USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > A history of the Harriet Hollond Memorial Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Pa. > Part 13
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It is earnestly hoped that under these our new leaders our beloved church will go for- ward to greater spiritual power and to larger usefulness.
Mr. Ogden's success in life and his all round usefulness afford excellent illustrations of the truthfulness of Shakespeare's as-
ROBERT sertion that
CURTIS
OGDEN
" Men at times are masters of their fates :
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings."
His educational advantages were limited, as he left school and went to work before reaching the age of fourteen. He soon realized, how-
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ever, the need of more thorough and practical mental equipment, and determined to acquire it by diligent study during the only time at his command-after business hours. He was for- tunate in securing the services of a wise and sympathetic instructor, and by faithful appli- cation, when other boys were sleeping or play- ing, he was enabled to secure a practical busi- ness education equal, if not superior in some respects, to that possessed by many college graduates. His association with intellectual people was also of inestimable value to him.
In 1854, Mr. Ogden removed to New York. He returned to Philadelphia in 1879 and soon after became connected with the firm of John Wanamaker.
During the civil war Mr. Ogden was a mem- ber of the 23rd New York Regiment. He held commissions in that regiment, and also on the staff of the Eleventh Brigade, of which it was a part.
He is a member of a number of organizations, among them being Meade Post No. I, the Union League, Manufacturers' Club, Presby- terian Social Union, Art Club and Contem- porary Club, of this City; of the XX Century and Hamilton Clubs, of Brooklyn; and of the Pennsylvania Society, Union League, Century, XIX Century, and National Arts Club, New York City.
ROBERT C. OGDEN
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For above a quarter of a century Mr. Ogden has had official connection with the Hampton Institute, Virginia, and for several years has been the president of its board of trustees. Much of its splendid usefulness has been due to his aggressive and enthusiastic efforts in its behalf. He is also a director of the Union Theological Seminary, New York.
In all the great movements in this city dur- ing the past decade which have had for their object the alleviation of human suffering, his has been the fine executive skill and the gen- erous purse which have added much to their success-Johnstown (1889), Russia (1892), Philadelphia (1894), Armenia (1895-6), have each and all, in their time of need, been the recipients of his practical sympathy and aid.
He has rendered valuable service to the Church at large, notably through his member- ship in two of its Boards-Ministerial Relief and Publication and Sabbath-School Work. In 1885, he was a commissioner to the General Assembly.
Mr. Ogden is an earnest and forceful speaker, and his services in this direction are in fre- quent demand. On the 31st of May, 1892, he made the address at the unveiling of the monu- ment at Johnstown to perpetuate the memory of the six hundred and thirty-seven unidenti- fied dead who lost their lives in the great
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flood that swept through the Conemaugh Val- ley on the fateful 31st of May, 1889. During this address he said : "Glancing across the little slopes of these grassy graves, thinking of the history and the mystery, wondering why it was, and finding not in my mind nor in the teachings of other men any solution or expla- nation of the great tragedy, I can only in im- agination sit with Mrs. Browning in a country church-yard, and, summing it all up, repeat her own sweet and comforting lines-
" And I smiled to think God's greatness Flowed around our incompleteness,- Round our restlessness, His rest."
His closing thought was-
" Far better some deed of brotherhood to the living than rare flowers, costly monuments, and tender sentiments to the dead."
Mr. Ogden is also an able writer. Among his published works are, " Progressive Presby- terianism," "Pew Rents and the New Testa- ment," "The Perspective of Sunday-school Teaching," "The Unveiling of the Monument to the Unknown Dead," and "Samuel Chap- man Armstrong : A Memorial Address."
Mr. Ogden's letters to the Hollond Reminder from his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine, were always deeply interesting, and had a virile force which enabled us to see almost with his own eyes his old favorite, the change-
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less yet ever-changing ocean, of which he never tired of writing, nor we of reading. The following brief extract from one of these letters is a fine example of his imaginative and appreciative powers :
"In my wanderings here I often imagine that Faber must have written his exquisite Vox Angelica by the seaside. Only in such surroundings could he have called upon his soul to hear the angelic songs swelling
' O'er earth's green fields and ocean's wave-beat shore.'
