USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 3
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Immediately after the second quarterly conference was held the subject of building a new Church edifice was agitated, with considerable enthusiasm on the part of the pastor and by several of the brethren. By others the proposition was considered to be rather premature, as the Society was numerically feeble, while the num- ber of men possessed of the necessary financial means was comparatively small. Still the matter was pressed with such vigor and determination that no rest was given, until a special meeting was called to be held at the residence of Dr. Van Ness, Franklin Avenue, for the purpose of taking decided action on the subject. There was a full attendance, Bro. Hill in the chair. The object of the meeting being stated, it was moved and seconded that measures be taken to commence the
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
new building enterprise. Bros. Benson and Currie re- peated their objections on the ground of financial weak- ness of the Society. But it was urged that as this was the Centennial year of Methodism, and the general Centenary Committee had made arrangements for mak- ing advances toward Church extension, now was the time to avail themselves of the benefit of the proposed Church extension fund, by commencing operations dur- ing the Centennial year. The anticipated financial as- sistance from this source was estimated from $8,000 to $10,000, with an additional appropriation from the Conference Church Extension Fund from $2,000 to $3,000. With such assurances of anticipated help, and with the thorough conviction that this help would be forthcoming, Bros. Benson and Currie were prevailed upon to withdraw their objection ; which they finally did, thercupon it was resolved to commence the work in carnest ; by the appointment of a Building Com- mittee to carry the project into execution, consisting of Bros. Currie, Benson, Van Ness, Turner, and Titus.
In the course of ten or twelve days afterward, the Trustees prepared books and placed them in the hands of suitable persons for collecting subscriptions and do- nations for the building fund, accompanying the same with the following address and certificate of authority :
" SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS For Building a New Methodist Episcopal Church on Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
" Pursuant to a resolution passed at a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church, and subse- quently approved by the Stewards and Leaders that, in their opinion, the time had arrived when it became necessary to build a new and more commodious house of worship ; and that they hereby pledge
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REV. F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
themselves to contribute to the extent of their ability toward rais- ing funds for this object ; and further, that they individually and collectively shall use their best endeavors to secure the co-opera- tion of the members of the Church and congregation, and all others who may feel desirous of extending the borders of Zion and ad- vancing the cause and kingdom of our blessed Redeemer. In view of the peculiar circumstances of the occasion-the great Centen- nial year of American Methodism -- a period exceedingly appropri- ate and eminently auspicious for unusual manifestation of gratitude to Almighty God, by increased benevolence on the part of friends of the Church, the undersigned are encouraged to hope that the present appeal for aid in carrying forward this new Church exten- sion enterprise will be cheerfully responded to, in a spirit of Chris- tian liberality.
TRUSTEES.
GILBERT E. CURRIE, President of the Board.
JOHN VAN NESS.
HUGH MCCROSSAN.
JOHN M. JACOBS.
CHARLES M. TURNER.
ANSEL TITUS.
JAMES CATHCART.
JAMES ROGERS. ROBERT BENSON.
BROOKLYN, October 26, 1866.
" This Certifies that
is duly authorized to collect Subscriptions and Donations for the purpose of Building a New House of Worship for the Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church, upon the present site of the Tabernacle, corner of Tompkins and Willoughby Avenues, Brooklyn, N. Y. Subscribers are respectfully requested to make all bank checks and drafts for this object payable to the order of the Treasurer of the Building Fund. (Signed).
President Board of Trustees.
(Signed).
Treasurer of Building Fund
" We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to pay the respective sums set opposite our names for the purpose of erecting a building for the use of the M. E. Church, Tompkins Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y." BROOKLYN, October 26, 1866.
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
As soon as the preliminary measures were taken to proceed with the building enterprise, the Ladies' Aid Society, Sunday school children, and other friends of the cause, were furnished with books for receiving sub- scriptions and donations for the Building Fund. The Rev. Chas. E. Harris was requested and kindly con- sented to preach a Centenary sermon, at which time subscriptions were taken up for the enterprise, amount- ing to from five to six thousand dollars.
