USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > The history of St. Stephen's reformed church, Reading, Pennsylvania, 1884-1909; by the Rev. Thomas W. Dickert > Part 4
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* There is a discrepancy between the date here given and the date recorded in the brief history which Rev. Mr. Gerhard wrote in the "Church Register." The date of the transfer is there given as De- cember 23, 1883, and we followed that record in referring to the transfer of the Sunday School on page 26.
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themes from the beginning of his ministry, for as early as 1870, the year of his graduation from the Theological Seminary at Mercersburg, he contributed an article to the " Reformed Church Messenger" on "The Resurrection of the Saints." Other articles on various phases of the subject followed, and after twenty-five years of earnest study and careful research he crystallized his views in the volume which is the crown of his theological thought.
The book was favorably received. The " Reformed Church Messenger" said :
"We take great pleasure in announcing this publica- tion, which will be found to be scholarly, suggestive and devotional. It discusses an intensely interesting subject in a most original manner. The reader may not at once agree with the author, but if he reads the book through he will find that the positions taken are strongly sup- ported in Scripture, science and sound reasoning."
Rev. William Rupp, D. D., Professor of Practical Theology in the Theological Seminary at Lancaster, after carefully reading the manu- script, wrote about it as follows :
"The book shows wide reading on the part of its au- thor. It has not been a hasty production. The author has gone generally through the literature of his subject, and has written thoughtfully, cautiously, and with a mas- terly grasp of his material. The style is plain, direct and forcible. One need never be at a loss as to the meaning
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of a sentence. The writer is one who understands his own thought, and consequently is able to make others under- stand it. The thought, of course, is always profound, but so clearly expressed that any intelligent man or woman will be able to comprehend it. The book was not written for ministers only, but for the Christian and thinking pub- lic generally; and any reader of ordinary intelligence, we are sure, will find it to be interesting, instructive and profitable, particularly as it deals ably and honestly with a subject in which we are all personally interested."
In the fall of 1895 the exterior of the church, both bricks and woodwork, was painted at a cost of $105, giving the building a neat and at- tractive appearance.
Elder Isaac M. Bechtel resigned December 2, 1895, and was succeeded by Milton J. Col- ler, who was elected to the office at the congre- gational meeting held January 8, 1896, after having served as deacon since the organization of the congregation. At the same meeting Cu- vier G. Grube was elected as deacon, taking the place vacated by Mr. Coller. Deacon Charles W. Wanner resigned May 4, 1896, and was suc- ceeded by Dr. Wilson D. DeLong, who was elected by the consistory to serve until the next annual congregational meeting, January 6, 1897, when he was reelected for three years. On June 8, 1896, Mr. Wanner resigned as treasurer
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of the Poor Fund, and was succeeded by Dr. DeLong.
At the regular meeting held September 7, 1896, the consistory granted permission to the young men of the church to establish a reading room, to be continued as long as the consistory might deem it proper, the young men being privileged to elect a librarian and one or more assistants.
On November 2, 1896, the consistory re- solved to change the monthly system of contri- butions for the support of the Gospel to the weekly system, to go into effect January 1, 1897. It was also decided at the same meeting that the minimum amount to be paid by every con- firmed member be five cents a week, with the exception of those who should be exonerated by the consistory. Mr. J. Wilson Klein was elected as financial secretary of the congregation, be- ginning January 1, 1897, and the collection of church dues, which had hitherto been attended to by the deacons, was given into his hands, and as a compensation for his labors he was to receive six per cent. of all contributions given for this purpose. At a special meeting of the congregation held November 15, 1896, the above
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action of the consistory was unanimously rati- fied, and a form of pledge was adopted which was to be signed by the confirmed members of the congregation indicating the amount they were willing to contribute each week as church dues. At a subsequent meeting of the consis- tory held February 1, 1897, it was decided that members who were living outside of the city and who could not attend the services regularly, but desired to retain their membership at St. Stephen's, should pay toward the support of the church at least one dollar a year.
At the regular meeting of the consistory on February 1, 1897, an important action was taken, which hastened the great event toward which the pastor had looked forward since 1890, the erection of a new church building. The consistory decided to buy the property adjoin- ing the church to the south ..
