USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > Downingtown > History of Downingtown, Chester County, Pa > Part 10
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March 27, 1892, Pastor Brewster resigned to take effect March 31st, and on April 27th following a call was extended to
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Rev. F. W. Randall, of the Hepzibah Baptist Church, the same being accepted. He preached his first sermon on May 15th fol- lowing. Under his faithful leadership the church increased both materially and numerically, and an interest was again awakened at the East Brandywine Church, which had been closed for some years, a Sunday School being established and held in the after- noon, which has not since been totally abandoned. On, August 25. 1895. Brother Randall tendered his resignation, and the little flock was again without an under-shepherd. After hearing sev- eral candidates, Rev. H. B. Garner was called to the pastorate, and he began his work early in the new year, 1896. During his four years and a half of service revivals were held, and many new names added to the church roll, largely from the Sunday School.
In August. 1900, Rev. James A. Jolliffe, of Philadelphia, re- ceived and accepted a call to the pastorate, and as there was no empty house in the neighborhood for him to occupy, it became evident that a great need of the church, now, was a parsonage. An effort was made along that line during the fall and winter, and the lot adjoining the church property was bought and paid for by the Ladies' Aid Society, but as there was opposition to the movement, the matter of building a parsonage was allowed to rest for a time. Brother Jolliffe's stay was short and on March 3, 1901. the Rev. T. G. Eiswald, of Milford, Delaware, was called as pastor, which call was accepted, and he remained with the church for two years, severing his connection therewith in March, 1903, he accepting a call to Blossburg, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. April 12th of the same year a call was extended to Brother Wil- liam Grant, of Concordville, who filled the position of pastor for the space of six months, when he resigned, to the regret of many.
During Brother Grant's pastorate further improvement was made to the church property by the laying of a granolithic pave- ment at a cost of about $200, to replace the brick walk, which had long done service.
On December 2, following, Rev. J. A. Hodgkinson was called to the pastorate of the church, and on January 7, 1904, a council was called for his ordination, and he was set apart for the gospel ministry. Rev. J. A. Hodgkinson served the church one year, severing his connection therewith on December 4, 1904. Candi- dates were heard through the winter, which resulted in the call- ing of Rev. L. A. Schnering, the present pastor, who came upon the field in April, 1905. During his pastorate the neat and com- fortable parsonage he occupies was built, and has recently been papered throughout, making it a pleasant home for the pastor.
Under the leadership of the present pastor the church has taken on new life, and all departments have been growing and active. The Bible School has rapidly increased in numbers, new
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classes formed, and many of the scholars have united with the church and others of the community, with newcomers to town have increased the church membership by about 95 additions.
Pastor Schnering has completed a pastorate of four years, with continued interest and frequent additions.
Officers-Pastor, Rev. L. A. Schnering ; Clerk, Jos. H. John- son : Treasurer, Josiah Philips.
Deacons: W. P. Downey, President; R. J. Russell, E. C. Lewis, Robert M. Lewis, Palmer Keech, E. V. Philips, S. W. Matlack.
Trustees : E. V. Philips, President ; Jos. H. Johnson, W. P. Downey. W. H. Durnell, E. C. Lewis, Jos. Philips. Oscar G. Dar- lington, J. Wesley Laird, W. C. Filkins.
Sunday School, E. C. Lewis, Superintendent.
Women's Foreign Missionary Circle, Mrs. L. A. Schnering, President.
Farther Lights Missionary Circle, Mrs. R. M. Lewis, Super- intendent.
Ladies' Aid Society, Mrs. Jos. H. Johnson, President.
Baptist Young People's Union, Mrs. M. S .. Powell, President.
Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip, S. W. Matlack, Presi- dent.
Board of Ushers, B. H. Millard, President.
Messiah Lutheran Church. Early in the month of Septem- ber. 1902. Rev. S. D. Daugherty, missionary superintendent of the Philadelphia Conference, in company with Rev. C. R. Stream- er. then pastor of the Lutheran Church of Lionville, and H. C. Harman, a resident of this town, made a canvass of Downing- town, with a view of establishing an Evangelical Lutheran Church in this place. The canvass showed that there were a sufficient number of Lutherans in the community to warrant further steps in the matter. The first meeting preparatory to an organization was held in the Central Presbyterian Church, on Sunday afternoon. September 28. 1902. The attendance was large and the outlook seeming to warrant it, a committee of organiza- tion was appointed, consisting of the following persons: Rev. C. R. Streamer, H. P. Harmer. John P. Noll, R. B. Parke, C. F. Zinn, John Cummings and Fred Runk.
