USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Annals of the First Presbyterian church of Cleveland, 1820-1895 > Part 7
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Dr. Aiken's excellent judgment and good sense had much to do in preserving the peace and unity of this church. No dissensions or disturbances have ever existed to mar its prosperity, while the frequent revivals of religious interest during his ministry added greatly to its spiritual growth and power. He ended his long and useful life of 88 years, January 1st, 1879, but his work abides among us, and his memory as a faithful pastor will long be held in grateful remem- brance. I should add that the church was blessed with several revivals of religion under his ministry, especially in the winter of 1840, when he was aided by Rev. John T. Avery, and large additions were made to its membership.
The seating capacity of the Church had gradually been found insufficient to accommodate its members and more room was needed. This with the increase of population demanded another church and resulted in the formation of the Second Presbyterian Church.
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The retiring members were all deeply attached to Dr. Aiken and felt it a sacrifice to leave the old church. Volunteers were called for and in June, 1844, at a meeting held, at which Dr. Aiken presided, forty-eight members signified their willingness to constitute such an organization. It was then made with his approval. In September of that year, after extending a call to Rev. S. B. Canfield of Ohio City to become their pastor, the church commenced its services in a build- ing purchased from the Second Advent Congregation, then standing on the ground now occupied by the Court-house, on the north-east corner of the Public Square. This building now stands on Erie street and is occupied by the "Whosoever Will" Mission.
Of the little band of original members, Mr. Elisha Taylor and S. I. Hamlen were perhaps the most influential in giving it the form of a Presbyterian organization. Mr. Taylor was a man of decided con- victions and generous impulses. Later he bore an active part in the organization of the Third Presby- terian Church as well as in all benevolent work, and died deeply lamented after a long life of Christian service.
Deacon S. I. Hamlen was an early settler, a car- penter and builder, a very conscientious man and a devoted Christian, strict in his religious duties and exemplary in his daily life.
P. B. Andrews, another of the first members, was an industrious citizen, a worker in the construction of machinery and steam engines, taking much interest in the growth of the church.
Henry Baird had a small hotel under the hill.
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Among the first members, were Mrs. Sophia L. Perry, the mother of the late Nathan Perry; Sophia Wal- worth, wife of A. W. Walworth, who though not at that time a member of the church aided in its support; Juliana Long, wife of Dr. David Long and mother of Mrs. Solomon L. Severance, one of the most active and devoted of the Christian wives and mothers of that day; Isabella Williamson, wife of Judge Samuel Williamson and grandmother of our present Samuel E. Williamson, one of the leading families of that time; Samuel Cowles, often called Squire Cowles, was one of the early settlers of Cleveland. He was a bachelor and a lawyer until late in life. He took a lively interest in the moral and religious condition of Cleve- land and though not a member of the church was ever ready to contribute to its support. He was very methodical in his habits and enjoyed a good reputa- tion in his profession. He built the house on Euclid Avenue, lately known as the Convent, and there lived.
The following persons were members of the con- gregation, several of whom united with the church in later years: Peter M. Weddell, a prosperous merchant, who came here in 1820 and became a member of the church January, 1834. Dr. David Long, a leading physician, both in his profession and as a citizen. He also joined by profession October, 1835. Mrs. Long and Mrs. Weddell were active Christian women, ready always to aid in every good cause. The daughter of the former (now Mrs. Mary H. Severance) is still among us after a long life of great usefulness and christian service. We trust she may be spared for years to come. Thos. Davis, a warm hearted christian
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man, though with limited education, was full of Bible knowledge, as will be remembered through his simple but earnest prayers. Himself and family bore an active part in the Mayflower Mission School, which resulted in the formation of the Woodland Ave. Pres- byterian Church, in which all were active members. Mr. John Blair was an early settler, and a commission merchant on the river, who, with his family were members of the congregation. Mr. Blair united with the church in 1835. His daughters are still among its useful and active members. Mrs. Blair was also a member and died in 1860. Hon. S. J. Andrews came in 1825, a learned and distinguished jurist, of brilliant talents and a christian gentleman though not a mem- ber of the church. His wife was an active member, and a devoted christian and mother. Judge Samuel Starkweather, a man of finely cultivated intellect, though not a member of the church, was interested in its prosperity. His wife was among our most charm- ing and devoted members, both in church and society. Her two sisters, Mrs. T. P. May and Mrs. Richard Dockstader were also members.
