USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Allentown > Brief history, Salem Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa. : 1875-1900 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
70
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
CHAPTER XVI Dedication of Chapel
BE EING the largest audience-room in the Lehigh Valley, the dedication of the chapel was an event of public interest. The sky was no brighter, nor the sun more genial on February 24th, 1895, than were the hearts and faces of the Sunday School members when they took possession of their magnificent new home. The seating capacity of the chapel was taxed to its utmost, and all present sang praises unto God for this new token of His loving favor.
The services began at 10 A. M. with the choir-anthem, " Jubilate Deo," and the invocation by the pastor, after which the superintendent had charge of the services up to the act of dedication in the afternoon. Rev. J. H. Dubbs, D. D., pro- fessor in Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, was the preacher in the morning. His text was, St. Matthew 18:3. The discourse was a most able one, and was listened to with rapt attention. Humility and confidence in God, even as a child has confidence and trust in its parents, were the germinal ideas in his sermon. The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. N. Z. Snyder of South Bethlehem.
At the afternoon service, the Sunday School choir sang the opening anthem, "O, Praise the Lord," accompanied by the orchestra, composed of the following persons : First Violins, H. Butz, Gus Kluenter and Frank Troxell ; Second Violin, Nelson Butz; Cornet, Howard Schlouch; Trombone, Al. Walter ; Flute, Harry Glick; Clarionet, Ed. Martin ; Bass, W. C. Reppert.
The speakers were Rev. Rufus W. Miller, Secretary of the Sunday School Board and Rev. Charles E. Schaffer of
CHANCEL OF CHAPEL.
9061
73
DEDICATION OF CHAPEL
Macungie. The addresses of both these earnest workers in the cause of Christ were able and eloquent. The impressive cere- monies of dedication then took place. In a few well-chosen remarks the architect, Thomas P. Lonsdale, delivered the keys of the building to the superintendent, W. B. Schaffer. He paid a high compliment to the Building Committee for their efficient aid. The choir sang, " The Lord is my Shepherd," and the pastor dedicated the chapel to God and the use of the Sunday School. A quartette, consisting of Mrs. Agnes Ruhe, Mrs. Daisy Baker, Messrs A. W. Lawfer and U. S. VonSteuben sang in splendid style, "I will magnify Thee, O Lord." Rev. Jared Fritzinger, of this city, pronounced the benediction.
The evening services were of an inspiring character. The choir sang, " Arise, O Lord into Thy Rest," and Rev. N. Z. Snyder led in prayer. Rev. W. R. Hofford, D. D., of this city, preached in the German language. His text was St. Luke II:20. He traced the gradual growth of the school, and spoke in highest praise of its latest effort, the erection of the chapel. Rev. J. W. Knappenberger, President of the Allentown College for Women preached in the English language from the words in Isaiah 60:7. The choir sang, "Cantata Domino in C." Rev. Rufus W. Miller pronounced the benediction.
Services were held during the week on the evenings and with the speakers as follows : Monday, Rev. N. C. Schaeffer, Ph. D., State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Rev. S. G. Wagner, D. D., of this city. Tuesday, Revs. T. J. Hacker, S. U. Mitman, and M. H. Dieffenderfer of this city. Wednes- day, Gathering of the Reformed Sunday Schools with addresses by J. A. Conrad, of Zion's Reformed Sunday School, Leonard Sefing, of St. Michael's Lutheran Sunday School, W. B. Schaffer,
74
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
of Salem Reformed Sunday School, Rev. N. Z. Snyder, and the pastor. Thursday, Stereopticon Review of the Quarterly Lessons by Rev. J. S. Singmaster, D. D., and S. U. Mitman of the city.
All these services proved a rich blessing to the congre- gation, and the work was carried forward with fresh zeal and new vigor. The Sunday School continued to grow, and the new building was soon found to be too small to accommodate the entire school, and the Infant Department had to be taken back again into the basement of the church, but the arrangements there are not suitable for the best training of the little children, and it is to be hoped that the future will provide a model-room for our buds of promise.
