USA > Pennsylvania > Lehigh County > Allentown > Brief history, Salem Reformed Church, Allentown, Pa. : 1875-1900 > Part 6
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"To whom belongs the honor ? There are so many names that I would like to mention in connection with our grand achievements and who should have honorable mention, from the infant to the primary and main department, the Bible classes, teachers, officers and pastors, but I will refrain from mentioning any names. The honor belongs to every member who has ever been identified with the school. But there is one above all to whom belongs the honor, and I will ascribe it to our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in whom we have placed all confi- dence, hope and trust, and I am happy to say that we have not been disappointed.
"From 1873 to 1875 this city and country was visited by the most disastrous financial panic that this part of the country has ever seen, or heard of. The rich lost their fortunes, the business men, mechanics, and laborers lost all they had saved for many years, and the poor washer-women, widows and orphans lost all their deposits in some of our banks. Yes, there was sorrow and trouble in many homes. In this period, the question of a third congregation was agitating the minds of many members, and I believe that those were the years of preparation for our people to start this congregation and school. In these twenty-five years many have come to labor with us, and many of our dear friends have been called to their eternal rest. In our weakness we have done the best we could. We do not claim to have been perfect, at any time, but we do claim that after we had been fully organized, we aroused a certain spirit in most congregations in this city and put new life in the work. I believe to-day that there is no city of our size any where that enjoys a better attendance of the people upon the services of the sanctuary.
JAS. F. HUNSICKER.
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" To you, boys and girls, young men and women, let me say, in a few years you will have to fill our places, and by the time the fiftieth anniversary will roll round very few of us will be able to attend it, who were present at the organization of the church and school. Some of you may think that the work is all done, far from it. It is for you to say whether the next twenty- five years will show still grander results, or will you fold your hands, and say, let others do the work ? This evening when you are in your homes and all is silent around you, and before you offer your prayer of thanksgiving, ask yourself these two questions : 'Have I done, or am I doing, my full duty towards my Sunday School ? Have I at any time since I am a member invited any one that is not a member of any school to come and join our school ? ' "'
Mr. Hunsicker then reviewed the work of organizing the Sunday School and its career up to this time. In conclusion he said : " If I was an artist, I would paint upon these sacred walls a picture for those to look at that will have the great pleasure to attend the fiftieth anniversary of Salem Reformed Sunday School of Allentown. First, I would paint at the top a picture of Christ our Saviour, and then of our late dearly beloved pastor, Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, D. D. Clustering around these I would place a small army of Christian soldiers ; in the corner to the left I would draw the place where the chapel stands on Chew and Eighth streets, and as it was in 1875 ; in the centre I would draw the church as it was from 1876 to 1894, and in the corner to the right I would draw a picture of the chapel and its interior as it was used from 1894 to 1900, with a picture of Professor Richards and Rev. Bartholomew, with its mighty army, every member in his or her seat, with each officer at his post of duty,
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ready for service ; and I am sure some one would turn to you, at the fiftieth anniversary, and say, that mighty army is the re- sult of the small army of 1875 with its officers and pastors, and of the constant labors of the members who have since been faithful to their sacred trust, to our divine commander-in-chief, our Lord Jesus Christ."
It was a very happy surprise to receive the cordial greet- ings from the members of Zion's Reformed Church from the lips of their kind pastor, Rev. T. J. Hacker. He made a brief ad- dress, and in closing he read the greetings which were as follows : "The Zion's Reformed Sunday School of Allentown, Pa., sends cordial Christian greetings to the Salem Reformed Sunday School upon the occasion of her twenty-fifth anniversary with the assurance of our best wishes for her continued well- being and prosperity." Before the services closed the pastor had the school take a rising vote as an expression of their ap- preciation of the kind and fraternal greetings. Rev. Dr. Gerhart gave a simple talk to the little children in which he laid stress on four things : I. Live in fellowship with Jesus Christ. 2. Be diligent. 3. Serve one another. 4. Be Beautiful. The offerings at this service amounted to $45.65.
