USA > Ohio > Stark County > Alliance > The First Presbyterian Church, Alliance, Ohio : the first one hundred years, 1854-1954 > Part 2
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Dr. Grimes Called to Alliance Church (1869)
In October, 1869, Dr. Joseph Grimes, the real founder of the church, accepted the call of the struggling young church in Alliance, now fifteen years old. Little did he dream when he organized the church in 1854, that fifteen years later he would become its minister. It was a happy day for the church when Dr. Grimes accepted the call.
Dr. Grimes was born near Athens, Ohio, on July 22, 1827. He was a graduate of Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, and attended Western Theological Semi- nary in 1849. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New London, Ohio, and was installed as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Salem, Ohio. He preached for six months in Miami City, Ohio, as a supply and declined the office of pastorate to accept a call to Columbia, Pennsylvania. Then in 1861, he became the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and remained five years.
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In 1866, he took a change in Rockford, Illinois. It was while at Rockford that he accepted the challenge of the Alliance Church. He traveled through the Holy Land in the year 1877. He died in 1905 after fifty-two years of ministry.
During Dr. Grimes' pastorate of sixteen and one half years, he received 703 members, of whom 490 were on profession of faith and 213 on certificate from other churches. No less than thirty pastors attributed their conversion and entry into the ministry to his influence. That alone is a great tribute.
In a new town like Alliance it was not surprising that the church should suffer from the fluctuation of society. The population changed continually. The gains of one six months in church members would be lost the next six months. Dr. Grimes increased the membership from 260 to 408 in spite of fluctuation. In his diary he says, "A conscientious chorister has the most diflicut office to fill within the gift of the people. He is doomed to meet envy, petulance, strife, divisions and all manner of evil speaking. He is expected to be a saint-and is often required to furnish the full tale of bricks when all the straw has been taken away." The first chorister in the church was Thomas Beers, later Judge of the Court in Bucyrus, Ohio. He was succeeded by David Fast, Thomas Davis, J. W. Criswell, Wm. Vincent, Wm. Todd and again Wm. Vincent. Dr. Grimes referred in his History to the tremendous con- tribution in music made by Mrs. Agnes Cleland and Wm. Vincent.
The community suffered for many years from a series of financial disasters. Un- employment of the laboring classes and the limited circumstances of the majority of the people led to the burden of church expenses falling on a few.
The Church Divides and Unites
While Dr. Grimes was still the minister, there arose some dissention and in 1884 the congregation split. Fortunately the loss of records concerning the cause has drawn a "curtain of merciful oblivion" at this point. A small number of members withdrew and, with the seceding members from other churches of the city, they built and maintained a church on the corner of Arch Avenue at East Columbia Street. This church was known as the "Westminster Church." Dr. Grimes continued at the Prospect Street church for a time, resigning in 1885. He was succeeded by Rev. David Waugh who served for only a year.
In 1887 Rev. Hiram S. Barnes was called to the Prospect Street church. He remained until 1891, when Rev. C. Delano Jeffries took up the pastorate. Mr. Jeffries was forced to resign in 1894 because of poor health. It was during the ministry of Mr. Barnes that the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized (May 18, 1887) with Mrs. Barnes, his wife, as President; Mrs. W. W. Cantine (grandmother of Mrs. William Akins) as Secretary; Mrs. George Ickes as Vice President and Mrs. Clara Burnett as Treasurer. There were thirty-three mem- bers enrolled in the first year of its organization.
Even before 1893, the Prospect Street church was becoming inadequate for its needs and the members were conscious of the growing demands for a new building. The leaders of the Westminster Church realized their burden to be too great and
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Sanctuary of Third Church Building
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several overtures were made to the Prospect Church. Yet, it was a fire that badly damaged the Prospect Street Church that brought about the union of the two. No doubt time was also a healing factor. The united churches were now called "The First Presbyterian Church of Alliance." When the consolidation took place in 1893, the old Prospect Street building was deserted. The Westminster Church building was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of $4,000.00 to house the united congregation. The remodeling expenses were shared by both churches, while they met in the mean- time in the Old Sourbeck Opera House standing on the site of the present Knights of Pythias' Building.
