1894
liomba^d Street
Genital
^shv-t it
c<i U C^iplli1
FIFTY YEARS
IN THE
Lombard Street
Central PresbyterianGburcb
BY
ELDER ROBERT JONES
PHILADELPHIA
1894
PUBLISHED
by order of
SESSION AND TRUSTEES.
Edward Stern & Co., Inc.
Philadelphia.
DEDICATION.
to the congregation of the lombard street
central presbyterian church, philadelphia.
Dear Brethren and Sisters /—This history of
fifty years I dedicate to you, praying, that as you
read the doings of your predecessors, you will
avoid their errors and emulate their virtues. I
have tried to be plain and truthful, commenting
only as I felt it my duty to God and to you. We
have much to thank God for,—the mind and
spirit that influenced us in withdrawing from the
Mother Church, His blessing to us, under the differ¬
ent Pastors, Elders, and Trustees, and the laborers
in Sabbath-school, Dorcas, Young People's and
Willing Workers'Associations. Mark the men and
women that have made our history glorious in the
sight of God and man, and kept us as a Church
free from the corrupt and vile; and when another
fifty years shall have passed, may those then living
say, as we do now, " Hitherto the Lord has helped
us." Robert Jones.
PREFACE.
Presbyterianism with the colored people of
Philadelphia began in 1807. John Gloucester,
Sr., a native of Tennessee, was employed by the
Evangelical Society (Presbyterian) to labor as a
missionary. He commenced his work by preach¬
ing in private houses, but such was the number
of people that attended his ministry, that in a very
short time no private house could be found to
contain them that flocked to hear him explain
God's word. This led to street preaching. The
people were notified that in clear weather he
would preach at Seventh and Shippen (now called
Bainbridge) Street, and when it was not favor¬
able he obtained the use of a shoolhouse near
by. Mr. Gloucester was a sweet singer, holding
his audience spellbound by the melody and rich
tones of his voice; in prayer he was mighty; such
was his fervor and energy, such his wrestling,
that souls have fallen under its power deeply con¬
victed of sin. An anecdote is related of him:
When he came to Philadelphia he boarded with a
man named Jacob Craig, whose wife was a very
6
pious woman, and attended the ministry of Mr.
Gloucester in his open-air preaching. Mr. Craig
was a sailmaker, and at the same time a great
fiddler, which was a source of unhappiness to his
wife. After his daily toil was over, and Mr. Craig
became rested, he would invariably while away
the evening by playing his fiddle, to the annoyance
of his wife. Jacob was not like Jacob of old; he
knew more of his fiddle than of his God, and per¬
haps loved it more. Things went on in this way
until Mr. Gloucester proposed to Mrs. Craig to
have a series of prayer meetings at her house.
It was accepted, and Mr. Jacob Craig was duly
informed. At first he objected ; but his wife, true
as steel to her purpose, and faithful to her God,
pressed her cause so earnestly to her husband
that he consented, determined, however, to hire
a room adjoining the prayer meeting, and so
annoy them by continuing to play his fiddle.
This he put into practice, so that while there was
praying in one apartment there was fiddling
in the other. Here there was a difficulty as to
who should yield in this. Mr. Gloucester's
advice was sought. He replied that he was con¬
tented to remain where he was; it was an open
field and a fair fight, and that was all he asked.
From that decision there was no appeal—God
approved it. In a few nights after there was no
sound of a fiddle heard. A few evenings after,
7
Mr. Jacob Craig came home and attended for the
first time the prayer meeting; a very little while
after he was seen to weep, then heard to exclaim:
"God have mercy on me, a poor miserable man."
The battle was fought—the prize was won. The
Lord had mercy on the man; he was converted,
and afterward set apart as an elder in Seventh
Street Church, under Mr. Gloucester, through
whose instrumentality he was brought into the
fold of Christ, and into the marvellous light and
liberty of the children of God. Mr. Craig con¬
tinued in the church, a pious and devoted Christian,
until the day of his death, and entered into that
rest that remains for the people of God. Mr.
Gloucester's deep piety and earnest devotion to
his calling made him very many friends among
the rich and influential citizens of Philadelphia;
not only such men as Rev. Drs. Alexander, Green,
Janeway, Potts and others, but Dr. Rush, the
world-wide-known philanthropist of Philadelphia,
was almost a regular attendant wherever he
preached. Messrs. McMullen, Markoe, Ralston,
Jenkins, Sawyer, and other citizens of influence,
encouraged his heart and strengthened his hands
by their presence and support, and under God
lightened his labors and cheered him in his duties.
Mr. Gloucester's motto was to "wear out; to rust
out, never." As early as 6 o'clock in the morn¬
ing, he would take his stand on the corner and
8
sing, drawing a large crowd together; then he
would preach the word of Life to the people; and
such was the moral effect, that persons keeping
dramshops in the neighborhood for the sale of
that soul- and body-destroying agent, ardent spirits,
would not open their groggeries until "meeting,"
as they called it, was over. Mr. Gloucester's
manner was bold, his voice clear and loud; in his
invitation to the trembling- mourner and earnest
inquirer, he was interestingly mild and inviting;
but to the careless sinner, in his denunciation he
was terrible. The flashes of his eye, his tall,
commanding figure, his gestures at the same
o <_> 7 o
time giving a cast to his earnestness of soul, at
once struck and awed the most wayward and in¬
considerate. It has been said of him he was wise
to win souls.
Mr. Gloucester had considerable labor to
undergo during his brief ministerial career,—not
o o "
only the care and burden of the church, not only
the hopes of the people confiding in him filled his
heart and soul with much anxiety, but there were
his wife and six children in slavery; it was not
possible for him to rest quiet and at ease under
such circumstances as those. He travelled exten¬
sively North and South, raising collections or con¬
tributions in order to purchase the freedom of
his family. He crossed the ocean to England
and pleaded for money ; he was successful, re¬
turned to America, and purchased them, rejoicing to
9
have them free, to call them his, to see them
settled in Philadelphia, happy and cheerful, and
then give himself again to the labor of the
ministry and to building up the church. In order
to support his family Mr. Gloucester opened a
pay-school in a frame building near the church,
and employed teachers to assist him, among
whom were Messrs. Cornish and Hughes, who
afterward studied for the ministry; and Mrs.
Coperson, Bass, Nelson, Osborne and Pinkerton,
a Quaker lady who wanted to take the children
to Quaker meeting on Fourth-day morning, but
Mr. Gloucester would not consent. With the
school, and his children being put to work when
they were old enough, he managed to get on toler¬
ably well, and Jeremiah, his oldest son, was sent
to college under the care of the Presbytery. Mr.
Gloucester expected that Jeremiah would succeed
him in the First Church, but after his death there
arose opposition to the son, that resulted in the
formation of the Second Church with Jeremiah
as pastor. The Rev. John Gloucester did not live
to old acre; his life was full of toils and anxieties;
O ' '
bein^a slave, and coming to his freedom through
<*""> 7 o o
the efforts of the Rev. Dr. Blackburn, and then
working for the freedom of his family and trying
to do all the ofood he could for his fellow creatures,
o '
he surely did not "rust out," but was called from
labor to reward, the 2d day of May, 1822, in the
46th year of his age.
HISTORY.
Fifty years ago, in the old First African Presby¬
terian Church, Seventh Street below Shippen (now
Bainbridge Street), this congregation began its
distinctive work for Christ; and as we look back
over all those years, those of us who are still
living, how vividly, like a bold, clear picture,
come to us many of the scenes of the past.
It might not be a continuous history—for we
forget much that passes—but there are inci¬
dents here and there, all through our lives, that
are ever fresh, ever green. There are few
living- that remember the causes that led to
the "coming out," few that recollect the admis¬
sion of large numbers of new converts to the
Second Church during the great revival of 1841
and 1842. The part that some of them were con¬
strained to take in the question then pending as
to whether S. H. Gloucester should occupy the
pulpit of the Second Church or not, resulted in
the following paper being drawn up and presented
to the Presbytery, which granted the petition, after
much opposition, and in 1844 constituted the
new church.
12
Petition to Presbytery.
At a meeting- of those members of the Second
African Presbyterian Church known as the major¬
ity, it was resolved that to save contention they
would not attend the intended congregational
meeting of the Second Church, but that a com¬
mittee be appointed to draw up and present to
the next meeting of Presbytery a declaration of
their sentiment and intentions. We, the com¬
mittee, therefore appear before you and ask Pres¬
bytery to divide us as a congregation.
In asking this we would lay before you the fol¬
lowing reasons : It is well known that for a num¬
ber of years two parties have existed in the church,
and though quietness might reign for a period, yet
when anything important or exciting comes in
our midst, we find them true to the disposition of
their minds, in hostile array against each other.
To enter into detail and endeavor to search the
dificulties to their origin, would only be a useless
waste of time, and show to the shame of both
parties that private affairs have been shamefully
mingled with Church business, and individual dif¬
ferences suffered to intrude themselves in con¬
gregational matters, until at last that which com¬
menced in the Board has run through the session,
o 7
and, like the poisonous nature of disease, dissemi¬
nated itself through every member of our once
beloved Zion. The Sabbath-school, Bible-class,
13
singing-school, and even families, have not been
exempt from the peace- (and we fear if persisted
in, soul-) destroying blast. And, brethren of the
Third Presbytery, we would here give you to
understand that we do not intend to make any
charges before you against those brethren; and
God save us from doing it in the community, espe¬
cially the giving to the winds the private character
for years past of any of them ; for the system of
ethics that we have been taught gives us to
understand that there is no vice more inhuman
than spreading the tale of actions which if done
by ourselves we would wish buried in eternal
oblivion. But lest you should think we have not
sufficient grounds for dissatisfaction we would state
a few of the occurrences that bear heaviest on our
minds. You are aware that Stephen H. Gloucester
has been charged in Presbytery and elsewhere with
being the life of contention, in our midst. We do
not appear here to vindicate the character of any
one, further than it is connected with our own as
a portion of the Church ; we therefore state that
instead of being the soul of contention, had the
Session acted in accordance with a resolution of
theirs, moved by Mr. Gloucester, nominating Rev.
Mr. Beman for trial and election as Pastor ; and
also granted the people an election for more
Elders, as they agreed; had they carried out these
resolutions, and not because they were made by a
14
proscribed man, expunged them as they did; we
might now, with the blessing of God, be at peace.
From this maybe dated the endeavor to draw on
one side or the other the young that had recently
been added to the church. Mr. Gloucester was
acting as stated supply, and endeavored to keep
the zeal of the young converts alive by encourag¬
ing prayer meetings among them ; these while he
continued were cramped ; as soon as he left, even
more license than he gave was offered. Passing
over many other occurrences we come to the time
when the name of S. H. Gloucester was brought
before the people for their approval as stated
supply. We had just come from Presbytery,
where our affairs, as we fondly hoped, had been
amicably adjusted. Mr. Gloucester had acted in
accordance with the request of Presbytery in not
speaking in the church; but the session would not
comply with the injunction of Presbytery in requir¬
ing of Samuel Nickles his resignation. When the
meeting took place the session proposed Mr.
Beman, hoping to keep Mr. Gloucester out; but
the majority sustained Mr. Gloucester and also
carried the election for Trustees. Suit was then
brought to keep us out of our rights. We are tired
of this contention, and cannot accept the declaration
of Mr. Nickles, "that the session is the door of
the Church; when they shut none can open, and
when they open none can shut." We therefore
15
desire Presbytery to form us into a separate
Church. Candor demands us here to say that it
will be useless in Presbytery to appoint either
committee or congregational meetings anymore,
our minds are made up, and we believe the other
brethren can get along better without us. The
session of our Church put themselves above
people and Presbytery, and it is useless to keep
us with them. We have the names of nearly eighty
persons who ask to be organized as the First
Central Colored Presbyterian Church.
May God grant that whatsoever is right may
eventually come to pass.
Committee:—Jesse E. Glasgow, Wm. Laws,
John P. Worthington, William Brown, George
Roberts, and Robert Jones, Secretary.
Organization of the Lombard Street Central
Presbyterian Church.
Philadelphia, July 22, 1844.
We, members of the Second African Presby¬
terian Church, Philadelphia, who had petitioned
Presbytery for a new organization, to embrace
them and others who might be disposed to unite
with them, assembled agreeably to notice which
had been given in the First Colored Presby¬
terian Church, at 8 p.m., and were regularly
organized by the Rev. John McKnight, the Rev.
E. B. I. Richards, and the Rev. Robert Adair,
i6
the committee appointed by Presbytery for that
purpose. The following articles of association
and covenant engagement were unanimously
adopted :
(1) We, whose names are hereunto appended,
in dependence on Divine Grace, do hereby as¬
sociate ourselves together, to secure among us
the reg-ular administration of the word and ordi-
nances ; and do pledge to teach other our individ¬
ual and zealous exertions to accomplish the great
ends of church organization, viz. : the promotion
of the glory of the Saviour ; the edification of the
people ; the conversion of sinners ; and the ad¬
vancement of the general interests of truth and
righteousness.
(2) We agree to be recognized under the title
of the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Con¬
gregation, Philadelphia.
(3) We receive and adopt, as the confession 01
our faith and the rule of our government, the con¬
fession of faith and book of discipline of the Con¬
stitutional Presbyterian Church in the United
States of America.
(4) Each individual who shall be received into
communion with us, shall be entitled to equal pri¬
vileges with us, in the choice or dismission of a
pastor, or ruling elder; a majority of votes on
all such questions shall be decisive.
(5) We desire to be taken under the watch and
<7
care of the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia and
to subject ourselves to the control of that eccle¬
siastical body and of the higher judicatories of the
Church, in which they are connected, engaging to
yield them all due subordination and obedience in
the Lord..
George Potter, Robert Jones, John P. Worth-
ington, Sarah A. Worthington, William Laws,
William Peters, Julia Brown, Margaret Brown,
Elizabeth Jones, Belinda Davis, Lucinda Collins,
Sampson Holbert, Richard Edwards, Eliza Ed¬
wards, William Brown, Anna Winrow, John Mat¬
thew, Rhoda Moore, Martha James, Jane Brown,
Mary B. Harmon, Levi Bundick, Martha War¬
wick, Leah Warren, Anna Reynolds, Sarah Butler,
Judah Reese, Jane Potts, Julia Burton, Julia Ann
Jackson, Julia Ann Edwards, Marie Thompson,
F. B. Thompson, Hannah Burton, Sophia Grey,
Ann Maria Grey, George Roberts, Mary Ann
White, Mary Salsey, Julia Ann Warren, John
Gibbons, Ann Smith, Mary Williams, Hannah
Richards, Caroline Freeman, Emily M. Freeman,
Elizabeth Clements, Loretto Alexander, Mary
Jamison, Sarah Dunmore, Louisa Manleff, Rachel
Franks, Mary Bundick, Elizabeth Reed, Letitia
Burton, Mary Jones, James Campbell, Maria Jones,
Joseph Gardner, Mary Green, Mary Dillen, Caro¬
line Homer, Sarah Peck, Henrietta Diggs, Emma
Porter, Hannah Parker, Elizabeth Bostic, Hannah
2
18
Loyd, Mary Ann Jones, Elizabeth Roberts, Guy
M. Burton, Amelia Carter, Cecilia Holman and
Hannah Brown.
An election was then held for elders, and Wil¬
liam Brown and Robert Jones were unanimously
chosen. William Brown not being present, and
Robert Jones having affirmatively answered the
questions directed by the constitution to be pro¬
posed to persons to be ordained to the eldership,
he was solemnly set apart to the office by prayer.
An exhortation was then addressed to the newly
ordained elder and to the people; and the meet¬
ing was adjourned by prayer, singing an appro¬
priate hymn, and pronouncing the apostolic bene¬
diction.
Presbyterian Church, Moyamensing,
Sabbath afternoon, August 4, 1844.
Wm. Brown, the lately elected elder, being
present at this our temporary place of worship,
and having answered affirmatively the questions
directed by the constitution to be proposed to
persons to be ordained to the eldership, he was
solemnly set apart to the office, with prayer by the
Rev. S. H. Gloucester ; an exhortation was then
addressed to the newly ordained elder; the con¬
gregation, having affirmatively answered the ques¬
tions proposed to them, were also addressed, and
the services were closed with the apostolic bene¬
diction.
i9
Philadelphia, Friday evening, August 7, 1844.
The session of the Lombard Street Central
Presbyterian Congregation met at the home of
Mr. Wm. Brown, and was opened with prayer by
the Rev. S. H. Gloucester, who had been pre¬
viously invited to moderate the session. Wm.
Brown and Robert Jones, the lately ordained elders
(and who are the only members of session), were
present and Resolved, (i) That Robert Jones be
clerk of the session ; (2) That the clerk procure
necessary books for the use of session.
Whereas the congregation passed a vote to
worship on the Sabbath at the Free Presbyterian
Church of Moyamensing, until the first of Septem¬
ber ensuing, Therefore
Resolved, That the session concur with them in
their vote.
Resolved, That a female prayer meeting be
established, to meet on Monday evenings weekly,
to be conducted by Belinda Davis (who has been
a conductor of such meetings since the establish¬
ment of the first colored female prayer meetings)
and Eliza Edwards, subject to the control of the
session.
Resolved, That a church prayer meeting be held on
Tuesday evenings, to be conducted by the elders.
Resolved, That the administration of the Lord's
Supper take place on the second Sabbath of Sep¬
tember, and that notice to that effect be given to
the congregation.
20
Resolved, That the session adjourn to meet on
Friday evening next. Closed with prayer.
Friday evening, August i6, 1844.
Session met at the house of Robert Jones.
Opened with prayer by the Rev. S. H. Gloucester,
moderator. Wm. Brown and Robert Jones, elders,
present. Mr. Jones laid before the session the fol¬
lowing extract from a note to the committee of the
church in answer to a communication to the
trustees of the Second African Presbyterian
Church, respecting the division of property:
August 6, 1844.
"It was on motion resolved, that we deem it to
be inexpedient to take any action on your com¬
munication, as we deny the right of any Presbytery
to interfere with the temporal affairs of our Church.