The following were some of the early members of the church, prior to 1840: Peter M. Weddell, Samuel Cowles, Samuel Williamson, John M. Sterling, Stephen Whitaker, Alanson Penfield, S. J. Andrews, Samuel Starkweather, John Gabandan, Orlando Cutter, Dudley Baldwin, John A. Foot, Chas. M. Giddings, James F. Clark, F. W. Bingham, J. W. Gallup, Alexander Sey- mour, N. R. Haskell, Samuel Raymond, Henry Sexton, Elijah Bingham, E. P. Morgan, Samuel H. Mather,
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Dr. David Long, John Blair, Thos. Davis, John S. Hudson, Harman Kingsbury, C. L. Lathrop, John M. Woolsey, Thos. P. May, A. W. Walworth, A. D. Cutter, Edmund Clark, Dr. Erastus Cushing, Solomon L. Severance, M. B. Scott, Erastus F. Gaylord, S. W. Crittenden, Dr. W. A. Clark, Wm. Bingham, John Day, Wm. Day, Geo. Mygatt, Wm. A. Otis, Jarvis Leonard. Of these only Dudley Baldwin, Jarvis Leonard and Wm. Bingham remain.
Among the more distinguished and useful members to be mentioned is John A. Foot, ever to be held in loving remembrance by all of us who knew of his christian activities and exemplary life. It was full of faith and good deeds. He came here in 1833, and was an active member of the church and an elder for 46 years. A man of blessed memory, my warm asso- ciate and friend of 60 years, an illustration of the text, that so well described his character, and quoted by Dr. Haydn at his funeral, July 16th, 1891: "The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." His sainted wife, formerly Mrs. A. D. Cutter, followed him only one year later to their home above. Long will they be remembered with affection, for their devoted chris- tian lives among us.
Among the younger members of the church who shared in its activities and in its Sunday school, was Mr. S. L. Severance, a merchant. He married Miss Mary Long. Himself and three brothers, T. C. Sever- ance, Darwin and John L. were distinguished for their musical talents and aided greatly in its public and social service both in vocal and instrumental music.
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Norman R. Haskell and S. W. Crittenden came here with me in 1832. They bore an active part in the church and Sunday school for many years. Both have passed away.
The old church has from the beginning of its his- tory been highly favored with a goodly company of christian women, among whom were; Mrs. Juliana Long, Mrs. Isabella Williamson, Mrs. Edmund Clark, Mrs. E. F. Gaylord, Mrs. C. L. Lathrop, Mrs. Samuel Starkweather, Mrs. S. J. Andrews, Mrs. P. M. Weddell, Mrs. Dudley Baldwin, Mrs. Geo. Hoadley, Mrs. John M. Sterling, Mrs. H. V. Willson, Mrs. Samuel Ray- mond, Mrs. James F. Clark, Mrs. Samuel Williamson, Mrs. Wm. Bingham, Mrs. John A. Foot, Mrs. J. M. Woolsey, Mrs. John Blair, Mrs. C. M. Giddings, Mrs. Mary H. Severance, Mrs. Henry W. Clark, Mrs. M. B. Scott (Mary Williamson), Miss Sarah E. Fitch. Of these only three remain, Mrs. Baldwin, Mrs. Bingham and Mrs. Severance.
The name of Miss Sarah E. Fitch should not be passed without recognition of her long and faithful service both in the church and in every good work in the city. I saw her as a member of the Sunday school in 1832. Her christian activities found no abatement to the day of her death. Her memory will long be held in grateful remembrance.
Mrs. James F. Clark has by her generous gift left to it a monument of her deep interest in its prosperity. She with her husband united with the church in 1835.
Of these seventy names, including my own, only seven are now living. What a comment on life! I
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cannot forbear to recognize the goodness of God in sparing me to join with this old church of my love on this its 75th Anniversary, and permitting me to share both in its joys and its labors during the years that have gone by.
Much more might be said of the history and work of this mother of the Presbyterian Churches in this city and of its founders. The loved and honored Pastors and their associates who have carried it for- ward can better tell of its success in the wide field it has occupied during these 75 years of its history.
The more it has given, the greater has been its enlargement. Long may it continue to send forth its streams of religious influence that shall "make glad the city of our God."
I only add in closing, the words so well spoken by Dr. Haydn in his historical sermon preached February, 1893, as follows: "They who organized Trinity Church and those that followed in the next ten years did well for themselves and better for posterity. These saintly and sainted men and women, their christian house- holds, their devoted pastorates, their Sabbath services, their christian training and nurture of the young, their sermons, prayers, impulses to every good cause -to reform, education, patriotism in the country's defense, in the country's desperate need, speak for themselves. We profoundly honor the memory of the founders of these churches and we do well."
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WORK FOR THE YOUNG.
