USA > Ohio > Butler County > Middletown > A history of the life and work of the First Presbyterian Church of Middletown, Ohio (Dayton Presbytery) from its foundation in 1819 to 1919 > Part 4
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Very truly yours,
W. H. JOHNSON.
On October 21, 1905, the name of P. P. LaTourrette ap- pears for the last time signed to the minutes as Clerk of the Session. He had held this position and had missed very few meetings since March 31, 1872, a period of 34 years. His name, however, was signed to the church narrative of April, 1906. Some of the members who passed away this year were Mrs. Elizabeth Lefferson, Mrs. Elizabeth Shafor and Mrs. Mary G. Foote.
During the year ending March 31, 1906, the Oakland Church was dissolved and its 30 members absorbed into the membership of the First Church. The Sunday School at the Oakland Church was continued, however, under the direc- tion of the First Church. The session appointed Mr. Frank Otter, Superintendent, and William McLean, Assistant Su- perintendent, and they, with the assistance of faithful teach- ers, did a splendid work.
In the minutes of the Congregational Meeting held April 2, 1906, are the following statements :
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The Oakland Presbyterian Church.
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The Oakland Presbyterian Church Manse.
"The Woman's Society of the Church cannot be too highly praised for its work done this period. The Woman's Missionary Society must be equally praised for its faithful work.
The Forward Movement pledged itself to give $300.00 to Rev. D. J. Flemming, of Lahore, India.
The Christian Endeavor Societies, Senior and Junior, are steadily moving forward.
The Sunday School under the efficient leadership of Mr. W. K. Rhonemus has gone steadily on, the average attend- ance being higher and more faithfully sustained than in years.
There were 62 additions to the church this year, the mem- bership now being 447, and the spiritual condition of the church is very encouraging."
Among the members who passed away this year was Mr. John Ross, for many years the faithful and devoted sexton of the church.
Peace and the utmost harmony prevailed and the suc- cess of the future seemed limited only by our faith. This was the best year financially for a long time. December 19, 1906, at a congregational meeting J. L. Blair, Murray Schenck, Frank J. Otter, R. C. Vanderveer, William McLean and A. T. Wilson were elected elders, and O. F. Kendle and Carl F. Williamson were elected deacons.
For the year closing April 1, 1907, the narrative says, "The loss by death has been a sad one, as many old and val- ued members were taken. The three faithful elders, John Blair, James K. Thomas and P. P. LaTourrette are sorely missed, as are also William Caldwell, our faithful Treas- urer, and Dr. J. L. Thornton, the Bible teacher, and Dr. C. S. Barnitz, the oldest deacon." Theodore Marston, another old elder, died the following year. These old and faithful friends so long associated in the work of this church, who loved it and were devoted to its interests above all other earthly things, in death were not long separated. "They have en- tered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God. This familiar hymn which they have so often helped to sing expresses their feeling for the church :
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'I love Thy kingdom, Lord, The house of Thine abode ; The church our blest Redeemer saved With His own precious blood.
I love Thy church, O God, Her walls before Thee stand
Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand.
Beyond my highest joys, I prize her heavenly ways ; Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love and praise'."
Others who passed away this year were William Ling, Mrs. Lucy Hinkle, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Maria Margerum, Mrs. Rhoda Lucas and William McClellan.
On January 24, 1907, the Presbyterian Brotherhood was organized with R. C. Phillips, President ; R. C. Vanderveer, Vice President; G. H. Stahl, Secretary, and E. L. McCallay, Treasurer. This organization was doing great good with a Senior membership of 50 and a Junior membership of 35. Because of its efforts the spiritual condition of the church was greatly improved.
At this time the Home Department of the Sunday School reported 121 members. Lack of funds, however, hindered the work. No one can estimate the value of the work done by this department under the supervision of Mrs. A. T. Wil- son. It was largely a personal work. Mrs. Wilson was President of the King's Daughters. She also taught a La- dies' Bible Class in the Sabbath School for many years, and only gave it up when failing health compelled her to do so.
On January 23, 1907, Mr. W. K. Rhonemus was elected clerk of the Session for one year. On October 23, of the same year, he was elected permanent clerk.
During this year Elder Theodore Marston passed to his reward.