Another meeting was held October 5, when the organiza- tion committee submitted a constitution, but is adoption was de- ferred. Other meetings followed and on October 12, a Sunday School was organized with the following officers: Supterinten- dent. John P. Noll; assistant superintendent, Fred Runk; sec- retary, C. F. Zinn ; treasurer, John Cummings.
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A committee was appointed at one of the preliminary meet- ings to secure a place of worship. The building known as Cen- tral Hall, located on West Lancaster avenue, was offered for sale about that time, and the committee purchased it for the new con- gregation about to be organized. Formal organization of the congregation was not effected until November 7, 1902, when the constitution was adopted and the organization took the name of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church. There were thirty-four (34) charter members and the members of the first Official
Board elected were: Elders, H. C. Harman, C. F. Zinn, L. E. Fraim, R. B. Parke. Deacons, J. P. Noll, J. W. Cummings and Charles Dapp.
A call was extended to the Rev. F. H. Crissman on May 3. 1903, to be the pastor, and the call was accepted, and regular pastoral administration began the latter part of the month. The building, which had been purchased, was at this time thoroughly
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renovated into a comfortable and pleasant church building, the same being dedicated with appropriate services on Sunday, Sep- tember 30, 1903.
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The congregation under the leadership of its first pastor had a steady and healthful growth, during which time a fine new parsonage was erected and other improvements made. Rev. Crissman severed his connection with the church about Septem- ber 1, 1906, and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Derr, who began his labors January 1, 1907, the pulpit in the interim being supplied.
The congregation at the present time is in a flourishing con- dition. The present enrollment is one hundred and fifteen (115). The Council is composed of the following persons : Elders, H. C. Harman, L. E. Fraim, B. F. Fahenger ; Deacons, S. A. Glauner, Fred Runk, C. F. Zinn.
The Sunday School is well organized with the various de- partments : Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Primary, a Home De- partment and Cradle Roll. A teachers' training class is also con- ducted. The present total enrollment is one hundred and twelve. The officers are: Superintendent, Fred Runk; assistant superin- tendent, H. C. Harman ; secretary, C. F. Zinn ; treasurer, L. E. Fraim.
The Colored Churches. There are two churches within the bounds of the borough that minister to the spiritual interests of the negro population. The mother church is at Lindley Hill, without the borough limits. The reliable data cannot be obtained as the early records are lost, and the records possessed are im- perfectly kept. The ministers have frequently been men who pursued other avocations on week days for the support of their families and changes in the pastorate have been frequent. The older of the two churches is the Mount Raymond Union Ameri- can Methodist Episcopal Church ; the younger the Mount Pisgah Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Mount Raymond Union American M. E. Church, sit- uated on the corner of Stuart and Manor avenues, Downingtown, Pa. In the year 1814 a Sunday School was organized by Mr. Thomas Blackson, with 12 scholars at Rock Raymond, in Mr. Blackson's house. In 1815 a mission church was organized in the same house by Rev. B. T. Ruley, then stationed at Coates- ville, Pa., now Presiding Bishop of the Delaware Annual Con- ference. Rev. J. N. Gasby was sent as their pastor. Through hard struggie in 1876 they succeeded in purchasing the ground where the church stands to-day. The corner-stone was laid and building erected the same year, and the trustees chosen were Mr. J. Hunter Wills, white; Mr. James Hamilton, white;
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Mr. Robert Skean, white; Mr. Harry L. Skean ; Stewards, Pen- rose B. Flowers, Thomas Blackson. Some of the original mem- bers were Priscilla Blackson, Phebe Jones, John Johnson. The following pastors have served the church : Rev. J. N. Gasby, Rev. P. Sulvy, Rev. W. James. Rev. W. H. Decker, Rev. C. H. Lewis, Rev. W. J. Ryder, Rev. E. S. Rice, the present pastor.
The Trustees now are J. Wesley Wilson, John P. Taylor, George America. John Miller, William Tinson, Thomas P. Flow- ers. John W. Trowery. Stewards, Evan E. Nugent, Isaac H. Prowery, Alfred Hemsley, Calvin W. Norman, Charles W. Wil- son.
