USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > History of the Wesley M.E. Church of Brooklyn, L.I. > Part 6
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
SIXTH ANNUAL EXCURSION .- This interesting event came off later in the season than the year before. The following is a copy of the invitation card or ticket :
"Sixth Annual Excursion of the Wesley M. E. Sab- bath School will take place at Pleasant Valley, on Tuesday, August 2, 1870. The steamboat Fort Lee will leave Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn, at 8 o'clock A. M. Tickets, 50 cents ; children, 25 cents."
From the report of the day's proceedings, we are pleased to state, that scholars, teachers, friends, pastor, and all had really a good time at Pleasant Valley.
THE PASTOR'S SUMMER VACATION .- According to previ- ous arrangement entered into between Mr. Barnhart and Bro. Benson, that they should both spend some time on an excursion together this summer, leave of absence for several weeks was granted to the pastor. Accord- ingly Mr. Benson and the pastor set out on their trip to the north, August 8th, and proceeded direct to Boston, where they spent only a few hours, and then took railroad to Portland, Me., from thence they took the steamer to St. John's, New Brunswick, where they met, by appointment, Mr. Pitman, husband of one of the members of Wesley M. E. Church, and son-in- law of the late Rev. Wm. Hawley, of New York. Mr. Barnhart and his companion spent the Sunday at St. John's where he was invited to officiate for the min- ister, morning and evening, which he did in the base- ment, the church being then under repairs, He also visited the Sunday School, and addressed the children. From St. John's our travelers proceeded to Quebec- that famous old historical city-and spent some time visiting places of interest in and around the neighbor- hood,-Mount Morencey Falls, the Plains of Abraham,
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the battle-ground, and the old houses of Parliament. From Quebec they took the steamer and sailed up the St. Lawrence to Montreal, where they remained a few days, and spending the Sabbath, and visiting some of the most interesting places around the commercial metropolis of Canada. On leaving Montreal they crossed the St. Lawrence, above the Victoria bridge, and took the railroad direct for Saratoga Springs, when that fashionable summer retreat was in the height of the season. Here they enjoyed themselves exceedingly for several days ; but Mr. Benson feeling by this time somewhat anxious to return home, never before having been so long absent from his family and fireside dur- ing the whole period of his married life, the tourists proceeded to Albany, and from thence by the Hudson River Railroad direct, without changing cars, or stop- ping at any place on the road, they landed at New York safely, after a most pleasant and agreeable journey of three weeks' duration, both feeling much refreshed in body and invigorated in mind. Mr. Barn- hart subsequently gave an interesting sketch of the tour to the Sabbath School.
At the regular monthly meeting of Trustees, held September 12, Miss R. Thorpe was appointed organist at a salary of $75 per annum, and Bro. W. Aspinall $50 per annum as chorister.
THE LADIES' AUXILIARY SOCIETY .- At a meeting held December 14, 1870, in the Wesley M. E. Church, for the purpose of organizing a society to assist the finan- cial operations of the church ; the pastor in the Chair, Bro. Potts was appointed Secretary. Bro. Benson be- ing called upon, stated the object of the meeting, which he said, was for the purpose of organizing a society to
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
assist the Trustees in raising money in behalf of the church. On motion, it was resolved there and then to organize a society, to be called "The Ladies' Auxiliary Society of the Wesley M. E. Church." The Chairman read the Constitution and By-Laws, which, upon motion, were put to the vote and unanimously adopted. The following officers and Managers were duly elected for the ensuing year, viz. :
MRS. CAPT. SCANDELLA President.
MRS. T. P. MOSES. Secretary.
MRS. GEO. W. LUSH. Treasurer.
MANAGERS.
MRS. J. W. BARNHART.
MRS. W. H. POTTS.
MRS. J. CHAMPLIN.
MISS MARY STANTON.
MISS A. CATHCART.
MISS S. MANN.
The meetings of the society were to be held once a week ; the funds to be raised by initiation fees, weekly contributions, donations, tea meetings, strawberry festivals, and fairs. The financial result of the Society's operations will be given, when we come to refer to the Treasurer's report.