Mr. Otter being about to move away, resigned as Super- intendent of the Oakland Sabbath School. Mr. R. C. Van-
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derveer was appointed in his place and G. N. Clapp was chosen Assistant Superintendent.
April 1, 1908, we find that, counting the 30 from the Oakland Church, there had been added to the church since September 21, 1900, when Mr. Shields came, 280 members. No communion had passed without additions.
The spiritual prospects were brighter than ever before. The Sabbath School and Brotherhood were well organized and doing good and efficient work. The membership of the Senior Brotherhood had increased from 54 to 117 members, and the whole church and Sabbath School felt the quicken- ing power of the Brotherhood and all was harmonious and hopeful. The membership of the Junior Brotherhood was about 50, and the boys were very enthusiastic and looking forward to a better home. From 20 to 25 of them were in the Sabbath School. The interest in the Young People's So- ciety and The Workers' Mission Band was greatly increased and they were doing fine work. Much of this interest was attributed to the Brotherhood.
The Forward Movement Committee sent $209.00 this year to our own Foreign Missionary.
All the societies of the church shared in the progress made and the prospects for the new year were such that we were led to believe it was to be one of the best in the history of the church.
This year many more of our faithful members were called home, among them Mrs. Alexander Blackie, Mrs. J. B. Hart- ley, Mrs. Sarah Gruver, Mrs. Rolla Crawford, Mr. George Jacoby, Mrs. James Blair, Sr., Mrs. Sarah Smoyer and Mrs. M. E. Stonebreaker.
The year ending April 6, 1909, was also one of great ad- vancement along all lines of Christian work and contribu- tions had materially increased.
The Senior Brotherhood numbered 127 members, and they were striving for 200. It had pledged $15,625.50 for the Brotherhood Home, which if attained would make our church the most powerful institution for good in our city. The Brotherhood Bible Class was well attended. The Junior Brotherhood gave that year $100.00 toward the $1,000 they had pledged toward the Home. The Sunday School had an
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average attendance of 207 and the services of the church were well attended.
It was during this year that the Duplex Envelope System of support to the church was introduced.
The Forward Movement this year sent $163.50 to our Foreign Missionary, Rev. D. J. Flemming, of Lahore, India, in addition to the other missionary giving.
On March 9, 1910, the congregation met at the call of the pastor and session to consider the resignation of our pastor. By his request a motion was made that we accept his resig- nation and join with him in his request to Presbytery that the pastoral relation between him and this church be dis- solved. This motion was carried.
A resolution of regret was then unanimously adopted, a copy of which was ordered given to Mr. Shields.
Mr. Shields was a very sympathetic, faithful pastor, and very much interested in the work of the young people, and consequently very popular among them and their attend- ance at church services was good.
In the narrative for the year ending April 6, 1910, it was reported that the Boards of the Church were working in perfect harmony and that the church was in good condition both financially and spiritually, that all the societies and departments were active and doing good work and the church was prosperous.
After Mr. Shields left us Rev. Henry J. Becker, of Day- ton, Ohio, acted very acceptably as supply for the church.
On July 24, 1910, a congregational meeting was held, the purpose of which was to call a pastor. A call was ten- dered Rev. David Garrett Smith, of the Emanuel Presby- terian Church, Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Smith accepted the call and on November 1, 1910, the installation took place. Rev. M. E. Wilson delivered the installation prayer, Rev. Daniel Myers, of Dayton, Ohio, acted as Moderator, Rev. John Grant Newman, of Oxford, Ohio, preached the sermon, Rev. Charles Frederick Goss, D. D., of Cincinnati, Ohio, charged Mr. Smith, and Rev. Henry J. Becker, of Dayton, charged the people.
When Mr. Smith became our pastor the different socie- ties of the church were working harmoniously. The Sab-
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Rev. David Garrett Smith, Pastor 1910-18.
Mr. Smith resigned as pastor to enter the Army Y. M. C. A. Over- seas Service. He served in the A. E. F. as Director of Religious Work, with Headquarters at Gran- tham, England.
Rev. Bernard J. Brinkema, Our Present Pastor. Mr. Brinke- ma began his pastorate here Nov. 1, 1918.
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bath services and Wednesday evening meetings were well at- tended. Much interest was shown in the Sabbath School. The outlook was very encouraging and the indications were for a happy and successful pastorate and we were not to be disappointed.
