USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Allentown > Brief history, Salem Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa. : 1875-1900 > Part 5
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RESIGNATION OF PASTOR RICHARDS
formed Church Record," since it concerns the whole Church. We believe that many, when once the importance of the present change is understood, would, for the sake of the Church, justify a favorable reconsideration.
We express our sincere gratitude for the work you have done in our midst thus far, and extend you the heart and hand of thousands, who are eager to follow you in your godly ambition to extend the kingdom of Christ. This appeal was adopted by a unanimous vote of the Consistory, and endorsed by a rising vote of the entire congregation at both morning and evening services, and by every department of our Sunday School, March 19th, 1899.
CONSISTORY.
We confess this was a strong, direct and persuasive ap- peal. The pastor took it to heart, and wrestled with it for days. He kept the congregation in suspense for two weeks, but the agony was mutual. At the close of the preparatory service, he announced his decision to accept the call, and he assured the people that it was the most trying ordeal of his life. Despite their expressions of love and esteem, he could not get away from the call to his new duty which the Church had so generously given him, and he felt he would best serve the interests of the Church in general by accepting the new position. It was a matter of conscience with him, and he must be true to himself and heed the call. He hoped the people would accord the same assistance and loyal feeling to his successor.
Easter Sunday, April 2nd, he held his last communion as pastor. Rev. O. P. Steckel was the assistant. There were 1094 communicants. Received by confirmation 106 and by certificate and re-profession 18, total 124. The offerings for the cause of Missions were, $426 and for local purposes, $403.
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
A Farewell Social was held in the chapel on April 4th, in honor of his departure. The pastors and members of the various churches in the city came to testify of their esteem and respect, and to bid him and his devoted wife a cordial God-speed. A handsome souvenir of the occasion adorns the parlors of many members. The first page of the embossed cover contains a fine picture of the pastor, and encloses the program. The choir sang an opening anthem. Rev. O. P. Steckel led in prayer. Revs. P. A. DeLong, D. E. Schoedler, L. J. Rohrbaugh and S. G. Wagner, D. D., made brief addresses in which they paid high tributes to the retiring pastor, expressing the great loss of a faithful minister and a good citizen, but a greater gain to the Church at large.
Rev. Mr. Richards spoke of the years of his labors in the city. It was a great joy for him to be able to say that he and his people part in peace and love. He had a kind word for all. Howard Ruhe at the close of his remarks presented him with a beautiful boquet of flowers, and Mrs. Richards was the recipient of a similar gift from Ida Ritter. Dr. Charles D. Schaffer in behalf of the sainted Dr. Dubbs presented him with a Bible which the venerable ex-pastor had given to him for that purpose. He also presented him with a well-filled purse as a pledge of love from the congregation. The audience then sang, "God be with you till we meet again," and the final farewell greetings were spoken. On April 6th, Rev. and Mrs. Richards, Miss Sadie T. Grimley and Rev.Harry M.J. Kline of Grace Reformed Church, York, left on the S. S. " Augusta Victoria" for Ham- burg, and spent the Summer in Europe.
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ELECTION OF A SUCCESSOR
CHAPTER XX Election of a Successor
D' URING the interim, the pulpit was ably supplied by ministers of our Church, Rev. O. P. Steckel, serving as a stated supply for a few months. The Consistory experienced no little difficulty in finding a man who would be acceptable to all the members, but they finally agreed to appoint a Committee of five, who should go and hear one or more pastors and report to them. This Committee consisted of George W. Hartzell, James F. Hunsicker, Joseph D. Schreiber, J. M. Grimley and C. Frank Stahler. The Committee went to Pottsville, Pa., on July 23rd, 1899, to hear the Rev. A. R. Bartholomew, D. D., pastor of Trinity Church, and upon their return home they advised the Consistory to invite him to fill the pulpit on July 30th, which was promptly done. He came, the people heard him, and he became their choice. At a meeting of the Consistory held on August 4th, it was unanimously agreed to nominate him for the pastorate, and an election was announced to be held on August 22nd, between the hours of 2 and 9 P. M. The following officers served at the election : Judges, J. M. Grimley, Dr. N. C. E. Guth ; Tellers, Benjamin K. Hamm, E. O. Huffort, John H. Danner, E. O. Schaffer, Harrison E. Ruhe, and William H. Albright. The result of the election was 350 votes for and 13 against.
