History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 126

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992

USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884 > Part 126

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).

On Sept. 20, 1833, the church was so far completed as to allow. of its dedication by Bishop Keurick. The venerable Bishop Conwell, then over eighty years of age, was present. High mass was celebrated by Rev. Terence J. Donaghoe, pastor; Rev. Edward McCarthy, S.J., deacon ; Rev. Patrick Costello, sub- deacon ; Rev. John Hughes, pastor of St. John's, preached the dedicatory sermon, his subject being the sacrifice of the new law for which Christian temples are erected.

Application was made to the Legislature of Penn- sylvania for the act of incorporation, which was in due time passed, and the affairs of the corporation of St. Michael's have been from that day to this directed and superintended by a board of trustees, composed of six laymen, the pastor of the church, and the bishop of the diocese, who is ex officio president of the board.

A handsome female seminary was also erected at the corner of Second and Phoenix [now Thompson] Streets, and here the educating and training of the

minds of the young was intrusted to the good Sisters of Charity.

During the riots of 1844 this church and convent were destroyed by fire. The keys of the church were given by Rev. John Loughran to Capt. Fairlamb, who, searching the church, found neither arms nor men secreted ; the front door was left unlocked, rioters en- tered, passing through the military, and set fire to the sacred edifice. The bare walls told the tale of that night's destruction. The convent was also destroyed, houses of the " Irish" were attacked, and many killed on both sides.

In six days after the destruction of the church Father Donaghoe had a temporary one erected. On Aug. 24, 1846, the corner-stone of the present church was laid by Bishop Kenrick ; sermon delivered by Rev. E. J. Sourin. In October following a storm of wind and rain destroyed the eastern wall. On Feb. 7, 1847, the new church was dedicated ; Bishop Kenriek preached. In December, 1847, a verdict for twenty-seven thou- sand dollars was given for the destruction of the church in the riot of 1844. In November, 1844, a verdict of $6468.98 was given against the county for the destruction of the school-house.

In 1845, Rev. T. J. Donaghoe went to Dubuque, Iowa, and Rev. William Loughran became pastor. In 1860 he returned to Ireland, and there died. On July 17, 1856, the Sunday-school gave an excursion on the North Pennsylvania Railroad to Fort Wash- ington. At Camp Hill Station an accident occurred by which fifty-nine persons were killed. Among the number was Rev. Daniel Sheridan, an assistant at the church. A public subscription of thirteen thou- sand nine hundred dollars was made to relieve the distress occasioned by this accident.

Rev. Thomas Keiran became pastor in 1860, after the death of Father Loughran. He remained such until the death of Rev. Hugh MeLaughlin, pastor of St. Ann's Church, Port Richmond, in 1865, when he was transferred to that church, where he still remains. Father Keiran was succeeded by Rev. Maurice A. Walsh, who is now pastor of St. Paul's Church, vicar- general, and administrator of the archdiocese since the death of Archbishop Wood. On Sept. 20, 1866, the church was consecrated by Archbishop Wood. Father Walsh was succeeded at St. Michael's in 1879 by Rev. C. P. O'Connor. D.D., the present rector, who is assisted by Rev. MI. Lawlor, Rev. James E. Cleary, and Rev. P. J. Tierney.

St. Paul's Church (situated on Christian Street, between Ninth and Tenth) .- The corner-stone of this church was laid May 7, 1843, by Rt. Rev. F. P. Ken- rick, Bishop of Philadelphia, assisted by a number of priests. The hall of the commissioners of Moyamen- sing, directly opposite, was placed at the disposal of the clergymen, where they robed prior to the services. The collection amounted to four hundred and sixty dollars.

The church was opened for divine service on Sun-

1392

HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

day, Dec. 17, 1843, when Rev. Dr. O'Connor preached. On January 21st, Bishop Hughes, of New York, preached at the late mass, when a collection in aid of the building fund was taken up.

During the riots of May, 1844, Gen. Patterson, on May 9th, placed Capt. Fairlamb in charge of the militia guarding this church.

On July 4, 1847, the church was dedicated by Bishop Kenrick. The sermon was delivered by Very Rev. Dr. McGill, afterward Bishop of Richmond, Va.

On Nov. 26, 1861, the church was destroyed by fire. Rev. P. F. Sheridan, pastor, was at the time in Ire- land. It was rebuilt, and on Sept. 21, 1862, was reopened for divine service by Rt. Rev. J. F. Wood.