At the next quarterly conference held Oct. 15, 1866, the pastor reported that the new Church enterprise was favorably progressing, and that he had received twenty- three persons by letter, viz : John Granger, Elizabeth Granger, Jane Fisher, Mary A. Kershaw, Anna Maxton, Geo. W. Lush, Matilda Deacon, Ruth Deacon, Anna R. Granger, Eliza Johnson, A. P. Resseque, Mary Ann Resseque, Robert Benson, Catherine Benson, Abram L. Brower, Gertrude L. Brower, Benj. L. Baldwin, H. E. Baldwin, Maria Woodruff, and Saralı Coombes. A. P. Resseque and wife removed without letter. The Sab- bath School reported 190 scholars and 26 teachers, and the religious meetings were well attended, and some seeking religion at the altar.
During the Fall the Tabernacle was removed to the adjoining lot, and the foundation was excavated, pre- paratory for the new building.
Messrs. Mundell & Tectritz, of Brooklyn, the archi- tects of the Metropolitan M. E. Church at Washington, D. C., were applied to for plans and specifications, which they furnished and were afterward approved, by the Building Committee ; on January 9, 1867, contracts were entered into with Messrs. Henry A. Rogers, Build- er ; Edwin Peck, Mason, and John Stevenson & Son,
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REV F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
Plasterers, for the erection and completion of the Church. The architects were appointed to superintend the build- ing.
The fourth quarterly conference was held on January 14, 1867. The usual business being gone through, Bro. Van Ness reported $8,400 had been subscribed to the Building Fund, and promised that the names of the subscribers would be duly enrolled and deposited in the corner stone of the building. On motion, the Build- ing Committee were requested to send to the Chairman of the Centenary Committee on Church Extension a statement of the condition of the Church, with an ap- plication for aid toward the new enterprise.
The commencement of the new conference year, and the second of Mr. Hill's pastorate was signalized by the preparations for laying the corner stone of the new building. On Saturday, April 20, the following announcement was inserted in the Brooklyn Eagle and Union newspapers :
" LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF WESLEY M. E. CHURCH, ON TOMP- KINS AND WILLOUGHBY AVENUES, BROOKLYN, N. Y .-- Public religious services in connection with laying the corner stone of the new Wesley M. E. Church -- on the corner of Tompkins and Willoughby Avenues, Brooklyn, N. Y., will be held, D. V., on Thursday afternoon, April 25th, at half past two o'clock. Addresses will be delivered by the Rev. Francis C. Hill, Pastor ; Rev. J. M. Buckley, of Summerfield M. E. Church ; Rev. E. Andrews, D. D., of Sands Street ; Rev. J. W. Leek, of De Kalb Avenue ; Rev. Chas. E. Harris, of Norfolk Street M. E. Church, New York, and other eminent speakers. The corner stone will be laid, with the usual ceremonies, by the Rev. and Venerable Heman Bangs, Presiding Elder of the District. Strangers, and all friendly to Church extension enterprises, are cordially invited to be present."
Pursuant to the above notice, the ceremony came off
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
on the day appointed ; the weather being favorable, a large attendance of the members of the Church and congregation, with their friends, were present ; the clergymen named were prompt in making their ap- pearance, and eloquent addresses were delivered by the Rev. E. Andrews, D. D., Rev. J. M. Buckley, and the Rev. J. W. Leek. The venerable Presiding Elder laid the corner stone according to the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The usual testimonial documents were enclosed and sealed in a tin box- including the names of Trustees, Stewards, Leaders, Members of the Church, Sunday School Teachers and Superintendents, along with a list of the names of the contributors to the Building Fund, with a copy of the Bible, the Book of Discipline, Minutes of Conference, daily newspapers, and other papers, together with gold, silver, and copper coin, were all deposited in the stone previous to being laid. At the close of the services a collection was taken up. After the doxology the bless- ing was pronounced by the pastor, Rev. F. C. Hill. To the members of the Church and congregation it was a day long to be remembered, and many fervent prayers were offered up, imploring the divine blessing to rest upon the new enterprise.
On the evening of the same day, April 25, the first quarterly conference was held, the Presiding Elder, Heman Bangs, in the chair. A full attendance of the members was present. After the usual business was . transacted, Bro. T. C. Nostrand was appointed Steward.
The second quarterly conference was held on July 23d ; Presiding Elder in the chair. The usual discipli- nary questions being asked and answered ; verbal re- ports of the Committees on Missions, Sabbath School,
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REV. F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
Tracts, etc., were made and accepted ; on the nomina- tion of the pastor, Wm. Baldwin was appointed Stew- ard. The pastor reported the charge in a prosperous condition.