A large audience was present at the evening service in the chapel. The choir sang two fine anthems and Miss Jennie George an excellent solo. The pastor read the liturgical service. The sermon by Dr. Gerhart was based on Galations 6:2, " Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." It was a very able discourse, replete with helpful counsel to the large flock. The school was much pleased in having this venerable professor with them, and his presence proved a bene- diction to the congregation.
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CHAPTER XXIV
Silver Anniversary Services
JOVEMBER 25th, marks the Silver Jubilee of the congre- gation. Despite the rainy weather, which is a usual attendant upon the great occasions of Salem, the audience was large and attentive at the morning service. The chilly air and the drenching rain did not dampen the spirits of the many worshippers, who had assembled, but the people were in hearty accord with the inspiring anthem, " Jubilate Deo " sung by the choir in excellent style under the able leadership of Prof. Ruhe. The pastor invoked the divine blessing upon the anniversary services, and the deople sang a loud, Amen. All united in the confession of the Apostles' Creed. "Lobe den Herrn den Machtigen Konig der Ehren " was sung with great fervor. Prof. George W. Richards, the former pastor read Psalm 90 as the scripture lesson, and, after the singing of the " Gloria Patri," led the people in a most fervent prayer, giving God the glory for His wonderful goodness, and invoking upon the pastor and people the continued help of His all-saving grace.
The pastor made a few remarks, extending most cordial greetings to all. He announced that nothing should be said about the debt, which he hoped would be fully paid by Thurs- day evening, when the mortgage of $12,400 will be reduced to ashes.
The preacher of the morning, Rev. Prof. J. H. Dubbs, D. D., of Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., then read the hymn, " Jesu Seelenfreund der Deinen," and, after its singing, he preached a very able and touching sermon, based on Psalm 92; 14-15, which was replete with many precious
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reminiscences of the work of the Reformed Church in the city of Allentown. He said in part :
" When a weary pilgrim reaches a summit in his journey, he is apt to sit down and rest a while, and take thought of the incidents along the way. He recalls the trials, and discomforts, but he forgets these amid the blooming flowers and singing birds. On such a summit this congregation finds itself to-day, and we do well, after the lapse of twenty-five years, to pause and re- view the past. There have been many struggles and severe hardships, but what are they in the presence of the great triumphs that crown the work ?
"When I think of the fact that I am the last one in the ministerial line of my ancestry, I might have reason for regrets and tears, but I do not wish to tinge this happy occasion with sorrow ; rather let me speak to you of the things that awaken joy and gladness in all our hearts. The text which I have chosen was one of the favorite ones of my dear father, who used these words on a similar occasion about forty years ago, and whose outline of thought I shall try to reproduce in this sermon. The text relates to the blessing upon those who are planted in the house of the Lord.
"I. Who are they who are thus planted ? In the Scriptures the servants of God and the Church are often com- pared to a tree. Such passages as Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm I:I-3 ; 52:10 and 92:13 afford a striking proof of this truth.
" This spiritual tree must be planted. It does not grow on the street. There is a proper place for its planting ; it is in the house of the Lord. It is not enough that it be planted in a good place ; it requires also constant nourishment. Of this truth, we have a living example in this congregation. It has a
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proper location, it had a good beginning, and its nurture has been constant and faithful.
" The planting of this congregation was a needful work. The time was ripe for a third Reformed Church. There were many people in the community who had found no church-home in the other two congregations, and they were ready to enter a new interest. This congregation is not the creature of one man, nor was the building paid for by a single individual. Many hearts and hands were active in this work. There was no money at hand to pay for the little frame chapel ; it was paid later on by the gifts of many loving hearts. Salem Church never had any help from the Board of Missions, and very little from the outside community. It was self-supporting from the start.
"The people had their hearts fixed on the man for their first pastor. They were of one mind in their choice, and he was a man no longer young in years. He had a pleasant charge, so that it became a great struggle for my dear brother to with- draw from his people and to accept of an interest that might not live a single year. It was only after months of earnest, prayer- ful deliberation, that he finally agreed to undertake this mighty work. I say, mighty work, for there is no other to compare with it in our entire denomination. Though trials cast their baneful shadows across his pathway, yet he did not falter, and the members were loyal to him, and both pastor and people cast their burdens upon the Lord who alone is our refuge and help. It took a strong faith to begin this new interest, and to build it up to its present proportions, but the people were equal to the task.