In 1867 the hall of the commissioners of the dis- trict of Moyamensing, opposite the church, was pur- chased for thirteen thousand five hundred dollars and opened as a convent of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. It had been used during the war as a mili- tary hospital.

On July 9, 1879, Rev. P. F. Sheridan, the pastor, died. He was succeeded by the Very Rev. Maurice A. Walsh, D.D., vicar-general and at present the administrator of the archdiocese. On July 8, 1880, he and his people celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination as a priest.

St. Patrick's Church .- In 1839, Rt. Rev. F. P. Kenrick rented a frame house at the corner of Nine- teenth and Rittenhouse Streets for the use of the Catholics of the neighborhood as a chapel. It had been brought from near the navy-yard, and had been used as a vinegar-factory and carpenter-shop.

On June 5, 1841, a meeting was held in it to take steps to erect a church. Dr. Nancrede presided, with D. Dule as secretary. Addresses were delivered by Very Rev. M. O'Connor (afterward Bishop of Pitts- burgh), Fathers Carter and Dunn, Dr. T. J. P. Stokes, and William A. Stokes. The contributions were seven hundred dollars.

The corner-stone was laid July 4, 1841, by Bishop Kenrick; Very Rev. P. E. Moriarty, O.S.A., preached. On December 5th the church (one hundred by sixty feet) was dedicated by Very Rev. M. O'Connor, V.G. Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. P. P. Lefevre, D.D., of Detroit; sermon by Rt. Rev. P. R. Kenrick, of St. Louis.

The first pastor was Rev. Daniel McDevitt. He was succeeded by Rev. William O'Hara, who re- mained until consecrated Bishop of Scranton, Pa., on Aug. 12, 1868. He was succeeded by Rev. P. A. Nugent, of St. John's Church, Manayunk. He re- signed and went to Europe. His successor was the present pastor, Very Rev. J. E. Mulholland, appointed 12th of May, 1869. On Nov. 19, 1871, the church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. William O'Hara, D.D., Bishop of Scranton, assisted by Rev. James E. Mulholland as archdeacon, Rev. Francis P. O'Neill and Rev. Anthony Shields as deacons, Rev. M. A. Ryan and Rev. J. J. Boyle, masters of ceremonies. Sermon by

Rev. Thomas F. Hopkins. Father Mulholland is assisted by Rev. Thomas W. Power, Rev. Luke McCabe, and Rev. Charles J. Vandergrift.

St. Philip's Church .- The corner-stone of this church (Queen Street, below Third) was laid in 1840 by Rt. Rev. John Hughes, Bishop of New York. On Sunday, May 9, 1841, the church was dedicated by Bishop Kenrick. High mass was celebrated by Rev. J. P. Dunn, the pastor ; the collection amounted to five hundred dollars. This was intended to be a "free" church, to depend upon voluntary collections for its support, and no revenue was to be derived from the renting of pews. After a brief trial, however, this plan was abandoned.

On June 30, 1841, a meeting was held at the church for the purpose of raising funds and to hear the financial report for the year. Hon. Judge Doran pre- sided, John Maher was secretary. The report showed that fourteen thousand dollars had been collected during the year, and that thirteen thousand nine hundred and forty-one dollars had been expended. Collectors for each square were appointed, and seven bundred dollars were subscribed. Addresses were made by Bishop Kenrick, Fathers Dunn and Carter, Judge Doran, and Dr. Maurice Morrison, of Buenos Ayres.

On Oct. 25, 1841, after being closed several weeks for plastering, the church was reopened. Bishop Kenrick delivered the sermon.

During the riots of 1844 the "Native American" rioters attacked the church on July 6th and 7th, and attempted to set it on fire.

On May 9, 1844, Gen. R. Patterson detailed the Lafayette Light Guards, Lieut. Pearce, and the In- dependent Rifles, Capt. Florence, to protect the church, a duty in which they succeeded.

Rev. John P. Dunn was pastor, and Rev. Nicholas Cantwell, assistant. He is now the venerated pastor of the church. He was ordained at St. Mary's Church on Nov. 4, 1841.

On June 30, 1847, a solemn high mass was cele- brated at St. Philip's by Abbe de Massip for the repose of the soul of Daniel O'Connell, the Irish patriot. A funeral discourse in the Irish language was delivered by Rev. M. F. Jennings, O.S.F., of Galway, Ireland, from the text, "Remember, man, thou art but dust."

