USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > The history of St. Stephen's reformed church, Reading, Pennsylvania, 1884-1909; by the Rev. Thomas W. Dickert > Part 6
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9, " For a great door and effectual is opened unto me." A brief outline of the sermon fol- lows :
"The door of St. Stephen's is open to all its members, and is a continual challenge to them to attend services regularly. It is open to all devout Christians, who are the salt of the earth; to the ungodly, that they may come in and be converted; to the rich and the poor, and the sub- stantial middle class. In the text the open door signifies opportunities for work. These abound on all sides. Christ is the door of salvation. Sin has shut up heaven against man. Christ opened it to all believers. Some day the door will be shut. Enter it while it is open."
At the consistory meeting held December 6, 1899, a new order of service was adopted, as follows :
MORNING SERVICE.
Anthem, or Organ Voluntary.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
Dearly beloved in the Lord: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves before Him, and confess our sins with lowly and contrite hearts, that we may ob- tain forgiveness of the same through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Here the minister and congregation shall kneel and repeat in unison the following confession :)
Our Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against Thee and are not worthy to be called Thy child- ren. We acknowledge the waywardness of our hearts, the perverseness of our wills, the vanity of our minds, and
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A NEW CHURCH
the shortcomings and transgressions which so frequently bear witness against us. But Thou art good and gracious to those who repent of their sins and trust in Thy mercy. We, therefore, humbly beseech Thee to deliver us from the guilt and impurity of our sins, granting us power to overcome and abandon them, that we may serve Thee with cheerful and quiet minds, and share in all the conso- lations of Thy Spirit, through Thy dear Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Then shall the minister rise and pronounce to the congregation, still kneeling, the following declaration of pardon :)
Our Father in heaven, who of His great mercy has promised forgiveness to all who turn unto Him with hearty repentance and true faith, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Gloria in Excelsis, or other Chant.
(Then shall be said antiphonally a selection from the Psalms.)
Hymn. Reading of the Lessons.
Gloria Patri.
Apostles' Creed.
M .- Lord, we believe. C .- Help Thou, O Lord, our unbelief.
M .- The Lord be with you. C .- And with thy Spirit.
General Prayer.
Hymn. Sermon. Kyrie-
O God, the Father in heaven, have mercy upon us. O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon us.
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O God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy peace. Amen.
Prayer, Closing with Lord's Prayer.
Anthem .- Offering.
Offertory Hymn-
Praise to God, immortal praise,
For the love that crowns our days;
Bounteous source of ev'ry joy,
Let Thy praise our tongues employ ; All to Thee, O God, we owe, Source whence all our blessings flow.
Announcements.
Closing Hymn.
Doxology and Benediction.
EVENING SERVICE.
Hymn.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let us pray : Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our minds, we beseech Thee, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that being delivered from every unholy motion of the flesh and spirit, we may perfectly love Thee, with a pure heart and sanctified lips worship Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Then shall be said antiphonally a selection from the Psalms.) Hymn. Reading of the Lessons.
Gloria Patri .- Apostles' Creed. M .- The Lord be with you. C .- And with thy Spirit.
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Let us pray :
M .- Create in us a clean heart, O God : C .- And renew a right spirit within us. M .- Cast us not away from Thy presence: C .- And take not Thy Holy Spirit from us. General Prayer.
Hymn.
Sermon. Gloria Tibi-
Glory be to Thee, Glory be to Thee, to Thee, O Lord.
Prayer.
Anthem .- Offering.
Offertory Hymn-
We give Thee but Thine own, Whate'er the gift may be: All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
Announcements. Closing Hymn.
Doxology and Benediction
The above order of services, together with a selection of Psalms, was printed in pamphlet form and distributed among the members.
The new church was greatly appreciated by the members and friends of St. Stephen's, and it gave the congregation a most complete equip- ment to do great work for the Master.
CHAPTER VII A PERIOD OF SORROW
T HE next three years in the history of St. Stephen's formed a period of sorrow. The pastor had care- fully supervised the erection of the church, but he had built his® life into the church. By exposure and overwork he undermined his health, and he was permitted to enjoy the new church with his people for but a few brief years.
At the congregational meeting on January 17, 1900, it was decided that young men should be appointed as ushers at the church services .*
At the sixteenth anniversary on Sunday, March 18, 1900, the membership of the congre- gation was 702, and that of the Sunday School 794.
