USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > A history of the Harriet Hollond Memorial Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Pa. > Part 9
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circles. Many of our young ladies became interested in and subsequently strongly at- tached to the work. In November, 1892, these circles met together for the first time to form the King's Daughters' Union, the object being "to unite all the King's Daughters of Hollond Church in the endeavor to develop spiritual life and to stimulate to Christian sympathy." Miss Alice Anthony was the first president.
The work performed by this devoted sister- hood has been of inestimable value to the church. The sick in hospitals and in private homes have been visited; old people and little children have been taken to quiet country places; tired and neglected wives and mothers have been given outings; rents have been paid; coal, food, and clothing have been provided for the needy; "shut-ins" have had sympa- thetic words to brighten their lives, and books and flowers to cheer their loneliness; baskets have been sent to the poor at Christmas times; entertainments have been provided for desti- tute children; and large contributions have been made to our church building fund. The group of five west windows, and also one or two other windows in the new church, were paid for by the several circles. All honor to these noble workers who thus quietly, unos- tentatiously, and often self-sacrificingly, con-
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A GROUP OF KING'S DAUGHTERS (1898)
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tribute to make the hidden current of the church life so full of beauty and so rich in blessing !
The Woman's Home and Foreign Mission- ary Society was organized about 1882, and has done a noble work in extending
MISSIONARY hands of blessing and cheer to SOCIETIES many spiritually destitute por- tions of our own country and of foreign fields. Mrs. J. R. Miller was the first president. Mrs. R. B. Anthony, who has long been unselfishly devoted to the work, was for ten years its president, an office she was com- pelled to relinquish on account of ill health. Mrs. W. H. Gill is now the president.
The Society, as originally organized, was an effort to create an interest in foreign mission work, but for a long while past the home and foreign fields have received equal attention- the monthly meetings being alternately de- voted to each, when an hour is spent in con- ference and prayer. The work for foreign fields is largely represented by donations made to schools in Kohlapur, India, and Tokyo, Japan; while the home work is represented by a scholarship in the Mary Gregory School for Indians, Oklahoma Territory. This is known as the Jennie Crosgrave Poulson scholarship, and was established to perpetuate the memory of Mrs. Jennie C. Poulson who was deeply in-
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terested not only in the work of the Society (of which she was treasurer for eleven years), but also in all the efforts of the church to re- lieve distress and suffering. Her untimely death on the 9th of December, 1896, was felt in many branches of the work.
The Young Ladies' Mission Band was or- ganized in January, 1899, at the request of the younger members of the church; its object being to interest girls and young ladies in foreign mission fields. Miss Alice F. Douglas was elected president. Its contributions are given directly to the work of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society.
The Boys' and Girls' Mission Band, the ob- ject of which is to make its members familiar with Presbyterian mission stations, was organ- ized in 1886, and has been most helpful in giving to the children right conceptions of the importance of missions. Miss Margaret Hunter (now Mrs. Robert H. Kirk), was the first president. Miss Minnie Macpherson was its leader for a number of years.
Suggested by Dr. William M. Paden, and financially assisted by Mr. Robert C. Ogden, the Boys' Brigade became one of BOYS' BRIGADE the organizations of the church in April, 1895, with a member- ship of twenty-five. Since that time it has steadily increased in numbers and
BOYS' BRIGADE (1897)
.
MAJOR GEORGE A. GOW
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proficiency. It is now one of the leading
companies of the city. George A. Gow was made major, a position he still fills. It would be a difficult matter to match his faithfulness and devotion. Not only have the youthful soldiers received training in military move- ments, but-which is the vital thing in all organizations connected with church work- they have been well taught in other ways. The recitation of Scripture and other devo- tional exercises, are important features at every drill. Many boys have been induced to attend Sunday-school, and a number of the members have united with the church. Miss Minnie I. Taylor has endeared herself to all the boys by her faithful work at the organ.
Every member of the Brigade takes the following pledge:
" I promise and pledge, that so long as I am a member of the Boys' Brigade, I will not use tobacco, nor intoxicating liquor, in any form; that I will not use profane nor vulgar language; that I will obey faithfully the company rules, and that I will at all times set an example of good conduct to my comrades and other boys."