On December 13, 1910, Mr. A. T. Wilson, a devoted and faithful member of the session, passed away.
The report for the year ending April 1, 1911, showed the total number of communicants as 426, and the Sabbath School enrollment as 270.
On April 5, 1911, Mr. R. C. Phillips was elected deacon and Mr. Carl F. Williamson was elected elder.
During this church year on September 12, 1911, Mr. S. Davis Long died. He was a faithful member of the church and always present at all the services.
In September, 1911, at a joint meeting of the Boards of the Church it was thought best that the Oakland Church building be repaired and services resumed there. A com- mittee was appointed to investigate the cost of the repairs necessary. However, it was not until the following year after the Lyon meetings that the Church was reopened. On July 17, 1912, the Superintendent of our Sunday School, sev- eral of the teachers and some of the officers of the Church, effected a permanent organization with H. G. Gaige, Secre- tary of the Brotherhood, as Superintendent.
The work grew and flourished to such an extent that our Church officers decided to engage a pastor and begin holding church services. J. M. Murchison, a student at Lane Sem- inary, in Cincinnati, was persuaded to undertake the work at Oakland in connection with the position of Assistant Pas- tor of our Church. He began his duties at the close of the Seminary in June, 1913, holding one regular preaching serv- ice at Oakland every Sunday evening.
The interest in the Bible School continued to grow and the church services were well attended. The following year, 1914, upon the graduation of Mr. Murchison from Lane Seminary in May, he was engaged as minister at Oakland with the plan of effecting a church organization as soon as possible. Upon his return from his vacation in October, 1914, morning services were begun, and on December 14th
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a petition containing sixty-two names was presented to Day- ton Presbytery asking that the Oakland Presbyterian Church be organized.
The Presbytery promptly granted the request and ap- pointed suitable committees to proceed with the organiza- tion.
This work was completed December 18th, when fifty-two members of the new organization were received. They elected officers and fixed the date for a congregational meet- ing for the purpose of electing a pastor. Rev. J. M. Murchi- son was unanimously chosen.
At the regular congregational meeting of our Church held in April, 1917, it was decided that the work at Oakland had reached the point where the title to the Oakland Church property could safely and properly be transferred from the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church to the Trustees of the Oakland Presbyterian Church, and a motion to this effect was duly carried. This action was taken at that time because of the desire of Oakland Church to build a manse on part of the church lot.
Our Church may well be proud of the success of its ef- forts in organizing and watching over Oakland Church till it became self-sustaining. This success was due in large measure to the encouragement given the officers of the new organization in enlisting the interest of all mmbers of our church living in the eastern and southeastern parts of our city, and the securing of the transfer of their membership to that church by our pastor, Rev. David Garrett Smith.
In 1912 the Boards of the Church sold the Suydam prop- erty, which has been referred to herein before, and the proceeds afterward used in the extension and improvement program of the church, which resulted in the purchase of a new manse and the transforming of the old manse into the Westminster House.
During the church year ending March 31, 1912, one hun- dred and forty-six new members were added to the church. Of this number, eighty-nine were received on confession of faith. This increased membership was due largely to a se- ries of meetings held in Middletown during February and March, 1912, and known as the Lyon Tabernacle meetings.
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Practically all the Protestant churches of the city united in this movement which resulted in much good being done in our city, and many members being added to the rolls of the church. On Park street, near the Caldwell and Iseminger plant, a large tabernacle was built in which services were held two or three times a day for a period of six weeks. Rev. Milford H. Lyon was the evangelist in charge.
With the additions stated above, the membership of the church was increased to 548 communicants. The spiritual condition and life of the church was reported much better and deeper than during the previous year. Church unity prevailed and all the societies were in flourishing condition. The Sabbath School reported an enrollment of 300 scholars. Fifty-eight members of the Sabbath School were taken into the Church during this church year.
During the summer of 1912, Mr. R. E. Mitchell, who as musical director had done such efficient work at the taber- nacle meetings, was employed to take charge of the singing in the church services and to assist the pastor in the Oak- land church field. While here Mr. Mitchell also taught the Men's Bible class. In July and August of this year the Sun- day evening services were held in a tabernacle which had been constructed on the Brotherhood lot at the corner of Fourth and Main streets. This innovation in the manner of holding these services proved quite successful. Minis- ters from nearby cities conducted the meetings and the sing- ing was in charge of Mr. Mitchell. The attendance was good and no doubt many were influenced who otherwise would not have attended divine service.
