USA > Ohio > Lorain County > Lorain > History of the First Methodist Church, 1856-1956 > Part 7
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It looks as tho every member could have work in at least one department.
These six departments were later cut to four: Spiritual, World Evangelism, Social Service, and Recreation and Culture.
The writer can witness that these "Sociables" were definitely something to attract the young people of the church. In 1901 Horace Whitehouse bought and used a book put out by the Ladies' Home Journal Religious Library, entitled "Church Sociables and Entertain- ments," showing new ways to raise funds. The ideas it contains are still good.
In April, 1893, our brand new church was proudly exhibited to the Epworth Leagues of Cleveland District. A copy of the convention program given at that time is in our files. There was a great deal of music on this program, showing that Lorain Church had much talent. Everything about the convention gave evi- dence that somebody "had a concern"for our young folks even as today (1956).
The Lorain Epworth League finally decided to have their meetings on Sunday evenings instead of Tuesdays. They met just before the regular church service. We didn't all stay for that service because therc were many "two-some" walks to take.
A recently found bulletin of 44 years ago, called "The Silent Helper," listed two chapters of the Epworth League: Simpson Chapter, President Fred Johnson, Secretary Fern Stewart, Treasurer Willard Loughry; Wesley Chaper, President Lewis Goodell, Secretary Scott Lyons, Treasurer Harvey Hurst.
My recollection is that the testimony part of the
meeting proved more and more difficult to carry out. Something happened to our feelings on personal testimony. Our growing sophistication overpowered our former desire to testify.
We were no longer "strangely warmed" as was John Wesley. Many leaders turned to giving us opportunity for questioning and argument, exchange of ideas on things pertaining to Christian living.
In the early 1900's we had a pretty regular visitor at League meetings in the person of an elderly colored man who styled himself "Brother John." He always had a testimony to give concerning his week's exper- iences and the way God worked in those experiences. The testimonies varied but he always closed with these words, "I LOVE all you young folks! 'Membah me within youah prayahs, that I may prove faithful and when I'se done with this unfriendly world, I SHALL inherit the Kingdom." He wept happy tears each time and always had his clean white handkerchief ready to wipe them away. John was good for us. We often wished we could have and could express the same apparent faith that he possessed.
Again, many names of the faithful must be put in the files.
The Epworth League was automatically disbanded in 1939 when the reorganization plan of the Methodist Church took place.
The new name for youth groups was Methodist Youth Fellowship, M.Y.F.
The president of our Youth Council, Miss Marjory Burke, came before the Official Board and presented a project of our youth for a Chapel to be built in a room of the church suitable for that purpose. This led to the establishing. of Dodge Chapel. A complete story of that will be found elsewhere in our History.
Miss Burke, the daughter and grand daughter of former Grace Church members, was a very efficient young lady and served well in many organizations of the church. Her musical ability was outstanding. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burke, her grand- parents, Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Smith. Miss Burke is now Mrs. Carter Clark. She and her sister, Phyllis (Mrs. John Blocker), worked faithfully.
The M.Y.F. groups have never been very large- why didn't Methodists have more children ?- but they are loyal and tireless in working on projects for the church.
Our former deaconess, Miss Bogardus, and later our young assistant pastors, have been the advisors of these groups.
Under the efficient leadership of Marion Heeley (Smith) and Emily Heinrich the M.Y.F. Juniors made a fine Christmas Creche for the Sanctuary. The Senior M.Y.F. made a Christmas Frieze for the Mary- Martha room. These were both formally presented to the church at one of our Sunday morning services.
Our young people have earned many a dollar to help pay their way for a week's conference of young Methodists in Lakeside. This is a yearly affair.
At one time they had a series of visits to other churches to learn first hand about other denominations. One in particular should be noted, the visit to the Jewish Synagogue where the rabbi explained the Jewish belief in brief form and explained the symbol- ism used.
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The groups of young people from several churches in Lorain occasionally have joint devotional and recre- ational get-togethers. With fine leadership this should prove to be challenging.
A Junior League was formed for the very young children in 1890 while we were still using the little brick church.
Mrs. J. F. Smith, the wife of the pastor at that time, was the organizer. She acted as its president and conducted devotional meetings. The League met on Sunday afternoons and there were no movies in
existence to detract.
