USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 13
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Report on Church: Received into full membership, Elizabeth Dayton, Geo. E. Clark, Margaret B. Clark, Carrie Granger, Amanda Lyster, Caroline Russel, Lillie J. Stewart, Geo. J. Schwenck, Harry Van Bencoven.
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Received by letter : Emily E. Boyland, Stephen B. Frazier, Annie Frazier, Catharine Hart, Geo. G. Lyon, Leila Lyon, Alphonso Schuremann, Adelia A. Schure- mann, Sarah A. Simonson, Sarah E. Simonson. Dis- missed by letter : Geo. Atkinson, Sarah Coombs, David O. Miller, Josephine Miller, and Sarah E. Hog- land.
Pastoral labor during the quarter : I have probably made one hundred calls and visits ; I have attended six funerals, and baptized one adult and six children. Collections for benevolent objects : For tracts, $5 ; church extension, $7; Sunday schools, $5 ; bible cause, $8.
The state of the Church : We have peace and har- mony among ourselves, and are praying and laboring for increased prosperity and additions to the Church of such as shall be saved.
Respectfully submitted,
C. B. FORD, Pastor in charge.
The conference was closed by singing the doxology, and benediction by the Presiding Elder.
CHRISTMAS SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL .- The prepara- tions for the Sunday School Christmas Festival this year were made upon a more extensive and imposing basis than for several years. past. Instead of meeting in the forenoon for an hour's entertainment, the school, with the officers, teachers, and friends, assembled in the chapel in the evening at half-past seven o'clock. The room was tastefully decorated with evergreen, and festoons of flowers and scriptural mottoes adorned the walls, while two handsome Christmas trees stood in all their glory, one on each side of the reading desk,
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brilliantly illuminated, and richly laden with toys and packages of confectionery,-friendly gifts from good old Santa Claus to the children.
An elaborate programme had been prepared and printed with the words of several fine Christmas hymns, peculiarly appropriate for the occasion, which the chil- dren sang with good effect, under the able leadership of Mr. John E. Luckey, the Chorister. The Pastor pre- sided, and directed the exercises of the evening, and was assisted part of the time by Bro. D. W. McLean, the Superintendent. There was little or no speaking, the whole of the evening being taking up with singing and distribution of gifts to the children.
The Christmas festival was celebrated this year with great satisfaction and pleasure, not only by the schol- ars and teachers, but by the parents and friends of the children who came to participate with them on this happy and joyous occasion. It was indeed " a merry Christmas " and foreshadowed "a happy new year." After the assembly had sung
" All hail the power of Jesus' name, Let angels prostrate fall, Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him, Lord of all,"
and the long metre doxology, the exercises were closed with the benediction by the Pastor.
WATCH-NIGHT SERVICES .- The " watch-night" services were announced to take place an hour earlier this year, eight o'clock being substituted for nine P. M .; the Pastor having resolved they should take a wider range than usual, and that ample time should be afforded for their enjoyment, as in all probability they would be
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the last he would attend in his pastoral relationship with the society ; he prayed that they might prove to be the best and most profitable ever enjoyed by both Pastor and people ; he, therefore, earnestly desired an early and full attendance of the members present on New Year's eve. The watch-night services, as an- nounced, were as follows : First, a general love-feast ; second, preaching by the Pastor ; third, prayer meet- ing ; and fourth, solemn consecration and silent prayer.
The attendance on all these services, during the evening, was much better than had been anticipated ; but toward nine and ten o'clock the number consid- erably increased, among whom were several members from the neighboring churches.
