USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Annals of the First Presbyterian church of Cleveland, 1820-1895 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
In January, 1869, Mrs. T. D. Crocker was elected President; the first Vice President and Secretary were re-elected; Mrs. J. V. Painter was made Treasurer, and Mrs. Selah Chamberlain took Mrs. Painter's place as Director. The Society managed the Sunday school festivals at the Merchant street Mission. We are told of the first that "The addresses were short and enter- taining and the feasting long and sumptuous, six hundred children went away with hearts full and hands full." There's a pleasant story of the Mission Sunday school teachers, many of whom were members of the Society, meeting at the house of the President on Christmas eve, when Mr. John Foot was made the surprised recipient of a handsome gold watch from
156
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
those who had, for years, seen and appreciated his earnest and cheerful labors at the Mission.
In January, 1870, the officers of the previous year were re-elected with the exception of Miss Bingham; she declining to serve longer, her place was filled by Miss Florence Wick. This year, in addition to the Work and Reading Committees, a Floral Committee was appointed, Miss Clara Stone, Chairman, who should supply flowers for the pulpit in the church on Sundays. A Sewing School Committee was also organ- ized by the Society, of which Mrs. J. L. Talbot was made Chairman. The teachers were members of the Society. This Sewing School was carried on for a number of years, Mrs. Selah Chamberlain being one of the chairmen who succeeded Mrs. Talbot.
In February, 1871, it was voted that the church extension at the Mission should be carried on under the auspices of the Y. L. M. S., it appointing a com- mittee to attend to the raising of the requisite funds. Nearly every year a committee was appointed by the Society to select and purchase new books for the Sunday School Library at the Mission, and this com- mittee's duties were not ended until the old books were looked over, put in order or disposed of, and the new ones covered and properly marked. This required no small amount of time, but was taken up, not as a task, but as an interesting opportunity. Dr. Good- rich's training made little of duties; all useful work was a pleasure. In November, 1871, the Secretary records, "The work today was different from that we have generally had, and the interest greatly enhanced,
157
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
as we were helping to fit out a Home Missionary box." The records of this year make, too, the first mention of a committee appointed by the Y. L. M. S. to co-operate with the Ladies Society in taking charge of the Church Socials.
In January, 1872, the following officers were elected: President, Mrs. A. W. Fairbanks; Vice Presi- dent, Mrs. F. M. Backus; Secretary, Miss Harriet Andrews; Treasurer, Mrs. W. S. Tyler. History of another sort is told as one notes the changes of names in the records of those days. Miss Marion Clark, Miss Carrie Bingham, Miss Annie Spencer, are no more mentioned, but we see the appointment on committees of Mrs. Brayton, Mrs. Cutter and others. Occasionally it is stated that the Society changed from its usual day of meeting, Friday, because the Preparatory Lecture was to be held that afternoon.
The fifth annual meeting was held January 17th, 1872, and it is recorded that it was opened by the Rev. Mr. Haydn. The only previous allusion to the break that was coming, is the regret expressed at the fourth annual meeting that Dr. Goodrich was prevented by illness from being present. Have any of the mem- bers of those days forgotten the Lawn Fete held at Mrs. Fairbank's beautiful country home in the June of this year? It was, as I recall it, a novelty to all those engaged in arranging it, and so was planned for with great zest. A vision comes before me of the Spanish girls at the Fan Table, of the Gypsies at the Lemonade Well, and all the other pretty costumes and decora- tions. There is a vague memory of a thunder-storm
158
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
and a scurry as a finale, but that cast no shadow over the brilliant opening.
Early in the year 1873 a committee was appointed, one section of which was to look up and visit the needy ones connected with our Wassonville Mission (earlier known as the Merchant street Mission); the other section to visit among the poor of our own home parish. Some account of these was given at the meet- ings of the Society, and as garments were made for those needing them, the personal touch gave an added interest to the sewing of gusset and seam. We did not, however, let the parish work interfere with the annual filling of Home Missionary boxes. Who remem- bers Brainard's Hall ? Here we do seem to touch ancient history. The Society held a very successful entertainment there on June 3d of this year. Tableaux, charades and music filled the evening. Now and again the Society votes to make a special contribution towards some need of the Home Church, such as a new carpet for the Sunday School room, but the larger part of its income is still expended for the Mission.