MR. C. L. KIMBALL.
In this paper we will first speak of the Sabbath School, as that was probably the first work started for the young; out of which has grown the many other phases of work in their behalf, undertaken in these later years.
In a memorandum kept by Mr. T. P. Handy, we find the First Presbyterian Sabbath School was started in 1819, by Rev. Mr. Osgood, who at that early day frequently visited the feeble churches on the Western Reserve, and through whose efficiency and zeal much good seems to have been accomplished.
For several years this school was held only a part of the year, and maintained during the winter. There were from twenty to forty scholars and seven or eight teachers.
The first superintendent was Elisha Taylor, and then followed one and possibly two others whose names we do not know. The next was Alanson Pen- field. We have no records of their terms of service. Mr. T. P. Handy came to the school in 1832 as a teacher, and in 1833 became superintendent, serving until 1844, when he left with others, to start the Second Presbyterian church. The school had in- creased, now, to about eighty scholars and twenty teachers. From a personal record kept by Mr. Handy we glean some interesting facts. In looking over his
r
SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE FIRST CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.
2
7
9
I. ELISHA TAYLOR,
2. T P. HANDY,
3. JOHN A. FOOT,
4. GEORGE MYGATT,,
5. F. C. KEITH,
6. R. F. SMITH,
7. GEORGE H. ELY,
8. F. M. BACKUS,
9. H. M. FLAGLER,
IO. H. N. RAYMOND,
11. REV. H. C. HAYDN
12. DR. C. F. DUTTON,
13. E. C. HIGBEE,
14. C. L. KIMBALL.
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list of scholars we find the names of Lucius Fairchild, who joined the church at ten years of age. He is now, or was, the Governor of Wisconsin. George Hoadly joined at fifteen. A few years ago he was Governor of Ohio and is now one of the leading lawyers of the country. Charles A. Otis entered when ten years old-became Mayor of this city, as did also Wil- liam Castle. Mr. Otis is still among us. Edwin Cowles became editor of the Cleveland Leader and wielded vast influence, and Alfred Cowles, his brother, became editor of the Chicago Tribune, one of the best papers in the west. Douglass Cleveland, who be- came a judge, is now living here. We are told he was a very fine speaker when a little boy and that Mr. Handy used to stand him on a table to speak his pieces. They evidently had Sunday School entertain- ments in those early days. We have no knowledge of anyone from the school filling the presidential chair. Possibly that will come later. Dr. H. K. Cushing is still living and one of our leading physicians. Reuben Smith joined when eleven years old, became a teacher and for several years was superintendent of the school. He is still, we are glad to say, of our number, and an honored elder in this church. He is president of the Cleveland and Pittsburg Railroad. Solon Severance became a member at seven years of age, and is now superintendent of the Woodland Ave- nue Sunday School, the largest in the city. He is also president of the Euclid Avenue National Bank. Wil- liam Andrews joined when six years old and is now a member of our church, as is James Gardner, who
8
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joined at ten. Miss Elizabeth Blair, a teacher in Mr. Handy's time, is still one of our most faithful workers.
Four teachers during this period went as foreign missionaries, namely Dr. N. Adams and Miss Sarah Van Tine, to Africa, Mr. Samuel W. Castle, to the Sandwich Islands, and Mrs. E. Hutchings to Ceylon. Whether any of these were ever scholars the record does not state. Stephen Whitaker, a scholar, pre- pared for the ministry.
There were one hundred and thirty-six teachers during Mr. Handy's term of office, ten of whom are now living. One hundred and twelve have died, and the whereabouts of fourteen are not known. We find the words "Faithful," "Efficient," "Punctual" and "Very Pious" entered opposite the names of many teachers in the record referred to above. Dudley Baldwin, now an honored citizen of Cleveland was sec- retary and librarian during this period, and Mr. John Severance served in the same capacity.
Mr. Handy was followed by John A. Foot, who served for several years, but we have no record of his administration. As nearly as we can find out he was followed by William Slade, Jr., and he by George Mygatt. In 1856 Mr. F. C. Keith became superin- tendent, and served three years. We are glad we still have him with us. For many years he has been an elder and treasurer of church and society. Mr. Thomas Maynard became the next superintendent, but served only one year. He was called the "sweet singer," and was noted for the interest he took in music. His services were in demand, and he led the
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singing in other schools. He wore himself out in this work, and died in 1860. The next superintendents, in order, were R. F. Smith, F. M. Backus, H. M. Flagler, H. N. Raymond, George H. Ely, Rev. H. C. Haydn, Dr. C. F. Dutton and E. C. Higbee. These take us to 1886, the end of Mr. Higbee's term, when the present incumbent, C. L. Kimball, was elected. The two fires, through which the church passed, destroyed our records, so we cannot give many details of their work, but from the knowledge we have of these men we are sure a faithful work was done. Our brothers, John A. Foot, George Mygatt, F. M. Backus, George H. Ely, who have gone to their reward, were known and loved by us all. It would be interesting to dwell upon their character and influ- ence, did time permit. The writer became a member of the school in 1864, and had for his first teacher, F. M. Backus, to whose faithful teaching and watchful care after he joined the church, he owes more than he can express. Truly he was a man of God.
