USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > East Liberty Presbyterian Church : with historical setting & a narrative of the centennial celebration, April 12-20, 1919 > Part 8
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Messrs. Patterson, McKee and Becker have united with other churches, and the five others now constitute the Board.
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TRUSTEES
According to the deed of Mrs. Negley, dated April 12th, 1819, the board of trustees, which had been appointed previ- ously, consisted of a president and six members, as follows, viz: Jacob Negley, President; John Fluck, Samuel Peebles, John Roup, Casper Negley, David Eakin and Wm. B. Foster.
On April 7th, 1828, being a few months prior to the organ- ization of the church under control of Presbytery, twelve Trus- tees were chosen, viz: Francis G. Bailey, John Roup, James Backhouse, Robt. Bailey, Sr., Solomon Berlin, Casper Negley, Abraham Reimer, A. F. Grove, John Patterson, John Mc- Clintock, Nicholas Dahlem and Jacob Negley, Jr.
In the year following the number was reduced to six, at which it yet remains; this too being in accordance with a charter obtained in 1847, which, having been lost or mislaid, was replaced by another, granted by the courts in 1861.
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The board at present is thus constituted :
JAMES W. BATCHELOR, President, JAMES R. MELLON,
OLIVER J. PARKER, Secretary, JOHN F. SCOTT,
H. P. KREBS, Treasurer, JAMES I. BUCHANAN.
When the congregation chose its first board of trustees it resolved to elect these officers annually on "Easter Monday," a custom that prevails to the present, however shocking the necessary yearly announcement from the pulpit might sound to the ears of a Jenny Geddes.
Among the earliest duties of the trustees then elected was to provide for a debt placed in the hands of the sheriff. The amount was but a few hundred dollars, but the entire property was in jeopardy. Jacob Negley, Jr., and Francis G. Bailey stepped into the breach-each paying a small sum to the cred- itors to quiet them for a time, and until the congregation had gathered funds to wipe out the incumbrance.
This adjustment effected, the building was put in proper condition. Pews took the place of the benches, and a suitable pulpit was erected.
THE SPIRITUAL TEMPLE
The house made with hands being thus conditioned, the inner temple was speedily adorned by the presence and manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Numbers flocked to the house of God, as doves to the windows, and in six months the membership trebled by additions both upon confession and certificate; and it was thus that the labors of the missionary and his co-workers were blessed.
RETIREMENT OF MR. JOYCE-HIS SUCCESSOR
In the spring of 1829 Mr. Joyce was desirous of cultivating other portions of the field included in his commission ; and pos- sibly with a view to this, as well as to provide for the vacancy which his absence from East Liberty would occasion, he at- tended the meeting of General Assembly at Philadelphia, held in May of that year. But whatever may have occasioned his presence at that Assembly, we are fortunate to-day in being able to present facts never previously clearly understood. Whilst it is a matter of history which will doubtless interest all
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present, it will be doubly valued by those whose privilege it was to sit under the ministry of the first pastor. We refer to a letter but recently received by Dr. Kumler from Rev. W. B. McIlvaine, which we are now permitted to present:
PEORIA, September 12, 1888.
REV. J. P. E. KUMLER, D. D.
Dear Brother :- Your kind invitation to attend the dedication of your new church was received with thanks for the cordial expression of your desire for my presence. I feel that age and distance impel me to decline. Home is the best place for me now.
I congratulate you and the congregation on the completion of your large and costly edifice, and hope to hear that it is given to the Lord free from debt.
Old memories crowd upon me as I think of the years that are past. How did I get there? Let me tell you: Dr. Herron and Mr. Joyce were at the General Assembly in 1829, and applied to the Domestic Mission Board for a missionary for the church of East Liberty, and while they were talking to Dr. Ely, Secretary of the Board, I opened the door of the office and walked in. Dr. Ely at once spoke up and said, "Here is your man," and introduced me to them. In a few minutes a commission was made out and handed to me. After the Assembly closed I went home to Lancaster county and made a hasty preparation and mounted my horse with my wardrobe and library in my saddle bags, and started on a journey of more than 250 miles to East Liberty, where I arrived on the 25th of June, 1829. The people received me very kindly, and then and there began my min- isterial life work of forty years. After a few Sabbaths a call was made out for my services, and the commission was returned.
