USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Fifty years in the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
Such is a sketch of the sermon, to show that Mr. Gloucester was a good practical preacher. Stephen Gloucester was human ; and active, energetic men are more prone to err in the sight of their fellow men than the quiet and non-progressive. It was
145
so with his father; he desired that his sons should be his successors, the people rebelled ; Stephen desired to be the successor of his brothers, the people rebelled ; but Stephen was not easily de- feated, and, therefore, renewed his object until he accomplished it. In the father it was based on what he thought the best interest of the church, and God took him early from the trouble that was gathering. Stephen based his later course on protection to the interest of his family and his right to "live by the altar." God took him early and saved him from himself and the evils that are inseparable from our humanity, and will not leave us only in answer to prayer and fasting, the necessity for which so few consider. The Presby- terian Church, among colored people, lost a "strong man in Israel" when Stephen Gloucester died. He was outspoken when necessity re- quired it. A Mr. Pierce (who died recently in New Jersey, leaving a large sum of money to Lincoln University) was being examined by Pres- bytery on his studies, and did not pass well. It was remarked that as he was going to Africa it would do. Mr. Gloucester replied that they needed as talented men for Africa as here, and so gave reproof openly against the idea that anything would do for colored people.
REV. BENJAMIN F. TEMPLETON, the third pastor
IO
146
of the church, was born in Cincinnati, O., 1818, and was educated at Athens, O. When he came to Philadelphia he preached for the Second Presbyterian Church. In 1856 he accepted a call to the pastorship of this church, and with him came twenty-five members from the Second Church, among whom was Sheppard Shay, who became an elder, and Robert Gurley, who became a president of the Board, and others who were good, efficient workers in the church. Mr. Tem- pleton was a very exemplary, pious man, and esteemed highly. His voice was not strong, but his language and fervency of spirit made his preaching acceptable to those that heard him. His ministration to the church was short. Being of delicate constitution, after a short illness, he died February 6, 1858, and was buried in the vault in front of the church. He left one child, a son, William R. Templeton, who studied theology under the care of this church, in the Allegheny Seminary, and is now the esteemed pastor of the Washington Street Presbyterian Church, Reading. Pa. The mantle of his father having fallen on him he wears it with the blessing of God, in all humil- ity, a faithful worker in the cause of Christ.
ELDER JAMES PROSSER was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, 1782, came to Philadelphia in early life, and worked for a Jew family, as coachman.
L
147
While in this employment, he connected himself with the communion of the First African Presbyte- rian Church, under the pastorship of the Rev. John Gloucester, and, with Messrs. Webb, Clarkson, Craig and McNiel, was ordained elder in 1810, they being the first colored elders in the United States. Mr. Prosser then quit the employment of coachman, on account of being compelled to drive on the Sabbath, and engaged in the restaurant busi- ness, in which he continued to a short time before his death. Father Prosser was a man endowed with extraordinary firmness of character and untir- ing industry, both in secular and religious duties, never letting the one interfere with the other (from the standpoint he took of each), and he was, therefore, successful in both. In business matters, he prided himself in having everything of the best the market afforded, and exacted from his help the most scrupulous neatness in person, and po- lite attention to customers, so that his name and . establishment became known and appreciated, far and near. As in business, so he was in the church-attentive to every duty, and persistent in urging, both from the platform and in their homes, the membership to do theirs. It was customary in those days to visit the absentees at least every quarter, after the communion, and on such visits, even if they were at the washtub or other work, Father Prosser would have them stop for a few
148
