USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Centennial volume of the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA., 1784-1884 > Part 15
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 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
167
MISSIONARY HISTORY.
A THIRD period of advancement in the missionary life of this church is so closely associated with the general progress of the Presbyterian body and of Christianity in the nation, as to de- mand distinct commemoration in a review of the century of its history. We have seen the success of the efforts to give form to the organizations of the Presbyterian Church; now, how shall life be infused into them ? Bone and sinew and muscle and skin are of little value without an animating spirit and vital energy.
Pittsburgh was looked to, from all parts of the land, as the city whose central location, the spirit of the people, the tone of religion, and the influence in the regions related to it, rendered it the most suitable for some of those great convocations whose transactions have formed eras in the great efforts to deepen and spread the efficiency of the gospel of salvation.
The First Church, as the oldest and best known in the con- munity, and honoring thus those which sprang from it, has been selected to be the scene of a series of religious conventions, during the last half century, which attach great interest to the locality -have greatly affected the character and influence of the mem- bership of this and the other churches here. These conventions may be classified as designed for ecclesiastical ends ; as for the promotion of general objects of religious interest or of various reforms ; or as devotional convocations of prayer for the outpour- ing of the Holy Spirit.
The ecclesiastical conventions began in the times of resistance to the aggressions of the great voluntary societies of New Eng- land upon the benevolent operations of the Presbyterian Church. When the General Assembly of 1835 met in Pittsburgh, a con- vention of this kind for counsel and prayer was held in the Second Church. After the disruption of the Presbyterian body, a general convention of the ministry and eldership of the Synods of Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Ohio, a meeting of remarkable interest, was held in this church in November, 1842. Many of the old fathers of the church were present. Elisha McCurdy made there his farewell plea before his translation to heaven, in behalf of revivals and missions. The claims of the several Boards of the Church and of the Theological Seminary were represented. The prayers and addresses greatly quickened the churches of this part of the land. A convention of a kindred nature, in behalf of church work, was held here in the first week of December, 1867.
4
168
MISSIONARY IIISTORY.
In the same month of 1875, a convention of the four Synods of Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland and Columbus celebrated here the centenary of the commencement of the labors of the Rev. Dr. John McMillan and the first planting of the Presbyterian literary and theological institutions. It commemorated by a number of valuable papers the ecclesiastical and missionary history of this region, which have been published together in a volume.
Another class of conventions held in the church has had refer- ence to general religious objects, temperance and other reforms. In November, 1867, there was held a "Christian convention," presided over by Mr. Dwight L. Moody, the object of which was to perpetuate the Christian activity aroused by the years of war, in the direction of efforts in behalf of the needy and the vicious. One of the most interesting of these general conventions was the first meeting in the United States of what is styled "the Biennial Conference of the American Branch of the Evangelical Alliance," in October, 1875. Representatives of most of the Christian de- nominations of the country were present. Able papers were read, and useful counsels held, in regard to many of those great prac- tical objects in which all evangelical Christians may combine their efforts, resources and influence in antagonism to the errors and vices of the land, and to advance the interests of spiritual religion in the world.
Another class of conventions has been principally of a devo- tional aim : to unite the prayers of believers to God for the ful- fillment of His promises of the gifts of power from on high, through the Holy Spirit. Such a convocation of the ministry and elder- ship of the four Synods of the upper valley of the Ohio was held in the dark days of the winter of 1860-61, when the terrible shadows of the coming civil war hung over the country. For three days-January 15th to 17th-they entreated the Lord of hosts for mercy upon our sinful nation. His mercy was granted through the swift exercise of justice. The rebellion in behalf of the maintenance of slavery He "cut short in righteousness. A short work did the Lord make upon the earth." The Allwise and Almighty often answers prayer in ways which His people " understand not now," "to the praise of the glory of His grace." We might allude also, if time permitted, to the interesting and largely attended convention for prayer in November, 1878. But we hasten to notice that convention for which above all others
-
169
MISSIONARY HISTORY.
the name of the old First Church of Pittsburgh will be remen- bered on the earth ; that is, the convention of December 1st to 3d, 1857. It was opened by a sermon from the venerable Dr. James Hoge, of Columbus, Ohio, from the text "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." This was the key note of the whole meeting, in which there were at times such heart-broken and believing supplication to God, such earnest appeals to the consciences and hopes of His servants, and such manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit to melt the souls of men, as have been witnessed upon few occasions in modern times. We cannot in this very brief address attempt any de- scription of the transactions of that convention. We can only advert to some of its results.
