USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > East Liberty Presbyterian Church : with historical setting & a narrative of the centennial celebration, April 12-20, 1919 > Part 3
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The record says: "April 6, 1874-Trustees decided to al- low the fire department to connect the fire alarm telegraph with the church bell," and for some years it rang its notes of warn- ing. This practice was later discontinued, there being a fear that the bell might become cracked, and some objecting to the attendant excitement.
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A remarkable coincidence is found in the fact that but two sextons have rung this bell, which has hung in two churches- Mr. John Grounds, Sr., who, in 1865, entered upon the duties of this responsible office, which he discharged with admirable efficiency. He passed to his eternal rest April 6, 1908, and was succeeded by his son, Mr. John Grounds, Jr., who had for many years, even in early youth, assisted his father, and on August 16, 1888 assumed full control.
We take this opportunity to record a tribute of sincere es- teem and profound gratitude to "John," our friend and co- worker, whose unexcelled devotion for forty-six years to the best interests of this church, and consecration to the welfare of the Master's cause in this branch of Zion, is worthy of recorded recognition.
The third church building, like the first, was a two-story structure, the upper floor being the main auditorium, the lower being used for prayer meeting and Sabbath school. It rose during the period of the great civil strife for the preservation of the Union, the cause, together with the abolition of slavery, so dear to the heart of the noble, tender and true President Lincoln, who later became our martyred hero.
On Sabbath evening, June 14, 1863, telegrams from the Secretary of War and others reached Pittsburgh expressing fears that the Army of General Lee was about to invade West- ern Pennsylvania.
A meeting to devise plans for the protection of the city was called at once. Many of the citizens who were summoned by messengers to this meeting were at church, others in their homes, but they were speedily gathered for consultation. This conference resulted in the decision that all workshops, factories and so forth should be closed at once, and that all men capable of performing manual labor should engage in erecting earth- works around what was then the transpontine cities of Pitts- burgh and Allegheny. The plans were laid out by government engineers, and the work was pushed rapidly for two weeks. Merchants and their employees, professional men and students joined with day laborers in this patriotic effort.
Many still living remember these historic entrenchments, some of which remained, for many years after the war, in East
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Liberty, on the hillside above North Negley avenue. Even though the archives of the Southern army fail to show that there was any intention to invade our city, yet the efforts to fortify helped to strengthen the patriotism already enkindled.
We have the honor to record five G. A. R. veterans on our church roll, Roseman Gardner, John Updegraff, Dickson C. Shaw, Henry P. Krebs and Samuel E. Gill.
Dr. Gillespie was succeeded in this third church building by the Rev. Benjamin L. Agnew, D.D., LL.D., who filled the position with grace and efficiency for sixteen months. His pas- torate was brief, owing to the unfavorable effect of the climate on his health, but in that brief period his rich pastoral qualities, together with his clear and forcible presentation of the truth, bore lasting fruit. The impress of his vital Christian faith and consecrated personality on the lives which he touched are a blessed memory to many.
The sixth building and fourth church is the commodious structure in which we now worship, to the building of which the congregation was largely inspired by the pastor of that period, the Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D.D., LL.D. Dr. Kumler's keen vision saw the necessity arising from the continuous growth of the congregation, and grasped the scope of the strategic po- sition which the church must continue to hold for the Master.
An interesting record in this connection is the following: "A letter containing six dollars for the new church was re- ceived from Master Wm. McDonald, of Highland avenue, stating that it was the first money he had earned while out of school. This was the first money actually paid in for the new church building, April 7, 1886."
The handsome stained glass window in the west transept was the gift of the late Mrs. Sarah Negley Mellon, in memory of her parents, the donors of the property. The window of spe- cial design on the east wall was the gift of the Sabbath school.
September, 1888, the Sabbath school class of Miss Alice M. Negley, composed of the following young girls, presented the fine communion table: Emma Brinkman, Bertha Chidlow, Adah Houston, Blanche Lloyd, Maggie McDonald, Eleanor Mitchell, Sara Morris, Margaretta Patterson, Una Page, Nel- lie Goff, Elmina Johnston, Sadie Batchelor, Louise Baker.
