USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Church history of Audubon-Oaks-Perkiomen : Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, 1829-1909 > Part 2
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Again do we draw attention to the liberality of Mrs. Rebecca Gumbes, through whose finan- cial aid in great part this building in memory of the Rev. James May, D.D., was built in 1871 and consecrated the year following. Although Mrs. Gumbes did not live to see the completion of her heart's desire, the earnest labors of her followers resulted in the execution of her pious wishes. Deservedly, therefore, is a tribute to the memory of that wise and loving heart engraved
REV. JOEL RUDDEROW RECTOR OF THE PARISH 1866-1891
on the walls of this temple, and a tablet bearing a suitable inscription was subsequently erected.
Among the archives of the Parish is still to be found the form of services at the laying of the corner-stone of St. Paul's Memorial Church, September 20, 1871, Bishop Stevens officiating, and likewise consecrating the sacred edifice in 1872. This completion of Mrs. Rebecca Gumbes' dearest wish was accomplished dur- ing the Rectorate of the Rev. Joel Rudderow, who for twenty-five years enjoyed the confi- dence and affection of his parishioners.
Much has been recorded regarding the work and associations of Mr. Samuel W. Gumbes in connection with the Parish; but time would fail us were we to even try with any small degree of justice to speak of that most remarkable woman, his wife, Mrs. Frances Sarah Dring Macomb Gumbes, who for the whole of her widowhood (about thirty years) devoted her life and talents in the continuation of her husband's work in this Parish. She was remarkable in her versatility; devoted as a Christian worker; a most cordial hostess; stern in her disapproval of that which might cause even a suspicion of misunderstanding or an evil insinuation, and with it all not a bigoted or narrow-minded Christian. Her character was that of charity personified. Her faith was ever in evidence and her hope abounding in all her works.
VIEW ACROSS "OAKLAND HALL" LAWN "OAKLAND CHAPEL," BUILT 1852 BY MRS. REBECCA GUMBES FOR HER SON, SAMUEL W. GUMBES AND HIS WIFE, MRS. FRANCES S. D. MACOMB GUMBES REMOVED 1896
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Although in the world, she was not of the world; partaking of all the pleasures of life and yet giving them to others at the same time. She never showed that she was discouraged, and had always some good word to say for everyone. No one ever heard her speak evil or unkindly of anyone. As a child she had seen and been caressed by LaFayette. In her youth her agility and feats of activity are remembered with interest, and handed down with loving tradition. It is said that on her wedding-day she ran a foot-race with her bridegroom and defeated him. On one or two notable occasions her physical strength led her into trouble; once particularly into much embarrassment. For many years she was the organist of the little choir at Union Church, which was then led with a small, old-fashioned parlor organ, the bellows of which were operated by an uncovered crank gearing worked by the player with a foot- treadle. On the occasion alluded to, the first verse of the hymn was successfully performed, but as the second verse progressed a mysterious paralysis seemed gradually to overcome the or- gan; it struggled bravely, but fitfully, and in the seventh line silence fell upon it, much to the wonder of the awed congregation. Silence was broken in a few seconds by the whispered voice of the organist-perfectly audible, however-
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL CHURCH BUILT 1871. AS IT APPEARED UNTIL 1896
MEMORIAL AT OAKS TO REV. JAMES MAY, D D.
which said: "My dear, my petticoat is caught in the treadle! Get me out!" The good lady's lingerie was cut out with a penknife and un- wound, and the hymn brought to a triumphant conclusion.
