USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > East Liberty Presbyterian Church : with historical setting & a narrative of the centennial celebration, April 12-20, 1919 > Part 10
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THE NEW CHURCH
With all these activities which the pulpit has sought to stimulate and in every way encourage, it became evident that if the work was to go on, and this mother of churches in this East End was to maintain its position and not be preceded by other churches who should prove themselves more worthy of
CENTENNIAL EAST LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the field, she must arise and build a more commodious church edifice. Members were being added to the church both by letter and by examination at every communion at the rate of about one hundred annually. With all the pews taken, with over twenty-five families knocking at our doors for admission, with the tide of population beginning to set in, that it was easy to see would soon fill this valley, and who would of neces- sity erect church edifices far superior to the one we had, it was clear that if we did not wish to be sent back disgraced to the rear we must do something besides talk. The time for talking was past. The time for action had come. A crisis had been reached in the history of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and the question was whether we had the pluck to stand up and meet it. It was embarrassing for a pastor so new in the field to talk about tearing down a church of the usual size with the usual accommodations for church services, and which was hallowed by the experiences enjoyed in it, and for the erection of which many had made such sacrifices; but a stern sense of duty demanded it. For some time the issue was doubtful. A committee was appointed to see if the old church could not be sufficiently enlarged and improved in its appointments, but this was pronounced impractical. Appeals were then made from the pulpit, seconded by the earnest words and acts of those favoring the enterprise. Efforts were made to see how much money could be secured by subscriptions; the amount was dis- couraging. After further appeals made as frequent and pun- gent as the patience of the congregation would tolerate, the subscription was further increased, but still not enough to war- rant the undertaking. Just then the Young People's Associa- tion, who had been canvassing for a mission school, reported that they had gathered a goodly number and were in need of a chapel. This was taken up with vigor. A lot was purchased and a neat chapel was erected on it at a cost of about six thou- sand dollars, which the congregation cheerfully met and as- sumed all the expense of sustaining the mission, which has since ripened into the promising Highland Presbyterian Church, adding another to the numerous offsprings of this mother church. Following this the necessity of establishing a church in the region of Point Breeze, where many of our valued members
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resided, made it the proper thing for many of them to with- draw from us to unite with that needed enterprise. In this connection we may say that this church has contributed largely to the membership of many other Presbyterian churches that have grown up to the number of fifteen or sixteen, that now occupy the field originally included in the parish of this church. But all this afforded no relief to our overtaxed capacity. They came in faster than they went out, and the necessity was upon us more urgent than ever to build. Renewed efforts were made to enlarge the subscription and with greater success. The young people and others took hold in dead earnest. No large subscriptions were made, except it be one of five thousand dol- lars by a lady who had but recently joined us, but all sub- scribed ; some as we thought beyond their ability. I do not believe that another church in the land, though not costing more than half as much, but has received some larger subscrip- tion than any we received. But this was fortunate in the end, for the multitude of givers marks it as the people's church. It was better that all should have a part than that a few should do all. Enough money being in sight at last justified proceed- ing with the work. Among the numerous committees appointed we mention but two: Building Committee-William N. Frew, Chairman; Thomas S. Bigelow, Secretary; James B. Lyon, Geo. Singer, Jr., and John H. McKelvy. Finance Com- mittee-Wm. G. Johnston, Chairman ; John C. Alrich, Secre- tary; Jacob B. Negley, Charles B. McLean, E. M. Bigelow, with Andrew W. Mellon, treasurer. And on May 8, 1887, we tenderly bade adieu to the sanctuary that had served its purposes so well, during its time, and that was associated with so many precious memories. And on the Sabbath following we sat in the same pews, they having been transferred during the week, and set in order in the rink on Frankstown avenue, where we continued to worship and prosper till the first Sab- bath of September, 1888, when we occupied with glad hearts this graceful structure for the first time. And on September 30th, the sixtieth anniversary of the organization of the church, the elders standing in front of the pulpit, the deacons to their right, the trustees to their left, and the congregation standing in their pews, all with uplifted hands responded to questions
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appropriate to the occasion, when the pastor led in prayer dedicating the house to the worship of God. The house, in- cluding the organ, heating, lighting with all its furnishings and surroundings has cost about $115,000. All of which has been paid, except about $2,000, which I am told is provided for. I should also say that previous to this pastorate a commodious and delightful parsonage was purchased, which has added greatly to the comfort of the pastor and his family. Once in possession of this sanctuary so marked by its strength, and beauty, and magnitude, all were quickened in the endeavor to fully occupy our enlarged possibilities in the Master's service. All the organizations of the church took on new life. The Sabbath morning collections increased, people soon saw the necessity of coming to the help of the pastor by the election of four new elders, viz .: Samuel E. Gill, James Boyle, William A. Edeburn and Charles H. Riggs, who with the former elders have endeavored constantly to uphold the hands of the pastor and to promote the peace, purity and prosperity of the church.