The children studied the Bible, and were trained to speak and pray without embarrassment. They car- ried bouquets to the sick and looked up new mem- bers. They gathered $175 in due time with the definite object in view of purchasing a bell for the new church. The old bell had cracked and was of no use but a new one was never purchased.
The four daughters of Rev. and Mrs. Smith, Ruth, Francis, Jeanette and Martha were kept busy with church organizations.
The "Mite" Society
. THE MEMBERS OF the "Mite" Society of a hundred years ago would, no doubt, be over-awed by the lengthy title, "The Women's Society of Christian Service," which we use today.
The working sisters of 1856 with their floor-sweep- ing skirts, tight bodices and long sleeves didn't have a kitchen in the church, but even with that handicap, the famous 10c Friday night suppers that they served were really something to remember.
Food for these suppers was cooked in the scveral homes of the committees and brought to the church. Can you picture some of the good sisters making their way churchward with their heavy baskets? Perhaps one generous lady who owned a horse and buggy collected these things. There's no one left to tell us about it.
When the food arrived at the church it was kept warm on a small gasoline stove-maybe with an oven on top. Think of the fresh home made bread with golden brown crust, some home-made pickles and a serving of oven-baked beans, with molasses and salt. pork seasoning, baked all day in the wood fcd stove or in a fireplace! Then a cup or two of tea or maybe coffee. Altogether it sounds like a good 10 cents' worth.
Perhaps they were having an oyster supper for a change, with oysters escalloped or in a stew and with milk direct from cow to church, without benefit of pasteurization, just plain pasture. The only things strange to the local scene were the oysters. How and where did they get them?
To make room for the tables on which to serve these 10c suppers, some of the pews in the rear of the church were moved. I wonder if they had folding tables? I hope that the little old gasoline stove was in a safe spot. Fire regulations? Well, perhaps a few, but if anything did happen the fire bell was handy, because the church bell was used for a fire warning too. What about water supply to put out the fire?
If the "Mite" Society didn't exactly fill the little tin box with quiet money, it did promote the social life of the church and think of the news you could pick up when the "girls" got together. If the women had not had "a concern" as well as a social urge, much of good import would have been lost.
Things must have been progressing when the "Mite" Society became the Ladies' Aid Society. The name sounds as though the women thought that their organ- ization had reached a higher plane and the "Mites" should be replaced by actual dollars and that the good that money can do could be spread over more ground.
But the "mites" didn't go out of style completely. They never do.
Further progress was made evident when the women decided that they could also support a Foreign Mis- sionary Society and later, a Home Missionary Society. Then it was that a bit of rivalry was born. It always seemed strange to me that the younger women of the church had the notion that the Foreign society was mostly for older women. The Home society spelled vigorous youth and newer ideas. Perhaps because of that diversity of thought, the church at large decided on a general reorganization of women's activities and so came into being "The Women's Society of Chris- tian Service," the alphabetical WS.C.S. The alphabet has come into it's own, at least in part.
I remember how carefully and critically wc listened to the new plans when they were presented. There was much shaking of heads. However, there could be no going backward, so we used the wisdom with which we were endowed and prayed and planned and went to work to make the reorganization an effective program of progress.
What a host of names of efficient women appear in our church groups over the past one hundred years. It is pleasant to share with you, our readers, the little "homey" glimpses of some of these women who gave of their best to the church. First to record the follow- ing account of a dinner honoring past presidents of the Ladies' Aid Society. Then will follow sketches of some of them.
Dinner Honoring Past Presidents of the Ladies' Aid Society Wednesday, March 2, 1932
On Wednesday, March 2, 1932, about 60 ladies, members of the Ladies' Aid Society of the First Meth- odist Episcopal Church, gathered in the dining room of the church for a tureen dinner, honoring Mrs. Fannie Wilford on her 86th birthday, which was March 1, and the past presidents of the society. Rev. H. W. Courtney, pastor was chairman of the day. After a bounteous dinner a fine program was enjoycd by those present.
Mrs. A. S. Gregg led in the singing of Annie Laurie and Old Folks at Home. The chairman then introduced the past presidents who were present as follows and each one responded with some remarks and reports of the years they were president: Mrs. Fannie Wilford, Mrs. W. W. Whitehouse, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Mrs. Samuel Butler, Mrs. Elmore Richards, Mrs. N. B. Hurst, Mrs. E. R. Herren, Mrs. O. N. Mowery, Mrs.