On motion it was unanimously resolved to extend a formal call to Rev. A. R. Bartholomew, D. D., the salary being fixed at $ 1650 per annum, with the promise of a parsonage as soon as practicable. Before the pastor-elect would consider the call, he was anxious to meet the members of the Consistory and different members of the congregation for a general talk on
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
matters pertaining to the work. He spent August 27th, with the congregation, accompanied by his wife. Prof. George W. Richards and wife, having just returned from their foreign trip, were also present. At the informal meeting held in the after- noon, he told the members, that he knew of no good reason why he should separate from a people whom he had served for eighteen years. The call came to him without any solicitation on his part, in fact he had no hand, or voice, in the matter, and the only motive that could constrain him to resign his charge would be a sense of duty.
After a most deliberate study of the situation, he was willing to accept, but his Consistory refused to accede to his wishes, postponing their action on his resignation for several meetings, until they saw their delay would not avail, and they most reluctantly united in a petition to the Classis of Schuylkill, asking for a dissolution of the pastoral relations. Meanwhile letters were written to and fro·by James F. Hunsicker, George W. Hartzell, Frank A. Arner and the pastor-elect, until he sent the following letter of acceptance :
Pottsville, Pa., September 11th, 1899. To the Consistory of Salem Reformed Church, My Dear Brethren :
"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence : and his children shall have a place of refuge." With a firm faith in God's promises, and a calm trust in God's people, I am enabled to cast my lot with the dear flock of Salem Church at Allentown. Your urgent call has engaged my earnest thought, the past few weeks. I know you will pardon the delay of my reply. When the challenge first came to me, I felt I could not leave my pleasant charge. Next to the home-ties, I believe, the tie bind-
REV. A. R. BARTHOLOMEW, D.D.
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ELECTION OF A SUCCESSOR
ing a pastor to his people is the tenderest of all ties that bind the hearts of men on the earth. The very thought of a sepa- ration from a loving flock evoked quaking fears in my soul. Even in my resignation, I can assign no reason, save a profound sense of duty, as the ground for my departure. However, your call is so plainly from the Lord, " whose I am and whom I serve," and the judgment of my brethren, so convincing, that I must not decline it.
By the grace of the Lord, and the action of my Con- sistory, I am now ready to accept the call to the pastorate of your congregation, subject to the approval of the Lehigh Classis. God willing, I hope to begin my labors among you, early in October. My constant prayer shall be, that I may enjoy the "all proper attention, love and obedience in the Lord," which you have promised me, and that the same fervent love may knit our hearts in Salem, as in Trinity, for then only will the tie be blest that binds us in the Master's service.
" The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another."
Very Cordially Yours,
A. R. BARTHOLOMEW.
· 98
SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
CHAPTER XXI Installation of Dr. Bartholomew
THE new pastor arrived with his family on October 5th, and located at No. III North Eighth street. He was received by the Classis of Lehigh, at a special meeting held in Christ Reformed Church, on October 6th. Revs. D. E. Schoedler, J. W. Knappenberger and George B. Smith were appointed a Committee to install him. The installation services were held on Sunday, October 8th. We beg to quote portions of an article from "The Morning Call," giving a full and kind de- scription of the three services.
" At the morning service in Salem Reformed Church yesterday the new pastor of the congregation, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bartholomew, was installed with impressive ceremonies. The large church was crowded with members of the congregation eager to witness the formal acceptance of their new pastor and friend. With this event a new epoch in the life of the church opens, and, from the signs revealed by a crowded church, this new life promises to be a vigorous, prosperous and pleasant one.
" The installation was auspicious and, with a united, flourishing congregation, it is safe to predict for the new pastor a happy, successful pastorate. He is of the people, and with the people, an able orator and a learned scholar, eminently fitted to take his place as the successor of the Rev. George W. Richards and as the head of and pastor of the largest congre- gation in the Reformed Church in the United States.
" At the service yesterday morning Rev. D. E. Schoedler preached a German sermon on "The Responsibiliteit a Christian Minister." He set forth in an able manner the work of the ministry as laid down in the Scriptures and quoted many
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INSTALLATION OF DR. BARTHOLOMEW
passages therefrom to substantiate his words. He also dwelt in a very forcible manner on the duties that the people owe to their pastors in carrying on the work in a congregation.
