USA > Ohio > Stark County > Alliance > The First Presbyterian Church, Alliance, Ohio : the first one hundred years, 1854-1954 > Part 3
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Yesterday
Looking back over the twenty-seven years of the ministry of Dr. Stephens, the following facts and figures may be of interest: members received into the church, 2,279 ; sermons preached, 1,241 ; services conducted, 1,551; various talks and ad- dresses, 1,525 ; funerals conducted, 743 ; weddings performed, 410; personal conferences with members, thousands (no record has been kept) ; pastoral calls, about 35,000; miles traveled in pastoral and church work, over 300,000.
The financial report of the church for the past twenty-seven years is also interesting, revealing the loyalty of the members to their church-
Received for current expenses $ 563,588.00
Received for benevolences 237,524.00 Received for building purposes 265,725.00
Total receipts for all purposes $1,066,837.00
These things could not have been accomplished by Dr. Stephens alone. He has been encouraged and inspired by the many who have followed his leadership and upheld his hands. Dr. Stephens has served selflessly; he has served with fidelity and devotion. No task has been too great. Both Dr. and Mrs. Stephens have endeared themselves to the hearts and homes of our congregation. Our church is fortunate to have had their devoted spiritual leadership.
Tomorrow
Looking to tomorrow, the portals of a new century open before us. As we enter the second century of our history, and face the challenge of the years ahead, it is with faith and expectation. Inspired by the toils and sacrifices of the builders of yesterday, we who love and work for our Church today, challenge the builders of tomorrow, that they may understand the privilege within their responsibilities.
Our Church is a sacred trust, received from our fathers, which we leave to suc- cessive generations, a stronger and better Church, we pray, because we have lived, loved and served.
"I love Thy Church, O God : Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand.
"For her my tears shall fall, For her my prayers ascend; To her my cares and toils be given, Till toils and cares shall end."
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The Historical Committee
Mrs. Clark Shreve, Chairman Dr. B. F. Stanton Mr. Herbert W. Pritchard
Mrs. Nick Hampu, Jr. Mr. Ralph Lucas Mr. Willis Magrath
The Centennial Committee and members of the church are deeply indebted to Mrs. Clark Shreve who has given so graciously of her time and talent in the prepar- ation and writing of this Centennial History. We wish to acknowledge our indebted- ness also to all members of the Historical Committee and the many persons who have supplied information, pictures and books, to make this history possible.
We wish to acknowledge also the cooperation of Mr. Ralph Lucas who made the sketches of the church; the work of the Dimit Brothers who took most of the pictures ; the help of Mr. Arthur Rickard, President of the Canton Engraving and Electrotyping Company, in making the cuts and engravings used ; and the advice and guidance of the Saffell-Hively Printing Company, publishers of the history.
Contributors
The following persons have also contributed to the materials in this history : Willis Magrath, Miss Mabel Hartzell, Mrs. Fred Donaldson, Mr. N. C. Fetters, Mr. Walter Ellett, Mrs. J. E. Vaughn, Mr. Emil Tanner and Mr. Frank Taylor.
RALPHW LUCAS-
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George and Annie Russell
The names of "Uncle" George and "Aunt" Annie Russell, as they were lovingly called, cannot be forgotten in our Church History. Their Christian lives were truly examples of a radiant triumph of faith.
George was born in 1841. Not knowing the month and day of his birth, he chose Lincoln's birthday as his. During the Civil War, George, who was no doubt a slave, was picked up by Union soldiers and did his bit in the war. It was President Mckinley who made it possible for George to receive a government pension for his services. He was brought to Alliance by Mr. Hogue.
George met Annie, an escaped slave, born in 1850, who worked in a hotel in Salem. They chose to go through life together and built a truly happy home.
George was the custodian of the old Prospect Church for years and he and Annie looked upon the task as a privilege. Both tithed their money and it is said that when George received $1200.00 in "back" government pension, the following Sunday he joyfully placed $120.00 on the offering plate. It has been told that George often said, "The Lord must be given the best." It was no doubt this philosophy that prompted him either to get new money or to clean and shine the old money every Saturday, ready for the Sunday's offering plate. At another time, he gave a gift of $500.00 to the choir.
