USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Fifty years in the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church > Part 4
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I860.
FROM the minutes of session, May 15, 1860, we find that a letter, presented by T. H. Davis, clerk,
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was read from J. B. Reeve, of New York, and the clerk was instructed to invite him to pay the church a visit, and spend as much of his vacation with us as he thought best. It was finally ar- ranged that he fill the pulpit until September, at $25.00 per month. The engagement of Mr. Reeve being settled, the session passed an expression of gratitude to Rev. E. B. Bruin for his faithful service as a Christian ministerto the church. They also sent information to the Board that they would keep the communion collection for a poor fund. This ac- tion was opposed by the Board, on the ground of their not being previously consulted, and that all financial affairs belonged to them, as the incorpor- ated body of officers. The session, however, quietly continued in their course without controversy. At this time, also, the idea that members of session should not be members of the Board was carried into effect; not by alteration of constitution, or law passed by the congregation, but by combina- tion of those out of session, and the refraining to contend by members of session. It is this spirit of peace-keeping that has saved the church for the half century past from disruption, and enabled us, under God, to stand, as we do, clear of debt, and conscious of integrity. There were added to the church this year eighteen souls, three of whom are still with us : Louisa Allmon, aged and infirm, with more dear ones in heaven than on earth;
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Mary F. Ames, an earnest worker for Christ, in prayer-meeting and Sabbath-school ; Lydia Myers, quiet but constant in her love for the church. The Board did not record an annual financial state- ment for 1860, and therefore the liabilities cannot be stated.
1861.
MR. JOHN B. REEVE having returned to his studies at the New York Theological Academy, the Rev. E. C. Lockwood was employed as sup- ply for the pulpit. On the 10th of January, 1861, a congregational meeting was held to elect a pas- tor, and Rev. John B. Reeve was unanimously elected. A notice of the election being sent to Mr. Reeve, he replied that after he had finished his studies he would probably accept. On March 6, 1861, Elder James Prosser died, aged 79 years. The session had the following minute placed on record : -
"WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from this life Elder James Prosser, we hereby record our submission to the Divine will; and though sorrowing at the loss, we would give heartfelt thanks for the long and useful life of our late brother, upon whom we were wont to look as a 'link' uniting us with the early days of Presby- terianism, he being one of the first colored elders in the United States,"
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The session in April, 1861, passed the following paper :
WHEREAS, In the mind of session, the making of extended remarks in reference to the busi- ness affairs of the church on the Sabbath after the sermon is injurious; and,
WHEREAS it was the requestof session that notices be made through the pastor or clerk of session, Therefore,
Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to comply to this arrangement in order that the Gospel be not hindered.
The session also granted the request of John P. Worthington, James C. Davis, Ralph Gil- more, William A. Potter, and Francis Nelson to hold prayer meeting on Friday evening and Sabbath morning. The session at this time asserted their right to appoint or dismiss the organist, and admit or dismiss from the choir, it being part of the spiritual worship of the church. It January, 1861, a member of the Board had used some funds in his hands to re- lieve personal need ; it was all made right, but the brother had said, "Anyone would do the same under like circumstances," and there were those that were determined such an idea should not go unreproved, so they worked on the matter until 2.30 A.M., at one of their meetings, and finally forced the brother to resign his position in the Board. Such a course had its salutary effect. In
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the afternoon of June 4, 1861, the Fourth Pres- bytery of Philadelphia met in the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church, and received Mr. John B. Reeve, a licentiate of the Third Presbytery of New York. Present: Rev. Drs. T. Brainerd, T Shepherd, Albert Barnes, J. McLeod, E. B. Bruin and A. Culver; Elders James Earle, C. Baxer, R. Jones, W. Brown, G. Potter, S. Shay, and T Davis. Presbytery examined Mr. Reeve for or dination, and met in the evening for ordinatior and installation. The moderator presided, anc the Rev. John McLeod preached the sermon; Rev Albert Barnes, charge to the pastor, and Rev. E. B Bruin, charge to the people. Rev. Barnes spoke o Mr. Reeve as qualified to be an honor not only to this church but to the Presbytery. In November o 1861 John P. Worthington died. Being a membe of the Board at the time, resolutions were put il their record, speaking of him as a devoted Chris tian in the Church and a faithful member of the Board. (See Appendix.) The Board made no an nual financial report for 1860. The report for 185. made the liabilities $5, 318.75, and now for 1861 the report $4,713.57, making a decrease of $605.1. in the two years, which is evidence that the Trus tees were successful in their management of th financial affairs of the church. In 1861 twelv were added to the church, of whom two are sti with us: Mrs. Mary Linn, and Mr. Charles C
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Derry, quiet, unobtrusive Christians, faithful in attendance and support of the church, veritable foundation stones deep in the ground, and, al- though unseen, on such the Church solidly rests.