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Fred Miller, Mrs. Charles Tope, Mrs. C. S. Kelser, Mrs. H. H. Adams and Mrs. E. R. Herren. Mrs. Herren was the only one having the honor to be elected to this office twice, having served from 1920 to 1922 and again to be elected in 1931. Mrs. Samuel Butler and her daughter, Mrs. Fred Miller, were the only mother and daughter to serve as presidents of the society.
The names of the deceased presidents were then called as follows: Mrs. H. D. Root, Mrs. Margaret Bradford, Mrs. Celia E. Cowley, Mrs. F. M. Noxon, Mrs. George Wickens and Mrs. W. L. Hughcs. All stood in silent prayer in memory of the services of these Many very interesting incidents were recalled by those present. Miss Grace Vorwerk read several incidents copied from the local newspapers from the years of 1880 to 1890. These were thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
This was the first occasion of the kind to be held in First Church and all felt that it should be an annual occasion. A beautiful rose was presented to each past president by the society. At present there are about 350 ladies in the Ladies' Aid Society dividid into ten circles with Mrs. E. R. Herren as president, Mrs. C. P. Dodge, vice-president, Mrs. Geo. Greenwood, secre- tary, and Mrs. Charles Smith as treasurer. Mrs. Charles Smith has been treasurer for the last ten years."
The Ladies' Aid Society has almost completed the payment of the third $10,000.00 on the building fund for the new church. And last year they assumed an- other $10,000. When this is completed, they will have paid $40,000 toward the building fund of the new church. Also they furnished the Ladies' Parlor, under the supervision of Mrs. C. W. Purcell, at a cost of $1,600. The pipe organ for the new church cost $10,000 which was paid by the Ladies' Aid.
During the year of 1931 and 193, when the long- to-be remembered depression was on, the Ladies' Aid turned all the money they earned into the current expense budget. They paid over $950 before the New Year of 1932 and then paid off a note of $900 at the bank which had accumulated in the current expenses. For several years they served noon day lunches in the church every Thursday, except during the months of June, July, August and September.
Mrs. H. D. Root (Jeanette Fuller) is mentioned as among the first presidents of the "Mite" Society. Both she and her husband gave many years of service in all branches of the church and now we find some of their descendants, grand children, great grand children and great great grand children, helping to carry on the work of the church. Two great granddaughters, Mrs. Margaret Healey Benson and Mrs. Marion Healy Smith, are active in leadership in our present day W.S.C.S. They have a goodly heritage in faithful- ness to a worthy cause.
Mrs. Root penncd an excellent defense for "Praying Christians," when some one remarked that there was not a Christian in town to pray with a dying man. The paper was written in 1878. Later, Mrs. Root's daughter, Nettie Root Goodell, added to her mother's theme. These writings are being put into our church record.
An article from the Lorain Times of 1883 is headed "May Festival Was 'Failure'." This was attributed to Mrs. Root's illness so that she could not carry out her
elaborate plans. Where, oh where were the other good sisters? Anyway, the paper says, "The ladies made about $100." Mrs. Root's sister, Mrs. Burton, was also an active member of the society. We hear of her again in the story of the church bell.
These miscellaneous items found in old newspapers give evidence that the ladies had a good publicity chairman:
March 14, 1883: "The ladies of the M. E. Mite Society cleared $36 at the maple sugar and mush and milk party last Friday evening. They have discovered that the way to the average Lorainite's pocketbook is via his stomach."
The Herald-1892: "The bravest woman in town," observed the Herald in connection with plans for a Methodist bazaar, "is Mrs. F. B. Vernam, who is to have charge of the baby show. After the show she will have to have a body guard to protect her from disappointed mothers."
The Herald-1892: "It's a Hummer!" The Herald reported that the bazaar newly changed to "bazaar" from "Methodist fair," as it had been termed earlier, was going to be a "hummer." A feature of the Art booth was brick out of the old church, each bearing a hand-painted picture of the church before it was torn down. These were to be used for door stops. Ted Wickens used to tell how he and some of the other boys were given the job of cleaning the cement off the brick, so that they could be made uscful. If not cleaned cnough for the painted picture, then they were neatly covered with pieces of carpet and also sold as door stops.
