USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Allentown > Brief history, Salem Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa. : 1875-1900 > Part 3
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" Whereas, It has been apparent to the members of this congregation for some time that the duties of our pastor have far exceeded his physical abilities, and, ยท
Whereas, The congregation has heard, with the deepest regret and sorrow, of the desired retirement of our pastor on ac- count of failing strength, and,
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AN ASSISTANT PASTOR
Whereas, This congregation will under no circumstances entertain a change of pastors, but are unanimous in offering any and all relief that their esteemed pastor may need and desire, and,
Whereas, George W. Richards, now a student at the Seminary in Lancaster, appears to be the unanimous choice of this congregation, therefore be it,
Resolved, That this congregation authorizes and em- powers the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., to appoint George W. Richards as his assistant to aid him in the performance of his pastoral duties."
This was a great relief to the heart of the devoted pastor, for at the evening service, he made public acknowledgement of his gratitude to the members for their great kindness. Mr. Richards was promptly notified of his appointment by the pastor, and he made this fitting reply :
Lancaster, Pa., February 5th, 1890.
Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., and Members of Salem Reformed Church,
Brethren :
Your resolution authorizing your venerable pastor to ap- point me as his assistant in the performance of his pastoral duties is before me. Your pastor has seen fit to act in accord- ance with your resolution and now it becomes my duty to give answer.
After prayerful consideration of your call, I have come to the conclusion, believing that every true congregation of the Christian Church is animated by the Holy Spirit and that a unanimous decision and call from such a body is the voice of God through human instrumentalities, I regard your call as a
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divine call to the service of Jesus Christ and His kingdom in your midst. In harmony with that voice are the wishes of parents, the recommendations of my worthy professors and many friends, no less than my own willingness to abide with you. In fact all circumstances have pointed me to your midst. Thus believing it to be the will of God who in His Allwise Providence directs all things for His glory, I accept the reso- lution passed and the call of your pastor, Dr. Dubbs.
For your confidence in me and your appreciation of my services hitherto, I thank you most heartily, hoping that all was a happy beginning of a glorious end in Christ Jesus.
I am yours in Christ, GEORGE W. RICHARDS.
After his graduation, Mr. Richards was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Classis of Lehigh, which met in Bensalem Church, Carbon County, on May 13th, 1890. Revs. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., W. M. Reily, Ph. D. and M. H. Dieffenderfer, were appointed a Committee to ordain and install the young pastor. This they did at a service held on May 18th, 1890, in the presence of a large congregation. Rev. Dr. W. M. Reily., President of the Allentown Female College, preached the ordi- nation sermon, his text being, Acts 9:33: "Thou hast well done that thou art come. Now, therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all the things that are commanded thee of God." Rev. M. H. Dieffenderfer conducted the ordi- nation service. After a few complimentary remarks to Rev. Richards and the people, the pastor duly installed him as his assistant. His classmate, Rev. A. Lotach, of Ruchsville, took part in the service. The altar and pulpit were beautifully adorned with ferns, giving the church a handsome appearance.
REV. GEO. W. RICHARDS.
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AN ASSISTANT PASTOR
In the audience were the parents of the assistant pastor, Dr. and Mrs. Milton S. Richards of Rothrocksville, Pa.
At the evening service Rev. Raymond E. Butz, a class- mate, was present, at which time Rev. Mr. Richards preached his introductory sermon. He selected a very appropriate text, Kings 19:19 : " And Elijah passed by him and cast his mantle upon him." He said in part : "Elijah had done a great work, and towards the close of his life he felt the need of a servant and helper in his work. Then by divine admonition he goes in search of the man whom God had chosen. He finds him to be Elisha, the son of Shaphat, who was plowing in the field of his father. Passing by, Elijah went in and cast his mantle upon Elisha. In all ages the same God calls, the same mantle is cast, and the same unswerving devotion to the work required. This act has been repeated before you to-day. You have cast the mantle of God, and it is my prayer that it has fallen upon the shoulders of an Elisha. When a man begins a work it is well to have a good conception of the work before him, the means at hand, and the end for which we strive." In the unfolding of these thoughts he spoke of the noble growth, the great influence, and the splendid prospects of the congregation, and in closing he made this eloquent reference to the pastor : " And now may the labors that devolved on you, most venerable pastor of this people, be lightened by my aid. The temple that you have reared is a blessing to many people. The marks of the conflict are not unseen. Whitening frosts of many winters appear. You look back upon a work well-done, with the assurance of a heavenly reward. I look forward upon a work to be performed, with the hope of success in Christ Jesus. You can join with Paul in saying, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
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SALEM REFORMED CHURCH
course, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteous- ness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day.' May that voice that has proclaimed the gospel of Christ in tones that are music to every ear be heard for years to come. May that reverend form grace this chancel for many a Sabbath, and when the glorious hope which all Christians have shall be realized, and the hand on the dial plate of time have run its course, may it be God's will that we as a people may behold Elijah drive on the chariot of God to that peace which the world cannot give. Amen."