During Mr. Ely's term of office the Sunday School room was remodeled, the old benches taken out, the floor carpeted and chairs added; the tables we now find so necessary were added in Mr. Higbee's term. It is safe to say that the leaders have kept abreast of the times and adopted new methods as fast as they were found helpful.
We are glad to record that Rev. Theodore Y. Gardner, who now has charge of the church at Glen- ville, Rev. James D. Williamson, pastor of Beckwith church of this city, Rev. Henry Rice, pastor of a
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church in California, Chauncey L. Hamlen, pastor in this state, and Rev. Chauncey Goodrich, just now installed in Orange, N. J., were members of our school. Rev. B. F. Shuart, who had charge of a church in the Northwest until ill health forced him to resign, was also a member of our school. Others, H. C. Cunningham, Edward S. Claflin and Howell M. Haydn are now preparing to enter the ministry. C. H. Potter, the evangelist, and Miss Fanny Good- rich, who has done faithful mission work in the South for many years, were formerly members of the school. There may have been others of whom we have no record who have entered the ministry.
Mention should be made of the long and faithful service of Mrs. John A. Foot as assistant superin- tendent, who served through several administrations. Her bright, sunny smile, and happy manner did every- one good who met her. No matter what the weather, she was always in her place when in the city. Neither should we fail to mention the names of J. W. Walton, H. E. Brooks, W. R. Bartlett, L. B. Leonard and Mrs. S. S. Gardner, who have served as associate superintendents in these later years. Mention should also be made of L. P. Carr, Levi Stedman, W. R. Coe, E. S. Kidder, and William Sargent, who served as librar- ians, and G. W. Stockley, John A. Foot Jr., E. Weeks, Robert Shackleton, Horace Hodges, who did efficient work as secretaries, and W. P. Stanton and Jas. N. Fleming, who have served most acceptably as treasurers. Neither should we forget the work of J. P. Standard and S. P. Fenn as choristers. A very important work
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was theirs and they did it well. Miss Keith, our pianist, has done and is still doing most efficient service.
We would like to record here the names of the many who have taught in the school these many years, but time will not permit. No work in the Sabbath School is more important than that of the teacher. We call to mind, however, some who have passed away. There was "Father Proudfoot" who taught for so many years and who always remembered us at fes- tival times with some of his choice poetry; Mr. Boies, who did excellent work with his Bible class, training many who afterwards became faithful teachers; also E. H. Potter, who for so long had a large class of boys from the industrial school. What an interest he took in them and how we missed him when the Good Father took him home; Mrs. Burgert, too, did a faith- ful and lasting work; Mr. Vail's memory is still fresh with many of us; Mr. Fleming was another of the faithful ones, as was Mrs. Flora Payne Whitney.
In the primary department the first record we find of a superintendent was Miss Sophia Hewitt. She was followed by Miss Sarah Fitch who held the posi- tion for twenty-five years. What a grand work she did! It is known to you all and her influence will last as long as the church stands. She was ably assisted by Miss Florence Wick, and later by Miss Lillie Barstow. Mr. James Worley also made himself useful in this department for quite a while. Miss Fitch was succeeded by Miss Hattie Spencer, who had grown up in the school, and when she left Miss Fleming took her place. Her successor
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was Miss Eva Mills, who was followed by Miss Grace Williams who held the place until we moved into our present chapel, when a new department was added, the intermediate, and she assumed charge of that, Miss Mills, now Mrs. George Williams, taking charge of the primary department. The East End soon claimed her as it has so many of our good workers, ours being a training school for that part of the city. We were fortunate in inducing Miss Spencer, now Mrs. H. C. Freeman, who had once served so success- fully, to take charge of the work again. Living in the East End she was soon obliged to give it up, and Miss Brooks took her place. We now know her as Mrs. Jas. Fleming, wife of our faithful treasurer. Our primary department superintendents always get married, but so long as it is to some one in the school, as in Mrs. Fleming's case, we do not object. Mrs. Fleming has had for assistants, Miss Duckett and Mrs. McIlrath. Miss Spencer, Miss Fleming, Miss Mills, Miss Ducket and Miss Williams have all grown up in the school, and were admirably fitted for their work, which speaks well for their training.