minutes, and have a word of prayer. The visit would be short ; no time wasted in useless talk, and we can conceive with what renewed strength the toils and care of life could again be entered into, after being led at the throne of grace by one whose very life and success was an exemplifica- tion of what confidence in God and energy in every duty can do. Another feature in his life, as an elder; was out-door meetings on Sabbath after- noons, in Bedford and St. Mary Streets ; his bold- ness and confidence in God; his strong, manly voice, urging his hearer to flee the wrath to come; the scene, the man-all was impressive It was at one of these meetings Mr. Prosser met a white man, named William Jermon, whose father was a Methodist preacher. This young man had the gift of speech, and was holding meetings wherever he could get opportunity among the colored people (but without a license to preach from his church). Father Prosser and a few in the church differed about a matter connected with his business (the sale of wine and liquors), but, being scrupulously temperate himself, and of strong will and mind, he saw it not as they did, and, out of very respect for the man, his general consistency of life, pride of character, perseverance in work for Christ and the Church, he was honored and es- teemed by all. As an elder, Father Prosser con- tinued with the First Church a number of years,
149
then, with Elder Webb and a number of the mem- bership, formed the Second Church, and wor- shipped in Norris' Alley, Second above Walnut Streets. Afterward, they located in St. Mary Street, and, for some cause, he ceased to act as an elder, and went to the German Street Presby- terian Church ; afterward he came back, and con- tinued as a private member. July 4, 1847, he con- nected himself with the communion of this church, and, with George Potter, Sr., was elected elder, and installed March, 1848. He died March, 1861, in the seventy-eighth year of his age, after thirteen years' active service in this church, and over fifty years in the cause of Christ, rarely being absent from any meeting, leaving his placeof busi- ness for the time, and returning to it when meet- ing was over. "Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." This grand old hymn of Dr. Watts' was a favorite of his :
I send the joys of earth away ; Away, ye tempters of the mind ! False, as the smooth, deceitful sea, And empty, as the whistling wind,
Your streams were floating me along. Down to the gulf of dark despair ; And while I listened to your song, Your stream had e'en conveyed me there.
Lord, I adore Thy matchless grace, That warned me of that dark abyss ; That drew them from those treacherous seas, And bade me seek superior bliss.
150
ELDER WILLIAM BROWN was born in Philadel- phia, 1805. In early life he worked in the family of the Rev. Dr. Janeway, and became a member of his church, the Second Presbyterian, then located at the northwest corner of Third and Arch Streets. He afterward joined the Second African Church, and came out with this congregation July, 1844. He was elected an elder with Robert Jones at the organization of this church, and ordained August, 1844. Brother Brown was quite small in size, gentle and pleasant in his tone of voice, and notedly polite to all. This came in a great meas- ure, no doubt, from his having always lived in the private families of the cultured and the rich. He had not the opportunity of attending the meet- ings of the church as he would like, but his piety and love for Christ and His church was deep and evident, rendering him beloved by all, and saving him from much of the unpleasantness that is con- sequent on an active participation, even in the affairs of a church.
Elder Brown died March, 1865, in the 60th year of his age, having served twenty-one years as an elder in this church.
ELDER GEORGE POTTER was born near Salem, N. J., March 14, 1794. He became a communicant member of the Second African Church in 1838. Under the pastorship of the Rev. Andrew Harris
151
he came out with this congregation, but declined to be elected an elder at the organization. Brother Potter was of gentle, unassuming disposition, a loving husband and kind father. Though an elder, he preferred to hear rather than be heard. The prayer meetings of the church were his especial delight. He was always in one of the four-armed chairs that stood beside the desk in the lecture room. His door was always open to receive the ministers that supplied the pulpit when vacant. His residence being the second door above the church, made it convenient for that purpose or for church members to stop and have a social chat about things of interest to the church. Mrs. Potter, like her husband, was gen- tle and loving in disposition, fond of the female prayer meeting, and resigned to whatever was the will of God. Both were spared to a ripe old age, and are remembered with kindly feelings by all that knew them. Elder Potter died October 20, 1869, in the 76th year of his age, having served the church twenty-one years as an elder.