They are taught that Christian gallantry is shown in courage, obedience, helpfulness, and courtesy; that the best soldier is ever the finest, truest gentleman. The main objects of the movement are : The advancement of Christ's
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kingdom among boys; the promotion of habits of reverence, discipline, and self-respect; and the cultivation of all that tends towards true Christian manliness.
This institution, which is just across the street from us, is quite as helpful as if it were on our own property and under
SOUTH BRANCH YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN
our direct control. Many of the advantages of a great institu- ASSOCIATION tional plant are secured through it for Hollond, while other churches have an equal share in its manifold benefits. It minis- ters to the needs of the body through its gym- nasium; of the mind, through its educational classes, libraries, and game rooms; and of the soul, through its religious meetings and spir- itual influence. Six members of Hollond are closely identified with its interests-Mr. Wil- liam L. Cooke, as president ; Mr. Frank R. Buckalew, as secretary; and Messrs. Henry A. Walker, James C. Taylor, James D. Black- wood, and William J. Williams as four of the directors.
Many expedients have been employed to in- culcate a love for learning and right culture in the hearts of the young people.
LITERARY Among these have been debating
CIRCLES clubs for the boys and young men, and reading circles for the young people of bothi sexes. In recent years,
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A LITERARY CIRCLE (1890)
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the best known of the latter were the Fifteen Club, which met on Wednesday evenings for the critical study of well-known poets and poems ; the Students' Club; and the Chau- tauqua Circle. The Free Public Library, in the South Branch Young Men's Christian Association building, is proving an important medium of mental culture and information to our people. The University Extension Lec- tures, in which Dr. Matthew Woods is the recognized leader, are also a valuable source of pleasure and profit.
This is one of the youngest of the working forces, its object being to promote friendship and sociability among the young
ATHLETIC people of both sexes, and to give ASSOCIATION them an added opportunity for the cultivation of out-door exer- cise-such as lawn tennis, croquet, and bicyc- ling. Chess, checker, handball, and quoit clubs have also been formed. By much hard labor, the members transformed the lot back of the new church into a first-class play-ground, and formally dedicated it on the 4th of July, 1896. Dr. Paden and Mr. Ogden made addresses, and the Boys' Brigade was present in full uniform. Many young people enjoy the excellent oppor- tunity thus afforded for physical culture and development.
It has been the policy of the church to
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make Christianity as practicable as possible.
Many of the city's poor, who
COAL would like to be entirely inde-
FUND pendent, are often obliged to ap- ply to charitable organizations for fuel in the cold winter months. In order that the needy of our congregation may be spared this humiliation, a branch of the Fuel Savings Society has been established in the church, and through it our people are encouraged to de- posit small amounts at stated periods in the summer to supply themselves with coal during the winter. The money thus collected is placed in a common fund and coal is purchased at wholesale rates, enabling the depositors to pro- cure much more for their money than they otherwise could. By this means many fami- lies have been kept from want and their self- respect has been maintained. We find the plan helpful.
This Society was organized June 28, 1894, chiefly through the efforts of Mr. Andrew
Martin. It has become very
BENEFICIAL popular with those careful ones SOCIETY who believe in preparing for days of sickness in time of health. The Society was a success from the start, and during these years has been a blessing to many who have been incapacitated from work through illness. The sick benefits are $5
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per week, and the sum of $75.00 is, in case of death, paid for funeral expenses. At the end of each fiscal year all the money remaining in the treasury, after the expenses are paid, is divided pro rata among the members in good standing. The Society is then re-organized for the ensuing year.
This Association, known as the " Samuel M. Kennedy," issued its first stock on the 10th of September, 1894. Mr. James C.
BUILDING Taylor, who was at the heart of
ASSOCIATION the movement, became its first president. It has had a very suc- cessful career. Many of our people are stock- holders and therefore directly interested in its well-being. It is proving a good investment to those who are using it merely as a savings fund, as it has paid an annual profit of over six per cent. It is also helpful to those who through it have bought and are now paying for their homes. In encouraging many to cultivate habits of thrift and economy it has been of very practical service.
It is a good thing for churches to have their workers come together now and then to learn what the several organ-
CONFERENCE izations are trying to accom-
OF WORKERS plish. For several years this has been very successfully car- ried out in Hollond. The plan is thus de-
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scribed in The Open Church of April, 1897 :
" The various organizations working in the church are all brought together in an annual conference of Hollond workers. They gather at a tea, prepared by a committee of ladies, and then every department is represented by some chosen speaker. This is an original idea, or at least carried out in an original way, and it has been found to work very admirably. The pastors present the work from their point of view, the superintendents of the Sunday- school voice its needs, and each department is represented through an appointed speaker." Thus all are made familiar with what is being attempted.