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This building was dedicated September 30, 1888.
There is no encumbrance of debt attached to the church property.
The devotion and loyalty of the members are being con- stantly shown in individual contributions toward the improve- ment and refurnishing of the Lord's house, which, like our homes, requires frequent renewal.
The very useful and beautiful canopy over the front entrance was the thoughtful gift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Mellon, Mrs. Mellon also donating a large United States flag and the flags of the Allies and fine Service flag which adorn the main auditorium.
The rich draperies which form a background to the chapel pulpit, with other necessities, were provided by the generosity of Mrs. William N. Frew.
The beautiful Service flag used in the chapel was the gift of Miss Cornelia McCombs.
The fine flagpole presented by the National Tube Co., through the influence of Mr. Louis V. Sattele, and the flag given by Mrs. E. M. Bigelow, which were dedicated with appropriate exercises on May 5, 1917, are also much appreci- ated.
The two large flags used in the chapel and elsewhere were the gift of the late Henry H. Negley, who for nineteen years as president of the board of trustees, rendered devoted service to this church.
The many valued material gifts of the late John F. Scott, also a member of the board of trustees, so modestly bestowed, his name usually being withheld at his imperative request, are constant reminders of his loyal affection for the church.
The needed improvements so generously supplied by Mrs. Wm. M. McKelvy, and the untiring efforts of many individual members toward preparing the building for this centennial celebration, are all indications of consecrated loyalty worthy of wide emulation.
Many, both men and women, who have given of their time and strength and means, in some cases the service only made possible through genuine self-denial, to the affectionate care of
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this, their church home, have surely earned the Master's plaudit -"She hath done what she could." May we not each earn this tribute ?
The Sabbath school has always been an important factor in the life of this church, having been in existence somewhat more than one hundred years, the exact date of organization not being known.
The first superintendent was Mr. John Roup, and the first teachers were Messrs. Isaac Harris and Luke Loomis.
The first Sabbath school class was composed of nine pupils, only the names of four, however, having been preserved- George G. Negley, Rebecca Roup (Mrs. Wm. Penn Baum), Martha Noble (aunt of the Misses Agnes and Sarah Aiken). and Catharine R. Negley.
As far back as March, 1869, we find the following record: "Resolved, to remodel the first story of the church so as to afford a comfortable and convenient room for social worship, and a room adapted to the wants of our large and flourishing Sab- bath school."
The record of attendance contains some individual instances of faithfulness unbroken by absence in many years, Mr. Charles Price having an unbroken record of attendance for twenty- eight years.
The continued growth of the school in 1901 necessitated additional facilities for Sunday school purposes. A committee consisting of George A. Kelly, Chas. H. Riggs and S. E. Gill having previously been appointed, reported at the congregational meeting held April 10, 1901, in favor of a new building for the Sunday school.
They further reported that a communication had been re- ceived from the members of Class 29 endorsing the project and subscribing twenty-five thousand dollars toward the cost of the new building, on condition that it be named the Kumler Memorial Chapel. The proposition was approved and a build- ing committee appointed.
The name was given as a tribute to Dr. Kumler, whose pas- torate of seventeen years is a hallowed memory in many hearts, and also as a tribute to his wife, Mrs. Abigail Kumler,
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whose faithful and efficient service in the Sunday school and missionary work of the church is thus memorialized.
Later, plans for a departmental building, suitable for graded instruction, were submitted and approved, this being, as far as known, the first Sunday school building planned specifically for departmental work in which each department may have its own opening and closing service.
Thus on December 31, 1902, was dedicated the seventh building on this sacred site, erected largely through the gener- osity of Mr. James I. Buchanan. It is, however, so united with the sixth building as to present the appearance of one structure.
The departmental Sabbath school is ably superintended by Elder S. E. Gill, and a faithful corps of officers and teachers. Mr. Gill is, at present, a member of the board of directors of the Allegheny County Sabbath School Association, and chair- man of its finance committee, and in 1902-03 served as presi- dent of that organization. He has also been, for many years, chairman of the temperance committee of the State Sabbath School Association, and has taken an active part in the suc- cessful efforts which resulted in the recent passage of the Na- tional Prohibition Amendment.