Christmas day, December 25th, there was no special service held in the church ; the children of the Sabbath School, with their teachers, assembled as usual in the afternoon to receive their cakes, candies, and fruit. The "watch-night" service, on New Year's eve, was thinly attended ; but a gracious influence pervaded the meeting, and the addresses which were made, were listened to with marked attention. The prayers and experiences of the members who took part in the ex- ercises were lively and to the point, suitable to the oc- casion. The few minutes spent in silent prayer before
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the clock struck twelve-the funeral knell of the de- parted year-were truly solemn indeed. The congre- gation rising from their knees were greeted by the pastor, wishing them all a happy New Year ; the old favorite hymn was then sung :
" Come let us anew, our journey pursue, Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear," etc.
After singing, the benediction was pronounced, and the people congratulating each other upon the return of another new year, and wishing one another the com- pliments of the season, repaired to their homes. On New Year's day Mr. Barnhart and Bro. Brower did their duty gallantly by making numerous calls, and few if any had reason to complain that they were either neglected or forgotten by the minister. Nothing of special note occurred from this time up to the end of March. Twenty-four members had been received dur- ing the year by letter, and twenty-six by probation. The Conference year closed with 150 members ; pro- bationers, 53 ; total, 203 ; officers, teachers, and schol- ars, 285 ; number volumes in the library, 460.
The annual election of Trustees, to fill the places of G. W. Lush, C. T. Bronson, and T, P. Moses, was held Monday evening, March 13, 1871, and resulted in the election of Henry Tippens, David W. McLean, and A. H. Saxton. The annual meeting of the Board was held March 31, when G. E. Currie was elected President ; W. H. Potts, Secretary ; and Robert Benson, Treasurer for the ensuing year. On motion, it was resolved to discontinue renting the pews on and after the 1st of May next. At the following meeting held May 15th, it was resolved to discontinue the services of the chor-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
ister, and a Committee appointed to engage Mr. Luckey on the best possible terms, for one year from date. At the next meeting of the Board held June 15th, there was no business of any account transacted. In the meantime the chorister, learning there was dissatisfac- tion expressed by some of the Trustees at the previous meeting, sent the following notice of his resignation :
" May 17, 1871.
" To the President of the Board of Trustees.
" Dear Sir :- I do most respectfully tender my resig- nation as the chorister of the Wesley M. E. Church.
" Yours respectfully, " WILLIAM ASPINALL."
Which, on motion, was duly accepted.
This year, as on former occasions, the Sabbath School turned out in full force, and paraded in line with those in the district, on the anniversary of the Brooklyn Sun- day School Union. None enjoyed with greater zest and gratification the return of the Brooklyn Sunday School Jubilee than father Ancel Titus, the venera- ble teacher, now having entered his fourscore years ; it was a pleasure and privilege to witness him on the parade-ground, posting from one point in the line of the procession to another, keeping his boys in order with all the promptitude and regularity of a regimental drill-sergeant. He did not don the old Continental uniform on"Evacuation Day" or the "Fourth of July," on turning out with the Veterans of 1812, with greater pride or more patriotic zeal, than when he went to his wardrobe and decked himself in his Sunday attire, to walk in procession with the children. Father Titus loved the children, and his paternal regard and affec- tion were reciprocated by them.
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REV. J. W. BARNHART, PASTOR.
The next regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees was held July 24th. The Committee on chor- ister reported that they had seen Mr. Luckey, and en- gaged his services for $225 per annum, and Miss R. Thorpe, as organist, at $75 per annum ; the report was accepted, and the Committee discharged. On motion, it was resolved that " a Committee be appointed, con- sisting of the pastor, Bros. McLean, and Benson, to get the sidewalk flagged on the south side of the church, at the cost of $180 ; it was also resolved to take up a collection in the church to pay for the flagging.
The Sabbath School had the seventh annual excursion as usual ; the following card will show when it took place, the mode of conveyance, and the point of des- tination :
" SEVENTH ANNUAL EXCURSION AND PICNIC OF TOMPKINS AVENUE
WESLEY M. E. CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
WILL TAKE PLACE TUESDAY, JULY 11, 1871, TO GLENWOOD GROVE, BY THE BEAUTIFUL AND COMMODIOUS STEAMER FORT LEE, FROM DOCK NEAR FULTON FERRY AT 8.30 A. M. CHILDRENS' TICKETS, 25 CENTS. AN ENJOYABLE TIME ANTICIPATED."