The Christian Endeavor Society was organ- ized in the chapel parlor on the 4th of Octo- ber, 1892, with the following CHRISTIAN members : Rev. W. M. Paden,
ENDEAVOR
SOCIETY D. D., Rev. J. R. Miller, D. D., Mrs. M. H. Allen, Miss Kath- eryn T. Anderson, Joseph Anderson, Thomas Boyle, Miss Margaret Burns, J. Milton Carr, G. Rhea Carr, Ray H. Carter, Miss Lotta M. Cavin, Charles A. Chew, Miss Jessie S. Connerd, Miss Jennie Crosgrave, Miss Helen Crossley, Miss Caroline A. Douglas, Miss Alice F. Douglas, Miss Margaret Eddie, Miss Sara Eddie, Miss Sadie Fleming, Harry P. Ford, Cleveland Frame, Miss Sara J.
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Hanna, Miss Martha Hartman, Charles A. Hoehling, Miss Mary R. Hunter, Miss Kather- ine Hunter, Miss Jessie Jamieson, George H. Kelly, Samuel M. Kennedy, Miss Emma Knous, Joseph MacMorris, Miss Minnie Mac- pherson, Miss Margaret Macpherson, Miss Tillie Mckinley, John McKnight, Miss Rebecca McNevin, John Molitor, Miss Lizzie Orr, Miss Maggie Patton, Miss Lillie Pairman, George M. Peak, Miss C. E. Ramsay, Miss Malvina Toram, Miss Clara A. Walker, Miss Lillie Williamson, Miss Etta Wilson.
The following united as associated members : Miss Helen Gillison, Walter Higgenbotham, William K. Miller, Donald Pairman, Miss Hattie Ramsay, Miss Nettie Reid.
This movement was the outgrowth of a flour- ishing Young People's Association, which, since 1876, had been an important factor in the advancement of the general work. Under the able leadership of Mr. George H. Kelly, the first president, the new organization was a suc- cess from the beginning. So many active workers are now connected with it that, with the exception of the monthly consecration service, which is usually under the care of the president, it is seldom that a member, however prominent, is called on to lead more than one meeting during the year. It has frequently happened at the monthly roll-call that all the
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members, save perhaps a half-dozen, have re- sponded to their names by a verse, a prayer, or a brief talk; once only one failed to respond. It has been a long time since any of the mem- bers have responded to their names by answer- ing " Present," and we trust that such a ques- tionable method of easing one's conscience will never again be revived.
The names of the leaders for the entire year, and notes relative to the local work, are printed and then inserted in the Presbyterian Hand- book, which is issued annually. By having this useful booklet constantly at hand, the members become familiar with the work that is being carried on by the Presbyterian Church through its several Boards. As a rule, much is made of the annual meeting in October, at which time the interior of the chapel is decor- ated, a good supper enjoyed, reports made by the chairmen of the several committees, and new officers elected.
Much of the far-reaching usefulness of this important organization is doubtless due to the fact that a fairly successful effort is constantly being made to have all the members interested in the work. Every member is on a committee, and is expected to help. The several commit- tees touch life at many points, and open to the young people neglected fields of untold useful- ness. Many missions in our own and other
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lands have been encouraged by substantial tokens of remembrance from the Missionary Committee ; sailors on many seas, and the sick in many of our hospitals, have been made better by helpful books, magazines, and tracts which have been distributed by the Good Literature Committee ; and the entire membership has grown into larger usefulness through the im- pelling influence of these and the other com- mittees in inspiring in them a desire to be helpful to others. It is but just that special mention should be made of the faithful work of the Floating Committee, which holds a meet- ing every Sunday morning at the Barracks at League Island; assists the chaplain (by leading the singing) at the service held an hour later on the receiving ship Richmond; conducts an Endeavor service on the Richmond every Wednesday evening; and frequently visits the Marine Hospital. Much of the success of the recent work has been due to the enthusiastic leadership of Miss Sara Eddie. Letters of grateful appreciation from soldiers in Manila and Cuba, and from sailors on men-of-war, speak volumes in favor of the value of the work. Rev. Thomas A. Gill, chaplain in the U. S. Navy, and for a long while stationed at League Island, thus wrote to Miss Eddie after his re- cent removal to another station :
"I can hardly tell you what a solace and
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comfort the co-operation of yourself and co- workers was to me in my work on the Rich- mond at League Island. Aside from the bear- ing of it on the common Christian work, in which we were all interested, it greatly en- couraged and sustained me personally in the isolation attending such work as mine on a ship-of-war. Your faithful presence and co- working made me feel that I was in touch with the real, warm Christian world. I pointedly indicated, the value of your co-operation in my report to the Secretary of the Navy at the close of last year. I indeed miss your help on the ship where I now am."
