USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 18
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8. FREQUENT CHANGES OF PLANS FOR RAISING FUNDS .- The numerous devices, and some not the most com-
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mendable, and frequent changes in the plans of raising money for carrying on church operations, have tended in some degree to retard its onward and upward prog- ress. These changes at the time they were made, were doubtless .designed for good, although they fre- quently miscarried and failed to meet the expectations of their friends. It would have been better, as far as this Church is concerned, had there been a uniform system adopted and persistently followed, until the peo- ple had been educated up to the practice of systemati- cally contributing their money for the support of the gospel. Method, regularity, and perseverance are ab- solutely required in raising money for churches, and especially for those that are commonly but absurdly called " free," where no rents are charged or collected for the use of pews. Establish, then, some well-digested plan-one with the least possible friction, and stand by it ; and let all the official brethren say, " Amen !"
9. SUNDAY SCHOOL NOT SUSTAINING THE CHURCH AS IT MIGHT HAVE DONE .- The Sunday school, during the pro- tracted period it has been in operation, has not, accord- ing to the anxiety, labor, and time bestowed upon it, returned to the Church that amount of numerical increase and spiritual harvest which the officers and teachers have so earnestly desired and prayed for. It has not proved " the nursery of the Church," that we so frequently read about, or hear so eloquently described. Too many boys, as a general rule, as soon as they at- tain the age of fifteen, sixteen, and seventeen years, disappear from the classes, and are seldom to be seen within the walls of the school-room. And this is not confined to the children of parents who are members
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
of no religious denomination, but frequently to be ob- served of youth belonging to our Methodist families. Notwithstanding the disciplinary rule making the Pas- tor the chief supervisor, and the appointment by the quarterly conference of a "Committee on Sunday School," whose duty it is to look after its interests, yet in the face of all this precaution they are too often conducted as independent organizations, having little or no connection with the Church. The duty of attendance upon the regular services of the sanctuary is not suffi- ciently pressed upon the attention of teachers and schol- ars. Sometimes officers and teachers will allow attend- ance on the Sunday school session to stand in place, or serve as a substitute, for their attendance upon public worship in the house of God. The too common habit of using so much of the time, which should be devoted to reading the Scriptures, catechising the children, and explaining the lessons, is appropriated to singing ex- ercises, when much of the language employed is little better than twaddle, a great proportion of which the children do not properly understand. These practices are wrong and call for correction.
10. REPORTED INSECURITY OF THE BUILDING AND DANGER OF THE SPIRE .- Among the difficulties with which the Church has had to contend, perhaps none has proved so annoying and troublesome as the reported insecu- rity of the roof and dangerous condition of the spire, because it was plied with so much malignant determ- ination and unwearied perseverance, it could not fail to be productive of evil. It is true that when the building was inclosed and the slates placed upon the roof, the rafters yielded a little, showing a depression,
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with a slight bulge on the south wall ; but as soon as this was discovered, the contractor inserted six mas- sive upright timbers in the buttresses, placed under the plate, and securely clamped them to the beams in the roof. In addition to this slight disfigurement, a few slates were blown from the spire during a severe winter gale, and water came down upon the ceiling. When these upright timbers were placed in position, no visi- ble sign of weakness or displacement of plaster or crack appeared, and the building was pronounced by most competent authorities to be perfectly safe, so that there was no foundation for the report which had been circu- lated. But the report answered the purpose for which it was designed, and was the means of preventing per- sons coming from other congregations and settling in the neighborhood from joining the Church.
11. COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF CHURCH DEBT. -The tongues that had made themselves busy in cir- culating the report concerning the insecurity of the building were no less active in proclaiming the amount of debt which the Society at Tompkins Avenue was carrying, and declaring at the same time that it was folly for people of ordinary means to identify them- selves with it. It was, moreover, affirmed that no one would think of uniting with a society where so large sacrifices had to be made for the purpose of enjoying religious privileges ; prudence, wisdom, and policy would direct them somewhere else. There is no ques- tion whatever but that the means employed proved in- strumental in retarding for a time the progress of the Church, and not a few individuals who might otherwise have found a useful, happy, and profitable field of labor
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were induced through these misrepresentations to seek a spiritual home elsewhere. These are some of the difficulties the Society has had to encounter during its past ten years' experience.