The anticipations of the Committee of Management were fully realized on this interesting and joyous occa- sion.
THE PASTOR AS A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER .- Pastoral Sunday School visitation has always been esteemed a benefit and blessing by intelligent officers and teachers, knowing that it forms an important part of the duty of the minister, as imposed by the obligation of his call
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
and ordination to preach, and enjoined by the discipline of the church. As such, therefore, it is what the teach- ers and scholars have reason to expect from every pas- tor who is properly alive to the interest, progress, and development of the school. And it is gratifying to record, that Methodist preachers, as a general rule, in this respect, have been faithful in discharging their obligation.
While such is the fact, it should likewise be re- membered that this department of the pastor's work is not the same in kind or degree with that of the regu- larly appointed teacher, and ought not to be confounded with it; it was never intended or designed that it should be. Overlooking the difference that exists be- tween the two, both teachers and pastors have fre- quently committed serious blunders in this matter. The practice in various quarters has obtained, that when a pastor enters upon his new charge, and as soon as the first monthly meeting of the teachers is held, that a motion is made, and unanimously adopted, electing him a teacher; and this is sometimes done without his knowledge or consent. His name is en- tered upon the roll, and as often as the school con- venes, the Secretary calls it out, whether he is present or absent; and this is continued Sabbath after Sab- bath, until the term of his pastorate expires.
The pastor is not entirely responsible for the anoma- lous position he is thus made to occupy. When elected as teacher, no special work has been assigned him ; he has no class to take charge of, no regular duty to perform ; nor is it practical for him to undertake any, the principal portion of his time and attention on Sun- day being taken up and devoted to other duties. In
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fact, he may have taken the opportunity of informing the teachers how he is situated, and what may be ex- pected of him under the circumstances. In compliance with the urgent solicitation of the Superintendent, how- ever, he promises, as often as opportunity presents it- self, "he will pop in and see how they are getting along." The pastor is as good as his word, and he frequently "pops in and out" whenever he has a chance of doing so, sometimes at one hour, and sometimes at an- other, no one knowing whence he cometh, and whither he goeth. When such visits are made, having nothing particular to do, he passes round among his friends, and makes himself agreeable by talking with one and shaking hands with another, until the period arrives when the school is to be addressed on the subject of the lesson, or on some other topic ; then the Superin- tendent calls upon the pastor to speak to the children, when he is forced to respond on the spur of the moment, whether he is prepared or not.
These irregular "pop-in-and-out " visits seldom are productive of much real good, while they not unfre- quently tend to interfere and prevent the adoption of any settled plan, or systematic method of conducting the closing services of the school ; and neither do they come under the disciplinary rule regarding pastoral visitation, supervision, and catechetical instruction of the children. Nor is this all ; for sometimes the pastor, at the solicitation of officious teachers, is dragged into the monthly meetings, and urged to take sides with some party or another, and engage in discussions upon matters relating to the affairs and management of the school. When this takes place, then farewell to har- mony and union among the teachers ; for this is seldom
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
resorted to, unless some ulterior object is to be gained by the movement. There has been more disruption and divisions among Sunday School organizations by the unnecessary and injudicious interference and tink- ering of indiscreet pastors, than from any other cause. Let us by all means have pastoral visitation, supervis- ion, and systematic catechetical instructions by our ministers ; but let them be conducted upon some regu- lar plan, in an official form and character, and con- ducted with a seriousness of purpose, and a dignity of deportment. When such pastoral visits are about to take place, let the teachers and scholars be informed of the same, and invited to bring their parents, guardi- ans, and friends, so that they may be benefited by the instructions imparted ; more permanent good will be accomplished in this way, than by any attempt to im- pose upon pastors the routine duty of ordinary teachers.