" He was followed by Rev. J. W. Knappenberger in an English address. Prof. Knappenberger dwelt on the power of example. He spoke of the great possibilities in the congregation for becoming a bright and shining light not only in the city, but in the world. Then followed the installation ceremony, which is prescribed in the order of service of the Church, conducted by Rev. George B. Smith, of Kutztown. For this day Prof. Harri- son E. Ruhe had prepared several special anthems which were rendered in a very acceptable manner by the well-trained choir. The anthems rendered at the morning service were " The Lord is on Our Side," and " I am He that Liveth."
" At the Sunday School service in the afternoon, 1180 members gathered to greet the pastor and join in the service. During the period usually devoted to the study of the lesson, Revs. Smith, Knappenberger, Schoedler and the pastor addressed the school, and in a happy vein drove home many helpful truths. Before the addresses the pastor went among the classes and spoke to them in an informal way. At this service the Sunday School choir sang the beautiful anthem, "I will lift up Mine Eyes," and the school sang these hymns, "He leadeth Me," " Onward Christian Soldiers," "Ye servants of God," and " God be with you till we meet again," the latter being sung at the close of the service.
" At the evening service Rev. George B. Smith preached a very able and eloquent sermon based on the words, " Lift up thine eyes." He held the close attention of the audience. At this service the anthems, "Saviour breathe an evening bless-
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
ing " and the chorus, " O, Praise God in His Holiness," were sung. Rev. Mr. Bartholomew enters upon his duties with every sign of encouragement, and the members unfalteringly rally around him as their new leader, assuring a successful and pleasant pastorate."
One of the very pleasant things in the beginning of the new pastorate was the kind public reception given the pastor and his family in the chapel. The large audience, and the local clergy, made us feel at home, and we shall ever cherish their warm greetings, Truly, in the midst of so many friends who can give any room to the almost irresistible feeling of home- sickness ! Our ministerial brethren, Wagner, Hacker, Schoed- ler, Frantz, Repass, Stevens and Oswald have our constant gratitude for their gracious remarks, nor will we forget the thoughtful Committee of Arrangements, George W. Hartzell, James F. Hunsicker, J. M. Grimley, J. D. Schreiber and C. F. Stahler for their kindness in planning this reception, and for the elaborate programme, containing our picture on the first page. This most cordial welcome was to us a tangible evidence of the love and esteem of the people, and we rejoice to know that it has not been the last expression of good-will. The choir sang several fine anthems, and the hymns by the congregation were inspiring : "Love Divine, all Love Excelling," "I'll live for Thee," " Blest be the tie that binds," and " Soldiers of Christ Arise."
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PLANNING FOR WORK
CHAPTER XXII
Planning for Work
O UR able predecessor had left the work of the congregation in good condition, so that we found it easy to begin our ministry. However, each pastor has his own plans of working, especially is this true of a minister in middle life, and we feel grateful to the Consistory in giving us the liberty to use our judgment in certain matters. Only a few changes have been made in the order of worship and in the conduct of the work, but these are now recognized as helpful in the onward march of progress.
To aid in establishing these changes we wish to mention the needful gifts of a few kind friends : seven carved collection plates from Dr. C. D. Schaeffer and wife ; two elegant wine tankards for the holy communion from Wilson M. Gift and E. H. Wetherhold ; and two fine walnut hymn tablets from Miss Lydia M. Leisenring, in memory of her mother, who was a de- voted member of the congregation. It was also felt that three additional elders would be an advantage to the Consistory, and by a previous insertion of the phrase, " at least," in one of the Articles of the Constitution this want could be met at the annual meeting of the congregation.
Early in the year 1900, steps were taken by the Con- sistory looking towards the celebration of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary and the payment of the entire debt. About the same time a few members of the congregation came with a re- quest to the Consistory that they might have the use of the lot at Fifth and Allen streets for the erection of a new church. After due deliberation, the following action was taken :
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
Whereas, Our congregation as individual members pur- chased the vacant lot at the corner of Fifth and Allen streets for the purpose of erecting a Dubbs Memorial Church thereon at such time as the congregation thinks it advisable, and
Whereas, This Consistory is of the opinion that this is not the proper time to build said Dubbs Memorial Church, in consequence of a heavy debt resting upon the congregation, and
Whereas, When the said Dubbs Memorial Church is built the congregation should proceed in the matter so that the congregation as a whole would receive credit for the erection of said church, therefore,
Resolved, That those members who are advocating the erection of said church the coming year are respectfully re- quested to desist for this year, and that the resolution offered at our last meeting be and the same is hereby indefinitely post- poned.