Samuel Harrison, Secretary.
To Messrs. Potter, Roberts, Jones, Laws and
Bundick."
The session thereupon Resolved, That the com¬
mittee be requested to appoint their commissioner
in accordance with the direction of Presbytery,
and communicate again to the session.
Whereas The session and trustees of the First
African Presbyterian Church kindly granted the
use of their house to this congregation to organ-
21
ize in, Therefore Resolved, that a vote of thanks
be tendered them for their kindness and the sexton
be compensated one dollar for his extra trouble.
Resolved, That the first Sabbath in September
be a day of fasting and prayer.
Resolved, That the clerk furnish the session with
tokens, to be distributed to communicants, to en¬
able the session to tell who absent themselves
from the Lord's Supper.
Resolved, That it be a standing rule with this
session in connection with the pastor, to visit the
communicant members previous to the adminstra-
tion of the Lord's Supper.
Resolved, That the Rev. Robert Adair be invited
to moderate the congregational meeting on the
23d inst. Adjourned with prayer, to meet on
Friday, August 30th.
Extract minutes of congregational meeting
regularly called by session, August 23, 1844,
opened with prayer by the Rev. Robert Adair,
who was invited by session to moderate the meet¬
ing. The object of the meeting was stated, viz. :
to express how their pulpit should be supplied
until a regular pastor could be obtained.
It was Resolved, That the Rev. S. H. Gloucester
be elected stated supply for one year from the
present time. After a short address from the
moderator, the meeting adjourned with prayer.
Attest, Robert Jones, Clerk of Session.
22
August 30, 1844.
Session met according to adjournment. Mr.
Brown not being" present, nothing but an examina¬
tion of candidate took place.
September 3, 1844.
Session met at the house of Robert Jones, and
was opened with prayer by the Rev. S. H. Glou¬
cester, moderator ; Wm. Brown and Robert Jones,
elders, present. The following persons appeared
before session and after a careful examination
were admitted to the communion of this church:
Mary Ann Nugent, Henry Smith, Sarah Ann
Carter, Jno. Winrow, Joseph Smith, John Hepson,
Susan Boon, Cecilia Lang and Margaret Palmer
from the First Colored Presbyterian Church of
Reading. Certificate dated August 11, 1844.
Resolved, That the session procure plate and
elements for communion, and that the communion
collection be appointed to defray expenses. Ad¬
journed to meet on Sabbath next to receive appli¬
cants that could not attend this evening. Closed
with prayer.
September 8, 1844.
The session met in the church and was opened
with prayer by the Rev. S. H. Gloucester, moder¬
ator. Wm. Brown and Robert Jones, members,
present. Thomas Lloyd and John Gloucester
23
personally appeard before session, and after exam¬
ination were duly admitted to the ordinances of
the church. Adjourned with prayer.
September 30, 1844.
The session met at Wm. Brown's house, and
was opened with prayer by the Rev. S. H. Glou¬
cester, moderator; present, Wm. Brown and
Robert Jones. Resolved, That Robert Jones be
appointed delegate from this church to the Third
Presbytery of Philadelphia, to present the records
and desire to be taken under their watch and care.
Closed with prayer.
1844.
The first place of worship in 1844 was a small
brick church, back from Eighth Street above Car-
7 o
penter. The building- is still standing; it was built
by the Rev. Dr. Ely for a Mission, and was after¬
ward bought by Mr. Harding, an undertaker,
who used the ground on the west side for burying
the dead. The locality was so far for many of the
members that when they went to church in the
morning they took a lunch with them, and spent
the day in the building dedicated to God. On one
side were the green fields with the fresh balmy air
of summer blowing over them ; on the other the
24
quiet little burying ground (not as large as
"God's acre" in the olden time) with the sleeping
dead. God's holy Sabbath, with such-surroundings,
was uplifting and comforting, bringing one so
near to heaven, while yet on earth. The memo¬
ries of those days are precious to the few that
remain—precious to the many in heaven:
Where on some green and flowery mount,
Our weary souls shall sit;
And with transporting joy recount,
The labors of our feet.
During this year twenty-nine were added to the
communion. The Sabbath-school was started
with Robt. Jones, superintendent, and Joseph
Gardiner, Mary Green, Henry Clark and others
as teachers. The Rev. S. H. Gloucester was
chosen stated supply for one year. The following
brethren were trustees in 1844: John P. Worthing-
ton, president; George Roberts, treasurer; Wm,
Laws, collector; Levi Bundick, secretary; John
Winrow and Thomas Loyd, wardens ; Richard Ed¬
wards, sexton; George Potter and Henry Smith,
committee.
This board worked hard, and with the congre¬
gation gave liberally toward buying the lot to build
on. Mr. Gloucester went from house to house,
taking even a penny if he could not get more, so
that by August, 1845, they had $1000, which,
with money raised by Jas„ Prosser—he being
25
security for its repayment—the lot on Lombard
Street below Ninth was bought, and possession
taken. A notable act of session passed August
6, 1844. It was to use "tokens" (a little leaden
coin made for the purpose) to enable them to tell
who absented themselves from the Lord's Supper ;
also that the Sabbath before Communion should
be a day of fasting and prayer ; and that it be a
standing rule with the session and pastor, to
visit the communicant members previous to the
administration of the Lord's Supper. It is to be
regretted that these rules have fallen into disuse;
they strengthened the bond of Christian unity
and made each member feel they were cared for
one by the other. Of those that united to the first
communion John Winrow, John McKee, Henry
Clarke, Susan Boon and Sarah Carter proved
themselves pillars in Zion, working with the trus¬
tees, the Sabbath-school and the female prayer
meeting. All are gone to their rest, except John
McKee, and it is to the hallowed influence of those
days that much of the peace and unity of after-
years is due. It was notably a fact, that uncon¬
verted persons, attending worship at this church,
soon became converted, or ceased to attend ;—two
cannot walk together except they agree; the
Christian must bring over the worldling, or he will
bring back the professing Christian to the world.
26
I845-
Our second place of worship, 1845, was called
the " shanty," being two frame houses that stood
on the lot we bought to build the church on.
Not having money to build immediately, we
broke all the ground floors into one, and propped
up the second floors ; we also built a shed back
to extend the part used for worship. It was a
homely affair; most of the work was done by the
members of the church and was not very good,
the roof of the "annex" letting in the rain and
cold ; but we consoled ourselves by saying we
were " sitting beneath the drippings of the sanc¬
tuary." And so we were ; we were blessed with
the experience that "Better is a dinner of herbs,
where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred there¬
with."
Elder William Brown used the second floor as a
residence. October 17, 1845, the Board met at
the temporary church, opened with prayer. The
president stated that the alterations had been
commenced to the old frames, and that several of
the brethren had given considerable time in help¬
ing ; it was therefore resolved that a collection be
taken on Sabbath to pay them something, as
they needed it.
A fair was held in the "shanty," December,
1845, that paid $211.58% into the treasury. The
first church wedding also took place while we
2 7
worshipped in the " shanty." Brother Guy M.
Burton and Sister Eliza Edwards were married
there. The novelty of the matter and the place
drew a crowd that more than filled the house, and
was the topic of conversation for a long time.
The Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester was elected
pastor November 20, 1845, at a salary of $250
per annum, expecting it to be supplemented by
the Home Missionary Society, which it was, by
$200. The lot we bought was on Lombard Street
below Ninth, 54 feet front, 78 feet deep ; cost
$4,500. We paid $1,000 and borrowed $3,500.
During the year sixteen were added to the com¬
munion ; among them Thomas Loyd, strong in
prayer; Grayson Nelson, strong in praise ; Ann
Purnell and Amy Roberts, patiently ministering as
mothers in Israel in the name of Christ.
1846.
When the trustees saw the way clear to make
a contract for the church building, we went to
worship in the old Masonic Hall, Eleventh Street
below Pine, a quaint old structure that stood back
from the street, the upper floor was used by the
Order to whom it belonged ; this was July, 1846.
The Board reported that Wm. Johnson, architect,
had been employed to draw the plans and super-
28
intend the erection of the building for $75, and
the contract to put it up was made with Lippin-
cott & Forsyth, for $5,640. It was to be 38
feet wide by 60 feet deep, with a coal cellar under
the vestibule, and burial vault under the rear, and
a heavy timber foundation in the loft, for a steeple
when we choose to put one up. The shanty was
torn down and ground broken for the foundation
stones; the burial vault being a separate matter,
members of the church took great interest in it,
helping to dig, etc., and desiring that their bodies
be put there when they died. The corner-stone
was laid in August, and $99.62y2 collected. In
September an order for $500 was drawn to
make the first payment on the new building, and
in October and November respectively, orders
were drawn for $500 to pay the builders. The
difficulty of raising money in large sums and fast
enough becoming quite great, it was suggested by
Mr. Chas. Roe Smith, an Englishman, that Mr.
Gloucester go to England and get help ; which he
did to the great financial benefit of the church.
The Board at this time began to experience trouble
about keeping their financial accounts correct and
intelligible, but by meeting very often, and perse¬
vering, they came out satisfactorily straight. The
additions were small this year, only five being
received; of this number was Daniel Davis, a use¬
ful member of the Board, and Jesse E. Glasgow,
29
an active, hard worker in Sabbath-school and
Board of Trustees.
1847.
This year opened with matters of great interest
to the church. Our new building was up and roofed
in; and in a few days we would enter the lecture
room to worship until the upper part was finished.
It had been thought that we would not finish the
upper part at present; but Mr. Gloucester, being
hopeful and energetic, when it was suggested for
him to go to England, determined he would go.
The lecture room was opened with appropriate
services January 3, 1847, and we were, thanks to
God, in our own place of worship, "beneath our
own vine and fig tree." The collection the day
we opened was $192.52^. Mr. Gloucester's sal¬
ary was raised to $300, and the necessary ar¬
rangements made for his trip to Great Britain.
Letters of introduction were given him by Mr. C.
R. Smith and others, to friends in England, and
he started in February, 1847. ^ was an unfa¬
vorable time, there being something of a famine
in the country; but Mr. Gloucester took no denial,
and pleaded so earnestly that his cause was taken
hold of and prospered beyond expectation. Mr.
Gloucester collected for the church between three
3°
and four thousand dollars, besides his expenses
and percentage. He also received many pres¬
ents, among which was a Bible for the pulpit that
is still in use; and a black silk gown to use when
preaching, it being customary with all denomina¬
tions in England to wear gowns. The friends
that presented the gown had him promise to wear
it, and Mr. Gloucester did so, not stopping to ask
what might be thought of it, for he was very bold
and determined in his opinions. The gown and
new church had much to do in drawing the crowds
that came after we got in the building. Of the
letters Mr. Gloucester must have written while in
England the following are the only ones known to
have been kept:
letters from mr. gloucester.
London, March 30, 1847.
Brother Brown and Brother Jones:—I take
my pen to drop you a line. You may imagine
how I feel when you think I have not heard a
word from you or my dear family since I left;
the reason I cannot tell. I am well. Arrived
here on the 27th, somewhat jaded; did not go to
work until to-day. What I shall do here I can
form no opinion yet. London is large enough to
get all I want, but I doubt whether it will come up
to my.expectations. It would be useless for me
to attempt to give you a description of it: I would
31
say that all the people of Philadelphia and New
York set down here in the city would only
make a third. I am gathering all things of inter¬
est to tell if I am spared to return. Now, breth¬
ren, what is the spiritual state of the church—
what is the state of her temporal affairs ? I send
this time, one hundred pounds or more, the ac¬
count you see in Brother Laws' letter, and the
manner how I get it. My object will be to try to
effect collections here if I can. I have said to
Brother Laws, I will send again by next mail,
which will be about the 20th of April, and then
write a letter to the congregation in general. How
long I will have to be an "exile" from home, the
account and amount of money I collect will de¬
cide. I want to look homeward about the 1st of
August, if I can get what we need. This month
will tell how it will be. But, dear brethren, as I
have come so far and suffered so much in feelings,
and shed so many tears, and can see that God
does bless my weak and unworthy services
among the people of this land, I shall not think of
returning until all the money is raised that is
needed to pay for the church and ground, as
probably it is the last great work I shall do, and
if done from a right motive, God will bless it to
the next eeneration. You must all do what you
o
can to help. It is hard work here making new
friends wherever I go, and never meeting one of
32
my color. It seems to me I would give almost
anything to see one of my sisters or brothers in
Christ. But God is good to me, I find kind sis-
ters and brothers, though of another color. I went
t o
to church last Sabbath with a Mrs. Edwards, and
through her I got an introduction to her minister,
who will be of service to me. She is a fine lady
of good address, and stands high in the com¬
munity, was not ashamed of me, took my arm,
and nothing was thought of it—none of that cruel
prejudice here. I dine with several merchants
to-day. A gentleman from Manchester called on
me this evening. I am to dine at their boarding
house, and they are to take me to visit some of
their friends. I mention these things to let you
know that a colored man, if respectful, is treated
as a man. I would not take a thousand dollars
for the testimonials I shall bring home if spared.
I woud like to see you all. Pray for me, and go
on and finish the church as soon as you can. I
am to preach in one of the largest churches here
three times next week, and assist in the Lord's
Supper. Your brother in Christ,
S. H. Gloucester.
Edinburgh, Scotland, June I, 1847.
Dear Brethren:—This leaves me in this place.
Well, I came here suddenly to meet the General
33
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, with a view
of engaging the ministers in my case. I attended
the May meetings in London, and succeeded by
aid of Rev. John Angel James. I have better
prospects now than since I left. I am glad to
know you are getting on well. I hope the Lord
will keep you in peace and love. You must
pray for me. Be contented and patient; the
work is hard, but I still trust in God; may you all
do the same. I am going to Glasgow this even¬
ing to meet the Presbytery, and get them to move
in my case. Give my love to all the congrega¬
tion. They must think it neglect my not writing
to them. I never have rest or an idle moment.
You have got to preach without written ser-.
mons, so I have to study more than ever. I hope
it will do me good.
Your Brother in Christ,
S. H. Gloucester.
Glasgow, Scotland, June 2, 1847.
Brothers Brown and Jones.
Dear Brethren:—This is merely to say to you
both, keep good hearts, and attend faithfully to
your duties, and pray for me. My love to the
people. Tell them never to cease praying for me
and I will do all I can, and the best I can. Don't
fail to have the sacrament on the second Sab-
3
34
bath in July. I will write an address if not pres¬
ent, if spared. Yours in Christ,
S. H. Gloucester.
1848.
Mr. Gloucester returned from England in
January, 1848. The new church was nearly fin¬
ished, and preparations were being made for dedi¬
cation. This description was in the papers of
that date :
"New Church. — The Central Presbyterian
Church, located in Lombard Street below Ninth,
•erected by the congregation of which the Rev.
Stephen H. Gloucester occupies the pastoral
charge, has just been completed. The exterior is
rough-cast, in imitation of the stone of which the
North American Bank is constructed, and is of
the Italian style of architecture. The building is
38 feet wide by 60 feet deep, but a view of the
interior gives it the appearance of much greater
dimensions, a circumstance attributable to the
narrowness of the galleries, which are so con¬
structed as to enhance the beauty of the church,
and also to add a very desirable means of ventila¬
tion. It is doubtful if any other church in the city
or county, whether large or small, will in every
respect compare with the internal beauties of this
35
church. The pulpit recess is constructed of a
noble arch, flanked with Roman and Ionic pillasters,
and corresponding entablature. The pulpit proper
is in imitation of ivory and gold, and is a combi¬
nation of the Italian and Norman styles, elegantly
blended, according to the taste of the architect,
Mr. Wm. Johnson. The ceiling is of octagonal
form, exhibiting an extensive gilt ray, the border
or margin enriched with honeysuckles and ro¬
settes. Everything about this edifice is rich and
appropriate. It is furnished with neat and orna¬
mental gas burners, with seats and communion
table of elegant styles, also a clock and organ.
The lecture room is very handsomely finished.
There is a neat pulpit, similar in style to the one
in the main building. In the rear are two rooms,
one a trustee room, the other a neatly fitted up
study for the pastor, containing a useful library,
many volumes of which were presented by friends
in England."
In February, 1848, the building was dedicated
to the service of Almighty God, the Father, Son
and Holy Ghost, by solemnities appropriate to the
occasion. In the morning the Scriptures were
read by the pastor, the introductory prayer by the
Rev. James N. Gloucester, of New York, and the
Rev. M. La Rue P.Thompson, of the Arch Street
Presbyterian Church, officiated and preached an
able and instructive sermon. Theme, "Saints
36
safe." Romans 8th chapter, 31st verse. In the
afternoon, the Rev. Mr. Brainerd, of Old Pine
Street Church, delivered an interesting discourse
on the distinctive features of " Presbyterianism,"
Acts 26th chapter, 1st verse, in which the scrip¬
tural views of worship and order as held by our
Church were drawn with a discriminating" hand.
The Rev. Messrs. Grant, Ramsey, Parker and
Converse, who were present, took part in the ser¬
vices. In the evening a sermon, by the Rev.
Albert Barnes, of Washington Square Church,
was preached on the " Proprieties of the Sanctu¬
ary," 1 Corinthians 14th chapter, 40th verse. The
other parts of the service were conducted by the
Rev. Jas. N. Gloucester, Rev. Messrs. Boardman
and Hammer. The house was crowded to over¬
flowing and many who came to hear were unable
to enter. The Christian Observer said: "Great
praise is due to the pastor, Rev. Stephen H.
Gloucester, and the church for the enterprise, toil
and perseverance evinced in their efforts to erect
this edifice. Their labors have been crowned with
signal success. By the liberal beneficence of many
Christian friends in England, they have now one
of the neatest and most elegantly finished church
edifices in the city, which cost about $12,000 or
$13,000, with accommodations for a congregation
of seven or eight hundred persons, and very nearly
all paid for. The Lord make this place of wor-
37
ship as the gate of heaven to very many of the
colored people of our city."