Bible classes conducted for the older members, both men and women, have always been a feature of this Sunday school.
Class 29, founded in 1872, has been a potent factor in the Sabbath school. Dr. Thomas D. Davis was the first teacher, who possessed an extensive knowledge of the Scriptures, with marked ability in imparting that knowledge. Dr. Davis and others conducted the class until the year 1883, when Mr. James I. Buchanan became the leader, and for more than thirty- five years has continued in this labor of love.
To a profound knowledge of the Scriptures and implicit faith in their inspiration as the Word of God, Mr. Buchanan adds personal consecration in the service of the Master, and his position as leader of Class 29 for so many years has afforded him the opportunity to instruct hundreds in the way of life, whose lives have been blessed by his faithful and efficient serv- ice. In 1893, the class was formally organized, being as far
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as known, the first organized Bible class in this city. Delight- ful social evenings have served to strengthen the strong bond of attachment between leader and class.
Mr. Albert H. Kemerer, of revered memory, was the founder of the Chinese department. Though not now an organized class, yet Class 29 continues to flourish, the membership at times during its history having passed above the two hundred mark. The consecrated efforts of the late William T. Lantz were an efficient factor in building up the large membership of Class 29.
Our co-member, Mr. Henry J. Heinz, has a world-wide rep- utation as a promoter of progressive Sabbath school work. Besides being chairman of the American section of the World's S. S. Association, he has had official connection with the In- ternational Association, is president of the Pennsylvania S. S. Association and a member of the board of directors of the Alle- gheny County S. S. Association.
On April 22, 1902, occurred the installation services of the Rev. Frank Woolford Sneed, D.D., the fifth pastor of this church.
For seventeen years Dr. Sneed has ministered to this con- gregation with faithfulness and devotion. His labors in the pulpit and the home have been signally blessed, and the church has grown steadily in its membership and breadth of service under his leadership.
Dr. Sneed is endowed with remarkable facility of expres- sion in the presentation of the fundamentals of our faith, and his sermons are strikingly suggestive and illuminating. He and his noble wife enter into the joys and sorrows of the flock with rare sincerity and sympathy. Mrs. Sneed's consecrated and gracious personality leaves a blessed impress on the lives which she touches.
Among the manifestations of affectionate esteem in which Dr. Sneed is held by his people is the tribute paid him on the tenth anniversary of his pastorate. This occasion was made memorable by the congregation raising the sum of ten thousand dollars in his honor, which was applied to providing a new and much-needed dormitory for the Cebu Mission, Philippine Islands, named The Sneed Dormitory for Boys.
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The Presbyterian Mission Station at Cebu was opened in 1902 by the Rev. and Mrs. Frederick Jansen, who were later reinforced by the Rev. James A. Graham, M.D., and Mrs. Graham. After many years of valued service at Cebu, they were transferred to other needy fields on the Islands, where they continue to render similar faithful service.
In 1907 the Rev. George Wi. Dunlap, D.D., and Mrs. Dun- lap were placed at the head of this station by the Board of Foreign Missions, by whom also the mission was placed entirely under the care of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Dr. and Mrs. Dunlap and their helpers have been the means of conduct- ing a wonderful evangelistic work among Americans and Europeans as well as among the natives.
The first Protestant mission in the Philippines was opened by the Presbyterian Church, and this being the only foreign missionary field under the American flag, patriotism adds to our Christian interest in it.
In 1916, in response to a plea made by Dr. Dunlap from the pulpit Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Mathews, in memory of Mr. Mathews' father, John Mathews, donated one thousand dol- lars to purchase and equip the "Mt. Rest Home," accessibly located on the mountains above the mission, where our mis- sionaries may at times enjoy a period of relaxation and re- freshment from the extreme heat of the islands.
During Dr. Kumler's pastorate, the Rev. John B. Brandt was assistant to the pastor for one year.
During a portion of Dr. Sneed's ministry, the following assistants have served : Mr. J. R. Hainer, as Sabbath school director ; the Rev. Victor Bucher, the Rev. G. A. Frantz, the Rev. George M. Duff and the Rev. H. A. Gearhart, who is at present filling the position of assistant pastor with consecrated efficiency.