The only death that has occurred in the session during the past decade was that of Robert Dickey, who passed from us June 1st, 1893, aged 83 years, having served this church with great acceptance as ruling elder for 28 years. His distinguished appearance, his affable disposition, his firm conviction of re- ligious duty, and his faithful attendance upon all the church services, and the active part he took in them, justly endeared him to all. The present board of deacons are: John Gilchrist, Joseph Torrens, John Lusk and Lewis A. Denison. The present board of trustees are : Henry H. Negley, President ; T. I .. Owens, Secretary; H. B. Krebs, Treasurer ; Charles B. Mc- Lean, Dickson C. Shaw, and W. P. Potter. These brethren have brought to their onerous and difficult office the energy, the business methods, and conscientious fidelity, deserving of the highest commendation.
There is probably no position in the church more difficult to fill to the satisfaction of all than that of sexton, but our beloved Mr. John Grounds has not only mastered the situation but has
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captured all hearts in the way he has done it. He, with his venerable father so long the sexton of this church, are entitled to our profound regard.
August 31, 1885, we suffered the sense of a great loss in the death of Samuel Dickey, the valued secretary of the board of trustees, who was not only appreciated for his Christian char- acter, but also for the devotion of his fine business talent to the temporal interests of the congregation. One of the most strik- ing events in the necrology of the church was the death of the Rev. William B. McIlvaine, who died at Peoria, Ill., May 7, 1892, in his 86th year. He had been pastor of this church for 40 years, an able and devoted servant of God, whose occa- sional visits to his former field of labor were always especially welcome. The oldest member of the church, Miss Catharine R. Negley, was received by him on confession of her faith 64 years ago. Father McIlvaine was preceded only a few years by the death of his wife, who was the originator of women's organized work in the church.
SERVICE OF SONG
The session, while endeavoring to conserve the spiritual character of this important part of devotional worship, have endeavored to consult the reasonable demands of the congre- gation, and have a joint committee of the session and trustees on this service. Though there have been many changes, we are glad to testify to the excellent deportment and faithful manner in which they all have striven to aid the congregation in the praise of God.
We have also a Men's League, an organization that meets monthly, whose object is the discussion of denominational and missionary interests, and to enlist the interest, and call out the activity, of the male members of the congregation, and to take up whatever may present itself for the good of the church. We have not sought to multiply organizations beyond what the spiritual life of the congregation would set in motion, for no life springs from mere organization.