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It has also been said that George's love for children was displayed when he taught almost one hundred children to play croquet.
George and Annie's consecrated lives radiated beyond the church into the com- munity as a whole. When George died in April, 1906, they not only had a church funeral for him; but the business offices in Alliance closed in honor of him.
Annie outlived George by twenty-one years. She lived out on West Ely where there were no transportation facilities at that time; but she was always in her place at Sunday School on time. One Sunday morning she was asked by John D. Boyd, the Sunday School Superintendent, how she could get to Sunday School so early. She replied, "Johnnie, when I get up in the morning, I get ready and then I pray. What's the use of praying when you aren't ready?" These sentences were a sermon not to be forgotten. "Aunt" Annie died February 27, 1927, but her living sermons and con- secrated prayers are still memories for many who knew her.
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Ministers Who Have Served Our Church
Rev. Robert McCollough 1854
Rev. A. B. Maxwell 1856-1858
Rev. Mr. Speer 1858-1859
Rev. Mr. Livingstone 1860
Rev. William McKay
1861
Rev. David Miller
1862-1867
Rev. Daniel W. Townsend
1867-1869
Rev. Joseph S. Grimes 1869-1885
Rev. David D. Waugh
1886
Rev. Hiram P. Barnes
1887-1891
Rev. C. Delano Jeffries
1891-1894
Rev. Samuel W. McFadden
1895-1898
Rev. Robert A. Carnahan
1899-1912
Rev. Rudolph Carl Stoll
1913-1914
Rev. D. C. Grover 1914
Rev. Frank J. Bryson
1915-1920
Rev. John L. Tait 1921-1927
Rev. John V. Stephens, Jr. 1927-
Directors of Christian Education
Miss Albertine Bischoff 1930-1933
Miss Dorothy Gates 1940-1941
Miss Miriam Jones 1943-1948
Miss Laila Ostrom 1948-1953
Miss Margaret Ronaldson 1953-
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Dr. Joseph S. Grimes
Dr. Samuel W. McFadden
Dr. Robert A. Carnahan
Dr. Frank J. Bryson
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Miss Laila Ostrom
Miss Miriam Jones
Miss Margaret Ronaldson
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In Christian Service
The First Presbyterian Church is indeed proud to record that some of her sons have heard the call to enter full-time Christian service.
Clifford J. Shumaker, graduating from McCormick Theological Seminary, has held pastorates in Lisbon, North Dakota; Two Ridges, and Cross Creek, Steuben- ville, Ohio; and Polson, Montana. He was Moderator of the Synod of Montana in 1949, and was awarded a Twenty-five Year National Missions Pin in October, 1953. Since 1940 he has been serving in the Department of Sunday School Missions and Mobile Ministries with headquarters at Stanford, Montana.
William B. McLaughlin graduated from Alliance High School in 1927, and from Mount Union College in 1932. He received his Master of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico in 1953. For several years he taught at the Allison-James School, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and since 1949 has been a teacher at the Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, Utah.
Asher B. Case was born in Hayesville, Ohio, and graduated from Wooster Col- lege in 1922. After spending a year as Principal of the Magnolia High School, he began his work as a missionary in Siam, serving as a teacher in the Bankok Christian School for Boys, and later in the Lampsng School for Boys. Reverend Case and his wife, Ruth, are now doing evangelistic work among the lepers of Siam, (Thailand) under the direction of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, with headquarters at Maha Sara-Kam, Thailand.
William S. Yanney, a native of Alliance, an Eagle Scout, graduated from Alli- ance High School, and from Wooster College, with honors in Greek. He served one and one-half years in Korea, with the Army of Occupation. He is now a Senior at the Princeton Seminary. During his second year at Princeton, he was awarded the Benjamin Stanton prize in Old Testament History. Mrs. Yanney is the former Lois Cross of Perry, New York. They have three daughters.
Walter Massey was born in Alliance. After graduation from the high school he attended Mount Union College and Wooster College, receiving his B. A. degree from Wooster. His theological seminary work was taken at McCormick where he gradu- ated in 1929. Following a six year pastorate at Clyde, Ohio, he was commissioned as Chaplain in the Reserve Corps of the U. S. Army. He was soon called to active service. During World War II he served as Regimental Chaplain in the European theatre. He retired from active service at the close of the war with the rank of Major. He is now doing supply work and is active in the Chaplain Reserve.