The Diocesan Synod of 1853 having instituted in the diocese of Philadelphia the devotion of the forty hours' exposition of the blessed sacrament on the festival of Corpus Christi in this year, the first cele- bration of this devotion in the diocese took place at this church.

On June 21, 1857, the church was consecrated by Bishop Neumann, assisted by Bishop Wood and Rev. Nicholas Cantwell as assistant priest, Rev. N. O'Brien of the seminary as archdeacon, Rev. David Whelan as deacon, and Rev. Robert Reilly as sub- deacon. Solemn high mass was celebrated by Bishop

1393

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

Wood, Rev. John Loughran heing assistant priest, and Robert Reilly and Rev. John McAnauy, deacon and subdeacon.

In January, 1860, the present stained-glass windows (nineteen and a half by three feet six inches) were placed in the church. They were made by George Morgan & Brother, of New York, and cost three thousand dollars.

The Diocese of Philadelphia was founded by Pope Pius VII., by decree of April 8, 1809. Rev. Michael Egan, pastor of St. Mary's Church, was ap- pointed the first bishop. He was consecrated at Bal- timore, Oct. 28, 1810. He died July 22, 1814. Rt. Rev. Henry Conwell became bishop in 1820, died in 1842. Rt. Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick, D.D., consecrated coadjutor June 6, 1830, translated to Baltimore, 1851, died July 8, 1863. Rt. Rev. John Nepomucene Neumann, D.D., C.SS.R., consecrated March 28, 1852, died Jan. 5, 1860. The late Most Rev. James Frederic Wood, D.D., was consecrated coadjutor cum jure successionis, April 26, 1857, in Cincinnati, created archbishop June 17, 1875, died 1883. On Feb. 12, 1875, Philadelphia was erected an archdiocese. On June 17, 1875, the pallium was re- ceived by Archbishop Wood, who, since June, 1862, had been assistant at the pontifical throne. The archdiocese was, on the Feast of St. Teresa, Oct. 15, 1875, consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is under the patronage of Our Blessed Lady Conceived without Sin and of the Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul. " According to the census of 1880, the church in the United States counted 6,200,000 Catholics in 11 arch- dioceses, 48 dioceses, 8 apostolic vicariates, and 2 apostolic prefectures, with about 5000 priests, 6000 churches and chapels, 600 colleges and academies, and 350 charitable institutions."

LIST OF CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN PHILADELPHIA.

Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, Eighteenth Street, opposite Logan Square. Rev. John J. Elcock, rector; Rev. D. A. Brennan, chan- cellor and secretary ; Rev. Thomas F. Shannon, Rev. James P. Sin- not, Rev. Alexander A. Gallagher, assistants.

All Saints, Bridesburg, corner Brown and Bockius Streets. Rev. Jeho F. Fechtel ; Rev. Henry Effertz, assistant.

Annunciation, Tanth and Dickinson Streets. Rev. Michael J. Filan, rector; Rev. William Masterson, Rev. D. O'Connor, Rev. Robert Clancey.

Assumption, Spring Garden Street, below Twelfth. Rev. A. D. Filan, rector ; P. J. Wynne, Rev. Thomas Logue.

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, Oak Street, Manayunk. Rev. F. J. Martersteck, rector; Rav. Ilerbert Ilammeke.

Chapel of Little Sisters of the Poor, Eighteenth Street, above Jeffer- sou. Chapel services hy the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, at the Gesn.

Church of the Gesn, Seventeenth and Stiles Streets, Rev. B. Villiger, S.J., Rev. Peter Blenkinsop, S.J., Rev. Charles Cicaterri, S.J., Rev. Alphonse Coppens, S.J., Rev. J. A. MelIngh, S.J., Rev. P. Claven, S.J., Rev. Livius Vigilante.

Church of the Sacred Heart, Third Street, below Reed. Rev. J. J. Fitz- maurice, pastor; Rev. S. B. Spalding.

Holy Trinity (German), northwest corner Sixth and Spruce Streets. Rev. E. O. Hiltermann ; Rev. J. Kemmerling, assistant.

Immaculate Conception, Front and Canal Streets. Rev. P. J. Dailey, D.D., rector; Rev. Joseph O'Keefe, J. J. Clark, assistants.

Maternity of Blessed Virgin Mary, Bustleton. Rev. A. P. Hlaviland.

Our Lady of Consolation, Chestunt Avenue, Chestnut Hill. Rev. F. J. McShane, O.S.A., Rev. John Emmett, O.S.A., Chestnut Avenue.