During the week following these impressive services, Rev. Mr. Richards, in company with Rev. Raymond W. Butz, set sail for Europe, where they spent the summer months. He did not begin his active labors until in September. His coming gave the congregation a new impetus, and there was rapid growth on every side. Especially did the Sunday School feel the presence of his young life and vigor, so that there was not sufficient room to insure the health and comfort of the teachers and scholars. Alas ! in the meantime the towering form of the aged pastor was succumbing to disease, and he became anxious to retire from the active pastorate in order that he might enjoy a brief respite from the toils and cares of life.
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RESIGNATION OF PASTOR DUBBS
CHAPTER XII Resignation of Pastor Dubbs
S UCH was the strong bond of affection between the pastor and people of Salem, that his frequent offers to resign were always met with a stout resistance. Up to this time he could not withstand the sincere pleadings of a host of friends, but now he can no longer respond to his, or their wishes in this matter. He must yield to the inevitable, and offer his resignation, with great reluctance, which reads as follows :
To the Consistory of Salem's Reformed Church, of Allen- town, Pa.,
Dear Brethren :
It is now almost sixteen years since the commencement of my pastoral connection with Salem's Reformed Church of Allentown. During this time the congregation has grown in numbers, earnestness and liberality ; the Sunday School has been continually blessed by a large attendance; the Young People's Society has become a power, and has made itself felt by its work in providing for the poor and needy, improving the church-edifice and in its work towards church extension, besides the spiritual and mental improvement of its members ; the Mite Society, which did a noble work towards liquidating the former debt, has been turned into a Missionary Society, which is making itself felt both in home and foreign work ; the Sewing Circle, in a quiet way, has established for itself a record which is worthy of praise ; the Mission Band, though of recent origin, is worthy of notice ; the able assistant pastor, Rev. G. W. Richards, is giving perfect satisfaction, and has proven himself sufficiently capable of filling the position of pastor, and I doubt not, under his pastorate peace and harmony will continue to prevail; the
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relation between pastor and congregation has always been of a most pleasant character. For these and many other reasons it would be agreeable to continue my connection with the congre- gation longer, but my former strength has, in part, left me, and the state of my health is such that I feel it but just to retire from the active duties of the ministry.
Thanking the congregation to whom I have ministered, for their kind, unswerving support, and praying for its continued prosperity, I desire you to accept my resignation as pastor of Salem's Reformed Church, to take effect April Ist, 1892, and join me in petitioning Classis to dissolve the pastoral relations existing between me and the congregation.
Fraternally Yours,
A. J. G. DUBBS.
Allentown, Pa., January 31st, 1892.
The Consistory realized that there was no appeal from this ultimatum. He had written his last official message to them, and with deep regret, they must accede to his request. There was perfect harmony between the pastor and his assistant, he was at peace with all men, and the work in his charge was in a flourishing condition. Who would not crave to lay down the armor in the midst of such surroundings ? It was his heart's desire to cease his pastoral labors, and to go in and out among his people as one of their humble worshippers, and hence he declined all overtures from the congregation to retain him as pastor, or to honor him with the title of "Pastor Emeritus."