At a special meeting of the congregation held March 7, 1897, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
"Resolved, That we, the members and friends of St. Ste- phen's Reformed Congregation, build a new church as soon as we can make the proper arrangements to do so.
"Resolved, That the Trustees of this congregation be instructed to purchase the property adjoining the church
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THE PROPERTY OF THE CONGREGATION IN 1897.
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on the south side from Mr. William Border for the sum of twenty-nine hundred dollars.
"Resolved, That we, the pastor and members of St. Ste- phen's Reformed Congregation, hereby express our pro- found appreciation of the services rendered by Mr. William Border in arranging without remuneration all the details for purchasing the Mullin property adjoining the church on the south side.
"Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. William Border, properly signed by the President and Secretary of this meeting."
A mortgage of $1,500 rested on the prop- erty at the time of the purchase. This was sat- isfied by means of a note on which $700 was paid April 1, 1897. The balance was paid May 1,1897.
On June 1, 1897, a Ladies' Guild was or- ganized. It was divided into four circles, all of whom were actively engaged in working for the new church.
A Young Peoples' Society of Christian En- deavor was organized September 22, 1897, and at once became a vigorous and active organiza- tion of the church.
The congregation was now on the eve of be- ginning operations for the erection of a new church building. The preparations for larger things were soon to bear fruit.
INTERIOR OF THE NEW CHURCH,
CHAPTER VI
A NEW CHURCH
T
HE pastor first had a vision of the larger church building which would some day have to be erected. By degrees he revealed the vision to his people, and when the proper time came he had prepared their minds and hearts to enter upon the work with great enthusiasm.
The first step that was taken in the direction of building a new church was the resolution of the consistory, February 1, 1897, to purchase the property adjoining the church on the south side. This action was ratified by the congrega- tion, who authorized the purchase at a meeting held March 7, 1897.
In the "Annual Visitor" of April 19, 1897, the pastor left a blank space at the top of page 5, and below it he printed the following earnest plea for a new church :
"This space is reserved for a picture of the new church. What that church shall be depends on the grace of God, on Congress, on ourselves, and on our friends. The grace of God we can always count on, of Congress we will hope for the best, as for ourselves, let us do our utmost, and our friends will stand by us. We need a new church, be-
1
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cause we do not consider ourselves warranted in making the extensive and costly repairs to our present building which are required if it is to remain, because our church is getting too small, because we must keep abreast with the progress of our city, because the glory of God de- mands that a congregation, which has been blest like St. Stephen's, shall go forward and erect a house of worship fully commensurate with its constantly increasing require- ments. The congregation has expressed its willingness and purpose to build a new church so soon as we can make the necessary preparations. We are eager to be- gin. And every member would like to see a beautiful building erected. We have no desire to outdo others. Neither are we prompted by feelings of pride. But we do believe that we cannot do too much for our Lord, who loves the beautiful, as well as the true and the good. Giv- ing is a grace that needs to be exercised. No one can af- ford to hang back. Our current expenses and benevolent contributions are provided for by systematic offerings fre- quently given and in small amounts. The time has now come for us to think of something altogether exceptional and something which comes to most men only once in a life time. We want to build a church, to cost not two or three thousand dollars, but twenty, or thirty thousand. Pennies, nickels and dimes are good in their place, but do not go far when a church is to be erected. Occasional sociables and entertainments are like sweetmeats and desserts-not to be depended upon, because not sufficient- ly substantial. The only way to raise funds to build a church is to proceed as we do when we want to build or buy a house for ourselves. We know it takes a large amount of money, but we believe in the investment and are willing to make it. The best way to get together thousands of dollars for a new church is for all those who can possibly do so to give by the thousand. A man who is worth ten or fifteen thousand dollars does not go be-
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yond what is reasonable if he contributes a thousand dol- lars towards a new church. He will not be any the poorer for having done so. Nor can any one else afford to do less than his full duty. Brethren, we have resolved to build. We are not ready now. It will take at least a year to prepare, but in the meantime let no one be idle. The poor alone cannot build it. The rich alone cannot build it. If all become thororoughly aroused and each one is willing to do his utmost, the church can be built and paid for. Shall it be done?"