The question of an assistant to the pastor, having been under consideration by the session and board of trustees and deemed by them of urgent importance, the pastor was directed
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by them February 5th, 1894, to select and recommend some one to the session, and in due time the name of Rcv. John B. Brandt, of St. Louis, was reported as one eminently fitted for the work. The pastor was then requested to secure, if possible, his acceptance of the position. This having been done, the Rev. John B. Brandt came and entered upon his work among us April 1st, 1894. So highly were the congregation pleased with his bearing and qualifications that the selection was en- dorsed by a unanimous vote of the congregation at its anunal meeting April 11th, 1894. For this considerate act of the congregation, and for the congenial and cordial co-operation of our beloved fellow-laborer, we are profoundly grateful. In this rapid sketch we have omitted every name possible, con- sistent with its historical character. If we began to enumerate the names of all those who have filled prominent positions as ·superintendents and on committees, etc., we would not know when to stop. While noting the death of official members we have not named the rest of the roll of the departed, much less uttered a tribute to their memories, which it is in our hearts to do. Ninety-two have fallen asleep during the past ten years, and one hundred and thirty-nine since 1879 who were on the roll of communicants, besides many dear lambs of the flock have been taken up in the arms of Jesus, but through Him we are still united to those who have gone before.
One family we dwell in Him; One Church above, beneath; Though now divided by the stream- The narrow stream of death.
In all this ministry we have been helpers of each other. If the pulpit has been instrumental in quickening and impelling the congregation, the congregation has also quickened and im- pelled the preacher. Under God's blessing the activities and numbers of the church have steadily increased. Just how much we have grown in grace eludes human inspection. The har- mony that has existed between pastor and people, when we consider the number of independent minds, and diversified tastes in this large congregation, and my own manifest im- perfections, is simply phenomenal. This, with the unity of spirit and bonds of peace that has so abounded among the mem-
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THE KUMLER MEMORIAL CHAPEL Dedicated December 31, 1902.
SERMONS AND ADDRESSES
bership, is cause for most devout thanksgiving. Yet we would not be lifted up with spiritual pride ; we are all too full of con- scious faults for that. We are far from having attained that for which we are apprehended, and have abundant reason to be tender-hearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us.
GROWTH
A church ought to continually advance in every good work. In some figures that I now shall give I must be understood as speaking, not of individuals, but simply of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church as an organized body.
The average amount given per year for all purposes during the six years previous to 1884, and over which this sketch ex- tends, was $14,021. The average amount per year since 1884 has been $35,156, a gain of about 150 per cent. The total amount given during the first year of the present pastorate was $20,275. The total amount given last year, despite the hard times, was $40,811, a gain of over 100 per cent. The grand total given during the ten years past is $351,562. The total amount given to our church boards of benevolence during the past ten years is $101,458. Of course this does not include all that was given by individuals to religious and charitable objects, which we know in many cases exceeds the amounts contributed through the church. We have tried to connect our giving with our worship, and to make it an integral part of our worship, contributing every Sabbath to all the boards of the church, to hospitals and other Christian charities, distribut- ing the amount according to a printed schedule.
There were on the church roll September 28, 1878, 523. Received from that date to September, 1884, when this pastor- ate began, 289; dismissed, 188; died, 47; suspended, 44, leav- ing the enrollment ten years ago, when we came, 533. Re- ceived since: On certificate, 538; on examination, 480. Total received during the pastorate, 1,018. Dismissed, 342; died, 92; on suspended list, 37-making the present enrollment 1,080, a gain of over 100 per cent. The total number received into this church since the historical sermon delivered Septem- ber 28, 1878, is 1,307. Baptized during the past ten years: Infants, 222; adults, 50.
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The Sabbath school in 1884 had an enrollment of 375; the present enrollment is 780, an increase of over 100 per cent. The increase in every way is remarkably uniform. These in- gatherings have not been the result of extraordinary agencies; we have been visited by no evangelist, and have had scarcely any protracted services. God in His mercy has been pleased to bless the ordinary stated means of grace. We have had addi- tions by examination at every communion. There has been no resort to novel or sensational methods; we have relied on the plain, simple Gospel-there is nothing like it. I have been exceedingly fortunate in always having been supported by a united and loving people, who under God have drawn out my whole heart in the service of Him whose I am and whom I serve. .
These ten years of service have been, as you all know, a service of gladness for which I am under everlasting obligations to your kindness and forbearance, which doubtless has been heavily taxed by my many conscious imperfections.