The following documents are from Rev. John
Angell James, Alex. Forrester, extract from Liver¬
pool Mercury, and proceedings of a reception to
Mr. Gloucester:
A large meeting of the members of the Lom¬
bard Street Central Presbyterian Church and con¬
gregation, and of the personal friends of the Rev.
Stephen Henry Gloucester, pastor of the said
church, was held in the lecture room of the church
on Wednesday evening, March 8, A.D.1848, to
welcome him on his return from England, and to
express to the Christian public of Great Britain
and elsewhere, the heartfelt gratitude which the
members of this church and congregation enter¬
tain for the noble assistance rendered them in the
erection of their house of worship.
The meeting was organized by appointing Mr.
John P. Burr president, Mr. Charles Roe Smith and
Mr. William S. Pierce vice-presidents, Mr. Robert
Jones and Mr. Nathaniel L. Durham secretaries.
Prayer was made by Mr. Charles Roe Smith ;
after which Mr. Robert Jones stated the object of
the meeting-, and welcomed Mr. Gloucester in the
O 7
following words :
Beloved Pastor and Friend:—We have met this
evening to give you a formal welcome of return to
this the country of your birth, and the city of your
38
adoption ; and thus to show our friendship for one
who has been known to many present, from his
boyhood, as an untiring and zealous laborer in
whatever he undertakes ; and to all of us, as one
who has the interest of his people at heart. We
have also come to hear whatever recital of your
visit to Great Britain you may deem proper to
impart, and from this meeting to send forth our
thanks to our friends in that country for their
kindness to you and us ; and, above all, to give
thanks to God, who has crowned your mission
with success, and has returned you safe to your
home, your family and your friends.
Mr. Gloucester then received the congratula-
tions of his friends. After which, Mr. Charles
Roe Smith gave a brief account of the circum¬
stances of depression under which Mr. Glouces¬
ter went to England, and contrasted them with
the hilarity of the present occasion. Mr. Smith
said :
" I witnessed the presentation of a gold-headed
ebony staff to Mr. Gloucester by the members of
other churches, as a token of their respect for
him. (The ebony was brought from Africa by
Nathaniel L. Durham.) I also saw the tears
trickling from the eyes of many of his own people,
as he was about to leave them ; but I have not
seen one tear on this occasion. Mr. Gloucester's
departure on his mission reminded me of a Chris-
39
tian's commencing his pilgrimage to the celestial
city. He went away with heavy and saddening
feelings, which were not alleviated by the treat¬
ment he received on the passage to Liverpool.
His feelings of discouragement were like the
Slough of Despond into which Christian fell.
There was a Mount of Difficulty before him at
Birmingham. Fog encircled him in London.
Rocks, shoals and quicksands were around him
in Scotland. But the mountain slid away, the fog
was scattered to the wind, and the rocks, shoals
and quicksands, by skilful pilotage, were safely
passed, and he came into a haven of rest, and
to-night we celebrate these trials past, and send
back to England a hearty response to the noble
assistance which she rendered our friend in his
mission on behalf of this church."
Mr. Smith, after reading a few interesting ex¬
tracts of letters from his friends in England, gave
place to Mr. Gloucester.
Mr. Gloucester gave a brief history of his voy¬
age and reception in England, which was listened
to with intense interest. He told of his landing
at Liverpool, the state of the country, and the
depression consequent on the Irish famine ; the
difficulties that beset him at the outset of his mis¬
sion ; of his interviews with Mr. Phipson, of Alpha
Cottage, Birmingham, and Rev. J. Angell James ;
of his feelings on being called to preach in Mr,
4°
James' church to a congregation of three thou¬
sand people ; of the encouragement which he felt
on receiving the first gift of Rev. J. Angell James,
of Birmingham, from some ladies of Birmingham ;
of the courtesy and hospitality that were extended
to him on all sides ; of the public demonstrations
of favor that his mission received ; of the farewell
meeting that was given him at Liverpool; and the
courtesy and kindness that were manifested to him
as a cabin passenger on board the Acadia by the
officers and passengers of that vessel, on her late
voyage from Liverpool. He also spoke particu¬
larly of the letter given him by Mr. Scobell, Secre¬
tary of the Anti-Slavery Society, which led to the
introduction to the Free Church of Scotland, as a
•sufficient answer to the attempt made in this
country to condemn him as an Anti-Slavery man,
for preaching in the free churches of Scotland.
Mr. Gloucester's statements were received with
the liveliest satisfaction, and he promised to give
his congregation a weekly narrative of his journey
and mission until its completion.
After Mr. Gloucester had finished his address,
on motion of Mr. Lewis Forson, a committee of
three was appointed to draft resolutions express¬
ive of the sense of this meeting. The meeting
appointed Messrs. Lewis Forson, N. L. Durham
and Joshua Campbell that committee, who, having
retired, returned with the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted :
41
Resolved, That this meeting", composed of the
members and congregations of the Lombard
Street Central Presbyterian Church and others
friendly to the cause of religion, express their
warmest gratitude to the friends of benevolence
and Christianity in the British Islands, who so
nobly assisted the Rev. Stephen Henry Gloucester
by their contributions, counsels and efforts whilst
on his mission to England on behalf of this church.
The fruit of their gilts and efforts we witness in
the beautiful church edifice which we have just
completed, in the establishment of a Christian
church on a firm and lasting foundation, and we
trust that generations yet unborn will be made
rich through the truth to be proclaimed from this
temple of the living God.
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are
pre-eminentiy due, and are hereby cordially ten¬
dered, to the Christian public of England, Scotland
and Ireland for the warm hospitality extended to
the Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester whilst on his
mission to their respective countries.
Resolved, That this meeting approves of the
manly and independent course pursued by the
Cunard line of steamers in permitting the Rev. S.
H. Gloucester to take and have a cabin passage
in their steamship, the Acadia, from Liverpool to
Boston ; and that we duly appreciate the kind and
courteous treatment received by him from the
officers and passengers of the Acadia on her voy¬
age from Liverpool in January last.
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are
hereby tendered to Charles Roe Smith, Esq., for
the door of entrance which he opened to the Rev.
42
Stephen H. Gloucester by letters of introduction
to his friends in England, and for the warm inter¬
est and zealous co-operation which he has ever
manifested in the affairs of this church.
Resolved, That this meeting unqualifiedly ap¬
proves of the course pursued by the Rev. Stephen
H. Gloucester in England on the subject of slavery,
and recommend to him, whilst he maintains the
same firm and decided opposition to slavery, to
govern his action to a sound and proper discre¬
tion in relation to it.
And on motion of Mr. Daniel Peterson it was
unanimously
Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting are
hereby extended to the citizens of Philadelphia for
so generously aiding us in the purchase of the
ground on which to erect our church edifice.
The Rev. Thomas Brainerd then addressed the
meeting in terms of gratification as to the char¬
acter of the meeting and the success which had
attended the mission of Mr. Gloucester.
Mr. William S. Pierce next spoke, and con¬
gratulated the meeting on the introduction of
meetings of the character of this meeting into this
country. He said : " I am gratified with the pleas¬
ing scene which I see around me. The influence
of this meeting will not end with this night. You
will dream of it when you go to bed. You will
talk of it at your breakfast tables to-morrow
morning. You will tell your friends and acquaint-
43
ances of it and they will repeat it to theirs. And
if you should not have a similar meeting for years
this will be looked back on as a pleasant recollec¬
tion. It will be as an oasis in the desert—a green
spot in the memory of life. This will be its influ¬
ence if you simply consider it as a meeting of a
social character among yourselves. It will make
you to know each other better, and will draw you
into closer and firmer bonds of respect and affec¬
tion for one another as a people. But this meet¬
ing will also have its effect in England. It is the
response of a grateful people to the noble benefac¬
tions of a distinct nation. And the Christian peo¬
ple of Great Britain will be glad to hear of the
manner in which you receive their bounty and of
the great benefits which their abundant liberality
has conferred upon you.
The meeting was further addressed by Messrs.
John Bowers, Daniel A. Peterson and James
Prosser. Mr. Bowers spoke in terms of strong
approval of the course pursued by Mr. Gloucester
on the subject of slavery, and alluded to the efforts
which were made in Mr. Gloucester's absence to
produce an impression unfavorable to his anti-
slavery character because he had preached in the
free churches of Scotland.
A handsome Bible was laid on a table with the
following inscription on the first page:
44
Presented to the
Rev. Stephen Henry Gloucester,
Pastor of the
Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church,
Philadelphia, U. S.,
For the Service of His Pulpit,
By Mr. and Mrs. Phipson,
as a Token of Good Will to the People
Among Whom he Labours,
as an Expression of Christian Esteem and
Affection Which They Entertained for Him,
a Devoted and Successful
Minister of Jesus Christ,
and as a Memorial of the Pleasure Enjoyed
During His Sojourn at Alpha Cottage,
Birmingham,
on His First Arrival in England,
March, 1847.
(This Bible is still in use, 1894.)
1849.
The congregation were now in their new sanc¬
tuary ; they rejoiced in the blessing of God .
Fifty-four souls were added during the past year,
among them George W. R. Hall, an extraordinary
active man in the affairs of the Church, who, with
his brother Daniel and others, were " ushers"
and treated visitors so affably—which, with the
new building, drew such large audiences that
benches and chairs were brought in to accommo¬
date them. George W. Evans became an elder
45
and is noticed elsewhere. God had blest the
church and they were so happy they hardly real¬
ized that " Canaanites were yet in the land," that
is: our own evil hearts to subdue and make
Christ-like, and our somewhat entangled financial
affairs to straighten ; some floating debts and the
interest on the ground mortgage ($210 per an¬
num) to be provided for. Mr. Gloucester, being
head and front in everything, thought it best that
he should be in the Board, so he was made presi¬
dent. The charter had been granted ; four of the
twenty-two signers are still living (1894) : John
McKee, Robert Jones, James A. Potter, and Guy
M. Burton.
The Board for 1849 and '50 :
Rev. S. H. Gloucester, President; Robert Jones,
Secretary; John McKee,Treasurer; James Prosser,
Sr., Collector; John Winrow, Charles Francis,
Wardens ; George Potter, Sr., Daniel Davis and
John P. Worthington.
All members of the " communion," some strong
in faith and prayer; all evidencing love for the
Church of God, we seemed " as it were " (a favor¬
ite expression of Father Prosser) on the Mount of
Transfiguration; but God prepared us for the
"scene below," and gave us to understand in
some degree the meaning of the Saviour when He
said, " this kind goeth out but by prayer and fast-
incr." We were men, all of us, with human natures
46
prone to wander ; but the blessed Jesus who looked
on Peter, " and he went out and wept bitterly,"
and who afterward accepted of Peter's declaration,
" Thou knowest that I love Thee,"—that same
Jesus was with us and " strengthened our faith,
that we failed not," and were able to overcome
the trials that awaited us. Under date of October
i, 1849, we a report of the Book-Settling or
Auditing Committee, Dr. to Rev. S. H. Glouces¬
ter for salary, percentage on money collected,
and money loaned, $1,249.15. The salary money
is paid to July 1, 1849. Then it says, Due James
Prosser, $995.00. The total indebtedness per
that report was $2,743, which did not include
the $3,500 due on the ground. This is alluded to
to show that although the church seemed to be
sailing nicely before the wind, we were going
faster than we ought in " temporal " affairs, for
the financial means of those composing the con¬
gregation, necessitating too much "borrowing
from Peter to pay Paul." How we came out is hard
to tell; but that God whom we trust "planted" us,
was still with us, saying the things he said to the
Church at Ephesus, Rev. 2 : 2-6 :
I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst
not bear them which are evil; and thou hast tried them which say they
are apostles and are not, and hast found them liars ;
And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast labored,
and hast not fainted.
Nevertheless, I have something against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love.
47
Remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen, and repent, and do
thy first work : or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which
I also hate.
We trusted in Him, although He took from us
many that were His ; taking them from temptation
and trial here, to rest in heaven. And also notably
in the history of this church : those that were
ungodly and hypocritical could not make them¬
selves comfortable in our midst, and therefore left ;
and we have no liquor-sellers, gamblers, or un¬
scrupulous politicians among us, who are feeling
secure although without God and without hope in
the world, " hewing out for themselves broken
cisterns that can hold no water."
1850.
During the year past, twenty-three were added
to the church, two of whom became pillars in the
house of God—William H. King in spiritual
affairs, and Charles Francis in the Board—each
making his presence felt in the sphere of work
he adopted. The financial difficulties were still
a matter of trouble, a congregational meeting be¬
ing called in February to consider the matter of
meeting more promptly the minister's salary,
there being only $127.66 raised in six months
through a salary fund association; and Mr.
48
Gloucester reported to the Board in December,
1849, his pressing need of relief. Mr. Gloucester,
in 1848, had taken charge of having a brick church
built in Reading, Pa., and his brother James was
having a frame one built in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
about the same time. Rev. S. H. Gloucester was
general agent of the Building Committee of Read¬
ing, and did much toward making the effort a
success. The building was completed in the year
1849 and publicly dedicated to the service of God.
In the prosecution of this work he was frequently
called to Reading. In May, 1850, he visited the
congregation there ; received new members into
the church, and administered the Communion.
On the Monday evening following, after a short
illness, he forever closed his labors on earth, May
21, 1850, in the 48th year of his age, greatly
lamented by hosts of loving friends, strongly
attached to him for his earnest and faithful labors
in the cause of Christ. He was conscious that
his work was done, and had them sing the hymn,
"On Jordan's stormy banks I stand." The
funeral took place on the 28th inst., at 2 p.m.
The Rev. Albert Barnes, Rev. Benjamin F.
Templeton, Rev. Dr. Adair, Rev. Dr. Brainerd and
others officiated. The remains were placed in a
vault built in front of the church, over which a
monument was placed with the following inscrip¬
tion :
49
Rev. Stephen H. Gloucester,
First Pastor of the
Lombard St. Central Presbyterian Church.
Died May 21st, A. D. 1850.
Aged 48.
Erected by the Congregation and Citizens among whom he labored, as
an expression of esteem and affection for him—a devoted and successful
minister of Jesus Christ.
Thus suddenly we were called to mourn the
loss of our earthly leader; but the heavenly leader
was near, saying to our souls, " Be not afraid, it is
I!" The spirit of unity, thank God, had so taken
hold of us that we worked in harmony with trust
in God. Session, Board and people fled to the
"cover of His wings," with the sweet assurance
that God is too wise to err, too good to do His
creatures harm ; confident that the
" Hand divine would lead us on
Through all the dreary road,
Till to the sacred mount we rise,
And see our smiling God."
I85I.
The year past was a sad one to the Church.
Mr. Gloucester had been taken in the midst of
his usefulness, but God's Spirit was still with us,
and there were earnest Christian workers left.
On the monument at Mr. Gloucester's tomb was
the "Allseeing Eye," with a hand pointing to it,
4
5°
and the words "Look to God," and the Psalmist's
reply : " For this God is our God, and will be our
guide unto death." It was a " benison " to us,
leading our minds ever up to the ever-present
Head of the Church. A very pious old Episcopal
minister, Rev. Thomas G. Allen, who lived on
Lombard above Ninth Street, whenever he passed
the monument took off his hat in religious rever-
ence. The attendance and interest in the church
continued, and the pulpit was regularly filled by
ministers of the Presbytery, or Methodist breth¬
ren belonging to the Local Preachers' Asso¬
ciation. There were but two additions in 1850—
one, an Englishman, on certificate ; the other, Mrs.
Eliza Hall. In 1851 there were fifteen added, one
of whom is still living—Mrs. Jane Trout—who,
though partially blind, rejoices in God and His
precious promises.
In March, 1851, the Rev. John F. Cook, of
Washington, D. C., was invited to visit us, and
accepted, acted as moderator of session, and ad¬
ministered the Lord's Supper. This invitation
was with a view of getting him to accept the pas¬
torship of the church; but the mind that prevailed
was that we could manage better without him
than the Church in Washington (which was an
important one) could do, so a call was not made.
It is worthy of note here, that in all the history of
this church, calm deliberation finally prevailed
5i
The Board had succeded in getting" their financial
figures straight, showing, October, 1851, a total
debt of $7,297.94, which was large for a congre¬
gation of poor people, but God was with us to
bless.
1852.
At the close of 1851, we find the session begin¬
ning to be troubled with derelict and unruly mem¬
bers, a large number of young persons having
joined on account of the new church and the
attraction of young friends ; but the Rev. Robert
Adair and other ministers were faithful in helping
us by prayer and in the session, so we came
through without great hurt. John McKee, who
had successfully superintended the Sabbath-school,
resigned, and Jesse E. Glasgow was appointed to
fill the place.
In the latter part of 1851, a young white man,
named William Jermon, was engaged to supply
the pulpit, and became so popular that extra
chairs and benches had to be brought in to accom¬
modate the people. His style and speech were
very dramatic, often givingonly a side view of his
face, with the veins of his neck swelling out with
" o
the excitement of his effort. A good sister once
called out to him, "Young man, you'll burst a
bloodvessel." It is lamentable to think what
lengths men will go, even with holy things (that
they have 110 business to handle). This man con-
52
tinued to supply the pulpit until March, 1852,
when objections were made to session, that he
was not licensed to preach by the Methodist
Church, as he claimed he was. A committee was
appointed to inquire into his ecclesiastical stand¬
ing-. This committee called on the minister in
charge of the church his father belonged to ; his
father, being- told the committee was coming, went
; o o
there, and, by taking part in the interview, made
the elder seem to say that he had given a verbal
license to young Jermon, and they so reported;
but Jermon, seeing it would be a difficult thing to
continue to deceive us, left without causing divis-
' O
ion, only two sisters continuing to countenance
him by having a bible-class at their house taught
by him. The session took prompt action, and thus
prevented trouble. The young man then went
to the white Baptists, and got baptized, and came
to a colored Baptist Church, but was gotten rid
of by them before he did much harm.
