USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > East Liberty Presbyterian Church : with historical setting & a narrative of the centennial celebration, April 12-20, 1919 > Part 6
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Viewed from this standpoint, the history of this church for the past fifty years is the history of emancipation and restora- tion. The story of her inner life, is the story of emancipation from sin and restoration to Divine favor, together with an account of the methods and forces by which the work has been accomplished. The story of her outer life, is the record of her efforts to disseminate these same Divine blessings, and to im- press the world for good.
To compress fifty years of such history within the compass of a single discourse is simply impossible. Even the philosophy of such a history, the summing up of the principles involved, and the accurate measuring of the forces employed, would be
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no brief task. The outline of the church's life for the first forty-five years of its existence, already submitted and within your reach, must suffice for the earlier periods of its history. Today we turn to the church's later life, casting a glance back- ward now and then as necessity may require.
THE WORK
In hallowing this fiftieth anniversary, let it be recorded as a ground of gladness that God has crowned this church with the tokens of His love and grace. Apostolic history is careful to note with special emphasis, as a mark of Zion's prosperity, that "much people was added unto the Lord," and that, "the Lord added unto the Church daily such as should be saved," rather "the saved." If only the saved, and all the saved, were added to the Church visible, the history of emancipation from sin, and restoration to the Divine favor, could readily be ascertained. The church roll would be the tally sheet for summing up the work of Divine grace. But as in the Divine economy tares and wheat are permitted to grow together, we must be careful not to overestimate the real value of a church's roll. Yet as the only available source of information on the question of tangible results, it may be consulted with the confidence that it is measurably correct.
In a former historical discourse, already referred to, it is stated that "from October 5, 1828, i. e., from the first com- munion after the organization of the church, to April, 1865, six hundred and eighty-eight persons were received into full communion with the church. Of these, three hundred and thirty-two were received on certificate, and three hundred and fifty-six on confession of faith." Since then there have been added to the church, on confession two hundred and eighty- five, and on certificate three hundred and forty-two, making a total, since 1865, of six hundred and twenty-seven, and a grand total, since the organization, of thirteen hundred and eleven. In April, 1865, the number of communicants reported to the General Assembly was two hundred and thirty-eight. Add to these the six hundred and twenty-seven since enrolled, and there is a total of eight hundred and sixty-five, who fall within the compass of the present pastorate. Of these, up to
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the present date, ninety have died, two hundred and twenty- one have been dismissed to unite with other churches, three have been excommunicated, two have been suspended, and thirty-five have been placed upon the retired list or dropped from the roll, leaving the actual enrollment today five hundred and fourteen.
The summary is brief but significant. It tells of souls that have been born into the kingdom, of others who have gone to witness for Christ in other parts of God's heritage, and of still others who have passed from the cross to the crown. The ingatherings have been mainly through the ordinary instru- mentalities of home influence, Sabbath School instruction, and pulpit ministrations. One notable exception, however, deserves to be recorded, the spiritual refreshing enjoyed during the win- ter of '74 and '75. The memory of that work of grace is still fresh and fragrant. It was a union work among God's people, in which most of the churches in this part of the city happily shared. The reapers of the harvest, those who thrust in the sickle to gather the golden grain, were the Young Men's Christian Association of East Liberty, under the efficient lead- ership of the Rev. S. A. Taggart, together with the pastors of the churches and other Christian workers. Towards the close of the year 1874, it was resolved by the Association, after con- ference with the pastors, to hold a series of union services immediately after the week of prayer. These services were begun in much weakness. But the harvest was ripe, and it was God's time to reap. For months before, earnest hearts had been longing and praying for the descent of the Holy Ghost in mighty power. He came. The interest deepened. The churches were aroused from their lethargy. Tongues that had never before spoken for Jesus in public were untied. The love of so many that had waxed cold was revived ; some, who had had but a name to live, passed from death to life, and rejoiced in a sense of pardoned sin. Sinners were convicted, strong men were bowed under a sense of guilt, and many found peace in believing. For ten weeks, amidst all the rigors of an unusually severe winter, the services were maintained, the largest churches in the place being crowded at times to overflowing. Besides the incalculable good done to God's
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people by that memorable work of grace, sixty-six were led to confess their faith in Christ in this congregation, most of whom remain with us to this day.