"Only in the blackness of a night storm on the water could he have felt the sadness that breathes in the line :
' Darker than night life's shadows fall around us.'
"Only in a golden sunset by the sea could he have thought :
' Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing, The voice of Jesus sounds o'er land and sea, And laden souls, by thousands meekly stealing, Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee.'
"And so on to the grand expectancy of hopefulness with which the blessed hymn ends : 'Till morning's joy shall end the night of weeping, And life's long shadows break in cloudless love.'
"Surely he got his heart lessons from the gray days and the golden by the sea."
Mr. Ogden became our superintendent in 1879, and at the organization of the church in
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1882, he was one of the four elected to the eldership. Some time later, when the board of trustees was formed, he also became a mem- ber of that body. He never permitted his in- timate relation with the broader fields of action to serve as a pretext to neglect the no less im- portant duties which came to him through these offices and to which his intimate knowl- edge of men and affairs and his wide business experience enabled him to bring executive ability of the highest order.
He was married on the Ist of March, 1860, to Miss Ellen Elizabeth Lewis. For a long while Mrs. Ogden was actively engaged in the work of the church, as a member of the choir; and of the school, as a teacher of the Primary Department. Their two daughters were also teachers in the school.
Although in close touch with many lines of our work, it may be safe to say that Mr. Ogden's most serious thought was given to the planning and erection of the new church building. To his matchless energy, cultivated taste, and whole-souled generosity, we are in- debted for much of the completeness displayed in its construction. This love for church- building came to him naturally through a long line of ancestry. Away back in 1630, Richard Ogden, of good Puritan stock, came from England to this country and settled in Stam-
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ford, Connecticut. In an old colonial record, still extant, there is a contract made by Rich- ard Ogden and his brother John, in 1642, to build a church in New Amsterdam, now New York. Mr. Ogden is a direct descendant from Richard Ogden, from whom he is six genera- tions removed.
On the evening of the wedding of Mr. Ogden's parents, in August, 1833, an official member of the old Tenth Church called on his grandmother to get her signature to a letter addressed to Dr. Boardman, requesting him to become the pastor of that church. At that time, his grandmother (she being a widow) and her family of seven daughters and two sons, were all connected with the Tenth Church. Mr. Ogden has always taken special interest in the Boardman incident in view of the fact that he himself became an elder in the church which owes its being to the one over which Dr. Boardman was so long the pastor.
Of Mr. Ogden's love for Hollond it is almost needless to speak. In spite of his pressing business and social duties he was often at the mid-week prayer meetings ; and Sunday after- noons always found him, if in town, in com- mand of the school. Of his liberality, our treasurer, Mr. Cooke, writes : " I have often felt that it was hardly justice to Mr. Ogden
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to keep to myself the knowledge of his gener- osity to which our church and school owe so much."
The annual receptions given by Mr. Ogden to the officers and teachers were always looked forward to with pleasure. We were not only received with genial hospitality but also had the additional pleasure of listening to helpful addresses from one or more distinguished speakers.
On the 4th of April, 1897, Mr. Ogden occu- pied the platform for the last time as superin- tendent. Having assumed charge of the Wanamaker store in New York, he found it impracticable to retain the leadership of the school. He continues, however, his official connection with the boards of the church.
The following appreciative sketch by Mr. H. A. Walker sets forth in much of its true light Mr. Ogden's former relation to the school :
I well remember the first day Mr. Ogden entered upon his duties as superintendent of Hollond school. When he arose to speak, after Mr. Cooke's introduction, he impressed me as stern, vigorous and forcible, and I won- dered if he would win and hold the hearts of our scholars. In the eighteen years of his offi- cial connection with the school, how completely and fairly he won everybody is too well known
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to need any words of mine by way of emphasis. To analyze his work briefly is not easy, large as the subject is. Here are a few points that " he who runs may read: "
First. His tremendous honesty of purpose. He never believed eloquence any substitute for life and action. Behind the words was the man; no show or sham about any part of his work; no wooden fronts painted to imitate marble for him. Like a great rock, he stood for what is square and true. He helped in a very large degree to put the Hollond church and school upon a platform broad and fair- equal rights and privileges, without regard to social standing or financial means.
