USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Fifty years in the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church > Part 2
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This board worked hard, and with the congre- gation gave liberally toward buying the lot to build on. Mr. Gloucester went from house to house, taking even a penny if he could not get more, so that by August, 1845, they had $1000, which, with money raised by Jas. Prosser-he being
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security for its repayment-the lot on Lombard Street below Ninth was bought, and possession taken. A notable act of session passed August 6, 1844. It was to use "tokens " (a little leaden coin made for the purpose) to enable them to tell who absented themselves from the Lord's Supper ; also that the Sabbath before Communion should be a day of fasting and prayer; and that it be a standing rule with the session and pastor, to visit the communicant members previous to the administration of the Lord's Supper. It is to be regretted that these rules have fallen into disuse; they strengthened the bond of Christian unity and made each member feel they were cared for one by the other. Of those that united to the first communion John Winrow, John McKee, Henry Clarke, Susan Boon and Sarah Carter proved themselves pillars in Zion, working with the trus- tees, the Sabbath-school and the female prayer meeting. All are gone to their rest, except John McKee, and it is to the hallowed influence of those days that much of the peace and unity of after- years is due. It was notably a fact, that uncon- verted persons, attending worship at this church, soon became converted, or ceased to attend ;- two cannot walk together except they agree; the Christian must bring over the worldling, or he will bring back the professing Christian to the world.
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1845.
OUR second place of worship, 1845, was called the " shanty," being two frame houses that stood on the lot we bought to build the church on. Not having money to build immediately, we broke all the ground floors into one, and propped up the second floors; we also built a shed back to extend the part used for worship. It was a homely affair ; most of the work was done by the members of the church and was not very good, the roof of the "annex " letting in the rain and cold; but we consoled ourselves by saying we were "sitting beneath the drippings of the sanc- tuary." And so we were; we were blessed with the experience that "Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred there- with."
Elder William Brown used the second floor as a residence. October 17, 1845, the Board met at the temporary church, opened with prayer. The president stated that the alterations had been commenced to the old frames, and that several of the brethren had given considerable time in help- ing ; it was therefore resolved that a collection be taken on Sabbath to pay them something, as they needed it.
A fair was held in the "shanty," December, 1845, that paid $211.5812 into the treasury. The first church wedding also took place while we
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worshipped in the "shanty." Brother Guy M. Burton and Sister Eliza Edwards were married there. The novelty of the matter and the place drew a crowd that more than filled the house, and was the topic of conversation for a long time.
The Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester was elected pastor November 20, 1845, at a salary of $250 per annum, expecting it to be supplemented by the Home Missionary Society, which it was, by $200. The lot we bought was on Lombard Street below Ninth, 54 feet front, 78 feet deep ; cost $4,500. We paid $1,000 and borrowed $3,500. During the year sixteen were added to the com- munion; among them Thomas Loyd, strong in prayer ; Grayson Nelson, strong in praise ; Ann Purnell and Amy Roberts, patiently ministering as mothers in Israel in the name of Christ.
1846.
WHEN the trustees saw the way clear to make a contract for the church building, we went to worship in the old Masonic Hall, Eleventh Street below Pine, a quaint old structure that stood back from the street, the upper floor was used by the Order to whom it belonged ; this was July, 1846. The Board reported that Wm. Johnson, architect, had been employed to draw the plans and super-
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intend the erection of the building for $75, and the contract to put it up was made with Lippin- cott & Forsyth, for $5,640. It was to be 38 feet wide by 60 feet deep, with a coal cellar under the vestibule, and burial vault under the rear, and a heavy timber foundation in the loft, for a steeple when we choose to put one up. The shanty was torn down and ground broken for the foundation . stones; the burial vault being a separate matter, members of the church took great interest in it, helping to dig, etc., and desiring that their bodies be put there when they died. The corner-stone was laid in August, and $99.6212 collected. In September an order for $500 was drawn to make the first payment on the new building, and in October and November respectively, orders were drawn for $500 to pay the builders. The difficulty of raising money in large sums and fast enough becoming quite great, it was suggested by Mr. Chas. Roe Smith, an Englishman, that Mr. Gloucester go to England and get help ; which he did to the great financial benefit of the church. The Board at this time began to experience trouble about keeping their financial accounts correct and intelligible, but by meeting very often, and perse- vering, they came out satisfactorily straight. The additions were small this year, only five being received; of this number was Daniel Davis, a use- ful member of the Board, and Jesse E. Glasgow,
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an active, hard worker in Sabbath-school and Board of Trustees.
