Zion. Furthermore, by this solemn dispensation we are reminded, that while the Head of the Church buries the workmen he carries on his work ; we are encour- aged to hope, that the mantle of our departed friend may fall upon some worthy and duly qualified succes- sor. Be it
Resolved, That we hereby tender the aged, bereaved and sorrowing widow, our most heart-felt sympathy and condolence, in this trying hour of her affliction, pray- ing that she may be able, by divine assistance, to cast her care upon Him who careth for her, and has promised to be a father to the fatherless and husband of the widow. We would further remind her, for her comfort and consolation, that she is not called to mourn as one without hope, but rather, to rejoice that her beloved and lately departed husband, has fought the good fight, and finished his course and gone to be with Christ, which is better ; he has only preceded her a little sooner, and by and by, should she prove faithful to the grace given, she will meet him again, "on the fair banks of the deliverance," where neither sickness, pain or death, are felt or feared no more. Be it
Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolu- tions be engrossed upon the minutes, and a copy of the same furnished to the family of deceased.
GILBERT E. CURRIE, Committee.
Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn, March 12, 1874.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
On motion, the foregoing preamble and resolutions, were unanimously adopted. The old familiar Doxol- ogy-
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below ; Praise Him, above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost "-
was sung, and the benediction pronounced by the Pas- tor, and the Conference adjourned. At a special meet- ing of the official brethren, held during the month of March, the Pastor was invited to return to the charge for another conference year, which he cordially ac- cepted. Thus closed the Rev. C. B. Ford's second year's pastorate of the Church.
CHAPTER IX.
REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
THE THIRD YEAR OF HIS PASTORATE.
WHILE the pastor was absent at Conference, the Trustees were notified by the owner of the parsonage, that he required the house on and after the first of May, either for himself or to lease to a near relative of his own. Before looking out for, or engaging another parsonage, it was deemed advisable to leave the matter open until Bro. Ford returned from Confer- ence, as it was possible he might for one year prefer going to boarding instead of keeping house, especially as he expected to spend some time during the summer at Milford, Conn., with his friends. The matter of looking after a new parsonage was consequently defer- red, until the Trustees had had an opportunity of con- sulting with the pastor on the subject.
Pursuant to notice the annual election of Trustees was held in the class-room of the chapel on Monday evening, April 4th, between the hours of eight and nine o'clock, to elect two to fill the places of David W. McLean and Henry Tippens, whose term of office was about to expire, and one to serve the unexpired term of Ancel Titus, lately deceased. Two inspectors were elected, and the poll was opened at the time appointed. The hour for closing having arrived, the inspector counted the votes, which resulted in the election of David W. McLean, Henry Tippens, and Geo. E. Clark,
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
The annual meeting of the board was held on Monday evening, April 13th, in the classroom of the chapel, Bro. G. E. Currie in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Benson,. Present : Bros. Currie, Nostrand, Benson, Tippens, McLean and Clark. Bro. McLean was appointed Secretary.
The Treasurer reported as follows :
Amount of Bonded Debt. $20,000 00
Amount of Floating Debt 5,800 00
Amount Due the Treasurer to date 1,936 51
Total indebtedness April 13, 1874. $27,736 51
On motion the Treasurer's report was accepted. There being no other unfinished business, the Board proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, which resulted in the election of G. E. Currie, President ; Robert Benson, Treasurer ; and David W. McLean, Secretary. On motion it was resolved, that the ser- vices of the sexton, chorister, and organist, be con- tinued for the ensuing year, at the same salaries that were paid them the preceding one.
On motion it was resolved to adjourn, to meet again April 27th, to consider the subject and take whatever action might be deemed necessary respecting the pro- priety of leasing another parsonage.
The adjourned meeting of the Board of Trustees was held April 27th, in the- class-room of the chapel, Bro. Currie in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by the chairman. Present : Bros. Currie, Nos- trand, Benson, Tippens, Clark and McLean. The meet- ing was informed that the pastor in consultation with the Stewards, had resolved, instead of boarding,
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
to continue housekeeping, and desired that a parson- age might be procured for him at the earliest convenience. On motion it was resolved that Bro. Benson be authorized to secure a suitable parsonage . at a rental not to exceed six hundred dollars per annum. There being no other business, the meeting adjourned.
A special meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in the class-room, May 4th, at the usual hour, Bro. Currie in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Benson. Present: Bros. Currie, Benson, Nostrand, Tippens, and Clark. Bro. Clark was appointed Secre- tary pro-tem. Bro. Benson reported, that since the Board last met, he had looked around the neighbor- hood and could find no house so suitable as the one at No. 167 Tompkins Avenue, a brick, three story and basement building, at a rental of six hundred dollars per annum, the rent to be paid monthly ; he had secured a lease of the same, from Mr. J. E. Cornell, on condition that the house be put into good tenant- able order. Although the owner had resolved not to lease the house at so low a figure, yet through the good offices of the agent he was prevailed upon, to allow the Trustees to have it for six hundred dollars. The report was accepted. On motion, Bros. Benson and Nostrand were appointed a committee to examine into the condition of the church edifice and to report at the earliest convenience, what repairs were neces- sary to be made, and ascertain the cost of putting the same into proper order. On motion the meeting adjourned.