Second. He was able, to a wonderful degree. The school under his management reached its highest efficiency. His splendid personality, his brilliant mind, with its wealth of resources, the helpful, strong talks he gave from the desk Sunday after Sunday, were an inspiration to all. He told no silly, exaggerated, sentimental stories; he spoke the solid, manly truth. He hit hard and often, with no compromise with meanness or narrowness.
Third. His hopefulness and faith were con- tagious. He left no depressing influence. With him " To doubt would be disloyalty; to falter would be sin." He was the father of the "Free Church " idea-wide open doors ; a
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gospel for all; give as God prospers. His broad conception of the work put it on a basis that has given it a commanding position in the Church throughout the country because of the rare financial methods that control it. He backed his faith with his dollars; not only then, but now. The average man called to another city would also feel called to drop his burden. In Mr. Ogden's case he con- tinues his keen interest and gives substantial help.
Fourth. His contribution to the general life at Hollond was very wholesome; his influence uplifting. The dignity and kindliness of his life were inspiring. With his varied interests he could find time to carry a pitcher of soup a dozen squares to a sick boy-not once but a dozen times. Match it!
Fifth. He had a beginning, a middle, and an end to whatever he did. He felt the re- sponsibility and importance of the office of su- perintendent; there was nothing slipshod about his work. He toiled for what he gave us. His vigor, enthusiasm and fidelity were re- freshing.
Thank God for men of action; men of high purpose; men of fine influence; men who tie themselves to God's work because they love it; men of large outlook-with 110 limited horizon !
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Mr. William L. Cooke became assistant su- perintendent of the school under Mr. Morris in 1871. He sustained this re- WILLIAM L. COOKE lation until November Ist, 1897, when he was elected, against his earnest protest, to the position of superintendent made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Ogden. He is one of the most active and conscientious men who have ever been connected with our work. His services as elder, trustee, treasurer, and superintendent, (all of which offices he now holds) have been invaluable. His interest in the school began with his earliest recollection and has grown stronger with each succeeding year. The church has no member more consistent, the school no worker more sincere. He is faithful to all life's duties, and is in every way worthy of the high esteem in which he is lield.
At the organization of the South Branch Young Men's Christian Association, Mr. Cooke was elected to the presidency, and he has been elected continuously to that office since that time. Mr. Cooke is also a member of the Presbyterian Social Union, and a vice-presi- dent of the Sunday-school Superintendents' Association.
Although a busy man, Mr. Cooke makes it a rule to attend all the Sunday services, and also the Wednesday evening prayer-meetings.
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He was one of the original members of the Young People's Association, which for years did much to advance the spiritual interests of our young people, and which, a few years ago, was merged into the Christian Endeavor So- ciety, through which its uplifting influence continues.
Mr. Cooke represents much that is best in our church and school life. Few men have labored more faithfully, and none more dis- interestedly. His interest has never failed; his faith has never faltered. He has no ambi- tion greater than to see the Hollond work in the forefront of spiritual usefulness.
With the exception of a change in the date, an invitation somewhat similar to the following has annually found its way to every officer and teacher of Hollond:
" Mr. William L. Cooke requests the pleas- ure of your company at a social gathering of the officers of the Hollond Memorial Church, with the officers and teachers of the Sunday- school, at his home, 1536 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Thursday evening, February 16, 1899."
This is Mr. Cooke's kindly method of keep- ing alive the memory of the occupancy of the chapel by the school-February 15, 1874. Aside from perpetuating the pleasant asso- ciations of the past, these annual gatherings have a very practical value in increasing the
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interest of officers and teachers in each other, and in creating a bond of sympathy which must necessarily have a wholesome and stimu- lating effect on the entire work.
