USA > Pennsylvania > Westmoreland County > New Kensington > The history of one hundred years of the Parnassus Presbyterian Church, New Kensington, Pa > Part 5
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January 25, 1905. Rev. J. L. Me Williams having resigned, a congregational meeting was called after service February 5th to nite with Mr. Me Williams in asking the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation between him and the Church ; when the vote was taken it was lost and Messrs. Dugan, Kennedy and Fink were appointed to present the matter before the Presbytery.
At the called meeting of the Presbytery two days later Mr. Me Williams asked the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation between himself and the Parnassus Church. The representatives were heard and the request was granted, and the relation was dissolved to take effect any time at Mr. Me Williams option. before July 1, 1905. Rev. L. C. Denise was to become Moderator of the Session when Mr. Me Williams elosed the pastorate.
Elder Israel J. Shearer died June 17, 1905. A minute was spread on the minutes of Session in appreciation of his life and work.
The annual report as of April 1, 1905 :
Added on examination 30
Added on certificate
8
Dismissed
11
Deceased
Total Communicants 381
Adults baptized
Infants baptized
9
Sabbath School membership
275
Contributions :
Home Missions
80.00
Foreign Missions
267.00
Education
6.00
Sabbath School Work
50.00
Church Erection 5.00
Ministerial Relief
12.00
Freedmen
65.00
Synodical Aid
75.00
Aid for Colleges
10,00
General Assembly
35.90
Congregational
4.625.00
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Reverend William Melville Curry
Reverend William Melville Curry was born October 1, 1867, at Bloom- ington, Indiana. Early in life his parents moved to Nortonville, Kansas. He at- tended the schools there. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1893; from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary U. P. in 1896. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Sydney, April 3, 1895. He was ordained at Linesville, Pa., his first Pastorate December 21, 1896, and remained there until 1902. He was called that year to the Presbyterian Church of Lima, Ohio. Here he remained until 1906. IIe was Pastor of Parnassus from 1906 to 1912.
Dr. Curry was Pastor of the Fourth Church of Trenton, N. J., 1913-1920. His last charge was the Ninth Church in Philadelphia, 1920 to 1930 and he was Pastor Emeritus until his death December 19, 1934.
Dr. Curry received his honorary degree from Geneva College. He was Moderator of three Presbyteries and the Synod of Pennsylvania, 1929-1930. IIe was an author having published "The Pastors Corner" and "Illustrative Stories for Pulpit and Platform".
Dr. Eubank, his successor in the Ninth Church, just after Dr. Curry's death said in the Calendar, "His influential and consecrated life and sacrificial service will always abide and inspire those lives that were attracted and blessed by his ministery".
Reverend L. C. Denise moderated a meeting of the congregation to call a pastor. Reverend Wm. M. Curry of Lima, Ohio was chosen.
The call was presented to the Presbytery at Vandergrift, found in order, and laid on the table until Mr. Curry should become a member of the Presbytery.
At the meeting in Greensburg, December 12, 1905. Mr. Curry having been received and enrolled as a member of the Presbytery, the call was taken from the table, placed in his hands. and accepted.
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The installation service was held December 18, 1905, at 7:30 P.M. Rev- erend L. C. Denise to preside, propound the constitutional questions and charge the Pastor; Reverend W. L. Barrett to preach the sermon ; and Reverend J. F. Clokey to charge the people.
The induetion of Dr. Curry, as Pastor of Parnassus, was carried out ac- vording to the direction of the Presbytery and he began his work as Moderator of the Session with the following.
Ruling Elders: H. J. Logan, Clerk Trustees : R. A. Euwer John L. Acklin
W. G. Dugan
S. Y. Crusan John M. Kennedy
George H. Fink Fulton A. Dngan
Peter Vanderwulp Joseph Leslie W. J. Peebles George S. Young Cyrus Masters
The Church Bulletin was introduced Sunday, May 6, 1906. In October. 1906, the Session adopted the duplex envelope system for contributions to the church.