1862.
THIS year opened with fair prospects. The pas- tor, Rev. J. B. Reeve, being a scholar and student, the pulpit ministration was as good as any in the city, and the congregation was de- lighted. In the early part of the Rev. Reeve's ministry, when desired to do more pastoral visit- ing, he replied plainly that it would be at the expense of less studied sermons, visiting to the extent implied could not otherwise be done ; but sickness and death, or other needed ministra- tions, would always be faithfully attended to. During this year nine were added to the church, one of whom is living, Mr. A: B. Sayers. The Board of Trustees with J. B. Mathews as secre- tary, and John McKee and James W. Brown as- sisting him in keeping the financial accounts, etc., did good work this year, with a committee of fifty ladies to help them meet their financial ob- ligations. Mr. Prosser, Sr., having died, his es- tate had to be settled. He held a bond for $800, which had to be paid, also property of his was
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involved for the payment of the $3,500 mortgage, and it had to be relieved, all of which was satis- factorily transacted by the Board, composed of George Roberts, president; William Laws, treas- urer ; J. B. Mathews, secretary; John McKee, William G. Harvey, James W. Brown, William King, Joseph Young and Daniel Davis.
1863.
AT the election for Trustees, October, 1862, John McKee was elected president; William Laws, treasurer, and J. B. Mathews, secretary. J. B. Mathews resigned and W. C. Dixon was chosen to fill his place. Under date of February 23, 1863, is recorded in Board minutes the re- lease of Mr. Prosser's property, and placing the $3,500 mortgage on the church alone. It may be noticed here that the church was, and had been, blessed with brethren and sisters that had a mind to work, and did work in the spheres that God gave them mind and ability to fill. John McKee, who was president at this time, being a son-in-law of James Prosser, Sr., and having a large financial mind and spirit, with industrious and precise keeping of accounts, made him of great service. Mr. Jesse E. Glasgow was an indefatigable worker, whose services were kept
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going, notwithstanding differences that occurred at times. William Laws, G. M. Burton, William G. Harvey and other brethren that God blest us with, were untiring in work, so that our march financially was continuously upward. Brethren were paid for collecting, and therefore moneys were brought in that otherwise would not. It was the custom about this time to refer to the congregation matters of importance, but the doings of such meetings were not regularly re- corded. But we find in Board minutes June 8, 1863, the congregation refused the renting of the basement for public school purposes; also, July 14, 1863, the report of a committee of which Thomas H. Davis was treasurer, whose duty was to raise money and pay the balance due Gran- ville Society. This year no annual report of the Board was made. Twelve persons were added to the communion, of whom Mrs. Physic and Mrs. Birchet are still with us; also the Rev. William R. Templeton, who is a pastor at Read- ing, Pa., and Mrs. Williams, daughter of the late William G. Harvey, now living at Newport, R. I.
1864.
Six souls were added to the communion this year; not many, and yet two are still spared to
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us, dear to the Church militant, and dear to many in the Church . triumphant : Mrs. Reeve, wife of the pastor, amiable and kind, ever ready to do good ; and Mrs. Mary A. Dyson, enslaved and suf- fering in her younger days, but.now rejoicing in freedom of body and soul ; such .rejoicing as the Saviour accounted for when He said, "If these hold their peace, the very stones would cry out." The session continued to call before them those that were remiss in their attendance at the Lord's Supper, some of whom had held high office. This strictness, no doubt, kept back many that would have joined us had we been less exacting. The Board, elected in 1863, made J. B. Mathews president, Robert Gurley treasurer, and W. C. Dixon secretary. They transacted the usual busi- ness that came before them, and in October, 1864, made an annual report, showing a payment on the debt of $820.52 since the report of 1861, and now leaving the liabilities $3,893.25. Brethren of the Third and Fourth Presbyteries, at this time, began measures to free from debt the churches in those presbyteries, on condition that they would do what they could to help pay, and not go in debt again. At a meeting of session, December, 1864, the pastor reported that the Revs. Messrs. Adair and Shep- herd were appointed to advise in the matter of raising the portion of our debt, $1,906, which we had assumed, and they had drawn up a circular,
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with which we were to call on benevolent persons, in the several churches, by which he hoped we would make up the amount needed.