ELDER GEORGE W. EVANS was born in Alexan- dria, Va., 1821. He became a member of this church September, 1848; was a faithful and suc- cessful worker in the Sunday-school and choir. Being blessed with a voice and love for singing he took the lead in sustaining the vocal· music
L
152
of the church. Not being blessed with a lucrative business, he considered that in thus laboring he was giving what help he could in sustaining the worship of God. He was elected an elder with Thomas H. Davis and Sheppard Shay July 2, 1859. Brother Evans was blunt of speech in whatever he thought, and therefore liable to disagreement with brethren of session, or even the pastor him- self. In consequence of a feeling growing out of such a disposition his stay with us became un- pleasant and he left with his family and joined the Shiloh Baptist Church shortly before his death, which occurred March 6, 1868, in the 47th year of his age, serving about eight years as an elder.
ELDER STEPHEN PURNELL was born February 7, 1801, at Snow Hill, Md. At what time he be- came a member of the Second Church we have not been able to learn, but he was ordained there an elder about 1854, and continued with that church until it dissolved ; and on the 5th of June, 1867, became a member of this church; was elected an elder, and installed January, 1872. Brother Purnell was a man of positive, sanguine temperament, a thorough Calvinist in his belief and teachings as an elder ; taking great delight in expressing his strong confidence in God, his be- lief in divine sovereignty, and acceptance of the doctrine of foreordination. Of all the brethren in
153
the Presbyterian eldership, none excelled him in the hearty taking hold and intellectual expla- nation of these doctrines, so dark and inexplica- ble even to many in our denomination. Brother Purnell was gifted in the power of praise, and he seemed to take it as a matter of duty under God to do all he could in that part of worship ; being found in the choir almost to his latest hour on earth. It is still remembered with holy joy the rich old tunes, to the grand old hymns that he used to lead, a verse of one being :
"Awake my soul in joyful lays, And sing thy great Redeemer's praise ; He justly claims a song from thee. His loving kindness-Oh how free."
The strengthening influence of such a life still goes on, even yet, though the voice has ceased on earth and is praising in Heaven. Elder Pur- nell died October 30, 1875, aged 75 years.
ELDER ED. A. WILEY was born in Alabama in 1844, went to Oberlin University, Ohio, and after completing his studies came to Philadelphia and was received on certificate from the First Congre- gational Church, Oberlin, March 8, 1870. He was elected an elder and ordained January, 1872. This young brother, although not long a resident of this city, seemed to be chosen for the elder- ship on account of his steady, quiet piety. He
L
154
worked in the Sabbath-school, and had been a member of the Board of Trustees, and at the be- ginning of his membership took an interest and a part in every movement for the good of the church, evidently from a sense of duty. His piety was deep, his convictions strong, his pro- fessions quiet, and nothing could move him from what he considered essential duties. In his last illness (the consumption), when advised to take spirituous stimulants he refused, saying if it was the will of God he was ready to die, but he could not us that which was the cause of so much evil in the world. Elder Wiley died March, 1874, in the 30th year of his age, having been a member of the church four years and a member of session two years:
ELDER SHEPPARD SHAY was born in Accomac County, Va., September 1, 1799, joined the First African Church 1820, under the pastorate of the Rev. John Gloucester, Sr. In 1824 he went with those that withdrew from the First Church and formed the Second. This split was occasioned by an opposition to Jeremiah Gloucester, whose father shortly before his death had recommended him to the care of Presbytery as a candidate for the ministry, and a part of the congregation wanted to wait until he completed his studies. Others opposed it so strongly that it resulted in
.
155
the separation. About this time, 1824, there was great excitement among the colored people about emigrating to Hayti, and Brother Shay went there ; he returned in 1828, and in 1830 was made an elder in the Second Church. Brother Shay staid with the Second Church until he, with twenty-five others, joined this church in 1856. He was elected an elder July 2, 1859. Brother Shay was a great student of the Bible, and loved to attend Bible-class in the Sabbath-school. In his latter years he was sexton of the church, and spent much of his leisure time reading and study- ing the school lessons. It was refreshing and strengthening to hear him lead in prayer for the Holy Spirit to come, " fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." It was in 1872, while the pulpit was vacant, that the Holy Spirit put it in the heart of Brother Shay and others to have a protracted meeting ; they visited the people from house to house, praying and exhorting them to flee the wrath to come. Brother Schreiner, a city missionary ; Brother Samuel K. Godwin, an Episcopal layman, and others, assisted in the evening meetings. The ingathering of souls was the largest ever known at one communion in this church, fifty-two being added May 10, 1872. The Mutual Aid Bene- ficial Society of the church is a living work of his and Brother Robert Gurley. Nobly and well did
156
they nurture it, and the benefit it has been, and still is, is best known by its members. Brother Shay died November 4, 1882, aged 82 years, after a church membership of sixty-two years, and an eldership in the church of twenty-three years ; verifying the promise, "With long life will I bless thee, and show thee My salvation."
