USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > East Liberty Presbyterian Church : with historical setting & a narrative of the centennial celebration, April 12-20, 1919 > Part 15
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Long before the doors of the church were opened for this preliminary event in the Centennial Celebration, a stream of interested people gathered at the main entrance to the church, awaiting the first opportunity to enter.
Admission was by ticket for the sole reason that there were limitations imposed by the capacity of the Auditorium, the
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necessity for the recognition of which was compelled by Civic regulations. Eight o'clock was the opening hour for the pro- gram, and for fifteen minutes a delightful service of song was enjoyed by the audience, beginning with "America" and in- cluding "How Firm a Foundation," "Onward, Christian Sol- diers," and "Old Folks at Home," all of which were printed on the program of the Pageant, the large audience joining with cordial and enthusiastic spirit in the service of song.
A perceptible hush fell on the assembly as the electric lights were extinguished, and with only footlights, and two large spot lights placed at appropriate angles for reflection, a memor- able scene of beauty was presented when Miss Janet Cameron, in flowing robes, with rare grace and exquisite skill, recited in clear, melodious tones the beautiful Epilogue with which the Pageant opened. At the opening of the Epilogue the historical bell pealed from the belfry the announcement that the Cen- tennial Celebration had commenced. As the Pageant pro- ceeded, the interest only became intensified as each character seemed to interpret, with rare correspondence and fluency, the part assigned.
Nothing occurred to mar the smooth continuity, nor even to suggest amateur work, the production being of classic and finished character throughout. The beautiful and quaint cos- tumes worn were those of the era depicted.
Miss Sarah Cordelia Mellon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Mellon, richly gowned in the fashion of the period, interpreted the part of her great-grandmother, Mrs. Barbara A. Negley, with marked ease and graciousness of manner.
Attorney H. Fred Mercer interpreted the character of Jacob Negley with scholarly dignity and generous spirit, and his fine and impressive rendition of the Founder's Soliloquy will remain memorable in the minds of those who heard it.
Each character measured up fully to the part assigned, and the evening's entertainment proved to be a most enjoyable one.
After the Pageant, a series of stereopticon pictures were thrown on the screen, which portrayed many of the old mem- bers of the church, and drew forth from the audience evidence of genuine pleasure in the memories revived.
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CENTENNIAL SERVICE OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL
ALM Sunday dawned fair and the Sabbath school began the historical services of the Lord's day with the assembling of the main body of the school at 9:30 a. m., in the church chapel. After the invo- cation by Dr. Sneed, prayer by Mr. J. R. Hainer, and a duet, "The Lord is my Shepherd," effectively rendered by Mrs. Dean and Mrs. Denton, a procession of tiny children marched in, and led by Mrs. S. M. Hull, sang the old, old childhood hymn with its precious gospel message:
"Jesus loves me, this I know, For the Bible tells me so."
As the Beginners retired, who rank next in age to the Cradle Roll, the Primary Class entered led by Miss Louise Browne, and sweetly sang "Precious Jewels," after which they recited the 121st Psalm.
All departments present joined in reciting the well loved Shepherd Psalm and the Beatitudes.
Mr. Louis V. Sattele, the efficient head of the Junior De- partment, conducted a historical catechism, the children re- sponding to questions concerning the history and progress of the church and Sunday school.
Mr. Robert O. Fulton, a former scholar, and now con- nected with the Highland Presbyterian Church, brought greet- ings from that church and Sunday school in a pleasing address.
Supt. S. E. Gill followed with an address on Sunday School development, a memo of which follows.
"Onward Christian Soldiers" was sung with martial en- thusiasm after which a fine address by Mr. W. G. Landes, general secretary of the Pennsylvania State Sabbath School Association, followed. Mr. Landes congratulated the school on its age and attainments under the divine blessing, adding words of counsel and encouragement for the future.
The interesting exercises closed with the benediction.