75
GRACE REFORMED CHURCH
CHAPTER XVII Grace Reformed Church
G RACE CHURCH of South Allentown is a child of Salem by adoption. On March 16th, 1894, A. D. Hensinger, W. C. Pflueger, and Louis F. Zincer, Committee, representing the Salisburg Mission Sunday School, laid a petition before the Con- sistory, praying them " to adopt said Sunday School, and extend to it their fostering care, and to prescribe the rules, conditions and mode of government best adapted to the need and welfare of said Sunday School." The request was granted upon the following conditions :
First. That the Salisburg Mission Sunday School be subject to the Constitution and By-Laws of Salem Reformed Church.
Second. That the Officers of the Sunday School make no purchase of properties without the consent of the Consistory of Salem Reformed Church.
Third. That the Officers draw up a form of rules for their government, and present the same to the members of the Consistory of Salem Reformed Church.
Fourth. That semi-annual reports of the condition of the school be made to the Sunday School Association of Salem Reformed congregation, the first to be made in June, and the second in December.
By an action taken on April 15th, 1894, the Mission School agreed to accept the offer from the Consistory, and thus became an adjunct of Salem Church. From the first report made in January 1895, we learn a few facts of interest. The school had a varied history during its twenty years' existence. Its life often hung on a very slender thread, but at the time of
76
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
this report the organization was thorough and the membership had doubled itself. There was an average attendance during the seven months of 140. They thank the parent school for everything its members had done for them. Efforts should be made to use the money in the treasury for a lot, with a view of erecting a chapel thereon in the near future. A number of re- quests had already been made for an occasional church service, and the conditions were ripe for the organization of a congre- gation.
On May 12th, at the request of the school, a Committee of three was appointed by the Consistory to act in conjunction with their Committee to purchase a lot. Edwin Kincaid, H. E. Mullen and C. F. Stahler were the Committee. In due time the lot was secured. On July 19th, 1896, the Consistory named a Building Committee to secure a plan for a chapel, viz, H. E. Mullen and John S. Yeager, for the Consistory, and Frank Young, H. E. Kleckner and A. D. Hensinger for the Mission. Whilst all the members of this Committee were faithful, yet no one took a deeper interest in the erection of the chapel than deacon John S. Yeager. He gave much of his time and money to the work, and the building reflects great credit upon his zeal and devotion. Our people have given liberally towards the chapel. The large handsome window was donated by Mrs. Kate Balliet, in memory of her dear daughter, Miss Mary E. Emery. The Rev. Dr. A. J. G. Dubbs, also left $500 in his will, towards the church-building.
On October 19th, 1898, the question of an assistant pastor was under discussion by our Consistory, who should also serve Grace Mission, and the members were favorable to it, but no action was taken in the matter except to pay $200 towards
77
GRACE REFORMED CHURCH
the support of a pastor for 1899. This appropriation was con- tinued for 1900, and we trust it may be paid until Grace Church will become a self-supporting congregation.
The present pastor is Rev. D. E. Schoedler, who is an able and earnest worker. He has the confidence and esteem of the little flock, and is hopeful of larger gains with the promised increase in population. Thus far, the city has not grown so very much in the southern section, and hence the material is not so numerous. However, we believe that the future will show the wisdom in planting the Mission, and we bespeak for the pastor and people, the continued sympathy and help of our members. Mr. B. Frank Mohr, of our congregation is the efficient superintendent.
78
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
CHAPTER XVIII Death of Dr. Dubbs
W TE are not unmindful of the able "In Memoriam " of this man of God, issued by our worthy predecessor, nor do we wish to mar its beauty by mere extracts from it. Still our heart craves to pay the best tribute to the memory of so noble a minister of the Gospel, and we know of no better way to de it than by brief quotations from that fine mosaic.
Alfred Joseph Getz Dubbs was the eldest son of the Rev. Joseph S. Dubbs, D. D., and his wife Susan, whose maiden name was Getz. He was born in Windsor Township (now Perry), Berks County, Pa., on the 8th of June in the year 1826. He spent his youth near the present village of Ironton, in Lehigh County, where his father settled, attending the schools in the neighborhood. As he did not desire to enter a profession, he determined to prepare himself for a business life. After work- ing in this direction for several years, he became for the time be- ing physically disabled and was induced by his father to return to school. He accordingly, in the Spring of 1845, went to Mercers- burg, Pa., the seat of Marshall College, our literary institution, where he pursued his studies until the Fall of 1849, when he took charge of a select school. Up to this time he had no fixed convictions in regard to his vocation in life, but now he must settle the question. From his subsequent history, it would seem that the Lord had only one path which he was at liberty to pursue, and after the most earnest and prayerful consideration he felt it his duty to prepare for the Christian Ministry. With this purpose he studied theology, and in the Spring of 1851, the Classis of East Pennsylvania examined and licensed him at its annual session in Plainfield, Northampton County. In the Fall,
-
79
DEATH OF DR. DUBBS
he was ordained to the Holy Ministry in Zion's Reformed Church of this city, where, for one year, he served in the capacity of an assistant pastor to his father, preaching in the English. language.