Thirteen voting for it and one against it.
The Consistory wrestled with the problem of the Church- Debt for several years, many plans appear on the minutes, but all proved inadequate to remove the heavy load. The earnest workers in the congregation saw that the debt was a barrier to all advance work, and the pastor bent all his energies in arous- ing a strong sentiment in favor of paying it. On May 6th, 1900, he proposed the plan for raising the full amount, and the Consistory approved of it. Two thousand circulars were issued in English and German for free distribution among the members, of which the following is a copy :
Dear Brethren in Christ :
God willing, we expect to celebrate the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of our congregation in the Autumn of 1900. The
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PLANNING FOR WORK
history of Salem Church reads like a wondrous story. Its growth has no equal in the Reformed Church. Truly, the hand of the Lord may be seen in its rise and progress. The secret of its signal success lay in the faith and zeal of its pastors, whom God chose for this special work, and in the unity and energy of the members who knew nothing save loyalty to their spiritual mother. The potent spell of its founder, the Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., who now dwells with the saints in glory, and the plastic power of the Rev. George W. Richards, whose ability the Church has recognized in his elevation to the chair of Church History in our Theological Seminary, gave the congre- gation an impetus that still controls its activities. It is with great joy of heart, that I witness the spirit of Christian endeavor in the lives of our people. They are quick to heed the call to duty. They find pleasure in well-doing.
The hope that by the twenty-fifth anniversary the Church-Debt might be paid has been kindled by the God of Love in many hearts, and there is a strong sentiment that an effort should be made, before that time, to secure the full amount, so that the anniversary services might be held only as an oc- casion of gratitude and joy. To satisfy this wise and healthy feeling, the Consistory are arranging for a Church Debt Rally to be held on May 20th, and they wish, in this way, to extend a most cordial invitation to all the members to be present at the three services, at 10 A. M., 2 P. M., and 7.30 P. M. Rev. Prof. George W. Richards, of Lancaster, and Rev. O. H. Strunck, of Schuylkill Haven, two of the ablest pulpit orators in the Church, will be the speakers.
We believe that many members are anxious for an oppor- tunity to subscribe towards the debt, and we will give all sub-
.
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY
scribers their own time for payment. If the members will respond to this kind invitation, and come to these special services, in faith, that God will help us ; in hope, that we are able to pay the debt, and in love, that each one may give according to his ability, the full amount of $12,400 will be secured. Until the time fixed, for the achievement of this great and glorious result, let us, as pastor, elders, deacons and members, pray daily and earnestly for God's richest blessing upon our effort. His promise is, " Ask, and ye shall receive." Let us talk with one another about this good work, until our hearts will glow with the conviction that can leave no doubt, in any mind of certain success.
And now may the love of the Father, and the grace of Jesus, and the comfort of the Spirit, reign in us, and abide with us alway.
Your Loving Pastor, ALLEN R. BARTHOLOMEW.
May IIth, 1900.
On May 13th, the pastor delivered two sermons bearing on this subject. At the morning service he preached on the text, " Jesus said, Take ye away the stone," referring to the duty of the members in paying the debt. In the afternoon, in- stead of the lesson, he spoke to the school on the theme, " The Widow's Mite," emphasizing the truth, that each one should bring some offering for the debt. Every effort was made in public and in private to create an enthusiasm in the hearts of the people, so that May 20th, the date fixed for the Church Debt Rally, might see them practically free of debt. The day came and with it many anxious fears. Many obstacles were in the way to liquidate the debt. Rev. Mr. Strunck has no equal
CONSISTORY.