Many able ministers have filled this pulpit acceptably for prolonged periods, during the interim between pastors, and at times during their enforced absence.
The late Rev. Samuel H. Kellogg, D.D., will long be re- membered by his fine and lucid exposition of divine truth, which left an indelible impression. His son, Dr. Frederick S. Kellogg, is now serving as an elder.
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Our esteemed friend, the Rev. David R. Breed, D.D., is always welcome to this pulpit, and never fails to bring the divine message in a helpful and illuming manner.
The pastoral work of the Rev. Joseph F. Gibson, D.D., is affectionately remembered in many homes.
The mid-week prayer meeting, binding together as it does, the precious influences of the Lord's days, is a powerful influ- ence in maintaining the proper attitude of spirituality in life and service. It is, in a sense, the thermometer of a church's life, measuring the warmth of its devotion. We may not read this index merely in the numbers in attendance, but much more in the quality of the consecration and the impelling power of the Spirit that is manifest.
The prayer meeting has been one of the quiet but vital forces in this church's life, and rejoicing in its past and present efficiency, we bespeak for it in the new era a larger share of that holy devotion which the Master would accord it in the experience of His followers.
In consulting the early records, there is abundant oppor- tunity for a study in contrasts between the conditions existing then as compared with the luxurious appointments of the present.
In the expense account, candles and oil are frequent items; in 1865 gas was introduced, and not until 1887 was electric light installed for illuminating purposes. A similar development from the early coal stove for heating to the use of natural gas, and on up to the present fine hot water system is obvious.
The music has grown from the early days of the precentor and his tuning fork and the Metrical Psalm and Hymn Book, from which two lines were read by the leader, books being scarce, after which he led in the singing of the same lines, when two more were read and sung. Elder Burchfield long served in this capacity, and his tuning fork and well-worn Psalm Book, used back in the forties, now rest in the archives of the church, having been presented, along with other relics, by his son, Dr. J. P. Burchfield. A number of other members of the church also served as precentor at different periods, Mr. Moses Phil- lips, Mr. Ferree and others.
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Passing on to the era of the little melodeon, the conscientious protest against the introduction of instrumental music strikes a vein of humor in the light of the present range of thought. The volunteer choir was once considered an innovation, and ere long a petition is offered for a paid leader, which is duly granted. One record gives this paid leader the privilege of holding a pay concert to help meet the organist's salary, whom he is commissioned to select. One pipe organ succeeds another, each more elaborate in mechanism than the last, the piano takes the place of the organ in prayer meeting and Sabbath school.
Today, we see the century's development culminating in our splendid quartette, under the skilled directorship of Mrs. James Stephen Martin, who with her late husband, have contributed much to the musical development of the church.
In the early days, devoted members of the church cared for its finances, some serving as treasurer gratuitously, others re- ceiving a small commission, but the financial work of the church grew to such proportions as to require the entire time of an employed treasurer and general secretary with an equipped office at the church.
June 1, 1904, Mr. R. R. M. Thorne entered upon this work and served with efficiency for fourteen years. Miss Ber- tha Griffith, a devoted member of the church, also rendered valued service for five years.
"Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary," and there has been an interesting development in the decorating line from the days when members of the church with an aesthetic taste devoted the necessary Saturday in the woods to cull the branches and flowers to adorn the house of God, others depleting their private conservatories to contribute-on through the various amateur efforts to the present more elaborate systematic weekly decorations of the pulpit on the Lord's Day, with the memorial Sabbaths when loved ones are remembered by a floral tribute. After fulfilling their mission in the church, the flowers are later sent to cheer and encourage the sick and the sorrowing in homes and hospitals, bearing a beautiful message of remem- brance from the altar of their own beloved church.
Mrs. Carrie Henry Normecutt has long conducted this work
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with admirable grace and efficiency, with the capable assistance of Mrs. Chas. Curry and other helpers.