On March 2nd, the Consistory met with the assistant pastor in the chair. They had assembled to frame some suit- able tribute of esteem for their dear pastor. The members vied with each other in their cordial expressions of love and respect,
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RESIGNATION OF PASTOR DUBBS
and as a result of their deliberation, we find the adoption of the following preamble and resolutions :
Whereas, By the grace of God our beloved pastor, Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., has served as a minister of our Lord Jesus Christ for forty years, and for sixteen years as the pastor of our congregation, and,
Whereas, He now finds his physical powers no longer warrant his continuance in the active duties of the ministry, and
Whereas, He has thrice asked to be relieved of his pastoral duties, and now in spite of the unanimous wishes of the congregation insists on relief, be it,
Resolved, That we, the Consistory of Salem's Reformed congregation, do reluctantly endorse his resignation, be it,
Resolved, That we unite with the congregation in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Almighty God, who has guided us to the choice of our pastor, and has beyond all expectations, blessed his labors amongst us. Be it further,
Resolved, That we express our sincere thanks for his self-sacrificing labors in behalf of the congregation ;
Resolved, That we feel his loss in our consistorial meet- ings where his ripe experience and prudent counsel were of inestimable value in the government of the congregation ;
Resolved, That we pray Him who is the Father of Life, that the remainder of the days allotted to our pastor, may be spent in peace, and when in His providence the hour comes to depart life he may receive the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give at that day ;
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Resolved, That these resolutions be properly engrossed, and framed, and presented to our pastor as a memento of his people and their prayers.
GEORGE W. RICHARDS,
Assistant Pastor. DEACONS.
ELDERS.
James F. Hunsicker,
A. W. DeLong.
George J. Klein,
J. M. Grimley,
E. O. Schaffer,
E. H. Huffort,
B. K. Hamm, H. E. Mullen,
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ELECTION OF A SUCCESSOR
CHAPTER XIII
Election of a Successor
H APPILY, when the time came to elect a worthy successor to Dr. Dubbs, there were no rival candidates in the field to distract the people and to breed discord in the congregation. By his two years of service, the assistant had proven himself an able and efficient minister of the Word, so that the retiring pastor could heartily recommend him as his successor to the people in his resignation. The Consistory met on February 27th, 1892, in the office of Hecker & DeLong, with the pastor in the chair who led in prayer. The business claiming the attention of the Consistory was the nomination of a pastor. We find the following preamble and resolutions on record :
" Whereas, The Rev. Dr. A. J. G. Dubbs, has presented his resignation as pastor of Salem Reformed congregation to take effect on April Ist, 1892, and,
Whereas, The Consistory of said congregation has ac- ceded to his wishes and accepted the same, thereby leaving the congregation without a regular pastor, by that time, and,
Whereas, Our well-beloved assistant pastor, Rev. George W. Richards, has shown himself a very promising and able preacher, and would therefore be considered worthy of promotion to succeed to the high position of our retiring pastor, therefore, be it,
Resolved, That we, the Consistory, hereby confirm the endorsement of Rev. Dr. A. J. G. Dubbs in recommending as his successor, Rev. George W. Richards, and that we further direct that an election be held on Tuesday, March 15th, 1892, between the hours of 3 and 8 P. M., in the lecture-room of the
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church for the purpose of choosing a pastor, in his place, and be it further,
Resolved, That we present the name of Rev. George W. Richards to the congregation for election, he being the unanimous choice of the Consistory."
Agreeably to this action an election for pastor was held at the time specified, and all the 591 votes were cast in favor of Rev. George W. Richards. What a great relief it must have been to the pastor on the day his resignation went into effect to know that his mantle had fallen on one who would carry forward with fidelity the work which he had so well-begun !
On April 10th, 1892, the installation service was held, the members of the Committee being Revs. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., M. H. Dieffenderfer and W. R. Hofford, D. D., the latter was absent. The sermon was preached from II Timothy 4:2, by the Rev. M. H. Dieffenderfer. Rev. Dr. Dubbs had charge of the installation, and gave a thrilling address of exhortation to the people. Before the audience was dismissed, Resolutions of Respect, beautifully engrossed and framed, were presented to the retiring pastor, by the Consistory, as a token of their love and esteem. Since his death, this tribute of esteem adorns the chapel walls. In the private record of Rev. George W. Richards occurs a brief account of his installation, with this earnest prayer : "May God give me spiritual power to fill the sacred office to which I am called. To Him be all honor and glory in Christ's name. Amen."