Mrs. Margaret Bradford, an early president, be- longed to another of the families that came to Lorain with the railroad (old C. L. & W.) Besides her hus- band and son, there were Mr. B. N. Utterback and his three children, Mrs. Bradley's relatives, who made up the household. Mr. Utterback was a conductor on one of the passenger trains. His three children were Lucy, Kate and Charles. Kate become Mrs. Frank Clark, daughter-in-law of Mrs. Geo. Clark, now (1956) one of our oldest church members. We lost Mrs. Bradford along the way, somehow. One of her "Ladies' Aid" efficient helpers was Mrs. F. W. Mc- Ilvane. The families were neighbors on 2nd Ave. (now 9th St.). Mr. McIlvane was also a member of the crew on one of the C. L. & W. passenger trains. Where, oh where, are those trains now?
Mrs. Celia Cowley belonged to the family of one of the very earliest settlers of Black River, the Lyonses. Most of the Lyons family were tall, stately persons to whom most people were attracted. Mrs. Cowley fol- lowed that family pattern. A merry crinkle of wrinkles about her eyes gave evidence of a sense of humor. I notice her middle initial is "E." That must have stood for efficiency. Numerous items concern- ing this family are found elsewhere in this History.
The family of Atty. and Mrs. W. L. Hughes came to Lorain from Cadiz, Ohio, attracted by the story of the town's growth. As president of the Ladies' Aid, Mrs. Hughes must have managed to plan her busy life well. Beside her husband and two daughters she had the care of two elderly people in her home. Mrs. Hughes was a sweet, motherly woman, the personifi. cation of patience. She used her practical mind to further the business of the church. The rest of her
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family gave of their musical talent. Atty. Hughes with his flute and leading of Sunday School singing, and the girls with the piano. Izetta Hughes Jones has been recognized in the many cities in which she has lived as an excellent pianist and accompanist. Together with her husband, Harry Janes, who is a cellist, they have enjoyed a life full of music. Inez Hughes Gard- ner also had a natural musical talent.
Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Noxon and daughter, Daisy, came to Lorain from Uhrichville, Ohio, "down the road" on the C. L. & W. railroad. Mrs. Noxon was a bustling little lady who put much of her energy to work for the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Church eventually becoming its president. Her at. tendance at church service was limited because of young children at home. One Sunday she left Mr. Noxon to look after them while she went to church and on returning home learned that father hadn't done too well, so she decided that she would not try to go again while the children were small. But she persuaded Mr. Noxon to go. He went and one Sun- day was particularly pleased with something the min- ister, Rev. J. Frank Smith, said and started to applaud. His embarassment made him decide that he too, like Mrs. Noxon, had better stay at home. It was of no use explaining to Mr. Noxon that other folks applaud- ed also, by calling out "Amen"! or "Hallelujah," and that did happen very often.
A Mr. Hummer, one of our members, kept that kind of applause in action for many years. The habit of service to the Ladies' Aid has come on down through the Noxon family. Mrs. Mildren Noxon Lightfoot is a good Circle worker. Today the Church Nursery and Junior Church take wonderful care of the chil- dren whose parents wish to attend the church service.
In our historical collection is a program which reads:
Wagner's Opera House Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 29 and 30, 1895 The Grand Dramatic Cantata "Jeptha's Vow" The Great Musical Specticle under the auspices of The Ladies' Aid Society of the M. E. Church 75 Ladies and Gentlemen in Splendid Costume
The work of the departments of the W.S.C.S. seems to cover every subject of interest and concern: (1) Spiritual Life-Encourages personal daily quiet time for prayer; (2) Status of Women-Keeps before us the opportunities for the development of every woman; (3) Christian Social Relations-To understand our world in the Spirit of Christ; (4) Missionary Education; (5) Student Work; (6) Youth Work; (7) Children's Work; (8) Literature.
To review all the possibilities and actual work of this organization would be a literary work in itself. The job is never finished. The social aspect goes along with the work. How often we hear, "Oh, I like to go to Circle meeting." The annual May Breakfast, Rose Tea, Mother Daughter Banquet and Bazaar are wonderful events.
Under the auspices of the W.S.C.S. as a feature of the Lenten Season, Feb. 27, 1948, Atty. William G. Wickens presented "The Trial of Jesus" from the standpoint of modern court procedure. It was a very excellent presentation and created much interest. Atty. Wickens was asked to present it before other societies in Lorain.