'Tis needless to speak of the love which everyone bore her. Many hearts beat with af- fection as those who knew her think of her whose life was, and memory still is, an inspiration to each one. Mrs. Gumbes died on the 14th day of April, 1896. With a peculiar forethought she had even at that early time of the year com- menced to make preparations for the following Christmas, and many of the gifts intended for those who were nearest to her heart were com- pleted, or nearly so. Feeling that her end was approaching, she called her young relatives to her side, gave them her gifts, and called down on them the blessings of the most blessed season, and then passed away, peacefully, in her eighty- second year. It was most natural and fitting that after her death the little chapel erected in 1852 on the lawn of "Oakland Hall" should be removed and remodeled and placed as a memorial to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wetherill Gumbes, and that the building should be a transept to the Rev. Dr. May's Memorial Church is peculiarly touching. The beautiful thoughts in this connection are many. In the facade of
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, OAKS, 1909 MEMORIAL TO REV. DR. MAY
the memorial transept, above the large west window outside in the wall, may be seen a tablet bearing the two dates, 1852-1896. The original furnishings, as well as the pulpit used for over forty years, were placed in the new memorial building. The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Gumbes, as well as a number of persons whose lives were closely associated with the work of the Parish, repose in the consecrated cemetery, side by side, awaiting the call of Our Father, "when death shall be swallowed up in victory."
In this connection it is interesting to note the placing of Dr. May's remains and those of his wife in the cemetery of this, his Memorial Church. The credit of this interesting work is due to the Wardens of the church, Caleb Cres- son, Esq., and Dr. Charles W. Gumbes, who, with the kind assistance of William H. Wetherill, Esq., arranged with Dr. May's relatives for the successful culmination of the plans. A special piece of ground was set apart to be the pastor's last earthly resting-place, and his grave has been visited by many.
During our sketch we have spoken of the several Rectors, each of whom ministered faith- fully in the Parish, and we now, with affectionate regard, would speak of the late Rev. Benjamin J. Douglass, who, in 1892, followed as Rector after the Rev. Mr. Rudderow's death. The Rev. Mr.
REV. BENJAMIN J. DOUGLASS RECTOR OF THE PARISH 1892-1901
Douglass' rectorate was the result of his great regard for all who had been associated here, both as clergy and as lay members. He was himself connected by ties of marriage to the Wetherill family, and his father had officiated in the Parish during its early history. For nine years the Rev. Benjamin J. Douglass was the Rector, and during that time his faithful pastoral visitations won for him the love, affection and respect not only of his own congregation, but also of all with whom he came in contact. Gentle in disposition, he was ever ready with a helping hand to aid the suffering and afflicted. He was also a generous man, and did much good for the poor, of which there can never be made an earthly record. It was during Mr. Douglass' rectorship and through his efforts that the cemetery was consecrated in 1896 by Bishop Whitaker, thus sanctifying, by religious rite, by the word of God and by prayer, that piece of ground as "God's Acre," where the dead in Christ may peacefully sleep till their Lord and Master, who is the Resurrection and the Life, shall descend from heaven with the voice of the Archangel and the trump of God.
After the death of the Rev. Mr. Douglass, in 1901, the Rev. Thompson P. Ege became Rector, during which time the Parish showed a quiet but healthy growth. The love and devotion for this
VIEW OF CONSECRATED CEMETERY OF ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL, OAKS TAKEN ABOUT 1908
REV. T. P. EGE AND VESTED CHOIR, 1908 RECTOR OF THE PARISH, 1901-1908
Parish and its interests, on the part of several faithful descendants of the Founder made it possible, during the rectorship of Mr. Ege, to accomplish definite results, and the Parish was organized to a considerable degree. The co- operation of the people living in the whole com- munity was urged and solicited to such an extent that the people all began to have a mind to work.
The efforts of the Rev. Mr. Ege have not been without most admirable backing also from his parishioners generally, even to a very re- markable extent of faithfulness and loyalty. If in years past the former Rectors had received as much co-operation from as many people of edu- cation and means as was given to Mr. Ege, greater things would have been accomplished before this time. The present generation must not therefore neglect to appreciate the faithful efforts of the few dependable persons who in the years gone by upheld the efforts of the earlier clergy and "kept the light burning" in all seasons of the year. Surely the results of those past years are the more remarkable when one considers the many obstacles with which the pathways were strewn. To-day the people of the Parish realize the importance of assisting in maintaining the Church's influence and are being drawn to regular attendance.