1. G. W. HARTZELL.
4. A. J. LOHRMAN. 7. 1. J. RITTER.
8. W. C. LAUDENSLAGER.
11. A. M. SCHRADEN.
3. A. P. PETERS.
6. J. D. SCHREIBER.
9. A. P. RINGER.
10. C. M. HAAS.
2. J. M. GRIMLEY. 5. D. F. KNERR.
12. W. M. GIFT.
13. G. S. CAVANAUGH. 14. O. P. SCHLOSSER.
15. E. H. WETHERHOLD.
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PLANNING FOR WORK
as a debt-lifter, and yet, he had his grave doubts, whether the amount could be raised, after he came on the ground. He said, " It is always easy to raise a debt for a new church. There is an inspiration in the new building that helps very much to make people liberal. Besides, everybody is happy and feels thankful over the completion of a long cherished hope." There were many thrilling scenes during the day. Revs. O. H. Strunck of Schuylkill Haven, and Prof. George W. Richards of Lancaster made stirring addresses at the three services, and the responses were liberal from the members, but the climax was reached in the evening, when Prof. Richards announced a remaining balance of $2900. The people were moved to tears, and amid loud applause, he mentioned a subscription of $ 1000 from the Young Ladies' Bible Class of which Mr. Alvin W. Lawfer is the teacher. Then in rapid succession men sprang to their feet, pledging additional amounts until the full amount was in sight. The German Bible Class in the afternoon had pledged $800. It is taught by the pastor. The Young People's Bible Class, taught by B. Frank Mohr, pledged $300. Salem Bible Class, taught by Dr. N. C. E. Guth, raised a voluntary subscription of $225, and the English Bible Class, taught by Prof. H. E. Ruhe, about $400. All the classes in the Sunday School pledged smaller amounts. This work was done without sen- sational methods, and the day's record will probably go down into history, without a parallel in the denomination.
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SALEM CHURCH HISTORY CHAPTER XXIII
Sunday School Anniversary
T HERE was a double celebration of the Twenty-fifth Anni- versary on account of the fact that the Sunday School was organized about two months before the congregation. The first event was celebrated by the Sunday School on September 23rd, 1900. The morning service was held in the church, and was introduced with a brilliant anthem, entitled, "Praise ye the Lord," by the choir. The pastor led in the altar service, and the scripture lessons for the day were read by Rev. E. V. Ger- hart, D. D., President of the Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pa. The sermon by the pastor was based on the text in I Corinthians 15:58. He spoke of the humble origin of the school, in the little frame chapel, and of the sixty-eight members at the first meeting, and then traced the growth during the twenty-five years until it is the largest school in the entire denomination. He paid a glowing tribute to the men and women who took such a great interest in the work, and said it was a rare exception to find men still in office who were active in the organization. He also spoke of the saints in heaven who were at one time devoted members of the congregation. Dr. Gerhart made a brief ad- dress. He spoke of his presence at the dedication of the chapel. They had no treasury, and no funds, but in due time the chapel was paid for. He paid a beautiful tribute to the zeal, devotion and fidelity of the first pastor of the congregation, and he said the members could be thankful that they had such a wise, prudent and energetic leader. Much always depends upon the first pastor, and Dr. Dubbs was the right man for the place and time.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY
The anniversary services proper were held in the large chapel at 1:30 P. M., when upwards of thirteen hundred were present. The chapel was prettily decorated with the Church and national colors, and two shields bore the figures "1875" and "1900." In the centre, and under the large memorial window, hung an elegant painting of the first pastor, Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D., of blessed memory. His kindly face seemed to smile upon the crowds of worshippers. The superintendent, James F. Hunsicker, had charge of the opening services, J. M. Grimley, assistant superintendent, read the scriptures, and Rev. D. E. Schoedler led in prayer. A very pretty quartette, en- titled, "Hark, Hark my Soul!" was sung by Mrs. George Wetzel, Miss Ruth A. Bartholomew, Pastor Bartholomew, and Mr. Edwin Clewell. The able secretary, John H. Danner, then read his annual report, extracts of which appear in Chapter XXV of the History. After this interesting report, Mrs. Palmer T. Dieter sang a fine solo, entitled, " Rock of Ages."
James F. Hunsicker, the energetic superintendent, made a very impressive address to the great delight of the school. He spoke in part as follows : " There is so much to say about the history of our Sunday School that I hardly know where to begin, or where to end. I could go back over the first year and relate to you many happy incidents that have occurred during that year, and, in fact, during all the years, but time does not permit me to go into details. The school was organized on Sep- tember 19th, 1875, with sixty-eight members, and every one in that small band determined to make it a success. To-day those who are still living and are with us have the great satisfaction to say that they have been successful.
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