Mr. Cooke is whole-souled and kindly. He does his work with rare fidelity. In the sacred circle of home he is the ideal brother; in the business world he stands for whatever is manly, straightforward, and honest; and in his relig- ious life he is " an example of the believers- in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity."
Mr. Henry A. Walker has been connected with the school from early childhood. He was made associate superintendent
HENRY A. WALKER in October, 1886. He also holds the office of elder and trustee. In supplying classes with teachers, in helping to maintain order, and in his general oversight, his services have been of inestimable value to the school ; while his practical business experi- ence has made him a most useful member of two of the church boards. He believes in the gospel of hope, of cheer, of courage. He has but little patience with the man who in- sists on facing darkness rather than light. He sets his ideals high, and, without ostenta- tion, seeks to reach thein. He has a strong personality and his life has long since become a compelling influence for good.
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Mr. Walker is a member of the Presbyterian Social Union. In 1886, he was the first presi- dent of the Young People's Union of Phila- delphia. He is an able and interesting speaker. That he is a forceful writer and that he is devotedly attached to the interests of the church are admirably shown in the following brief extracts from a paper read by him before the Ushers' Association May 25th, 1899 :-
" This church of ours-God bless it-is des- tined, I believe, to do a great work in this por- tion of the city. The work of the past, with its noble and inspiring influences, points to this result ; the present able and consecrated management points to it also. Sacrifice and service, past and present, yoked together must accomplish the purpose we hope for, long for, pray for-that this church may stand in this community with no uncertain message, with no unloving heart, with no compromise with evil.
"Let us be glad we have this opportunity for work. It is a rare one. Work in any well- organized church means splendid opportunities. Work develops; work means character. I don't want to live a mean, narrow and shriveled life ; neither do you. I don't want anyone to discount my Christianity ; neither do you. It is a sorry thing for any man, and for the church to which he belongs, if his religion is so poor it does not help to make
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himself, his church, and other men better. Not what we have gathered but what we have given counts in the ways of usefulness.
" We want men to believe in the future of this church with all their hearts ; men who will try to do something big and noble here ; men who will feel that the success of this whole work depends largely upon their own personal relation to it. Your work and my work for this church ought to be better to-day than yesterday ; better this week than last week ; better this year than last year. We want to be concerned for its success ; we want to be hurt by its failure. 'What does my membership cost me in labor and self denial ? ' That is the question each one of us should face. We want enlarged work ; we want enlarged thought. We have got the plant, situated just where it ought to be-where the current of life is constant. We have got the preacher. You may come here four Sundays in a month that has four, and five Sundays in a month that has five, and hear sermons stimulating and uplifting. It is no sinecure to keep pace with the needs of a congregation such as ours. One man can't do it; he should have the hearty co-operation and the direct support of every man, women and child connected with this place. Not for his own sake, but for the Master's.
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"I have no sympathy with the man who takes a pessimistic glance at this magnificent work. Such a look is cowardly ; such a look is dis- loyalty to God. So long as there is one empty seat in our church and our school, there is work for us ; so long as there is one life in this neighborhood unchurched, there is something for us to do. Help to lift a man and you lift yourself ; neglect a man and you hurt yourself. Nothing but our level best will suffice. The right spirit wont quail at the work of to-day. Assume some responsibility ; don't do any- thing unless you mean it ; don't say anything unless you feel it. Strength, sincerity, and individuality of character are worth striving for. We must think, must plan, must work and endure, to make our church the place it ought to be ! "
CHARTER
[The following is an exact copy of our Charter as amended in 1886. The original Charter was adopted in May, 1883.]
We whose names are hereunto subscribed having associated for the promotion of the cause of Religion by such means, especially the worship of Almighty God, as are usual and customary in congregations under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the General Assem- bly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, and believing that it is essential to the permanent organization of such an association, that it should enjoy the powers, privileges and immunities of a Corpor- ation or body politic in law, do hereby certify that we are all Citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and have associated ourselves for the purpose of being formed into a Corpor- ation of the First Class, under the provisions of the Act of Assembly of said Common- wealth entitled " An Act to provide for the in- corporation and regulation of certain Corpor- ations," approved the Twenty-ninth day of April A. D. 1874 and that the following shall
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be the objects, articles and conditions of the said Corporation :
Article First. The name, style and title of the said Corporation shall be " Harriet Hollond Memorial Presbyterian Church of the City of Philadelphia."