At a congregational meeting of the Parnassus Church on February 3, 1907, it was decided to change the Charter to conform to the Act of Assembly of April 14, 1905, by adding thereto: " All property, real or personal, belonging to the said Corporation, or which shall hereafter be bequeathed, devised or conveyed to it, shall not be otherwise taken, held or to endure, than subject to the control. and disposition of the lay members of such church, congregation, or religions society, or such constituted officers, or representatives thereof, as shall be com- posed of the majority of lay members, citizens of Pennsylvania, having a con- trolling power, according to the rules, regulations, usages, or corporate require- ments thereof, so far as consistent therewith".
By decree of the Court granted by Alexander MeConnell, JJudge, the peti- tion for the change was granted on March 20, 1907, and the amendment made a part of the original Charter at the April meeting of the congregation A. A. Brehm and D. S. Wills were elected elders. Mr. Brehm was ordained, and both were in- stalled on April 14th.
A deed was executed on May 22, 1907, between Mrs. Sarah L. Knowland of Parnassus party of the first part, and the Presbyterian Church of Parnassus, party of the second part : Witnesseth : that the party of the first part, for, and in consideration, of the sum of One Dollar, granted that certain lot, bounded and described as follows. See Plot 6.
In December at a meeting of the Session and Trustees it was found the indebtedness of the Church was $7,500.00. $2,600.00 the balance due on the cost of the manse and $4,900.00, the cost of the construction of the recent additions to the church building, including the heating system and the electric lighting. It also appears that about $1,000.00 will be required early in 1908 to cover the cost of necessary repairs to the Church building and, whereas it does not seem expedient at this time to attempt to procure the funds, necessary to pay this in- debtedness by individual subscription, but rather, to secure the amount in the form of Bonds, secured by mortgage on the real estate, of the corporation, payable
49
1
in annual installments during the next ten years, and; whereas: in order that the payment be met promptly when due, including charges for interest, it is necessary that the annual contributions for the current expense of the congre- gation be increased to at least Four Thousand Dollars; and, whereas, the success of the Church depends entirely on the interest manifested by its members as a whole, which interest can only be maintained by bringing the members into close touch with the actual management of its affairs, rather than by delegating such management to its offieers, who are at most but servants of the congregation, be it therefore resolved by the Session and Trustees in joint meeting, assembled :
First : That each member of the Church, unless excused by the Session, shall be required to contribute to the support of the Church, such support being a requisite of good standing.
Second: That contributions to the current expenses of the Church shall be applied, by the Board of Trustees, to the support of the Church, including the payment of the salary of the Pastor, interest on indebtedness, principal, whether such indebtedness exists against the church building or the manse.
Third: That beginning on Saturday, April 4, 1908, the end of the present fiscal year, and at the end of each fiscal year thereafter, the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees be and is, hereby, authorized to publish, in suitable form, the names of all the members of the Church, the amount which each member is in arrears, at the beginning of such fiscal year; the amount subscribed by each member for the fiscal year ; the amount paid, and the balance due at the end of the year ; and a copy be mailed, or delivered, to each member of the congregation.
Fourth : That this resolution be read from the pulpit on Sunday, Decem- ber 15, 1907, and a copy mailed to each member.
Fifth : That this Resolution be recorded on the minutes of the Session and Trustees.
The Trustees were authorized to take the necessary action to get the per- mission of the Court to issue bonds of $250.00 each, for the sum of $6,000.00 at 5.4% interest, bearing the date of April 1, 1908, and maturing $1,000.00 in 1914; $1,000.00 in 1915; $1,250.00 in 1916; $1,250.00 in 1917; and $1,500.00 on April 1, 1918. A mortgage to be given of $12,000.00 to the Logan Trust Company and placing as security the deeds of property. The Deed dated August 27, 1883 from John W. Logan ; Deed dated May 9, 1885 from Reverend J. P. Kennedy and wife ; and Deed dated May 22, 1907 from Mrs. Sarah L. Knowland; excepting there- from, such portions of said real estate as is used for burial purposes, said mort- gage to contain the usual enstomary thirty days "Scire Facies" clauses, for in- suranee and non-payment of interest. Wherefore, be it Resolved : by the Session. "that the action of the Church in the adoption of the foregoing resolution be, and the same is, hereby approved and ratified."