INTERIOR ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL, OAKS
ST. PAUL'S MEMORIAL, OAKS Photo taken 1908 on a warm Sunday afternoon, showing good congregation. No notice had been given that the photo would be taken that day. Rector and Choir, with Wardens, can be recognized, also the Sexton of the Parish since 1869.
The Baptisms and Confirmations recorded during the rectorship of the Rev. Mr. Ege have been the result of the co-operation which he received from his laity, for without sincere helpers filled with a zealous love for the Master's work a clergyman can do but little. By living in the midst of his parishioners, gifted with a rare choice of words, the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Ege were commendable.
On account of his advancing years, it was deemed advisable to accept his resignation.
Regular Vestry meetings, the organization of the women into a Guild, and the starting as well as maintenance of the Vested Choir of girls and boys and men, are amongst the particularly notable events in the Parish organization during Mr. Ege's rectorate, ending in 1908.
No record of the Parish would be complete without at least again the mention of him whose work for more than fifty years has made it pos- sible to maintain the Parish churches in their continuance. When quite a lad he visited within this Parish and early learned to love its work and possibilities. Appreciating the efforts of Mr. Samuel W. Gumbes, he began as a young man to assist that good man in his work within this Parish. Even in those early days Caleb Cresson was found dependable and ever ready in every good and excellent work for the Master.
CALEB CRESSON
ACTIVE IN THE PARISH ADMINISTRATIONS SINCE 1859
Caleb Cresson was born in 1839, the son of William Penn and Susan Vaux Cresson, and he has always shown himself a Christian Church- man and gentleman of earnest and sincere type. He was instructed by the Rev. Dr. Alexander H. Vinton, for some time Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Philadelphia, in whose Parish his father and mother were communicants.
Mr. Cresson's practical ability and his un- tiring regularity in attendance upon the Church services at all seasons of the year, still evidence his desire to uphold the clergy. Delighting in the minutest details of the parochial work, he has been the Rector's Warden and a Delegate to the Diocesan Convention since the admission of the Parish in 1869. His faithfulness in the care of the two church properties has been conspicuous and his rare combination of firm- ness and courtesy will long be remembered. He has given most generously of his time and means, and in all things shown himself most dependable. His judgment of men and of the policy to be pursued in this Parish has always been markedly sound.
The following persons were so" identified with the Parish history that their names and deeds should be recorded :
CHARLES WETHERILL GUMBES, M.D.
Son of Samuel W. Gumbes and Frances S. D. Macomb, his wife. A charter member and Trustee of the Parish, Accounting Warden for many years. Organist of the Parish and always interested in the music, he gave of his talents. He ministered without charge to the poor of the Parish and was much beloved. A regular communicant and faithful in his duties as a Vestryman, he represented the Parish at the Diocesan Convention for a number of years. Surgeon in the Civil War, he was a patriot and was loved by his comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic. For many years he was Librarian of the Sunday School. He presented the church organs to the Parish and was, although a great sufferer in his declining years, always most in- terested in the details of the Parish work. His children and grand- children are still worshipers in the Parish. He is buried with his wife in the cemetery at Oaks.
ISABELLA B. (GUMBES) CRESSON
Wife of Caleb Cresson and daughter of Samuel W. Gumbes and Frances S. D. Macomb, his wife. From her childhood days, a dependable worker in the Parish and interested in its activities. A consistent Christian. A regular Sunday School teacher, regular also and constant at the Church Services without regard to the weather conditions. An example of prayerful living. A devoted and faithful wife. A Christian mother, whose memory will always be cherished with greatest affection. In her home life an example of holy living, and through her quiet influence she caused the family prayers to be regularly maintained. Herself a repre- sentative of the fourth generation of her family worshiping in this Parish, she sees her grandchildren beginning to carry on their share of this most excellent work.