It was during this church year, on June 1, 1912, that Mrs. Irene Thomas Dickey passed away. She was for many years an active worker in the Church and Sabbath School, assisting with the music, both instrumental and vocal. She was a faithful teacher in the Sabbath School as long as her health permitted.
In the latter part of March, 1913, our city was visited by the terrible flood which devastated the Miami Valley. The homes of many of the members of this church were ruined, or partially so, and the church suffered with the members. The pews and carpets in the auditorium were ruined and
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The Westminster House Erected in 1885. Served as manse until 1913, when it was rearranged and equipped for Sunday School class rooms and in- stitutional work of the church.
the loss was quite heavy. The services during the following summer were held in the Sunday School room.
At the annual congregational meeting held April 16, 1913, the church membership was given as 588, the Sunday School enrollment as 438 and the average attendance at Sun- day school as 255. At this time the Board of Elders was in - creased from 7 to 12 members, and the Board of Deacons from 5 to 14 members. The following men were elected to complete these boards : Elders, E. G. Barkley, C. E. Burke, A. L. Foster, Dr. D. F. Gerber and R. C. Phillips ; Deacons, William Bevenger, F. O. Diver, W. S. LaTourrette, D. D. Lefferson, W. H. Minton, John C. Phillips, Dr. J. C. Stratton, John X. Smith, H. A. Thompson, H. S. Wise and E. C. Wood- ward. All these men were ordained and installed at the Sun- day morning service June 15, 1913.
On October 13, 1913, the congregation decided to buy a new manse, the Sebald residence, 609 Yankee Road, and to convert the present manse into Sabbath School class rooms. This was made advisable because of the growth and interest that had lately been manifest in the Sunday School
Record is made of the death of Mrs. Phoebe J. Wikoff on January 3, 1915. She was at the time of her death the oldest member of the church and one of the most faithful in attend- ance even until very near the end of her pilgrimage.
When the Oakland Church was organized on December 18, 1914, twenty-one members of the First Church were dis- missed to be taken into that church. This number was later increased to about forty. Consequently the report of the First Church for the year ending March 31, 1915, shows that the membership of our Church had been decreased to 582. It was reported at the annual meeting at this time that the Friendly Helpers' Class of the Sabbath School, had given One Thousand Dollars during the year toward the payment of the church debt. This class of ladies was organized shortly after the Lyon tabernacle meeting and has steadily in- creased in members until now it has an enrollment of sixty- three.
The years of 1915 and 1916 in our Church history were marked by much spiritual work being done. All societies of the Church were well organized and were faithfully per-
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forming their varied duties. Some reorganization was made necessary because of the withdrawal of quite a num- ber of our members and officers to unite with the Oakland Church, and because of the change that had lately been made in the Brotherhood Association, a change which later terminated in the organization of a Y. M. C. A. in Middle- town. The use of the Westminster House for class rooms re- sulted in a renewed interest in the Sunday School and more efficient work was done in all classes. So the work of this period resulted not only in strengthening our own organiza- tion, but also in helping to provide for others opportunities for service and worship.
Mrs. May McCallay Renick, an earnest Christian worker. devoted to her church and faithful in her attendance at its services, passed away on January 8, 1916. In July of the same year Mr. E. L. McCallay, a faithful member for many years, died.
At the congregational meeting held on April 4, 1917, the following statistics were given: Members on active church roll, 595; Sabbath School enrollment, 334; given to Home Missions, $511.00 ; to Foreign Missions, $490.00; total of all expenses, $8,460.30. The spiritual condition of the church and its various societies was reported as being good and the general condition of all affairs of the church as very favor- able.
Mrs. Mary Thornton, one of our oldest members, died on November 16, 1917. For many years she was teacher of the Women's Bible Class in the Sabbath School.
In the spring of 1918 a special effort was made to reclaim for the Church those of our members who had moved to other places or, for some reason or other, had become delin- quent in their church relations. A letter was sent by the pastor to all these members urging them either to renew their relations with this Church or to take letters to some other Church in which they could worship. As a result of this action several of our members were dismissed to other Churches, some were dropped from the roll, and others were placed on the "Reserve Roll." This accounts for the de- crease in the membership as reported for the year 1918-19.