Colored Mission. A union mission school for colored chil- dren was started in February, 1909, in the interests of the negro population of the town. It has met with fair success and prom- ises to bring the same encouragement and support to the existing colored churches, which similar enterprises have secured in other communities. There is an enrollment of 49 teachers and scholars. It is held in the Sunday School room of the Central Presbyterian Church, on Sunday afternoons, but the various churches are in- terested in the work. The officers are: Rev. Charles D. Mudge, superintendent : William Standley, secretary ; Mrs. Frank P. Mil- ler, treasurer. A boys' club, under the direction of Miss Katha- rine Schnering has been organized and sewing school for colored girls is in contemplation.
Dwight Farms, in West Bradford Township, adjoining the Borough line and stretching along the wooded heights and the valley of the Brandywine for a mile, containing 437 acres, was presented to The Young Men's Christian Association of Phila- delphia, in 1896, by the late Edmund Parsons Dwight, who died on May 24th, 1903.
Mr. Dwight was a prominent business man of Philadelphia and a well-known member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
The Young Men's Christian Association determined to make of this place a summer or vacation resort for working young men of Philadelphia, where they could spend their summers at a small cost in genuine country life, under wholesome, moral and relig- ious influence. A club house, dining hall and sleeping cottages have been erected and the place to-day has all the attractions of a country club, with the added features of farm work and life. It has grown rapidly in success and popularity, until now more than 1000 young men spend a part or whole of their vacation at Dwight Farms under ideal conditions. It was the first undertak- ing of the sort by any Young Men's Christian Association, and to-day is much the largest and best equipped, although other
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great metropolitan associations are planning or carrying on sim- ilar resorts on a smaller scale.
The season at Dwight Farms opens, always, the day before Memorial Day and closes one week after Labor Day, in Sep- tember.
Northwood Cemetery Company. The proper sepulture of the dead appeals to the tenderest feelings of the human heart and "God's acre" is always a place of interest to those whose loved ones have gone before. The men who promoted Northwood Cemetery were very fortunate in selecting an ideal location, con- venient of access and overlooking the borough of Downingtown and the Chester Valley.
The company acts under a charter granted by the Courts of Chester County dated April 21, 1871, and controls twenty-five acres of land. The first interment, (John B. Boger's) was made November 23, 1811.
The first officers were: Caleb Baldwin, president ; Joseph R. Downing, secretary ; Jno. P. Edge, M. D., treasurer ; J. Howard Downing, Geo. T. Jones, W. S Garrett, W. M. Oglesby. R. D. Wells. J. T. Lewis.
The present management desires to combine art and nature in making this sleeping chamber of the dead appropriately beau- tiful as a tribute to the dead and an inspiration to the living who seek the communion which this peaceful place invites.
A plan is now in successful operation building up a trust fund, the income of which is to be used for the perpetual cars of the lots. These funds are deposited with the Chester County Trust Company as trustee and are kept separate from the general funas.
There are two attractive entrances, a chapel, a vault and a lodge for the residence of the Superintendent.
The present officers are : J. Hunter Wills, president ; Thomas Eachers. secretary : Downingtown Bank, treasurer; A. P. Tut- ton (deceased), Joseph H. Johnson, Thomas E. Parke, M. D., J. Howard Downing, John L. Weldin, Guyon Miller, Joseph S. Ashbridge.
Chapter 8
Educational-Board of Education-Public Schools-High School Alumni Association-Downingtown Public Library
The Public Schools of the Borough of Downingtown .- By a decree of the Court of General Sessions of Chester County, held at West Chester, on the 12th day, 5th month (May), A. D. 1859, the village of Downingtown and certain specific lands adjoining were erected into a borough, and also a separate and indepen- dent school district, including three of the public schools for- merly a part of the school district of East Caln.
Under the same decree an election was held at the house of Joseph P. Tucker (the Swan Hotel), in the village, on the 28th day of May, for the purpose of electing persons to fill the several offices.
The following named persons were duly returned by the offi- cers of election as having been chosen School Directors :
Charles Downing, Allan W., Wills, three years.
Samuel Black, Dr. John P. Edge, two years.
Rev. Alfred G. Compton, John S. Mullin, one year.
These gentlemen are all deceased, except Mr. Jno. Mullin, now of West Chester.
All the members of the above elected board being present at a meeting held at the house of Jos. P. Tucker, Charles Downing was unanimously chosen president ; John P. Edge secretary, and Allan W. Wills, treasurer. Under the organization of the bor- ough the school year was to begin June 6, 1859.
It was determined to open the schools the 29th of August, 1859, to continue for a term of six months, and to employ female teachers, at a salary of twenty-four dollars per month.