Growth Under Dr. S. W. McFadden (1895-1898)
The merged churches extended a call to Rev. S. Willis McFadden in 1895. He accepted the challenge. The church was in great need of good leadership because of months of "supplies" and "candidates" creating a loss of interest.
Dr. McFadden was a graduate of Franklin College with further study at Prince- ton and Western Theological Seminaries. He served, besides the Alliance Church, the Presbyterian Church in Warren, Ohio; Sioux City, Iowa; Spokane, Washington ; the Knoxville Church in Pittsburgh, Pa .; Westminster Church in Springfield, Illinois; and the First Church in Peekskill, New York.
The youthfulness, enthusiasm, energy and personality of this young man brought new life and spirit into the church. Young and old alike were drawn into willing cooperation. It was soon evident, with an increase of about three hundred members, that there existed a need for a more commodious church. Yet, with the indebtedness of the remodeling still on the books, the thoughts of a larger structure were quite out of the question.
The church continued to grow under Dr. McFadden until there were 540 church members with a Sunday School about as large. The current expenses of the church amounted to almost $5000 and the benevolence contribution reached almost an un- believable figure for that day of $1700.
During the growth of the church under Dr. McFadden, the congregation filled the pews and additional chairs had to be put in the aisles. A member nicknamed "Apple" Williams (because he was the owner of an apple-storage place) lived a few houses from the church. He and his wife remained in their home until the services started and the people were seated ; then they came with their own chairs and placed them in any available spot.
Dr. McFadden was considered a master in oratory and sermonizing. Accord- ing to an old diary of one of the faithful church members, on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1897, Dr. McFadden read the church financial report. After announcing the amount of indebtedness, he made an earnest appeal to cancel the debt. Many gave liberally until nearly all of the amount was raised.
It was with deep regret that the congregation released Dr. McFadden to accept a larger field in 1898. He left a host of friends who wished him well, as he became a recognized leader and pastor in the Presbyterian World.
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Dr. Robert A. Carnahan (1899-1912)
With the resignation of Dr. McFadden in 1898, the church underwent the usual trying period with supplies and candidates. Finally, in June 1899, the congre- gation found its new leader in Dr. Carnahan. It was said-"Few ministers have ever so won their way into the hearts and lives of the congregation as did Dr. Carnahan. Perhaps Dr. Carnahan's best remembered trait is his 'human-ness.' Little children gathered about him like 'bees after honey.' Each Sunday one little youngster would be chosen by Dr. Carnahan to put his Sunday School money in its department's offering plate. Much competition reigned for the privilege of doing it, for they all loved him and longed for his favorable recognition. He was fond of jokes and possessed a keen memory for names. His sympathy and understanding made him a favorite with his parishoners, young and old alike."
The Sanctuary
The old building soon became outgrown and, with the new spirit of enthusiasm in the congregation, there was need of erecting larger quarters. This "spark" caught fire and on a cold January night (January 1, 1901) the First Presbyterian Church held an important business session when definite action to appoint a Building committee was taken, and detailed arrangements for purchasing a new location were made. The property on the south-east corner of Market and' Linden Avenue, formerly the site of the Roman Catholic Church, was purchased from Mrs. Clara J. Burnett. The Building Committee consisted of J. H. Sharer, A. B. Love, W. H. Morgan, John Bracher, J. W. Hull and Dr. Carnahan. The next day the men met at the City Savings Bank and organized as a "Church Corporation" with Dr. Carna- han as clerk and W. W. Gilson as Treasurer. It was at this time that A. B. Love presented five twenty dollar gold pieces as his first payment on the new church as an impetus for others. It was A. B. Love's devotion to his church that made him in his unassuming manner an inspiration to the other church members.
On June 22, 1902, another congregational meeting was held at which time final architectural plans and financial methods were presented. Enthusiasm was at a "high pitch" when Mrs. Mary J. Sourbeck, President of the Ladies' Aid Society, presented the first pledge of $1,000. Other subscriptions followed until $11,000 was pledged that very night. With a gift of a thousand dollars each from Mr. and Mrs. William H. Morgan, the committee felt justified in awarding the contract to Mr. S. Joliet for a cost of $24,300. This amount did not include the organ, windows and furnishings which amounted to about $20,000. Mr. O. E. Pfouts was secured to oversee the project. It took much patience and devotion to collect the funds. The corner stone was laid June 3, 1903. The pastor of the "Old Stone Church" of Cleveland, Rev. Andrew B. Meldrum, D.D., gave a most eloquent address at the ceremonies. Dr. Carnahan in laying the corner stone said, "I lay this corner stone for the worship of God and the advancement of His Kingdom, for the glory of Jesus Christ and the increase of His Church, for the blessing of all men and the truth unto their children."