The Lord blest us with the addition of thirty-
seven souls this year, among them Keziah Jackson,
of blessed memory ; Henrietta Jeffries, and Eliza¬
beth White, faithful and true ; gone, all of them, to
the mansions of rest, except two : Aunt Chloe Hen-
son and William Hilyard. Aunt Chloe, aged and
infirm, but beloved by all, waiting for the home-call;
Hilyard is a straggler from Zion, certainly not
enjoying the peace that cometh from walking
"close to Thee," the blessed Saviour.
53
I853-
After Mr. Jermonleft, the pulpit was supplied
by different ministers, among them Rev. Henry
Barnes, son of Rev. Albert Barnes, a very fine
scholar, lately ordained to the ministry. The
session endeavored to get his services as supply
for the pulpit, but he had made an engagement
to go to Newark, Del. In January, 1853, Rev.
Ennals Adams, a licentiate of the A. M. E.
Church, Baltimore, was invited to preach by the
session, and being- satisfied with his abilitv, he
' O ✓ '
was engaged to supply the pulpit till further con¬
sideration, which he accepted at $21 per month
salary. In May of the same year (1853), he was
received as a member of Presbytery, and elected
pastor at a salary of $400 per annum. The in¬
stallation, however, did not take place until June,
1854. The Rev. William Ramsey, pastor of the
church on South Street above Eleventh, Rev.
Mr. Converse and others moderated the session,
who continued active jurisdiction in calling mem¬
bers to account for non-attendance, for non¬
payment of pew rent, or any unchristian conduct,
sometimes as many as a dozen at one time. The
salutary effect was good, and the congregation
felt they were under a strong government. In
1853, thirty souls were added to the communion,
among whom were William G. Harvey, a useful
member in the Board and financial affairs of the
54
church; also William Cooper, who worked in the
same lines. There is still living Josephine
Gloucester, a daughter of the first pastor. She
resides with the aged widow of John P. Worth-
ington. They do not forget the church, nor the
days past, but are waiting until the Lord shall
call them to join the friends that have passed on
before. The Board was working hard with the
financial affairs and had succeeded in reducing the
liabilities $702.32 from 1851; this was done by
keeping down expenses, and good bookkeeping,
showing receipts and expenditures at every meet¬
ing that was held by the Board at this time.
From the minutes of the Board, December 18,
1853, we learn that Brother John Winrow died,
and at his request was buried in the vault. At a
meeting of the Board, January 4, 1853, it was re¬
ported by James Prosser, president, that Mary
Green's note for seventy-four dollars and fifteen
cents ($74.15) was paid. This mention is made
because that sister, who has been blind for a long
time and aided by the church, claims it was not
paid, a thing apt to be done when we get old and
memory fails. Also it is recorded in Board
minutes, December ,1853, that the$200 legacy be¬
queathed by Mrs. Mary Fassit, was for pew (61)
free of rent, to Jonas Owens, during his natural
life, thus settling a question that caused discussion
for a long time as to the terms of this bequest.
55
1854-
The session, ever zealous and jealous about
their duties and prerogatives, began this year by
calling in question the authority for holding a
prayer meeting on Friday evenings at Mrs. Strat-
ton's, in Eagle's Court. This meeting was in
charge of J. P. Worthington, James K. Hilyard
and others, and had been organized by Elders
Prosser and Jones, when the other elders were
out of town. They did not like it, and so con¬
tinued to agitate the matter, that for peace sake
it was discontinued. Mr. Adams continued to
supply the pulpit, and, on the resignation of
Robert Jones, was made clerk of session. In
1854 twenty-eight souls were added to the com¬
munion, of whom two continue to be pillars in
Zion—John H. Johnson and Charlotte Gipson,
both interested in every "good word and work."
The Board continued steadily on in their work,
and showed by their report that they had de¬
creased the debt $403.41.
1855.
The session begin to find themselves em¬
barrassed about he payment of the pastor. The
Home Missionary Board declined to aid the
church ; and the Board of Trustees sent a note to
56
session saying they could not pay the $400, al¬
though it seems by their report at the end of the
year they had reduced the debt $473.44, showing
on the part of the Board a determination to pay
the debt, if the church has to do without a minis¬
ter. The additions to the communion were six¬
teen, all of whom are gone to rest; or, worse than
that, are stragglers from the Church of God, and
turned back to the beggarly elements of the world-
This is the case with so many that come into the
church, stony ground hearers, having no depth
of earth they soon die out; but ours it is to "sow
beside all waters." "We know not which may
thrive ; the late or early sown." But we cannot
toil in vxin, if our object is more for the salvation
of souls than the rearing, adorning and perpetuat¬
ing tabernacle of worship, which must crumble
into dust. God help us all to see that while the
latter is good the former is the " better part that
cannot be taken away."
1856.
In December, 1855, another note was received
by session from the Board, stating that they could
not pay Mr. Adams $400 per year. The elders,
by resolution, agreed with the Board. The minis¬
ter then declared his intention to ask for per-
57
mission to resign at the meeting of Presbytery in
April, 1856, on the consideration that less than
$400 would not support him ; he could scarcely
live on that amount. The session then resolved
to call a congregational meeting to ask assistance
to help pay the minister's salary until April; also
to consider upon the election of more elders.
March, 1856, the Board sent another com¬
munication to the session on the subject of min¬
ister's salary, accompanied by a special committee
to confer with session on the matter, and devise
plans to raise funds to pay the church debt.
No record of the congregational meeting was
kept. It, however, was held, and a majority were
in favor of retaining Mr. Adams ; but the influence
of session and trustees was too strong, and in
April he resigned; and the pulpit was vacant
until September, when the Rev. Benjamin F.
Templeton was elected pastor, and a number of
brethren and sisters that had belonged to the
Second Church (St. Mary Street), thirty in all,
united with the church that year; five are still
" pressing on to the prize," Mother Shay, Phcebe
Miller, Berry Maloney, Jane Ryder, and Mary
Gustas. Of those that have entered the rest that
remaineth for the people of God, are Father
Parker, faithful and true ; Elder Shay, zealous and
blest in his labor ; Brother and Sister Macoy, quiet
and exemplary Christians. How blessed to the
58
Church of God and the cause of Christ are such
lives; "more to be desired are they than gold, yea
than much fine gold." They show by walk and
conversation that their " heart is fixed." The
Board of Trustees decreased the debt only
$l59-35 this year.
1857.
The session continued their rigid disciplinary
course, so much so that the Presbytery took ex¬
ceptions to some of their proceedings (the minutes
of session not being full enough to explain the
cases) ; the clerk of session then appended ex¬
planations to the exceptions and recorded them in
the book. One of the cases was a brother who
admitted to public dancing and absence for six
months from communion ; on his promise to do
better, he was excused, but in ten months he was
before session again, and suspended for dancing
and irreligious conduct. The session were deter¬
mined, if possible, to suppress insubordination and
conduct that leads to immorality. In September
of the same year another brother was called before
session for public dancing ; he said he felt his con¬
science clear, etc. Session considered his views,
and vindication of them, sinful, and suspended him
until such time as he shall give evidence of re¬
pentance.
59
In 1857 twenty-two were added to the church,
of whom Marshall Brown and Wm. A. Potter still
live (1894). Brother Potter has done good service
in the Board, hard working and liberal to the
church, but is retired now from active service.
Marshall Brown is quiet and unobtrusive, delight¬
ing in the service of God's house, avoiding all
strife, willing to serve the lowly Jesus in a lowly
quiet walk in life. Thos. H. Davis, who was
elected an elder 1859, and Robert Gurley, who
served in the Board for a number of years, both
doing good service in their day, are gone to rest,
and mentioned more fully in the memoirs in this
history. The Board of Trustees continued their
effort to decrease the debt, but did not succeed as
much as formerly, it being only $100.88.
1858.
At the close of 1857, we find the session still
active in bringing before them brothers and sisters
for neglect of duty in the payment of pew rent to
support the church, and not attending worship ;
none too high or aged, none too young or poor,
but they must give account for their conduct. It
would seem the elders had fully learned that
"they watch for souls, for whom the Lord did
heavenly bliss forego." The Rev. Templeton was
6o
faithfully attending to his duties as pastor, and
growing in the affections of the people, who did
not think the Lord had the great trial for them
that came with the opening year. At the Decem¬
ber communion, Brother Thomas H. Davis, Wil¬
kinson Jones and his wife joined the church. It
was the last time Brother Templeton sat with us
around the Lord's table on earth. The latter
part of January, he took a cold, from which he
died February 6, 1858. The following minute
was passed by session, and placed on record :
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to re¬
move from us our esteemed pastor, after a short
illness, thus suddenly bereaving us of our Watch¬
man in Zion, therefore
Resolved, That, though the stroke be hard, we
bow with submission, realizing that the Judge of
all the earth is too wise to err, too good to do His
creatures harm.
Resolved, That this dispensation, in view of the
increased earnestness with which our Brother
labored of late, should make us examine ourselves
and see whether God has a controversy with us,
or not, and betake ourselves to labor, that when
the night of death shall come to us, our work shall
be finished.
Resolved, That we commend to God and the
Church, his orphan boy as a child of the Church,
trusting that he may be cared for, and, if his life
is spared, he may tread in the steps of his father
Attest, Robert Jones, Clerk.
6i
Again the pulpit was left vacant, but we were
not cast down. There were differences of opinion
and jealousies that crept into the church; but God
blest some with the spirit of peacemakers, so we
came out unharmed. The Rev. David Malin
was moderator of session, and at the April and
June communions there were additions to the
church. The Rev. E. B. Bruin supplied the
pulpit, and during the year nineteen were added
to the communion, and the debt decreased $86.29.
1859.
In 1857 there were two or three changes in the
Board that beg^an to alter the tone of affairs.
Father Prosser, continued President. After Mr.
Templeton's death the session kept the pulpit sup¬
plied as best they could and at little expense.
In October, 1858, there were other changes in the
Board. Father Prosser ceased to be President
and the "new blood" in the Board began to
assume positions beyond their prerogative, and
we find them in November, 1858, taking steps for
the employment of a Rev. James D. S. Hall to
supply the pulpit, and no minutes or account
appears on session books. Who Mr. Hall was,
what denomination, or where from, does not appear
on the books. By reference to Board books we
62
find that on Sunday, November 14th, William
Laws, Daniel Colly and Robert Gurley, a commit¬
tee of Trustees, agreed with the session of the
church to give Mr. James D. S. Hall $25 per
month and pay his board ; and a congregational
meeting held the 25th inst. concurred in the mat¬
ter. The next statement is April, 1859, Board
meeting. The Rev. James D. S. Hall met the
Board and made a charge against Brother Potter
o o
for closing the study against him. The reasons
do not appear on the Board minutes ; it simply
states that Brother Potter had no rigrht to shut the
door against the minister. The last we see of
Rev. Hall is June 6, 1859, when his salary was
ordered to be paid. The election of more elders
had been talked of since 1856, and at a meeting
of session, June 7,1859, the session nominated the
following brothers: Jesse E. Glasgow, John P.
Worthington and William H. King, and presented
their names to a meeting of communicant mem¬
bers June 23, 1859, when the following nomina¬
tions were made by the people: George W.
Evans, Sheppard Shay, G. M. Burton and Thomas
H. Davis. Brothers King and Burton declined,
and Evans, Shay and Davis were elected. Six
persons were added to the church, one of
whom was James C. Davis. He studied for the
ministry at Lincoln University, and went to Ten¬
nessee, where he did good service for the cause
63
of Christ and the Presbyterian Church, having
some four or five congregations under his charge,
preaching alternately to them, getting money to
build their churches, and nursing them into health
and strength. After a number of years' labor he
had an attack of paralysis that disqualified him for
further pulpit service. This brother, though some¬
what advanced in years before he studied for the
ministry, and therefore could not acquire that
degree of learning that the denomination requires ;
yet as a colored man, laboring among poor colored
people, it is a commendable feature in his his¬
tory that instead of settling down on one church
and using up its life-blood, he went for miles
around and gathered the people in spots conven¬
ient to them, and thus had the different churches
and a larger number of people to minister to,
making it easy for them to support him, although
the work for him was hard. The debt was reduced
1859, $53.50. The Rev. E. B. Bruin was engaged
as stated supply November 7, 1859, at $5.00 per
week, and served in a very acceptable manner for
several months.
i860.
From the minutes of session, May 15, i860, we
find that a letter, presented by T. H. Davis, clerk,
64
was read from J. B. Reeve, of New York, and the
clerk was instructed to invite him to pay the
church a visit, and spend as much of his vacation
with us as he thought best. It was finally ar¬
ranged that he fill the pulpit until September, at
$25.00 per month. The engagement of Mr. Reeve
being settled, the session passed an expression of
gratitude to Rev. E. B. Bruin for his faithful service
as a Christian minister to the church. They also
sent information to the Board that they would keep
the communion collection for a poor fund. This ac¬
tion was opposed by the Board, on the ground of
their not being previously consulted, and that all
financial affairs belonged to them, as the incorpor¬
ated body of officers. The session, however, quietly
continued in their course without controversy. At
this time, also, the idea that members of session
should not be members of the Board was carried
into effect; not by alteration of constitution, or
law passed by the congregation, but by combina¬
tion of those out of session, and the refraining to
contend by members of session. It is this spirit
of feate-keeping that has saved the church for
the half century past from disruption, and enabled
us, under God, to stand, as we do, clear of debt,
and conscious of integrity. There were added to
the church this year eighteen souls, three of whom
are still with us : Louisa Allmon, aged and infirm,
with more dear ones in heaven than on earth;
65
Mary F. Ames, an earnest worker for Christ, in
prayer-meeting-and Sabbath-school; Lydia Myers,
quiet but constant in her love for the church. The
Board did not record an annual financial state¬
ment for i860, and therefore the liabilities cannot
be stated.
1861.
Mr. John B. Reeve having returned to his
studies at the New York Theological Academy,
the Rev. E. C. Lockwood was employed as sup¬
ply for the pulpit. On the loth of January, 1861,
a congregational meeting was held to elect a pas¬
tor, and Rev. John B. Reeve was unanimously
elected. A notice of the election being sent to
Mr. Reeve, he replied that after he had finished
his studies he would probably accept. On March
6, 1861, Elder James Prosser died, aged 79 years.
The session had the following minute placed on
record:
"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God
to remove from this life Elder James Prosser, we
hereby record our submission to the Divine will;
and though sorrowing at the loss, we would give
heartfelt thanks for the long and useful life of our
late brother, upon whom we were wont to look as
a ' link' uniting us with the early days of Presby-
terianism, he being one of the first colored elders
in the United States."
5
66
The session in April, 1861, passed the following
paper:
Whereas, In the mind of session, the making
of extended remarks in reference to the busi¬
ness affairs of the church on the Sabbath after
the sermon is injurious; and,
Whereas itwas the requestof session that notices
be made through the pastor or clerk of session,
Therefore,
Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to
comply to this arrangement in order that the
Gospel be not hindered.
The session also granted the request of John
P. Worthington, James C. Davis, Ralph Gil-
more, William A. Potter, and Francis Nelson to
hold prayer meeting on Friday evening and
Sabbath morning-. The session at this time
asserted their right to appoint or dismiss
the organist, and admit or dismiss from the
choir, it being part of the spiritual worship of
the church. It January, 1861, a member of the
Board had used some funds in his hands to re¬
lieve personal need ; it was all made right, but the
brother had said, "Anyone would do the same
under like circumstances," and there were those
that were determined such an idea should not go
unreproved, so they worked on the matter until
2.30 a.m., at one of their meetings, and finally
forced the brother to resign his position in the
Board. Such a course had its salutary effect. In
67
the afternoon of June 4, 1861, the Fourth Pres¬
bytery of Philadelphia met in the Lombard Street
Central Presbyterian Church, and received Mr.
John B. Reeve, a licentiate of the Third Presbytery
of New York. Present: Rev. Drs. T. Brainerd, T.
Shepherd, Albert Barnes, J. McLeod, E. B. Bruin,
and A. Culver; Elders James Earle, C. Baxer, R.
Jones, W. Brown, G. Potter, S. Shay, and T.
Davis. Presbytery examined Mr. Reeve for or¬
dination, and met in the evening for ordination
and installation. The moderator presided, and
the Rev. John McLeod preached the sermon; Rev.
Albert Barnes, charge to the pastor, and Rev. E. B.
Bruin, charge to the people. Rev. Barnes spoke of
Mr. Reeve as qualified to be an honor not only to
this church but to the Presbytery. In November of
1861 John P. Worthington died. Being a member
of the Board at the time, resolutions were put in
their record, speaking of him as devoted Chris¬
tian in the Church and a faithful member of the
Board. (See Appendix.) The Board made no an¬
nual financial report for i860. The report for 1859
made the liabilities $5,318.75,and now for 1861 they
report $4,713.57, making a decrease ot $605.18
in the two years, which is evidence that the Trus¬
tees were successful in their management of the
financial affairs of the church. In 1861 twelve
were added to the church, of whom two are still
with us: Mrs. Mary Linn, and Mr. Charles C.
68
Derry, quiet, unobtrusive Christians, faithful in
attendance and support of the church, veritable
foundation stones deep in the ground, and, al¬
though unseen, on such the Church solidly rests.
1862.
This year opened with fair prospects. The pas¬
tor, Rev. J. B. Reeve, being a scholar and
student, the pulpit ministration was as good as
any in the city, and the congregation was de¬
lighted. In the early part of the Rev. Reeve's
ministry, when desired to do more pastoral visit¬
ing, he replied plainly that it would be at the
expense of less studied sermons, visiting to the
extent implied could not otherwise be done ; but
sickness and death, or other needed ministra¬
tions, would always be faithfully attended to.
During this year nine were added to the church,
one of whom is living, Mr. A. B. Sayers. The
Board of Trustees with J. B. Mathews as secre¬
tary, and John McKee and James W. Brown as¬
sisting him in keeping the financial accounts, etc.,
did good work this year, with a committee of
fifty ladies to help them meet their financial ob¬
ligations. Mr. Prosser, Sr., having died, his es¬
tate had to be settled. He held a bond for $800,
which had to be paid, also property of his was
6g
involved for the payment of the $3,500 mortgage,
and it had to be relieved, all of which was satis¬
factorily transacted by the Board, composed of
George Roberts, president; William Laws, treas¬
urer; J. B. Mathews, secretary; John McKee,
William G. Harvey, James W. Brown, William
King, Joseph Young and Daniel Davis.