Of the meeting held September 17th, of the year 1874, it is said that "the weight on every heart and the word on every tongue was the death of Dr. Good- rich, by whom the Society was organized and to whom we have always looked for counsel and approval."
In 1875 the Treasurer of the Society was Miss Mary Goodrich, and the minutes of December 2d make the bare statement that Mrs. Tyler was requested to fill, for the remainder of the year, the office of Treasurer, made vacant by the death of Miss Good-
159
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
rich. At the annual meeting following a tribute to her memory from the sympathetic pen of Mrs. Fairbanks was read:
IN MEMORIAM.
"As if a household gathered in family reunion should miss the presence of one of its best-beloved, so we baptize this anniversary with tears for the sister and friend for whom we vainly wait. Not to us, to-day, will she give account of her stewardship. An all-wise Father took the work from her willing hands, leaving to us the remembered fragrance of a life that is hid with His.
"Be it written in your tenderest words within the annals of 1875 that dear, loving, prayerful, zealous Mary Goodrich vanished from our sight because she was more fit for Heaven than earth; but record this as the legacy with which we are comforted-her beauti- ful example, which is immortal. Write, too, upon the page sacred to her memory:
'We loved her.'"
And there is no further mention in these records of one who is still a vivid personality to all who knew her. Her dainty little figure made one feel that the cares and duties of life must be given to her in small measure, that the rough places must be smoothed for her little feet, and it was a constant surprise to find her taking a woman's full measure of responsibility. She was so bright and sunny, and withal so efficient, that one could not believe she was bearing burdens too heavy for her. It was all a service of love-love for her Savior, and love for her friends. The officers
160
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
elected this year were: Mrs. Chas. Cutter, President; Mrs. W. S. Tyler, Vice President; Miss Nettie Hall, Secretary; Miss Agnes Foot, Treasurer.
Our Wassonville Mission is now called by the name it still bears-the North Church -- and it is recorded that "as that organization is taking steps in the direc- tion of self-support, we begin, gradually, to withdraw financial and personal help." This seemed the more proper and necessary since the Society was now called upon to aid in the support of an assistant pastor, the Rev. Mr. Shuart, and it was felt that our first duty was to our own church.
Mention is made in March of this year of a New England Supper given by the Society. Those who were fortunate enough to sit that evening at the hos- pitable table presided over by the Widow Simpkins- otherwise known as Mrs. Rawson, dignified presiding officer at all sorts of solemn functions-laugh even now at the remembrance of the Yankee wit that had just the pat word for each new guest. She was so garrulous, so apologetic, as she plied us with goodies, that no one was willing to acknowledge he had had enough nutcakes or pie and yield his seat to another. Her son, Jedediah-known in our time as Deacon Raymond -- made kindly effort to aid her in her enter- taining, but he was always saying the wrong thing. The lad's memory, you may recall, was phenomenal, and he dated all events from "the year the old man died." No need to say this supper was a success. Nearly every year the income of the Society was added to by an entertainment, a fact worth remember-
161
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
ing in these days when we are saying that it is harder to raise money than it used to be.
In 1877 it was agreed to omit an entertainment and ask for a contribution from each member of the Society. Some outsiders must have been asked, for a note of thanks was sent by the Secretary to Mr. Kim- ball "for his kindness in soliciting $80 for us."
In the committees named for 1880 appear the names of Miss Susie and Miss Alice Mitchell, and in November of that year a committee was appointed to appropriately decorate the church for the wedding of Miss Mitchell and Mr. Ogden.
In 1881 all support for the North Church was withdrawn except that we still paid for the omnibus that carried teachers from town to the Sunday Sehool. We still continued to pay a part of our Assistant Pas- tor's salary.
In 1883 our funds were expended in various direc- tions; $200 was given towards the salary of the pastor at Calvary Chapel; $200 for the Bible Reader at the Stone Church, and $100 to the Superior Street Mis- sion. The Society, desiring to express their sympathy with, and appreciation of, the work of Mr. Fenn, as Superintendent of the North Church Sunday School, appointed a committee to select some books for him and the Secretary (Miss Burt, now) copies, with her minutes, his delightful and heart-warming letter of acknowledgment.