Until April Ist, 1876, he was the faithful pastor of ex- tensive fields in Lehigh and adjoining counties. Dr. Dubbs was nearly fifty years old when he assumed the pastorate of Salem Church, but for sixteen years he brought a warm heart and a loving zeal to the work, and the large and influential congre- gation stands as a monument not only to his fidelity, but also to the work of his aged father and devoted brother. Salem Church will always remain a bright crown to his life work. In his de- clining years he never lost interest in this child of his old age. It was the object of his love and the pride of his life. Nothing pleased him more than the continued prosperity of the congre- gation ; nothing worried him more than any trouble in its midst. Nor was he forgotten by his loving successor and his devoted people. Many messages of love were carried to his home on Walnut street, and everything was done to throw a halo of peace about his aching head. One Sunday afternoon, the entire Sunday School paid a visit to his home, aad bore many floral offerings with their hearty well wishes for his comfort. As his last days were drawing nigh, he once said, " I wish I could die on a Sunday morning when the church bells are ringing." There was something sad yet joyful in that wish. Those bells had often called him to duty for many years. They were the tokens of a holy privilege as well. His people then assembled with him and drew nigh to the Throne of Grace. He discoursed before them upon the great realities of time and eternity. One Sunday morning the church bells rang. Their tones were borne
80
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
upon the breeze, and floated over his bed. But he heard no sound and could not heed their call. They were the death knell of a departing soul, passing through the pearly gates into the eternal Sabbath. Surrounded by his sister, in whom he found so much comfort during his illnes, his brother, his ever faithful servant, Anetta, and a few relatives, he fell-
Asleep in Jesus ! blessed sleep, From which none ever wakes to weep ; A calm and undisturbed repose, Unbroken by the last of foes.
Dr. Dubbs died November 7th, 1897, aged 71 years, 4 months, and 29 days. The funeral services were held in Salem Reformed Church, where the body lay in state from 10 A. M. till I P. M. Before the services in the church Rev. T. J. Hacker offered prayer at the house. In the church the devotional services were conducted by Revs. B. Bausman, D. D., S. G. Wagner, D. D., W. R. Hofford, D. D., M. H. Dieffenderfer, and N. Z. Snyder. The pastor delivered a German sermon, taking for his text Acts 20:24. The choir sang, "Lo I heard a voice from heaven, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." Rev. Dr. N. C. Schaeffer, of Lancaster, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, spoke in English and based his remarks on the words in 2 Timothy 1:10. The hymns sung in the service were, " Abide with me, fast falls the eventide," and "Jesus I live to Thee." The seating of the church was taxed to its utmost capacity. About sixty-five ministers of all denominations were present. Hundreds of friends, from near and far, came to pay him their last token of affection. The floral tributes from loving friends were very handsome.
The honorary pall bearers were Revs. S. G. Wagner, D. D., T. J. Hacker, W. R. Hofford, D. D., M. H. Dieffenderfer, P. A. Delong, and L. J. Rohrbaugh.
81
DEATH OF DR. DUBBS
The active pall bearers were the Consistory of Salem, as follows : George W. Hartzell, Edwin Kincaid, A. J. Lohrman, B. K. Hamm, C. F. Stahler, Frank A. Arner, A. M. Schraden, John S. Yeager, H. E. Mullen, Calvin M. Haas, John D. Wagner, and Leon F. Rauch.
The remains were borne to their resting place in the West End Cemetery where the pastor conducted the final services. His work is done ; his reward has come. Peace be to his ashes !
TRIBUTES OF RESPECT
Following are the Resolutions upon the death of Dr.Dubbs, by the Consistory :
Whereas, The Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., the first pastor of Salem Reformed congregation, has entered his heavenly rest ;
Resolved, That we, the Consistory, at the close of his earthly career, gratefully recognize his unbounded devotion, and his ceaseless services in the upbuilding of our congregation.