1863.
At the election for Trustees, October, 1862,
John McKee was elected president; William
Laws, treasurer, and J. B. Mathews, secretary.
J. B. Mathews resigned and W. C. Dixon was
chosen to fill his place. Under date of February
23, 1863, is recorded in Board minutes the re¬
lease of Mr. Prosser's property, and placing the
$3,500 mortgage on the church alone. It may
be noticed here that the church was, and had
been, blessed with brethren and sisters that had a
mind to work, and did work in the spheres that
God gave them mind and ability to fill. John
McKee, who was president at this time, being a
son-in-law of James Prosser, Sr., and having a
large financial mind and spirit, with industrious
and precise keeping of accounts, made him of
great service. Mr. Jesse E. Glasgow was an
indefatigable worker, whose services were kept
7°
going, notwithstanding differences that occurred
at times. William Laws, G. M. Burton, William
G. Harvey and other brethren that God blest us
with, were untiring in work, so that our march
financially was continuously upward. Brethren
were paid for collecting, and therefore moneys
were brought in that otherwise would not. It
was the custom about this time to refer to the
congregation matters of importance, but the
doings of such meetings were not regularly re¬
corded. But we find in Board minutes June 8,
1863, the congregation refused the renting of the
basement for public school purposes; also, July
14, 1863, the report of a committee of which
Thomas H. Davis was treasurer, whose duty was
to raise money and pay the balance due Gran¬
ville Society. This year no annual report of the
Board was made. Twelve persons were added
to the communion, of whom Mrs. Physic and
Mrs. Birchet are still with us; also the Rev.
William R. Templeton, who is a pastor at Read¬
ing, Pa., and Mrs. Williams, daughter of the late
<*■>' ' ' O
William G. Harvey, now living at Newport, R. I.
1864.
Six souls were added to the communion this
year; not many, and yet two are still spared to
71
us, dear to the Church militant, and dear to many
in the Church triumphant: Mrs. Reeve, wife of
the pastor, amiable and kind, ever ready to do
good ; and Mrs. Mary A. Dyson, enslaved and suf¬
fering in her younger days, but now rejoicing in
freedom of body and soul; such rejoicing as the
Saviour accounted for when He said, "If these
hold their peace, the very stones would cry out."
The session continued to call before them those
that were remiss in their attendance at the Lord's
Supper, some of whom had held high office.
This strictness, no doubt, kept back many that
would have joined us had we been less exacting.
The Board, elected in 1863, made J. B. Mathews
president, Robert Gurley treasurer, and W. C.
Dixon secretary. They transacted the usual busi¬
ness that came before them, and in October, 1864,
made an annual report, showing a payment on the
debt of $820.52 since the report of 1861, and now
leaving the liabilities $3,893.25. Brethren of the
Third and Fourth Presbyteries, at this time, began
measures to free from debt the churches in those
presbyteries, on condition that they would do what
they could to help pay, and not go in debt again. At
a meeting of session, December, 1864, the pastor
reported that the Revs. Messrs. Adair and Shep¬
herd were appointed to advise in the matter of
raising the portion of our debt, $1,906, which we
had assumed, and they had drawn up a circular,
72
with which we were to call on benevolent persons,
in the several churches, by which he hoped we
would make up the amount needed.
1865.
At the stated meeting- of the Board, January,
1865, a congregational meeting was called, apper¬
taining to'financial affairs of the church. January
7th, a called meeting was held, and the president
stated that he had been informed that Mr. John
Sparhawk had been appointed by Presbytery,
and the contributors, to pay off all the debts, and
he had appointed Messrs. John McKee and Rob¬
ert Jones to pay the debts of this church, and
show him the receipts. The Board, considering
that this ignored them, withdrew their call for the
meeting, and arranged for a joint meeting of Ses¬
sion and Trustees, January 16th, to have an expla¬
nation ; this explanation was given to the satis¬
faction of the Board, who had said they desired
peace and harmony. The congregational meeting
had been held on the 12th instant, and resolved
to raise the minister's salary to $700 per annum,
all of which the Board endorsed ; they also raised
the pew rent 20 per cent., to meet the increased
expense. The report of John McKee, treasurer,
and Robert Jones, secretary, was made to the
73
Board, and placed on their records, a copy of
which is here appended. Sixteen were added to
the church this year, of whom Mr. F. Mishaw and
Mrs. Mary Foote are still with us, doing all they
can for Christ and His cause. Elder William
Brown died March 26, 1865 (see Appendix).
Report of the Secretary and Treasurer of
the "Special Fund," for the Payment of
Outstanding Debts of the Lombard Street
Central Presbyterian Church, January 26,
1865:
At a meeting of the Lombard Street Central
Presbyterian Congregation, held June 23, 1864,
John McKee, Rev. J. B. Reeve, J. E. Glasgow, J.
W. Brown and Robert Jones were appointed a
committee, with full power to devise ways and
means to raise $1,906, there being offered by a
committee of gentlemen through the influence of
the Pastoral Association of the Third and Fourth
Presbyteries of Philadelphia, on condition that
the Church raise the said $1,906, which, with the
$1,900 offered, will pay the entire outstanding
debts of the church, amounting to $3,806.
The following resolution was passed unani¬
mously :
Resolved, That with the help of God we will
make every sacrifice in our power to give, at an
early period, the entire sum needed to pay the
debt of our beloved Church.
74
John McKee being appointed treasurer, and
Robert Jones secretary, thirty-six books wereissued
on which $1747.13 was collected, and $65 donated
by the Sabbath-school, making a total of $1812.13.
Meetings were held weekly, on Thursday even¬
ings, for receiving moneys on books and subscrip¬
tions until December 15, 1864, up to which time
the treasurer, John McKee, had received $280.15,
besides that brought in on subscription books.
The sum needed now being raised, a committee
was appointed to get up a Thanksgiving Festival,
to take place December 29th.
Committee : George Roberts, Chairman, J. W.
Brown, James Prosser, Jr., Mrs. Mary Davis, Miss
Lydia Thompson, George W. Evans, Mrs. Sarah
Prosser, John McKee, Miss Mary J. Green, Mrs.
Rachel McCoy.
The following committee was also appointed to
procure testimonial, to be presented to the treas¬
urer and those that brought in the three highest
amounts.
Committee : Thomas H. Davis, Robert Jones,
James W. Brown, Mrs. Phoebe Miller, Mrs. Jane
Trout.
Invitations were sent to ministers of the Third
and Fourth Presbyteries, Mr. John A. Brown and
others who had contributed so liberally to relieve
this and other needy churches ; and also to the
7 5
Yriends of this church generally. On this occasion
the Rev. Albert Barnes, Rev. Dr. Brainerd, Rev.
Mr. Mallery, William S. Pierce, Esq., and others
spoke, making it one of the most interesting meet¬
ings of the kind ever held in the church. Refresh¬
ments of ice cream and cake were served, and
testimonials of service were presented by Elder
Robert Jones to Mr. John McKee as treasurer,
Mr. James Prosser, Mr. Jesse E. Glasgow and
Mrs. Phoebe Miller, for the three highest amounts
brought in on the books.
On January 4, 1865, the treasurer, John
McKee, and the secretary, Robert Jones, tendered
$1,906 to Mr. Sparhawk, treasurer for the com¬
mittee appointed at a meeting held in the First
Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, April 19,
1864, which committee was Messrs. Perkins,
Purvis and John Sparhawk.
Mr. Sparhawk placed in the hands of Messrs.
McKee and Jones $306 to pay the following
bills: $154 to Jacob C. White, $68 to George
Roberts, $50 to Jane Potts, $28.25 to Wright &
Hu nter, leaving in Mr. Sparhawk's hands $1,600
in trust, which, with the $1,900 appropriated by
the committee of which he is treasurer, makes a
total of $3,500. This sum is deposited with the
United States Assistant Treasurer, at Philadel¬
phia, January 9, 1865, at 6 per cent, per annum
interest, payable in July and January, which in-
76
terest Mr. Sparhawk will pay to George C. Cal-*
houn for this church on the bond for $3,500 held
by said Calhoun, until the bond is due, which will
be February 5, 1868; Mr. John .Sparhawk being-
authorized by the secretary and treasurer, Robert
Jones and John McKee, to pay the interest as it
becomes due on August 5th and February 5th,
and the principal at maturity.
The said bond and mortgage was executed in
1847 by the late James Prosser, Sr., to said
George C. Calhoun against Lombard Street
Central Presbyterian Congregation, said Prosser
acting as trustee for the congregation. The
ground and building has cost $15,000 and is now
free from all incumbrances.
FINANCIAL REPORT.
Philadelphia, January 26, 1865.
To Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Congregation :
John McKee, treasurer, and Robert Jones, secretary, of" special fund "
for the payment of outstanding debts of said church, respectfully make this
final report:
Received.
Paid in on subscription books $1747 '3
Paid in to treasurer and secretary 280 15
Paid in from Sabbath-school 65 00
Received at festival 3 2 85
Received for intereston $1,300 10 90
$2136 03
Paid out.
To Mr. John Sparhawk in trust $1600 00
To Jacob C. White for cemetery lots 154 00
77
To George Roberts for loan and interest
$ 68 oo
To Jane Potts for loan and interest
To Wright & Hunter, gas fitting
To festival and testimonials . .
50 00
28 25
108 50
To printing and collecting books
18 18
1866.
In October, 1865, William R. Templeton (on
recommendation of session) was received as a
candidate for the ministry by Presbytery in Feb¬
ruary, 1866. The weekly lecture was changed
from Thursday to Wednesday evening, and the
prayer meeting from Tuesday to Friday evening.
We find the session devising ways for the spiritual
welfare of the church. At the communion in
March, nine were added to the church, among
them two daughters of Elder Shay; and in June,
eight, two of whom were daughters of Elder Jones.
In September five were added, and in December
five, evidencing that when we work for Christ and
•'wrestle" between the porch and altar, the spirit
will come with blessings on his wings.
78
1867.
God had blessed us ; we were free from debt,
and souls were flocking- into the ark. Bro. Purnell
and his wife (of precious memory), a son of Elder
Potter, another daughter of Elder Jones, William
F. Brooks, who is doing good service as a minis¬
ter for Christ, twenty-three in all, were added;
most of them young- and intelligent. In February,
1867, on account of a disagreement, Elder George
W. Evans sent the following note to the session :
" In expectation of leaving the communion of the
Presbyterian Church, and uniting with the Baptist,
I hereby resign my office as ruling elder in the
Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church.
George W. Evans."
Mrs. Evans and a daughter came to ses¬
sion requesting letters of dismission to the
Baptist Church, which was declined on the follow¬
ing grounds: 1st. Session can only give dismis¬
sion to some church ; cannot give letters to hold.
2d. That we have reason for believing the Bap¬
tist Church only receives letters and gives them
to churches of their own peculiar faith and order;
and inasmuch as said churches do not acknowledge
the validity of our mode of baptism, do not con¬
sider it scriptural, and do not allow our members
to sit at the " Lord's table" with them ; thus ignor¬
ing us in both of the Sacraments of the Church,
79
we cannot, therefore, give letters of dismission to
that Church. After evidence of their immersion
their names were stricken from the roll. In May,
1867, a special meeting of the Board was called,
notifying them through session that Rev. J. B.
Reeve had received a call to the pastorship of the
Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church, Washing¬
ton, D.C. On reading the notification from session
the Board passed the following resolutions,
moved by J. B. Matthews:
Whereas, We are impressed with the convic¬
tion that it would be detrimental to the interest of
our Church, spiritual and temporal, for Rev. Mr.
Reeve to dissolve his connection with us at the
present time; therefore
Resolved, That we earnestly, yet respectfully,
protest against our pastor entertaining the thought
of having his present relations with us dissolved.
Resolved, That we hereby pledge to him our
earnest efforts for his support and comfort while
he shall continue our pastor, and our cordial co¬
operation for the enlargement and prosperity of
this church and congregation.
This was concurred in by session, and the
result was Mr. Reeve declined the call.
8o
1868.
In May, 1866, the Board called a congregational
meeting to consider the matter of renovating the
church. The meeting was held and a committee
to get estimates for the work and devise ways and
means to pay for it was appointed. The Board
declined to act with them, claiming that the char¬
ter gave them the right to receive all moneys,
provide and keep in repair a house of worship, and
pay all debts of the corporation. (See Section
fifth of Charter). But this committee proceeded
to get funds, and in January, 1868, the Board ap¬
pointed Messrs. Laws, Potter and McKee to act
with them in depositing the " special fund " they
had collected. This was done, but in July, 1868,
the Board still refused to act, and ordered that
contractors be notified that they were not responsi¬
ble. August 5th, the following was read in the
Board:
Philadelphia, Aug. 1, 1868.
To the Chairman of Depositing Committee :
Dear Sir:—At a congregational meeting of Cen¬
tral Presbyterian Church, held Wednesday even¬
ing, July 29, 1868, it was resolved that the Deposit¬
ing Committee pay the funds in their hands over
to the Committee on Repairs, viz. : Robert Jones,
William A. Potter, Jesse E. Glasgow, Stephen
Purnell and George L. Talbot.
Very respectfully yours,
Robert Gurley, President.
Geo. L. Talbot, Secretary.
8i
On the reading of this note the Board ordered
the payment of "special fund" $919.96, paid to
above-named Committee on Repairs.
The renovating was done under the supervision
of the committee appointed by the congregation,
but a definite report is not on the Board books ;
the total sum was $1,124.96. As far as could be
ascertained the entire building was painted, the
walls and ceiling beautifully tinted in different
colors and laid off in panels, the pews upholstered
with crimson damask. Nothing had been done
since the church was built, twenty years before.
It looked better than ever. April 15th a congre¬
gational meeting was called to devise means to
pay the pastor's salary. It was moved that it be
$900 per annum, which was afterward reconsid
ered on motion of E. D. Bassett that it be $1,000,
which was passed. The Board at their next meet¬
ing raised the pew rent to $18 for centre and $16
for side pews, $5 for single sitting. Also May
4, 1868, all the deed, clearance papers, etc., were
received from Messrs. Sparhawk and Perkins.
On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to Mr.
Sparhawk and the committee for their services in
getting the church out of debt. Also the Presi¬
dent of Board was ordered to get a tin box and
put the papers in for safe keeping. A meeting of
the congregation was called for May 13th, to
report the payment of all debts and the receipt of
6
82
the papers. Nineteen were added to the church
this year, sixteen of whom are still living, among
them Mr. William Still, who was afterward elected
an elder. Among the dead is Brother James
Gardiner, a godly man, whose prayers and
exhortations are still remembered.
1869.
October, 1868, the Board elected was Robert
Jones, president, Stephen Purnell, treasurer, J. B.
Matthews, secretary, Wm. A. Potter, house-warden.
Their meetings were held at 3 p.m., the first Mon¬
day of the month. They were precise in their trans¬
actions, and in keeping minutes and accounts. We
find in their minutes a definite statement of the dif¬
ferent papers of the church in the "tin box," a satis¬
factory as well as serviceable record. The church
had been renovated at a great expense and they
resolved not to hire it for concerts, etc., on account
of the injury being greater than the pay they got.
Extra harangues and begging from the pulpit,
being objectionable, were not practised, and the
church finds itself settling down into a dignified
condition of worship. During the year 1869 there
were thirty souls added to the communion, many
of whom are now gone to their reward, among
them, of precious memory, are Mary Somerville,
83
Prince Black, John Garnett, Rebecca Webster,
Francis Wood and Mary Dunn, who though dead,
yet speaketh. Of those still living- is Elder John
S. Dunn. Elder George Potter died October 20,
1869.
1870.
Opened with fair prospects in the spiritual affairs
of the church. Eight were added to the first com¬
munion in March, among them Edward A. Wylie
(who is noticed in the memorials to elders).
Twenty-eight in all were added this year. The
Rev. J. B. Reeve had the degree of Doctor of
Divinity conferred on him by the Lincoln Uni¬
versity, Oxford, Pa. The session made the Sabbath
services to be : preaching morning and evening ;
in the afternoon, Sabbath-school and exposition
of Scripture. In former years it was prayer
meeting, 6 a.m.; Sabbath-school, 9 a.m.; prayer
service, 10.30 a.m. ; school, 2 p.m. ; preaching, 3.30
p.m.; prayer meeting after preaching, and preach¬
ing at 7.30 p.m. Never tired of worship, the
motto seemed to be, " Dead be my heart to every
joy, when Jesus cannot move." The Board of
Trustees moved on with their duties quite regular;
it is a matter of interest to note the difference of
men in the transactions of business. Joshua B.
Matthews was secretary for 1869 and 1870, and a
84
full financial report is made and recorded for both
those years. In 1869 received $1491.33, paid
$1463.14; in 1870 received $1448.86, paid $1418-
15. This shows how near one year is to another,
and enables trustees to refrain from irreligious
begging.
1871.
God was still blessing us. At the March com-
munion six were added, three of these are " not; "
one of whom was Fielding Butler, quiet, lovable
and pious, he was taken away early in life. But
how blessed, to leave a hallowed influence that
lives in the memory long after we are gone.
Catharine Sullivan and James Scott, earnest for
Christ and His Church, in their own peculiar way,
and J. B. Matthews, a pillar in temporal affairs,
are still with us. Verily God hath blessed us
with brethren and sisters for all stations and every
duty. May we be helped to avoid offending " one
of His little ones." The 28th of July, 1871, the
Rev. Dr. Reeve gave notice to session that he
intended to accept a theological professorship in
Howard University, Washington, D. C. Notice
was given from the pulpit on the 30th inst., and a
congregational meeting was held on the 19th of
August, to take action on the resignation. The
following action was taken :
85
Resolved, It is with deep regret that we part with
our pastor, Rev. John B. Reeve, D.D., but as he is
called to a larger field oflaborand usefulness, and
in his judgment will be able to do more good for his
people : therefore we consent a^d will unite with
him in asking Presbytery to receive his resignation.