The number of pupils of legal school age at this time was one hundred and forty-four (144). It was resolved to open three schools, two at the west and one at the cast end of the borough, designated as follows: No. 1, was the second story of the White School House (now the old residence located near the corner of Pennsylvania and Stewart avenues) ; No. 2, the first story of the White School House: No. 3. was at the east end of the town in
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the stone school house (which was located on a spot about where the new barn of John T. Fox now stands).
The teachers in schools Nos. 1 and 3 were employed for a term of six months. In room No. 2, or the Primary School, for two months. and were to be continued thereafter at the discre- tion of the Board.
The first teachers were Miss Sarah Hughes, for Room No. 1 ; Miss Cora Thornbury, for Room No. 2, and Miss Margaret Hap- persett for Room No. 3.
The following textbooks were adopted : Brown's "First Lines
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and Institutes of Grammar," Sander's Series of Readers; Stod- dard's "Mental Arithmetic, Greenleaf's "Written Arithmetic." Davies' "Algebra" and Monteith and McNally's "Geography."
The valuation of property at this time was two hundred and thirteen thousand dollars ($213,000). The tax duplicates, six hundred and seventeen dollars and twenty-six cents ($617.26). Exonerations, fifteen dollars and twenty-three cents ($15.23).
The total expenses for operating the schools for one year were four hundred and twelve dollars and fifty-two cents ($112.52).
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The total attendance the first year was one hundred and eighteen pupils.
There being sufficient funds on hand after paying the ex- penses for a term of six months, the Board decided to continue two of the schools for a term of two months.
The town increased in population and wealth, and more ade- quate school accommodations were. needed. Additional rooms were opened from time to time. The first state appropriation of sixty-eight dollars and forty cents ($68.40) was for the school year 1863. During the years 1862-63 and 64, there was constant turmoil in reference to increased school facilities. In the year 1864 a lot was purchased from John E. Parke (present site of J. Hunter Wills' store) and a school building was erected there-
on. Two rooms were furnished. During the next few years matters pertaining to the schools moved along quietly. At a meeting held February 14, 1872, it was unanimously decided to build and arrange for a graded school. At a meeting held March 4. 1822, the Board decided to purchase a lot at the corner of Lancaster and Viaduct avenues, and to erect thereon a two-story school building. The probable cost of the building, as estimated by the architect was fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) and it was agreed to present a petition to the electors for their signa- tures. The petition to be presented to the Court asking for authority to borrow eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000).
Later on this whole project was abandoned. On October 22, 1812, the Board met and were informed that the Institute Build- ing (now Central School Building), would be offered at public sale on October 23, by the assignces of Joshua Kames, and it was resolved that the School Board purchase the building. At the next meeting, November 6, 1872, the treasurer, Dr. John P. Edge, reported, "that with the approval of a majority of the Board he had purchased the three-story stone and mansard roof build- ing on Lancaster avenue, known as the Institute Building, for six thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars ($6950). The lot being sixty (60) feet front and extending back two hundred and twenty (220) feet. It was considered to be one of the most substantial buildings in the town, and at the price paid was acknowledged on all sides to have been a great bargain."-(Extract from Min- utes. )
On April 8th, the Board held the first meeting in the new building. It was necessary to employ an architect in order to make the changes necessary. This was accordingly done; the building was remodeled, and properly furnished for school pur- poses at a cost of about eighty-one hundred dollars ($8100), mal- ing the entire cost of the building in round numbers fifteen thou- sand dollars ($15,000).
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On July 22. 1812, Mrs. Worrall was elected a teacher, at for- ty-five dollars ($45) per month. She began her work in the fol- lowing autumn, and continued until the fall of 1890. Mrs. Wor- rall's work was characterized by earnestness and efficiency, and she left her impress on the schools. The year 1814 marks the be- ginning of the graded schools. In July of that year the Board decided to grade the schools. There were to be two primary teachers, two intermediate teachers and a principal, the latter to have general oversight of the schools and to teach the higher branches. The first principal, Mrs. Mary C. Rogers, was chosen July 21. 1874, at a salary of fifty-five dollars per month. The State appropriation for this year was two hundred and sixteen dollars and eight cents ($216.08). The Board disposed of their old school properties May 12. 1814.
The old White School Building, known as Schools Nos. 1 and 3, and the building in the east end (on site now occupied by Wills' store) were sold. The first to G. C. M. Eicholtz for one thousand one hundred and thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents. ($1131.50). and the second to William B. Torbert for eighteen hundred dollars ($1800). The proceeds of this sale were applied toward liquidating the school debt, the balance of the bonded in- debtedness being $10,500.