January 12, 1908 the Session expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Know- land for giving the land necessary for the convenient arrangement of the Church. Announcement was made that by resolution, adopted by the members of the Par- nassus Church, as of September 7, 1907, the sale of the lot that was conveyed to the Parnassus Church by Mr. Crawford and Mr. Bakewell by deed dated Octo- ber 6, 1884 to Mr. and Mrs. William Hardy for $421.00.
On March 14, 1909 the Session adopted the plan of having a eentral treas-
50
1
urer for all the organizations of the Church. All momes of the Church to pass through his hands. The different organizations to give warrants for the amounts of their bills, and the Treasurer to issue all checks. John M. Kennedy was elected Treasurer.
The congregation on April 3, 1909 elected Homer K. Baker, John Wright. and Thomas N. Morrow, Ruling Elders.
A. A. Brehm presented his resignation as Clerk of Session and W. G. Dugan was elected in his place. The Session placed a minute of appreciation of Mr. Brehm's work and service on their minutes.
Arrangements were made for a three weeks evangelistie service with Rev- erend Charles G. Jordan, to begin November 21, 1909.
Beginning April 1, 1910, the Trustees were to publish a year book, annu- ally. The book to contain reports of the various organizations of the Church, and sneh other information as shall be of interest to the congregation. It shall con- tain, also, the names of all members of the Church, together with the amounts subscribed by each member to current expense and benevolence For the preceed- ing fiscal year, together with the amounts paid on account thereof during such period ; provided however, that the first annual statement should contain only the amount subscribed for each member for the fiscal year ending April 1, 1911. A committe of twenty young men were appointed to assist in the work of the canvass.
S. Y. Crnsan, a Ruling Elder of the Parnassus Church for thirty years, died February 20, 1910. The congregation elected J. D. Boydson on April 2, 1910.
A general letter calling the attention of the congregation to their duty in the work of their Church was printed on the back and front of the Church Calen- dar for Angust 28, 1910.
Two deeds were presented to, and accepted by, the joint boards. The first exeented February 25, 1911. Between Alexander W. Logan and his wife, Kath- erine C. Logan, and the Presbyterian Church of Parnassus, the party of the first part, for the consideration of one dollar, grants to the party of the second part, all the undivided, one fourth interest, in three certain parcels of land, bounded and described as follows: See Plot 7.
The second exeented February 27, 1911. Between John M. Kennedy and Mary A. Kennedy, his wife, and the Presbyterian Church of Parnassus, the party of the first part, for the consideration of one dollar, grants to, the party of the second part, all the undivided, three-fourths interest, in three traets of land, bounded and described as follows : See Plot 8.
The following resolution was adopted, whereas; the heirs of John W. Logan, deceased, have conveyed to the Presbyterian Church of Parnassus, cer- tain real estate, adjoining the site owned and occupied by the Church. Be it there- fore, Resolved by the Session and Trustees, of this Church, that we express our appreciation of this gift to the heirs of JJohn W. Logan, namely, William R. Logan. Alex W. Logan, John M. Wilson, William L. Wilson, John W. Logan, Mrs. Elsie
51
Logan Rhodes, James A. Logan, Jr., Henry M. Logan, Miss Judith M. Logan, and Mrs. Susan M. Spear.
W. M. Curry, Moderator W. G. Dugan, Clerk of Session G. F. Murphy, Clerk of Trustees
Whereas; this Church has received the gift from the heirs of John W. Logan, of certain real estate, adjoining the site, owned and occupied by this Church through the untiring efforts of John M. Kennedy in overcoming the difficulties attending the same. Be it resolved, by the Session and Board of Trus- tees, of this Church, that we express our appreciation to Mr. Kennedy for his patient and persistent work in the interest of the Church.
W. M. Curry, Moderator W. G. Dngan, Clerk of Session G. F. Murphy, Clerk of Trustees
Dr. Curry having received a call to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church of Atchison, Kansas, a meeting of the congregation was called, to which the following resolution was presented and adopted.