Sheppard Shay and Wm. Still were appointed
commissioners to Presbytery with this action ;
also, to request Rev. Herrick Johnson, D.D., to
be appointed moderator, and that session have
privilege to supply the pulpit, all of which was
granted, and the Rev. Dr. Dulles appointed to
declare the pulpit vacant.
Dr. Reeve left the ist of September. A fare¬
well reception was given him, gotten up by J.
B. Matthews and W. A. Potter. Expressions of
regret at parting, and wishes for future good were
freely made ; addresses were given by Elder Jones
and others, and at the close of the reception, Wm.
A. Potter, in behalf of the congregation, presented
the Doctor with a beautiful purse containing their
offering. The Rev. Jacob Cole was engaged as
supply for the pulpit; he continued until the 18th
of December, but the congregation were not satis¬
fied and he left. In November, Stephen Purnell
and Edward A. Wylie were elected members of
session. Eighteen were added to the church this
year. The annual report, October, 1871, was:
Received, $1,341.16 ; paid out, $1,339.19, and for
benevolent objects, $60.34.
86
1872.
The pulpit was still vacant, and having been so
learnedly filled by Dr. Reeve, it was hard to suit
the congregation. Reverends Morton, Shepherd,
Gates, Morris, and others were employed to
preach at different times until July, when Rev.
Wm. T. Carr was engaged as stated supply, and
continued as such for one year, at $1,000 per
annum. In February, 1872, the session ordered a
congregational meeting to call a pastor and agreed
to put the name of Rev. C. H. Thompson, D.D.,
before them ; but no account of the meeting is
found. At the May, 1872, communion fifty-two
were added to the Church, and the Rev. Dr.
Reeve came from Washington, at the invitation of
session, to administer the sacrament. This in¬
gathering was a blessing of God on the labors of
Elders Shay and Purnell, with the help of Mr.
Samuel K. Godwin, an Episcopal layman, and Mr.
Schreiner, a tract missionary at the evening ser¬
vices. This ingathering is an evidence that if the
people work, God will bless, pastor or no pastor.
Brother Shay and his co-workers went forward
with the prayer of Asa, 2 Chronicles 15: 11:
" Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether
with many, or with them that have no power."
Brother Barton Curry remembers to this day, the
brotherly hugging and congratulation of Mr.
Schreiner, when the Lord blessed him with peace
§7
in the Holy Ghost. Spurgeon says : " I would
sooner you should burst into fanaticism, some of
you, and become right-down fools in enthusiasm,
than remain as the Church now is, in a dead cool¬
ness, caring little for the souls of men." Of this
ingathering God has taken Thos. Reed, aspiring
and energetic; Elijah Webster, quiet and sincere ;
both adding in their way to the strength of the
church; Martha Armistead, taken early in life,
but remembered still by those that knew her.
There is still living Rev. Frank E. Potter, laboring
in the Southwest; Mr. Charles Wilson, a faithful
worker in the Presbyterian Church, Washington,
D. C., and Miss Fanny Somerville, a " King's
Daughter,"—earnest and untiring in work, blest
and blessing.
1873.
In October, 1872,110 annual report is recorded.
In 1873, the report is $1,335.67 received, and
$1,289.03 paid out; also, the liabilities, $52.75,
taxes on cemetery lots (for several years, more of
a drain than profit to the church). The Rev.
William T. Carr was supplying the pulpit. The
additions to the church were three on profession,
and three on certificate. In July, 1873, when Rev.
Carr's year ended, his services were dispensed
with. In March, 1873, the session agreed to call a
88
congregational meeting in April, to elect a pastor,
but no meeting was held. After Mr. Carr left
the members of session, by turn, got preachers,
being aided in this matter by the Rev. Mr. Bunch,
Secretary of Local Preachers' Association (Metho¬
dist). In October, the session resolved to con¬
sult with the Board about buying a parsonage and
electing a pastor, but there is no record of a
meeting. The Board, however, acted on the
matter of a parsonage, and in August, 1874, a
circular was issued, on the recommendation of
Presbytery, soliciting funds for that purpose ; sev¬
eral churches, through their pastors and elders,
were pledged to definite amounts. Also, a " spe¬
cial fund " for a new organ was, by a congrega¬
tional meeting, put into the parsonage fund; de¬
posits were made in the Western Saving Fund.
1874.
The session continued to get supplies for the
pulpit, the Rev. Mr. Bunch aiding them. He was
a godly man, whose meat and drink seemed to
be, to do work for God. Early in the year, the
Holy Spirit visited us with another glorious
outpouring, and sixty-four souls were added to
the communion in May, 1874. 1° this blessed
work, we had again the help of Brothers Schrei-
89
ner, Godwin, O'Conner, Bunch, and others. All
of those named have gone to their reward, except
Brother O'Conner, who is waiting the "home
call," leaning on his staff, at four-score, looking
forward to a reunion with his dear wife, lately gone
to rest, whom God spared to him fifty-eight years.
Brother Godwin delighted to tell how God
snatched him from a drunkard's grave, and he
could not do too much for Him, in working for
souls. This ingathering was the largest (at any
one time) in the history of the Church ; but it is
sad to think how many were " stony ground"
hearers ! How many are living, or how many are
dead, cannot be told from the books ; but against
a number is marked " suspended," and others
struck off. A few are still faithful—G. H. Wilson,
H. S. Black, William Ames, W. H. Dorsey, Annie
Cooper, Caroline Butler—and God grant that
there be many that He knows of, to the salvation
of their souls, that we know not of. But, how
much better it is, to so live " that men may know
by our works that we have been with Christ, and
learnt of Him." Spurgeon says : "It is an evil
thing to receive members and never care for them
afterward. I charge you, my beloved sisters, be
nursing mothers in the Church; and you, my
brethren, be fathers to the young people, that
they may be enabled by your help, through God's
spirit, to hold on their way." Elder Edward A.
go
Wylie died, March, 1874; young in years, and
short in work for God ; but what he did, was well
done. In April, Elder T. H. Davis was sent to
Washington, to confer with Dr. Reeve about his
resuming the pastorship. On his reporting favor¬
ably, a congregational meeting was called for the
second Thursday evening in May, 1874, and
elected Rev. J. B. Reeve pastor.
In September, session met to receive an appli¬
cation from James W. Lavatt for recommendation
to Presbytery as a student for the ministry. After
considerable hesitancy, it was granted, and the
brother spent eight or ten years at Lincoln and
Howard Universities, and afterward labored for a
while in a Presbyterian church in Virginia; but,
the denomination not being genial to his make of
mind, he joined the A. M. E. Church, for greater
scope to his aspirations. At the December com¬
munion, James R. Staten joined, and became a
useful worker in the Sabbath-school, and, at his
home in New Jersey is still doing good work for
th e cause of Christ.
1875-
After the large addition of May, 1874, there
was a lamentable settling down into old ruts, and
in May, 1875, the session called a meeting of com¬
municant members to elect two more elders and
91
adopt the " rotary" system of elders. This meet¬
ing- took place May 26, 1875. The Rev. R. B.
Johns was moderator, and Robert Jones secre¬
tary. The call was read, as follows : " At a meet¬
ing of session held May 20, 1875, ^ was resolved
that a meeting of communicants be held on Wed¬
nesday evening next, to take into consideration
the addition of two elders on the rotary plan, to
serve for three years." After the reasons were
given for the addition and adoption of the rotary
plan it was resolved by the meeting to adopt the
rotary plan and elect two more elders. The ses¬
sion proposed William G. Harvey and Robert
Gurley. The election was then postponed for
four weeks. Likewise it was voted that Elder
Thomas H. Davis be requested to attend to his
duties in prayer meetings, etc., more frequently
than he had been in the habit of doing. Meeting
adjourned for four weeks.
June 23, 1875, adjourned meeting held to con¬
sider the election of elders, etc. Rev. Dr. Adair,
moderator ; Robert Jones, secretary. Dr. Adair
fully explained the "rotary" system, after which
the meeting adopted this new mode of appointing
elders ; the term was fixed for three years and
the number of elders to be six. In order that the
new regulation should work harmoniously, Elders
Jones, Shay and Purnell being present tendered
their resignation, which was received, and the way
92
opened for election under the rotary system. The
following persons were duly elected : To serve
three years, Robert Jones and Sheppard Shay; two
years, Stephen Purnell and William Still; one
year, Thomas H. Davis and John Dunn. Meet¬
ing then adjourned. At the meeting of session
in July Thomas H. Davis resigned as clerk of ses¬
sion and William Still was appointed clerk. In
August the session received a note from the
trustees saying that they would receive and
assume control of all public collections taken
up in the church in future, to which the session
respectfully replied that, in their judgments, they
feel justified in assuming the control of all collec¬
tions taken on communion occasions for the future
just as they have done in the past, being fully per¬
suaded that the rules and authority of the Presby¬
terian Church would sustain the session in this
course. At this meeting of session it was reported
that Presbytery had made the following arrange¬
ment for the installation of the Rev. John B. Reeve,
D.D., as pastor. Installation to take place Sab¬
bath, September 5, 1875, at 3.30 p.m.; Rev. Wil¬
liam Hutton to preside and preach the sermon ;
Rev. E. R. Beadle, charge to the pastor; Rev. R.
B. Johns, charge to the people. The sermon and
charges were instructive and impressive, The
pulpit was decorated with plants by J. B. Mat¬
thews. Montgomery's beautiful hymn was sung:
93
" We bid thee welcome in the name
Of Jesus, our exalted Head;
Come as a servant, so He came,
And we receive thee in His stead.
Come as Shepherd ; guard and keep
This fold from hell, and earth and sin;
Nourish the lambs, and feed the sheep,
The wounded heal, the lost bring in.
Come as a teacher, sent from God,
Charged his whole counsel to declare,
Lift o'er our ranks the prophet's rod,
While we uphold thy hands with prayer."
The church was now settled with a pastor, and
God's blessing came with him. The session
ministered to the Widow Gloucester, who was be¬
coming' infirm ; and also, to increase the spiritual
interest of the church, ordered that the Monday,
Wednesday and Friday evening meetings be free
for anyone to take part in prayer, testimony or
exhortation, and they be invited so to do.
The additions from September to December
were twelve, among them was Francis J. Grimkie,
a student from Lincoln University, who afterward
studied divinity at Princeton, N. J., and has been
the faithful and talented pastor of the Fifteenth
Street Presbyterian Church, Washington, D. C.,
for a number of years. Elder Stephen Purnell
was taken from the Church militant to the Church
triumphant, October 30, 1875, aged 75 years.
(See In Memoriam.)
At this time the envelope system for monthly
94
contributions was adopted, and proved a great
benefit in financial affairs. It is to be regretted
that the Trustees now and then omitted to record
their annual report. None has been recorded
since 1872-1873.
1876.
The Centennial year of our God-blest country,
and the "City of Brotherly Love" the place to
celebrate it in. Freedom reigns through all the
land. The motto on the old Liberty Bell no more
a lie. Liberty has been proclaimed to all the
inhabitants of the land. We praise God and be¬
seech Him to so imbue our hearts with His spirit
that we may live to His glory and the good of our
fellow creatures. This year was an interesting
one in the history of the country, and there were
many visitors to the city and church. The ses¬
sion and Board attended to their duties without
extraordinary occurrence ; the Board quietly ac¬
cumulating the "Parsonage Fund."
The following preamble and resolutions were
adopted at a congregational meeting, held Sep¬
tember 20, 1876, and were, on motion, ordered to
be placed on the minutes of the Board of Trus¬
tees :
Whereas, The members of this corporation,
95
at a meeting held May 14, 1874, did, by a major¬
ity vote, place in the hands of the Rev. Dr.
Reeve, then of Howard University, D. C., a call
to become pastor of this church at a salary of
$1200 per year, and a parsonage. The above-
named call was accepted by Dr. Reeve in good
faith, and for a year he has performed, through
the providence of God, all the duties appertaining
to the office of pastor, to the satisfaction of the
members of the church, and the Board has paid
him, in monthly instalments, the amount stipu¬
lated, but failed to get a parsonage, or pay his
rent as an equivalent to the same. Therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Board be authorized to
draw from the Western Saving Fund the inter¬
est on the amount deposited to the credit of the
" parsonage fund," and pay the sameover to Rev.
Dr. Reeve, in consideration of having failed to get
the parsonage, or pay his rent, as per agreement.
Preamble and resolution adopted.
Attest: Francis Wood, Secretary.
The session received twenty-three members to
the communion, of whom there are still with us
Jacob Richardson, who, though a sea-faring man,
has held on to his profession, and is a faithful
worker in the Board ; and Dr. T. C. Imes, who be¬
came a member of session and a superintendent
of Sabbath-school. How blessed it is to know
that we are doing what we can for the cause of
Christ and His Church on earth ; for each one to
do something to add to the building ; leaving be¬
hind "footprints on the sand of time."
96
1877.
This year opened with cheering prospects in
reference to getting a parsonage. At the meet¬
ing of the Board, on February 5th, the committee
reported they had botight the property 1109 Rod¬
man Street. At a meeting of the congregation
their doings were approved, and they were in¬
structed to have it put in repair at a cost not ex¬
ceeding $300, which was done. On the first
Thursday in April it was opened for inspection, and
gave great satisfaction. Every effort was then
made to pay the debt remaining on the property.
The Ladies' Aid Society gave what they conected
to this object. Concerts, etc., were given for the
same, so that the Board began to feel the effect
of it on their current receipts. They, therefore,
discharged the chorister, reduced the sexton's
salary, and the pew-rent collector remitted his
fees for three months. A consultation was called
with the session in reference to the pastor's salary,
as the Board found themselves falling behind. It
resulted in the following agreement:
Philadelphia, Aug. 15, 1877.
In consideration of the stringency of the times,
I hereby agree to serve as pastor of the Lom¬
bard Street Central Presbyterian Church for
$1000, and parsonage, for one year, beginning
June 1, 1877.
(Signed) J. B. Reeve.
WM. LAWS.
J. E. GLASGOW.
FRANCIS WOOD.
97
A congregational meeting was called to inform
them of this action, and take measures to raise
$95.00 that was owing to the pastor. In October
the Parsonage Fund Committee reported cash
from May, 1874, to October, 1877, $3-579-39;
debtedness, $75. At the election this year Amos
B. Sayers was elected secretary, and we have a
recorded report of $1,825.71 received; and paid
out, $1,798.04, leaving cash balance $27.67. This
year fifteen were added, of whom William Nelson
and Roxanna Morgan are still working faithfully in
the Sabbath-school, the nursery of the church,
Brother Nelson especially expressing much inter¬
est in the boys of his class, inquiring after and
talking to them as they get older and begin to for¬
sake the school (this is sad and yet usual). In 1858
Bibles were presented to each scholar that con¬
tinued in school and became a teacher; their name
and the reason for presentation, signed by the
superintendent, being written in each; one of
these was carried in the war against the rebellion
by Charles W. Jones ; another, prized above gold
by Aunt Amy Roberts, was given to a son whom
God took from her early in life. Oh, the joy of
faithfully scattering seeds of kindness and Gospel
truth!
7
98
1878.
The session at its meeting February 11, 1878,
had reported a defalcation by the treasurer of the
Sabbath-school, who, on being called before them,
acknowledged the matter, and was suspended
from membership until such time as he shall
make restitution and show signs of repentance ;
the restitution was partially made, but the repen¬
tance never, showing the brother to have been a
wayside hearer, Mark 4:15. On the 1st of Jan¬
uary, 1878, a Mission Sabbath-school was started at
1914 Fairmount Avenue, with consent of the
Central Presbytery, and the title "John Gloucester
Mission," with rules of government, under control
of the session of this church, were adopted. Mr.
R. H. Armstrong, a theological student of Lincoln
University, was engaged during his vacation to
hold preaching service there, which he did with
much benefit to the mission. October 11th, Mr.
Francis C. Potter was recommended to the Pres¬
bytery as a student for the Gospel ministry; also,
session took final action to withdraw their recom¬
mendation from J. W. Lavatt, student for the
ministry, they having desired him to take the
short course, and he determined to take the long,
also preaching whenever he could get invitations,
and pronouncing benediction without being li¬
censed; also, entertaining extreme and untenable
views on sanctification ; also, being disrespectful
99
to pastor and session. After this action of session,
he connected himself with the First African
Church, and through them succeeded in making
the long course, eight or ten years, and then left
the denomination. May the Lord help us to un¬
derstand that
Nothing but truth before His throne,
With honor can appear;
The painted hypocrite is known
Through the disguise he wears.
There were twenty added to the church this
year, most of them young and promising ; Mrs.
Hannah C. Carrol is still spared, a liberal, faithful
worker in everything for the good of the church.
Rachel and Roxanna Armstead, who were early
taken from us, and later Mrs. Phoebe H. Diton,
gone to the mansions of rest, were of those that
joined in 1878. The Board of Trustees continued
faithful in their work, with Robert Gurley, presi¬
dent, and at the end of their term had $118.31
balance to pay over to their successors. During
this year they had occasion to call to account one
of their members for tardiness in paying bills
entrusted to him. By such action we keep our¬
selves up to duty, and secure the confidence of
those that entrust us with their affairs. "We are
our brother's keepers."
ioo
1879.