ELDER THOMAS H. DAVIS was born on the east- ern shore of Maryland, March 10, 1821, came to Philadelphia a small boy, and by industry and perseverance became a man of prominence and means. He united with the church Decem- ber, 1857 ; was elected an elder July, 1859.
Brother Davis served as superintendent of Sabbath-school for two or three years, taking great pride in having it conducted so as to in- terest both teachers and scholars. He also took pleasure in leading the singing in prayer-meetings, so those that attended might feel blessed in com- ing. His business prevented him attending as regular as was desirable, and he was missed ; for his genial, lively spirit was suited to the mind and condition of the people, lifting them from the cares of life, and causing them to rejoice in God. Elder Davis died March, 1884, after a member- ship of church twenty-seven years, and in session twenty-five years, in the 63d year of his age.
.
157
WILLIAM LAWS was one of those that came out of the Second Church, a "charter member," as well as communicant. He was not prominent in prayer meetings, having an impediment in speech that made it unpleasant to him to speak in pub- lic. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at different times, from the organization of the church, and acted as agent for the sale of lots in Lebanon Cemetery until within a few months of his death. Brother Laws was born in Delaware, October, 1811, died April, 1892, in the 81st year of his age.
. BROTHER LEVI BUNDICK was born on the eastern shore of Virginia, May 20, 1821, became a mem- ber of the Second Church and left it with those who formed this church. He was zealous. and hardworking for the cause of Christ, doing heavy work at the " shanty," and the getting ready for the new building ; digging at the vault, of which so many felt proud, looking on it as actual labor in building the house of God. Brother Bundick was the first secretary of the Board of Trustees, being elected September, 1844, and served till March, 1848, when his health became bad, and after pro- tracted illness he died in 1848, and was buried in the vault he helped to dig. His remains are rest- ing there to this day with the remains of Brother Thomas Loyd and Brother John Winrow. Sister
1
158
Eliza Burton desired to be buried there when she died, December, 1861 ; but the Board, on account of its imperfect construction as a burial place, had permanently closed it.
JOHN P. WORTHINGTON, born in Baltimore Co., Md., 1799. After he came to Philadelphia he joined the Second Church, 1838, during the pas- torship of Rev. Andrew Harris. After Rev. Har- ris' death, Brother Worthington took sides with the friends of Stephen Gloucester and came out with this church. His walk and conversation were such as becometh godliness in an eminent degree. To behold his countenance and see the joy with which he drank in the preaching of the Word of God, to take notice of his devoutly kneel- ing in time of prayer, made the atmosphere around him seem holy. His business was ice cream making, and he went, in the summer time, to Cape May, N. J., where he had a saloon, and also supplied boarding houses ; but his respect for the Christian Sabbath was so great that he kept his saloon closed and refused to serve it at the board- ing houses, but if they chose he would make it on Saturday and bring it to them so they could serve themselves. Brother Worthington's religion also made him an earnest temperance man, and, al- though he was engaged twice in the restaurant business, he would not sell intoxicating liquor,
159
choosing rather to fail in making money than to fail, in serving God. He was respected by all who knew him, making by the help of God, "His life sublime." Died 1862, aged sixty-three years. "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."