REV. JOSEPH BLOOMFIELD WETHERILL (Photograph taken about 1880)
Son of Dr. Wm. Wetherill and Isabella Ramsay Macomb, his wife. Although never Rector of this Parish, he was from his early childhood interested in its welfare and frequently spent his summers in this country Parish, which he loved so dearly. Studying for Holy Orders in later life, after his ordination, he did a noble work amongst the poor and lowly. He was a co-worker with the Rev. Dr. Morgan Dix, of New York, a remarkable friendship existing between them. For a number of years during the summer months, Rev. Mr. Wetherill assisted the Rector in the Churches of this Parish. He is remembered for his devotion to the interests of the Church, and his courage in defending the Faith. He made all people revere the worship of the Church, and taught them to better understand their ancient heritage and gave them a more noble appreciation of the Holy Sacraments. Explaining with care the historic significance of the beautiful ceremonies of the Church, his visits left their bettering influence upon the minds of the people, and they were educated to look upon the Church with more seemly and proper ideals than was their wont before his time. He will be remembered by those who particularly appreciated his talents, because his main object seemed to be to encourage the people to cherish the Faith once delivered unto the Saints and to endeavor to devoutly continue the worship of Almighty God in the beauty of holiness. He died in 1885, and is buried at Oaks, in the St. Paul's Cemetery.
WILLIAM HENRY WETHERILL
A brother of the Rev. J. Bloomfield Wetherill. He is the present owner of Mill Grove and a regular worshiper in the Parish during the summer months and when other opportunity may afford. It was he who presented the Baptismal Font, the Credence Table, Cushions, Bible Markers and the beautiful brass "Shekinah" to the Union Church. In many ways he has shown his interest in the Parish activities by giving of his means. He also presented the printed Creed and Lord's Prayer to the St. Paul's Memorial Church. It is largely due to his kind en- couragement that the completion of this record of the Parish has been thus far consummated. It has always been his desire to do his share, because, as he says, according to the Scripture, "The people have a mind to work."
MARIA LAWRENCE (WETHERILL) JANEWAY
Wife of the Rev. Dr. Janeway. She was a regular attendant, and until her death she gave towards the support of the Parish. A good wife, a loving mother, her memory is cherished by those who were privi- leged to know her. Her children and grandchildren still worship regu- larly and are supporters of the Church work. She died in 1890 and is buried at Oaks.
REV. JOHN LIVINGSTON JANEWAY, D.D.
He was a good man and filled with the spirit of Christian charity. Of remarkably kindly disposition and gifted with an excellent mind and understanding of the Holy Gospel. He married Maria Lawrence Wetherill, and for the closing twenty years of his life on earth lived in our Parish. Although he was a Presbyterian minister, he saw his children and grandchildren become confirmed, and rejoiced also to have them regular as communicants of the Episcopal Church. During the Civil War he volunteered as a Chaplain. He was a fighter for the Union and was a power for good amongst the men: he had a large following amongst the soldiers. Upon several occasions he addressed the congregations and was noted for his courtesy and respect toward the Rectors of this Parish. He was also a regular attendant at Divine Worship, following the Services with his Prayer Book and responding heartily with the Congregation. His actions showed his respect and love for the Parish, and his affection for the cause of Christ in our midst caused him to re- joice in the Church's advancement. He passed away over ninety years of age, and was buried in the cemetery at Oaks. Those who had the honor of knowing him intimately, and there are many, testify to his truly generous spirit, especially in all Christian matters. He was cour- ageous as well as kind.
WILLIAM H. GUMBES
Eldest son of Samuel W. Gumbes and Frances S. D. Macomb, his wife. Succeeded as Trustee of the Union Church after his father's death, acting in co-operation with his brother, Dr. Chas. W. Gumbes, and his brother-in-law, Caleb Cresson, Trustees of the Parish and charter mem- bers when same was incorporated in 1866. Photograph taken about 1860. He died in 1879 and is buried at Oaks, in the St. Paul's Cemetery.