The salary was $500; when we entered the second house it was raised to $700, and when we entered the third house it was advanced to $1,200.
The congregation was scattered over a large field extending from Lawrenceville to Sandy Creek on the Allegheny and from the old city limits to Braddock's Field on the Monongahela River.
On this territory there was no other church of any denomination, or any regular religious services. The call was signed by 37 names, and the signatures indicated very clearly that they were working people. Not one of these is left; and the same is true of the members of the church when my labors began. They are all gone-to be met again only at the Judgment, when pastor and people will give account. The beginning was small, but the mustard seed has grown till we behold a tree with wide spreading branches, affording a church home for a multitude of people.
There are now eleven Presbyterian churches, and as many or more of other denominations on the field where I had the only one. "What hath God wrought !"
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The benevolent offerings were always liberal in proportion to the ability, and collections for all objects ordered by the General Assem- bly were regularly taken up in the congregation.
The capacity of the second house was more than 300. There were 86 pews, and they would hold an average of five persons, counting the children, or 400 in all.
In closing, let me express my joy in your prosperity, and my pray- ers for the continued blessing of God on all your labors, and ask your prayers for the old pastor.
Yours in Christ,
W. B. MCILVAINE.
THE FIRST PASTORATE
Mr. McIlvaine's missionary work began here on the last Sabbath of June, 1829, and in August of that year a call for his pastoral services was made, and at the meeting of Presby- tery in October it was presented, and he was accordingly or- dained and installed on the 20th of April, 1830, Rev. Francis Herron, D.D., and Rev. Matthew Brown, D.D., participating in the services of that occasion.
The young pastor was a native of Pennsylvania, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary and a licentiate of New Castle Presbytery. His faithful labors over the charge to which he was called extended to April 21st, 1870, when, at his request, the Presbytery of Ohio dissolved the pastoral rela- tion, which included, as stated in the letter read, the round period of forty years. Abundant as are the materials to speak at length and in a manner worthy the subject, the circumstances as to time will not permit us, as we could desire, to dwell upon this long and useful pastorate, so blessed to the church, so blessed to the community, and whose full record is alone on high, where a glorious crown awaits the venerable servant of God.
SECOND HOUSE OF WORSHIP
The second house of worship, designed to provide enlarged accommodations for an increased congregation, was begun to be built in 1847, finished in the following spring and dedicated June 12th, 1848. Its dimensions were 50x70 feet; it was built of brick and quite plain. Its capacity has already been stated in the letter of Mr. McIlvaine.
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THE REV. WM. B. MCILVAINE, D.D. First Pastor.
SERMONS AND ADDRESSES
INCREASED POPULATION
The opening of the Pennsylvania Railroad for travel about November, 1853, was a signal to many residents of Pittsburgh to seek for homes along that new highway, and from that date the great influx into the East Liberty valley had a begin- ning. We pause a moment to pick up the fact that for a con- siderable time a single car per day on the Pennsylvania Rail- road, running in each direction, was more than sufficient for the passenger travel between Pittsburgh and Brinton's, and this, at the first, as we were yesterday informed by one of the offi- cials, was usually hitched to a freight train. Now forty-four eastbound local trains, averaging five cars each, stop at East Liberty station, and the same number also run to the city, and, as we all know, they are usually crowded. While we are quite in accord with Matthew Arnold, that "it is no proof that the highest pitch of civilization has been attained because trains run every fifteen minutes between Islington and Camber- well," yet it is proof that cannot be gainsaid, in view of the statistics given, that the church is losing her opportunity and falling far short of her duty and privilege, if she quietly views such a flow of population within her borders as these facts indicate, without taking adequate steps to open wide her doors and to expand her walls to receive it.
To resume: On account of the increased population center- ing about East Liberty, because of these railroad facilities, the congregation, which so recently as 1847 had erected a church, in 1860 was compelled to take steps for a yet larger edifice.
AN INTERFERENCE
In consequence, however, of the slaveholders' rebellion, which soon after began and had to be stamped out, the attention of this loyal people was turned in that direction, and they gave liberally of their sons and of their other treasures to that holy cause.