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"2. What is the nature of this blessing for those who are planted in the house of the Lord ? They shall flourish, bring forth fruit, and be fat. There is life in the plants of grace. Age will not wilt them, and their fruits are manifold. They are fresh, and young, and prosperous. We cannot recount all the fruits of faith and love that have been borne by this congrega- tion, and the end is not yet. Your liberality abounds to the praise of God and the delight of His people. Keep up courage, and the God of Jacob will be your stay and shield. Although my lot has been cast in a city away from the scenes of my childhood, and I may never come back to live among you again, yet my heart still clings to this sacred spot, and I shall ever cherish the territory where my father and brother spent their days in preaching the Gospel of peace and good-will to men."
After a brief prayer, the choir sang the anthem, " O how great is Thy goodness," and the congregation all united in the great hymn of thanksgiving, "Nun danket alle Gott." Dr. Dubbs pronounced the benediction.
The service with the Sunday School was held at 1:30 P. M. The large chapel presented a beautiful sight when the opening service was read by the superintendent, James F. Hunsicker. The pastor led in prayer. Brief addresses of con- gratulations were delivered by the three young pastors of the Reformed churches of the city, Revs. Scott R. Wagner, Robert M. Kern and L. J. Rohrbaugh. The closing address was made by Dr. Dubbs. In the primary department, Prof. Richards, Rev. Schoedler, and Dr. Dippel of the University of Pennsyl- vania, made happy addresses to the delight of the teachers and the little folks. The attendance was 1304, and the collection, $25. One of the pleasant surprises was the appropriate de-
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sign brought by George S. Henritzy, a former member from Hazleton. It was the number " 25," made with silver stars on a black background. Many palms added to the decorations.
The services in the evening were held in the chapel, and but few seats were unoccupied. The pastor had charge of the opening services, and Dr. Dubbs announced the first hymn, " O God, our help in ages past," and read the Psalm 48. Professor Richards gave out the next hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of every blessing," which was well sung by the congregation. He took his text from Rev. 3 : 8; " I know thy works ; behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shutit." It would be a great injustice to the able professor to give extracts from memory of this eloquent sermon. Of its lasting impression upon the hearers, we have no doubt. He dwelt on the three leading thoughts : What are the works of the Church of Christ ? What have been the works of Salem Church ? What is the open door set before us ? With burning eloquence, he told of the manifold works of charity done by the Church. These are the best proof of our holy religion, and the ripest fruit of the Christian faith. The Church will increase in numbers and in- fluence in the degree that she practices the spirit of her divine Master, who went about doing good. Her works of love are her chief glory.
The works of this congregation have been abundant. There is a precious record of noble deeds woven into its history, which deserves loudest praise. The zeal of the first pastor, the immortal Dr. Dubbs, still pervades the hearts of the members. He went in and out among the people in weakness and in strength, bearing on his heart their best interests, and carrying in his hand the Lamp of Life. This good man proved a great
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inspiration to me in my own ministry, and his works will follow him in the constant activities of this congregation.
And what of the open door ? There is a work to be done by the Reformed Church in this community, and Salem Church has a mission peculiarly her own. She has the equipment now for leading many men to Christ, and fitting them for heaven. Whether she will centralize her forces in one large congregation, or divide them into several smaller congregations, matters not, only so that she will do the most good to the greatest number of people. To this end let there be united effort on the part of all the members and the Lord will still more prosper them. The services closed with the familiar hymn, " Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing," and the benediction by Prof. Richards. The receipts for the debt fund amounted to about $ 1600.