RACHEL W. (JANEWAY) HODGE Organist of the Parish for many years
The daughter of Dr. Janeway and Maria Lawrence Wetherill. For a number of years she was the faithful organist in the churches of the Parish. Although living at a considerable distance from the places of worship, yet in summer time her continuance to what she considered her duty in helping in the Praises of the Lord should not be unrecorded. A few years of happy married life with her husband, and she was taken hence in 1896, and is buried in the cemetery at Oaks.
CHARLES FOSTER
For many years interested in this Parish. A charter member when same was incorporated. He loved children. Upon a particular occasion it is remembered that when he was advised that a lad of about twelve years of age was in the habit of reading the Morning Prayers of the Church on Sundays to some children and several amused grown-up persons, this good man, Charles Foster, went to the child and spoke kindly to him and took so much interest in the youthful inspiration, that as the lad grew older he understood why the remarkable publications of Charles Foster, "The Story of the Bible, etc.," have done so much good to the people, both young and old. Mr. Foster was a student of human nature, and his kindly affection, shown particularly towards the young people of the Parish, is worthy of remembrance.
EMILY M. FOSTER
Wife of Charles Foster, daughter of Samuel Price Wetherill and Martha Wikoff. Living for a number of years at Mill Grove, she and her good husband were regular attendants at Divine Worship. She was a Sunday School teacher of this Parish, having marked ability, and is remembered still with sincere affection by some of the older residents of the Parish who, as children, were led to know more of Christ by her teachings. This photograph was taken about 1870.
CHARLES PORTER SHANNON
A charter member of the Parish when same was incorporated. He was Treasurer of the Building Fund for the Memorial Church built in memory of the Rev. James May, D.D., at Oaks. During the closing years of his life he was a regular attendant at Divine Worship in this Parish, and as he had always been a good man, he gave generously of his means towards the support of the Parish. He founded the "Shannon Fund" for giving financial aid to the poor in this Parish, and his fore- thought has been most helpful to many persons in distress. His name cannot be forgotten, although the village where he lived was for many years called for him "Shannonville." It is now perhaps more properly called "Audubon." Mr. Shannon was a devout communicant and a Churchman of sterling characteristics. He is buried in the cemetery of St. James' Church, at Evansburg, where also lie his nearest of kin.
CHARLES T. DAVIS
Although for a number of years a great sufferer, and during the closing years of his life is unable to be in touch with the Parish activities, his earlier years of usefulness and his unselfish work for the churches is worthy of record. He was a charter member when the Parish was incorporated. A Vestryman for a number of years, he also represented the Parish as one of the Delegates to the Diocesan Convention. As long as health permitted he was most regular in his attendance at Divine Worship always bringing a carriage full of relatives and joining heartily in the Services of the Church.
GEORGE MILLER
Because of his faithful services as Sexton until 1872, his picture is shown here. Taken about 1875. He was a communicant and inter- ested in the Parish welfare, serving the Church, not because of remuneration, which was very small, but because of his disposition, which was kindly and good. He died in 1876.
CHRISTIAN PLUSH MILLER
Sexton of the Parish Churches and still faithfully dependable. He followed in ser- vice shortly before the death of his father, George Miller.
JOSEPH BURGENTS
A regular Communicant and always faithful at the places of Prayer. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been made " Members of Christ," and now worship in the Parish Churches. He died in 1900 and is buried at Oaks.
ELIZABETH W. HALL
Niece of the Rev. George Mintzer; she was truly a most faithful Sunday School teacher of the Parish. She labored with us for more than fifty years and lived to see five generations of one family worship in this Parish. She was constant and dependable in her regularity, until the infirmities of age made it impossible for her to longer remain in the community. She is remembered with affectionate regard. She died during the summer of 1908.