The John Gloucester Mission still continued to
interest the session, and the question of an even¬
ing service being brought before them, it was
granted on condition that the expense would be
met by those in charge of the work. The servi¬
ces of Mr. Armstrong could not be gotten this
year, and Brothers Johnson and Fry, who lived in
the vicinity, were invited to assist in the work,
and preaching was gotten as best they could. An
interview was had with the Rev. Dr. Agnew and
his interest secured for the mission. It was also
brought to the attentiou of Central Presbytery,
and by them recommended to the consideration
of the churches. The following persons were
chosen officers of the school; William Still,
superintendent; Emma Brown, assistant; Susan
Miller, treasurer; William Jones Librarian; Wil¬
bur Still, secretary. The expenses thus far had
been met without difficulty. December 29, 1879,
at a meeting of session it was reported that the
Rev. Mathew Anderson had been laboring for
two months at the Gloucester Mission, visiting
from house to house, thereby increasing the in¬
terest and attendance on the different services,
and that several had sought the Lord and found
peace. Mr. Anderson was assisted by a com¬
mittee chiefly composed of females. That they
have regularly met their expenses from month to
101
month. After this report the following was
adopted by session ;
Whereas, the Gloucester Mission, started
under the supervision of this session, with the
knowledge and consent of Central Presbytery
of Philadelphia, has been in existence for two
years, and at present shows development of
strength sufficient to warrant its continuance.
Therefore,
Resolved That it be tendered to the Central
Presbytery at its next meeting ; to be taken under
its care and placed in the hands of its proper
committee, or in charge of some of the churches
within their bounds.
Elders Jones and Still were appointed to lay
the above preamble and resolutions before the
Presbytery.
The Board, by direction of the congregation,
put $384.24 repairs on the church, for which
$303.51 was collected and the balance, $80.73,
paid from the church fund.
1880.
At the January meeting of session the commit¬
tee appointed to tender the care of "the John
Gloucester Mission" to the Central Presbytery
reported that they had attended to their duty, and
that the Presbytery had very cordially resolved to
102
take charge of the Mission. The report was re¬
ceived and the committee discharged. On motion
of Elder Shay it was agreed that the pastor and
clerk of session give letters of dismission to such
of the ten or twelve members of this church inter¬
ested in the mission work as may desire to unite
in the contemplated church organization in the
bounds of the Central Presbytery. Passed. By
this action of session and Presbytery the case of
the mission passed from the one to the other; the
Rev. Matthew Anderson was continued in charge,
and subsequently became pastor. At the organi¬
zation into a church the name was changed from
"Gloucester" to "Berean," and a committee of
Central Presbytery was appointed to have over¬
sight and counsel with Rev. Mr. Anderson, who
by extraordinary labor, with the aid of Mr. John
McGill, succeeded in getting one of the finest loca¬
tions (South College Avenue) and buildingas beau¬
tiful a church as the colored people have in the
city of Philadelphia. The name of John Gloucester
should have been retained as a memorial of that
good man, which was intended in naming the
mission Gloucester. This year the additions were
ten, one of whom was Miss Emma Miles, an extra¬
ordinary precise person in anything she does,
serving with great credit as secretary of the school
for a number of years. Her health has been bad
for a long time, but she bears it patiently for
103
Christ's sake. In April Mrs. Mary F. Ames and
Mrs. Mary F. Dunn resigned from leadership
of female prayer meeting; the pastor was re¬
quested to temporarily fill the vacancy. In June
Elder Still was re-elected for three years. From
July to December the session was engaged in
two cases of " discipline, one a breach of seventh
commandment." Members of the church talked
freely about this case, but when called before ses¬
sion to testify they became angry, refused to
attend or testified vaguely, making it difficult and
tedious to conduct the case. The other was a case
of "desertion." In both cases the session patiently
worked, and at last came to decisions that could
not be complained of. In March, 1880, Mrs.
Gloucester, widow of the first pastor, died and
was buried in the vault in front of the church. The
Board of Trustees paid $100 on the parsonage
debt.
1881.
An interesting year in some respects. In
March a committee from session was sent to see
a man and his wife about their non-attendance.
They saw the wife and she frankly told them that
the care of her several little children, etc., made
it difficult to attend church; also that her husband
was employed where he was obliged to work on
104
Sundays. From this we see how important it is
for pastor and elders to visit "the flock," carrying
comfort and consolation to the careworn and
disheartened. It is oftentimes of more service
than money. Many, though poor, live worse
than they ought, for lack of nearness to God, and
prayer for His help and blessing. The case of
"desertion" coming for final disposition before
session, and the husband having shown that he
was able and had made a home for his wife
away from her relatives, with whom he could not
stay, and she positively refusing to leave them
and go with him, the session restored him to
the communion from which both had been sus¬
pended, and left her still suspended. At the
meeting of session in May, Elder Jones submit¬
ted the following paper, which was adopted and
sent to the First Church :
To the Session of First African Presbyterian
Church.
Brethren:—Having heard that you are to
consider the matter of closing your present place
of worship, we hereby extend to you a cordial
invitation to worship with us whenever you deem
it best to close (if at that time you have not set¬
tled on another place). In doing this, permit us
to say that we hope your church organization will
be kept intact, and that God in His providence
will soon bring you to a location, desirable alike
Io5
to the cause of Christ and your prosperity as a
church.*
Ten were added to the church, one of whom,
Henry W. Allen, was a liberal working member of
the board, and is now an elder oft he church. A
fair was held at Masonic Hall, conducted by Mrs.
Blake, Miss E. Miles, Mrs. Songo and others, for
raising a fund to buy a new organ. TheTrustees
gave their sanction on condition that the proceeds
be for the benefit of the church.
1882.
At the May meeting of session a note was re¬
ceived from the Board, complaining that one of
the old and faithful females of the church re¬
fused to pay pew rent. The session sent a com¬
mittee, and the sister confessed that she was hasty
in getting angry, but would continue to do all she
could to support the church. The matter ended
there. It was evident in this case that perhaps
only one person offended the sister, but he being
prominent in the Board she refused to pay as a
means of venting her anger. How often we our¬
selves are the cause of disagreement, by the way
* The First Church when they left the old building, Seventh below
Bainbridge Street, met in a hall, and afterward bought a church, Seven¬
teenth and Fitzwater Streets, where they now worship.
io6
we speak to our fellows, and thereby stir up
anger. At the June meeting Elder Jones moved
the following to be recorded, which was passed:
"It having pleased Almighty God to remove
from us by death Mrs. Cecelia Davis Allen, who
for sixteen years has been organist of the Sabbath-
school and church, we deem it a duty to bear tes¬
timony to her faithful discharge of every duty, as
scholar, teacher and organist in the school ; as
member of the communion and organist in the
church; so kind and gentle in all her walks in life,
that 'none knew herbutto love her; none named
her but to praise.' "
At a meeting of communicant members held
August 2, 1882, Elders Dunn and Davis were re¬
elected for three years. November 27th the Rev.
Dr. Reeve offered the following to be recorded,
which was passed:
" Our esteemed Brother, Sheppard Shay, hav¬
ing been removed by death since the last regular
meetingof session, the following Minute is adopted:
With humble submission to the dispensation of
God's holy providence, the session records the
death of one of its members, Elder Sheppard
Shay, who departed this life on Saturday, Novem¬
ber 4, 1882, in the 83d year of his age, and in
the twenty-third year of his eldership in this
church, having been a member of the Presbyterian
Church for more than fifty years.'
Fourteen were added to the communion this
year.
107
I883.
An uneventful year (seemingly), and yet in the
light of eternity, we may see blessings that we
could not comprehend here. The ministrations
from the pulpit certainly were good, enabling
those that heard (if they would), o " see light in
His light." But the masses desire sensation, and
are not afraid of being " stony ground " hearers;
therefore they do not come in crowds to where
the gospel preached appeals to the brain as
well as the heart. Among the cases of disci¬
pline that came before session was one of a man
and his wife who had separated from each other;
the effort to bring them to correct living was vain,
and they were suspended from the communion.
The man died some years after, and friends had
him decently buried ; but how much better to so
live that God's blessing will be with us. This
man in the early part of his life carried on a large
business of map-mounting, was temperate and
industrious, and should have prospered; but fail¬
ing to become "rooted and grounded," when
temptation and adversity came, they fell, not hav¬
ing" strength to " stand and withstand." Of those
that joined the church this year Anna J. Cooper,
William Rasmus and Mrs. Geiger have proved
faithful workers in the Sabbath-school, and
George Sermon in the Board, helping to build up
the Kingdom of Christ, and thus keep them-
io8
selves from falling. A new suit of pulpit furni¬
ture was gotten by the efforts of Brother Henry
Allen, and plans for getting the new organ were
continued this year.
1884.
God is full of blessings. "Good when He
gives, supremely good, nor less when He denies."
March 7, 1884, Elder Thomas H. Davis passed
into the spirit world after sixty-five years of active
business life. In June, 1884, Thomas C. Imes
was elected an elder; also this year the session
resolved to use unfermented wine at the com¬
munion. All of these occurrences are full of
thought. To die! To be called away from this
world of care; away ofttimes from ourselves, our
weakness, yea our sins, shall we say, Oh, how
blessed to be at rest ! Then again, what thoughts
when called to take a high position in the Church
of God ! The duty of "showing forth His praise
in what we say or do." The knowing that pre¬
cious souls, "for whom the Lord did Heavenly
bliss forego," are in our care. The putting away
from the Lord's table that which intoxicates,
and using the simple juice of the grape, is a
holy rebuke to the wine-bibber and intemperate.
There were ten souls added to the church this
109
year, only ten; and yet how blessed is the fact
that of these, three have gone up ; having washed
their robes and made them white in the blood of
the Lamb: Theodore Young and his wife, called
early away from this world of care and sin, but
leaving a hallowed influence in the minds of those
that knew them. The other, an aged "Daughter
of the King," Mrs. Anny Macnealy, who having
for years placed her trust in God, found peace
and comfort in Him, as she waited for the home-
call. It was a blessing to hear her joyful expres¬
sions, in anticipation of the home above. We have
still left with us young men and women that are
useful in the Board and other work of the church.
The Berean Church was dedicated and the fol¬
lowing hymn was sung:
WRITTEN FOR THE OPENING SERVICES OF THE BEREAN
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NOVEMBER 2, 1884.
By Rev. Alfred Nevin, D.D., LL.D.
God of love ! O deign to listen
To the grateful song of praise
Which, for Thine abundant blessing,
Now to Thee we humbly raise.
As around the patriarch's pillow,
Ministering angels stood,—
Made the place the "gate of Heaven."
And the very ''house of God,"—
So, dear Lord, when we assemble
In this temple built for Thee,
Let, for all thy waiting servants,
This the sweet experience be:
I IO
Here may sorrowing souls find comfort,
And the wandering be restored,
Here may feeble knees be strengthened
By the power of Thy word.
Ever let Thy gracious Spirit
Bless the sower and the seed,
Giving, through the great Redeemer,
Grace to help in time of need.
And as each new generation
'Round this sacred altar stand,
May they still by faith be moving,
Pilgrims toward the promised land.
In the old Berean spirit,
May Thy truth, from day to day,
As we search its sacred pages,
Cheer us on our heavenward way.
Dr. Nevin often preached for us, and Dr.
Adair, Rev. Barnes, Dr, Brainerd, Dr. Ramsey
and many others—holy men of God, speaking the
words of life and living as "ensamples" to those
around them, showing that they had been with
Christ and learnt of Him, and we do well that
we honor them, keeping their names in remem¬
brance.
1885.
The Presbyterial assessment for $32.85 was
presented; the Clerk of Session was directed to
reply that it was more than he could pay ; that we
were willing to pay $11.40, as we paid last year.
This assessment is based on the number of mem-
111
bers on roll, ours being about four hundred ; but
so many being nori-contributing makes it heavy
on those that do contribute. Formerly it was
according to the ability of the congregation,
and then we paid only $5. The addition to
church this year was eighteen, one of whom was
Charles B. Colly. His father and mother were
members of the church for years, and had been
called home. He had lived rather an independent
life, disposed to find fault with church people, but
God permitted his sight to leave him, and in
darkness he was brought to feel after Him, and,
finding peace in Christ, it was a pleasure to visit
him and hear him tell of God's goodness. Another
interesting case, Mr. Silas Taylor, coming to the
Saviour late in life, but " fully persuaded," he
enjoyed the " peace of God that passeth under¬
standing," and entered into rest soon after he
found the "pearl of great price." There are yet
living some that were admitted this year, with
whom there are great possibilities (if they will
it) of doing much for God in laboring for the sal¬
vation of souls.
The pastoral letter for 1885 contains these
words: "To us as a church the year has been
marked by many tokens of Divine favor. Bless¬
ings so manifest that he who runs may read, have
been bestowed upon us. It is true that trials also
have come, but the severest of them must be reck-
112
oned blessings, though seen at first with tear-
dimmed eyes. If you view the church as the gar¬
den of the Lord, or the good ground in which the
Son of man sows the seed to bring forth thirty, sixty
or an hundred fold, then ' ye are not sad to see the
gathered grain,' nor will you murmur when
reminded of the fact that 1885 has been God's
own harvest time in our church ; ten faithful and
heloved brethren and sisters have with the years
gone from us—
Robert Gurley, Rebecca J. Webster,
Thomas A. Reed, Maria Mitchell,
Mary E. Bond, James Monroe,
Mary J. Proctor, Elizabeth Gilbert,
Rachel Cliff, Azel Loper,
have entered into rest. The word that comes to us
all with the remembrance of these and our many
other sainted ones, is, ' Brethren, be ye also ready,
the time is short.' "
1886.
The "week of prayer," which has been observed
for a number of years by this church, was blessed
with a glorious outpouring of the Spirit and a
revival that continued through the year. Fifty-
one precious souls were added to the communion,
among them the organist, Mr. Newsome, and his
H3
wife, for whom we had long been praying", almost
despairing at times. " Though he tarry, yet he will
come," is the promise, and we rejoice in its veri¬
fication. The twenty-fifth anniversary of Dr.
Reeve's pastorate occurred this year and was
celebrated with appropriate services. Elders Still
and Dunn, whose terms expired this year, were
re-elected. The new organ had been placed in
the church after lowering the gallery floor and
making an opening in the ceiling to accommodate
it. The cost of organ and alteration was near
$2,000, all of which was paid soon after it was
finished. On one Sabbath $500 was collected by
a "grand rally," aided by the choir of Bainbridge
Street M. E. Church. It was an unusual thing
for us to have persons shower money down from
the galleries and other parts of the church, and
yet refreshing to see the liberality of the people
when their mind is in accord with an object. The
young ladies of the church, through Miss Rachel
Morris, Treasurer, presented the Board with $115,
the proceeds of a festival held by them. The
Trustees paid off $300 of parsonage debt.
1887.
The revival of last year had subsided, or rather
we (our human natures) had fallen into the con¬
dition of the disciples the Saviour took into the
8
114
"Garden of Agony," to whom He said, "The spirit
is willing, but the flesh is weak." These spells
of inability, of weakness, are permitted ; but it is
for us to get strength to get ability out of them.
At the April meeting of session it was reported
that a teacher of the Sabbath-school had been
requested to resign on account of her being en¬
gaged in the management of a dancing school.
This action was approved by session and it was
Resolved, That public dancing at balls and par¬
ties is not consistent with Christian conduct, and
it is to be refrained from by church members;
also, that the pastor speak on the subject and tell
the congregation of this action.
Only six were added to the communion this
year; and yet we must say "Not our will but
Thine be done." It is in times of depression
we are set to thinking, studying ourselves and
our fellows, studying the parable of the seed
sown in the human heart, and especially at such
times are we brought to God in prayer, brought
to know that without Him we can do nothing.
" So shall our walk be close with God ; calm and
serene our frame."
H5
i888.
Another year has gone into eternity, and this
begins, finding us, as the many years past have
found us, in the lecture room, on our knees in
prayer to God for His blessing to us during the
year we are entering on. Many are the dear ones
that have "gone on;" they have passed the " flood;"
we are following on. And blessed is the heart
that can say of the Church militant: "There my
best friends, my kindred, dwell; there God, my
Saviour, reigns.''
The New Year's eve meetings are a precious
means of grace, having been observed from the
organization of the church, to hear the testi¬
mony of old and young, telling of God's good¬
ness and blessing to them—Brother Shay, in the
latter part of his life, used to say on New Year's
eve, he had more friends in the " kingdom " than
on earth, and ere long he would be with them.
Six souls were added to the communion this
year; not many, and yet we must thank God we are
not left without a witness of His blessing. In our
temporal affairs He has blessed us with the labors
of Brother Joshua B. Matthews, who has served
as president, treasurer and secretary of the Board
at different times for over thirty years, and is
still (1894) working faithfully and successfully in
keeping our business affairs in a condition that
is highly commendable. It is a blessing to a church
116
when the spirit of self-seeking is kept down, and
all of us are brave for the right, and fear not
to stand up for " whatsoever things are of good
report;" then do we hold up the hands of such
men as Brother Matthews, and God's blessing
will rest on us.
1889.
During this year sixteen souls were added to
this fold; several quite young; others more
advanced in years, and some on certificates from
other churches. God grant that we mutually help
each other to live as becometh those that profess
Christ. Mrs. Amelia Adams this year began
missionary work among the poor and degraded of
the city, and received the recommendation of ses¬
sion to her effort. " The harvest is great, but the
laborers are few." The Young People's Associa¬
tion of the church began to publish a quarterly
paper with the approval of session. This effort
was very creditable ; the young people of this
church have abilities that, if used industriously for
the good of others and the cause of Christ, will
bring blessings on their work.
ii7
i8go.
The question of revision of the confession of
faith being before the Presbytery, Elder Jones
inquired how this church will vote, and in order to
test the question it was moved that the vote be
against revision, which was carried; three against
and one for revision. The Committee on Assess¬
ment in Presbytery sent this year $40.60, and the
session had again to request a reduction to $25.
This committee seems to have the impression that
this church is rich, and have sent two or three times
to know what our expenses are, and the reply is
$1,800, which is met only by strenuous efforts.
We pay our own current expenses and contribute
to the Boards of the Church ; but this new way of
assessment, according to the number of the mem¬
bers, without considering their financial standing,
does not seem to meet the case, and necessitates
the repeated asking for abatement.
i8gi.