The following year Mrs. Rogers was re-elected principal and Miss Tilile McPherson was chosen as assistant principal. Mrs. Rogers offered her resignation on February 1, 1876, and Miss McPherson was chosen to fill the position. Miss McPherson acted as principal until August 4, 1882, when she resigned. Under her administration the first class graduated from the High School. Miss Mc Pherson was a fine teacher, a woman of strong personality, and was highly regarded by her pupils and the com- munity.
Miss lda Hawley was elected and held the position until July 2, 1885. Miss Hawley was a fine scholar, an excellent ad- ministrator, and her work has been greatly praised.
On her resignation Miss Mary Ball was elected principal July 1, 1885, remaining until 1882.
Prof. J. F. Byler succeeded Miss Bell as principal, and re- mained for three years. In July, 1890, Prof. John R. Hunsicker was elected principal and has remained until the present time. Through all these years, by the earnest and faithful services of the teachers, principals and directors, the schools have steadily advanced. The High School is now classified by the State De- partment as a High School of the first class, and an appropriation of four hundred and fifty dollars has been received from the State for the High School at Downingtown for the year 1908. When the appropriation for High Schools is adequate Downingtown
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High School will receive under the present law eight hundred dollars. The State has realized the importance of education and has been generous in the matter of appropriations. Downing- town's appropriation for 1908 was $3301.48.
The entire enrollment for the year 1908-09 is 660. There are now fifteen teachers, with names and grades as follows: East Ward, Primary. No. 1, Miss Mabel Chrisman; Primary, No . 2 Miss Effie Davis ; Primary, No. 3, Miss Sue Byler ; Intermediate, , Miss Hannah Bicking; Central Building, Primary, No. 1, Mis s Carrie Wanzel; Primary, No. 2, Miss Ethel Mower ; Primary, No. 3, Miss Cora Irwin ; Primary, No. 4, Miss Ethel Metcalf ; Intermediate, Miss Mabel Wilson; First Grammar, Miss Ella Smith ; assistant, Miss Elizabeth Bingaman; McCaughey Build- ing. Second Grammar, Mrs. Mary R. Swayne; High School, Mr. Stacey Peters; assistant principal, Miss Anna L. Whitehead ; supervising principal, John R. Hunsicker. Board of Education- President, Dr. L. T. Bremerman; Secretary, Eber Garrett; Treas - urer, Nathan Wilson; E. Vinton Philips, Theo. M. Griffith, Francis L. Weaver.
The ever-increasing prosperity of the school, the advances in its curriculum and the scholarship evinced by the success of its graduates in the institutions of higher learning are due to the indefatigable and often self-sacrificing labors of the supervising principal, John R. Hunsicker, who, during the long years of his connection with the school, has grown steadily in the confidence and esteem alike of directors, pupils and citizens.
Of the directors who comprised the first Board (1859) Mr. John S. Mullin is the only one now living. Mr. Mullin took a very active part in school affairs for many years, and served in various capacities in the Board. His services were highly ap- preciated.
Mr. Francis O'Neill was for twenty-six years a director. During this long period he served faithfully. The community recognizes his worth.
Mr. Eber Garrett has served as a director for thirty-one years. He is now the secretary, and has acted in that capacity for sixteen years. His associates in the Board recognize his worth and efficiency.
New School Building.
After much discussion and agitation for several years, it was decided at the February election (1909) to crect a school build- ing on the present site of the old central building, the cost not to exceed $60,000.
That building is now in the process of erection. It will be a modern structure (106 x 120 feet), well furnished, properly heated and ventilated, a building that will be a source of pride
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and satisfaction to the community and a healthful, cheerful home, where the youth of the town may in the future receive that edu- cation and training which is the birthright of every boy and girl in this community.
Downingtown High School Alumni Association. The Alumni Association of the Downingtown High School was organized on the evening of April 20, 188-1, at the home of Miss Hattie Miller (Stout) (deceased ), Washington avenue, East Downingtown.
The purpose of the organization was "the promotion of the cause of education in the interests of our alma mater and to excite and keep alive those interests in the same, to strengthen the bonds uniting us by social friendship and intercourse, to do all in our power to make our alma mater the one that we may all feel proud of and to be glad to say that from its walls the founda- tion of what we are or what we hope to be has been gathered."
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