I865.
AT the stated meeting of the Board, January, 1865, a congregational meeting was called, apper- taining to financial affairs of the church. January 7th, a called meeting was held, and the president stated that he had been informed that Mr. John Sparhawk had been appointed by Presbytery, and the contributors, to pay off all the debts, and he had appointed Messrs. John McKee and Rob- ert Jones to pay the debts of this church, and show him the receipts. The Board, considering that this ignored them, withdrew their call for the meeting, and arranged for a joint meeting of Ses- sion and Trustees, January 16th, to have an expla- nation ; this explanation was given to the satis- faction of the Board, who had said. they desired peace and harmony. The congregational meeting had been held on the 12th instant, and resolved to raise the minister's salary to $700 per annum, all of which the Board endorsed ; they also raised the pew rent 20 per cent., to meet the increased expense. The report of John McKee, treasurer, and Robert Jones, secretary, was made to the
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Board, and placed on their records, a copy of which is here appended. Sixteen were added to the church this year, of whom Mr. F. Mishaw and Mrs. Mary Foote are still with us, doing all they can for Christ and His cause. Elder William Brown died March 26, 1865 (see Appendix).
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER OF THE "SPECIAL FUND," FOR THE PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING DEBTS OF THE LOMBARD STREET CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, JANUARY 26, 1865 :
At a meeting of the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Congregation, held June 23, 1864, John McKee, Rev. J. B. Reeve, J. E. Glasgow, J. W. Brown and Robert Jones were appointed a committee, with full power to devise ways and means to raise $1,906, there being offered by a committee of gentlemen through the influence of the Pastoral Association of the Third and Fourth Presbyteries of Philadelphia, on condition that the Church raise the said $1,906, which, with the $1,900 offered, will pay the entire outstanding debts of the church, amounting to $3,806.
The following resolution was passed unani- mously :
Resolved, That with the help of God we will make every sacrifice in our power to give, at an early period, the entire sum needed to pay the debt of our beloved Church.
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John McKee being appointed treasurer, and Robert Jones secretary, thirty-six books wereissued on which $1747.13 was collected, and $65 donated by the Sabbath-school, making a total of $1812.13.
Meetings were held weekly, on Thursday even- ings, for receiving moneys on books and subscrip- tions until December 15, 1864, up to which time the treasurer, John McKee, had received $280.15, besides that brought in on subscription books.
The sum needed now being raised, a committee was appointed to get up a Thanksgiving Festival, to take place December 29th.
COMMITTEE : George Roberts, Chairman, J. W. Brown, James Prosser, Jr., Mrs. Mary Davis, Miss Lydia Thompson, George W. Evans, Mrs. Sarah Prosser, John McKee, Miss Mary J. Green, Mrs. Rachel McCoy.
The following committee was also appointed to procure testimonial, to be presented to the treas- urer and those that brought in the three highest amounts.
COMMITTEE : Thomas H. Davis, Robert Jones, James W. Brown, Mrs. Phoebe Miller, Mrs. Jane Trout.
Invitations were sent to ministers of the Third and Fourth Presbyteries, Mr. John A. Brown and others who had contributed so liberally to relieve this and other needy churches ; and also to the
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friends of this church generally. On this occasion the Rev. Albert Barnes, Rev. Dr. Brainerd, Rev. Mr. Mallery, William S. Pierce, Esq., and others spoke, making it one of the most interesting meet- ings of the kind ever held in the church. Refresh- ments of ice cream and cake were served, and testimonials of service were presented by Elder Robert Jones to Mr. John McKee as treasurer, Mr. James Prosser, Mr. Jesse E. Glasgow and Mrs. Phobe Miller, for the three highest amounts brought in on the books.
On January 4, 1865, the treasurer, John McKee, and the secretary, Robert Jones, tendered $1,906 to Mr. Sparhawk, treasurer for the com- mittee appointed at a meeting held in the First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, April 19, 1864, which committee was Messrs. Perkins, Purvis and John Sparhawk.