I have preached to you 963 sermons, besides over 400 weekly prayer meeting addresses, and have conducted over 300 funeral services. During each year I have made over 700 pastoral calls and visits. Whoever discharges aright the duties of such a pastorate as this must write every year what, if printed, would fill two octavo volumes as large as any man who devotes him- self to authorship would think of composing in the same time ; he must also speak as much every year as a lawyer in good practice speaks at the bar, and besides he must spend as much time in making and receiving professional visits as are spent by an ordinary physician.
I am sorry for the minister who does not love his work, but he who loves it as he should needs no man's pity; his is the grandest privilege given to mortals to enjoy. While this glance at the past ten years humbles me with the recollection of many shortcomings, may we not hope that God will blot out whatever has been neglected or done amiss with His most generous pardon, and continue to us while we continue a little longer together, the overwhelming wealth of His love and favor?
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THE EAST LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1919 Fourth Church dedicated September 30, 1888.
CENTENNIAL SERMON By THE REV. FRANK WOOLFORD SNEED, D. D.
"Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth."-Psalms 26: 8.
HE occasion which brings us together today is of itself an inspiration-a century of history lies be- tween us and the event we celebrate. One hun- dred years ago a little group of sturdy pioneers met on this spot where we worship and took the initial step which, after a century, has resulted in this great church and all for which it stands.
My text is the message of a king to his people. It seems to fit the spirit of this occasion, and at the same time give an in- sight into the character of its author and the people over whom he ruled. Kings usually take delight in their armies, their possessions, and the splendor of their courts, or some other worldly thing. But here is a king and a people whose delight is in worship of their God.
What we love determines our influence, both in degree and kind. The Greeks loved beauty, and this love crowned the Acropolis at Athens with the Temple of Minerva, and Acro- corinthus with the Temple of Venus. But these have long since become a mass of ruins.
The Caesars loved power, and their legions shook the earth with their ponderous tread, conquered nation after nation until their empire covered the known world. But this world empire also has passed away.
David loved God's house, and he and his people have given the world the true religion, which holds sway in the hearts of intelligent people in every nation and kindred and clime.
When we think of the Pittsburgh of today as the great in- dustrial center of the nation, if not of the world, we are apt to explain it in the terms of matter. Religion is a spiritual thing, and for that reason, to the man who thinks in material terms, it seems an unreal thing. But I can assure you that the
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victory which has made this city what it is, has not been won by material weapons only. In this battle has been fighting the army of the Lord and of Gideon.
To appreciate this it is necessary occasionally to recall scenes like that of a hundred years ago, when Jacob Negley and Mrs. Barbara Anna Negley, his wife, in the village-meeting took the initial step in donating this property which assured the safe launching of a new spiritual enterprise.
Those of you who attended the pageant last night have this scene vividly before your minds. Now, we do not claim that the act on the part of Jacob and Barbara Negley in deeding this property was the actual beginning of religion in East Lib- erty. But it crystallized the religion which already existed in the hearts and homes of the villagers-gave definiteness of purpose, and secured concerted action in the attainment of its ultimate end. There are some interesting facts bearing upon this point which have not been specially emphasized heretofore.
Prior to 1819 Christian families resident in this East Liberty valley, of different faith, conducted a Sabbath school during the summer months at least, and occasionally had public worship in their homes.
The Negley family, which was large and influential, was originally Swiss Protestant. The name Alexander Negley, the father of Jacob Negley, appears among the forty-two names that are recorded as assisting the Rev. John W. Weber in founding the first German United Evangelical Protestant con- gregation, which still worships at the corner of Smithfield street and Sixth avenue. The name of John Conrad Wine- biddle is also one of these forty-two. We find evidence of the Rev. John Weber frequently conducting worship in the Neg- ley home prior to 1819, to which the neighbors were invited. This naturally begat the spirit of good fellowship.
On the other hand the Bailey, the Barr, the Burchfield, and the Joyce families were Presbyterians; and there are indica- tions that they also at times had a minister of their faith con- duct worship, to which also the neighbors were invited; and so the spirit of good fellowship grew.