Article Second. The faith and government of the said Church, shall conform to the faith and government of the Presbyterian Church in , the United States of America, and the real estate now owned, or which may be owned hereafter by this Corporation shall be forever held and used by a church and congregation which shall be connected with and under the care of the said Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
Article Third. The place where the busi- ness of the said Corporation shall be transacted is in the City of Philadelphia and the said Corporation shall exist perpetually. There shall be no capital stock issued. The names and residents of the Subscribers are as follows, viz : Robert C. Ogden, 1708 Locust Street, Theodore H. Loder 1402 Wharton Street, James C. Taylor 1307 Federal Street, Hon. John K. Findlay 1152 South Broad Street and William L. Cooke 825 Ellsworth Street all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Article Fourth. The temporal affairs of this Church shall be managed by a Board of Nine
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Trustees, and they shall meet within ten days after the annual election and shall choose from their own number a President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Article Fifth. An Election for Trustees shall be held upon the Third Monday of January Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and eighty-five and upon the Third Monday of January, bi-ennially thereafter. At each election the Corporation shall elect three trustees to serve for the term of six years or until their successors are elected. For the purpose of organization Nine Trustees were elected on the Third Monday of January A. D. One thousand eight hundred and eighty-three, three of whom are to serve for two years from the date of their election, three for four years and the remaining three for six years, or in each case, until their successors are elected and the said Board was given power when organ- ized to decide by lot the respective terms of its members. The Trustees so elected shall be the Trustees of the said Corporation for the said terms and the term of each member shall be as by the said lot determined. Any vacan- cies occurring in the Board of Trustees, by death resignation or otherwise, the Board shall have power to fill. If the said Corporation neglect or omit on the day of the bi-ennial election, to hold their election as aforesaid,
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said Corporation shall not be dissolved by reason of such neglect or omission, but said election shall take place within one calendar month from said day; Provided that in all cases notice of the time and place of holding an election, stated or special, for Trustees, shall be given out in the Church on each of the two Sabbaths immediately preceding the day , of the election, by the Minister officiating, or a person delegated for that purpose by the Board of Trustees. The names and residences of the present Trustees elected on the Third Monday of January A. D. One thousand eight hundred and eighty-three as aforesaid are as follows ; Robert C. Ogden 1708 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pa., Theodore H. Loder 1402 Wharton Street Philadelphia, Pa., David Orr 1305 South Fifteenth Street Philadelphia, Pa., James C. Taylor 1307 Federal Street Phila- delphia, Pa., Amos Dotterer 1325 South Broad Street Philadelphia Pa., Henry A. Walker, 1733 Reed Street Philadelphia, Pa., Hon. John K. Findlay 1152 South Broad Street Phila. Pa., William L. Cooke 825 Ellsworth Street Phila. Pa. and James M. Leo 1503 Dunganon Street Philadelphia Penna.
Article Sixth. Any male person of the age of twenty-one years, who is a citizen of this State and a lay member of this corporation and has contributed the sum of five dollars for the
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year immediately preceding the day of election, shall be eligible to the office of Trustee.
Article Seventh. All regular worshipers in this Church who have attained the age of eighteen years, and who shall have contributed, by pew rent or otherwise, at the rate of two dollars annually for at least six months ; and whose contributions shall be a matter of record ; and not in arrears, shall be members and qualified voters in this Corporation.
Article Eighth. The several officers of the Board of Trustees shall perform the duties usually pertaining to their respective offices. The Treasurer shall receive and account for all moneys belonging to said Corporation, and shall give ample security on his accepting the office, for the faithful discharge of his duties, he shall have his accounts settled annually, to be laid before the Corporation at the time of the annual meeting, and he shall pay no moneys, except in accordance with appropria- tions made by the Board, upon orders signed by the President and attested by the Secretary.
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