The leaven was working, and at a special congregational meeting held October 17, 1897, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
"Resolved, That we, the members and friends of St. Stephen's Reformed Congregation of Reading, Pa., un- dertake in the fear of God the erection of a new church, the work to be commenced in the spring of 1898."
On motion the members of the consistory were appointed a nominating committee to nom- inate a building committee and an advisory committee. They reported as follows :
"We the nominating committee appointed this day beg leave to report the following names:
"For Building Committee-Daniel C. Roth, John M. Wagner, and Rev. C. S. Gerhard, D. D.
"For Advisory Committee-Frank G. Bard, Edwin F. Feather, George A. Fick, J. Frederick Gerhard, John K. Hiester, Levi Hunsicker, Jacob G. Jackson, Richard G. Lincoln, Adam A. Ludwig, Albert Miller, Tobias W. Niss- ly, Manton W. Potteiger, Daniel S. Schaeffer, Alexander Schlottman, J. Frederick Schoenberger, Dr. John K. Sea-
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man, Albert M. Weyandt, Daniel S. Klein, Joseph R. Roth, Hiram K. Ritter, Milton J. Coller, Samuel Palm, Lemon H. Hertz, Cuvier G. Grube, and Dr. W. D. De- Long."
The above were unanimously elected, and the project of building a new church was launched.
A contract was made with the Philadelphia and Reading Railway Young Men's Christian Association for the use of their building on Eighth streeet, between Green and Greenwich streets, as a place of worship while the new church was being erected. Rev. C. S. Gerhard, D. D., Joseph R. Roth, Milton J. Coller, Hi- ram K. Ritter and Lemon H. Hertz were ap- pointed a committee to sign the agreement. As a compensation for the use of the building the consistory had one of the rooms plastered and wainscoted at a cost of $107.
A portion of the Sunday School held its ses- sions in the same building, while the remaining portion was accommodated in the Tenth and Green streets public school building.
The last service in the old building was held Sunday, April 10, 1898. The next Sun- day, April 18, 1898, the first service was held in the temporary place of worship.
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The "Annual Visitor" of April 11, 1898, had a cut of the proposed church as a frontis- piece, and contained the following article from the pen of the pastor :
" On the first page is a picture of the new church. It is an easy matter to have a cut made; not so easy to build a church. But it can be done. It has often been accomplished before, and anything that is necessary the members and friends of St. Stephen's can do. In union and co-operation there is strength. We are in the midst of our preparations. It will be a long pull and a hard pull, but, if a strong pull and a pull altogether, we will succeed better than we anticipate.
"With rare exceptions the members are responding nobly. A few seem not to realize the blessedness of giv- ing to the Lord's cause. But the great majority are ready to do what they can. They do not put their own comforts and expenditures first, but recognize the fact that the Lord's cause has an equal claim with their own needs. They are heartily willing to make sacrifices, to work, to save, to give-'to earn all they can, save all they can, give all they can.' They want to do something, and as much as possible.
"The pastor's heart has often been touched, in making his canvass, with the beautiful exhibitions of unusual lib- erality on the part of those whose gifts require genuine self-denial and long-continued, persistent saving up of pennies, nickels and dimes. To them the building of the new church is a precious means of grace. Their prayers and their offerings, like the prayers and alms of Corne- lius, come up for a memorial before God. They give to the new church in such a way that they are thereby lay- ing up treasures in heaven, and growing rich towards God."
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The plan of the new church was prepared by architect Charles W. Bolton, of Philadel- phia." The contract for its erection was awarded to George W. Beard and Company, of Reading. The plan made provision for an auditorium ca- pable of seating eight hundred persons, and a Sunday School Chapel with room for seven hundred persons, the two rooms being so ar- ranged that they could be thrown together, giv- ing a combined seating capacity of fifteen hun- dred.
The corner stone was laid on Sunday after- noon, July 3, 1898. Notwithstanding the great heat a good sized congregation was present. The exercises were opened promptly at three o'clock with a selection by the orchestra. This was followed by an anthem by the choir and orchestra, and the invocation by Rev. J. P. Stein. A hymn was then sung, and Rev. S. R. Bridenbaugh, D. D., read the Scripture lesson. Rev. R. W. Miller offered prayer. Rev. B. Bausman, D. D., delivered an address, in which he traced the history of the congregation from the starting of a mission Sunday school in the old school house at Tenth and Washington streets in 1864 to the present time. He said
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the church had a tremendous influence, and was a great moral support to a community.