The "love-feast," after the bread and water had been served, was characterized by unusual liberty and spir- itual unction in speaking ; a large number of the mem- bers related their experience in a brief, feeling, matter- of-fact, and satisfactory manner, expressive of a deep sense of humility, on account of past unfaithfulness and heart-wanderings, remissness, and lukewarmness in the performance of duty, and too frequently allowing the cares of the world, and things of time and sense to so engross their attention as to prevent their attendance upon the public and social means of grace ; but resolv- ing, by divine help, to be more watchful and diligent in the future. These expressions of contrition and sor- row were mingled with grateful acknowledgments to God for the goodness and mercy which had followed them during the past year, not only in sparing their unprofitable lives, in supplying their temporal wants and necessities, but in administering to their spiritual comforts and enjoyments, so that they could say that
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they were present to-night, not only as monuments of mercy, but subjects of saving grace, rejoicing in a sense of pardoning favor, with their faces Zionward, and resolving, whether their days may be many or few, they should all be devoted to Him. Among those who re- lated their experience on this occasion may be men- tioned Bros. Benson, Nostrand, McLean, Currie, Lush, Clark, Curran, Wadsworth, McLellen, Schuremann, Lyon, McLroy, Beardsley, Stryker ; Sisters Ayers, Stewart, Moses, Stryker, Stanton, and others. Be- tween the speakers one or two stanzas of some favor- ite hymn were sung, "with the spirit and with the un- derstanding also." At the close of the "love-feast" they could say in returning thanks for the blessings vouchsafed :
" We thank the Lord for this our food, But more because of Jesus' blood ; Let manna to our souls be given, The Bread of Life sent down from heaven."
After the love-feast services, the Pastor delivered a brief but very impressive address, taking for the basis of his remarks a review of God's gracious and providential dealings toward his people during the past year, and the practical lessons which it was cal- culated and designed to teach. The exhibition of God's goodness, long-suffering, patience, compassion, mercy, and love, as manifested toward his people generally, and especially to the members of this Church, during the year that was rapidly drawing to a close, ought to call forth the liveliest expressions of gratitude, love, and praise. It ought also to incite them to self-examina- tion, confession, humility, and self-abasement for sin -sins of omission and commission-sins of heart and
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of life. But this was not enough ; it should inspire them with confidence, hope, and trust in God as the infinite source and fountain of all good, then they would be able to
" Praise Him for all that is past, And trust Him for all that is to come."
Such a review, with the blessing of God, will produce in those who are rightfully exercised thereby, an in- creased desire for a higher life, a more elevated spirit- ual experience, a clearer insight into the mysteries of godliness, a profounder reverence for His works and ways, a closer walk with God, and a more uninterrupted communion and fellowship with Him. Should our evening's meditation lead to this result, then we shall have reason to rejoice, thank God, and take courage ; for we shall be better prepared to enter upon the new year with all its solemn responsibilities, unknown trials and contingencies, encouraged and strengthened for the battle of life, leaning upon the arm of the Almighty, casting all our care upon Him, who careth for us, knowing that all things present, and things to come, shall work together for good, to them that love Him. And should the year upon which they shall shortly enter prove to any now present to be the last,-should they be called from the Church militant to the Church triumphant, it shall be well, infinitely well with them ; for then they shall have entered with- in the gate into the city and be forever with the Lord, to go out no more forever. Amen.
After the preaching, the Rev. Geo. G. Lyon was re- quested by the Pastor to address the meeting, which he did; taking for his subject "Love-Feasts," their ori-
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gin, history, and design. In the course of his remarks he paid a well merited compliment to the founder of Methodism, upon his wisdom, tact and foresight, in re- viving the ancient custom of holding love-feasts and by making them instrumental in promoting and extend- ing vital godliness, by adapting them to his times and turning them to so profitable an account and use. Bro. G. E. Currie followed in a few remarks; said that he was a great admirer of love-feasts, watch-night serv- ices, and, perhaps, he might be charged with a little partiality and favoritism in this direction from the fact that he belonged to the genuine Methodistic succession, and might, with propriety, be denominationally consid- ered "native to the manor born," being reared from childhood amidst Methodistic people, institutions, and influences ; his parents being members of the Church, and his grandmother a zealous and persecuted follow- er and disciple of John Wesley, when it was deemed a reproach and disgrace to belong to the "people called Methodists." He hoped, with all his early asso- ciations and predelictions, that he had lived long enough to regard these means of grace with love and affection for their own sake, for the hallowed mem- ories that cluster around their history and experience, and for the blessed spiritual results which have been achieved by and through their instrumentality. Long may "love-feasts " and " watch-nights" be preserved and perpetuated as distinguishing peculiarities of our common Methodism in this and other lands throughout the world till the end of time.
The prayer meeting service commenced by singing part of the 712th hymn :
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" Blessed be the tie that binds Our hearts in christian love ; The fellowship of kindred minds, Is like to that above.
Before our Father's throne, We pour our ardent prayers, Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one, Our comfort and our cares."