1847.
THIS year opened with matters of great interest to the church. Our new building was up and roofed in; and in a few days we would enter the lecture room to worship until the upper part was finished. It had been thought that we would not finish the upper part at present; but Mr. Gloucester, being hopeful and energetic, when it was suggested for him to go to England, determined he would go. The lecture room was opened with appropriate services January 3, 1847, and we were, thanks to God, in our own place of worship, " beneath our own vine and fig tree." The collection the day we opened was $192.521/2. Mr. Gloucester's sal- ary was raised to $300, and the necessary ar- rangements made for his trip to Great Britain. Letters of introduction were given him by Mr. C. R. Smith and others, to friends in England, and he started in February, 1847. It was an unfa- vorable time, there being something of a famine in the country; but Mr. Gloucester took no denial, and pleaded so earnestly that his cause was taken hold of and prospered beyond expectation. Mr. Gloucester collected for the church between three
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and four thousand dollars, besides his expenses and percentage. He also received many pres- ents, among which was a Bible for the pulpit that is still in use; and a black silk gown to use when preaching, it being customary with all denomina- tions in England to wear gowns. The friends that presented the gown had him promise to wear it, and Mr. Gloucester did so, not stopping to ask what might be thought of it, for he was very bold and determined in his opinions. The gown and new church had much to do in drawing the crowds that came after we got in the building. Of the letters Mr. Gloucester must have written while in England the following are the only ones known to have been kept :
LETTERS FROM MR. GLOUCESTER.
London, March 30, 1847.
BROTHER BROWN AND BROTHER JONES :- I take my pen to drop you a line. You may imagine how I feel when you think I have not heard a word from you or my dear family since I left; the reason I cannot tell. I am well. Arrived here on the 27th, somewhat jaded; did not go to work until to-day. What I shall do here I can form no opinion yet. London is large enough to get all I want, but I doubt whether it will come up to my expectations. It would be useless for me to attempt to give you a description of it: I would
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say that all the people of Philadelphia and New York set down here in the city would only make a third. I am gathering all things of inter- est to tell if I am spared to return. Now, breth- ren, what is the spiritual state of the church -- what is the state of her temporal affairs ? I send this time, one hundred pounds or more, the ac- count you see in Brother Laws' letter, and the manner how I get it. My object will be to try to effect collections here if I can. I have said to Brother Laws, I will send again by next mail, which will be about the 20th of April, and then write a letter to the congregation in general. How long I will have to be an "exile" from home, the account and amount of money I collect will de- cide. I want to look homeward about the Ist of August, if I can get what we need. This month will tell how it will be. But, dear brethren, as I havecome so far and suffered so much in feelings, and shed so many tears, and can see that God does bless my weak and unworthy services among the people of this land, I shall not think of returning until all the money is raised that is needed to pay for the church and ground, as probably it is the last great work I shall do, and if done from a right motive, God will bless it to the next generation. You must all do what you can to help. It is hard work here making new friends wherever I go, and never meeting one of
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my color. It seems to me I would give almost anything to see one of my sisters or brothers in Christ. But God is good to me, I find kind sis- ters and brothers, though of another color. I went to church last Sabbath with a Mrs. Edwards, and through her I got an introduction to her minister, who will be of service to me. She is a fine lady of good address, and stands high in the com- munity, was not ashamed of me, took my arm, and nothing was thought of it-none of that cruel prejudice here. I dine with several merchants to-day. A gentleman from Manchester called on me this evening. , I am to dine at their boarding house, and they are to take me to visit some of their friends. I mention these things to let you know that a colored man, if respectful, is treated as a man. I would not take a thousand dollars for the testimonials I shall bring home if spared. I woud like to see you all. Pray for me, and go on and finish the church as soon as you can. I am to preach in one of the largest churches here three times next week, and assist in the Lord's Supper. Your brother in Christ,
S. H. GLOUCESTER.
Edinburgh, Scotland, June 1, 1847.