Resolved, That we remember with cordial appreciation his coming in and going out among his people during his active pastorate ; eloquent as a preacher, faithful as a pastor, not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. “Be- hold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was fallen, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees."
Resolved, That we deeply mourn his departure, yet re- joice in the word of promise, " They that turn many to righteous- ness shall shine as the stars forever and ever."
Resolved, That we tender our sympathy in the name of the congregation to the relatives of the deceased, hearing with
82
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
pleasure of the faithful attendance of his sister and servant unto the close of his life.
Resolved, That we erect a tablet on the walls of the church, commemorating his pastorate.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be recorded on the minutes, sent to the family, and published in the daily papers of the city.
George W. Richards, George W. Hartzell, Edwin Kincaid, Alfred J. Lohrman,
Committee.
The Committee of Salem Reformed Sunday School offers the following tribute of respect in memory of Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., their former pastor and teacher :
Although his death was not unexpected, it fell like a heavy pall over our Sunday School, where he endeared himself to young and old through a long period of patient, faithful and friendly service. He had a kind heart, a willing hand, and a magnetic manner. It is impossible for us to mourn him as dead. Fond memory will ever linger around him, and to those who were united with him in pleasant fellowship for many years, he will not be less dear.
As long as health permitted, he was always at the front, and, according to the command of the Master, his flock followed him. With a consecrated ambition to serve his Lord, wherever he went he inspired, by precept and example, young and old to devote their lives to the extension of the Kingdom of God upon earth.
83
DEATH OF DR. DUBBS
His death is a sad bereavement to us; yet we murmur not, being assured that our loss is his gain. He is delivered from suffering and pain into everlasting joy ; and we humbly submit to the will of our Heavenly Father, who doeth all things well. We pray that each one of us may profit by his example in life and the lesson God teaches us by his death. To his brother and sisters we can only say, we mourn with you. You have lost an affectionate brother, and we have lost a faithful friend and a kind benefactor. The hope that we shall meet again, in the Paradise of God, will comfort us on our way.
N. C. E. Guth, James F. Hunsicker, William B. Schaffer, Committee.
84
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
CHAPTER XIX
Resignation of Pastor Richards
N the Autumn of 1898, just one year after the death of Dr.
Dubbs, which had cast such a veil of deep sadness over the hearts of the people, the congregation was startled with the election of their pastor, as successor to the venerable Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Apple, late professor of Church History in our Theological Seminary at Lancaster. Since we became the suc- cessor of brother Richards, we take great pleasure in being able to reprint our thoughts on this important matter from the "Parish Helper " in the November issue of the same year.
"There is no doubt, the gravest duty at the Eastern Synod this year, was the election of a successor to our venerable professor, Dr. T. G. Apple. It was no easy matter to find a man who could fill the position with credit to the high standing of our Theological Seminary. The Committee on Nomination, with Dr. B. Bausman, at its head, gave earnest consideration to the merits of several able men, but the Holy Spirit led them to propose, and the Synod to elect, the Rev. George W. Richards of Allentown, Pa. He is a young man of brilliant attainments : a man of fine presence, of keen intellect, of warm heart, of eloquent tongue and of rare scholarship. We believe the choice is a wise one. May God ordain him to the work, and use him for his glory."
The election of brother Richards threw the congregation into a tumult of excitement. All the members felt the great honor implied in the choice of the Synod, but they could not see the wisdom in giving up their beloved pastor. Let us not lift the curtain which conceals those months of prayer and study
SECTION OF CHAPEL.
87
RESIGNATION OF PASTOR RICHARDS
from our sight, and which finally led the trembling pastor to offer his resignation at a special meeting of the Consistory, held December 30th, 1898. We append a copy of it.
To the Consistory of Salem Reformed Church,
Dear Brethren :
I have received a call from the Eastern, Potomac and Pittsburg Synods to the Professorship of Church History, in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church, at Lancaster, Pa. After careful deliberation I have decided to accept the same.
This I do very reluctantly, in view of the cordial feeling that exists at this time between pastor and people. Yet in obedience to the call of the Church, I feel constrained to assume the duties of this responsible position.
I therefore kindly ask you, the Consistory, to accept my resignation to take effect February Ist, 1899, and to join me in a petition to the Classis of Lehigh to dissolve the present pastoral relations.