Two handsome pictures-" Christ in Geth- semane," and the battleship " Brooklyn "- the former from Chaplain Gill and the latter from the men of the " Brooklyn," have been presented to our workers as a mark of appreciation. These pictures hang on the wall of the chapel parlor and are highly prized.
At the annual meeting in October of this year (1899), Miss Sara Eddie was elected president; Miss Sallie Peak and Mr. James H. Taitt, vice-presidents ; Mr. W. C. M. Barstler, recording secretary ; Miss Josephine Bloch, treasurer ; and Miss Sara F. Barstler, corres- ponding secretary.
After several conferences of the Executive
MISS SARA EDDIE
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Committee of the Christian Endeavor Society,
it was resolved, with the approval
THE JUNIOR of the pastors, to organize a
CHRISTIAN
ENDEAVOR Junior Endeavor Society. This SOCIETY interesting event took place on the 29th of March, 1896, and James D. Ger- hardt was elected president. The original members were Roscoe C. Barstler, William E. Batchelder, Eva Begley, Katie Bentz, Lillie Bickley, Ida Caldwell, Nellie Caldwell, Frank Christopher, Crete Connelly, Lillie Dobbins, Maud Dobbins, Orpha Farren, Emma G. Gar- diner, James D. Gerhardt, Robert A. L. Hamp- ton, Robert J. Hunter, George W. Johnston, Maidie Kennedy, Wilson Kessler, Bella Kyle, Cassie Little, Walter Martin, Hattie Mckinley, Vinnie Mintzer, Lizzie Morrison, Albert A. Myers, Louis O'Donnell, Louise C. Roelofs, Lizzie Taitt, Samuel J. Taitt, Florence Thorp, Mary Torrens, Bessie Selfridge, Charles A. Smith, Raymond Steinbach, Walter G. Stein- bach, Anna Stewart, Mamie Stewart, and John Stinson.
The children have had many pleasant out- ings. On one of the excursions to Menlo Park, given by the Sunday-school, they had a special car to themselves. When Dr. Paden left for Utah, the Juniors made him a present of a fountain pen " as a slight token of their appre- ciation of his loving-kindness to them and of
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their affectionate regard for him." They also gave him a five-dollar gold piece, with the fol- lowing note :
" We understand that you are going to a field scarcely larger than Hollond was when you came here fourteen years ago. Our par- ents tell us that you had not been with us long before you began to feel, and to make them feel, the need of a new church, and that you gave yourself and them but little rest until our beautiful new building crowned your efforts with success. Now we have been thinking that you will not be in Salt Lake City very long before both you and your people there will be feeling something of the same need of a new place of worship, so we have determined to give you Five Dollars to start a Building Fund at once. You will find the amount in a coin of pure gold-emblematic of the love we bear you. If you need more money let us know and we will see you through."
To this Dr. Paden made the following re- sponse :
"No token of hope or love which I have ever received has pleased me more than yours; it was so full of confidence in the good things to come. The pen I shall use every day; if I do not learn to write more plainly, I think I shall at least write the more hopefully and lov- ingly because of your gift; and the gold is
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A GROUP OF HOLLOND 'JUNIORS' (1896)
A GROUP OF HOLLOND JUNIORS (1896)
A
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3
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worth more to me than a large nugget from the Klondike. I hope you will one day know that it has increased ten thousand fold."
Under the loving care of Miss Sara Barstler and Miss Margaret Burns, the work is still carried on with every promise of much future usefulness to the church and school.
The two photographs of the members, which are here reproduced, were taken on the first excursion to Bartram's Gardens, May 16, 1896.