In the "Annual Visitor" of April 16, 1900, the pastor wrote a brief article entitled "What Next ?" It reads as follows :
* At the regular consistory meeting, November 7, 1900, it was de- cided to discontinue the ushering by young men, and the deacons again assumed that duty. But on January 2, 1901, an action was passed by the consistory that ushers be appointed, to be under the supervision of the deacons. The first to be appointed in accordance with this resolution were Bright R. Sonen and Benjamin Zweitzig.
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"A place of worship is necessary. A handsome, con- venient church edifice is desirable. A fine new church is encouraging. But to be in possession of the right sort of a building does not in itself insure success. The building is only a means to an end. It is the body which is to en- shrine a living soul. It is a help towards the performance of our duty. A commodious new church brings increased responsibilities. It challenges us anew to greater faith- fulness in church and Sunday school attendance, in tak- ing a hearty interest in all the various operations with which we are necessarily identified, and in living lives of fuller consecration."
In the spring of 1900 Dr. Gerhard was ill, and at a special meeting of the consistory held at the pastor's residence, May 6, 1900, he was granted a vacation for an indefinite period, or so long as might be necessary for the recuperation of his health. Elder H. K. Ritter was elected president of the consistory until the pastor's re- turn. The pastor again presided at the meet- ing of the consistory on the evening of Septem- ber 5, 1900, and resumed his regular pastoral work, having greatly benefitted by his season of rest and recreation.
At the regular consistory meeting, March 6, 1901, it was decided to use unfermented wine thereafter at the communion services.
The pastor and his family were called upon to pass through the deep shadows of the valley
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of affliction and sorrow. The oldest son, W. Glase Gerhard, who had served in the Christian ministry for three years, having been pastor of the Reformed Church at Hummelstown, Pa., and of St. John's Reformed Church, Philadel- phia, Pa., and having given promise of a bright career in the Gospel ministry, fell peacefully asleep in Jesus, July 22, 1901, at the age of 29 years and 5 days. Seven weeks later, Septem- ber 10, 1901, the next oldest son, John M. Ger- hard, who had been a promising business man and had rendered useful service as a lay worker in his father's congregation, followed his brother to the eternal home, at the age of 27 years, 10 months and 26 days .*
The congregation and the whole community, as well as the Church at large, sympathized with the family in their double bereavement, and many expressions of condolence were re- ceived by the latter.
When the church was dedicated, November 19, 1899, the large memorial window on the Ninth Street side was placed as already indi-
* The window donated by the Ladies' Guild, referred to on page 101, was inscribed to the memory of W. Glase Gerhard and John M. Gerhard, after they had passed away.
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cated in the account of the dedication services, but the space for a similar window on the Green- wich Street side was still vacant. On April 30, 1901, the consistory decided to raise a sufficient amount to purchase a memorial window for the Greenwich Street side. The central portion of the window, representing " Christ in Gethsem- ane," was placed there in honor of Rev. Calvin S. Gerhard, D. D., by the Ladies' Aid Society. The panel to the left of the central design was provided for by Mr. E. H. Moyer, in memory of Joseph A. Leinbach ; and the one to the right was presented by the choir.
The following items will be of interest, be- cause they have reference to the above dona- tions.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted by the consistory, November 6, 1901, and forwarded to Mr. E. H. Moyer :
"At a regular meeting of the consistory of St. Ste- phen's Reformed Church, held on Wednesday, November 6, 1901, the following resolution was unanimously passed:
"Resolved, That we return our sincere thanks to Mr. Edward H. Moyer for his liberality and generosity in do- nating, with others, the beautiful memorial window in our church on Greenwich Street, in memory of Mr. Jo- seph A. Leinbach.
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"Resolved, That we highly appreciate this neighborly act of kindness and heartily reciprocate the good will thereby manifested."
At the meeting of the consistory held March 5, 1902, the following communication from the choir was read and adopted :
READING, PA., MARCH 2, 1902. To the Consistory of St. Stephen's Reformed Church :
On Sunday morning, February 23, 1902, the following action was unanimously passed by the choir of St. Ste- phen's Reformed Church :
Inasmuch as Mr. Andrew Carnegie has promised to do- nate a pipe organ to our church, therefore
Resolved, That the one thousand dollars raised by the choir for an organ be devoted to the Building Fund.