In this year (1883) it was voted to change the name of the Society from Y. L. M. S. to the Goodrich M. S. Nothing could have been more fitting. Dr.
11
162
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
Goodrich organized the Society; he directed its work- ings as he directed the occupations of his daughters in his own home. Through those early years all service was rendered with a cheery zeal that was but the reflection of his sunny spirit. Scarcely a month passed, according to the records, that he did not come into our meeting to open it with prayer, or give a word of suggestion or encouragement. But the taking of the dear old name did not bring back the old enthusiastic spirit. To be sure, circumstances have altered. The old members move away or lay down earthly tasks, and the young women, who formerly would have come to us as the one organization open to them, are now casttered among other societies of the church. The city is larger, outside work presses more heavily, life is more hurried. All this, and more, could be said in explanation, but it is not so easy to suggest a remedy.
Beginning in 1881, the Society met much of the time for several years at the homes of different mem- bers; one whole season the meetings were held at the home of Mrs. Bainbridge and Miss Harvey. Some- times this was to promote sociability, and sometimes because the chapel was not habitable.
In January, 1884, it is recorded that the Ladies' Society, the Goodrich Mission Society, the Foreign Missionary Society and the Calvary Church Society met, as they did the previous year, in the parlors of the Stone Church for their Annual Meeting. It was opened by Mrs. Mitchell. After the reports Dr. Mitchell spoke a few words.
The minutes are now in the hands of Miss Tennis
163
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
and she records as one of the new directors chosen the name of Miss Harkness. Names of new comers appear on the records year by year-just now the names of Mrs. DeWolf and Mrs. Lemoine called this to mind -- they take their share of work, and then they go. It almost seems a characteristic of the church- or is it of the town ? that only those who were "born and bred in this briar-patch" continue. A large majority of the names mentioned in the early years of the Society are active workers still, either in this church or at Calvary, which will seem to belong to us so long as Mrs. Cutter, Mrs. McBride, and a dozen more one could name, abide.
It is as curious to note the omissions in the min- utes through all these years as to trace the changes the years bring. The comings and goings of the pas- tors are never chronicled, and now the one allusion to the burning of the church is found, when, at a meet- ing in February, 1884, it is decided to take up fancy work at the Society meetings, that "the sale of them may aid us in doing our part in the refitting of the church." Later the society agreed to take as its share the refitting of the pulpit platform with all its appro- priate belongings.
Of a special meeting called in April it is reported that "The room was nearly full. The plans for a gar- den party were laid before the members and everyone cheerfully accepted the offices assigned them." In November there was a sale of articles made by the Society, and later the Treasurer reported that the pro- ceeds of these two entertainments would pay our
164
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
building pledge and leave us $200.00 in the treasury. Does any one remember that there is a tablet at the back of the pulpit stating that it and all that pertains to the chancel (if we may borrow the word) was the gift of this society placed there in loving memory of Dr. Goodrich ?
The Font was to have been included in our gift, but the minutes record that Mrs. Tyler made that her personal offering, as well as the beautiful communion linen which the new table made necessary. Just be- fore Christmas of this year donations of clothing, books and toys were brought to the society. Our church missionary, Miss Parker, with a committee, decided where the gifts should be bestowed among the poor children of our Sunday School. They were made up into tidy packages, with a pretty Christmas card attached to each, and then Miss Haydn, Miss Harkness, Miss Ely and Miss Tennis played Kris Kingle and distributed them to the children in their homes.
In November, 1885, the Society appointed a com . mittee to select a wedding gift to be sent to the bride of our Associate Pastor, Rev. Wilton Merle Smith. This is only ten years ago, but many decades must pass before the thought of this sweet woman will cease to warm our hearts, or her beautiful character fail of its uplifting influence.
The minutes of the early meetings of 1886 record that there was so much work to be done that all-day meetings were held, often thirty members present. It seems to be as true of this Society as of every other
165
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
organization, that a pressure of work brings out more workers and increases their interest. Is there any conclusion to be drawn ?
In 1885 the Society pledged itself to give $1,000.00 towards the building of the new North Presbyterian Church, and for two years every little that could be spared from the treasury was turned over to this fund.