Our Lady of the Nativity, Alleghany Avenue and Belgrade Street. Rev. Q. Hilger, C.SS.R.

Our Lady of the Visitation, B. V. M., Front Street and I.ehigh Avenue. Rev. Thomas Barry, pastor; Rev. Joseph A. Strahan, Rev. John Cox, assistaots.

Our Mother of Sorrows, Forty-eighth Street and Lancaster Avenue, Hes- tonville. Revs. John W. Shanahan, rector ; James F. Shields, John J. Denvir.

Polish Congregation, Sepviva and Norris Streets. Rev. Emil Kattein. St. Agatha, Thirty-eightb and Spring Garden Streets. Rev. John E. Fitzmaurice, Rev. P. W. Braonan, Rev. Richard Tobio.

St. Alphonsus, southwest corner Fourth and Reed Streets. Rev. Hubert Shick, pastor; Rev. A. Mersch.

St. And, Lehigh Avenne and Ceder Street. Rev. Thomas Kiernan, rector ; Rev. Thomas F. Mullen, Rev. Francis J. Quinn, and Rer. Owen P. McManus, assistante.

St. Augustine, Fourth Street, below Vine. Rev. Peter Crane, O.S. A., Very Rev. P. A. Stanton, O.S.A., Rev. Henry A. Fleming, O.S.A., and Rev. N. J. Murphy, O S.A.

St. Boniface, Diamond Street and Norris Square. Very Rev. Francie X. Schnittgen, C.SS.R., Superior and pastor ; Rev. Ferdinand A. Litz, C.SS.R., Rev. Francis Frischbier, Rev. G. Hilger, C.SS.R., Rev. Leopard Schwabl, C.SS.R , Rev. Louis Zinnen, C.SS.R.

The following statistics show the condition of the archdiocese : churches, 127 ; in course of erection, 7 ; St. Bridget, Falls of Schuylkill. Rev. John Keul. chapels, 53 ; stations, 31 ; priests, 260 ; priests in col- St. Charles Borromeo, Twentieth and Christian Streets. Rev. Nicholas J. Walsh, rector ; Rev. James C. Wynne, Rev. Peter Mccullough, Rev. Francis P. Dougherty, and Rev. P. J. Mellon, asistanta. lege, 35; students in seminary, 106 ; at Rome, 4; ec- clesiastical institutions, 3 ; colleges, 3 ; Brothers of the St. Clement, Seventy-first Street and Woodland Avenue. Rev. Thomas St. Dominic, Holmesburg. Rev. Lawrence Wall, Rev. P. A. Quinn. ('Neill, Rev. John F. Graham. Christian schools, 51; Franciscan brothers, 4; orders of religious women, 13; number of religious women, St. Edward the Confessor, corner Eighth and York Streets. Rev. P. F. Sullivan, rector; Rev. John J. Rodgers, Rev. John P. Connell. novices and postulants, 1020 ; schools of the Christian Brothers, 9; schools of Franciscan Brothers, 1; num- St. Elizabeth, southeast corner Twenty-third and Berks Streets. Rev. Bernard Dornhege, pastor; Rev. John F. Lynch, Rev. M. E. Mulli- gan, assistants. ber of boys taught by Christian Brothers, 3587 ; academies and select schools for young ladies, taught St. Fraucls Xavier, Twenty-fifth and Biddle Streeta, Rev. James Megina, Rey. William Meigher, Rev. Michael Sculley. by Sisters, 26; parochial schools, 59; number of scholars, 22,000; number of scholars at academies St. James, Thirty-eighth and Chestnut Streets. Rev. P. J. Garvey, Rev. Edmund E. Rowao, Rev. Joseph H. O'Neill, Rev. William Craig. and select schools taught by Sisters, 2100; orphan St Joachim, Pine Street, above Franklin, Frankford. Rev. J. P. Byrne Rev. Michael C. Donovan, assistant. asylums, 6; number of orphans,-boys, 495 ; girls, 503; total, 998; hospitals, 4; widows' asylum, 1; St. John the Baptist, Mannyunk. Rev. James A. Brehony, pastor ; Rev. F. P. Fitzmaurice, Rev. J. Campbell. homes for aged poor, 2; conferences of St. Vincent | St. John the Evangelist, Thirteenth Street, above Chestnut. Rev P. R. de Paul, 27 ; Catholic population, 300,000.