We can only estimate the number who have joined the church from the school, as the records for the earlier years are so incomplete, but it is safe to say that at least 750 have become members and many of these are our best workers today. We have con- tributed for missionary objects more than twenty-five thousand dollars. The number enrolled since the organization of the school, cannot be stated, but it is is in the neighborhood of four thousand scholars and a thousand teachers.
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As regards work outside of the Sabbath School, we have no record until the later years of its history. Doubtless there were missionary bands in the earlier years, and good work accomplished, but no mention of them is made. In 1875 Miss Mary Goodrich organized the "Little Missionaries," for boys, and had charge of the work until her death, being ably assisted by Miss Kittie Worley. Miss Agnes Foot succeeded her and conducted the work for several years. Miss Fanny Goodrich organized the "Helping Hands" in March, 1875, and when she left the city, the work was taken up by Mrs. P. M. Hitchcock and Mrs. Alfred Wick. A little later the "Sarah Fitch Band" was started, and had for leaders Mrs. C. L. Cutter, Miss Ely and Mrs. E. W. Haines. All of these bands have contributed not a little money to help on the cause of missions. They have outgrown their early estate and are not now known as such. In 1884 the "Girls' Foreign Missionary Society" was formed by Mrs. Arthur Mitchell, who was followed by Mrs. S. P. Fenn, who for twelve years held the society together and did a very useful and successful work. A few years ago the name was changed to "The Haydn Circle," in honor of our beloved pastor. Upon Mrs. Fenn's retirement, a year ago, Miss Kittie Keith became President, and the "Circle" keeps up its good record. Since its organization, it has averaged eighty, latterly a hundred dollars a year to missions.
One of the most helpful lines of work, Mrs. Free- man writes me, was the girls' prayer meeting, which was held after school hours, once a week. They
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learned the books of the Bible, some of the Psalms, commandments, beatitudes, and had their Bible read- ings. Each was encouraged to pray for herself, and many seemed benefitted and helped. This work is partly reproduced in the Junior Christian Endeavor Society, which has had for leaders Mrs. Freeman, Tracy Williams, Miss Maggie Duncan, Miss Weaver and Rev. F. W. Jackson.
The "Livingstone Society," composed of young men, was organized under the leadership of Samuel A. Raymond, and while it lasted, did good work. The reason of its discontinuance is not known.
For a number of years we had a band known as "Willing Workers," composed of the younger mem- bers of our school. They met Saturday afternoons. This work was conducted at different times by Miss Spencer, Miss Mills, Miss Clara and Miss Grace Williams, sometimes as a sewing school.
In May, 1893, there was organized under the patronage of Mrs. Samuel Mather, to whom we owe so much, a sewing and vacation class, composed of girls from seven to twelve years of age, meeting Sat- urday afternoons. During May and June the average attendance was twenty-two. When the public schools closed for the summer vacation it was thought best to The have the class meet daily from nine to ten A. M. object of this was two-fold ; to gather in children who otherwise would be in the street exposed to evil influences, and while there to teach them some- thing useful. Some of the girls had brothers who wanted to come, and as soon as permission
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was given, the boys flocked in, and there was soon so large a class that it was found necessary to employ an experienced kindergartner. While the girls were taught sewing, the boys worked at various things, in line with kindergarten work. The class was called a "vacation class," and held its sessions for ten weeks. The enrollment was one hundred and eleven, average attendance sixty-five. At the opening of public school the daily sessions of the class were closed and they met again on Saturday afternoons. The enrollment for the winter of 1893 was one hund- red, the average attendance forty. In the summer of 1894, when class work began, the numbers had increased so that a seamstress was secured to work with the girls, while the kindergartner took charge of the boys. Before this the work of the sewing assistant was voluntary. The class continued during the winter of 1894-5, and was well attended. The vacation class of 1895 was placed in charge of Miss Davis, of the public schools, Mrs. Mather's reasons for this being a desire to bring to the notice of the Board of Educa- tion, and the public in general, the idea of a summer school for children, locating them in different parts of the city where most needed. This class was held in the Rockwell school annex, and was a great success. The enrollment was one hundred and thirty-five, the average attendance seventy-five. There being a demand for an advanced class, where finer needle-work could be taught, such a class was formed August 30th, meet- ing Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. This class now numbers twenty-six. These classes are supported
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