An appreciative audience assembled in the chapel on Monday evening, and heard with pleasure and profit of the grand work that is being done by our institutions for the cause of higher education and Christian charity in the world. It is seldom that three men can be found on the same platform who are so thoroughly alive to the claims which they represent as were the speakers at this service in the interests of "Our In- stitutions." President John S. Stahr, D. D., of Franklin and Marshall College, gave a very interesting account of the growth of the institutions of learning at Lancaster, whose students num- ber 340. The Science Building is in course of erection, and in need of funds. Prof. J. W. Knappenberger told of the liberal help this community had given the Allentown College for Wo- men, which has more students than ever in its history. The number being III. Rev. Thomas M. Yundt, Superintendent of
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Bethany Orphans' Home, brought the greetings and congratu- lations of his large family, and gave many touching incidents of young men who were at one time inmates of the home, and who are now doing so much good in the world. This service, we be- lieve, will be fraught with great blessing to our people.
Those who were present at the service on Tuesday even- ing saw an answer to the prayer of our Saviour for the unity of Christians in the bonds of peace. It was an unusual sight to see the pastors of the various churches take part in the service. Rev. O. R. Cook, of the M. E. Church, read Psalms 133-134, and led in prayer. The pastor bade the clergy a most cordial welcome. Addresses followed by Rev. S. G. Wagner, D. D., of St. John's Reformed, J. F. Pollock, of First Presbyterian, Theodore Stevens, of Linden Street Methodist Episcopal, J. H. Shirey, of Bethany Evangelical, G. D. Batdorf, of United Breth- ren, and S. A. Repass, D. D., of St. John's Lutheran. Letters of regret were also read from Revs. W. L. Bollman, of Ebenezer Evangelical, W. S. Catlett, of First Baptist, George W. Griess, of St. Paul's Lutheran, and J. M. Rinker, of Seibert Evangel- ical. Their words of cordial greeting were very much appre- ciated by the pastor and his people. Mrs. Palmer T. Dieter, sang a pretty solo, "Heavenly Father, smile on me," after which the benediction was pronounced by Rev. D. E. Schoedler.
There was a splendid audience present on Wednesday evening. The Sunday school choir sang a fine anthem from the balcony with good effect. Mr. Charles O. Schantz spoke in behalf of the Lehigh County Sunday School Association. The next speaker was Rev. Rufus W. Miller, of Reading, Secretary
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of the Sunday School Board. He brought the greetings of the Reading Ministerial Association of the Reformed Churches, and he made a strong plea for the Home Department in the Sunday School. Mr. William B. Schaffer spoke in the German lan- guage, and in a fluent way gave his recollections of the early beginnings of the congregation and school. He grew up, with the work, and was one of its leading spirits. To Mr. Schaffer is due much credit for his noble services during his seventeen years as superintendent. The services closed with the doxol- ogy, and the benediction by Rev. R. W. Miller. A conference was held after the service with the pastors, superintendents, and teachers of the various Reformed schools in the city, for the purpose of discussing the organization of a Home Depart- ment. The sentiment was in favor of it.
Amid great rejoicing the anniversary services were brought to a fitting close on Thursday evening. It was Thanks- giving Day. The services were held in the chapel, and almost every seat was occupied. There was a large representation of the members as well as friends of the congregation, who had come to witness the burning of the mortgage. After the devo- tional services, in which Revs. Robert M. Kern read the lesson, and Frank H. Moyer led in prayer, the pastor made a brief ad- dress. He said it would be unkind for him to keep the people in suspense, in regard to the debt, until after the addresses, and he felt the speakers would be still more eloquent with the addi- tion of a little fire, so he proposed to burn the mortgage at this time. He gave the people the amount ot the unpaid pledges, which he was sure would be paid in a short time, and the cash receipts, and then he called on the treasurer, D. Frank Knerr,
W. B. SCHAFFER.
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to state whether he was satisfied with the statement, and he arose and replied very heartily, "Yes, I am." The pastor paid a glowing tribute to the past work of the Young People's Society, which had done so much for the congregation in the purchase of the fine pipe organ, and the valuable lot at Fifth and Allen streets, and suggested that the evening's offerings should be given in honor of the society, which amounted to $60. Then James F. Hunsicker, D. Frank Knerr and A. P. Ringer, the officers of the congregation, came forward in response to their names. It was the desire of the pastor that Prof. George W. Richards should have the honor of setting the mortgage on fire, but on account of pressing duties in the Seminary he was unable to be present. Mr. Hunsicker then struck a match, and Messrs. Knerr and Ringer held the receptacle for the mortgage, and as it was being consumed Prof. Ruhe struck up the grand old doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," in which the congregation united with heart and soul. This was not enough for the elated pastor, so he announced the first verse of the classic hymn of thanksgiving, "Nun danket alle Gott."