As the building progressed, it was necessary for the appointing of a committee for the interior planning and for the furniture. Those appointed were Mrs. W. W.
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Cantine, Mrs. L. W. Ballard, Mrs. I. H. Rhodes and Messrs. L. E. Miller and W. W. Gibson. Three beautiful memorial windows were given: the Tiffany window above the pulpit showing "Christ Blessing Little Children," in memory of Mary Louise, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Morgan; the Ladies Aid Window and the Women's Missionary memorial window, in memory of faithful members who had ended their earthly lives.
The organ was given by the philanthropist, Mr. Andrew Carnegie. The pulpit set was a gift of Mr. H. P. McIntosh of Cleveland in memory of his sister, Mrs. Agnes Cleland, and the Bible was given by Mrs. Agnes Cleland's son. J, H. Sharer and son donated the choir chairs. The Baptismal font was given by the young Ladies' Missionary Society.
Great was the rejoicing and thanksgiving when Sunday, Dec. 11, 1904, was set for the dedication of the new edifice. Many friends and members of the church gathered for this big occasion. Dr. J. S. Grimes, former pastor, returned for a part in the celebration. Dr. William Hudnut of Youngstown represented formally the Mahoning Presbytery. In the Building Committee's records it is written: "Upon this memorable winter day, in the sunlight that was streaming through the beautiful window's of God's house, with antiphonal songs welling up from overjoyed hearts, with preaching and prayer, our new Church was dedicated to God." It was not debt free, however, and it was a period of six years before the congregation could burn the mortgage. This was accomplished by the congegation's cooperation with a "Boosters" Committee. The date was set to clear everything. Anticipation ran high and it required both morning and evening services to complete the task. The Mortgage hung suspended from a wire over the pulpit with a placard reading, "Shall It Be Burned Tonight?" Mayor E. P. Speidel and Dr. William McMasteres of Mount Union College gave congratulatory speeches. The exciting moment came when Mr. A. B. Love lighted the mortgage. The whole audience broke forth in singing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow."
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This was almost the final accomplishment of Dr. Carnahan. It was about a year after this that he became seriously ill and passed from "the scene of his mortal triumphs" in January 1912. This noble life left a bereft, leaderless church, but the fondest memories lived on.
Rev. Rudolph Stoll (1913-1914)
In 1913, the Rev. Rudolph Stoll came to the Alliance Church for a period of two years. He was an eloquent speaker and was called by many city organizations to appear on programs. He was particularly adapted to Young People's Work. He resigned to take up youth work in New York State in 1914.
Dr. Frank J. Bryson (1915-1920)
In 1915 Dr. Frank J. Bryson was called to the church. His qualities of sin- cerity and geniality won him friends inside and outside the church. He was a genuine scholar and orator. Some of his sermons "won him recognition as one of
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The Completed Church Buildings - 1951
the best speakers the city ever had, some of his sermons being classics." The Church expanded its program under Dr. Bryson's leadership. He was responsible for the Church's Honor Roll that included the names of seventy-three young men who served our country in World War I. Of these, Kenneth Graham and Francis Wil- liams were killed in action in France, and Floyd Johnson died on board the S. S. Pennsylvania.
Because of the rising cost of living and scarcity of homes, it was necessary for the church to purchase a manse. As there was no appropriate property available near the church, the house at 70 W. Cambridge Street was purchased.
In 1920, the First Presbyterian Church of Allegheny deprived Alliance of its pastor. Dr. Bryson left a regretful congregation, for he had won many friends in the church and city. He has returned on numerous occasions. During the seventy- fifth anniversary Dr. Bryson and Dr. McFadden shared honors.