A THIRD HOUSE OF WORSHIP
Meanwhile the brick and mortar walls of our Zion arose but slowly, and it was not until January, 1864, that the house was
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completed. Its cost was $22,700. At once it was occupied, and the dedication sermon was preached by Rev. M. W. Jacobus, D. D.
Of the seven persons who composed the Building Commit- tee, one only, Mr. Robert Dickey, is yet with us; two are in other communions, Mr. Geo. A. Berry and Mr. Thomas Sea- brook; while four, Dr. Gross, Thomas Aiken, Geo. W. Hail- man and Daniel Negley, have been called to a city wherein is no temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
EVIDENCES OF FORESIGHT-INBORN AND INHERITED
It is, perhaps, due to one of these to state that had his views prevailed, we possibly would not at this time have been called upon to erect this fourth edifice. He, as well as the pastor, Mr. McIlvaine, opposed the building of a two-story house, such as is allowable in a crowded city, where ground is scarce and of great value.
In this he but exhibited a foresight worthy the son of him whose name is prominently introduced in the early part of this narrative, and who, so far back as the first quarter of this cen- tury, had such unbounded faith that East Liberty would be included within the limits of Pittsburgh, that he opened up through his lands the magnificent avenue, one hundred feet in width, which fronts this lot, aiming to have it extended to the then city line; but the owners of broad acres lying between could only view such a project as wasteful extravagance. Yes, genuine foresight was a gift largely possessed and inherited by Daniel Negley.
CO-PASTOR CALLED-SECOND PASTORATE
On April 7th, 1865, the congregation called as co-pastor Mr. John Gillespie. We do not give the usual prefix, Reverend, for the young man, who was unanimously chosen by the people, was as yet a theological student and but a licentiate of the Pres- bytery of St. Clairsville, Ohio.
Mr. Gillespie was born near Edinburgh, Scotland ; received an elementary education in Haddington; came to America at the age of fourteen; received private instruction from his pas- tor, Rev. T. A. Grove, through whose instrumentality he en-
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tered the church; having thus prepared for college, with the view of entering the ministry, he pursued the usual course of study at Washington College, and was graduated from thence in 1862; transferred to the Western Theological Seminary, he at length passed directly to this church. His ordination and installation took place April 26th, 1865, on which occasion Rev. W. W. Eells presided, and Rev. David Mckinney, D.D., Rev. George Marshall, D.D., and Rev. W. D. Howard, D.D., took part in the services.
As has been already stated, the co-pastorate ceased April 21st, 1870, and from thence forward until January 9th, 1882, the entire ministerial and pastoral labors devolved upon Mr. Gillespie, who faithfully and zealously performed them, until the date named, when he was called to the Westminster Pres- byterian Church at Elizabeth, N. J., and from whence he was subsequently transferred to the Foreign Mission Board of our Church as one of its honored Secretaries.
Upon his retirement from this field, the congregation recorded its testimony respecting his character, and the work he had accomplished, and in such a way as extorted from him, after the recital, these words, which he addressed to the author of the testimonial: "I am proud of the way you put that, and that I could hold my head up."
Shortly before the close of his ministry here, the University of Wooster, doubtless intending well, conferred upon Mr. Gillespie the honorary degree Doctor of Divinity, but we doubt if it added to his stature one cubit.
After a vacation of eleven months, the pastorate was sup- plied by Rev. B. L. Agnew, D. D., until April 23rd, 1884, a period of sixteen months, when he returned to Philadelphia, from whence he had come hither.
THE PRESENT PASTORATE
Another vacation of six months ensued, when the present incumbent, Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D. D., was called, and who was installed October 9th, 1884.
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MEMBERSHIP
The membership, as has been stated, numbered at the beginning, viz., September, 1828. 22
And there were added by March, 1829, three months before the coming of the first pastor 44
During the pastorate of Mr. McIlvaine. 622
From the installation of Dr. Gillespie until that of his successor there were, without forcing figures for such a result, exactly. 600
During the pastorate of Dr. Agnew 56
And in the four years of the present pastorate. 388
Showing a total of. 1,732
About 45 per cent. of which were of those received upon profession of faith.
Deducting deaths and dismissals, the roll at this day shows a total of 750 members.