Words cannot express my feelings of gratitude to you and the members of the congregation for their continued support these eight years of my pastorate. May God prosper the work of your hands forever.
Yours in Christ,
GEORGE W. RICHARDS.
December 17th, 1898.
After many earnest words from the members of the Consistory, begging the pastor to remain among them, the resignation was regretfully accepted and the followingResolutions were unanimously adopted :
88
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
Whereas, Our pastor, the Rev. George W. Richards, has received a call to the professorship of Church History in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church at Lancaster, Pa.,
Whereas, He, after prayerful consideration feels con- strained to resign as pastor of Salem Reformed Church, in order to accept the responsible position, tendered him by the Church at large, therefore, be it,
Resolved, That we hereby record our high esteem of him as a man and as a pastor ; during his pastorate he has gained the esteem and won the hearts of young and old, by his fidelity in the discharge of the manifold duties of his office. His going is regarded as a personal loss, not only by the members of the congregation, but by many others in the community who en- joyed the privilege of his acquaintance.
Resolved, That we hereby convey to him our best wishes and prayers for success in his new position ; where, as a teacher of young men for the ministry, he may wield a favorable influence upon the rising generation of our denomination. May he find his labors congenial ; and may he, by the faithful discharge of his duties, continue to enjoy the growing appreciation of a grateful Church, and the assistance of God's favor and grace.
To show that the Consistory not only recognized the personal worth of their pastor, but also appreciated his great labors, they had already increased his salary, prior to the action of the Synod, to $2100 per annum, dating from January Ist, 1899.
During these months, the pulpit was acceptably occupied by several able and efficient ministers of our Church, but the hearts of the people were so rapt up in their dear pastor, that they did not even think of holding an election for a successor.
89
RESIGNATION OF PASTOR RICHARDS
Yielding to the persistent demands of the members, the pastoral relations continued until April Ist, 1899. In the meantime the Consistory made several attempts to have him reconsider his resignation, and went so far as to ask the Classis of Lehigh to kindly stay action on the resignation of their pastor until a later date. We think the true sentiment of the people found ex- pression in a final appeal made to their pastor, a copy of which we append :
Rev. George W. Richards,
Our Esteemed Pastor :
The officers and members of Salem fully appreciate the honor conferred upon you by your election to the professorship of Church History in our Theological Seminary at Lancaster. We believe that you have been deservedly chosen. With no feelings of resentment, and with no intentions of insubordination, there- fore, towards the authorities of the Church, whom you have always taught us to respect and obey, we beg leave to ask your attention to the united prayers of a most devoted people.
We are now, more than ever, convinced that you are peculiarly adapted to carry on the work of the congregation, which, you well know, represents nearly 2500 souls.
The circumstances, which have developed since your election and resignation, could not be foreseen then, but they are of such a nature as seen now, that, we believe, they would warrant a reconsideration of your resignation, even in the mind of the Church at large. We are threatened with serious troubles which would work endless mischief to the Reformed interests in this community. We feel assured that no one could unite all the members into a harmonious body as you can, should you remain in our midst. We, furthermore, would ask you and
90
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
through you the Church generally to consider the importance of this city as a centre of Reformed interests.
Never have the prospects for increase in population been brighter than now. Many business interests are opened, which attract hundreds of families into the community. These people can be won and kept only by men, who are in sympathy with their life and genius. You have shown yourself, thus far, a most acceptable leader of the people. They have followed you gladly and profitably. You have not only gained the affection of your congregation, but you have won the esteem of the people in this entire community.
We have heard many good men during the past months, they adorn the Reformed ministry, and we are proud of them, yet we are all the more convinced you alone can successfully guide the congregation, according to the plans you laid before us, in part, before your election. We refer to the extension of Re- formed interests in this city by building mission churches. It is the unanimous feeling of the people, men, women and children, that an effort should be made to have you reconsider your resignation, and it is their earnest prayer that you would kindly do so and continue as pastor among us. We thoroughly realize the weighty responsibilities of this field, and the arduous labors resting upon you, in season and out of season. To relieve you as much as possible we are willing to grant you any assistance you may ask, knowing that you always seek the best interests of the congregation. We will be pleased to have you and Mrs. Richards take a well earned rest and recreation by spending the Spring and Summer in Europe, as you now contemplate. We shall request the publication of this appeal in the " Reformed Church Messenger," "The Christian World " and the "Re-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.