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CENTENNIAL EAST LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SYNOPSIS OF ADDRESS OF MR. SAMUEL E. GILL GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF SUNDAY SCHOOL
More than one hundred years have rolled around since a few earnest Christian people assembled here and founded this Sun- day school for the study of the Scriptures. The Sunday school of that day was in some respects quite different from the Sunday schools of today, and as an organized branch of the Christian Church it was comparatively new. In 1783 the modern Sunday school was founded in Gloucester, England, by Robert Raikes for poor and neglected children. At first ordinary studies, such as the alphabet, spelling, reading, etc., were taught and the teachers were paid a shilling per day. It was not long, however, till earnest people saw how the Sunday school could be made a very valuable adjunct to the Church in its mission of teaching the gospel. Bible classes were organized, teachers volunteered for service and thousands of church members enrolled. The Sunday schools soon ceased to be known as "Ragged Schools" and became an important arm of the church.
It is not a settled question when the first Sunday school was established in Pittsburgh, but we have authentic accounts of the proceedings of the Sunday School Union of Pittsburgh in 1822. That was more than three years after this school was founded.
It is interesting to know that the schools of that date held two sessions, one in the forenoon and another in the afternoon, and that the sessions lasted, in some cases, at least, from two and a half to three hours. A large amount of attention was given to reading and memorizing the Scriptures and it is on record that some pupils recited from memory whole books of the Bible, notably the Gospel of John, and others had several thou- sand verses of memorized Scripture to their credit.
Then there was but one room which was used for church and Sunday school purposes. Much of the time church service was held only once or twice each month, because there were but few ministers. Now we have a separate room for each department, with good equipment for all ages, and we are specially favored with a fine building known as the Kumler Memorial Chapel, largely through the generosity of our fellow
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SAMUEL E. GILL Elder; General Superintendent of Sabbath School, 1919.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
laborer, Mr. James I. Buchanan, whose long, faithful and effi- cient service has been so greatly blessed to the hundreds who have sat under his instruction.
Then there were no lesson helps. The Bible and the cate- chism were about the only books used and in some instances Bibles were divided into several sections so that the parts might supply several classes. Now we have abundant lesson helps for all departments and all ages.
Then there was no system of lessons, nor any grades. Les- sons were chosen by the teacher for each individual class. In 1872 the uniform system of lessons was adopted by the Na- tional Sunday School Convention at Indianapolis.
Then a few thousands were enrolled in the Sunday schools of the United States. Now there are millions and through this agency comes more than 85 per cent. of those who unite with the church on profession of their faith. Much has been accom- plished ; much remains to be done. It is our duty and our high privilege to put forth greater efforts to advance the Master's kingdom and to make the best possible use of the talents with which those who have gone before have so richly endowed us.
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CENTENNIAL MORNING SERVICE APRIL 13, 1919
HE morning service of the Lord's day opened with a happy throng of people gathered in the main auditorium, rejoicing in the thought of all the way by which the Lord their God had led them as a congregation during these hundred years.
The pulpit platform was a scene of beauty with massive exotics mingling with exquisite flowering plants in rich profu- sion and artistic arrangement, the decorations being the gen- erous gift of Mrs. Eleanor Lockhart Flower in memory of her mother.
After the organ rendering of the "Festal Prelude," by Pruyn-Hall, and the hearty singing of the doxology of praise by the congregation, to which every voice seemed attuned, the usual devotional exercises were conducted by Dr. Sneed and the Rev. Mr. Gearhart.
The fine rendering of Handel's inspiring "Hallelujah Chorus" from the "Messiah" was followed by another Scrip- ture lesson and the pastoral prayer, after which the vocal vol- ume which resounded in three verses of "America" proved that the strong patriotic vein in the worshipers was stirred.
A beautiful feature of the morning worship was the unveil- ing of a bronze tablet to the memory of Jacob Negley and his wife, Barbara Anna Negley, the initial founders of the church and donors of the property. The veil was gracefully drawn by their youngest great-granddaughter, Miss Sarah Cordelia Mellon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beatty Mellon.
The impressive scene was accompanied by an appropriate presentation address delivered by Dr. Sneed, the congregation standing in deference to the occasion, followed by their join- ing, with touching reverence, in singing the following hymn of consecration :
"Faith of our fathers! God's great power Shall win all nations unto thee ;
And through the truth that comes from God Mankind shall then indeed be free: Faith of our fathers, holy faith ! We will be true to thee till death."