THE GOOD THAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED .- In taking a retrospect of the decade now closed, and noting the progress made, and the good which has been effected during this period, as a ground of encouragement and hope for the future well-being of the Society, several important circumstances and facts present themselves for consideration and claim our attention, among which the following may be mentioned :
1. THE ELIGIBLE SITUATION OF THE CHURCH .- The loca- tion selected for planting the church edifice, on the brow of the hill, or rising ground, leading to and in the im- mediate vicinity of what must become, in the course of a few years, the central business thoroughfare and backbone of the city-Broadway-was a most favora- ble circumstance for the future growth of the Society. The situation is all that could possibly be desired in a topographical point of view, being not only free from objectionable manufacturing establishments, but high, dry, well-watered, sewered, lighted, and paved, with healthful and beautiful surroundings, admirably adapt- ed for first-class residences. The Ward-the twenty- first-and especially this section of it, although for a long time overlooked and neglected, now and for the last two years has begun to be properly appreciated by builders and others ; so that what formerly was nothing but fields of vacant lots is being rapidly filled up with elegant and substantial dwellings, so that
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families from the lower and older wards of the city are moving into the neighborhood. The Wesley M. E. Church, on Tompkins Avenue, forms a convenient and comfortable place of worship and spiritual home for the influx population. This is a source of encourage- ment and hope for the Society.
2. SIZE AND ACCOMMODATION OF THE CHURCH .- After the building enterprise was suggested, and the matter had assumed a practical form, the question regarding the size, style, accommodation, and appointments of the proposed edifice constituted a very important subject for deliberation and action. Some of the brethren sug- gested the propriety of erecting in the meantime a chapel, or school-house, which might afterward be re- moved and replaced by a larger building,-one more in harmony with the locality and growth of popula- tion. Others thought that it was better to build at once a suitable house of worship, commensurate with the anticipated early requirements of the neighborhood, and to leave the matter of chapel, or school-room, for future consideration and action. The latter counsel prevailed, and now we have an elegant and convenient Church, with galleries and spacious auditorium capa- ble of accommodating from eight hundred to a thou- sand persons, thus supplying ample facilities for all our Methodist friends and others who may come into the neighborhood and settle for thirty or forty years to come. The experience of the Society, taken in con- nection with the improvements now going forward in this part of the city, more than justifies the prudence, forethought, and wisdom of the brethren in their decis- ion and action.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
3. THE CHAPEL, OR SCHOOL-HOUSE .- The church edifice had only been erected a few years when it was resolved that an extraordinary effort should be made to build a school-house, or chapel, on the vacant lot at the rear, on Willoughby Avenue. The proposal received at once the indorsement of the officiary, and met with the hearty approval and co-operation of the members of the Church and congregation. No time was lost in commencing operations, and the building was pushed forward to completion without any unnecessary delay. Now the Society owns and occupies a handsome school-house, capable of accommodating from three to four hundred officers, teachers, and scholars, besides affording excel- lent facilities for holding prayer-meetings, class-meet- ings, and other religious and social week-night gather- ings. The occupancy of this building, since the time it was finished, has been a source of great convenience, pleasure, and gratification to the Church, and affords additional ground of hope and encouragement for the future.