One after another of the brethren supplicated the Throne of Grace in rapid succession, and with great fervency and devotional spirit. This was indeed a soul- refreshing season.
" Heaven came down our souls to greet, While glory crowns the mercy seat."
Many of the old, time-honored, glorious Methodist standard hymns rang out with new life, power, and energy by the jubilant believing worshipers on this occasion. It was no ordinary treat to hear with what ecstatic feelings they sang
"Come on, my partners in distress, My comrades, through this wilderness, Who, still your bodies feel ; Awhile forget your grief and fears, And look beyond this vale of tears To that celestial hill."
Under the inspiration of the hour, the people and Pas- tor, young and old, felt they could joyfully exclaim :
" Thrice blessed, bliss-inspiring hope, It lifts the fainting spirits up, It brings to life the dead."
A careful selection of appropriate hymns did much to fan the flame of spiritual devotion on this occasion; they served to wing the petitions to the mercy seat,
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with stronger faith and hope, and inspired a longing expectation for answers to descend. Who can forget the blessed influences and effect which accompanied and followed the singing of
" My God, I am thine ; what a comfort divine, What a blessing to know that my Jesus is mine." And,
" How happy every child of grace, Who knows his sins forgiven !"
* * * *
" There is a land of pure delight, Where saints immortal reign."
* * * * *
*
" Give me the wings of faith to rise, Within the vail and see."
* *
*
" Jersualem ! my happy home, Name ever dear to me !" And,
" Forever with the Lord, Amen, so let it be, Life from the dead is in that word, 'Tis immortality ! "
, Then the time arrived for silent prayer, a few min- utes before the clock struck the knell of the departing year, the assembly bowed upon their knees, and a solemn stillness pervaded the room. At length the death-like silence was broken, the clock of the City Hall rang out upon the midnight air twelve o'clock, and the Pastor, in a short extempore prayer, implored the Di- vine blessing upon the assembly. On rising to their feet, he greeted them all, by wishing a happy new year, and closed the services by pronouncing the benediction.
THE WEEK OF PRAYER, JANUARY 4TH TO 10TH, 1875 .- The winter's religious campaign, including protracted meetings, did not commence till January, and was pre- ceded, or rather began, with the "Week of Prayer,"
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established by the Evangelical Alliance some years ago, and held throughout the Christian world with a programme of subjects arranged for each day's med- itation and prayer. On no former occasion were these religious services conducted with more regular- ity and zeal, or with better spiritual results, than they were this year, by the church and congregation. The subjects for prayer and meditation were as follows :
Monday, January 4th : Humiliation for personal and national sins. In addition to the prayers that were presented to the Throne of Grace, a few remarks were made on these subjects by the Rev. C. B. Ford, Rev. Geo. G. Lyon, and Bro. G. E. Currie.
Tuesday, January 5th : Prayer for civil governments and all in authority, increase of intelligence, and puri- fication of public opinion. At the close of the exercises Bro. Beardsley rose and presented, in a neat and appro- priate address, a handsome bound copy of the Stan- dard Hymn Book to Bro. Thos. C. Nostrand, as an affectionate token of regard from the members of his Tuesday evening class, praying that he might long be spared in life and health to instruct, direct, and guide them in those things which relate to their souls' best interests. Bro. Nostrand was taken completely by sur- prise, not only with the speech, but with the testimo- nial, which was altogether unexpected. Upon compos- ing himself, he responded by returning thanks to Bro. Beardsley and the members of the class in a few feel- ing and well-chosen remarks.
Wednesday evening, January 6th : Prayers for pa- rents and children, teachers, colleges, the ministry, Sunday schools, and Young Men's Christian Associa- tions. This evening being the night for holding the
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regular weekly prayer meeting, it was unusually well attended, and great liberty was enjoyed by the breth- ren, and an excellent spirit and holy unction pervaded the entire assembly.
Thursday evening, January 7th : Prayer for religious liberty throughout the world, and universal peace, etc. The Pastor made a very effective address on these sub- jects, and was followed by one or two of the brethren, who spoke of the blessings of civil and religious liberty so happily enjoyed by all classes of citizens in the United States.
Friday evening, January 8th : Prayer for missionary objects, conversion of the Jews, and deliverance from superstition. The Pastor made a short address, and several engaged in prayer, after which Bros. Lyon, Currie, Beardsley, and Curran made some remarks on Christian missions and the restoration of the Jews.