Whereas: it is believed that such dissolution, at this time, would be injur- ious to the best interests of the Lord's work in this field, and believing that our Pastor's act was prompted by proper motives, we believe, that the needs of this congregation require the continuation of his service, be it resolved, that we urge our Pastor to reconsider his decision, that we protest against the request for the dissolution of the pastoral relation.
Mr. J. M. Kennedy was appointed to present the matter to the Presbytery, Mr. F. R. Alter to be his alternate.
Dr. Curry presented his request to the Presbytery at Johnstown on Sep- tember 19, 1911. After hearing the representative of the Church, and mature con- sideration of the whole matter, the Presbytery refused to dissolve the pastoral relation between Dr. Curry and the Parnassus Church. On October 8th the com- bined boards, feeling that all was not harmonious in the Church, requested the Presbytery to send a Commission to make an investigation of the conditions, and to make recommendations for the adjustment of the differences.
That Commission, consisting of Rev. W. A. Ralston, Chairman, H. N. Davis, Secretary, Rev. A. O. Raber, Rev. W. G. Nevin, John W. Miller and W. B. Graham, made the investigation. After hearing all the parties concerned they in- structed the Session to grant letters of dismissal, to certain persons, to Churches of their choice. This was done and after a time harmony was restored. This is the only time in the century that a Presbyterial Commission was called to the Church.
The Seventieth Anniversary was celebrated June 14, 15, 16, 1912.
Friday evening a reception was given to former ministers, members, and their friends, by the congregation from 8:30 to 10.30 o'clock. Saturday at 3:30 P.M.
Organ Recital Mrs. Sayers Invocation and Lord's Prayer Rev. J. L. Me Williams
Handel
Quartet "Unto Thee O Lord, Do We Give Thanks".
Mr. Stott, Mrs. Curry, Miss MeElwain, Mr. Morrow
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Psalter -- Selection 29 Hymn-116 Scripture Lesson. Rev. J. K. Black, D.D. Rev. C. W. Cherry, D.D.
Prayer Solo " Angels Erer Bright and Fair"
Mrs. J. Walter Beyer
Handel
Address " The Church of Yesterday" Rev. J. K. Black. D.D. Hymn-411 Address " Building the Church". Rev. S. R. Gordon, D.D.
Solo "My Soul is Athirst for God" Ganl
Mr. Wilbur Black
Prayer Hymn-723 Benediction Postlude
* Selected
Saturday evening, 8:30 o'clock :
A lawn concern will be tendered by John McC. Kennedy at his residence to all the men, including former ministers, present and former members, and their friends. All men in any way interested in our Church are requested to bring their friends. Short talks will be made by Reverend Black, Gordon, Cherry, Me Will- iams, and Curry. Musie will be furnished by Crooks Orchestra.
In the event of inelement weather the event will take the form of a porch party.
*
Sabbath morning at 9:00 o'clock :
Sabbath School will convene at this special honr. The School will be under the direction of Mr. F. A. Dugan, Superintendent.
Music
The Orchestra
Opening Exercises
The Period with the Lesson
Address
Rev. J. L. Me Williams
Closing Exercises The Lord's Prayer
*
Sabbath morning, 10:30 o'clock :
Organ Recital Mrs. Sayers
Invocation and Lord's Prayer Rev. J. K. Black, D.D.
Quartet "Even Me" Warren Mr. Stott, Mrs. Curry, Miss MeElwain, Mr. Morrow
Psalter-Selection 31 Hymn-98
Scripture Lesson Solo-"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth".
Rev. J. L. Me Williams Handel
Miss Howell
Anniversary Prayer
The Pastor
Offertory
Selected
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Hymn-298 Address " The Church of Today". Rev. C. W. Cherry, D.D. Rev. S. R. Gordon, D.D. Prayer Duet " The Lord is My Shepherd". Smart
Mrs. Curry and Mr. Stott
Hymm-304 Benediction Organ Postlude
Selected
Sabbath afternoon. 3:00 o'clock : A service of Reminisence and Fellowship
Organ Recital Mrs. Savers
Hymn-80
Scripture Lesson
Rev. C. W. Cherry, D.D.