The foregoing remarks are not designed to apply to any new charge or infant society just budding into ex- istence, where the preacher is sometimes called upon to perform all the official functions of the church from the pastoral office down to that of chorister or sexton ; but to such only as are well established, and where the official machinery is already in good working order.
CHAPTER VI.
THE ERECTION OF THE CHAPEL OR SCHOOL-HOUSE.
FROM the day the church was dedicated to the service and worship of God, the Sabbath School had no other place of holding its sessions, than in the gal- lery, and afterward in the body of the audience-room. And glad enough the officers and teachers were for a time at having so large and commodious a place of meeting in. Large, airy, comfortable, and commodious as the church was, it was not long, however, before it was discovered that fresh air, plenty of space, and cush- ioned pews were not the only prerequisites necessary for conveniently and orderly conducting the Sunday School exercises. The size of the school and its general appearance was somewhat diminished in the eyes of visitors and friends, when surveyed in so large and extended a place, and this proved a source of re- gret and discouragement to some of the teachers. The difficulty experienced in arranging the classes in compact and convenient order, having no separate and suitable rooms for convening the Infant and Bible classes, but all having to assemble together, and within the hearing of each other's voices, caused disorder and confusion. The fixture of the seats was another con- siderable drawback, and teachers found it difficult to arrange their scholars in such a position or manner as to secure during the lesson, a proper inspection and supervision of their classes. The superintendent, teach- ers, or visitors who were invited to address the school
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
from the desk, found it no easy matter, in so large a room, to rivet the attention of the scholars. In a word, it began to be felt, and freely acknowledged, that the church after all, was not a suitable place, for conven- ing the Sunday School, and the erection of a new school- house had become an absolute necessity. For some months the subject of building a new school-house was the theme of conversation, and frequently engaged the attention of the brethren in their official deliberations.
At length some faint degree of light began to dawn upon the project ; doubts and fears were soon to be dispelled. A rustling in the tops of the trees was heard ; a movement was going on ; expectation was on tiptoe ; something would be done ; doing was to take place of talking ; suspense to certainty ; and doubt and indecision to resolution and courage ; the time for action had now arrived.
On the evening of the 4th day of September, 1871, a regular monthly meeting of the Joint-Board was held at the parsonage, the pastor, Bro. Barnhart, in the Chair ; there was a pretty full attendance of the mem- bers ; the meeting was opened with prayer by Bro. Benson. Immediately after the regular leaders and stewards business was finished, the Chairman an- nounced that Father Ancel Titus had a proposition to make, which he hoped would receive their earnest con- sideration. Bro. Titus, on rising, said he had no speech to make, he left that for others better qualified ; but simply to offer a proposal to the brethren, and it was this, that if they would undertake to build a school- house, he would furnish the stones for the foundation, and lumber for the frame and side-boarding. On re- suming his seat, Bro. Benson rose and said, that no
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person present desired more earnestly to see a new school-house built than himself, and if Bro. Titus's pro- posal was accepted by the meeting, he would supple- ment it, by promising to pay for the work of building the foundation ; and asked that his proposition should be considered in connection with Bro. Titus's proposal. It need hardly be added, that the united proposition of Bro. Titus and Benson was heartily accepted. On motion, it was resolved that a school house should be erected and that the pastor, Bro. Titus, and Benson be appointed a Committee to procure estimates, plans, and specifications and report at the earliest possible convenience.
A special meeting of the Joint Board was held in the class-room, on the evening of October the 9th, the pas- tor in the Chair. The meeting was opened with prayer. The Committee on estimates, plans, and specifications on school-house reported what had been done. The report was received and adopted. On motion, it was resolved that the pastor, Bro. Titus, and Benson be, and are hereby appointed a Committee on Building, with necessary power to go on with the work, and pros- ecute the same to completion. The Committee was authorized, to solicit and receive subscriptions and donations from members of the church and congre- tion, and other friends of the cause, toward the build- ing enterprise. The Ladies' Auxiliary Society, and the children of the Sabbath School, engaged earnestly in the work of collecting money for the building fund. In addition to these efforts, the young ladies of the congregation commenced preparations for a fair and festival, to be held as soon as the new building was ready for the purpose ; so that it might be said with
-
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HISTORY WESLEY M. E. CHURCH.
propriety, that all the appliances of the church were called into active requisition, for the attainment of this desirable end. Every one vied with another in zeal and activity, and perfect harmony prevailed ; all being resolved, they would do their best, in order that the new building should be erected, furnished, and com- pleted free of debt.