HENRY CLARKE was born in King George Co., Va., 1829, and was sent to Phiadelphia for educa- tion and to learn a trade. Early in life, with the blessing of God, he developed a deep-toned piety that led him to faithful work in every department of the church, especially in the prayer meetings and Sabbath-school. With Clarke were G. S. Nelson, J. E. Gardiner and others, who were good singers, which made the meetings pleasant and strengthening. Nelson, Gardiner, Bundick, Clarke and others of the young men, while yet in the Second Church, held a prayer meeting in a court in St. Mary Street above Sixth, on Sabbath after- noon, for the conversion of sinners, and God sig- nally blessed their efforts and strengthened their souls. All of them have gone from labor to reward.
" Life's duty done, as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies ; While heaven and earth combine to say, How bless'd the righteous when he dies."
L
160
ROBERT GURLEY was born in Delaware, 1819; came to Philadelphia, 1845 ; became a member of this church on certificate from the Second Church September, 1857. Brother Gurley worked many years for Dr. Moore, a " Hicksite Friend," and this, no doubt, accounts for his regular, thoughtful habits of life. He became a member of the Board 1862, and served as president or treasurer for a number of years. In appreciation of his services as a member of the Board he was presented with a gold-headed cane. Brother Gurley highly esteemed the "token " for the spirit it showed and its unexpected coming. With Brother Shay he was instrumental in forming the "Mutual Aid Beneficial Association " of the church, watching and nursing it until it became solid and able to stand. Brother Gurley, although strong in his opinions and firm in any position he took, was not contentious, and therefore was never brought or called before session. He was a fervent Chris- tian, often giving testimony in the meeting of his love for Christ and joy in the Holy Ghost. His rejoicing at such times would break forth in strong contrast to his general staid demeanor. He could well say :
" I stand on Zion's mount : And view my starry crown; No power on earth my hope can shake, Nor hell can thrust me down."
Died January 5, 1885.
L
161
JESSE E. GLASGOW was born in Chester County, Pa., March 1, 1801, died May 15, 1871 ; became a member of the church on certificate January, 1846, and soon became active in the Sabbath-school and Board of Trustees. He was appointed super- intendent of Sabbath-school November, 1851, after the resignation of John McKee. A prominent feature of Mr. Glasgow's administration was the getting up of entertainments that highly delighted .. the children and their parents, as it was an oppor- tunity to show their accomplishment in singing or speaking. Brother Glasgow was an untiring worker in whatsoever he was given to do, and al- though he and other brethren would differ about ways and manner of doing things, he did not let it make him fold his arms and stop work, but to the last was found striving to do what he could for the Church of God.
FIELDING CARTER BUTLER was born in Phila- delphia, February, 1842, and died 1882. He was received into the communion of the church, March 8, 1871, and at once interested himself in the prayer meetings, Sabbath-school and every other depart- ment of church work. He served for several years on the Board of Trustees ; his conduct and man- ners were such as endeared him to all that became acquainted with him. A beautiful Christian life, "adorning the doctrine of Christ the Redeemer."
II
162
His home influences were conducive to such a life. Blessed are they whose lives are cast in godly . places, who, living as becometh righteousness, it may said of them, though dead, their works do follow them ; and again, the memory of the just is blessed. God has ordained it that we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, and the Holy Spirit will work in us the will and do of his pleasure.
FATHER LOHMAN (as he was called on account of age), joined the church September, 1867, after the Second Church closed. Where he was born is not certain, but from his mention of his godly mother in experience meetings, it is thought she was a slave, probably in Delaware. He came early in life to Philadelphia and engaged actively in the barber business, but, unlike brother Worthington, he could never see the duty of "remembering the Sabbath day to keep it holy." He could not read or write, and therefore the reasoning of his mind was rather crude ; but one thing is certain, his love for Christ and the Church was true. In the latter part of his life he became quite poor and unable to keep a shop, his children being bad and a drag on him. At this time he walked miles of streets, selling cakes and candy from a basket. It is for his hope- ful, truthful disposition, that this mention of him is made, and the pattern he showed in not "for-
L
163
saking the assembling together " in the house of God, walking three or four miles to get there. " Faint and weary, yet still pursuing," he died May 1890, in the 76th year of his age.