DEAR BRETHREN :- This leaves me in this place. Well, I came here suddenly to meet the General
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Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, with a view of engaging the ministers in my case. I attended the May meetings in London, and succeeded by aid of Rev. John Angel James. I have better prospects now than since I left. I am glad to know you are getting on well. I hope the Lord will keep you in peace and love. You must pray for me. Be contented and patient; the work is hard, but I still trust in God; may you all do the same. I am going to Glasgow this even- ing to meet the Presbytery, and get them to move in my case. Give my love to all the congrega- tion. They must think it neglect my not writing to them. I never have rest or an idle moment. You have got to preach without written ser- mons, so I have to study more than ever. I hope it will do me good.
Your Brother in Christ, S. H. GLOUCESTER.
Glasgow, Scotland, June 2, 1847.
BROTHERS BROWN AND JONES.
DEAR BRETHREN :- This is merely to say to you both, keep good hearts, and attend faithfully to your duties, and pray for me. My love to the people. Tell them never to cease praying for me and I will do all I can, and the best I can. Don't fail to have the sacrament on the second Sab-
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bath in July. I will write an address if not pres- ent, if spared. Yours in Christ,
S. H. GLOUCESTER.
1848.
MR. GLOUCESTER returned from England in January, 1848. The new church was nearly fin- ished, and preparations were being made for dedi- cation. This description was in the papers of that date :
"NEW CHURCH .- The Central Presbyterian Church, located in Lombard Street below Ninth, erected by the congregation of which the Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester occupies the pastoral charge, has just been completed. The exterior is rough-cast, in imitation of the stone of which the North American Bank is constructed, and is of the Italian style of architecture. The building is 38 feet wide by 60 feet deep, but a view of the interior gives it the appearance of much greater dimensions, a circumstance attributable to the narrowness of the galleries, which are so con- structed as to enhance the beauty of the church, and also to add a very desirable means of ventila- tion. It is doubtful if any other church in the city or county, whether large or small, will in every respect compare with the internal beauties of this
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church. The pulpit recess is constructed of a noble arch, flanked with Roman and Ionic pillasters, and corresponding entablature. The pulpit proper is in imitation of ivory and gold, and is a combi- nation of the Italian and Norman styles, elegantly blended, according to the taste of the architect, Mr. Wm. Johnson. The ceiling is of octagonal form, exhibiting an extensive gilt ray, the border or margin enriched with honeysuckles and ro- settes. Everything about this edifice is rich and appropriate. It is furnished with neat and orna- mental gas burners, with seats and communion table of elegant styles, also a clock and organ. The lecture room is very handsomely finished. There is a neat pulpit, similar in style to the one in the main building. In the rear are two rooms, one a trustee room, the other a neatly fitted up study for the pastor, containing a useful library, many volumes of which were presented by friends in England."
In February, 1848, the building was dedicated to the service of Almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, by solemnities appropriate to the occasion. In the morning the Scriptures were read by the pastor, the introductory prayer by the Rev. James N. Gloucester, of New York, and the Rev. M. La Rue P. Thompson, of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, officiated and preached an able and instructive sermon. Theme, "Saints
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safe." Romans 8th chapter, 31st verse. In the afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Brainerd, of Old Pine Street Church, delivered an interesting discourse on the distinctive features of "Presbyterianism," Acts 26th chapter, Ist verse, in which the scrip- tural views of worship and order as held by our Church were drawn with a discriminating hand. The Rev. Messrs. Grant, Ramsey, Parker and Converse, who were present, took part in the ser- vices. In the evening a sermon, by the Rev. Albert Barnes, of Washington Square Church, was preached on the "Proprieties of the Sanctu- ary," I Corinthians 14th chapter, 40th verse. The other parts of the service were conducted by the Rev. Jas. N. Gloucester, Rev. Messrs. Boardman and Hammer. The house was crowded to over- flowing and many who came to hear were unable to enter. The Christian Observer said: "Great praise is due to the pastor, Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester, and the church for the enterprise, toil and perseverance evinced in their efforts to erect this edifice. Their labors have been crowned with signal success. By the liberal beneficence of many Christian friends in England, they have now one of the neatest and most elegantly finished church edifices in the city, which cost about $12,000 or $ 13,000, with accommodations for a congregation of seven or eight hundred persons, and very nearly all paid for. The Lord make this place of wor-
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ship as the gate of heaven to very many of the colored people of our city."