The third quarterly conference was held October 26, 1867, in the Tabernacle ; Rev. Heman Bangs in the chair. Present, Rev. F. C. Hill, Bros. Currie, McCros- san, Moses, Baldwin, Jacobs, Aspinall, Rogers, Ben- son, Nostrand, and Sheldon. A written report on the state of the School, the religious instruction of the children and the general condition of the charge, was presented and read by the pastor. The reports of Standing Committees on Missionary operations, Sab- bath School, Tracts, etc., were made and accepted. In answer to the question, Is there any other business ? Bro. Jacobs moved that a Committee of three be ap- pointed to make such arrangements as may be neces- sary to secure a preacher for the next year. The mo- tion was put and lost. About this time a feeling be- gan to manifest itself among a number of the brethren that a change of pastor was desirable, and the motion of Bro. Jacobs was the first public expression of this sentiment ; but the majority of the official brethren and members of the Church did not sympathize with it, and were decidedly opposed to any such change.
In order to secure more efficiency and harmony in the Board of Trustees, it was proposed and carried that it is deemed advisable at this juncture for the members to resign in a body, but to hold on until their successors be appointed. Accordingly a special election was ordered to be held on the 24th of Oc- tober, at the Tabernacle ; on the same being held at the time and place mentioned, it resulted in the elec-
2
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
tion of Bros. Gilbert E. Currie, Robert Benson, John M. Jacobs, William E. Sheldon, Job Johnson, Hugh McCrossan, John Granger, and James Rogers. At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Gilbert E. Currie was elected President ; Robert Benson, Treasurer, and John M. Jacobs, Secretary. It was further proposed and carried that the regular annual election of Trustees should be held on Monday evening, March 23, 1868, to fill the places of John Granger, James Rogers, and William E. Sheldon, whose term of office would then expire.
At the beginning of the new year 1868, the rupture between the pastor and the dissatisfied parties was getting broader and deeper, while the building was slowly but surely progressing toward completion. Just at this time great efforts had to be made in order to meet the payments as they fell due. Many of the par- ties who had subscribed failed to pay their subscrip- tions. It was indeed a trying season for the Building Committee. Everything looked black and foreboding. Meetings and consultations were frequently held, in order, if possible, to bring about a better and more harmonious state of feeling. Still the official breth- - ren who sympathized with the pastor stood by him during this conflict, while many of the members of the Church and congregation considered the efforts which were being made to prevent his return to the charge for the third year, were nothing short of an insult and wicked persecution.
The fourth quarterly conference was held at the Tabernacle, January 7, 1868 ; Presiding Elder, Rev. Heman Bangs in the chair. Present, F. C. Hill, pastor, Bros. Curric, Benson, Moses, Johnson, Munger,
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REV. F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
Sheldon, Jacobs, Titus, Bronson, Nostrand, and Aspinall. The names of Rev. J. W. Munger and W. H. M. Smith, Local Elders were called and char- acters passed. The following persons were nomina- ted and elected Stewards for the ensuing year : Bros. Moses, Titus, Lush, Bronson, Aspinall, Brower, and Beers ; Recording Steward, Bro. Moses ; District Stew. ard, Bro. Titus ; Estimating Committee, Bros. Moses, Sheldon, and Currie. Verbal reports from the pastor and Standing Committees were made and accepted. The answers to the questions, what has been raised for Benevolent purposes, Missions, Sabbath School, Tracts, Bible Society, Church extension, and the number of subscribers to our periodicals were answered, when the meeting adjourned to April 18th.