SABBATH SCHOOL
Sabbath School work, as has been already stated, preceded what is regarded the initial church work, and was begun, as nearly as can be ascertained, in the year 1825, with two teachers and nine pupils. The first superintendent* was Francis G. Bailey, who acted in this capacity from 1828 until 1841, a period of thirteen years, when, removing to the city, he at once engaged in similar work in the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Bailey was succeeded in this position by Wm. N. Burchfield for the next twenty-one years. What is stated in regard to the long terms of service on the part of the two per- sons just mentioned, is as nearly correct as can now be ascer- tained in the absence of records. Many years since certain records were lost, or, as is supposed by some, burned in a fire which destroyed the planing mill of Jos. Graham, whose son, Edward (now deceased), at the time was secretary of the school. But as to what period these covered is not known, though generally believed to be not one of many years. Those now possessed, and continuing to the present time, begin with October 1st, 1879; beside which we have also those from
[* After the formal organization of the church.]
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October, 1862, to October, 1864. The superintendents suc- ceeding Mr. Burchfield are given below, the regular term, or school year, beginning with the first Sabbath of October: George A. Berry, 1862 to 1864; Robert C. Totten, 1864 to 1869; Wm. G. Johnston, 1869 to 1877; Geo. W. Hailman, 1877 until his death, on May 14th, 1878, whereupon Alex. C. Montgomery served for the remainder of the term; Dr. T. D. Davis, 1878 to 1881; M. E. Cozad, 1881 to 1882. (In the latter year, the session being unable to fill the posi- tion, Mr. A. A. Gettys consented to serve temporarily, and did so until the next annual election.) James Dickson, 1883 to 1884; Dr. T. D. Davis, 1884 to May 18th, 1887; Chas. H. Riggs, from the latter date until the present.
For a time, at least, prior to November 4, 1872, the school had been permitted to govern itself, scholars as well as teachers uniting in the election of superintendents and other officers; but, at the date named, the then superintendent suggested to the session the propriety of its exercising this control, as well as the election of teachers, upon the nomination of the superin- tendent, or of any member of session. The suggestion being approved of, from that time forward the teachers have been thus chosen and to serve for the period of one year, each being notified of such election by the clerk of session. The teachers, however, two years later petitioned session to permit them to exercise their choice of a superintendent, and it was then thought better to give assent to this. But on September 20, 1879, this permission was withdrawn; since which time the entire government is in the control of session. For almost a score of years, to three matters deemed essential, attention has been given systematically and with thoroughness. First, to a plan of enrollment by which the attendance of every scholar as well as teacher throughout any year can be seen at a glance ; as well, too, the whole period of connection with the school of any one individual. The result has been the unfolding of some marvelous experiences as to attendance, covering in some cases many years of uninterrupted punctuality. Second, to a method of systematic giving for benevolent work which, under almost any condition of circumstances, must result in the establishing of the habit of giving, and with gratifying
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results as to amounts in the aggregate. And third, the sys- tematic study of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, in a way not to be irksome, and to impart a knowledge of the doctrines of the Word that may result, with God's blessing, in the moulding of Christian graces and character.
THE HILAND BRANCH SABBATH SCHOOL
At a meeting of session, held December 5th, 1885, the question of opening up new fields of labor being under con- sideration, it was determined, if the way be found clear, after a personal survey of the locality suggested, to open a mission Sabbath School in the upper part of North Hiland avenue; and that to promote this object, it was concluded to enlist the Young People's Association, together with members of the congregation residing in that part of the city, in the matter ; and that to these, co-operating with the pastor, should be entrusted the furtherance of the enterprise.
The result was that our young people, and the congregation in general, were immediately interested, and only because of their inability to find on sight a suitable house in which to make a beginning was there any delay. A month later and a lease was obtained of the residence of Mr. Samuel B. Mc- Elroy, on Hiland avenue, and on January 17th, 1886, the school began. The Session appointed Mr. John H. McKelvy superintendent, and upon his nomination, teachers to serve until October following were elected.
A lot was soon purchased at the corner of St. Clair and McCully streets, and a neat and suitable building was erected thereon, the total cost being $5,927, all of which was con- tributed by the congregation as needed.
The dedicatory services were held on Sabbath, December 5th, 1886, and it was subsequently discovered that this was the anniversary of the day upon which, one year previous, the matter was first broached in Session.