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TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF JACOB NEGLEY
AUG. 28, 1766 MARCH 18, 1827
AND HIS WIFE
BARBARA ANNA NEGLEY SEPT. 15, 1778 MAY 10, 1867 WHO WERE THE INITIAL FOUNDERS OF THE EAST LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND DONORS OF THE PROPERTY APRIL 12, 1819 "THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH" ERECTED BY THEIR GRANDCHILDREN I.Timothy 3.15.
APRIL 12, 1919
MEMORIAL TABLET
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
This tablet was the gift of the following grandchildren of this worthy couple: Sallie M. Negley, Alice M. Negley, Georgina G. Negley, Alexander J. Negley, the surviving mem- bers of the family of the late George G. and Eliza Johnson Negley, both of whom were consecrated and devoted members of East Liberty Church, the former being in official connection during the greater part of his long life.
After the usual offering, the choir, in an artistic manner, rendered Mendelssohn's Anthem, "I Waited for the Lord."
Dr. Sneed's historical sermon followed, which was indeed a masterly production in quality and scope, covering in general the whole era of the century's development with special refer- ence to the period of his own eminently successful pastorate of seventeen years. Dr. Sneed's sermon in full is recorded in a previous chapter.
Following the prayer, a rarely beautiful Centennial Hymn, fraught with true spiritual import, and composed for the occa- sion by Dr. Sneed, was impressively sung by the congregation.
After the benediction, and organ rendering of Demarest's "Festal Postlude in C," and the usual moments of silent prayer, the beautiful and spiritually impressive service came to a close.
Some very interesting historic features marked this memor- able occasion.
Dr. Sneed read the Scriptures from a Bible which the Rev. John Joyce used at the formal organization of the church, and which he had previously brought with him from Ireland. The Bible was bequeathed to the church by his nephew, the late Ed- ward Joyce, for many years our co-member. It now rests in the church archives.
In reading on board the sailing vessel which brought Mr. Joyce to this country, a gust of wind carried off a few of the leaves, otherwise the Bible is in good condition, and is said to date back in the Joyce family to the year 1772.
An interesting coincidence occurred in the fact that Dr. Sneed, without any premeditation on his part, selected for one of the morning's Scripture readings the same selection, Mat- thew, sixteenth chapter, which Mr. Joyce read on the occasion of the formal organization of the church in 1828.
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CENTENNIAL EAST LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
As in life, sunshine and shower must ever blend, a touch of sorrow mingled with the joy of this happy occasion, when Dr. Sneed feelingly announced that Mrs. Susan C. Teeters, the eldest communicant in the Church, who for months had, in her cheerful manner, looked forward to this centennial cele- bration, had been suddenly called to the "general assembly and church of the first-born which are written in heaven," just as the eventful day, April 12, 1919, was being ushered in. We miss her presence and inspiration, but rejoice that for her, through Christ, the victory is won for evermore.
Greetings were read by the pastor from the Rev. Benjamin L. Agnew, D.D., LL.D., the third pastor of the church and only living ex-pastor, expressing felicitations, and regretting his inability to be present at the celebration.
Letters of greeting were also read from the Rev. Wm. H. Roberts, D.D., LL.D., the veteran stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and from the Presby- tery of Pittsburgh.
Cordial fraternal greetings from neighboring churches and individuals were referred to in appreciative terms.
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CENTENNIAL SERVICE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR THE REV. H. A. GEARHART
HE young people of the Christian Endeavor So- ciety, realizing the importance of the Centennial to the church and to all of its activities, felt that the occasion should not pass without proper recog- nition on their part. Of course the society was not one hun- dred years old, but for a century the young people had been a part of the church, though not as an organized force.
Centennial Day, April 13, at 6:30 p. m., was the time selected for the service. The Rev. Wm. Ralph Hall, of Philadel- phia, superintendent of the Young People's work of the Pres- byterian Church, made the address. He took for his sub- ject, "Motives that should actuate the young people of today." In addition to congratulating the young people on being con- nected with a church that had done service for a century, the Rev. Mr. Hall brought greetings from the Young People's work of the Presbyterian Church.
The Junior Christian Endeavor Society attended the service and under the direction of their superintendent, Mrs. S. H. Augustine, contributed a selection to the musical part of the program.
Many societies of neighboring churches attended.