4. GENEROUS LIBERALITY OF THE MEMBERS .- Another cause of congratulation for the experience of the past, and of hope for the future, is to be found in the fact of the generous liberality, unwearied perseverence, and self-sacrificing spirit displayed by the members of the Church, and especially by those upon whom the weight , and responsibility of carrying the burden chiefly de- volve. We speak advisedly when we say, that we know of no church organization in the city of Brooklyn or New York, considering the number and financial ability of its membership, that can be compared with the heroic courage, patient self-denial, and Christian
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liberality so practically and unostentatiously exhibited in their efforts to sustain the cause and kingdom of our blessed Redeemer, as that displayed by the M. E. So- ciety of Tompkins Avenue. The celebrated, world-re- nowned Plymouth Church, of Brooklyn, according to the annual report for 1875, with its two thousand three hundred and ninety members, and a pew rental of sev- enty-one thousand dollars per annum, falls very far short of what is done yearly by the Wesley M. E. Church, when estimated by the sum paid per each pay- ing member. This statement is not made in the spirit of boasting, vain-glory, or with any desire to elicit ap- plause of men, but with humility, gratitude, and praise to the " Giver of every good and perfect gift," upon whom we depend for success and prosperity.
5. NUMBER OF PERSONS RECEIVED ON PROBATION AND BY LETTER .- The grand primary end and aim of all eccle- siastical organizations and concerted church labor is to bring men to a knowledge of their lost and ruined condition by nature, and to lead them to Christ, who alone is able and willing to save to the uttermost all who will come to him. Whatever else the Church may do for men individually or collectively, if it fails in this it fails to accomplish the great work and mission for which it was ordained and divinely commissioned. As a branch of the living vine in this section of the Lord's vineyard, the Wesley M. E. Church has not been altogether unfruitful during the past ten years of its history. In addition to the forty-two original members constituting the Society, there have been no less than one hundred and sixty-six persons admitted into full membership, after serving their allotted term of six
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCHI.
months' probation, the great majority of whom pro- fessed to have embraced Christ by a living faith, to the saving of their souls. Besides these there have been received into the Church, during the same period, two hundred and nineteen persons by letters from sister churches and other evangelical denominations, thus making an aggregate of four hundred and twenty-seven persons who have held church relationship with this So- ciety. In view of these facts, it is surely not too much to say, that the Church has not been standing idle, or that its ministers have "labored in vain or spent their strength for naught;" but rather have reason to thank God and take courage, and go forward in His name, depending upon his strength and blessing for future success.
6. SUNDAY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT .- Among other en- couraging indications of the times is one that can be readily recognized and gratefully appreciated by the Church, and it is, the decided improvement going forward in the Sunday school. Not only has it in- creased in number of scholars, but in the intellectual capacity, experience, and religious character of the teachers, with increased devotion and zeal in the work, and greater pleasure in attending to their duty.
The school was never in a better or more pros- perous condition than it is at the present time. Two excellent, well-attended Bible-classes have recently been established and conducted by experienced and well-qualified teachers. Bro. John R. Curran has charge of the young men's class, and Bro. Charles D. Wadsworth the young ladies'. Prof. Frank Beard has lately undertaken to give a series of instructions on
.
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the International Bible Lessons by " object teaching " with illustrations on the blackboard, which are not merely amusing and interesting, but are really in- structive and highly appreciated. In addition to this, Mr. Beard has organized a teacher's Bible class, which meets once a week, and promises to become very useful. A morning session of the school has lately been commenced, at the close of which the children and teachers repair to the Church for the pur- pose of hearing the preached word, and engaging in the devotional services of the sanctuary. And above all, there has recently been a gracious spiritual awakening among the young people, and an earnest desire expressed, to seek the pearl of great price,-the salvation of their souls. These favorable indications are fraught with encouragement and hope for the future.
7. YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHRISTIAN UNION .- Since the failure of the former "Union," more vigorous and judicious efforts have been put forth to organize on a broader and more religious basis an association among the young people of the Church and congregation. The Pastor, Rev. Frederick Brown, has taken a lively interest in the matter, and by his counsel, encour- agement, and advice such an association has at length been formed, and commenced operations under the most favorable auspices, and bids fair to become a useful, permanent institution. One important element of this new Society is, that it is composed of a larger number of young people of more settled habits, more thoughtful turn of mind, and who enjoy a clearer and more decided religious experience than what charac- terized the former "Literary Union." Besides this
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
general improvement in the character of its member- ship, there has been established in connection with the "Union" an "Aggressive Committee," whose business it is, to promote religious interest among the members, and advance the spiritual prosperity of the Church by diligently laboring to bring into the fold of Christ poor wanderers who are strangers to the covenant of promise, without God and without hope in the world. There is ample room and abundant harvest round about the neighborhood for the prayerful, devout, and persevering labors of the "Aggressive Com- mittee." The prayer of the Church is, that God may bless the Young People's Christian Union by pouring out his Holy Spirit upon them, and increasing their piety and zeal, and thus making them useful in their day and generation.