Stately and artistic have been some of these tributes of affec- tion, the Thanksgiving Harvest Home, Christmas and Easter having been memorably appropriate to the respective occasions. Stated memorial tributes are now on record to the following loved ones: Mrs. Alexander King on Thanksgiving, Mrs. Charles Lockhart on Easter, Judge and Mrs. Thomas Mellon on Christmas and the New Year, Dr. J. P. E. Kumler, Mr. Henry H. Negley, Mr. Alfred Hicks, Mrs. Thomas Marshall, Mrs. Sarah Hart, Mrs. Harriett L. Rook, Mrs. Joseph Z. Wainwright, Mrs. Thomas S. Maple, Dr. Henry W. Fulton, Mr. Wm. N. Frew, Mr. D. Porter Corwin, Mrs. Anna Bar- bara Negley Brick, two Sabbaths; Mr. Wm. M. McKelvy, Mr. O. H. Allerton, Mrs. John P. Ewing, Mr. John H. McKelvy, Mr. E. M. Bigelow. Mr. H. J. Heinz provides for four Sabbaths throughout the year.
The following organizations, also, have a stated Sabbath for their floral contribution: The Women's Home Missionary Society, the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, the Chinese Sabbath School Class, the Cheerful Givers Band, the Woman's Monday Evening Missionary Society, the Buds of Promise Mission Band, the Fidelis Missionary Society, and the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor.
One permanent memorial has been established along this line, which we hope may be the signal for many others. The late Mr. Joseph K. Brick, of Philadelphia, bequeathed to the East Liberty Presbyterian Church in trust the sum of five hundred dollars to be invested and the income applied to pro- viding flowers for the pulpit in memory of his deceased wife, Mrs. Anna Barbara Negley Brick, who previous to her mar- riage and subsequent residence in Philadelphia was a devoted and active member of this church and Sabbath school.
By the means thus outlined, provision is made for more than thirty Sabbaths in the year.
The manner of observance of the Lord's Supper has passed through several stages of transition. Mr. James R. Mellon recalls the communion service as held in early days, when there was a long table spread with pure white linen, in
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front of the pulpit, on which were arranged plates of the sacramental bread and high silver pitchers and goblets for the sacramental wine.
After the consecration prayer by Dr. McIlvaine, and a re- cital of the Scriptural account of the institution of the Sacra- ment, the pastor and elders partook. The communicants then gathered around the table in successive relays until all were served. Mr. Mellon says so impressive to him was this early observance that in after years it seemed sacrilegious to see the elements served in the pews, under the name of the Lord's Table.
This manner of observance was followed by passing the ele- ments to the communicants in the pews, the large silver gob- lets being used. At the communion service held December, 1903, individual cups were used for the first time.
The vast potency exerted by a religious center such as has been maintained here for one hundred years is beyond human computation.
Among the many influences for good which have had their inception, or received fostering care from this church may be mentioned the East Liberty Young Women's Christian Associ- ation, the final steps in the organization of which took place March 22, 1875. This Association is the outcome of a re- vival conducted in the East Liberty Church, when a group of young women, all members of this church, pledged themselves as an organization to devote their time and talents to launch- ing what is now popularly known as "social service." To this end they inaugurated the first Y. W. C. A. in Pittsburgh, the East Liberty Association. In the early days, the meetings were held in the various churches, and a missionary employed for local work, the churches sharing the expense. For many years, Miss Margaret Forsythe, a consecrated and devoted member here, served in this capacity.
The church has also kept in vital touch, through many of its members, with the Young Men's Christian Association of East Liberty, which for some years has been our near neighbor.
The Rev. Samuel A. Taggart, a member of the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and a worshipper in this church, whose family are still with us, was the first State secretary of Y. M. C. A. work in the country. He was State secretary of Pennsylvania for
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seventeen years, and accompanied the late Dwight L. Moody upon several tours. His son, Mr. William R. Taggart, was for more than six years general secretary of the East Liberty Branch, and for four and a half years assistant secretary of the Central Y. M. C. A. at Penn and Seventh avenues.
For the precious heritage recorded and all the blessed way by which the Lord our God has led us, we render humble thanks to Him whose wondrous grace alone has made the record possible.
Precious memories cluster around this sacred spot to many of us, memories of sweet fellowship in the work of the Master, and memories of the loved ones who led us in the way of life.
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