A few days after the quarterly conference was held, a somewhat different meeting convened at the par- sonage of the Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church, the pri- mary design being to do honor to the worthy pastor and his amiable wife on a very happy and interesting occasion. The following notice, which afterward ap- peared in the East Brooklyn Gazette, will explain its object :
" A silver wedding was celebrated the 20th January at the par- sonage of the Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church, the happy couple being the Rev. Francis C. Hill and his amiable wife, who had completed the twenty-fifth anniversary of their married life. Not- withstanding the inclemency of the weather the parsonage was crowded to overflowing with old and new friends, members of the pastor's former and present charges ; among whom were Prof. S. J. Vail, Messrs. W. H. Wilson, G. E. Currie, Robert Benson, William E. Sheldon, T. C. Nostrand, Brower and Titus. The ser- vices of the evening were commenced by the Rev. W. H. M. Smith reading a portion of the twenty-second chapter of St. Matthew, after which the Rev. J. W. Munger invoked the Divine blessing
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
upon the beloved pastor, his wife, and interesting family. W. H. Wilson, Esq., made the presentation address in a most earnest, feel- ing, and eloquent manner. He was present twenty-five years ago in the village of Hempstead, L. I., when Bro. Hill and his wife stood up a youthful pair, only in their teens ; the one seventeen and the other nineteen years of age. Rev. F. C. Hill responded, reviewing the dealings of Providence with him during his minis- terial career of twenty-five years ; during which he had " pulled up stakes " twenty-one times, and, if Dr. Franklin was correct, this might be esteemed a calamity equal to seven conflagrations without the benefit of any fire insurance indemnity. Notwithstand- ing the toils, troubles, trials, and inconveniences of the itinerancy · neither he nor his wife were yet weary of the good work in which they were engaged ; and they were not desirous of any release from the labor to which God had called them. Goodness and mercy had followed him all the days of his life, and he resolved his future years should be all devoted to God. Mr. Hill concluded by thanking his kind friends for their valuable silver gifts, receiving them as tokens of their continued love and friendship ; and trusted that the company there assembled might celebrate the marriage sup- per of the Lamb, where pastor and people shall sing the song of the Redeemed in a world without end. Rev. C. H. Everest, of the Puri- tan Church, said that he had not come there to make a speech, but to congratulate his friend, neighbor, and brother upon this happy occasion. He devoutly trusted that his brother, with his courageous enterprising people, would be spared in life and health to enter the beautiful temple they had erected and honored with the name of their illustrious founder, " Wesley M. E. Church." After these exercises, the guests were invited to partake of refresh- ments, which were bounteously provided by the ladies of the Church, which they enjoyed with peculiar zest and pleasantry. After some music was had, the company began to break up, and, before separating they mutually declared that it was the best and happiest evening they had spent in connection with Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church."
It will be seen from the above that in his mar- ried life and ministerial career as a Methodist itiner- ant preacher, there have been bright, as well as, dark
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REV. F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
spots, hours of sun-shine as well as shade to cheer Mr. Hill in his works of faith and labor of love ; so that he could say in the midst of all, " Goodness and mercy had followed him all the days of his life," and therefore "he was resolved that his future years, be they many or few, should all be devoted to God."
From this time to the close of the conference year, the disaffected members continued their opposition, and resorted to every means to harrass and annoy Mr. Hill, until at length they actually succeeded in extorting a promise from him, that he would volun- tarily retire from the charge. The friends of the pastor believed that such a step would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Church, as well as unjust to himself and those who had stood by him, they therefore counseled him to reconsider the matter, and leave his case in the hands of God and the Conference. The Presiding Elder, entirely concurred in the advice given by the brethren ; and in fact he considered the course adopted by the disaffected party was nothing less than incipient rebellion against the constituted authority of the Church. Mr. Hill was finally prevailed upon to leave the matter there and patiently wait the result. It is with no ordinary degree of humility and shame that we are compelled to recall these unpleasant and unfortunate events ; but as they are intimately connected with the history of the Society, and serve to explain other transactions which after- ward took place, they cannot well be passed over in silence. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, the con- ference year closed with a considerable increase to the Society and Sabbath School. Members on the roll numbered 116 ; probationers, 15 ; making a total of
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
131 ; scholars, 182 ; teachers, 30 ; making a total of 212. Volumes in the Library 339.
At a special meeting of the Joint-Board which was held on March 20,1868, the following preamble and resolutions were offered by Bro. Currie :
Whereas, The Joint-Board of Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church, Trustees, Leaders, Stewards and Local Preachers of said Church, deeming the present a suitable opportunity for re-affirming its previous action in relation to extending an invitation to the Rev. Francis C. Hill, to continue his pastoral relation with said Church and congregation during the ensuing conference year ; and
Whereas, Believing the period has arrived when it is proper, that a re-affirmation of the aforesaid action should be made, in order to place the question beyond further dispute, and in so doing the Board would re- spectfully state the reasons, which have induced it to desire the return of the pastor for the next conference year.