The following documents are from Rev. John Angell James, Alex. Forrester, extract from Liver- pool Mercury, and proceedings of a reception to Mr. Gloucester :
A large meeting of the members of the Lom- bard Street Central Presbyterian Church and con- gregation, and of the personal friends of the Rev. Stephen Henry Gloucester, pastor of the said church, was held in the lecture room of the church on Wednesday evening, March 8, A.D.1848, to welcome him on his return from England, and to express to the Christian public of Great Britain and elsewhere, the heartfelt gratitude which the members of this church and congregation enter- tain for the noble assistance rendered them in the erection of their house of worship.
The meeting was organized by appointing Mr. John P. Burr president, Mr. Charles Roe Smith and Mr. William S. Pierce vice-presidents, Mr. Robert Jones and Mr. Nathaniel L. Durham secretaries.
Prayer was made by Mr. Charles Roe Smith ; after which Mr. Robert Jones stated the object of the meeting, and welcomed Mr. Gloucester in the following words :
Beloved Pastor and Friend :- We have met this evening to give you a formal welcome of return to this the country of your birth, and the city of your
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adoption ; and thus to show our friendship for one who has been known to many present, from his boyhood, as an untiring and zealous laborer in whatever he undertakes ; and to all of us, as one who has the interest of his people at heart. We have also come to hear whatever recital of your visit to Great Britain you may deem proper to impart, and from this meeting to send forth our thanks to our friends in that country for their kindness to you and us; and, above all, to give thanks to God, who has crowned your mission with success, and has returned you safe to your home, your family and your friends.
Mr. Gloucester then received the congratula- tions of his friends. After which, Mr. Charles Roe Smith gave a brief account of the circum- stances of depression under which Mr. Glouces- ter went to England, and contrasted them with the hilarity of the present occasion. Mr. Smith said :
" I witnessed the presentation of a gold-headed ebony staff to Mr. Gloucester by the members of other churches, as a token of their respect for him. (The ebony was brought from Africa by Nathaniel L. Durham.) I also saw the tears trickling from the eyes of many of his own people, as he was about to leave them ; but I have not seen one tear on this occasion. Mr. Gloucester's departure on his mission reminded me of a Chris-
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tian's commencing his pilgrimage to the celestial city. He went away with heavy and saddening feelings, which were not alleviated by the treat- ment he received on the passage to Liverpool. His feelings of discouragement were like the Slough of Despond into which Christian fell. There was a Mount of Difficulty before him at Birmingham. Fog encircled him in London. Rocks, shoals and quicksands were around him in Scotland. But the mountain slid away, the fog was scattered to the wind, and the rocks, shoals and quicksands, by skilful pilotage, were safely passed, and he came into a haven of rest, and to-night we celebrate these trials past, and send back to England a hearty response to the noble assistance which she rendered our friend in his mission on behalf of this church."
Mr. Smith, after reading a few interesting ex- tracts of letters from his friends in England, gave place to Mr. Gloucester.
Mr. Gloucester gave a brief history of his voy- age and reception in England, which was listened to with intense interest. He told of his landing at Liverpool, the state of the country, and the depression consequent on the Irish famine ; the difficulties that beset him at the outset of his mis- sion ; of his interviews with Mr. Phipson, of Alpha Cottage, Birmingham, and Rev. J. Angell James ; of his feelings on being called to preach in Mr.