Dr. John L. Tait (1921-1927)
Dr. John L. Tait came to the Alliance Church in 1921 after working with the Y.M.C.A. in connection with the Armed Forces in England and France. While in the city, Dr. Tait was active in the Masonic Order, American Legion and the Ro- tary Club. From 1910 to 1920 the city practically doubled in population because of the fact that Alliance was in vital war industry. It was evident that church ex- pansion was soon to be a necessity. The decision was made in 1923 to remain a "down-town" church and to purchase the Teeters property on the East. It was thought a connecting hallway and a few alterations would accommodate some of the Chuch's activities. The property was purchased for $19,500 with an additional $5000 for repairs. The vision for the future was to erect a new building in keep- ing with the main edifice. Dr. Tait resigned in the spring of 1927 to accept a call to a new Presbyterian Church in Bexley Park, Columbus.
Dr. John V. Stephens, Jr. (1927 -- )
The Pulpit Committee of the Church busied itself and is to be commended for doing a splendid work. The Committee deserves a lasting thanks for bringing to the church Dr. John V. Stephens, Jr. He and his wife brought new spirit and life to our church along with their warmth of friendship. They came to us in October 1927 as a real blessing to the church.
John Vant Stephens, Jr., was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. His father was pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In his childhood his father became professor of Church History in the Theological Seminary of Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. Later he accepted a similar position in Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. After Mr. Stephens' graduation from University School in Cincinnati, he returned to Tennessee, where he took his college work at Maryville College, returning to Cincinnati to enter Lane Theological Seminary in preparation for the ministry.
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Church and Parish House (North-west View)
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Parish House and Church (North-east View)
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His first and only charge before coming to. Alliance was the Clifford Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, where he served faithfully and efficiently for nine years. He was a recognized leader in the Cincinnati Presbytery, being made chairman of several important committees. In the Synod of Ohio he has served as chairman of the Committee on Christian Education; President of the Board of Trustees of the Westminster Foundations and Moderator of the Synod.
During Dr. Stephens' college days he met as a class mate Ruth Carson, the daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian ministers. While she was still very young her father died. Later the widowed mother and three children established their home in Maryville, Tennessee where the children attended secondary schools and later Maryville College. It was there that Dr. and Mrs. Stephens planned to be married. Following completion of Dr. Stephens' seminary work they were mar- ried and accepted a church. It was then "team work" for Christian service in the Clifford Presbyterian Church in Cinicinnati. No wonder the records give the trebling of the membership of the Cincinnati church during their years there.
Dr. Stephens accepted the Alliance call as a real challenge and in the years of his ministry one can truthfully say, it was a task well done. These twenty-seven years of his untiring efforts include many accomplishments.
Building Program Completed
When Dr. Stephens came he had a great vision. He could see in his "dream" a beautiful Parish House and the reorganized Christian Educational Program for it. He saw the possibilities for greater service in the reorganization of the Women's Work. How these changes formulated slowly but surely! Yet, it was not without prayer, guidance, cooperation and plenty of Dr. Stephens' own efforts. The prob- lems were many and the tasks not easy, for the Church's Teeters property, the "An- nex," still had a remaining debt of $17,600 and the congregation was disheartened. The first plans for the Parish House were drawn in 1929. Then the depression came! Plans were again revised in 1937 and again in 1949. The first campaign for the Parish House Funds was in October 1937. Financial drives followed from time to time. The second World War not only delayed, the raising of funds, but there were government restrictions that made building impossible. By November, 1949, the "big" drive for the Parish House Funds under the capable leadership of Mr. Robert Harry and Mr. C. J. Rodman was successful in pledging the final $100,000. To go over the "top" was a great thrill for the minister and congregation. Mr. Robert Harry was chosen as chairman of the Building Committee and work began. The ground-breaking for the Parish House was on October 2, 1949. The corner stone was laid on May 7, 1950. The Parish House was dedicated on Decem- ber 9, 1951. What enthusiasm and rejoicing accompanied each of these occasions with special programs! The complete cost of the Parish House, including furnishings, was about $180,000.