The speakers of the evening were Revs. T. W. Dickert, President of the Classis of Lehigh, T. J. Hacker, President of Eastern Synod, and D. E. Schoedler, Stated Clerk of the Classis of Lehigh, who brought the greetings of their people and then spoke in their official capacity. Salem Church has the proud distinction of being not only the largest congregation and school in the denomination, but also of having always paid its appor- tionments in full to Classis. Rev. Dickert said, this is due to the loyalty of the pastors whose hearts have been warm with love for the Reformed Church.
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The "Chronicle and News," from whose columns we have made frequent quotations in this History, says of the pastor : "The fact that Dr. Bartholomew was able to wipe out this enormous debt, during the first year of his pastorate, speaks well for his executive ability, and should give him the confidence of the members, and it is proof of the words of praise that preceded him before his acceptance of the charge. Few pastors coming in a strange congregation would have had the courage to grapple with such a monstrous debt, but the pastor of Salem has great faith in God and all confidence in his people. As the speakers reiterated, again and again, the congregation has now attained a position in which it can do a vast amount of spiritual good in the community, and it is to be hoped that they will follow where their pastor leads, assured that all will re- dound in honor to them and in glory to their Master."
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CHAPTER XXV
Sunday School
S EPTEMBER 19th, 1875, marks the organization of the Sun- day School. On that day there was an enrollment of 68. The first officers were : Superintendent, George W. Hartzell ; Assistant Superintendent, A. L. Newhart; President, A. E. Heist ; Secretary, P. A. Fenstermacher ; Assistant Secretary, J. Henry Lawfer ; Treasurer, James F. Hunsicker ; Librarian, William B. Schaffer. These brethren were well qualified for their respective positions, and they had the interests of the school at heart, as is evident from its wondrous growth the first year.
In his second annual report, the Secretary, P. A. Fenster- macher, makes these encouraging remarks : "No one can fail to see the marked change under which we hold this anniver- sary from the previous one (although the first anniversary was celebrated in this building, yet it was still in the hands of the mechanics) on all sides and in all departments there have been decided improvements. We need but call your attention to the beautiful room we now possess, with main, infant and Bible class departments, all handsomely furnished. The number of our school has increased from 153 to 606. More money has been collected, and we do not hesitate to say that a greater in- terest is taken by old and young, than at any time before, for advancing the school in the Word which is to prepare us for the future life." The receipts from September 19th, 1875, to Jan- uary 6th, 1877, amounted to $472.99. The largest increase in membership was during the second year, when the statistics show a net gain of 453.
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From the early records we infer that George W. Hartzell, the first superintendent, was an efficient leader, and he took a prominent part in the introduction of the International Lesson Leaf, the Child's Treasury and other helpful tracts. As an active elder in the congregation and a regular student of the German Bible Class, he still takes a deep interest in the wel- fare of Salem Church. The school celebrated its first anniver- sary with an elegant supper at which time the odd sum of $222.22 was realized.
The Church Festivals have always been kept with ap- propriate services, and these occasions became rally days for the school. One of the interesting features has been the an- nual pic-nic. It may be safely said, that no other school in the Lehigh Valley has drawn the crowds that Salem did. The mem- bers of the school possess a spirit of loyalty which always in- sures success in every undertaking. It would be very interest- ing to trace the history of each year's growth, but the space at our command will not permit it. Perhaps the present condi- tion of the school can best be seen by quoting extracts from the excellent annual report read at the Twenty-fifth Anniversary services by the able secretary, John H. Danner.
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