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James' church to a congregation of three thou- sand people ; of the encouragement which he felt on receiving the first gift of Rev. J. Angell James, of Birmingham, from some ladies of Birmingham ; of the courtesy and hospitality that were extended to him on all sides ; of the public demonstrations of favor that his mission received ; of the farewell meeting that was given him at Liverpool ; and the courtesy and kindness that were manifested to him as a cabin passenger on board the Acadia by the officers and passengers of that vessel, on her late voyage from Liverpool. He also spoke particu- larly of the letter given him by Mr. Scobell, Secre- tary of the Anti-Slavery Society, which led to the introduction to the Free Church of Scotland, as a sufficient answer to the attempt made in this country to condemn him as an Anti-Slavery man, for preaching in the free churches of Scotland.
Mr. Gloucester's statements were received with the liveliest satisfaction, and he promised to give his congregation a weekly narrative of his journey and mission until its completion.
After Mr. Gloucester had finished his address, on motion of Mr. Lewis Forson, a committee of three was appointed to draft resolutions express- ive of the sense of this meeting. The meeting appointed Messrs. Lewis Forson, N. L. Durham and Joshua Campbell that committee, who, having retired, returned with the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
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Resolved, That this meeting, composed of the members and congregations of the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church and others friendly to the cause of religion, express their warmest gratitude to the friends of benevolence and Christianity in the British. Islands, who so nobly assisted the Rev. Stephen Henry Gloucester by their contributions, counsels and efforts whilst on his mission to England on behalf of this church. The fruit of their gifts and efforts we witness in the beautiful church edifice which we have just completed, in the establishment of a Christian church on a firm and lasting foundation, and we trust that generations yet unborn will be made rich through the truth to be proclaimed from this temple of the living God.
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are pre-eminentiy due, and are hereby cordially ten- dered, to the Christian public of England, Scotland and Ireland for the warm hospitality extended to the Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester whilst on his mission to their respective countries.
Resolved, That this meeting approves of the manly and independent course pursued by the Cunard line of steamers in permitting the Rev. S. H. Gloucester to take and have a cabin passage in their steamship, the Acadia, from Liverpool to Boston; and that we duly appreciate the kind and courteous treatment received by him from the officers and passengers of the Acadia on her voy- age from Liverpool in January last.
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are hereby tendered to Charles Roe Smith, Esq., for the door of entrance which he opened to the Rev.
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Stephen H. Gloucester by letters of introduction to his friends in England, and for the warm inter- est and zealous co-operation which he has ever manifested in the affairs of this church.
Resolved, That this meeting unqualifiedly ap- proves of the course pursued-by the Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester in England on the subject of slavery, and recommend to him, whilst he maintains the same firm and decided opposition to slavery, to govern his action to a sound and proper discre- tion in relation to it.
And on motion of Mr. Daniel Peterson it was unanimously
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are hereby extended to the citizens of Philadelphia for so generously aiding us in the purchase of the ground on which to erect our church edifice.
The Rev. Thomas Brainerd then addressed the meeting in terms of gratification as to the char- acter of the meeting and the success which had attended the mission of Mr. Gloucester.
Mr. William S. Pierce next spoke, and con- gratulated the meeting on the introduction of meetings of the character of this meeting into this country. He said : "I am gratified with the pleas- ing scene which I see around me. The influence of this meeting will not end with this night. You will dream of it when you go to bed. You will talk of it at your breakfast tables to-morrow morning. You will tell your friends and acquaint-
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ances of it and they will repeat it to theirs. And if you should not have a similar meeting for years this will be looked back on as a pleasant recollec- tion. It will be as an oasis in the desert-a green spot in the memory of life. This will be its influ- ence if you simply consider it as a meeting of a social character among yourselves. It will make you to know each other better, and will draw you into closer and firmer bonds of respect and affec- tion for one another as a people. But this meet- ing will also have its effect in England. It is the response of a grateful people to the noble benefac- tions of a distinct nation. And the Christian peo- ple of Great Britain will be glad to hear of the manner in which you receive their bounty and of the great benefits which their abundant liberality has conferred upon you.
The meeting was further addressed by Messrs. John Bowers, Daniel A. Peterson and James Prosser. Mr. Bowers spoke in terms of strong approval of the course pursued by Mr. Gloucester on the subject of slavery, and alluded to the efforts which were made in Mr. Gloucester's absence to produce an impression unfavorable to his anti- slavery character because he had preached in the free churches of Scotland.
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