Quartet " Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts"
Gaul
Mr. Stott, Mrs. Curry, Miss MeElwain, Mr. Morrow
Prayer
Rev. J. L. McWilliams
Reading of Letters W. G. Dugan Solo Selected
Miss Walters
Ten Minute Addresses Rev. C. W. Cherry. Rev. J. L. Mc Williams, Rev. J. M. Atchison
Solo "Save Me O God" Randagger
Miss Bellman
Prayer
Rev. S. R. Gordon, D.D.
Hymn-681 Benediction Organ Postlude
Selected
# *
Sabbathı Evening, 6:45 o'clock :
Organ Recital Mrs. Sayers
HIvinn-305
Scripture Lesson
Duet "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"
Mrs. Curry, Miss MeElwain
Prayer
Rev. J. L. Mc Williams
Male Quartet-"Sunset" Messrs. Black, Stott, Laughlin, Frederick Offertory Selected Solo Selected
Miss Plauda Schenk
Ilymn-307
Address-"The Church of Tomorrow" Rev. S. R. Gordon, D.D. Rev. C. W. Cherry, D.D.
Prayer
Male Quartet-"The Beautiful Land" Hymn -- 389
Parks
Benediction
*
Organ Postlude Selected
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Rev. J. K. Black, D.D.
Mendelssohn
Dr. Curry having received a call to the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Tren- ton, N. J., the congregation was called to consider joining with him in asking the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation between Dr. Curry and the Parnassus Church. The request was presented at a called meeting of the Presbytery in the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh on December 9, 1912. Dr. Curry was dismissed. The pastorate to close on December 15, just seven years after he had taken up his work in Parnassus. A portion of the record, spread on the minutes of Session, in appreciation of Dr. and Mrs. Curry follows.
Our congregation is proud of our seventy years of splendid history, and the present pastorate of seven years compares most favorably with all other per- iods in brillianey of service, as a clear and definite policy exists today, regarding every organization of the Church. It seems most fitting, at this time, to express our appreciation of the service of song rendered by Mrs. Curry as she presented the Gospel in the most attractive form. God has blessed her exceptional talent to his glory.
The annual report at the close of Dr. Curry's pastorate :
Added on examination 36
Added on certificate 18
Dismissed
21
Placed on reserved roll 15
Deceased
3
Total Membership 490
Adult Baptisms
14
Infant Baptisms
1-4
Total Members in Sabbath School 286
Contributions :
Home Missions 602.00
Foreign Missions 200.00
Education 10.00
Sabbath School Work 10.00
Church Erection 10.00
Ministerial Relief 10.00
Freedmen 50.00
College Board
10.00
Temperence
10.00
General Assembly
57.48
Congregational
4,291.00
Miscellaneous
170.00
Bible Society
5.00
55
F
MRS. CHERRY MRS. HODIL MRS. BAUMGARTEL
MRS. CURRY MRS. ERNEST MRS. BOWDEN
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Reverend Edward Amos Hodil
Reverend Edward Amos Hodil was born at Sharpsburg. Pa., May 24, 1871. Ile graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1896; from Western Theological Seminary in 1899; received the honorary degree of D.D. from W. and JJ. in 1923. He was licensed by Allegheny Presbytery in 1898 and ordained. by Steubenville Presbytery, in 1899. He was pastor at Minerva and Stillfork. Chic, 1899 to 1905: Toronto, Ohio, 1905 to 1913; Parnassus, 1913 to 1918. and the Third Presbyterian Church in Uniontown, 1918 to 1931. He died at Union- town November 26, 1931.
Dr. Hodil was a man of dynamic force. interested in every community project. a very popular minister, and a real man among men.
At a Congregational meeting held after mid-week service on February 12. 1913, Reverend E. A. Hodil was unanimously chosen Pastor of the Church. The call came before the April meeting in Blairsville and was placed in Mr. Hodil's hands, and accepted.
The committee reported on arrangements for his installation, to take place April 22. 1913, at 7:45 P.M. Reverend A. II. Jolly. D.D. to preside : Reverend W. 1. Ralston to preach the sermon; Reverend G. P. Atwell. D.D. to charge the Pastor ; and Reverend G. C. Fisher to charge the people.