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The Church roll had not been revised for several years pre- vious to this time.
An "Every Member Canvas" of the church was held March 17, 1918, and "Go To Church Sunday" was observed the following Sabbath. Great praise must be given to the Boards of the Church for their efforts to raise the money for the work of the church and to create an increased attend- ance of the membership at the church services. Both of these efforts were crowned with success. Early in this church year it was with regret that we were called upon to accept the resignation of Rev. David Garrett Smith, who planned to enter the War Y. M. C. A. work. He served in England and France for one year and has just recently returned to the States. He resigned on April 5, 1918. It was our high priv- ilege to give Mr. Smith and son Knowlton to the service of our country.
During this year death with his relentless hand took a number of earnest, faithful members who were among the regular attendants of the church and Sabbath School: Mrs. Margaret Ross, Daniel McCallay, Frank Sutphin, Mrs. John Nein, Clifford S. Todd, C. B. Johnson and W. K. Rhonemus. Mr. Johnson was one of our oldest members, a faithful, con- scientious man, always actively interested in the work of the church. He had looked forward for some years to the celebration of this one hundredth anniversary and was anx- ious that it be a success, and was perhaps the first one to suggest that we celebrate the event. Mr. Rhonemus was a much-beloved elder and had been Clerk of the Session since January 9, 1907. He was a devoted Christian, a lover of his church and all her institutions, especially of the Sunday School of which he was the faithful Superintendent for a number of years.
C. E. Burke was nominated and elected Clerk of Session September 25, 1918.
We were without a pastor for about seven months after Mr. Smith resigned. Then, on September 25, 1918, a unan- imous call was tendered Rev. Bernard J. Brinkema, of Mil- ton, Pa. Rev. Mr. Brinkema accepted this call and began his labors here November 1st, 1918, and was installed Decem- ber 18, 1918. At the installation services Rev. Harris G.
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The First Presbyterian Church Manse, 608 Yankee Road.
Purchased in 1913.
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H
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Rice presided, Rev. Rolland E. Crist preached the sermon, Rev. Wendell Foster delivered the charge to the pastor and Rev. William J. Thistle the charge to the people. Miss Lou- ise Todhunter sang two solos and led the congregational sing- ing. Miss Margaret Gebhart presided at the organ. The services were very interesting and helpful.
The influenza epidemic during the fall and winter of 1918-19 very greatly interfered with all kinds of church work. During this time, however, plans were made for renewed efforts when the services could be resumed. At a joint meeting of the elders and deacons the pastor presented some plans for the future work of the church. After a gen- eral discussion of these plans action was taken which has re- sulted in the organization of the Westminster Men's Club which is to have supervision over all the men's work of the church. Plans were also made at this time to carry out the program of the "New Era Movement." We are glad to be able to say that our efforts along this line so far have been successful.
At the close of the church year, March 31, 1919, the num- ber of members on the active church roll was reported to be 538, the Sabbath School enrollment to be 326 and the total church expenditures for the year to have been $13,461.75.
Since Mr. Brinkema became our pastor, November 1, 1918, sixty members have been added to the church roll.
Early in the year 1919 plans were begun to celebrate the centennial of our Church. A committee was appointed by the Boards of the Church to have general charge of the cele- bration. The work done by this committee and other com- mittees appointed by it will be given more in detail in other parts of this book.
A few years previous to this time and before the Presby- terian Brotherhood Association had grown into the Middle- town Brotherhood Association, several of the men and women of our church purchased the large lot at the north - west corner of Fourth and Main Streets. At the time of the purchase it was planed to build on this lot a Brotherhood Building, or a Parish House, where many of the church ac- tivities could be carried on. However, as the city has grown so rapidly and a Y. M. C. A. has been organized and is doing
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for the whole city a great deal of the work that it was orig- inally planned should be done in the proposed Brotherhood Building, the owners of this lot abandoned their plan to build and decided to sell the lot. This was done in the sum- mer of 1919 and the proceeds of the sale were most gener- ously given to the Church. Consequently we were able to pay the debt which had resulted from the heavy loss in the flood of 1913 and from the purchase of the new manse, and we will celebrate our Centennial with our Church entirely free from debt.
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