Resolved, That two hundred dollars be used to pay for the unnamed window on Greenwich Street.
J. WILSON KLEIN, Organist.
The pastor being in feeble health, the con- sistory at the regular meeting held April 2, 1902, granted him a vacation of six months. Elder H. K. Ritter was appointed by the pas- tor to serve as president of the consistory dur- ing his absence.
On May 9, 1902, the consistory decided to fresco the church at the time the organ is in- stalled, provided the Ladies' Aid Society pay for the same. At the same meeting the organ- ist's salary was increased $25.00, making it $200 a year.
8
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ST. STEPHEN'S REFORMED CHURCH
Dr. Gerhard was elected president of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States at Tiffin, Ohio, May 23, 1899. One of his last public acts was to preside at the opening of the General Synod at Baltimore, Md., May 20, 1902, when he preached a sermon on "How Can the Church Best Meet the Spir- itual Needs of the Age?" It was based on Acts 6 : 5, "And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost."
This sermon, which aroused considerable opposition because of its advanced views, was afterward published in pamphlet form and wide- ly circulated. It is a masterly discourse and expresses the mature views of the author on theological, biblical and scientific, as well as on practical, questions. He outlined his sermon thus :
"I have selected as my subject the question : How can the Church best meet the spiritual needs of the age? My answer is: First, by awakening spiritual life in indi- viduals and families. Secondly, by furnishing opportuni- ties for the development of this life. Thirdly, by helping this spiritual life to become so powerful and active that its possessors will be able to see beyond the things of sense and time into the heavenly realities of the world to come."
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A PERIOD OF SORROW
The pastor and his family spent the summer of 1902 at Pocono Pines, on the summit of the Pocono Mountains, in the hope that his shat- tered health might be improved. But with heavy hearts they returned home the latter part of August, realizing that the days of the pas- tor's activity were almost at an end.
During Dr. Gerhard's absence from his con- gregation the pulpit was supplied by Mr. Cal- vin M. DeLong, of Topton, Pa., a student in the Theological Seminary at Lancaster.
The consistory held a special meeting, Au- gust 17, 1902, to arrange for a reception to be given the pastor and his family. Elder Milton J. Coller and Deacon Cuvier G. Grube were appointed a committee of arrangements.
At the regular meeting of the consistory on August 27, 1902, the pastor informed the con- sistory that his health would not permit him to perform all the work required in the congrega- tion. After a full and amicable discussion of the matter, at the pastor's own wish and ex- pressed desire, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
"Resolved, That our pastor, Rev. Calvin S. Gerhard, D. D., be, and hereby is, constituted Pastor Emeritus of
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St. Stephen's Reformed congregation, at a salary of three hundred dollars per annum, it being understood that this arrangement is to go into effect whenever the new pastor is elected and enters upon his work."
On Sunday morning, September 7, 1902, Dr. Gerhard was greeted by a large congrega- tion when he preached for the first time since his return from his vacation. The church was beautifully decorated with tropical plants and flowers. Behind the pulpit in large letters were the words " Welcome Home."
Dr. Gerhard preached on " The True Des- tiny of Man," his text being taken from Mat- thew 12: 12, " How much then is a man better than a sheep ? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." Rev. Dr. Rufus W. Miller occupied the pulpit in the evening.
A special meeting of the consistory was held September 7, 1902, when it was decided to in- vite Rev. Thomas W. Dickert, pastor of Solo- mon's Reformed Church, Macungie, Pa., to preach for the congregation on Sunday, Septem- ber 21, 1902 .*
* Rev. Mr. Dickert had preached as a supply for Dr. Gerhard on Sunday morning, September 22, 1901, on "Spiritual Satisfaction," using as a text Psalm 17 : 15.
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A PERIOD OF SORROW
On Wednesday evening, September 10, 1902, a reception was given to the pastor and family, and a farewell was tendered to Mr. Calvin M. DeLong.
Mr. Dickert preached trial sermons at the morning and evening services of September 21, 1902, just one year after he had temporarily filled the pulpit at a Sunday morning service. In the morning he preached on "The Shepherd and the Sheep," based on John 10: 14-16. His evening theme was " The Bible and the Daily Life," using as a text Joshua 1: 8.