Such has been the ingathering into the kingdom of grace. But the record speaks of another ingathering, an ingathering into the kingdom of glory. What a harvest the Angel of Death has reaped within the past fifty years, or to narrow the compass of our vision, even within the past thirteen years. Many of the lambs of the flock have been gathered into the fold above. Not a few of the baptized members of the church, whose names are not found on the communicants' roll, have passed to their account. Besides these, ninety of those who have sat with us in these heavenly places, as God's professed children, have entered, it is fondly hoped, into the joy of their Lord. Let us remember them today, but not as they were in the house of their pilgrimage, compassed with infirmities and burdened with sin. Let us rather think of them as celebrating a jubilee infinitely more glorious than that we celebrate today, a jubilee in which emancipation and restitution have reached their highest expression, and in which unalloyed gladness fills the soul. Did time permit, and it were possible to avoid apparently invidious distinctions, we might pause just here and call the roll of our sainted dead. What scenes memory and imagination would paint at such a roll-call! How varied, yet how lifelike! As one by one these ransomed ones passed before us, in solemn procession, what memories they would awaken, what tender associations they would recall! How many, especially of the fathers and mothers in Israel, would answer to such a summons! Verily, death has been busy with the aged during the period of the present pastorate. We miss the snowy locks and venerable forms of those men and women of God. Their presence no longer cheers us in the house of our pilgrimage, but their memory is blessed. In the hope of a glorious resurrection, we have laid them to rest in the city of the dead.
"They are not tasting death, but taking rest, On the same holy couch where Jesus lay, Soon to awake, all glorified and blest, When day has broke and shadows fled away."
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Such, in brief, is the record of God's ingatherings and ours. But the history of a church's life comprises more than the record of its ingatherings. It includes the story of its culture, and the aggregate of its outside work. What glorious tri- umphs of the Cross have the past fifty years witnessed! Within that period Christian missions have advanced from the condition of a feeble infancy to the vigor of a ripening matur- ity. Nations once sealed against the introduction of the Gospel have been opened for the reception of the truth, and the Church has entered grandly on the work of conquest. Standing as we do today in the very focus of fifty years of this, church's life, it is pertinent to ask, what response have we given to the pressing calls for self-denying effort and enlarged benefi- cence? Of this, as of much else, another record must speak as to the earlier history of the church-a record which tells that this church was born a mission church, and baptized in its earliest infancy with a missionary spirit. The history of practical beneficence for the past thirteen years is the history of repeated experiments and failures as to methods. First the subscription method was tried, but failed; because it trenched upon that reserve which is claimed as a right in Christian beneficence. The periodical box collection for specific objects followed, but was speedily abandoned; because that, under it, the contributions were manifestly falling off. Next the envelope plan was tried, and with a measure of success at first, but finally it shared the fate of the preceding methods ; because the people practically ignored it, many declining to lift the envelopes from the pew, and others refusing to use them in depositing their contributions. Perplexed by repeated failures, and admonished by diminishing collections, that something must be done, the Session, after careful examination, resolved to recommend the present plan of weekly collections for the whole benevolent work of the church, the schedule of disbursements among the various objects to be arranged annually and an- nounced to the congregation. This method was introduced January 1, 1873. Under it the contributions steadily increased, until the severe financial pressure rendered it impossible for many to continue their former gifts to the Lord's treasury. Happily the tide is again turning; the contributions for the
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past few months indicating an encouraging increase. After a continuous trial of more than five years, the plan may be safely pronounced a success, the people giving more largely and more easily than under any former plan. The beneficence of the church, as reported to the General Assembly, from April 1, 1865, to March 31, 1878, including the missionary contri- butions of the Sabbath School and the receipts of the Ladies' Missionary Societies, may be tabulated as follows, to wit:
Foreign Missions .$12,568
Home Missions (including Sustentation) . 14,114
Education (including special work) . 5,969
Publication 1,336
Church Erection 3,939
Ministerial Relief 2,254
Freedmen (ten years) 2,818
Miscellaneous 3,761
General Assembly's Contingent Fund 515
Total .$47,274
Within the same period there have been received from all sources, and expended for congregational purposes, $81,699. To this handsome aggregate, however, an important addition must now be made. It is among the special causes of thanks- giving on this day of gladness, that we have hallowed our jubilee year by a successful effort to life a debt of almost $10,000, which had been pressing heavily upon the church. The history of that effort is too fresh in your memory to require extended notice here. Suffice it to say that, under the plan adopted, about one-half the amount has actually been paid into the treasury and applied upon the debt, and that there is every reason to believe that what still remains will be paid with equal promptness as the obligations mature. When it is remem- bered that this work was undertaken at a time of great finan- cial stringency, and accomplished at the expense of no little sacrifice on the part of many, there is cause for double joy. In the method of its accomplishment we have also placed posterity under obligation to us, because we have bequeathed to our successors this precious legacy, that the property has been placed in such a position, under the law, that no other
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. .
mortgage can ever rest upon it in the future. Would that all churches were equally protected against that financial blunder, which is the bane of many an organization today.
THE WORKERS
From the work we pass now to the workers. And first of all let us turn to the office-bearers in God's house.
THE PASTORS
In these days of Presbyterian itinerancy, when protracted pastorates are the exception rather than the rule, it may be recorded with gratitude today that this church has had but two pastors, the Rev. William B. McIlvaine, now retired from the active ministry, and the present incumbent. For the history of the first pastorate, and the earlier history of the second, you are again referred to the historical sketch already submit- ted. It is to me a source of unspeakable joy, and a cause for profoundest gratitude, that after a continuous service of more than thirteen years, a service not without its vicissitudes and trials, as well as its encouragements and joys, unbroken har- mony exists between us today as pastor and people. To the praise of God's glorious grace let it be recorded.
THE ELDERS
Scarcely greater changes, proportionately, have occurred in the eldership. But seventeen persons in all have exercised the functions of this sacred office, during the first half century of the church's history. Of these, two died during their incumbency, Thomas McCleary and Henry W. Lang; seven withdrew, to cast in their lot with other congregations of God's people, where four of them, Messrs. Reiter, Aiken, Berry and Totten, were subsequently honored with calls to the same responsible position, and eight are still enrolled among us, and constitute our eldership today, precisely as reported in 1873. From this record, it appears that the Session has enjoyed wonderful immunity from the ravages of death. Of the two who fell at the post of duty, Mr. McCleary was called first, having died in July, 1855. It is the testimony of his brethren who sur- vive that he was a man of earnest piety, and an efficient helper in the various departments of church work. Mr. Lang passed from our midst March 31st, 1872, having been forty-one
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years a member of the church, and thirty-five years a ruling elder. During the later years of his life he was but little known, having been laid aside, in a great measure, from active duty by the insidious disease that finally laid him low in death. He was a man of unblemished character and deep piety, esteemed by all who knew him. After long and faithful serv- ice in the kingdom of his Lord, he was gathered home, "like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season."
Still another member of the Session, who welcomed me to this field of labor, sleeps in Jesus-one whose cordial greeting and efficient co-operation, till called to another sphere of labor, are among the cherished memories of my pastorate-Thomas Aiken, a man "full of the Holy Ghost." Shady Side was the chief mourner, when that beloved servant of God entered into his rest, but East Liberty claimed the second place in testifying to his worth, and now gratefully embalms his memory on the pages of her history.