FRANCIS WOOD was born August 28, 1843, in the city of Philadelphia. Died December 20, 1891. He became a member of the communion, April 6, 1869, and soon became an energetic, useful worker in the church, being elected a member of the Board October 1870, and at the time of his death, December 20, 1891, was their secretary, and had been for a number of years. We also find his name on a Sabbath-school "programme " of November 26, 1874, as superintendent, with John S. Roberts, musical director, and Cecilia M. Davis, accompanyist. Brother Wood always de- clined election as an elder, preferring the more active duties of a trustee. In 1877 he was pre- sented by the Sabbath-school with .a silver ice- pitcher, as a testimonial of his valuable service. In 1880, he was presented with a framed testimo- nial, for services as chairman of committee on lectures and entertainments of the Young People's Association ; again, in 1886, he received from Robt. Bryan Post, G. A. R., a framed vote of thanks for an oration delivered before them ; and in September, 1890, he was presented by the Board of Trustees of Lombard Street Central
164
Presbyterian Church with a large, framed testi- monial of appreciation, for twenty years consecu- tive service as a member of the Board, eighteen years of which he was their secretary. Predomi- nant, positive and persistent were a trinity of points in Brother Wood's character that made him the strong man that he was ; being intelligent made him predominant, being industrious made him positive, and being conscious of these made him persistent. The church needed such a man ; they had had intelligent men, but not industrious ; they had had industrious men, but not intelligent. The spheres that Brother Wood accepted to work in were the Board, the Sabbath-school and the choir. In each of these his character shone bright and effective. Men are fitted by nature for a special kind of work, and it were well that we studied ourselves more than we do, and would choose the paths for which we are best suited. Peacefully he . passed away from a loving wife and children, and friends. We say of him :
Servant of God, well done ; Rest from thy loved employ. The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy.
WILLIAM G. HARVEY was born in North Caro- lina, October, 1825. At the age of 14 he came to Philadelphia, sent by his father to get school- ing and learn a trade. An uncle who lived here
.
165
placed him with Mr. William Riley, at Fourth and Union Streets, to learn boot and shoemak- ing. After finishing his trade he returned home, and in 1846 his father died, leaving a widow and six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom William was the oldest. The burden of "head of the family" fell on him, and well and manfully did he bear it to the day of his death. Having lived in Philadelphia and learnt his trade here, it was concluded best to move to this city, which they did in 1847. William early in life de- termined to accumulate property, with which he could take care of his mother and help his brother and sisters, and he did it; but always kept the "rein" in his own hand, which at times seemed harsh ; but strong-willed men are positive, and by being so, accomplish more than they otherwise would. That he did good and well, cannot truth- fully be denied ; but, alas ! "The evil that men do lives after them. The good is oft interred with their bones."
Brother Harvey became a member of the church March, 1853, and was elected a member of the Board October, 1855, and served now and then for a number of years in that part of church work, often, by reason of his financial standing, being of great service. His children, who were all girls, being given a musical education, have at times presided at the organ in church and Sab-
166
bath-school service. Brother Harvey died in February, 1893, leaving an aged mother, for whom he made provision in his will, and a widow and six daughters.
ADDISON FOSTER was born in Charleston, S. C., came to Philadelphia early in the sixties, was employed as watchman in the First National Bank, where by industry and honesty he soon got a character that served him well in after- years. He afterward engaged in the livery stable and undertaking business. By perseverance and industry he soon built up a large trade and acquired considerable property. Brother Fos- ter became a member of the church October, 1864, took part in the prayer service, etc., served in the Board of Trustees for several years, part of the time as treasurer. His disposition was quiet and retiring. For a long while before he died his health was bad, but he bore it with great patience. Three nephews of his wife being left orphans, he took and cared for them as his own. July 14, 1893, he passed quietly into the spirit world, trusting in Jesus, leaving a widow and three children to mourn his loss.