The Sunday School, officers, teachers, and scholars, assembled, according to appointment in the school
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
house, Willoughby avenue, Wednesday noon, May 25, 1874, preparatory to taking part in the forty-fifth anniversary of the Brooklyn Sunday School Union ; the weather was most propitious ; the young ladies decked themselves in their summer attire, and the boys decorated their coats with spring flowers. At the time appointed, the scholars formed into marching order, the word of command being given, they pro- ceeded to join the procession on De Kalb avenue, and from thence marched in line to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church on Throop avenue, where they lis- tened to a brief address and sang several anniver- sary hymns. On returning from the church, the school formed again into line, and marched and coun- termarched on De Kalb avenue, and then proceeded to the chapel, where the children partook of refreshments, and after singing one or two more hymns, they were dismissed with the benediction by the pastor.
PREPARATION FOR REPAIRING THE CHURCH .- The subject of repairing the church was a matter that had fre- quently of late, engaged the attention of the officiary. The amount of funds necessary to meet the expense of doing the job thoroughly, at the lowest calculation, would be considerable, especially when taken in connection with the sum necessary to be raised to meet the current expenditure. When the building was.con- structed, the slates with which the architects insisted upon covering the roof, in the estimation of some people, were considered far too heavy for a frame and brick building, and that there was danger from their weight of damaging the church. The timbers in the roof, from the time the slates were put on, showed a sagment had taken place, producing a slight bulge
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
in the frame, and this helped to confirm the opinion already formed, that the building was not safe. But that such apprehensions were groundless, was proved by the fact, that during the years it had been occupied, and the number of severe storms which had tested its strength, there was no misplacement of joists nor breaking of plaster on the ceiling or walls. Still the hue and cry had been raised and was kept up, by certain interested and evil disposed parties, which tended in some degree, to interfere with the growth of the society. It was now proposed that the roof should be altered, the slate taken off, and the spire braced, and to make assurance doubly sure, strong iron rods should be introduced between the ceiling and the roof, and clasped round the upright beams in buttresses. Beside these alterations, it was necessary that the whole building should be painted internally and externally, so that upon the lowest estimate, the cost of the work required to be done, would not fall short of three thousand dollars. It was therefore a matter of grave consideration how this additional amount to the ordinary expenses could be raised ; nevertheless the brethren were resolved to go forward, as will be seen, from the action taken at the next meeting of the Board, held June 8th, Bro. Currie in the chair. Members present: Bros. Benson, Nostrand, Potts, Mc- Lean, Tippens, and Currie. The meeting was opened with prayer, Bro. McLean Secretary. The committee on repairs reported that the cost of covering the roof with the best tin plates, and painting the outside walls and roof, would be about one thousand four hundred dollars, and if the spire required bracing, and the in- side of the church and chapel should be painted, this
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
would involve an additional expenditure of about one thousand four hundred dollars, making a total ex- penditure of about two thousand eight hundred dollars. On motion the report was accepted, and the committee authorized to proceed without delay, and consult with the contractors, and ascertain if the spire could be braced, so as to render it perfectly secure, and if so, to get an estimate of the cost, and report at their earliest convenience. On motion, the meeting ad- journed.
The first quarterly meeting for the present confer- ence year was held in the class-room, June 12, 1874, Presiding Elder, Rev. C. B. Sing, in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer, by the Elder. Pres- ent : Rev. C. B. Ford, Bros. T. C. Nostrand, Geo. W. Lush, Robert Benson, Chas. D. Wadsworth. C. B. Ford was appointed Secretary. Questions to be answered.
1st. Who is approved as Sunday School Superin- tendent ? Ans. D. W. McLean.
2d. Who are approved as Trustees ? Ans. D. W. McLean, Henry Tippens, and G. E. Clark.
4th. Are there any complaints ? Ans. None.
5th. Are there any appeals ? Ans. None.
6th. Are there any reports ? Ans. Yes, from the Pastor : on mission, none ; on Sunday School, none ; on tracts, some distributed ; on Church Records, none.
9th. What amounts have been appropriated to this charge this year, for the support of the ministry ? For the preacher in charge, no report ; for Presiding El- der, fifty dollars ; for the Bishop, sixteen dollars ; for rent, six hundred dollars ; for traveling expenses, none ; for church extension, no report.
10th. What amounts have been received on account
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
of the foregoing this quarter ? For preacher in charge, one hundred and seventy-eight dollars sixty-seven cents; on rent, one hundred and fifty dollars.
18th. Are there any recommendations for license to preach ? None.
23d. Have the general rules been read this quarter ? Yes.
24th. Are there any reports from leaders ? Bro. Nos- trand's class, sixty members, average attendance twenty. Bro. C. D. Wadsworth's class, twenty-five members, average attendance thirteen. D. W. McLean's class, no report. John Tucker's class, no report. Pas- tor's class, average attendance, eight.