The Ushers' Association is one of the youngest and most progressive of our many activities. It was organized on
USHERS' the 16th of October, 1893, and ASSOCIATION rapidly developed into one of the most useful of our working forces. In seating and making comfortable the congre- gation, in the quiet and reverent methods of taking the collection, in the maintenance of order, and in the welcome extended to visitors, its members are constantly exercising a blessed and beneficent influence. They are also re- sponsible for the editorial and financial man- agement of the church paper, The Hollond Re- minder; they see to it that it is issued regu- larly, free of expense to the church treasury.
At the great Peace Jubilee in the fall of 1898, one of the handsomest stands on Broad street was erected by the Ushers in front of the
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CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
church, from which they realized a total sum of $696.00, the net profits being $357.00. This amount is being used to assist in meeting the expense incurred in the publication of The Reminder.
At the monthly meetings of the organization routine business is transacted, interesting pa- + pers are read, instructive debates on live ques- tions are indulged in, and able addresses are delivered. .
The group of members which is here repro- duced was photographed January 1, 1897.
On the back row, at the extreme left of the picture, is George H. Kelly, the first presi- dent ; then follow in order William B. Hens, Charles A. Hoehling, William R. Taitt, James W. Stevenson, James C. Taylor, H. P. Ford, Charles A. Chew, Charles Hunter, Joseph Mac- Morris, William A. Leonard, Andrew Martin, and Andrew R. Poulson.
On the middle row, beginning at the left, are Daniel J. Weaver, Harry B. Smithson, John Russell, Frank L. Hansen, and William E. Thompson.
On the lower row, beginning at the left, are joseph C. Ramsey, Eugene Smith, Huntley Murdock, George Rhea Carr, T. Ellwood Frame, and Chester D. Griesemer.
In the death of Mr. William R. Taitt, on the 28th of March, 1899, at the early age of thirty
=
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USHERS' ASSOCIATION (1897)
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years, the Association met with its greatest loss. At the time of his death he was the presi- dent of the organization. By his quiet influ- ence, remarkable energy and unselfish devotion he had done much to increase its prosperity and usefulness. Mr. Charles Traub succeeded him in the presidency.
The following is copied from a book recently issued by Dodd, Mead & Co., New York, en- titled " Modern Methods in Church Work " :
" The ushers at one end of the church are as important as the minister at the other. The first impression which strangers receive on coming into a church is usually from the ush- ers. The courteous welcome and ready atten- tion, and the prompt seating of visitors, as well as the regular attendants, when necessary, is no small factor in the success of winning people.
" If there is any body of men who need to be prayed for, who ought to pray for themselves, that they may at once realize the importance, delicacy and dignity of their office, it is the ushers of a church.
"The Ushers' Association of the Hollond Memorial Church, Philadelphia, is deserving of mention. This organization has published in a neat attractive form its constitution and by-laws, together with the names of the officers and members. The suggestions to ushers contained in this booklet are so capital that a
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copy of them should be in the hands of every usher in the country :
I. Be at your post fifteen minutes before time for service.
2. Be careful to reserve seats when requested to do so.
3. Fill your front seats first.
4. Know how many each pew will seat, and see that it is filled when the house is crowded.
5. Make an effort to seat friends together.
6. Give strangers the best seats, and see that they have a hymn-book or programme. (Read Hebrews xiii : 2.)
7. The head usher should make it his busi- ness to direct the ushering. He should see that the house is evenly seated, and that the ushers do their work properly.
8. Never seat anyone during prayer or the rendering of special music.
9. Be prompt in starting the collection, but go slow in taking it, and be careful not to slight any one.
10. Keep the air good. If it becomes close, open windows during the singing.
II. Be quiet and reverent in your work .
12. Do not permit groups to assemble in the back part of the church and talk before or dur- ing the service.
"Once a year this Society gives a supper and entertainment to the men of the church.
CHARLES TRAUB
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The work of the Association is then re- viewed, other short addresses are made, and a general good time is realized. In speaking of this Association, the Rev. J. R. Miller, D. D., says : ' It has worked admirably. It is a good thing for the young men themselves. It has trained them to thoughtfulness and helpfulness in many ways. They have learned to greet people cordially and to take an interest in strangers, old people, and poor people. Beside, it has been of great advantage to the church, assuring system and order in the seating of people, and in the taking up of collections.' "
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