Mr. McKelvy resigned the superintendency on April 4th, 1887, and Mr. Albert L. Schultz, who still holds the position, was chosen in his stead.
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THE WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY
was organized in the year 1872, and "renders substantial aid to the work of Home Missions, by annually sending boxes, well filled with clothing and many other necessaries, to the families of missionaries whose slender salaries need supple- menting."
We regret that we have been unsuccessful in efforts made to procure the names of those who were its first officers, or those now in official positions.
THE WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY
was also formed in the year 1872, to be an auxiliary to the "Woman's Department" of that work carried on in connection with the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. Its object is to secure greater interest on the part of its members in the spread of the Gospel in foreign fields, and also by systematic contributions to aid the same. Its first officers were: Mrs. Springer Harbaugh, President; Miss Rebecca Stotler, Treas- urer.
The present officers are: Mrs. Kumler, President; Mrs. Jacob B. Negley, First Vice President; Mrs. Harry P. Pears, Second Vice President; Mrs. B. McConnell, Third Vice President ; Mrs. James Dickson, Treasurer ; Miss Jane M. Rea, Secretary.
THE YOUNG LADIES' BRANCH OF THE FOREIGN MISIONARY SOCIETY
was organized January 6th, 1887. Its object is to secure among our younger women results such as are aimed at by the society last mentioned, which is composed principally of more elderly women. Its meetings are held monthly, at which papers con- cerning foreign mission work, prepared for the purpose, are read and discussed.
Its officers, from the time of its organization until the pres- ent, are: Mrs. Robert W. Patterson, President; Mrs. Laura Fulton, Vice President; Miss Margaret S. Lyon, Secretary; Miss Belle Wallace, Treasurer.
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THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION
was organized November 19th, 1884. Its object is princi- pally, to develop among the younger people of the congregation an interest in Christian work, and labors therein.
Its first officers were: James I. Buchanan, President ; C. H. West, Secretary. Young Ladies' Branch-Miss Margaret S. Lyon, President ; Miss Sara N. Johnston, Secretary.
Its present officers are : Albert L. Schultz, President; Rob- ert T. Fullwood, Secretary. Young Ladies' Branch-Miss Jane M. Rea, President; Miss Mary Sterrett, Secretary.
BENEVOLENT WORK
Since January 1st, 1873, the plan has been followed of mak- ing weekly offerings on each Sabbath morning, for carrying forward the whole benevolent work of the church, instead of periodical contributions being made, as had been done previ- ously. The result has been exceedingly satisfactory, so much so that we could only wish such a plan were more generally adopted in our churches. While not up to the full measure of our duty,-indeed far otherwise-the statistics of Presbytery show that our church takes fore rank in the benevolent work carried on.
USHERS
The first board of ushers was appointed by session December 7th, 1870, and consisted of the following persons: Geo. Singer, Jr., Jackson C. Porter, Geo. W. Hailman and R. H. Negley. There has been a long line of worthy successors, and those at present fulfilling the necessary and important duties of "Door Keepers of the House of our God" comprise a considerable number of our young men, who have also, in connection with the Deacons, the charge of taking up our weekly contributions.
SEXTON
For twenty-two years past Mr. John Grounds, who yet con- tinues in this capacity, has served the congregation with a fidel- ity that cannot be too highly commended.
INSUFFICIENCY OF THE THIRD HOUSE
The necessity for increased accommodations for the congre- gation was again felt, and almost continuously throughout the entire period of the ministry of Dr. Gillespie.
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COLONIZING
Temporary relief was at times found in the organizing of new churches and sending out colonies for this purpose; for it was here that four of such enterprises were warmed into being, viz: The Shady Side (in 1867), the Westminster (in 1869), the Park Avenue (in 1881) and the Point Breeze (in 1887) Presbyterian Churches.
Two of these, viz., Shady Side and Point Breeze, were the results of individual efforts on the part of members of the church desiring church accommodations in the vicinity of their homes. Each received but limited financial assistance from the mother church; the former, partly for the reason that at the period of its formation efforts were being made to wipe out a debt that severely burdened the congregation; and in part because the need of assistance was scarcely felt; while the latter was begun at a time when two projects required all the funds that could be obtained to carry them forward, viz., the erec- tion of the present church edifice and the establishing of the Hiland Branch School.
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