Above all else the Centennial left this impression upon the young people of the church, that they are in possession of a great heritage and that the future holds many possibilities for service.
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EVENING SERVICE APRIL 13, 1919
HE evening worship opened with the organ ren- dering of the "Andante Religioso," from Mendels- sohn, and the usual devotional exercises of prayer, singing and responsive Scripture reading, with the soprano solo "Inflammatus," from Rossini's "Stabat Mater."
A picturesque scene was then presented when, amid the beau- tiful foliage and floral setting of the pulpit platform, little Jane Shaw, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Shaw, Jr., ascended the steps, and at a signal from Dr. Sneed, daintily unveiled a new and distinctive East Liberty Presbyterian Church Flag, to be dedicated to the glory of God, and in loving memory of Elizabeth Kerr Runnette, who entered into rest, October 5, 1918, the beautiful flag being designed by her mother, and pre- sented to the church by both Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Runnette and their daughters, Mrs. Ethel Runnette Ramsey and Miss Helen Virginia Runnette.
Dr. Sneed made an impressive address, marked by pathos and patriotism, in which he spoke of the young life thus memor- ialized in tender terms as a covenant child of East Liberty Church, with which she united in early childhood, and her connection with which was never severed until called to the upper sanctuary. He cited the example of her noble life and heroic death, saying that she had truly made the supreme sacri- fice for her country.
He then explained the significance of the flag. Since victory is the uppermost thought today, it is eminently fitting that we, as members of the body of Christ, should hold aloft the assur- ance of the great Captain of our Salvation-"This is the vic- tory that overcometh the world, even our faith." This quo- tation in large gold letters is inscribed on a white silk field edged with gold fringe, the white field being typical of the "righteousness by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe," and the gold fringe emblematic of the King
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, and the Kingdom. On the left hand corner of the field are seven gold stars arranged in a circle, the symbol of Eternal Life.
The Stars refer to Revelation 1:16 "and He had in His right hand seven stars"-the stars representing His messengers, who are held in His right hand, the hand of strength and power.
The stars are outlined in blue, the heavenly color, recalling the precious promise Daniel 12:3, "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
From the staff fly three ribbon streamers, the blue signifying Christ's heavenly origin; the purple, His royalty as David's Son; the scarlet, His sacrifice.
On the blue streamer is inscribed in gold letters, "East Lib- erty Presbyterian Church"; on the purple, "April 12, 1819- April 12, 1919"; on the scarlet, "Rev. 1:16-Daniel 12:3:"
This part of the service was concluded by the singing of two verses of "Fling out the Banner."
"Fling out the banner! let it float Skyward and seaward, high and wide;
The sun that lights its shining folds, The Cross on which the Saviour died.
"Fling out the banner ! wide and high, Seaward and skyward, let it shine; Nor skill, nor might, not merit ours; We conquer only in that sign."
The usual offering followed and a duet from Mendelssohn was effectively rendered, after which the large congregation had the pleasure of listening to the Rev. Chas. L. Thompson, D. D., representing the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions. Dr. Thompson filled in an able manner the place which had been assigned on the program to the Rev. John A. Marquis, D. D., who was prevented by illness from filling his engage- ment.
Dr. Thompson presented in his usual excellent manner the century's development in the work of Home Missions. He demonstrated in a forcible way the wonderful achievements,
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by the grace of God, of the Presbyterian Church in the past ten decades, and in no less lucid style portrayed the duty for the present and the future with which the Church in its con- secrated personnel is confronted, amid the restlessness and dis- cord which prevail throughout the world. He emphasized the truth that democracy must be controlled by a spirit mightier than itself, even by the Spirit of God in the Church of the Living Christ.
We regret that Dr. Thompson's own synopsis of this mem- orable sermon, which we had expected to incorporate in this book, has not been received.
After the usual closing exercises, the happy congregation, with many welcome friends of other days and other churches, seemed loath to leave the house of God and the joyous fellow- ship which abounded.
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MEN'S DAY APRIL 15, 1919 ATTORNEY J. ROY DICKIE
HE very word "Centennial" suggests the past ; the mental gaze is directed toward the years that are gone. In such an attitude candor compels the con- clusion that the women have been the dominant factor in church work. But with the dawn of this new cen- tury comes the realization that now, as never before, the men are taking active, energetic action as real Christian workers. Hence the spirit of the men's dinner.