The Pastor reported as follows on the Sunday School :
Sunday School 1; officers and teachers, 34 ; scholars, 250; scholars fifteen years of age and over, 65; scholars in infant class, 80 ; average attendance 170 ; Sunday School Advocates taken 150 ; Sunday Journals 25. Have not preached to the children, but have catechized them monthly, during the quarter. The state of the school is encouraging, especially in view of some new teachers who have recently joined it.
Report of the church : Received into full member- ship, Phoebe J. Dikeman, Addis H. Sealy, and Sarah Watson.
Received by letter, Hannah R. Curran, John R. Cur- ran, Marie C. Curran, and Mary Lewis. Dismissed by letter, Mary Callonette, Edward Gullifar, Mary E. Gullifar, Charles K. Nichols, Lucy A. Quackenbush, Jennie Quackenbush, Chas. Terry, Eliza Terry, and - Anna A. Terry. Withdrawn, Harriot Evans.
The following Pastoral labor has been performed
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
during the quarter. In consequence of extra labor in connection with removal of parsonage, the Pastor was only able to make sixty pastoral visits, and the most of these have been to the sick, and strangers, attended four funerals, and baptized one adult and four children. The state of the church is harmonious and hopeful
The minutes were read and approved, and the meeting was closed with the benediction by the Presiding Elder.
A special meeting of the Board of Trustees was held June 15th, at the usual time and place. G. E. Currie in the chair. The meeting was opened with prayer. Bro. D. W. McLean, Secretary. Present : Bros. Benson, Nostrand, Currie, Tippens, Potts, Clark and McLean.
The committee on repairs, Bros. Benson and Nos- trand, reported that they had visited Mr. Rogers, the builder, and he had assured them, that the spire could be braced to make it one of the strongest in the city ; it was his opinion however, and that of Mr. Teck- ritz, that it was now safe, but to silence all croaking and misgivings on the subject, he would recommend the Trustees to put in additional timbers, so as to make it doubly secure, at a cost, including alteration of the roof, not exceeding two thousand dollars. The report was accepted and the committee empowered, to give out the contract for the work at the sum named.
At the suggestion of Bro. Nostrand, it was deemed a suitable opportunity, to ascertain how much the Board would personally subscribe towards the pro- posed repairs. Upon canvassing the members present, the amount subscribed there and then reached the sum of fifteen hundred and twenty-five dollars, in- cluding one hundred subscribed by the Pastor. It
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
was then resolved that the Trustees go before the church and congregation next Sunday morning for a subscription toward defraying the expenses of repair- ing the church. On motion the meeting adjourned with the benediction.
On the Friday evening June 19, the ladies held their annual strawberry festival, the proceeds of which were devoted to assisting the Trustees to repair and beautify the church.
The following is a copy of the card of admission :
"THE LADIES
OF THE WESLEY M. E. CHURCH
WILL HOLD THEIR ICE CREAM AND STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL In the Chapel on Willoughby Avenue,
FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 19, 1874. Tickets, 50 cents.
The holder of this is entitled to refreshments."
This festival, like its predecessors, proved a social and financial success.
The Sunday School annual excursion this year, came off with unusual eclat, the children, officers, teachers, and friends being somewhat elated with the prospect of having the church and school-house put into thor- ough repair at an early day, and especially as the movement had met with general encouragement on the part of the church and congregation.
The Sunday School of Janes' M. E. Church, joined the Wesley School, and not only shared in the general expense, but contributed largely to the enjoyment of the day's excursion.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
The following is a copy of the card of invitation : " THE NINTH ANNUAL EXCURSION OF THE WESLEY M. E. SABBATH SCHOOL, To Oriental Grove, East River, ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24TH, 1874.
The splendid propeller William Murbaugh and the commodious barge, J. R. Baldwin, will leave pier foot of Sixth street, Williamsburg, at nine, A. M. sharp.
A splendid brass band will be in attendance.
Good base-ball and croquet ground.
ADULTS' TICKET - - - FIFTY CENTS."
Rev. John Stansbury, of Jane M. E. Church, and J. W. Barnhart, of Forsyth street M. E. Church, and Rev. C. B. Ford, accompanied the excursionists. Messrs. Luckey and Pearsall, exerted themselves to their ut- most in furnishing musical entertainment to the com- pany. The Sunday School excursion this year, taking it all and all, proved remarkably successful.
The committee on repairs prosecuted the work with commendable activity and zeal. Sunday, June 21st, after the morning service, an appeal was made to the congregation, in behalf of the Trustees, for funds to- ward repairing the roof, bracing the spire, and painting the building. The appeal was responded to most lib- erally by the members present ; and at the close, it was announced that the subscriptions received that morning, with the sums formerly subscribed, were sufficient to cover the contemplated alterations and repairs. The congregation was further informed that immediately after the 4th of July, the repairs would
:
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REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
be commenced, and during their continuance, while the church was closed, the services would be conducted in the chapel. During the Pastor's summer vacation, he promised that the pulpit would be supplied with efficient and acceptable substitutes, and he trusted that while the repairs were in progress, there would be no falling off in attendance upon the Sunday, and week-night services.
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