O'Reilly, Rev. J. J. Ferry, Rev. J. J. Donnelly, Rev. P. F. Burke. St. Joseph, Willing's Alley, below Fourth Street. Rev Joseph M. Ardin, S.J., pastor ; Rev. A. Romano, S.J , Rev. P. A Jordan, SJ , Rer. Patrick Duddy. S.J., Francis O'Neill, S.J., Rev. Blaslus A Sk ffiul. St. Malachi, Eleventh Street, above Master. Rev. Elmond F. Prender- gast, pustor ; Rev. M. A. Mullin and Rev. William Kgan.

St. Mary, Fourth Street, above Spruce. Rev. Ignatius F. Horstmann, D.D., pastor ; Rev. Joseph Kelly.

1394

HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

St. Mary Magdalene di Pazzi, Marriott Street, above Seventh. Rev. Antonio Isoleri, appointed missionary.

St. Michael, Second and Jefferson Streets. Very Rev. Charles P. O'Con- nor, D.D., pastor; assistants, Rev. M. J. Lawlor, Rev. James E. Cleary, Patrick J. Tierney.

St. Patrick, Twentieth Street, below Locust. Rev. J. E. Mulholland, pastor ; Rev. T. W. Power, Rev. Charles Vandergrift, Rev. L V. McCabe.

St. Paul, Christian Street, above Ninth. Very Rev. Maurice A. Walsh, V.G., pastor. Rev. William Walsh, Rev. R. F. Hannagan, Rev. Walter P. Gough, assistants.

St. Peter, Fifth Street and Girard Avenue. Redemptorist Fathers; as- sistants, Rev. Joseph Wirth, C.SS R., Rev. Joseph Hovestadt, C.SS.R., Rev. John B. Hotz, C.SS.R., Rev. Matthias Kuborn, Rev. Lonis Dolch, Rev. T. A. Timmer, Rev. Leonard Lentsch, Rev. Peter Ewald, C.SS.R.

St. Philip de Neri, Queen Street, above Second. Rev. N. Cantwell, Rev. H. McGlynn, Rev. James Trainor, Rev. Francis Trainor.

St. Stephen, Nicetown. Rev. William Mclaughlin.

St. Teresa, Broad and Catharine Streets. Rev. Hugh Lane, Rev. Thomas Toner, Rev. P. Beresford, Rev. Henry Hasson.

St. Veronica, Second and Butler Streets, Rev. William Power.

St. Vincent de Paul, Price and Evaus Streets. Rev. P. V. Byrne, C.M., Rev. J. P. Neck, C.M., Rev. J. J. Hennelly, C.M.

St. Vincent, corner Ash and Bock- ins Streets, Tacony. Rev. G. J. Freude, Rev. J. Scheld.

St. Vincent Orphan Asylum. Rev. G. J. Frende.

THE METHODISTS.

The first Methodist so- ciety in Philadelphia was formed in 1768, probably under the administration of Capt. Webb, who was a British quartermaster in Al- bany, N. Y. The first class consisted of seven persons. At first the meetings were held near the drawbridge which then spanned Dock Creek at Front Street on the Delaware, and the services were conducted in a sail- loft, the use of which was obtained from a sail-maker whose name was Croft. This was the date of the organization of the first society. Some thirty years before George Whitefield, so well known for his fervor and eloquence, had visited Phila- delphia and had produced a profound impression. He had gathered around him a number of earnest Presby- terian ministers, who assisted him in his revival meet- ings. So great was the effect that it was represented that the theatres were closed, and "all books except such as treated of religion were unsalable." In a few months, however, Whitefield died in England, and no further effort was made at that time to establish Methodist services. Some, however, who remem- bered Whitefield, were favorably disposed toward Mr. Wesley's ministers when they subsequently ar- rived. Dr. Wrangel, also a Swedish missionary, who had labored in Philadelphia, on his return to Europe, advised his friends in Philadelphia to attend

CAPT. THOMAS WEBB.

the meetings of Mr. Wesley's ministers, should they arrive, and a few of his followers at once united with the society. Worship was held in the sail- loft which occupied the spot where the building Nos. 248 and 250 South Water Street now stands, until the fall of 1769, when Messrs. Boardman and Pilmore were sent by Mr. Wesley to preach in New York and Philadelphia. Mr. Pilmore began by preach- ing on the State- House steps on Chestnut Street, and afterward addressed large audiences on the race- ground, in what was called Centre Square. In a letter to Wesley, he informs him that the congregation numbered about one hundred. The society, however, remained small, as in 1771, when Francis Asbury ar- rived, there were only between thirty and forty mem- bers in the city.