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Rev. Clifford J. Shumaker
William B. Mclaughlin
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Rev. Asher B. Case
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William S. Yanney
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Duties and Functions of Governing Bodies of the Presbyterian Church
By Dr. B. F. Stanton
Any great body of people organized for religious or civil purposes must have a plan of structure and procedure. In 1729 the Confession of Faith was adopted and amended at various times between 1788 and 1903. Says the Confession of Faith : "Although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the good- ness, wisdom and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable ; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and his will, which is necessary unto salvation: there- fore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare (that) his will unto his church" In civil bodies such a declaration for the government and procedure of the same is usually referred to as a constitution ; in religious organizations it is commonly a Confession of Faith. In both instances they represent the fundamental beliefs and basic concepts on which the organization stands.
No organization is selfdirecting. Whatever it does, it accomplishes through God inspired men and women. Today, the church is a highly organized body. In the United States the Presbyterian Church has around two and one-half million members. Add to this another million to make up all Presbyterian bodies. Their work is made effective by delegating certain responsibilities to "boards" which are designed for certain definite purposes. These today are world-wide. Moving from the local to the Presbyterian church at large, we have local, presbyterial, synodical and the juridiction of the General Assembly, the governing body for the Church in its nation-wide aspects.
Ruling Elders
The ordinary and perpetual officers in the Presbyterian Church are Pastors, Ruling Elders and Deacons. These latter are regarded as the representatives of the people.
The ruling elders being representatives of the people are chosen by them to exer- cise government and discipline, in conjunction with pastors or ministers. They have a special responsibility for the spiritual development and welfare of the congregation and Church. They counsel with the pastor in matters relating to the well-being of the Church. They meet at stated times or at the call of the pastor. The Session is the governing and advisory body of the Church as it relates to the worship service and the spiritual activities of the Church. It is made up of men and women who have a deep concern for the Church and its mission in the World.
Board of Deacons
In the early Church is an account of seven deacons being appointed to look after the material affairs of the Church. Those who were doing the preaching, such as Peter, James and later Paul, found they did not have time to function as preachers and teachers and at the same time meet the material demands made upon them. They, therefore, appointed of their number, "seven men of good report, full of the spirit and wisdom."
A particular duty of the deacons is to look after the poor, and in the early Church, to distribute among them the collections which may be raised for their use. To them also may be committed the management of the temporal affairs of the Church. The
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Presbyterian Church has traditionally followed the principle of democracy in that the Church is governed by congregational, presbyterial and synodical assemblies. These as- semblies are without civil jurisdiction nor do they inflict any civil penalties. Their power is "wholly moral or spiritual, and that only ministerial and declarative." They may re- quire obedience to the laws of Christ and exclude the disobedient and disorderly from the privileges of the church.
Board of Trustees
The Church is a corporation and in modern times has a responsible body of men and women whose particular concern is the property of the Church. The corporation as such did not exist in the early days of the Church but came into being a few cen- turies ago. Therefore, we do not read of "corporations" and "trustees" in the primi- tive Christian Church. However, today it is a general policy of the Presbyterian Church to have a Board of Trustees. Their duties are limited to the local Church of which they are officers.
Board of Ushers
We find no reference in Scripture to functionaries known as Ushers. We do not wonder at this for the local synagogue of the Jews was small and did not call for the duties of ushers. In recent centuries congregations have become of such magnitude that ushers have become a prime necessity to the comfort and orderly distribution of the audiences. The service is more impressive when conducted in every way in a quiet and reverent atmosphere.
The principal duty, therefore, of a body of ushers is to greet the congregation on its arrival in a friendly and cordial manner and to assist the people in securing suitable seats.
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Ruling Elders or Session
Board of Deacons
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Board of Trustees
Board of Ushers
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For These We Build
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Board of Christian Education
Nursery Department
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The Kindergarten
Primary Department
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Primary Class
Junior Department
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Junior Class
Junior High Department
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Senior High Department
Young People's 'Class
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Young Adult (Olds) Class
Weaver Bible Class
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Friendship Circle Class
Woman's Bible Class
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Men's (Stanton) Class
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Executive Board of Woman's Society
Officers and Leaders of Men's Council
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The Story of the Women's Work by Mrs. Nick Hampu, Jr.