It was the first assembly of ministers and Christian people to pray for that vast outpouring of the Holy Spirit which extended from the rising to the setting sun, during the ensuing three years. It was the nation's preparation for the stern confliet which re- sulted in the universal and complete overthrow of African slavery, the evil which above all others threatened the destruction of our republican existence, and of the institutions of spiritual Christianity, which are the best hope of the world's conversion to God. It started the flow of numerous forms of evangelistic life and power, which have continued to operate in the land and in the world. It kindled a flame of missionary supplication and effort which has brought a new life from heaven to many fields of labor in heathen, Mohammedan and antichristian countries. It prompted, in India, the effectual establishment of the week of prayer for the conversion of the world, which is one of the most distinct memorials of the convention among us. It was the pledge and earnest of those final gifts of the Spirit from on high which shall regenerate "all flesh," and bring all nations to joyful submission to Jesus Christ as their glorious Redeemer and Lord.
We know not what millions of souls have been born to God through the influences of that revival of 1857 to 1861. Eternity only can reveal the fruits of it to churches, to nations and to mankind. Let me name two individuals whose everlasting life began in circumstances of special interest to us in this house and on this occasion. A young Frenchman, a student of the Uni- versity of Paris, was present in this house. That convention made him a child of God. And now Theodore Monod, a son of
12
170
MISSIONARY HISTORY.
the eminent French preacher, Frederic Monod, who was with him here, through the training of our Theological Seminary, and the impulses received in these churches, has become the Me- lancthon of that great revival which to-day promises to regener- ate France, and which must affect spiritual Christianity over the continent of Europe.
The other individual was a woman. In February, 1858, she was baptized in the aisle before me. The whole congregation was affected by the sight, many of them to tears. She had been the Chinese nurse of the children of the Rev. Dr. Happer. Mrs. Tsang went back to China, on fire with what she had seen, in churches east of the mountains and here, of the wondrous scenes of that revival. This was one of the means by which was set and kept in operation that woman's work in Canton, which is one of the most interesting and hopeful features of the advance- ment of Christianity in China.
Brethren and sisters in Christ, let each of us go forth from this centennial convention, assured by such wondrous and mul- tiplied pledges of God's willingness to bless us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, to lives of more in- cessant and believing prayer; to a more hearty and complete consecration of life, and children, and property, and time and effort to the service of our Divine Redeemer and King. God's infallible word declares that the greatest gifts which the church on earth has ever received, the outpourings of primitive Chris- tianity, of the Lutheran Reformation, and of recent generations, are but the preparations, "the former rains" of blessings from the Holy Spirit of which the great "latter rains" shall flood the whole earth with the prophetic sea of the knowledge, and holi- ness, and joy of the Lord.
ยท 171
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
All would have felt the occasion incomplete withont some careful at- tempt to trace the influence of the Tryphenas and Tryphosas of our First Church History. Certainly there have been too many who " labored much in the Lord" to allow of any very narrow limits being put upon the paper that should commemorate their faithfulness and commend their examples. Accordingly some liberty has been taken by Mrs. Scovel, both in the original preparation of the paper and in the re-writing of it-in both cases largely from materials furnished by Miss Matilda Denny and Miss Jennie Brooks. It is gladly printed in full.