In January, 1887, the Society voted to assume the expenses of our own Sunday School. Hitherto this had been the charge of the Ladies' Society, and now they were left to take up other church work. In March of this year reference is made to decorating the church for Miss Haydn's wedding.
In February, 1888, the Society laid plans to aid in the rebuilding of our chapel and a Linen Sale was decided on. We did not dream that the fingers that were ordinarily content with running a machine or stitching a plain seam, could accomplish such beauti- ful and artistic needlework as that very successful sale placed on exhibition.
The minutes of January, 1889, speak of the little share our Society had on the pleasant occasion of the 25th anniversary of the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Haydn, and a copy of Dr. Haydn's beautiful, and appreciative letter to the Women's Societies of the Church is inscribed on our records.
Is there anything further to say ? Whatever has happened since seems too recent to be chronicled, and may be left for the historian of our 100th anniversary. But no record of work in the Stone Church would be complete that failed to make mention of one whose
166
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
life-whose very face-was always an inspiration, --- faithful Miss Fitch! who than she ever more fully . exemplified that word of wide meaning ? As Presi- dent of the Ladies' Society she was often in our meet- ings for a word of conference or suggestion, and when the Secretary, Miss Keith, tells, in March, 1892, that the "ladies societies of the three collegiate branches of the First Presbyterian Church convened for their last annual union meeting" in the newly rebuilt chapel, with Miss Fitch presiding, she records one of the last public duties that filled that useful and noble life.
167
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS OF BY-GONE TIMES.
BY MARY M. FAIRBANKS.
We draw back to-day the curtain of seventy-five years, and with simple facts writ in remembrance we tell the story of "The Old Stone Church."
We speak the very name in tenderness, for the stones of Venice or the ivy-clad cathedrals of old Eng- land are not more hallowed by sacred associations than is this temple.
Travelers along life's busy and far-reaching ways, we have come back to this venerable birthday, as children of one household gather to review the years and recount their traditions. It is true that our legends antedate our edifice, but for many here "The Old Stone Church" is a life-long remembrance, and stands in this community of "greater Cleveland," the honored monument of its first Christian Endeavor.
It is strange reading in this last quarter of our century, which we find in the chronicles of an authen- tic and graphic narrator,* who tells us that after various wanderings from the log court house on the Square, to a frame school house on St. Clair street, then across the street to the new Academy building, which was used for all sorts of public meetings, our Presbyterian
*Mrs. Slingluff, to whom allusion is made, with her sisters, the Misses Blair, prepared a bundle of notes of great value to the writer of this paper.
168
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
Church was finally housed safely in the garret of Dr. Long's brick building, where we worshipped several years. The Rev. Mr. Bradstreet was the minister dur- ing the last of the twenties, a plain, faithful, untiring pastor, serving us for the small compensation of one hundred dollars ($100), ekeing it out by labor with his own hands. He was ably assisted by Elisha Taylor, a merchant here, also by Deacon Hamlen, who was a dryed-in-the-wool Presbyterian, ready for any service. His duties were rather arduous, such as building fires, lighting the numerous tallow-candles, which hung in high back tin candle-sticks upon the walls. These, of course, required frequent snuffing, some of which were often snuffed out, leaving greater darkness until relighted from the one in the lantern. Matches were not then in use. Deacon Hamlen was a good singer and always led the congregation. He would also read a sermon when necessary.
There is the odor of a liberal non-sectarianism in early Cleveland, in this passing incident from our his- torian, that "Deacon Moses" White, a staunch Baptist, regularly met with us and seemed to enjoy all that was good in our Presbyterian doctrine.
About this time, our record runs, "the family of Severances came, and were a great addition to the church both in a religious and a musical way. The mention of this name will stir a fragrant memory of one whose melodious voice, in by-gone days, often joined in our worship and who sleeps now in a stranger's grave beyond the sea. It will be recalled that Mr. John Severance, uncle of our fellow-towns-
169
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
men Solon and Louis Severance, while traveling abroad in search of health, died in England and was buried in Southampton.