First. Because it was during the pastoral charge of the present incumbent that the new building enter- prise was organized and which has thus far been car- ried forward under his counsel, and advice to so near and satisfactory a completion
Secondly. That it is under God, to the labors and services of the pastor, the Society is indebted for much of the success and prosperity which it enjoys, finan- cially and spiritually, and
Thirdly. By securing his return for another year, the Board is convinced that it will prove the surest means for establishing peace and harmony, and pro-
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REV. F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
moting the present and future wellbeing of the Society. For these and other reasons be it therefore
Resolved, That the pastor, Rev. Francis C. Hill, be and is hereby cordially invited to continue his official relation with the Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church, for the next conference year
Resolved, That the Rev. Heman Bangs, Presiding Elder of the District, be solicited to use his influence to secure the re-appointment of the Rev. Francis C. Hill to his present charge, for the next conference year, and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Board be in- structed to furnish the Presiding Elder of the District, with a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions.
After some discussion was had on the subject, the preamble and resolutions, on motion were adopted. Affirmative, Bros. Benson, Currie, Granger, Nostrand, Moses, Lush, Bronson, Aspinall, Brower, Beers and Munger ; Negative, Bros. Johnson, Sheldon, Jacobs, McCrossan, Rogers and Smith.
Pursuant to notice the annual election for three Trustees to fill the places of John Granger, James Rogers and Wm. E. Sheldon, whose term of office would then expire, was held in the Tabernacle, on Monday evening, March 23, 1868, between the hours of eight and nine o'clock, and for the first time in the history of the Church, females were requested to vote. This new movement was urged exclusively by the dis- affected party. Upon the meeting being called to order, on motion two Inspectors were elected, Bros. Abram L. Brower and C. T. Bronson. One hundred and eighteen persons cast their votes, and at the close of the poll, Bro. Thos. P. Moses, John Granger
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
and George W. Lush had received seventy votes each. Sheldon, Rogers, and Van Ness respectively received forty-six, forty-seven, and forty-eight, 118 votes being polled. Bros. Thos. P. Moses, John Granger, and Geo. W. Lush were therefore declared duly elected.
The result of this election proved unsatisfactory to the defeated party, and forthwith caucuses were con- vened at several of their houses, when at length it was resolved that an effort should be made to upset the election, and apply for an injunction against the per- sons elected, and demand a new election. No sooner was this suggested than action was taken, lawyers consulted, and in due course an injunction was ob- tained. Notice was served upon the President of the Board to show cause why the injunction should not take effect. Upon consideration the President recom- mended that the law take its course, and advised the enjoined members to refrain from entering upon their duties and abide future events, as he believed the re- sult of another election would show still more plainly who were in the right, and Bros. Moses, Granger, and. Lush acted accordingly.
While the law matter was pending, the same parties were moving in every direction to secure another preacher, and, in the meantime, to have the pulpit temporarily supplied. Application was made to the Presiding Elder, but no encouragement was given them. Mr. Sheldon, however, secured the services of Rev. George A. Graves to fill the pulpit for one day.
Conference was now in session, and the friends of Mr. Hill were not idle. The President of the Board, in company with Bros. Moses, Nostrand, Titus, and Bron- son, waited upon Bishop Janes at the residence of
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REV. F. C. HILL, PASTOR.
Harold Dolliner, Esq., Clinton Avenue ; he was pleased to receive them. The Rev. Heman Bangs, the Presi- ding Elder, was present with the Bishop at this inter- view. After a fair and full representation of the case had been made, and sundry questions put and satis- factorily answered, the Bishop thanked the deputa- tion for their visit, and promised to give the matter his most serious consideration, the result of which would be communicated to them by Elder Bangs. The deputation retired with the pleasing impression as far as they could form one, that Francis C. Hill would again be returned to them as the pastor of Tompkins Avenue M. E. Church. ' The complainants also had an interview with the Bishop. The success of their mission may be judged from the result : Mr. Hill was returned to the charge, and Elder Bangs appeared in the pulpit the following Sabbath, and preached for him ; and at the close of the sermon, he introduced him, in a few appropriate remarks, again to the Church and congregation.
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