Rev. T. J. Hacker, pastor of Zion's Reformed Church, Allentown, delivered the sermon on the meaning of a corner stone. His text was Job 38 : 4, 6, 7. He referred to the wonderful ge- nius of God in the creation of the world, and in placing man in this land of plenty. He then spoke of the corner stone of the Church of Christ, which he characterized the corner stone of human happiness. " It is a living stone," he said, "one preserving in itself the true light of God and the world." He then invoked the blessing of God upon the congregation and prayed that He would grant it prosperity.
Rev. J. W. Steinmetz, D. D., gave a brief address, in which he congratulated the congre- gation of St. Stephen's on its new and hand- some building about to be erected, and hoped that the work of the Lord would be carried through successfully. "It means work," he said, " and the church is not going up of its own accord. It must be done by humanity and paid for." He then spoke briefly about the subject of corner stone laying and said that he had at- tended at least eight in this city.
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Rev. F. B. Hahn then offered a brief pray- er, and Rev. Dr. Bridenbaugh read the 96th Psalm, in which all the clergy present partici- pated.
The ceremony of laying the corner stone, the depositing of various articles in the box, and the consecration was then conducted by Rev. C. S. Gerhard, D. D. The following articles were placed in the box : The Holy Bible, " Re- formed Church Messenger," Heidelberg Cate- chism, Reformed Church Hymnal, “ Christian World," "Reformed Church Record," "Re- formed Church Herald," Reading papers, the " Reformirte Hausfreund," "Reformirte Kir- chenzeitung," and a pretty silk flag from M.W. Potteiger.
The corner stone, which is of granite, has the dates 1883-1898 inscribed on it, and was the gift of Mr. T. D. Bausher, superintendent of the Sunday school.
At a special congregational meeting held September 18, 1898, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
"Resolved, That as said congregation is now engaged in the erection of a church building, and to complete the payment of the same it is necessary to borrow the sum of $13,000, the consistory of said church is hereby authorized
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to borrow the said sum; and that Rev. Dr. Calvin S. Ger- hard, President, and Joseph R. Roth, Secretary, are here- by authorized and empowered to execute a bond or bonds for said amount and a mortgage to secure the same upon the property of said St. Stephen's Reformed Church of Reading, Pa., situate at the southwest corner of Ninth and Greenwich Streets, containing in front on Ninth Street 77 feet by 110 feet in depth on Greenwich Street, under the seal of said corporation, for the term of four years, with interest thereon, at the rate of five per cent. per annum, payable semi-annually on April 1st and Octo- ber 1st, and to do all such other acts as may be necessary in the premises."
The work of erecting the new church was vigorously pressed towards completion, having the careful oversight of the vigilant pastor, who saw to it that every detail of the contract was faithfully carried out.
Mr. Samuel Palm resigned as deacon at the regular consistory meeting, November 7, 1898. At the following meeting of the consistory, De- cember 5, 1898, it was decided to increase the number of deacons from four to six. At the annual congregational meeting, January 4, 1899, Hiram K. Ritter was reelected Elder for three years, and the following Deacons were elected : Cuvier G. Grube and Samuel P. Faust, each for three years, and Albert M. Weyandt and Charles W. Logan, each for two years. On
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February 6, 1899, the consistory reorganized by reelecting the old officers with the exception of Financial Secretary of the consistory, to which office Cuvier G. Grube was elected.
On Sunday afternoon, December 4, 1898, the Sunday School took possession of the new chapel, which had just been completed. At two o'clock the two departments left their temporary quarters at the Railroad Young Men's Christ- ian Association building, and the Tenth and Green Streets public school building, and marched to the chapel. The weather was very inclement, and the attendance was much smaller than it would have been under more favorable conditions.