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New Chancel of the Sanctuary
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The Stephens Youth Chapel
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Memorial Chancel, Organ and Chimes
Another project was the Memorial Chancel in the Sanctury. It was neces- sary to make room for the Youth Choirs and to beautify the old church in order to make a better transition with the new Parish House. The Chancel remodeling was made possible by gifts in memory of the boys who died in World War I and II, and by gifts in memory of certain faithful members of the church. The cost was $18,000. This did not include the new pipe organ given by the C. J. Rodman family in memory of Mr. Rodman's father, the Reverend Henry Herman Rodman. This magnificent new organ was dedicated on December 28, 1949. The organ was dedicated with a brilliant concert by Prof. Wayne Fisher, concert organist and a member of the Faculty of the Cincinnati College of Music. Few people know that the organ is not only an Alliance product, built by Hillgreen-Lane and Company, but the instru- ment has three manuals and pedal, 40 stops, 25 ranks, and 1610 pipes. What a fit- ting and appropriate memorial to Rev. Henry Herman Rodman, a man who had consecrated his many talents to God and Christian service!
As one enters the Sanctuary by the tower entrance, his eyes fall upon a bronze plaque with these words, "To add melody to life and to bring music to the souls of men the Carillonic Bells in this church are given in loving memory of Mrs. Charles Young Kay by her daughter, Mrs. William P. Akins-Easter 1948." This memorial gift of twenty-five bells has added melody to our lives, and the memorial organ, in the skilled hands of LeRoy Abegglen, our faithful organist for some forty years, has brought music to the souls of men as they have gathered to worship God.
Christian Education Program
In the reorganizing of the education program of our church, it was vital to have a Director of Christian Education. Our first director was Miss Albertine Bischoff, who came in the fall of 1930 and remained with us three years. She not only helped lay the foundations for our program, but also inspired our people with a zeal for missions.
Miss Dorothy Gates came to us in September 1940 and remained a year. Many remember her for the beautiful "White-Gift Christmas" setting in the Chancel.
Miss Miriam Jones served from September 1943 to June, 1948. She was lov- ingly called "Mim" and in her five years with us endeared herself to the hearts of the youth of the church. "Mim" left to accept a call to one of the largest churches in Pittsburgh, where she is still serving.
Miss Laila Ostrom came to us August, 1948, and remained with us till August, 1953. Many were the abilities of Laila. She was talented in handcraft arts, pro- gram planning, story-telling, photography, etc. What amazed the men of the con- gregation was that she possessed a mechanical skill. Rarely was she stumped by "puzzling problems" with the movie projector. With her keen sense of humor and
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Primary Department Chapel
Eastminster Hall
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interesting chuckle and her devout sincerity, she soon became a sympathetic confident of many in the congregation. It was with deep regret that she left us, but the church could not stand in her way in her desire to further her education. Her leaving was a loss to the entire community as well as the church, for she had been active in civic affairs.
Miss Margaret Ronaldson came to us from the East in August, 1953. She has brought enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to be of service and, in spite of her be- ing with us only a year, she has already laid the foundation stones for a successful career. Her radiant smile and personality have helped make her a leader, not only in our church, but also in the community at large. Her abilities have already been dis- covered as being vital to the spiritual life of the church and community.
The Church Office and New Manse
Through the years the church has been fortunate in having faithful and con- scientious secretaries in the church office. Among those who have served are:
Mrs. D. D. Farr (Margaret Woods) Mrs. Arthur Kitt (Lucille Woods) Mrs. George Yanny (Phoebe Pearson) Mrs. Kenneth McFall (Dorothy Vernon) Mrs. Earl F. Dewey (Mary Ellen Connor) Mrs. Ray Mainwaring (Pauline Dietrich)
Mrs. William Sassaman (Beatrice McGrew) Mrs. Nick Hampu, Jr. (Margaret Stiffler) Mrs. Donald Lanham (Erma Blazer)
These persons have made a large contribution to the work of the church.
A new manse was purchased by the church in March 1951, located at 1090 Kings- way. The total cost of the Manse, with improvements, was about $22,500. The house is well located and well adapted for use as a manse. The church may well be proud of this new home for its minister and his family.
Men and Women Organize
The accomplishment of the reorganization of the Women's Work of the church has proven most successful. The women have become more of an integral part of a working church. This story is told later on in this history.
The men have always played an important role in the history of this church. They have carried on their work under various names and types of organization through the years. They now work through the organized Bible classes and through "The Men O' First," which is the local chapter of the National Council of Presby- terian Men. This story will also be found in the latter part of this history.
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The Pulpit and Chancel
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