Mr. Sparhawk placed in the hands of Messrs. McKee and Jones $306 to pay the following bills : $154 to Jacob C. White, $68 to George Roberts, $50 to Jane Potts, $28.25 to Wright & Hunter, leaving in Mr. Sparhawk's hands $1,600 in trust, which, with the $1,900 appropriated by the committee of which he is treasurer, makes a total of $3,500. This sum is deposited with the United States Assistant Treasurer, at Philadel- phia, January 9, 1865, at 6 per cent. per annum interest, payable in July and January, which in-
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terest Mr. Sparhawk will pay to George C. Cal- houn for this church on the bond for $3,500 held by said Calhoun, until the bond is due, which will be February 5, 1868; Mr. John Sparhawk being authorized by the secretary and treasurer, Robert Jones and John McKee, to pay the interest as it becomes due on August 5th and February 5th, and the principal at maturity.
The said bond and mortgage was executed in 1847 by the late James Prosser, Sr., to said George C. Calhoun against Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Congregation, said Prosser acting as trustee for the congregation. The ground and building has cost $15,000 and is now free from all incumbrances.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
Philadelphia, January 26, 1865.
To LOMBARD STREET CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION :
John McKee, treasurer, and Robert Jones, secretary, of " special fund " for the payment of outstanding debts of said church, respectfully make this final report :
RECEIVED.
Paid in on subscription books .
$1747 13
Paid in to treasurer and secretary
280 15
Paid in from Sabbath-school
65 00
Received at festival .
32 85
Received for intereston $1,300
10 90
$2136 03
PAID OUT.
To Mr. John Sparhawk in trust . $1600 00
To Jacob C. White for cemetery lots
154 00
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To George Roberts for loan and interest $ 68 00
To Jane Potts for loan and interest . 50 00
To Wright & Hunter, gas fitting . 28 25 To festival and testimonials .
108 50
To printing and collecting books
18 18
$2026 93
The balance was paid over to the Board of Trustees, $109.10.
ROBERT JONES, Secretary.
JOHN MCKEE, Treasurer.
1866.
IN October, 1865, William R. Templeton (on recommendation of session) was received as a candidate for the ministry by Presbytery in Feb- ruary, 1866. The weekly lecture was changed from Thursday to Wednesday evening, and the prayer meeting from Tuesday to Friday evening. We find the session devising ways for the spiritual welfare of the church. At the communion in March, nine were added to the church, among them two daughters of Elder Shay; and in June, eight, two of whom were daughters of Elder Jones. In September five were added, and in December five, evidencing that when we work for Christ and "wrestle" between the porch and altar, the spirit will come with blessings on his wings.
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1867.
GOD had blessed us ; we were free from debt, and souls were flocking into the ark. Bro. Purnell and his wife (of precious memory), a son of Elder Potter, another daughter of Elder Jones, William F. Brooks, who is doing good service as a minis- ter for Christ, twenty-three in all, were added; most of them young and intelligent. In February, 1867, on account of a disagreement, Elder George W. Evans sent the following note to the session :
"In expectation of leaving the communion of the Presbyterian Church, and uniting with the Baptist, I hereby resign my office as ruling elder in the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church. GEORGE W. EVANS."
Mrs. Evans and a daughter came to ses- sion requesting letters of dismission to the Baptist Church, which was declined on the follow- ing grounds: Ist. Session can only give dismis- sion to some church ; cannot give letters to hold. 2d. That we have reason for believing the Bap- tist Church only receives letters and gives them to churches of their own peculiar faith and order ; and inasmuch as said churches do not acknowledge the validity of our mode of baptism, do not con- sider it scriptural, and do not allow our members to sit at the "Lord's table" with them ; thus ignor- ing us in both of the Sacraments of the Church,
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we cannot, therefore, give letters of dismission to that Church. After evidence of their immersion their names were stricken from the roll. In May, 1867, a special meeting of the Board was called, notifying them through session that Rev. J. B. Reeve had received a call to the pastorship of the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church, Washing- ton, D.C. On reading the notification from session the Board passed the following resolutions, moved by J. B. Matthews:
WHEREAS, We are impressed with the convic- tion that it would be detrimental to the interest of our Church, spiritual and temporal, for Rev. Mr. Reeve to dissolve his connection with us at the present time; therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly, yet respectfully, protest against our pastor entertaining the thought of having his present relations with us dissolved.
Resolved, That we hereby pledge to him our earnest efforts for his support and comfort while he shall continue our pastor, and our cordial co- operation for the enlargement and prosperity of this church and congregation.
This was concurred in by session, and the result was Mr. Reeve declined the call.
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I868.