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BEARING DATE OF AUGUST 27, 1818
We find among some old papers the following: "Then paid the Rev. James Graham eighteen dollars and sixteen and one- fourth cents." And there is another such receipt of the date January 25, 1919. Now, the Rev. James Graham was the pastor of Beulah Presbyterian Church, and both these antedate April, 1819.
When the time came to discuss the matter of a church, the Presbyterians being evidently in the majority, the Negley fam- ily showed the magnanimous spirit and said, "We can serve the Lord as Presbyterians," and a Presbyterian church was decided upon.
DATE OF ORGANIZATION
The deed to the property bears the date of April 12, 1819, and a building was also then erected; but the church was not organized until September 28th, 1828. This delay of nine years, I believe, has never been fully explained, and perhaps never will be. However, some light can be thrown on it by putting ourselves in the atmosphere and under the conditions of the times. This is a very necessary thing always for the historian to do. You cannot rightly interpret events apart from their environment. You cannot rightly estimate a life apart from the age in which it is lived. We live and think and travel in an age of electricity. They lived, and thought, and traveled in an age of the mud road and the ox-cart. We think and act in the atmosphere of a great, hustling, industrial cen- tre, teeming with life and energy. They thought and worked in the atmosphere of the pioneer days.
These hills now echoing the whistle of the railroad engine, and enveloped in smoke, were then covered with virgin forests, whose stillness was only broken by the sound of the woodman's axe, or an occasional rifle shot.
Pittsburgh lay far away beyond Herron Hill, with a popu- lation of about seven thousand; and East Liberty valley was a farming section. Pittsburgh had only been incorporated in 1816. In the city proper were but two Presbyterian churches, the First and the Second. To the east, some five or six miles away, was old Beulah Church. But all these were small and
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struggling. The Second Church was only organized in 1804; and the First Church, though much older, was still in swad- dling clothes. When Dr. Herron took charge in 1811, it reported sixty-five members and paid him $600 per annum. Usually the opposition of Beulah Church to the organization of East Liberty is referred to and then the matter is dropped, as though this were explanation enough.
The reasons given for her opposition sound strange to our ears, to be sure, but remember they were given ninety-one years ago. As these reasons have never been stated in a his- torical sermon before, I will give them. They appear on the records in the form of a protest by the Rev. James Graham, pas- tor of Beulah Church, and are five in number, as follows :
1. The Presbytery acted precipitately in the case, not giving his congregation a chance to be heard.
2. Because he sincerely believed that their decision was directly calculated to destroy the congregation of which he had been for twenty-three years pastor.
3. Because the precedent, if generally acted on, would destroy a great portion of the congregations in the bounds of the Presbytery.
4. Because it was only a small portion of those who applied for the erection of the new congregation.
5. Because the decision implied a reflection on him for neg- lect of ministerial duties.
The protest, though recorded by the Presbytery, was never taken up to the Synod.
If we can transport ourselves back one hundred years in our thinking, I am sure we can discover more serious obstacles than those objections of the Beulah Church.
It is a well known fact that, after the Revolutionary war, a spiritual apathy settled down over the country. Many of our great leaders had been, consciously or unconsciously, in- fluenced by French skepticism. A marked change began with the great revival at the opening of the nineteenth century. But all the sparsely settled frontier did not immediately feel this awakening.
A writer of 1809 says the morals of Pittsburgh had grown so bad that it was necessary to start a reform movement, and
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the Pittsburgh Moral Society was organized. The Pittsburgh Gazette of August 16th, 1809, says the object of this society was to suppress vice. But even after the revival came it seemed for a time to intensify rather than to remove difficulties. Take, for example, the scarcity of ministers. New churches if organ- ized, could get no one to care for them; and this often caused communities of believers to delay their requests for organiza- tion. There were few trained laymen who could lead public worship. In a historical sermon by the Rev. Richard Lea, he thus refers to this period: "I did not know six young men who could lead in prayer in a public meeting." Neither were there schools for making ministers.
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