The following description of the building is taken from the " Reformed Church Record":
"The new edifice is full Gothic, built of grey stone, with Hummelstown brown stone trimmings. The chapel will amply accommodate the members of the congrega- tion and their many friends, having a seating capacity, when crowded, of nearly 1,000. The galleries are divided into five sections, two of which are class rooms. The first floor contains the intermediate department, also the li- brary, parlor, reading, normal class and Christian En- deavor rooms. In the northwest corner of the basement is a well lighted room, 28 by 48, which is intended, when completed, for the primary department. Under the audi- torium is a large assembly room. The library case is a magnificent piece of work, made and partly donated by
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the Hampden planing mill. The stained glass, furnished by J. M. Kase & Co., is neat and appropriate, and har- monizes beautifully with the rest of the building. The walls are white sand finish and contrast nicely with the woodwork, which is principally cypress. Under the gal- leries and between the chapel and auditorium Wilson's patent rolling partitions are used."
The opening services of the chapel were held on Sunday, December 11, 1898. We are in- debted to " The Reading Eagle" for a full ac- count of the services, from which we select the following items :
"Special services were held on Sunday in the new building of St. Stephen's Reformed Church, Ninth and Greenwich Streets, Rev. C. S. Gerhard, D. D., pastor, to commemorate the completion of the chapel, or Sunday school portion. The church proper will not be ready for services until about the first of October of next year.
"At the morning services Rev. C. J. Musser, of Phila- delphia, editor of the 'Reformed Church Messenger,' preached from St. Matthew 22: 42, 'What think ye of Christ?' Among other things he said: 'The building just erected is a substantial and continual evidence of what the people of St. Stephen's think of Christ. It is a loving memorial to Christ's greatness.'
"The afternoon service was largely attended, many being present from other Reformed congregations. The singing was led by the choir of St. Paul's Memorial Re- formed Church, in charge of Mr. Jacob B. Fricker. All the Reformed ministers of Reading were present, except Rev. J. I. Good, D. D., who sent a letter of regret.
"The service was opened with the singing of an an- them by the choir, followed by the invocation by Rev. H.
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Y. Stoner. 'When the Faithful Were Assembled' was sung by the congregation, at the conclusion of which Rev. J. P. Stein, pastor of St. Thomas' Reformed Church, read the 84th Psalm. This was followed by the singing of 'Gloria Patri,' the Creed and responsive reading, led by the pastor, Rev. C. S. Gerhard, D. D. Rev. Henry Mosser, D. D., offered a fervent prayer, after which the hymn 'Praise to the Lord! He is King Over All the Creation!' was sung.
"The first address was given by Rev. Dr. Mosser, of the First church. He said: 'I bring greetings and con- gratulations from my congregation.' He spoke of his church being the mother church of Reading, having eight daughters fand four granddaughters. The First church was organized in 1755.
"Rev. F. B. Hahn, pastor of St. James' and Faith churches, considered himself honored in being selected to follow the address of the pastor of the mother church, as his congregations were two of its most recent daughters. He then spoke on the prosperity and great strides made in the improvement of the house of worship, which ever entails a sacrifice.
"Rev. L. K. Derr, D. D., of Zion's church, gave an address in German. He said he had organized and built five churches at different places. He spoke of the Word of God as a constant growth and the erection of a new building as a beautiful flower springing from such growth.
"Rev. Stanley L. Krebs, of St. Andrew's, was sur- prised at the remarkable transformation on the corner of Ninth and Greenwich Streets. Two months ago, when last there, he said it was the dirtiest and muddiest spot in Reading. It reminded him of a Japanese legend, whereby Japan was created by a mythical god, who out of curiosity stirred a stick into the waters of the then unformed earth, drawing up a great section of mud, and dropping back formed Japan, now"a veritable garden spot.
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"Rev. S. R. Bridenbaugh, D. D., of the Second church, said St. Stephen's had erected this fine building in com- memoration of our dear Lord, and that it should be a sa- cred place for the teaching of all Christian virtues. He hoped that many souls might through it be brought to God.
"Rev. Charles E. Schaeffer, of St. Mark's, thought his church and St. Stephen's had much in common, al- though St. Mark's had not a new building. He said St.
1 Stephen, we are told, was a man full of good work, and so is St. Stephen's church. St. Mark was a great apostle, always active, always working, so is St. Mark's church. Mr. Schaeffer said he derived great encouragement from the fact that he was not alone in the work, there being many able helpers, both visible around us, and a mighty heavenly host unseen.
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