IN May, 1866, the Board called a congregational meeting to consider the matter of renovating the church. The meeting was held and a committee to get estimates for the work and devise ways and means to pay for it was appointed. The Board declined to act with them, claiming that the char- ter gave them the right to receive all moneys, provide and keep in repair a house of worship, and pay all debts of the corporation. (See Section fifth of Charter). But this committee proceeded to get funds, and in January, 1868, the Board ap- pointed Messrs. Laws, Potter and McKee to act with them in depositing the "special fund " they had collected. This was done, but in July, 1868, the Board still refused to act, and ordered that contractors be notified that they were not responsi- ble. August 5th, the following was read in the Board :
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 1, 1868.
TO THE CHAIRMAN OF DEPOSITING COMMITTEE :
Dear Sir :- At a congregational meeting of Cen- tral Presbyterian Church, held Wednesday even- ing, July 29, 1868, it was resolved that the Deposit- ing Committee pay the funds in their hands over to the Committee on Repairs, viz. : Robert Jones, William A. Potter, Jesse E. Glasgow, Stephen Purnell and George L. Talbot.
Very respectfully yours,
ROBERT GURLEY, President. GEO. L. TALBOT, Secretary.
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On the reading of this note the Board ordered the payment of "special fund " $919.96, paid to above-named Committee on Repairs.
The renovating was done under the supervision of the committee appointed by the congregation, but a definite report is not on the Board books ; the total sum was $1, 124.96. As far as could be ascertained the entire building was painted, the walls and ceiling beautifully tinted in different colors and laid off in panels, the pews upholstered with crimson damask. Nothing had been done since the church was built, twenty years before. It looked better than ever. April 15th a congre- gational meeting was called to devise means to pay the pastor's salary. It was moved that it be $900 per annum, which was afterward reconsid ered on motion of E. D. Bassett that it be $1,000, which was passed. The Board at their next meet- ing raised the pew rent to $18 for centre and $16 for side pews, $5 for single sitting. Also May 4, 1868, all the deed, clearance papers, etc., were received from Messrs. Sparhawk and Perkins. On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Sparhawk and the committee for their services in getting the church out of debt. Also the Presi- dent of Board was ordered to get a tin box and put the papers in for safe keeping. A meeting of the congregation was called for May 13th, to report the payment of all debts and the receipt of
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the papers. Nineteen were added to the church this year, sixteen of whom are still living, among them Mr. William Still, who was afterward elected an elder. Among the dead is Brother James Gardiner, a godly man, whose prayers and exhortations are still remembered.
1869.
OCTOBER, 1868, the Board elected was Robert Jones, president, Stephen Purnell, treasurer, J. B. Matthews, secretary, Wm. A. Potter, house-warden. Their meetings were held at 3 P.M., the first Mon- day of the month. They were precise in their trans- actions, and in keeping minutes and accounts. We find in their minutes a definite statement of the dif- ferent papers of the church in the "tin box," a satis- factory as well as serviceable record. The church had been renovated at a great expense and they resolved not to hire it for concerts, etc., on account of the injury being greater than the pay they got. Extra harangues and begging from the pulpit, being objectionable, were not practised, and the church finds itself settling down into a dignified condition of worship. During the year 1869 there were thirty souls added to the communion, many of whom are now gone to their reward, among them, of precious memory, are Mary Somerville,
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Prince Black, John Garnett, Rebecca Webster, Francis Wood and Mary Dunn, who though dead, yet speaketh. Of those still living is Elder John S. Dunn. Elder George Potter died October 20, 1869.
1870.
OPENED with fair prospects in the spiritual affairs of the church. Eight were added to the first com- munion in March, among them Edward A. Wylie (who is noticed in the memorials to elders). Twenty-eight in all were added this year. The Rev. J. B. Reeve had the degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred on him by the Lincoln Uni- versity, Oxford, Pa. The session made the Sabbath services to be : preaching morning and evening ; in the afternoon, Sabbath-school and exposition of Scripture. In former years it was prayer meeting, 6 A.M .; Sabbath-school, 9 A.M .; prayer service, 10.30 A.M. ; school, 2 P.M. ; preaching, 3.30 P.M .; prayer meeting after preaching, and preach- ing at 7.30 P.M. Never tired of worship, the motto seemed to be, " Dead be my heart to every joy, when Jesus cannot move." The Board of Trustees moved on with their duties quite regular ; it is a matter of interest to note the difference of men in the transactions of business. Joshua B. Matthews was secretary for 1869 and 1870, and a
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