Saturday evening, January 9th : Prayer for Chris- tian churches throughout the world, for an increase of zeal and spiritual devotedness. This evening a good representation of the Church were present, and although an unusual night for holding a prayer meeting, yet the interest manifested on the former evenings was well sustained, and it was a matter of regret by some that the " Week of Prayer " was drawing to a close.
Sunday, January 10th, was set apart for a general union meeting of all denominations, which was held in one of the neighboring churches. Arrangements had previously been made with the brethren of the Harlem Praying Band to spend the day at Wesley Church and conduct the services, morning, afternoon, and evening. Accordingly they made their appearance and conducted the services, and a very gracious and soul-reviving
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season was experienced by the Church ; several per- sons were induced to go forward to the altar, and so- licit an interest in the prayers of the congregation for their deliverance from the bondage of sin and Satan, and a speedy entrance into the enjoyment of the lib- erty of the children of God.
Notwithstanding the severity of the winter and the continued depression in business, with a large number of the industrial classes thrown out of employment, and food and fuel at exorbitant prices, and no imme- diate prospect of a return to general prosperity, in the midst, also, of a great tidal wave of political revo- lution which swept over the country, from the banks of the St. Lawrence to the gulf of Mexico, and from Maine to California, sweeping from place and power the great Republican Party,one of the strongest, most skillfully organized and drilled, and thoroughly en- trenched behind bastions and breast-works supposed to be impregnable, occupying for years a position of in- fluence, patronage, and power, such as was never sur- passed or paralleled by any party at any previous time, causing a political revolution, the effects of which, it was impossible to foresee or foretell ; and besides these commercial commotions, and political perturbations, the city, State, and country, from centre to circumference, .were also convulsed with sorrow, shame, and indigna- tion by the introduction into court of the detestable and infamous civil suit for damages, by Theodore Til- ton against the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, for alleged destruction of the purity, peace, comfort, and happiness of his family, so that anxiety, grief, humiliation, and ex- citement pervaded the world and the Church, the family- circle and social life ; yet in the midst of all these extra-
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ordinary commotions, the M. E. Society at Tompkins Avenue began the year of grace 1875 with much peace and harmony and a good degree of spiritual prosperity.
A special meeting of the Trustees, Stewards, and Leaders was held January 11, 1875; Bro. Currie in the chair. Present : Currie, Nostrand, Benson, Curran, Wadsworth, Lush, and McLean. D. W. McLean was appointed Secretary. The object of the meeting was to consider the subject of inviting a Pastor for the ensuing year. The Chairman of the Committee on Pastor reported that he had submitted a report in July last, upon which no action had yet been taken ..
It was then moved by Bro. Curran, and seconded by Bro. Lush, that the report of the Committee on Pastor be adopted. Bro. Curran was subsequently induced to withdraw his motion, and the Secretary instruct- ed to inform the brethren who were absent, that a special meeting would be held on Wednesday evening, 13th inst., when final action would be tak- en in relation to inviting a Pastor. Pursuant to ap- pointment, the special meeting of the official brethren was held in the classroom Wednesday evening, Jan- uary 13th. Bro. John R. Curran was appointed chair- man. Present : Bros. Benson, Lush, Cook, Hotaling, Tippens, Nostrand, Clark, and Wadsworth. C. D. Wadsworth was appointed Secretary. On motion, it was resolved, that the report of the Committee recom- mending the Rev. Frederick Brown for Pastor of this Church for the ensuing conference year be adopted. It was also resolved, in order to emphasize the invita- tion, that the names of all the official brethren be ap- pended to the call. After which the meeting adjourned.
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Pursuant to the foregoing resolutions, the following letter was dispatched to Rev. Frederick Brown, at Westport, Conn. :
" BROOKLYN, January 28, 1875.
" REV. FREDERICK BROWN, Westport, Conn.
" Dear Brother : At a meeting of the Official Board of the Wesley M. E. Church, held in the class-room, January 13, 1875, a resolution was passed, inviting you to become the pastor of said Church for the ensuing Conference year, which resolution was afterwards concurred in by all the official brethren. Your favorable reply, at the earliest convenience, will oblige,
C. D. WADSWORTH, D. W. MCLEAN, GEO. E. CLARK,
Committee on Pastor.