It is farther related that the familiar hymn begin- ning "From Greenland's Icy Mountains," was heard for the first time in Cleveland when sung in the First Presbyterian Church on the occasion of a missionary sermon preached by the Rev. Mr. Barr, a brother of the late John Barr, Esq., a well-known lawyer of this city. The effect of this hymn was most potent, and aroused a zeal in missionary effort which resulted ulti- mately in the sending out of two missionaries-the Rev. Mr. Castle to the Sandwich Islands, and Miss Van Tine, who married Mr. Adams and went to South Africa.
We make brief note of the fact that in October, 1827, Mr. Benjamin Rouse-of honored memory- with his wife, came from New York to Cleveland as agent of the American Sunday School Union. He was instrumental at length in gathering the Baptists into a church of their own faith.
A Sunday School, organized in 1819 by Rev. Mr. Osgood with six teachers and twenty scholars, had reached, in its wanderings, the upper story of Dr. Long's building and was attended by all the children in town. Mr. and Mrs. Rouse at first entered into the work of this school and infused new life, but later organized the Trinity Sunday School (1830); the First Baptist and the First Methodist (1833). Mr. Rouse was a man of enthusiasm and personal magnetism. He was a fine singer and brought with him all the new
170
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
methods of the Eastern schools. Watt's Hymns were used altogether.
Music now became a conspicuous factor in church worship as well as in Sunday School work. The ad- vent of Mr. T. P. Handy, in his vigorous and musical manhood, with his sweet-voiced young wife, gave a fresh impulse to our church music. Anthems were then introduced. At the dedication of the original stone edifice, the choir, we are told, rendered the open- ing anthem with thrilling effect. Mr. Tuttle was choir-master. Mr. and Mrs. Handy, with a full chorus of voices, occupied the singers' seats. Mrs. Tuttle sat in the audience, two or three seats from the pul- pit. In those days the audience stood during singing, facing the gallery. "Lift up your heads, Oh ye gates, And be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors, And the King of Glory shall come in !" rolled down in full, rich melody from the gallery. A clear, sweet voice rose from the audience, like the song of a lark, in musical respose : "Who is this King of Glory !" And the gallery made answer : "The Lord, strong and mighty in battle ! Lift up your heads, Oh ye gates, Even lift them up ye everlasting doors, And the King of glory shall come in !" Again rose from below : "Who is this King of Glory ?" And then, with a burst of music, the choir took up the refrain : "The Lord of Hosts! He is the King of Glory !"
Our chronicler tells us that Mr. Handy inaugur- ated the system of quarterly examinations in our Sun- day School, and that at these public exhibitions reci- tations were a feature of the programme. Among the
171
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
bright young elocutionists of that day, our fellow- townsman, Judge Douglas Cleveland shone con- spicuous.
It would be interesting to compare the Then and Now of the interior of the Stone Church. Not all of you can recall the high-back pews with panelled doors that fastened inside with wooden buttons. These but- tons once turned, the owner-occupants were in their own domains, and free to extend or withhold Chris- tian hospitality.
Under the pastorate of the Rev. John Keep, who preceded the Rev. Dr. Aiken by a few years, the membership of the church rapidly increased. On one occasion, when before the Communion, candidates for admission were requested to come forward, three of the tben prominent business men of the town pre- sented themselves; neither knew of the other's inten- tion. They were Dr. Long, Mr. John Blair and Mr. Ashbel Walworth. The latter turned and shook hands with each of the others, as if in cordial recognition of a sacred brotherhood.
In 1839, the Rev. Mr. Avery, labored as an evan- gelist among this people and many were added to the church. Like an echo from those days are the strains of that familiar hymn sung by him so impressively and persuasively :
"Come humble sinner in whose breast A thousand thoughts revolve, Come with your guilt and sin oppressed, And make this last resolve."
172
STONE CHURCH ANNALS.
And the memory of his young wife comes to us, a sweet singer in Israel, who ably assisted her zealous husband. Especially will Mrs. Avery be remembered as early identified with the "Female Prayer Meeting," first held in the frame house next the church, where the Lyceum theatre now stands.
That "Female Prayer Meeting" was the Mercy Seat where our mothers interceded for us. A host of tender memories are awakened by its recall! Who of us who share the inheritance of those early pray- ers can ever question or decry the faith that inspired them ?
Oh! Mothers of the Old Stone Church, we bow our reverent heads, and solemnly renew our vows to the God to whom you prayed.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.