In this day and generation, the expression "woman's work" has widened beyond the home, which formerly defined its limits, and is mainly identified with organized effort in church and society. To the women of early days the expression, as used in the old adage,
" Man's work's from sun to sun, But woman's work is never done,"
had not the faintest reference to missionary, church or temper- ance societies, but to that ceaseless round of household duties, unaided by modern helps and conveniences, which fell to her lot. The Sabbath was to her the coveted time when, on one day of seven, she could sit awhile with folded hands as she listened to the ministry of the Word, and it would seem quite possible that as her eye would stray through the opened windows upon the quiet churchyard, she might sometimes long to be laid there at rest, while her freed soul should be refreshed by the ministries of heaven.
But because she only wrought at home during the week and went to church for her own edification on Sundays, had she no part in the century's history of woman's work ?
172
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
Yes !- if we rightly estimate faithful training of children in the fear of the Lord and unquestioned loyalty to the church whose foundations she silently cemented with unceasing labors of love and prayer. Her strong desire for church ordinances and her unwearying attendance upon its services have made secure the very existence of the church. If the women had relaxed their zeal in maintaining church life, from first to last of the century, where would have been the glorious history we are to-day met to recall ? Could all the wifely and motherly entreaties, admoni- tions and spurs to duty be summoned before us, how many of the courageous, devoted deeds and counsels of the elders and brethren, and even of the pastors themselves, might be traced to the loving urgency of these sources !
The easy strife of words was not the only means employed, but deeds as well, were wrought into the upbuilding of the church. Yet these women of the olden time would hardly think of calling that "work" which, to them, was a profitable diversion, a sort of spiritual pastime.
At the first experiment of a prayer meeting begun by Dr. Herron and Mr. Hunt, of the Second Church, the women who braved opposition to come, outnumbered the men as six to one, and even to this day a suggestive disproportion is some- times found.
In the matter of contributions to the support of the ministry, they have borne an essential part, and their pecuniary aid has helped to rear all the church buildings, from the log house down to the new chapel. In the grace of hospitality, when entertain- ing strangers savored so much of drudgery, the pioneer women kept their doors wide open to the pilgrim ministry of the early times, desiring as payment only the good man's prayers and blessings upon their households. Will the plea of "no room " in the house for the Lord's messengers suffice for withholding such gracious influences from the lives of the little ones in the stately mansions of to-day ?
The care and attention to many details of church service rested largely upon its women. It was during the first quarter of the century that Mrs. Gen. O'Hara replaced the common bowl then used upon baptismal occasions, with one of silver belonging to her own tea service, which, still in use, has become consecrated by countless associations and tender memories.
173
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
It has been a genuine cause for gratitude, that believing parents in this church have not been remiss to their covenant obligations, and that, as a rule, a goodly row of babies is presented to receive the precious ordinance, and to delight the hearts of those who pray for the prosperity of Zion.
The early communion salver and cups, and the linen for the long tables, were also gifts from the same generous donor. The care of this sacramental service is interwoven with a long line of loving ministries. The silver was polished for years by a daughter of one of the elders, and the bread was carefully pre- pared by one of the Lord's hidden ones, until prevented by the infirmities of age. The time-hallowed custom still preserved in this church, of seating communicants at tables extending through the aisles, gave additional care to some, who counted it a privilege to keep the linen whole and white, freed from spot or wrinkle or any such thing. When, lately, some linen that had been used from time immemorial had been stolen, the ruthless invasion of sacred memories was most deeply felt by the devout women of the church, who cherished its impressive communion services and all the accessories, with most loyal and fervent devotion.
In the Sabbath School the part perseveringly sustained by women, has proved indispensable and most efficient. One who has never known any other church home, writes that of old, "the upper school room was furnished with long hard benches, and classes were not so easily managed as now, when the teacher is partly surrounded by the scholars. Mrs. Wilkins had a large class of boys, and Mrs. Barnet, afterwards Mrs. Malin, a similar one of girls on each side of the pulpit. All the teachers were supplied with ratans as pointers, for at first picture cards were used. The rods were retained and used by the two above mentioned, to attract the wandering attention of their scholars." Some leading citizens can still testify to the sensations caused by a sudden tap upon their restless heads, and some demure matrons can well remember the blushes, smiles, and even tears, called forth by a similar reminder, the large bonnet of the time serving to conceal the emotions as well as to modify the sharpness of the stroke. Modern appliances and methods of teaching have been gradually adopted, and the infants of later days, under the wise and faithful care of Mrs. Murphy, are kept too fully occupied with blackboard exercises
174
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
and singing, not forgetting occasional lessons on missions, tem- peranee, and even liberality to their pastor, to find much "mischief still for idle hands to do."