8. LADIES' UNION AID SOCIETY .- There are some people who object to such organizations, unless exclu- sively conducted on the Dorcas principle of feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. When a church is so favorably situated as to have no other work for Chris- tian women to do than this, then by all means let them do it ; and may God's blessing be upon them and their work of faith and labor of love. But as in the present case, when the Church is struggling with a heavy debt, and pressing calls are being constantly made upon its resources, and appliances in order to carry it successfully on, then the position of matters is changed. It now becomes right, proper, and a relig- ious duty for all the ladies of the Church and con- gregation to unite heart and hand, and come forward, and do all they can, by helping to lighten the burden.
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SUMMARY RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.
From a careful survey of an extensive field for obser- vation, we have come to the conclusion that the ladies, with rare exceptions, who have been most active and conspicuous for their zeal, courage, and persever- ance in sustaining such organizations, have also been the most distinguished for their humility, sincerity, purity, and depth of piety,-the most consistent in their daily Christian life and character. It is too ; late in the day, and a far too flimsy and transparent excuse, to plead exemption from the performance of this duty on the ground of religion. The Ladies' Union Aid Society of this Church, while in active operation, has done good service in helping the Trustees by rais- ing money, and it can do so again. This Society has lately been reorganized, with the Pastor's wife-Mrs. Frederick Brown-as President. The end and aim of the Society is to benefit the Church; and among the objects contemplated by its managers is the creation of a sinking fund for assisting to liquidate the debt. All the ladies of the Church, young and old or middle-aged, without respect of persons, should rally around the Union Aid Society, and encourage its managers in their laudable endeavors to accomplish this desirable end.
9. THE NUMBER OF DECEASED MEMBERS. - As it is the primary design of the gospel to lead sinners to the Savior, by urging them to repent and forsake their sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to the salva- tion of their souls, so it is the privilege and mission of the Church, under the gracious dispensation of the Spirit, and by His aid, to instruct believers in those things that belong to their peace, and encourage and guide them onward in their Christian career, prompt-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
ing them to perseverence in well-doing, and es- pecially to higher attainments in spiritual privileges and enjoyments, until they become new men in Christ Jesus, sanctified throughout, soul, body and spirit, and thus fitted and prepared to finish their course with joy, and enter into the rest that remaineth for the people of God. The Wesley M. E. Church has been signally blessed and honored in this respect by her Divine Head. No less than twenty-two of her sincere and devoted members have fought the good fight of faith, and finished their course, and entered into rest. The Society rejoices in the goodness and love of God so graciously vouchsafed to their departed friends and associates, who have gone from the church militant to the Church triumphant. In so far as they followed Christ, the brethren are encouraged to follow them, so that when they come to die, they may also be able to say, O Death, where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory ? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and then pass through death triumphant home.
10. IN CONCLUSION .- From the summary review of the difficulties encountered and the manner they have been surmounted, with the good that has been accomplished by the Society during the past ten years, we are forced to the conclusion that we have abundant reason to thank God and take courage. Cause for gratitude and encour- agement is not only suggested by reflection on the past, but by contemplating the present circumstances, state, and condition of the Church, when surveyed from a practical stand-point, in relation to the financial, so- cial, religious, and spiritual position it now occupies.
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The minister-the Rev. Frederick Brown-whom the Conference in its wisdom appointed to labor among us in word and doctrine, is peculiarly qualified for the work assigned him, devout, cheerful and diligent in the discharge of his duty as pastor and preacher,- one who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, and building up believers in their most holy faith, and who is highly honored and beloved by all the people. One of the results of the Pastor's faithful ministry and labor is the peace, unity, and love that prevail throughout the entire membership all being of one heart and one mind, striving together to increase in the knowledge and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and laboring for the prosperity of Zion.