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MEETING A CRISIS
CHAPTER XIV
Meeting a Crisis
THE change of pastors had no material effect upon the growth of the congregation. Dr. Dubbs was still a silent power in the hearts of the members, and the young minister grew in favor with the people. He saw the work of the Lord prosper in his hands, and the membership, especially in the Sunday School, increased so rapidly that the room was too small for the crowds who came to be fed with the Bread of Life. Necessity was laid upon the congregation to do something. What could be done to meet the needs of the hour ? A meeting of the con- gregation was held on March 12th, 1893. There was a strong sentiment in favor of building a church on the lot at Ninth and Liberty streets, providing the funds could be raised for this pur- pose. A vote was taken on the question, "Shall the congre- gation build or not ? " and the result was 76 for, and 44 against the project. The majority being in favor, immediate steps were taken to solicit names and subscriptions for the establishing of a Mission, and at a meeting held April 19th, a petition was pre- sented with about 100 signers, praying for the organization of a new congregation. There was every indication for the speedy solution of the vexed problem, when, lo, by a sudden change of sentiment, a motion, to reconsider the action sanctioning the building of a new church, was carried by 252 for, and 4 against it. It was then unanimously agreed to appoint a Committee of nine who should consider the best interests of the church, and, if necessary, consult a competent architect, to provide ample room for the congregation and school, and offer a report at an early day, to the congregation for their adoption or rejection. The members of the Committee were : Jeremiah Roth, William
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
B. Schaffer, D. Frank Knerr, Alvin W. Lawfer, John W. Sepp, Dr. C. D. Schaffer, J. M. Grimley, Edwin H. Huffert and Isaac Paff. This Committee carefully studied the situation, and on May 25th, reported that in their judgment, the best interests of the congregation would be subserved by the erection of a more spacious building and by the purchase of all the properties, East of the church to Church street. On May 28th, at both services the people voted, and the result was in favor of the recommend- ation of the Committee. In due time the ground was purchased for $ 10, 100, and the plans were drawn for the erection of the large and commodious chapel. It is evident from the tenor of the several meetings, that the members were not hasty in their action in thus meeting a critical moment in their congregational history, and we believe that the course pursued was wise, and will help them to solve the problem of their duty to God and souls in the spread of the Gospel in this city.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHAPEL
CHAPTER XV Sunday School Chapel
T HE chapel stands on ground formerly owned by Zachariah Hoats, Charles Nonnemacher, John Lentz and Alexander J. Zellner. The sum paid for these four properties was $ 10, 100. Fully one year elapsed before any active operations were begun on the building, but in the mean time the members were busy in devising plans how to raise the needful funds. Frequent meetings were held during the year, but no definite action was taken until January 17th, 1894, when it was decided to divide the congregation into districts, and appoint collectors, to solicit subscriptions from the members. The following is a copy of the pledge card :
SALEM REFORMED CHURCH BUILDING PLEDGE
I promise to pay toward a lot and the erection of a Sun- day School Building, at the corner of Church and Chew streets, Allentown, Pa., the sum of $ ..... , one third payable March 20th, 1894, and one third September Ist, 1894, and the balance April Ist, 1895.
Quite a large sum was secured by the time of the corner- stone laying, which event did not take place, on account of un- avoidable delays, until August 19th, 1894, in the presence of a large concourse of people. The services began at 10 A. M. with an anthem by the choir, entitled, "Praise the Lord." The pastor read Psalm 98, and after the usual devotional services, the Rev. C. E. Creitz of Weissport delivered an edify- ing sermon from the text, Psalm 34:12. Rev. Dr. A. J. G. Dubbs made an address in German. His remarks were wholly reminiscent in character. He spoke of the past, and of the early trials and labors of the church, and paid an affectionate tribute
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
to the memories of those who had gone before into the better world.
At 2 P. M. the Sunday School met in the church. Its enrollment at this time was 1438. The fine anthem, "Great and marvellous are Thy works," was sung by the combined voices of the choir and the Arion Glee Club. The pastor in- voked the divine blessing, and Dr. Dubbs read Psalm 96, and Rev. S. U. Mitman of Trinity Reformed Church, led in prayer. The superintendent, William B. Schaffer, and his assistants, then placed the corner-stone in position, and the formal services were read by the pastor and the ex-pastor. The following articles were deposited in a copper box, 18 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 4 inches high, and placed in the stone : The Holy Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Deutsches Reformirtes Gesang- buch, Eine Deutsche Liturgie, Forms and Hymns of the Church, Der Reformirte Hausfreund, Reformed Church Messenger, Companion of Praise, Programme for German and English services, Silver Trade Dollar, Sketch of the Sunday School, List of all the officers, teachers and scholars of the Sunday School, Box of Miss Mary E. Emery, the teacher of Class No. II. Miss Emery had in her possession a collection box which she was filling at the time of her death. This box with its contents was placed in the stone.