GILBERT E. CURRIE. ROBERT BENSON. JOHN TUCKER.
WM. G. HOTALING
J. R. CURRAN.
THOS. C. NOSTRAND.
HENRY TIPPENS. JACOB P. COOK. GEO. W. LUSH."
In due course, the following answer was received, with much satisfaction by the Committee and the members of the Church generally.
" WESTPORT, CONN., Feb. 1, 1875.
" Messrs. C. D. WADSWORTH, D. W. MCLEAN, and GEO. E. CLARK, Committee on Pastor.
" Dear Brethren : I have received through you, the unanimous invi- tation of the officiary of Wesley M. E. Church, to become their Pastor, and have great pleasure in accepting the same, believing it to be the call of God.
" I shall enter more. hopefully upon my work, because of the una- nimity of the officiary of the Church, and trust that with the same degree of harmony and continued hearty co-operation, we shall pass through the term of my pastorate with satisfaction to all parties concerned, and the best interests of the Church.
" I take the action of the Official Board, therefore, as an earnest of success, and expect, with the blessing of the Great Head of the Church, to see a large and permanent increase of members and of spiritual power vouchsafed during my pastoral stay among you.
" That our highest hopes may be realized is the earnest prayer of "Yours in the Lord,
" FREDERICK BROWN." .
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. REV. CALVIN B. FORD, PASTOR.
The Trustees being very solicitous that the current indebtedness should be reduced as much as possible be- fore the conference year closed, the following circular was prepared and circulated for that purpose :
"WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
"TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH AND CONGREGATION :
"Dearly Beloved Brethren : As the financial condition of the Church is a subject in which every member is deeply interested, the trustees are encouraged to submit the following facts relating to the same, which they hope will receive your serious consideration, and stimulate you to active co-operation in carrying out the proposed plan for paying off part of the present indebtedness.
" Besides the twenty thousand dollars of Bonded Debt and the ordi- nary current expenses, there is a large amount of floating liability which is a source of constant anxiety and care to the Trustees; it is therefore proposed to raise Five Hundred Dollars, in Two Dollar Sub- scription Shares ; trusting you will take as many shares as you can afford, to be paid either by yourself or collected from your friends, for the purpose of reducing this incumbrance.
"You will please write the names of the subscribers on the fly sheet of this circular, and inclose it with the money in the envelope, and deposit the same in the letter box in the Church at your earliest convenience.
"And oblige, yours fraternally,
GILBERT E. CURRIE, President. DAVID W. MCLEAN, Secretary. ROBERT BENSON, Treasurer.
" BROOKLYN, 130 TOMPKINS AVE., Jan. 31, 1875."
We regret to state, that the responses to the fore. going appeal were not so numerous or successful as the Trustees had anticipated ; still, they felt assured that the members and friends were exerting themselves to the best of their ability in helping forward the financial interests of the Church.
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ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL HOME MISSION SOCI- ETY .- The Anniversary of the Sunday School Home Mis- sionary Society was held in the Church on Sunday even- ing, March 7, 1875. The Rev. C. B. Ford, Pastor, opened the meeting with prayer ; after which the children, lead by Mr. John E. Luckey, sang the Missionary hymn :
" Up with the morning ! Up and away, Out in the vineyard ground ! Go help the workers toiling to-day, Out in the vineyard ground.
" Glean with the reapers, holding up their hands, Hear what the Master in his blessed word commands Why do ye linger ? Up and away, Out in the vineyard ground."
Bro. John R. Curran, President of the Society, intro- duced Ezrael A. Barker, Esq., President of the Brook- lyn Sunday School Union, who rose and addressed the meeting by relating his early experience. He joined the Sunday school when only six years of age ; and when he attained his sixteenth year, he was soundly con- verted, and from that day to the present he had always been identified with the Sunday school interest; and he was resolved by divine grace to continue his connec- tion therewith while God should give him health and strength to do so. He believed in the Sunday school as an efficient agency for the amelioration of society, and the right hand of the church. He also believed in Juvenile Home Missionary Societies. There was plenty of work for such organizations to do in all our large cities. There were no less than 30,000 children in the city of Brooklyn who attended no Sunday school, nor any regular place of worship. This destitute portion of the population had claims upon the friends of Sun- day schools and Sunday School Home Missionary Soci-
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