The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance, Ohio, was formed in 1887 for the purpose of "cultivating a deeper interest in Home and Foreign Missionary work and to enlist as many as possible in this department of Christian Benevolence." This group met the first Wednesday of each month and dues were to be ten cents per member per month. The officers were Rev. and Mrs. Hiram P. Barnes, President; Mrs. George Ickes, Vice President; Mrs. E. W. Cantine, Secretary ; and Mrs. E. Bennett, Treasurer. The first meeting was held on May 18, 1887 with a membership of 26.
In 1905 the constitution of the Society was revised providing for more officers and a broader scope of work. In addition to the four officers named above, there was named an Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer of Contingent Fund, Treasurer of the New Church Building Fund, Secretary of Literature, Secretary of Temperance and Or- ganist. An interesting change in the constitution provided for a fine of fifty cents to be imposed on each member who failed to take the part assigned to her or provide a substitute.
As time went by there were several more revisions in the constitution and in January of 1941 the organization became known as the Woman's Missionary Society.
In September of 1918 the Young Ladies Missionary Society was formed. Later, in June of 1924 the name was changed to The Hull Auxiliary, in honor of Mrs. J. W. Hull who organized the group. Beginning with only thirteen members, the Hull Auxiliary in time became a power for the missionary cause. The spirit of Mrs. Hull lives on today in the zeal for missions in our church.
The Ladies Aid Society was formed May 7, 1901 for the purpose of "promoting the social and financial interests of the church, among the ladies." The aim of this organization was to take care of the local needs of the church. When the men were unable to see their way clear to purchase new carpets or draperies or dishes, this group of women set to work to provide the money.
The Westminster Guild, a society for young women of the church, was organ- ized on June 21, 1938. The group as a whole met once a month. Three small circles were formed which met in the homes once a month. The object of the smaller groups being to enable the girls to get better acquainted. This group brought together the young mothers and young business and professional women who had a common interest in doing something for their church. Their first achievement was the purchase of fur- niture for the Chapel. Their program combined social and missionary work.
On June 26, 1941 the women of the church banded together under one organiza- tion which they chose to call The Women's Congregational Society. Dr. and Mrs. John V. Stephens, Jr. were responsible for this great step forward in the women's work. The three existing organizations, The Woman's Missionary Society, The Ladies Aid and the Westminster Guild, joined hands and hearts to further the Kingdom of God through Christian fellowship, Spiritual development and service.
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As has been true all through the years, the women have contributed much to the local work, by beautitying the surroundings, helping with building funds and answering the call for service in many ways.
The first budget of the Women's Congregational Society was for a total of $1500.00 which was to be raised by ten Circles. The budget adopted by the Society for 1954 totals $4,440.87, to be raised by 11 circles.
The same problems face us today as those faced by the early organizations - how to interest more women in the great task of missions. An extensive program of in- formation and education has been presented in recent years expressing the theory that "if we know we care and if we care we share."
Council of Presbyterian Men by Dr. B. F. Stanton
For a number of years the conviction was slowly taking shape that the men in the Church were not assuming as large a place in the activities of its work as they might, and would, if better organized. As a matter of fact, they gave financial sup- port, but many of the features of religious work were left to the women. It might be remarked too, that within the past fifteen or twenty years, there has been a great ex- pansion in the work the women have undertaken. This fact made the position of Men's Work in the Church more conspicuous, whether because of the little they did or because the Church became aware of the possibilities residing in the male member- ship of the organization.
Furthermore, the period of war which broke upon the Church and the world at large from 1914 to 1950, and even present today, prompted the Church to think seriously about its mission in the world and what could be done to save our civiliza- tion from decline. The men of the Church realized there was opening a new field to to them, a field in which they could serve God and the Church in a larger way. With this growing conviction the time was opportune for a move in the direction of an or- ganized body of men to assist in promoting the spiritual life of the Church; the men responded.