A reminiscence is furnished by Mrs. Dr. Smith, one of the daughters of Dr. Herron, of some other teaching undertaken by women.
" I have a dim remembrance of a school called the "Adelphi," for the instruction of poor children in reading and writing, sewing and knitting; taught by the young ladies of the church, among whom was Miss O'Hara, (Mrs. Harmar Denny,) Mrs. Dr. Camp- bell, Miss Milnor and several others. I do not know how the school was supported.
"In this connection I should mention two ladies, the Misses Cowles, from New England, who came to open a school for girls. They were very poor, and remained at our house until a suitable house could be obtained. They proved devoted, self-denying, useful in every good work. As teachers they were esteemed for the religious knowledge imparted."
Industrial schools have been maintained from time to time, and are still used, to accomplish the double purpose of elevating the mission classes and of attaching them more closely to the church.
Thus by prayer, precept and example the women have con- tributed large supplies to the strongest currents of spiritual life, and have, in addition to all these, made the name of the church honorable by a generous support and wise management of the numerous charitable institutions of the city.
So thoroughly identified are they with all publie charities, that. it is safe to assert, that either as managers or contributors, some of them may be found connected with every unsectarian benevo- lent enterprise in the neighborhood.
Of the long line of faithful women who have thus labored in the Lord, two lives stand out in clear relief, and two names will be inevitably suggested : Mrs. Harmar Denny and Mrs. Mary Wilkins. It will not be too much to say of Mrs. Denny, that next to the name of Dr. Herron, hers will be found most inti- mately interwoven with the real life of the church as experienced during the last two generations. From the age of nineteen, when, with her mother, she professed her faith in Christ, her whole life was turned with singular sincerity and devotion to His service,
175
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
and continued undiminished until her pilgrimage of more than four-score years was ended. Full of love for the word of God, she taught many of the daughters of the church to prize and practice its holy precepts. While freely giving of her means to every good object, she found time, even when surrounded by pressing family cares, to give attention and counsel to many important benevolent societies ; being President of one, the Alle- gheny Orphan Asylum, from its founding, during the remaining half century of her own life. Simple and unostentatious in mat- ters of taste and expenditure, her example has made the occu- pants of the pews of what has often been called "the aristocratic First Church" conspicuous as least given to display. She was adorned with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, and clothed with humility. Who now is fitted to worthily wear her mantle? With the name of Mrs. Mary Wilkins our smiles and tears are unconsciously mingled. Her vivacity and beauty doubtless added largely to the peculiar ministry of good works she rendered this church and community during her long life of Christian activity. How her image rises before the minds of the long succession of Sabbath School children that passed under her care ! The stranger in our midst rarely failed to receive her friendly wel- come, and her presence in social and church gatherings was always felt. As representing this church in connection with various benevolent institutions, Mrs. General Robinson stood side by side with Mrs. Denny and Mrs. Wilkins. Her ready wit and re- markable judgment, combined with careful attention to details, made her counsel most valuable in the perplexities and trials which environ every newly organized charity. She filled the position of Treasurer of the Orphan Asylum from its beginning throughout the remaining years of her long and useful life. Daughters of the second and even the third generation of these and other noble founders of our benevolent institutions are to-day filling their most important offices.
If we wish to find the beginning of organized missionary work among the women of the First Church, we must go back to 1828 or '29, and find it in a band of three school girls.
Mary Jane Craig, afterwards Mrs. Orr. Hannah Laughlin, afterwards Mrs. J. Rea. Susan Irwin, afterwards Mrs. Travelli.