The Building Committee lost no time in giving out the contracts. Mr. Doris received the contract for the mason work, J. H. Quackenbush and Alexander McKnight for carpenter-work, and John E. Luckey for plumbing and gas fixtures, so that the building was commenced in right earnest, and before the winter had fairly set in, it was ready for inclosing. The pastor, as Chairman of the Committee, the principal part of its labor devolved upon him. Mr. Barnhart entered upon the work with enthusiasm and zeal, and displayed much tact and skill in managing the minutest detail of the business, selecting and buying materials, supervis- ing the construction of the building, and holding the workmen up to the spirit and letter of their contracts, which was so astonishing, as to make some of his friends think that he had mistaken his calling, on account of his talent and superior qualifications for commercial pursuits. They believed that, with the same amount of energy, perseverance, and shrewdness, devoted to business, he could not possibly have failed to acquire, in process of time, a handsome fortune, as a successful merchant. However much Mr. Barnhart may have been flattered by his friends' estimate of his business qualifications, he certainly relieved, by his tact and activity, much of the care and anxiety which would otherwise have fallen to the lot of his two asso-
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ciates, Bros. Titus and Benson. He further, greatly encouraged the congregation to liberality in their con- tributions, by repeated assurances from the pulpit and elsewhere, that he was determined, the school-house should be erected and finished, without adding a dollar to the present indebtedness of the church.
During the month of October twelve individuals were received into full membership, having served out their six months probation, and were recommended by their leaders, and passed the Leaders' and Stewards' meet- ing. At the third quarterly Conference, the Presiding Elder, the Rev. J. B. Marwin, in the Chair, after the usual quarterly routine business was finished, it was suggested, that it was time to look out for a pastor for the ensuing Conference year. On motion, it was re- solved that Bros. Nostrand and Benson be appointed a Committee for that purpose.
The Presiding Elder suggested to the Conference, the propriety of preparing at the earliest convenience the history of the Society from date of its organization ; and spoke of the advantages arising from having such a record to fall back on, in after years ; and thought the sooner the work was commenced the better. The Elder further remarked, that he regretted to witness, the lukewarmness and indifference that existed on the part of official brethren, and the church generally, re- garding a subject of so much interest and importance as the preparation and preservation of historical remi- niscences and other memoranda, relating to the rise and progress of church organizations. And he knew of no other branch of the evangelical church, that was so derelict in its duty, in this respect, as the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was time the people were stirred
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up to a clearer apprehension and better appreciation of their duty and privilege in this direction. On mo- tion, it was resolved, that the President of the Board of Trustees be appointed to prepare a history of Wesley M. E. Church at the earliest possible opportunity. The courage and energy displayed by the brethren in push- ing forward the erection of the school-house afforded the Presiding Elder much gratification, especially as the new building would not only afford better accom- modation for the school, but supply additional facilities for holding class and prayer meetings.
The progress and completion of the chapel engaged the principal attention of the pastor and official breth- ren during the remainder of the year. The children of the Sabbath School were supplied with their Christ- mas cakes, confectionery, and fruit as usual. The watch-night services were held on New Year's eve ; but more thinly attended, and with less degree of unction or interest than on former occasions.
INVITING A PASTOR FOR THE ENSUING YEAR .- Early in January, 1872, a special meeting of the Joint-Board was held for the purpose of hearing the report of the Committee, appointed in relation to inviting a preacher for the ensuing Conference year. The Rev. J. W. Barn- hart in the Chair, the meeting was opened with prayer by the pastor. There was an unusual good attendance of the members on this evening; among the few absentees was Bro. Potts. The Committee reported that, in discharging the duty assigned them, after look- ing carefully around among the available ministers, and talking with several on the subject, they had come to the conclusion of recommending the name of the Rev. C. B. Ford, pastor of the Eighteenth Street M. E.
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