The two senior members of our Session, John Barr and Wil- liam N. Burchfield, honored and esteemed, still abide with us, the only living links which bind the church of 1828 to the church of 1878.
THE DEACONS
From those charged with the spiritual interests of the church, we turn now to those entrusted with the oversight of the Lord's poor, and the care of the funds collected for benevo- lent work. Of the six persons who constituted the first Board of Deacons in this church, chosen in 1870, but three remain. Messrs. Patterson and McKee have withdrawn to unite with other churches, and William L. Denison rests from his labors, having died May 13, 1874. To say that Mr. Denison was a man of sterling worth, is to pay a tribute to his memory which all must acknowledge to be just. Naturally retiring in his disposition, he nevertheless impressed his generation for good, and has left a record behind him which is not only a precious heritage to his family, but also to the church of which he was an honored member and a faithful officer.
In view of these vacancies in the Board, the Session resolved to recommend to the congregation the election of three addi-
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tional members to make good the original number. In accord- ance with this recommendation, at a congregational meeting, held December 30, 1874, John Lusk, John Allen and Isaiah K. Becker were chosen to the office of deacon, and on Sabbath morning, January 31, 1875, were duly ordained and installed.
THE TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees next claims our attention. Did time permit, it would be a grateful task to mention the names of those who have been successively charged with the management of the business affairs of the church. Such a list would be a roll of honor. The position is one whose importance it would be difficult to overestimate, because the efficiency of any church depends in no small degree upon the successful management of its finances. The early history of the Board has already been traced, and the annual changes in its constituent elements must be omitted. Some changes, however, claim a passing notice- those that have been wrought by the hand of death. More than any other arm of the church's service, this Board has fallen under the power of the destroying angel. During the present pastorate, three of its members have passed beyond recall. The first that fell was Robert Orr, who died August 2, 1873. The call was sudden and unexpected, but it found him ready. For "him to live was Christ, and to die was gain." His was a piety that found its highest expression, not in words but in deeds. Thoroughly conscientious, of the strictest integ- rity, unimpeachable in his honesty, generous and systematic in his beneficence, he was honored in his life and deeply lamented in his death.
Scarcely had three months passed till death again touched the Board, and David W. Lewis, the "beloved physician," entered into his rest. It was on November 9, 1873. The shock which startled this community when it was announced that that man of God had passed to his reward, will not soon be forgotten. The whole community mourned ; and when the moment for the funeral service arrived, this sacred edifice was filled to overflowing with representatives from every class of the population. It is enough today that we pause and drop a tear upon his grave. No word of eulogy is needed. He lives
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in the memory of those who knew him best, as the skilled physi- cian, the devoted Christian, the upright citizen, the true friend. It is not given to many to be so universally esteemed in life, and so sincerely lamented in death.
To complete the necrology of the Board, still another name must be added to the death roll, the name of George W. Hail- man, who fell asleep May 14, 1878. The memory of that deep sorrow is still fresh. The blow fell suddenly at last, although the later months of Mr. Hailman's life were one incessant conflict with disease, which neither medical skill nor change of climate could arrest. But his end was peace. It is easy to see now that, for a few years before his death, he was gradually ripening for glory. Always conscientious and consistent as a professing Christian, he rose under the impulse of our great revival to a higher plane of Christian living. In a very marked degree he became from that time forward an earnest, consecrated child of God. When Mr. William G. Johnston, admonished by impaired health, retired from the superintendency of the Sabbath School, Mr. Hailman was unanimously chosen his successor. Naturally retiring in his disposition, and with a deep conviction of his own unfitness for the office, it was with difficulty he could be persuaded to enter upon the discharge of his duties. When, however, his reluctance was finally overcome, he threw himself into the work with all the energy which conviction of duty and en- thusiasm for the work could inspire. Cut off, after a few months of service, in the very midst of his usefulness, he had nevertheless planted himself firmly in the affections both of teachers and scholars, and it is safe to say that in that large procession which conveyed his precious dust to its resting place in the tomb, few more sincere mourners were to be found than those who had learned to love him in the Sabbath School. Eminently useful in the business walks of life, and honored by the church he loved, he rests from his labors.