When we are prone to complain about too much church work, it would give us a new outlook on the effective work being carried on around the world if we had our publication, "World Outlook," at hand. The church does so much good and each W.S.C.S. member helps by first being interested, then interested enough to help.
The Brotherhood
WHEN WE MOVED into the larger brick church on Bank St. (1892) the members were happy to find that the many separate class rooms in the Sunday School Dept. afforded space for many groups. Among these was a men's class. The teacher was usually the pastor. They talked "man-talk" presumably and be- sides taking apart and analyzing the Bible characters, they divested themselves of some opinions on how the world of their day should be carried cn. Men's Bible classes became the popular thing in many churches and there was much good natured rivalry as to which one could attract the most members. Many of the members were men not really connected with any church.
Some one in our Brotherhood class came up with the happy suggestion that the Gospel of larger living could be carried out if there was an organization which would have a dinner and program meeting some week night. The Methodist Broterhood came into being and speakers from outside our church were brought in who could expound on wordly subjects as well as those of the church.
An old church bulletin of Aug. 25, 1912, when Rev. Newton E. Davis was pastor, announced that "The Brotherhood" was sponsoring a lecture by Dr. Charles M. Sheldon of Topeka, Kansas. Dr. Sheldon was a Congregational minister, author of the book, "In His Steps" or "What Would Jesus Do?" He was a guest of the Whitehouse family.
On that same bulletin, just beneath the names of the officers of "The Brotherhood" was a list of officers of "The Clan of Daniel." Judging by the names, this group was composed of the, then, boys of the church, potential Brotherhood members.
If someone has the old secretary books of either of these organizations, we could tell, by reading them, what happened next. Did Brotherhood become old fashioned?
At any rate, in 1920 we learn that "The Men's Club" was organized with Mr. Paul Brattin as its first president and Mr. George Greenwood its secre- tary. These two men served four years and were instrumental in building up the membership of 150, and met the second Monday of each month.
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It is interesting to note that there are always men who favor being known as "brothers in-law" of the church. They can be persuaded to belong to the Men's Club. They are sometimes listed as "buttresses," as over against "pillars" of the church. You know! Helping to hold things up from the outside, instead of the inside. You've heard of "flying buttresses" in architecture. Our variety does "flee" from certain responsibilities. However, our men did help to hold their interest and every one was rewarded by being privileged to hear fine programs. The club also offered much in sociability. Their annual Ladies' Night, Father and Son Banquet and Guest Night for Men's Clubs of other denominations were all worthy of commendation.
At the general reorganization of all church societies, the name "Men's Club" was dropped and "Methodist Men" became the new title.
This society skidded a little when the sign "No Smoking" appeared in the church dining room. The "Nobody's goin' t' tell M.E." brothers and the "I can quit any time" boys didn't want, even for one hour, to accede to the church's wishes. We of the "burning eyeballs" were just happy to think there could be one place where the air wasn't cloudy with smoke.
Early Methodists received many a spark from "Brimstone Corners" revivals, but some of the latter day saints and sinners object to the spewing of fire and smoke in the church dining room.
There have been many dynamic leaders in our men's organizations. The programs offered are always worth while. It is our hope that their work will always be effective in promoting brotherhood.
Men's Club Notes
Laymen's Sunday, Feb. 26, 1950.
We are happy to bring to First Church this morn- ing the Honorable Carl V. Weygandt as our Laymen's Day speaker. It is to our Lay Leader, Mr. William
Wickens, that we are indebted for making the arrange- ments.
Men's Club officers, 1950-51 : C. E. Lambdin, presi- dent; A. F. Aebersold, 1st vice president; Dean Erwin, 2nd vice president; E. G. Stant, secretary treasurer.
Methodist Laymen General
For many years Brotherhood organizations were the chief type of activity among Methodist laymen. About ten years ago the General Board of Lay Activities was authorized by the General Conference, and headquar- ters were set up at 740 Rush St., Chicago. Mr. Chil- ton G. Bennett is the Executive Secretary.
Program
Stewardship and Evangelism have been the out standing parts of the Board's program. In the Crusade for Christ, Methodist Laymen were responsible for the Stewardship phase of that great program.
Lay Leaders
An important aspect of this feature of Methodist policy is the provision for a Lay Leader in every local church. His opportunities for service are many and varied, the plan being designed to be adaptable ac- cording to the time the Leader has available.
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