In Conclusion
In Conclusion
B EFORE we bring this sketch to an end, we desire with all reverence to thank God for the good examples of His creatures, those noble men and women whose names have been particu- larly mentioned in this historical sketch. They should be ever remembered and several of them es- pecially as "Pillars of the Church." Some of these people, thank God, as far as we of the younger generation are concerned, still labor with us in this portion of the Master's vineyard, but many have been called home. For those who are gone we sorrow, not as them which have no hope. We have a reasonable confidence in Him who doeth all things well; and from the examples of all those Saints who from their labors rest we can obtain encouragement to do our share while we have opportunity in the time of this mortal life.
Our new Rector, the Rev. George William Barnes, whose coming amongst us dates from the first of January, this year (1909), is a man of practical Christianity and sincere spirituality. Realizing the great opportunity of this mission- ary field of about thirty square miles, he has already begun an indexing of all the families.
Many of the homes within these Parish bound- aries have never been visited by any former Rector, and some of the people have never been visited by any Christian minister.
Let none weary in well-doing, and may all with one heart and mind assist and co-operate in this most excellent work; and, although having tenderest traditional associations to many who may read these pages, yet let them remember that the work has now become intensely prac- tical in its scope and possibilities. The Parish activities are now entering upon a new period of advancement and progress wherein the Church's Historic Apostolic Order will be more generally appreciated, respected, loved and sought for. The new Rector has the confidence and affec- tionate regard of all his people to a remarkable degree, and with the Divine Blessing assured, where fervent effectual prayers are continually rendered, we doubt not but that much will be accomplished to the Eternal Glory of the Ever Blessed Trinity.
If we were asked just what results could be shown as the outcome of all these past years' efforts, it might appear to some persons that the records would not seem to indicate much definite growth, and, indeed, such is the case as far as local numbers are to be received as evidences; but shall we forget the influence of the Church,
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which indeed has been very great on the minds and hearts of the young people who have first learned of Christian teachings in this Parish ? Many of these young people as they have grown up have moved away to the cities.
It has ever been a fact that the rural parish feeds the city churches with people continually moving to the urban districts. We are continu- ally reminded that such is the case, and for that very reason it is all the more important that these people should have been taught a love for the Church, that when they go into the cities they will feel at home in the Church where the services are familiar. If the proper organization is carried out and energy displayed in the rural Parish, then the city church will reap the harvest of people whose early recollections were in our country parishes.
This Parish has been doing a great work during all these years. It must and can do a greater work, but it should not at this late time in its existence ask for aid from the Convocation or Diocese. It has always been able to be consid- ered "self-supporting. It has never asked aid from any but from those who know of its excel- lent work and who have generously supported its activities. But the work must continue, not only because of the general good of the cause, but because there are real evidences to make the work of greater local good.
The time has come when we can reason- ably expect great increases in our local popu- lation and the Parish must be prepared to meet the requirements. The Parish must be pre- pared to carry on an aggressive work amongst its own people, and if it is able to do this work, no newcomers will seek another place of worship and no other places of worship will be necessary. The needs, therefore, are for a guar- anteed income to be derived from a sufficient endowment to more largely defray the current expenses of the Parish. To-day we are dependent largely upon the generosity of spasmodic dona- tions, which if not received would make it im- possible to continue this practical work. But it does seem that if any readers of this sketch would care to assist in raising the endowment which is now small, but which is growing, they should do so either now or provide for the same in the future.
If those who have been giving Three Dollars a year would provide that One Hundred Dollars be added to the Endowment Fund, either now or by their will, then that amount of income would not cease with their passing away. The same would apply in like proportion to larger donations.
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M AY God grant that those who have read these pages will be led to help in the continuance of the blessed work for the Master, as opportunity may be given. That everything may continue in decency and order, and that the people will proceed in all "virtue and Godliness of living" to the honor and glory of the Ever Blessed Trinity. So be it.
T HOSE who may consider leaving a bequest that the income may be used to defray the Parish expenses, the following title will sufficiently identify the Parish and the use of its corporate name will cause no misunderstanding: "Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Paul's Memorial Church, Upper Providence, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania."
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