After these ceremonies, the superintendent read a very interesting account of the beginning and growth of the Sunday School. The choir then sang the "Gloria" from Mozart's Twelfth Mass. Brief addresses were made by Rev. S. U. Mitman, M. H. Dieffenderfer, J. A. Singmaster, Dr. Dubbs and T. J. Hacker, of the city ; T. R. Dietz of Shippensburg, and George O. Stem of Littlestown. The collection amounted to
- GATCHEL - MANNING - PHILA -
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHAPEL.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHAPEL
$157. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. T. J. Hacker of Zion's Reformed Church.
Building Committee : Hon. Jeremiah Roth, William B. Schaffer, John N. Kline, Edwin Kincaid and Prof. Harrison E. Ruhe. Architect, Thomas R. Lonsdale, of Philadelphia. Con- tractors, William Gangaware and Israel Lehr & Son of this city.
The dimensions of the chapel are 67 x 106 feet. The building stands ten feet back from the building line on Chew street, three feet from the north line of the property, and almost flush with Church street. It is one story high with a balcony. It is built of fine brick, with brown stone base and trimmings. On the front gable on Chew street is an ornamental tablet with this inscription in bold letters, SALEMS SUNDAY SCHOOL REFORMIRTE KIRCKE. There was no attempt made to erect an imposing structure, architecturally, but rather a plain, simple building for the Sunday School. The eye cannot help but see the evident design of the architect and the Building Committee. As is usual, in buildings of such vast proportions, there are some minor defects, but these do not mar its beauty, nor destroy its utility.
There are four vestibules, one at each corner, leading to the main floor, and as many stairways, leading to the balcony. The seating capacity is about 1800, although by actual count, 2081 were present at the Christmas services in 1899. Perhaps the reader can obtain a better idea of the interior of the chapel by a careful study of the views as given in this history. The first floor is occupied by the smaller classes, the Junior Bible Classes and the German Bible Class. In the balcony, the four Bible Classes have separate apartments. The toilet rooms are in the basement.
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
The windows are of neat design, and add much to the beauty of the building. The most conspicuous is the centre window on the East side, over the platform, and represents Christ teaching little children. This is a work of Art. It is in loving memory of Miss Mary E. Emery by her mother, Mrs. Kate Balliet, and is a silent teacher to the young who meet from time to time in the chapel.
On the East side, the lower windows bear the names of their kind donors: J. M. Grimley and family, William H. Albright and family, Solomon Boyer and wife, Jacob Lawfer and family, in memory of their parents. The upper windows are in honor of Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., in memory of Maria S. Dubbs, Mary E. Emery, Abiel H. Heilman, Hannah Roth, and of her husband by Mrs. R. Newhard. On the North side, the lower windows were donated by the Sunday School Classes, Nos. 2, 3, 7, 8, 15 and 16; Class No. 23, Sallie J. Boyer, teacher, and Class No. 35, C. Frank Stahler, teacher ; John S. Yeager and wife, and Class No. 19, Charles W. Haas, teacher. The upper windows are in memory of her mother, Judith Kline, by Charles B. Haas and wife ; in memory of George J. Klein; and the others are the gifts of Class No. 39, Alvin W. Lawfer, teacher; Mrs. Julia Gangaware; and Harvey H. Diehl and wife. On the West side, the lower windows were donated by A. P. Peters; the German Bible Class; Mrs. Maria Weiler and daughter Jane; Allen, Edna and Stanley Boyer; and Mrs. Dr. C. D. Schaffer. The upper windows by Class No. 40, B. Frank Mohr, teacher ; Class No. 18, Lovereen S. Clewell and Eddie Lawfer ; Mrs. Alice J. Groner, in memory of her parents ; in memory of Abraham Gangaware by his son; James D. Newhard and family ; John F. Weiler and family ; M. J. Stephens and wife;
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHAPEL
and J. Francis Hinkle and family. On the South side, the lower windows were donated by the Mission Band, and the Infant School; and the upper windows by the English Bible Class; Daniel Geiser, wife and children, Hannah, Emma and Mary ; George Henritzy and family ; W. H. Harper and wife; and A. J. Lohrman and wife. There is also a large centre skylight in the ceiling, which furnishes a good light by day time. In the night time the building is illuminated with many electroliers which were donated by friends through the efforts of Hon. Jeremiah Roth. The heating is by steam. The chairs were purchased by the members, who received a handsome certificate upon receipt of one dollar towards the chair-fund. The cozy chairs for the infant department were donated by Mrs. Dr. J. C. Wagner. The pulpit and chairs on the platform are the gift of Butz & Frederick. The original cost of the chapel, including all the furnishings, is about $ 35,000.
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