The various auxiliary appliances and agencies of the Church are all properly organized, and in good work- ing order. The debt of the corporation, funded, float- ing, and current, is not augmenting, while the numer- ical strength of the Church is steadily increasing. The public services of the sanctuary on Sabbath and week- night meetings were never better attended than now, while there is a marked and growing improvement in the religious and spiritual feelings and aspirations of the people. The praise or singing department of pub- lic worship is conducted on the congregational prin- ciple ; all the people sing. Mr. Luckey, the conductor, with his judiciously selected and well-trained choir, usually during the morning and evening services dis- course some of the grandest compositions of the old masters; if not always executed with the most critical and artistic precision, yet with what is infinitely more acceptable, with the spirit and understanding, and with
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great satisfaction to the worshiping assembly. The church edifice, with its appointments, is all that could be desired ; light, airy, and well-ventilated in summer, and cosey, comfortable, and efficiently heated in winter. For acoustic qualities, it can not be surpassed by any church or public building in the country. The school, prayer, lecture, and class-rooms are neat, comfortable, and convenient, adapted to the purposes and uses to which they are applied. Such being the past history, present condition, and future prospect of Wesley M. E. Church, we cordially welcome, with Christian sympathy and love, all who may not yet have formed any church connection, and all who may be removing from other localities into this neighborhood, to come and cast in their lot with us. There is plenty of room, and abun- dance of work to do; the most zealous, diligent, and cheerful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord need not be idle. Come with us and we will do thee good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHRONOLOGICAL RECORD OF MEMBERS.
THE Chronological Record of members embraces the persons composing the Society at the time of its organ- ization, March 17, 1865, and all who have since been re- ceived into the Church by Probation and Letter :
ORIGINAL MEMBERS.
GILBERT E. CURRIE.
JANE G. CURRIE.
JOHN VAN NESS.
CHARLOTTE VAN NESS.
ANCEL TITUS.
MARIA TITUS.
MARIA THROPE.
THOMAS P. MOSES.
MARGARET MOSES.
WILLIAM G. DARBY,
CATHARINE DARBY.
HUGH MCCROSSAN. MARY MCCROSSAN.
ELIZABETH MELVILLE. SARAH CROWELL. W. H. M. SMITH.
MRS. W. H. M. SMITH. WILLIAM ROSS. JOHN M. JACOBS.
LOUISA M. JACOBS.
CHARLES M. TURNER.
HILAH TURNER. J. G. ABERLE. MATILDA ABERLE.' MARIA ABERLE. JAMES ROGERS. HARRIET ROGERS. WM. MCDONOUGH. HENRY CHASTY. HESTER CHASTY.
MRS. JOB JOHNSON. MRS. WOODS.
W. A. VALENTINE.
MRS. VALENTINE. MARY HART. MRS. JOHN S. FOLK.
JEREMIAH JOHNSON.
MRS. JER. JOHNSON. MRS. R. OLMSTED. MARY SHEPPERD.
CORNELIA WALRAVEN. MRS. PLUMSTED.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
PROBATIONERS RECEIVED INTO FULL MEMBERSHIP.
The following persons, having served out their probation, were received into full membership during the
Year Ending March 31, 1866.
Martha Johnson.
Jane Purdy.
Emma Densie.
Mary Kerhschiff.
Anna Crawford.
Austin B. Tyson.
Year Ending March 31, 1867.
David Beasley.
Susan Fountain.
Euphema Miller.
Jane Summerville.
Mary Owen.
Joseph Aspinall.
Charles Cline.
Frank Purdy.
Mrs. C. Cline.
Emma J. Pierce.
Charles Gillen.
George Wesley.
Year Ending March 31, 1868.
Jonathan Moore.
Mary A. Wardlow.
Nellie Moore.
Mrs. Lawrence.
Jonah Andrew.
Josephine King.
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