176
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCHI.
It was not long after the remarkable revival of 1827. These little girls became interested in missions by reading the Youth's Magazine, edited by Rev. Job Halsey, and largely devoted to missionary work. They began their work by making pen wipers, which they sold to their schoolmates at five cents a piece. On hearing what they were doing, one of their teachers remarked that all their profits would be but a mite, so they adopted that as their name, and were called the "Mite Society."
This was the first Juvenile Missionary Society. Rev. Job Halsey and Rev. Elisha P. Swift took much interest in this effort, and helped by their advice. They were soon joined by others.
The next names on the roll are :
Mary Herron, afterwards Mrs. Smith. Mary Denny, afterwards Mrs. Spring. Isabella Craig, afterwards Mrs. Comingo.
Still their number did not exceed eight or ten. They enlarged their business by making all sorts of fancy articles, children's clothing, etc. In 1833, having accumulated quite a stock of these articles, they were placed in a basket, and carried from house to house by Miss Isabella Craig, (Mrs. Comingo.) In this way thirty dollars was realized, which was given to Rev. Wm. M. Thompson, then just starting off as a Missionary to Syria. He is the author of that valuable work, "The Land and the Book," and his daughter is now one of the teachers in the Seminary for Arab girls in Beirut.
In the Foreign Missionary Chronicle of that same year, we also find this entry :
"Society of young ladies of First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, to constitute their pastor, Rev. Dr. Herron, life member, $30."
In the Chronicle for January, 1836, we find this notice :
Organization of the Young Ladies' Missionary Society of the First Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, auxiliary to the Western Foreign Mis- sionary Society, took place in the lecture room of the First Church, November 12th, 1836.
Prayer by Dr. Herron.
Officers : President, Miss Isabella Craig ; Vice President, Miss Mary Herron; Secretary, Miss Hannah B. Laughlin ; Treasurer, Miss Jane Buchanan; Agent, Miss Nancy Caldwell.
177
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
They then met regularly once a week at the members' houses, and in 1840 had their first "Annual Sale," the name "Fair" not being allowed. Their advertisement was written in rhyme, by Mr. John B. Newell, long a member of the choir, and who died within a few years.
It has fortunately been preserved, and in style and sentiment is an excellent model for the use of succeeding generations of wise hearted women and maidens in their labor for the Lord.
The Young Ladies' Missionary Sewing Society, connected with the First Presby- terian Church, will hold a sale of useful and faney articles in the lower room of the new building attached to that church, on Thursday evening, the 24th inst., commencing at seven o'clock ; and to all who may be disposed to aid their efforts, respectfully tender their
CARD OF INVITATION.
Friends and neighbors, "all hail," Won't you come to our sale, And examine the tasteful variety Of things useful and gay, Which we mean to display, And all made by the Sewing Society ?
Ladies, come one and all, And give us a call ; We are sure you will not find us dear : Our prices are low, And our work, we well know, Is as good as you find anywhere.
Come, gentlemen, too, We have something for you : Such as guards, kerchiefs, collars and purses, With many more trinkets, We sincerely think its Too hard e'en to name in our verses.
We don't call it a " Fair," Though fair dealing you'll share, And your change you shall justly be paid. Whilst we will not employ Any arts to annoy, Those who kindly may give us their aid.
178
WOMAN'S WORK IN THE FIRST CHURCH.
Little folks, you'll be there, We have things that you wear ; Such as mittens, and muslins, and socks, And some aprons and caps, Which you're wanting perhaps, "And some dolls, too, and little girls' frocks.
We wish it well understood, That our variety is good, And we hope you'll be pleased while you stay, And we think it is meet To have something to eat, And that none need go hungry away.
You will not repent For the time you 'll have spent In paying our sales-room a visit ; For something to look at, To eat, or to laugh at, We think you will find, you can't miss it.
Then come one and all, And give us a call ; We think you'll have not to regret. Remember our sale Will take place without fail, On Christmas Eve : So don't forget.
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.