After an informal reception for the guests of honor-where many members of the church became acquainted with each other by means of unique name tags-all were invited down- stairs to a tastefully decorated dining room. During a most excellent dinner, prepared and served by the ladies under the capable direction of Mrs. Kate Edna Negley Gerst, rousing music by an orchestra was a fitting accompaniment to the cheerful, hearty singing of the entire body of men, who were so enthusiastic over their vocal ability that they sang every num- ber on the program, and many that were not.
When dessert and coffee had been served, the strains of the "Star Spangled Banner" brought the first part of the program to a fitting close.
Mr. Charles A. Fisher, general chairman of the Dinner . Committee, presented the pastor, Dr. Frank W. Sneed, as the toastmaster of the evening. Dr. Sneed presided with graceful ease and charming humor throughout the succeeding "feast of reason." He presented the Rev. George Taylor, Jr., D.D., moderator of the Pittsburgh Presbytery who extended the con- gratulations and felicitations of the Presbytery. Dr. Taylor was followed by the Rev. George W. Montgomery, D.D., mod- erator of the Synod of Pennsylvania, who fully lived up to his reputation as an interesting speaker; he mingled figures and statistics with humorous quips in a fascinating manner.
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CENTENNIAL EAST LIBERTY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The principal address of the evening was by the Rev. John Timothy Stone, D.D., of Chicago, Illinois. His theme, "The Twentieth Century Man," was sufficiently broad to permit of wide latitude in the discourse. He was most entertaining, in- teresting and instructive. A synopsis of his address follows.
Little remains to be said. The whole occasion was good for body, mind and soul. Palates were tickled, intellects quickened, and hearts kindled with true Christian love and fellowship. It is to be regretted that "centennials" do not occur annually, or, better still, monthly, if each could bring the men of the church together in such beautiful fellowship as was experienced by the three hundred men who sat down together on the evening of April 15th, 1919.
RESUMÉ OF ADDRESS OF DR. JOHN TIMOTHY STONE
Dr. Stone's address was an earnest appeal for a more definite service on the part of individual men for individuals. He referred to the need that every church has of a broad and far-reaching vision, which involves the world field and relates the individual church to international and national problems. He spoke of the wasted energy in many churches through mere organization, without the personal and definite association of individual men. He said that after something over nine years in Brown Memorial Church in Baltimore, which had appar- ently been successful in its external and public influence, he was conscious that they had not reached many of the younger men and the stronger older men, to tie them in to specific church responsibility. He then referred to the work in Chicago in many phases of its personal direction, calling attention to one method of procedure, in which individual men had met regu- larly each week to reach other men. This process had been followed for ten years and with much success, over fifteen hun dred people having united with the church during that period as a direct or indirect result of that work.
The address was interspersed with many personal instances and anecdotes relative to the subject. He called attention to the fact that strong men must face the responsibilities within
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RICHARD BEATTY MELLON Chairman First Trustees of Centennial Endowment Fund.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
the church today with their time, money and personal effort, if results are to be gained. "A man who cannot pray in an office building or in an automobile which is going twenty miles an hour, is not alive to the spirit of his own age and the adjustment of practical religion and the necessities of the pres- ent hour."
Dr. Stone also referred to the necessity in the great com- munity church of having a sufficient endowment or sustenta. tion fund, which would make permanent the work in that community. He went so far as to say that he believed that endowment should usually equal the valuation of the property of the church, and that increased gifts on the part of the living congregation should be turned, as far as possible, toward benevolence. Practical illustrations of the value of this phase of work were given from his own parish.
Dr. Stone expressed his appreciation of the splendid group of men who faced him, and said he knew of no other church in the country which could surpass that gathering in the quality and spirit of its men.
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WOMEN'S DAY MRS. WILLIAM M. MCKELVY
EDNESDAY, April 16, was set aside in the week of the Centennial Celebration as "Women's Day."
The many meetings held in preparation resulted in the plan to devote the early part of the after- noon to a history of the development of woman's work during the century, which was to be illustrated with living pictures.
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