In November, 1769, an unfinished building, which had been commenced by some members of the Ger- man Reformed Church of St. George, and who had become largely indebted, was sold at public sale. It was pur- chased by a gentleman who, a few days afterward, con- veyed it to the Methodist Society for six hundred and fifty pounds, Pennsylvania currency. Though unfin- ished, religious services were immediately held in this building, which for years had no other name than the preaching-house, though afterward it was named St. George's, and has been so officially recognized ever since. It was not only the first Methodist Church edi- fice in Philadelphia, but is to- day the only church edifice belonging to Methodism in the United States now standing that was erected be- fore the commencement of the present century. When Methodism was thus introduced, the leading churches of other denominations had been occupying the terri- tory, some of them for nearly one hundred years. The Churchmen, Friends, Presbyterians, German Re- formed, and Baptists were comparatively strong. The progress of the first church was very slow, as in a few years the excitement of the Revolution became great, and during the occupancy of the city by the British troops St. George's Church was used as a riding- school for cavalry. After the Revolution closed, in 1783, the society was still small ; its members, how- ever, though few, were very earnest, and a number of remarkable conversions took place. Though the congregations were weak, some noted men occa- 'sionally attended. A note in John Adams' diary, in

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.

1395

1774, speaks highly of Capt. Webb's "fluent and eloquent preaching." The opposition excited, how- ever, was strong. Pamphlets against Methodism were published, and most extravagant denunciations were made. In October, 1771, Francis Asbury, who had been sent as a missionary by Mr. Wesley, ar- rived in Philadelphia. He was the apostle of Metho- dism in America. Though he had been preceded by several excellent ministers, no one had attempted a thorough organization until he came. He not only labored in Philadelphia and New York, but traveled extensively along the Atlantic seaboard. In July, 1773, the first annual Conference was held in this city. It was attended by nine ministers, of whom only six took appointments, but cir- cuits were organized covering a large part of New Jersey, Dela- ware, Eastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland, with the city of New York. At that time one hun- dred and eighty members were reported for Philadelphia, but it should be remarked that this in- cluded not only the city, but all the members in Eastern Penn- sylvania and in Northern Dela- ware.

In May, 1774, the second an- nual Conference was also held in this city, showing a member- ship which had almost doubled during the year, though the lar- gest increase had been in Mary- land and Virginia. In 1775 the third Conference in Philadelphia was held, showing a like increase throughout the country gener- ally, though the growth in Phila- delphia was not so large. The excitement of the Revolutionary war scattered their membership, and, as has been said, greatly re- tarded the work. In 1776, owing to the unsettled state of Philadel- phia, the annual Conference was held in Baltimore. Subsequent- ly it convened in that city, and in other places farther south until the war closed. At that time ministerial changes were very frequent. Mr. Pilmore, Mr. Board- man, Mr. Shadford, Mr. Asbury, and others, succes- sively occupied the pulpit. All of these, however, left the country shortly after the Revolutionary war com- menced and returned to England, excepting Mr. As- bury, who remained steadily attached to the fortunes of American Methodism. Earnest young men were, however, admitted to the ministry, and during the whole period of excitement the number of ministers

and of members constantly increased throughout the Middle States. The membership in Philadelphia, how- ever, was greatly diminisbed. In 1776 it was 137; in 1777,96; in 1779, 89; in 1780, 90 ; and in 1783, 119. After the war, in 1784, the number rose to four hun- dred and seventy, but this embraced the places adja- cent to the city also. St. George's Church, which had been occupied by the British cavalry, was left in a very bad condition. The congregation was weak. A rough board floor was put down on the east end of the church, while the other half was an earthen

BISHOP FRANCIS ASBURY.

floor. The seats were rough, and the pulpit was simply a square box. In 1779, Rev. Freeborn Gar- rettson, a native of Maryland, a minister of great earnestness, was sent by Bishop Ashury to build up St. George's, and the bishop himself, two years after- ward, raised two hundred and seventy pounds for the ground-rent, and four years subsequently raised five hundred pounds more to assist the church. During all this time the members of the Methodist society labored under peculiar difficulties. They were considered simply as members of a society ;

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.

History of Philadelphia, 1609-1884, Part 126

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 992

Author: Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898. cn; Westcott, Thompson, 1820-1888, joint author
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L. H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 992