Rev. Mr. Ilodil began his work April 1, 1913. as Moderator of the Session with Elders W. G. Dugau. Clerk. George HI. Fink, Peter Vanderwulp, David S. Wills, Homer K. Baker. John Wright and Thos. N. Morrow. Trustees: R. A. Euwer. G. W. Douglas. J. D. MeMath. F. A. Dugan. F. R. Alter, J. L. AAcklin. A. T. Peebles, G. F. Murphy and C. D. Campbell, A. T. Peebles, General Treasurer.
On Angust 9. 1914, the Church was struck by lightning and damaged to the extent of $300.00.
At the beginning of the church year as of April 1. 1915, Mr. F. A. Dugan.
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whe had served as Superintendent of the Sabbath School for eighteen years, re- fused to be reelected. The School had a membership of seventy when Mr. Dugan began and six hundred and seventeen when he finished.
A measle epidemie strnek this community in Jme. 1915 and the Children's Day exercises were not held owing to an order by the Board of Health. About forty of the children from the Primary and Junior Departments were sick ou that day. The quarantine affected all children twelve years of age and under.
At a congregational meeting the congregation petitioned the Court to change the Charter on April 3. 1915. to alter and amend Article 7 to read as fol- lows: The annual meeting of the Corporation shall be held at 8:00 P.M. on the Wednesday preceding the first Sunday of April. of each year, and the Trustees. or Session of the Church. or any ten members of the Corporation may call a spe- cial meeting at any time, by giving notice thereof. from the pulpit on at least two Sundays previous to the time of such meeting.
Judge Lucien C. Doty granted the petition and made the amendment a part of the original Charter on December 18, 1915.
A very modest celebration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Church was held ou May 20. 1917.
Morning Service 11:00 A.M.
Organ Prelude-Festival March Kinder
Doxology
Invocation and Lord's Prayer
Selection-8
Anthem ". My Mouth Shall Speak Thy Praise" Demarest
Hymn-408
Scripture Lessou
Bass Solo-" The Cross" .Ware
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn-631
Offertory-Minnet in G. Beethoven
Roll Call
Sermon-" 1917 Minus 75-What ?"
Anthem-". Why Do the Heathen Rage?"
Hymn-656
Benediction
Organ Postlude-"'Triumphal March " Verdi
Afternoon Service 2:30 P.M .- A Patriotic Service
Organ Prelude-Prelude in B Flat
Doxology
Invocation
Double Male Quartet
Hymn " Star Spangled Banner" Scripture Lesson
Batiste
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Double Mate Quartet Pastoral Prayer Ilyin -- " America"
Address " Incidents in Connection with the Civil War"
Cof. Frank K. Patterson, Pittsburgh
Tym- - "Columbia the Gem of the Ocean" Address-"A Quartet of Wars"
Prayer
Hymn-" Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Benediction
Organ Posthide-PostInde in G. Batiste
Ginests of honor : Members of the G. A. R., Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of Veterans, those enlisted in the present war, Boy Scouts.
The Malta Band of New Kensington will assist in the music.
Evening Service 7:45 P.M.
Organ Prelude "Evensong" Johnston
Ilymm-113
Scripture Lesson
Anthem-"Sweet the Moments' Dresster
Pastoral Prayer
Ilymm -- 9 Offertory "To the Evening Star" Wagner
Soprano Solo
Sermon-"The Church and the World War"
Prayer
Anthem-" My Faith Looks Up to The" Schnecker
HIym-261
Benediction
Organ Postinde-" Pontifical March" Lemons
The following resolution was on October 14, 1917, unanimously adopted by the Session. Resolved : That, the President and Secretary of the Board of Trus- tees, in behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Parnassus be, and they are hereby anthorized and empowered. by proper conveyance for, and in consider- ation of the smn of one dollar ($1.00) to convey unto the Borough of Parnassus, so much of the real estate of this Corporation, as may be required, in connection with the proposed opening of Church Street, to a width of forty feet. at grade from Mill Alley to Freeport Street as now opened, sneh improvement being for the best interests of this Corporation.
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