After the evening service the consistory held a special meeting and placed Mr. Dickert in nomination to be voted for by the congregation at a special congregational meeting to be held October 5, 1902. At the same meeting the consistory decided to pay $1,000 on the church debt, which left the indebtedness resting on the building $13,000.
The Mission Band was organized October 4, 1902.
The election for pastor was held at a special meeting of the congregation on Sunday morn- ing, October 5, 1902. The tellers were Elder Joseph R. Roth and Deacon Albert M. Wey-
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andt from the consistory, and Messrs. Thomas E. Hughes and Edwin F. Feather from the congregation. Rev. Thomas W. Dickert was declared elected, and at a special meeting of the consistory held after the evening service it was decided to extend a call to Rev. Mr. Dickert.
After prayerful consideration Rev. Thomas W. Dickert accepted the call extended to him, stating that he would be prepared to take up the work at St. Stephen's on November 1, 1902. Because of the inability of the pastor to conduct the fall communion services, Rev. Mr. Dickert officiated at both services, October 12, 1902.
The new relation of Rev. Calvin S. Gerhard, D. D., and Rev. Thomas W. Dickert, as pastor emeritus and pastor respectively, was to go into effect November 1, 1902, but on October 29, 1902, the pastor emeritus was called to his eter- nal reward at the age of 57 years and 26 days.
His departure cast a gloom over the congre- gation and community. The consistory held a. special meeting the following day and elected Elder M. J. Coller as president. Rev. Thomas W. Dickert was present and offered prayer. It was decided that the church be draped for thirty days, and that all rehearsals, entertainments
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and suppers be suspended during that period. The consistory decided to secure as a design for the funeral a cross and crown about four feet in height.
The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon, November 3, 1902, at 1.30 o'clock, at the house. Before this hour hundreds of people viewed the remains. Dr. L. K. Derr offered the invocation and read a Scripture pas- sage, and Dr. H. Mosser offered prayer, after which the cortege proceeded to St. Stephen's Church, where further services were held. The members of the consistory served as pall-bearers from the house to the church : Joseph R. Roth, Hiram K. Ritter, Milton J. Coller, J. Fred. Gerhard, elders; Lemon H. Hertz, Cuvier G. Grube, Dr. W. D. DeLong, Samuel P. Faust, Albert M. Weyandt, Thomas Z. Bright, dea- cons. The bearers from the church to the cem- etery were Revs. H. Y. Stoner, Dr. J.W. Stein- metz, Profs. Wm. Rupp, D. D., and J. C. Bow- man, D. D., of the Lancaster Theological Semi- nary, Dr. E. N. Kremer, of Harrisburg, and Dr. C. Clever, of Baltimore.
Every seat in the large church and Sunday school chapel was occupied, and some persons
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could not enter. The large audience included many members of the congregation and Sunday school, who had come to pay the last tribute of respect to their beloved pastor, and it was a touching sight as one by one they filed past the remains to take a last look at his calm and peaceful features. Among those present were some sixty Reformed ministers and a consider- able number of ministers of various other de- nominations of the city. There were many beautiful floral tributes.
Rev. Chas. E. Schaeffer announced a hymn, Rev. Thomas W. Dickert read a Scripture les- son and Rev. H. Y. Stoner led in prayer. Rev. Dr. R. W. Miller spoke on 2 Chronicles 31 : 21, and recounted the good qualities of the departed. He was followed by Rev. Dr. G. W. Richards. Dr. B. Bausman spoke on 1 John 3: 2. Dr. J. W. Steinmetz led in prayer and Rev. C. E. Creitz announced a hymn. Rev. B. T. Callen read the action of the Ministerial Association of Reading and Rev. C. E. Schaeffer read the reso- lutions adopted by Reading Classis. Dr. J. P. Stein read a biographical sketch of the deceased. Interment was made in Charles Evans Ceme- tery. Rev. Thomas W. Dickert and Dr. B. Bausman conducted the services at the grave.
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If Dr. Gerhard could have remained two days longer, he would have completed nineteen years of his pastorate at St. Stephen's. During this time he received 1,207 members by con- firmation, renewed profession and certificate ; baptized 498 children ; buried 159 persons, and had 160 weddings. He left a membership of about 750 in the congregation and 860 in the Sunday school.