The Board, as at present constituted, consists of George Bingham, President; John C. Alrich, Secretary; James R. Mellon, John H. McKelvy, James Batchelor and Henry W. Fulton, M. D. To this list of officers must be added the name of Francis B. McConnell, Treasurer, to whom the church is
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greatly indebted for a large amount of gratuitous and perplex- ing labor; and last, but not least, either in the importance of his office or in the fidelity and efficiency with which for the past twelve years he has discharged its duties, the name of John Grounds, Sexton.
THE SABBATH SCHOOL
Confessedly one of the most efficient and encouraging de- partments of our church work is the Sabbath School. Un- happily much of its earlier history has passed beyond recovery. The available records are so defective that it would be no easy task to compile a continuous and reliable history of the school, in its force of teachers, its methods, or its work. The subject is worthy of painstaking investigation, and a separate occasion. Anything like an extended notice must be reserved for some such occasion. Let it suffice, today, to state that, in its organ- ization, the Sabbath School antedated the church by several years; that, during its entire history, it has enrolled among its officers and teachers some of the ablest consecrated talent in the church, and that its aggregate of results, although not expressed in facts and figures, is believed to be a record of which the church need not be ashamed. During the present pastorate, the office of Superintendent has been successively filled by George A. Berry, Robert C. Totten, William G. Johnston, George W. Hailman and Alex. C. Montgomery, the present incumbent, who, at his own request, retires from the office today, to be succeeded by T. D. Davis, M. D., just elected to fill the vacancy. Of the work under these several administrations it would be pleasant to speak, but time and the magnitude of the subject admonish me that I must forbear. The school at present comprises, in all its departments, besides the officers, thirty-three teachers (annually elected by the Ses- sion) and three hundred and ninety-one scholars. It is fur- nished with an excellent library, and in most of its appoint- ments is believed to be measurably abreast of the age in all sub- stantial improvements. The additions to the communicants' roll, from the rank and file of the school, tell of thorough biblical instruction, and of earnest, believing prayer. Among the admirable features of the school which furnish cause for
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present gratitude, and give promise of future usefulness, may be mentioned, in addition, the training given in systematic beneficence-a training all the more thorough because of the excellent system of supervision introduced by Mr. Johnston- and the instruction given in the Shorter Catechism, a matter more certainly and easily accomplished under the plan recently introduced.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES
Still another class of workers remains to be noticed, the Ladies' Missionary Societies. First in the order of organiza- tion comes the "Home Missionary Society," which renders substantial aid to the work of Home Missions, by annually sending boxes, well filled with clothing and household goods, to the families of missionaries, whose slender salaries need sup- plementing. No better commentary on the commendable character of this work is needed, than the responses received from those struggling servants of God, in the Home field, who are thus remembered. A few of the noble band of workers, who, amid great discouragements, toiled on during the earlier years of the present pastorate, have been called to a higher service. Many in the last day will rise up and call them blessed. Others, however, in the providence of God, have risen to take the work which dropped from their hands when the summons came, and the society, largely increased in num- bers, is more flourishing today than ever.
The deep, far-reaching interest in Foreign Missions, which sprang up among the Christian women of the Presbyterian Church a few years ago, found a ready response in this con- gregation. Under the influence of that grand movement, an "Auxiliary Foreign Missionary Society" was formed in this church, which still lives in all the freshness and vigor which characterized its organization. It stands responsible to the Woman's Department of Foreign Missions, for one-half the salary of a missionary, a pledge thus far faithfully redeemed. In addition to its own specific work, this society also oversees the juvenile band of workers, known as the "Buds of Promise," whose busy hands and earnest hearts, under the direction of maturer wisdom, do nobly both for Home and Foreign work.
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