In the summer of 1936, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church met in Syracuse, New York. Among the many activities of the Session, there was held a men's banquet which was attended by around 500 men. The speaker was William Mather Lewis, President at that time of Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. His address was most inspiring and was a challenge to the men of the Church to enter more largely into the work of the Great Commission given us twenty centuries ago.
Today we have a Council of Presbyterian Men in Presbytery of Mahoning and likewise in our own local Church. Other Churches have done likewise under the general leadership of the Church at large. Not until 1946 did the General Assembly
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take definite steps to organize the National Council. A call was sent out to the Presbyterian Churches to send delegates to a meeting in Chicago in February 1948. It was the privilege of the writer to attend the meeting in 1949 which was' helpful and inspiring. Alliance, be it said, has had one or more delegates to these meetings since their beginning. They are well attended and present strong programs to the men. In turn these men, or delegates, carry the general message back to their people.
In large measure Alliance and likewise the churches of this Presbytery received their inspiration to organize the Presbyterian Men from the meeting at Syracuse in 1936. It happened that the writer and several others from this Presbytery were Com- missioners to the Assembly. We were so impressed by the men at the banquet and the address by Dr. Lewis that we came home with a resolution to organize the men of our Presbytery. This we did, and we have had a going concern ever since. The meetings are held twice a year, usually in October and April or May. The organiza- tion has sought to bring able men before the group, and The Alliance Presbyterian Church has been interested in the men's work on four levels. Our Men of First with Richard White as President; Men's Council of Mahoning Presbytery, with Mr. Wil- liam Hazlett as President ; and also Vice President of the Men of Ohio Synod; through delegates sent to the annual meeting of Presbyterian Men, our Church has taken its place with good rank in this movement.
The Men of First likewise have a Bible class which meets each Sabbath morning. For more than thirty years this class has stood together well. We are proud to claim four physicians and surgeons in the class. Though not large in numbers, the men have manifested a good interest. At present the Class is fortunate to have Dr. Keith Noble as its President. As the years have passed many of our group have gone to their Eternal Home. The class seeks to cooperate with the Men of First in the activities this group sponsors.
So it may be said that the Men's Movement in the Church, though not spectacular has carried on its work seeking to promote the welfare of the Church, to stabilize the thinking of our day, to help in building a better world, and to enrich the spiritual life of our people.
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.. . ....
4%
Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Morgan, Mr. Abegglen
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Choir Recessional
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Church Music
Leroy Abegglen is a native of Alliance. He started his organ playing while he was a High School lad. His music career started under the supervision of Miss Catherine Quinn. Later he studied music at Mt. Union College. He also studied under two noted organists of Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Richard Keys Biggs, of the St. Paul's Epis- copal Church and Mr. Edwin Arthur Kraft of the Trinity Cathedral.
Leroy has shown his love and devotion for his church during more than forty years as organist. World War I interrupted his organist's career, for he served thirteen months over-seas for "Uncle Sam" with the Thirty-second Division. While serving in France, he was chosen one out of hundreds to go to the "School of Music" at Chau- mont, France, the General Headquarters of the A.E.F. This was a rare experience, for he had the opportunity of seeing President and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, General Pershing, the Queen of Belgium and the Prince of Wales.
When he was asked for his favorite hymn, he was hesitant because he loves so many of them. These are a few of his favorites : "O Love That Wilt not Let Me Go," "Fairest Lord Jesus," "Beneath the Cross of Jesus," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," and "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine." Leroy's hobbies are music, swimming and gardening.
We are also fortunate in the leadership of our three choirs with Mrs. Robert Sloan directing the Chancel and Youth Choirs, and Mrs. Oswald Morgan directing the Junior Choir.
Mr. E. J. Morris
No Church History would be complete without including some of the outstanding people of their day. Mr. E. J. Morris' contribution to our church's History still lives on in the hearts of those who were privileged to have known him. His love for his church was manifested by the fourteen long years he conducted our Church Choir with- out pay, many times paying the choir expenses out of his own pocket.
Those who sang with him and for him tell of the great inspiration he was. He attracted many of the city's best musicians and built the choir to be second to none in the city. Our church suffered a great loss at the death of Mr. Morris in 1907.
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The Chancel Choir
The Youth Choir
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