The esteem in which Dr. Gerhard was held is shown by the many tributes of respect which were presented by the various organizations with which he was identified. We feel that these are of permanent value, and that they have a proper place in this history. We give them in the order in which we had published them in "The Christian Visitor" for April, 1903.
ST. STEPHEN'S CONSISTORY.
WHEREAS, In the Providence of God our beloved pas- tor, Rev. Calvin S. Gerhard, D. D., departed this life on the morning of October 29, 1902, and
WHEREAS, We desire to record the high regard in which he was held, the deep sense of our loss, and the tender sympathy which we feel towards the bereaved family; therefore, we, the members of the consistory of St. Stephen's Reformed congregation, submit the follow- ing resolutions :
Resolved, That we bow in humble and trustful submis- sion to the will of an all-wise and loving Providence, with
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the firm assurance that He doeth all things well, and that all things work together for good to them that love Him.
Resolved, That in our departed pastor we recognize a man of exceptional character and worth, a profound scholar, an enthusiastic searcher after truth, an efficient minister of the Gospel, and a conscientious and devoted Christian; that we testify to his life of eminent usefulness and service; his loyalty and devotion to his congregation ; his wise and efficient counsel in the administration of its affairs; his earnest activity in promoting the spiritual life and progress of the church. We are assured that the in- fluence of his life and teachings will abide with us until we shall be called home to meet him.
Resolved, That we extend our sincere sympathies to the bereaved family.
Resolved, furthermore, That these resolutions be spread on the minutes and an engrossed copy be sent to the be- reaved family, and that they be published in the various Church papers.
SAMUEL P. FAUST, HIRAM K. RITTER, W. D. DELONG, Committee.
ST. STEPHEN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL.
At a meeting of St. Stephen's Reformed Sunday School held November 9, 1902, the following resolutions were adopted :
WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, to remove by death our beloved pastor, Rev. Cal- vin S. Gerhard, D. D., who during life endeared himself to us by his love, gentleness and wise counsel, and in death merits such tribute of respect and expression of re- gret as will manifest our appreciation of the irreparable loss which we have sustained; we therefore assemble to pay our last sad tribute to the memory of the departed.
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Resolved, That we deeply deplore his departure. We shall miss his pleasant greetings and friendly interest in our school; he was cheerful and hopeful; his presence alone was an inspiration and an encouragement in the performance of every duty. In precept and example he always led towards the cross and the love of God that every heart might become a treasure-casket where God's love is cherished! The love that is forgiving when the past comes before us, the love that shields when tempta- tions fly at us, the love that has open arms of rest at the journey's end.
Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with the be- reaved family at the departure of a loving and devoted husband and kind father, and commend them to the Eter- nal Source of comfort and consolation for those who mourn their dead.
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread on our min- utes and an engrossed copy be presented to the bereaved family.
G. B. KOSTENBADER, EDWIN F. FEATHER, MRS. SUSAN R. SMITH,
Committee.
LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
WHEREAS, God in His all-wise Providence has by death called from our midst our beloved pastor, Rev. C. S. Ger- hard, D. D., and
WHEREAS, Rev. Gerhard was one of the original mem- bers of the Society and attended all its meetings as long as he was able, and by his watchful care and wise coun- sel contributed largely to the success of the Society; therefore
Resolved, That while we deeply mourn the death of the departed, we bow in humble resignation to the will of our heavenly Father, who doeth all things well.
Resolved, That in the death of our beloved pastor, in the midst of his useful life, this Society has lost its most
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devoted and faithful member, whose memory will long be cherished with the fondest recollections.
Resolved, That the sympathy of the Society be ex- tended to the bereaved family, and these resolutions be spread on the minutes and a copy be sent to the family of the deceased, to the "Reformed Church Messenger" and the "Reading Daily Eagle" for publication.
MRS. D. S. SCHAEFFER, MRS. J. F. GERHARD, MRS. J. K. SEAMAN,
Committee.
READING CLASSIS.
WHEREAS, In the Providence of God our beloved brother, Rev. Calvin S. Gerhard, D. D., departed this life on the morning of October 29, 1902; and
WHEREAS, We desire to record the high regard in which he was generally held, the deep sense of our loss, and the tender sympathy which we feel towards his be- reaved family, therefore we, the members of Reading Classis, submit the following resolutions;
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