THE women of the church who were fervent in the spirit, showing by their faith and works their love for Christ and His cause, were many. On August 9, 1844, the session passed the following :
.
167
Resolved, "That a female prayer meeting be established, to meet on Monday evenings weekly, to be conducted by Belinda Davis (who has been a conductor of such meetings since the establishment of the first colored female prayer meeting) and Eliza Edwards, assistant, subject to the session."
In this action of the session they perpetuated a custom that was of great spiritual service to the church. Every female admitted to the com- munion was enjoined to attend the female prayer meeting if possible; it was a strong, reliable pillar to the church. With Sisters Davis and Edwards there have gone up from this Church militant to the Church triumphant, from prayer and labor to praise and reward, Sarah Maxwell, Julia Maloney, Susan Boon, Henrietta Potter, Keziah Jackson, Amy Roberts, Priscilla Stratton, Rachel Macoy, Mary Purnell, Mary Somerville, and a host of worthy "mothers in Israel," whose names are precious to those still left to labor on until it is said "It is enough, come up higher."
This "female prayer meeting " has ceased, and in its place a "Young people's meeting " is held on Monday evenings. This meeting, although doing a good work-and among them are some that can truthfully say, " Oh, God, my heart is fixed "-yet there seems a growing effect from this separation of young from old that makes
I68
the religion of to-day less solid than it ought to be. The grand old hymns of the past and the fervent heart-searching prayers that were "strength to the bones" have given way in a great measure to a class of hymns and a lightness of conduct and conversation that are in no way conducive to deep piety and prayer. "The chil- dren of a king " should not go mourning all their days, and yet they should be distinguishable from the world, that men may see that they have been with Jesus and learnt of Him. In this church there are some women who are doing a quiet, steady work for the " Master" in ministering to His aged and needy ones. The "Dorcas" Society, with Mrs. Sarah Titus, president ; Miss Alma Somerville (successor to her mother), treasurer ; Miss Julia Jones, secretary. And efficient aid they find in Mrs. Dr. Reeve, Ann Eliza Freeman, Julia Songo, Rebecca Garnett, Mrs. Carroll, Emma Mishaw, Mrs. Middleton, Mary Foote and others. In the early days of the church quite a number of the women lived at service in private families. Being plain and inex- pensive in their dress, etc., they always had a few dollars to help the church, and therefore should be noticed. Miss Jane Potts loaned the church $150, and when the debt was to be paid gave $100 of it off the amount. Also at her death $100 on condition that her grave be kept in
169
order. Miss Elizabeth White, $100 for the poor of the church. The names of those that gave dur- ing their life are many. Among them was Rhoda Moore, Judith Reese, Hannah Burton, Anna M. Grey, Henrietta Jeffries, Agnes Emerson, Sarah A. Carter. These and others have gone home (as Sister Hannah Burton expressed it as she was dying, "I'm going home"). There are those still living that are following on in the same loving way, doing what they can to support the cause of Christ. God bless and comfort them with joy in knowing that
" High in yonder realms of light, Dwell the raptured Saints above ; Far beyond our feeble sight, Happy in Emmanuel's love; Every tear is wiped away, Sighs no more shall heave the breast, Night is lost in endless day, Sorrow-in eternal rest."
170
EXTRACT
From the Public Ledger, 1872.
Mr. Robert Jones, Superintendent of the Sun- day-schools of the Lombard Street Presbyterian Church (colored), is having a medal cast in com- memoration of Rev. John Gloucester, the first colored Presbyterian minister in the United States. The medal will be in the form of a St. Andrew's cross, having a likeness of the deceased in an oval centre. It is intended for use in Sunday- schools of the Colored Presbyterian Churches throughout the country. Officers and teachers of one year's standing will be entitled to the bronze medal; those of five years, to the silver medal; and those of ten years, to the gold medal. Scholars of one year's standing will re- ceive a bronze medal. The award of medals will be made at the teachers' meetings.
-
HECKMAN BINDERY INC.
.8-1000
FEB 95 Bound - To - Pleas® N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.