At the March communion nine were added to
the church. It was an interesting sight, the young
and old, some lately married, others long mar¬
ried and with families around them. The heart
is stirred in witnessing such a scene, when we
think of the possibilities of each individual life, if
118
we keep our love for God and man alive within
us, in order that more and better work for
Christ and His Church may be done. The ses¬
sion proposed an addition of two to their number,
and nominated R. W. Macneily and Henry Allen ;
they were elected without opposition. Both of
these brethren were men of deep piety, and it is
expected will prove a strength and blessing to the
church. The members of session at this time were
Robert Jones, William Still, John Dunn, Thomas
C. Imes, R. W. Macneily and Henry Allen. The
total addition to the church for 1891 was nineteen.
The building needed renovation, and a congrega¬
tional meeting ordered it to be done. The fol¬
lowing is the summary of the report:
Total received $2,840 01
Total expended 2>732 84
Balance $ 107 17
This report was itemized and printed by the
Board of Trustees, and the following description
appeared in one of the daily papers:
An Attractive Edifice.
improvements at the lombard street central
presbyterian church.
The Lombard Street Central Presbyterian
Church, Lombard Street below Ninth, which has
been closed for two months while several im-
ii9
provements were being made, will be reopened
on Sunday next, when the pastor, the Rev. J. B.
Reeve, D.D., will preach in the morning, and
the Rev. E. J. Adams, a former pastor, in the
evening. The building has been repainted, and
on each side of the door is a rustic lamp. The
windows in front are of stained glass. The main
audience room has been reupholstered, frescoed
and carpeted. New gas fixtures of a neat design
have been introduced, the galleries have been
cut down, and in front of them is an attractive
brass railing. The old furnace has been removed
and a new heating apparatus takes its place.
The two rooms at the rear of the lecture room,
on the first floor, have been enlarged so as to
afford additional accommodations for the infant
and Bible classes. Between these rooms and the
lecture room are glass doors. The total cost of
the improvements was between $3,000 and
$4,000, all of which will be provided for. The
Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church was
organized in July, 1841, with 40 members. The
congregation worshipped for a short time in a
small church on Eighth Street, near Carpenter,
where they called their first pastor, the Rev.
Stephen H. Gloucester, a son of the late John
Gloucester, of the First Colored Church of this
city. A lot was purchased on the south side of
Lombard Street, below Ninth, at a cost of $5>50O>
120
and the present building was commenced in Sep¬
tember, 1846. It was dedicated in 1848. The
present membership is 400, and there are 225
scholars in the Sunday-school. The Rev. Mr.
Gloucester was succeeded in the pastorate by
the Rev. E. J. Adams and B. F. Templeton. The
present pastor, the Rev. John B. Reeve, D.D.,
is a native of Suffolk County, New York. He
graduated from the Union Theological Semin¬
ary, and came to the Central Church in 1861.
After remaining there for ten years he went, in
1871, to Howard University, Washington, where
he organized the Theological Department. Dr.
Reeve returned to the Central Church in 1875.
The trustees of the Central Church are as fol¬
lows : President, Joshua B. Matthews ; secretary,
Francis Wood ; assistant secretary, Washington
Young; treasurer, Thomas H. Boling; Henry
Allen, Lemuel Sewell, Jacob Richardson, George
Sermon, James H. Irvin.—Public Ledger, Sept. 3,
1891.
1892.
The Lord is still blessing us. At the March
communion, ten were added; one the grand¬
daughter of the first pastor of the church ; an¬
other, the daughter of an indefatigable worker in
every good work, lately gone to his rest; two
121
quite young daughters of a brother in the church ;
another, the adopted child of a family beloved in
the church. Another, far from her native home,
finding the Saviour she has cast her lot with us.
Another, a young widow, God having taken her
husband, she comes to Him for consolation ; and
yet another, away from home, having found the
Saviour, and being taken sick, and spending a
whole year in a hospital, experienced the blessings
of having Jesus for her friend, and His power to
raise up friends for her. There was also a brother
restored to church fellowship after more than
thirty years' wandering, a faithful wife clinging to
and praying for him. After a long sickness he
came back to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls.
At the June communion a father, mother and
three young daughters were admitted, also a
young man, proprietor of a weekly paper. In
December an interesting young man from Deme-
rara, South America, and a man from the Mora¬
vian Church ; in all there were twenty-three added
to the church this year.
1893.
A chapter of the Brotherhood of Andrew and
Philip, recently started with the young men of
the church, being desirous of starting a Sabbath-
122
school in the southwestern part of the city, asked
the advice and permission of session, which was
cordially granted. The increase of colored popu¬
lation in that section being large, it was thought
a Presbyterian Mission would do good. The fol¬
lowing is an extract from the New Year's letter
written by the pastor :
Eighteen hundred and ninety-two—known in
National annals as Discovery Year—is now num¬
bered with the dead. And with it nine of our fel¬
low members have passed within the veil. They
have "discovered" that realm which to us is, as
yet, invisible. Keziah Jackson, John C. White,
Elizabeth Dodson, William Laws, Rachel Brown,
Amelia W. Adams, Phoebe W. Diton, Henrietta
Jeffries and Margaret Glover are no longer with us.
Other friends, more or less closely connected
with some of our church families, have also been
called away. And in yet other homes, invalid
ones, during a part or all of the year, have been
patiently waiting the unfoldings of God's provi¬
dence. So that through all the twelvemonth when
sorrow with mourners over their departed ones
has not borne us close to the valley of the shadow
of death, sympathy with the sick and their atten¬
dants has led us along the valley of Baca. And
yet, the year 1892, like all the others of our church
life and work, has been enriched with God's good¬
ness.
123
(1) Though it may not be discerned, while tears
dim the eyes, the affliction being present and grie¬
vous still, His goodness must be in the fact that
the crown and palm of final victory have been
given to so many who began the year here with us.
(2) It is very manifest in this, that peace is still
within our walls.
(3) That an increased measure of prosperity
has been upon our finances, is seen in the recently
published report of the Board of Trustees.
(4) While we ought to deeply regret, and be
made more humble and prayerful by the fact, that
no more marked season of refreshing from the
presence of the Lord has been granted us ; still,
when we know that more than twice as many
members have been added to our roll as have
been taken from us to be "forever with the Lord,"
we have reason to thank God and take courage.
This New Year will bring our church very
near to its semi-centennial anniversary. To
make that event worthy of our history, an honor
and praise to the Great Head of the Church, and
memorable for our children, early and thorough
preparation should be made. Such could best be
begun by a most diligent and general observance
of the present Week of Prayer.
In accordance with the recommendation of the
pastor and session, a joint committee from session
and trustees was appointed to arrange for the cele-
124
bration, namely: J. B. Reeve, D.D., Pastor, Chair¬
man ; Robt. Jones, Elder ; T. C. Imes, M.D., Elder ;
Henry Allen, Elder; J. B. Mathews, President of
Board; Thomas H. Boling, Treasurer of Board ;
James H. Irvin, Collector of Board, and W. C.
Young, Secretary of Board and Secretary of
Committee. This committee began preparation
by appointing Robert Jones to write the History
of the Church, and September 24, 1894, the time
to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary, as follows :
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
Monday Evening, September 24th, at 8 d clock,
" Founders' Day " Observances,
Elder Robert Jones, Chairman.
Tuesday Evening, September 25th, at 8 o'clock,
" Sabbath-School " Celebration.
Dr. T. C. Imes, Superintendent.
Wednesday Evening, September 26th, at 8 o'clock,
" Young People's Association,"
Miss Ella F. Still, President.
Thursday Evening, September 27th,
" Dorcas Society,"
Mrs. Sarah Titus, President.
King's Daughters,"
Miss F. L. Somerville, President.
'' Brotherhood of Andrew and Philip,"
Thomas H. Gaskins, President.
Friday Evening, September 28th,
Reception—Given under the auspices of the Session and Board of
Trustees, assisted by the Band of Willing Workers. Ad¬
mission by card.
Sunday, September 30th,
10.45 A.M.—Semi-Centennial Sermon by the Pastor.
2.30 P.M.—Sabbath-School Exercises.
8.00 P.M.—Memorial Praise Service, -with groupings of the years
in ten.
125
1894.
The church is now in its fiftieth year of exist¬
ence, and numbers over four hundred communi¬
cants, with a Sabbath-school of about two hun¬
dred teachers and scholars. God has blessed us
and, we trust, made us a blessing. The different
organizations of the church are preparing for the
"Jubilee" service in the spirit of "Israel of old."
Founders' Day observances began with tea for
founders, session and trustees in the lecture
room, superintended by Mrs. Margaret A. Bold-
ing, assisted by Mr. William A. Potter. The
lecture room and church were beautifully deco¬
rated under the supervision of Mr. Joshua B.
Matthews. It was a fit beginning of the "Jubilee "
to gather with the ten survivors : Mrs. Sarah Wor-
thington, Miss Mary Green, Miss Sophia Grey,
Mrs. Jane Bruff, Miss Maria Jones, Mrs. Rachel
Quinn, Mrs. Mary Bundick, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones,
Mr. Guy M. Burton and Elder Robert Jones,
each with a " Presbyterian blue" badge presented
by the " Dorcas " Society. It was joyous thus to
gather and to witness the spirit of" love and unity."
that pervaded every heart, causing each to do all
they could for the enjoyment of each other. After
the tea they went up to the church and began
services by singing " Praise God from whom all
blessings flow." Prayer by the pastor, J. B.
Reeve, D.D.; then singing, " God is Love." Then
126
an opening address by Elder William Still. After¬
ward that beautiful hymn that Dr. March loved to
hear us sing as he sat in his home near the church
at the bedside of a sick and dying daughter, " How
firm a foundation." Miss Mary Green, blind and
aged, then told of the days past, and Mr. Guy M.
Burton of those that had gone on before. Mrs.
E. Pommer, a daughter of Elder Francis, of Old
German Street Presbyterian Church, then sang
Moore's song, "Oftin the stilly night." The Rev.
Mr. Bruin, Rev. Mr. Culver, Rev. Dr. Rice and Mr.
Hans Shadd made short addresses, and the exer¬
cises closed with remarks and benediction by the
pastor.
September 25th.—The Sabbath School celebra¬
tion began by an Entree March, bearing the
school banner with the motto, "In God we trust."
Prayer by the pastor; singing, and an address of
welcome by Superintendent T. C. Imes. Found¬
ers' address, Robert Jones; then singing and
other exercises; the anniversary address by Hor¬
ace F. Owens, and the following anniversary ode,
composed by H. F. Owens and set to music by
L. N. Perryman :
SING HIS PRAISE.
" Hitherto the Lord hath helped us;"
Ebenezer glad we raise,
For the blessings he has given,
For His grace and length of days
Joyful we, thou Guide of Israel;
127
Celebrate our Jubilee;
Consecrate our willing service,
And our lives, our all to Thee.
Chorus.
Sing His praises, O ye children;
Tongues and instruments proclaim
That God's mercy e'er endureth,
And His promise is the same.
Lend your voices, all ye people;
Catch the joyful sound, and then,
Sing our Great Jehovah's triumph
Now and evermore, Amen.
While the years have come and fleeted,
Lord, Thy Church secure has been;
In the night the fiery pillar,
In the day Thy cloud was seen.
And the Rock of her foundation
Shall remain, though storms assail;
This the promise: " Ne'er against it
Shall the gates of hell prevail."
Days of toil and years of watching
Have Thy faithful servants known,
Pioneers of Jesus' kingdom,
Laying Zion's corner-stone.
And we thank Thee, Heavenly Father,
For the earnest lab'rers gone;
Left their work when called by Jesus,
Crossed the river, one by one.
" Hitherto the Lord hath helped us,"
And His Church triumphant stands,
Pointing to the " many mansions,"
In the "house not made with hands."
Cov'nant-keeping God of ages,
Whether light or dark may be,
By Thy hand direct Thy Zion,
Till Thy final victory.
128
The exercises closed by the presentation of a
gold " Gloucester Medal" to the First Superin¬
tendent, Robert Jones.
September 26th—"Young People's Association
Day" was duly celebrated by music and addres¬
ses ; the history by Dr. Caroline V. Anderson, and
addresses by Rev. Wm. R. Templeton of Reading,
Pa., and Rev. F. J. Grimke, D.D., of Washington,
D. C., all of them members of the Association,
which is twenty-five years old on September 27th.
The Dorcas Society, King's Daughters, and
Andrew and Philip Brotherhood united in exer¬
cises, as follows: Dorcas Society. Prayer by
Rev. W. R. Templeton, singing, and an address
by Rev. J. B. Reeve, D.D. History of the Society
by Miss J. F. Jones; a solo by Mrs. M. A. Bolding,
and an address by Mrs. L. J. Coppin. Miss J. F.
Jones said in substance: "In recalling the work
of the Society our thoughts go out to those of
our number who labored with us so faithfully, but
who 'are not,' because God took them. Those
dear immortal ones are not dead, they only 'walk
with us on earth no more.'
' There is no death ! The stars go down
To rise upon some fairer shore;
And bright in Heaven's jewelled crown
They shine forever more.
Ever near us, though unseen,
The dear immortal spirits tread;
For all the boundless universe
Is life. There is no death.'
129
" Mary Bond, the first treasurer, was called from
us March, 1885. She was so generous and unre¬
mitting in her efforts that her memory is still
fresh and dear to many. The next to be called
was Mrs. Webster. How she loved the Dorcas
vSociety, and how faithfully she labored for it, and
attended it! coming, as some of us felt, at the risk
of declining health.
"Dear Mrs. Mary Purnell, the type of a quiet
Christian character, was the next taken. We all
remember how substantially she used to aid the
Dorcas, and how often her voice was raised in
prayer in its behalf.
"Mrs. Mary Somerville went from us in August,
1890. She was elected second treasurer and
served for five years. A good, faithful member,
ever ready to give aid and labor for God's poor.
Her counsel and assistance were sadly missed.
When her daughter, Miss Alma Somerville, was
unanimously elected treasurer it seemed emi¬
nently fitting that the daughter should take up
the work where the mother laid it aside.
"Mrs. M. Dunn was another unostentatious
Christian, quietly and constantly working for the
Master, making many sacrifices of personal com¬
fort, that she might give and do for the afflicted
7 O o
and needy.
" Mrs. Selina Johnson, Mrs. Maloney, Mrs.
Demun have all been called from labor to reward,
and their works do follow them.
9
13°
"In this review of the years, we would not recall
only the labors of those who have passed to the
other side, but we would remember, with grati¬
tude to the giver of all good gifts, the excellent
and valiant services of those who have wrought
all these years. Much of the success of our work,
and the feeling of harmony that exists, is due to
the just, broad and Christian spirit of our one and
only president, Mrs. Sarah Titus.
"And now, dear members of the Dorcas Society,
what lesson can we draw from this review of the
work ? Is there anything to help, to encourage,
to warn ?
"To my mind the one unmistakable lesson is the
strength in combined small efforts, and the other
is a patient continuance in work."
Kings Daughters, Miss F. L. Somerville, pres¬
ident, began by reciting the 45th Psalm, and
sang "In His Name." Miss F. E. Still then gave
a history of the Circle, and its work, followed by
a solo from Miss Mamie Saunders, and reci¬
tation, etc.
Andrew and Philip Brotherhood opened with
an Indroductory by Thos. H. Gaskins, president,
and a history by T. C. Imes, M.D., then singing,
recitation, etc., closing with a bendiction.
Friday evening, September 28th, a reception
under the auspices of the Session, Board of
Trustees, and Band of Willing Workers was
i3i
given in the lecture room, after an interesting
meeting in the church, which was attended by a
number of colored Presbyterian ministers, who
had been holding a convention in the interest of
Presbyterianism among the colored people. It
was an interesting gathering. Rev. W. A. Alex¬
ander, Plainfield, N. J.; Rev. P. B.Tompkins, New
York City ; Rev. H. G. Miller, New York City ;
Rev. R. A. Armstrong, Harrisburg, Pa.; Rev.
William R. Templeton, Reading, Pa.; Rev. E.
W. Coberth, York, Pa.; Rev. E. F. Eggleston, Bal¬
timore, Md.; Rev. W. C. Brown, West Chester,
Pa.; Rev. C. L. Jefferson, Wilmington, Del.; Rev.
M. Anderson and Rev. T. H. Lee, Philadelphia;
Rev. D. W. Anderson, Camden, N. J. The Rev.
F. J. Grimke, D.D., Washington, D. C., was un¬
able to be present, but endorsed the movement.
The Rev. J. B. Reeve, D.D., was chosen mode¬
rator, and Rev. Armstrong, clerk. A number of
these brethren and others at the reception made
short addresses interspersed with singing, and at
the close a " loving cup " was given with this in¬
scription : " Presented to Mr. Robert Jones on the
fiftieth anniversary of Lombard Street Central
Presbyterian Church, and of his eldership therein.
Philadelphia, 1894." Elder Jones, in receiving
the cup, said he appreciated it highly on account
of the name it bore, and the kindly feeling it be¬
tokens. Well might Drummond call Love "the
greatest tiling on earth."
o o
i32
God is Love, His mercies brighten
All the paths in which we rove.
Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens :
God is wisdom, God is love.
Sabbath morning, September 30, 1894, the Rev.
J. B. Reeve, D.D., pastor, preached the Semi¬
centennial sermon, as follows :
A Jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you. The Church of the
living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.—Lev. 25 ; 11, and 1 Tim.
3 •' fS-
Many hundred years lie between the age of
Moses, the lawgiver, and that of Paul, the Apostle,
to the Gentiles. But faith springs arches whereby
she easily bridges centuries and makes the near
and the far in the realm of divine truth seem as
one.
We have therefore blended that earlier inspired
word by Moses with this later one by St. Paul, and
so have gotten just the text we want to consider
on this holy day, the last, and because the Lord's,
the great day of the festal week, and celebration
of the fiftieth anniversary of our church.
God, speaking by His servant Moses, said to
His ancient Church in the first words of our text:
"A jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto you.
A season of gladness, of joy and rejoicing."
Whether this part of our text was one of God
our Father's exceeding great and precious prom¬
ises to His Church, or one of His commands in
133
the keeping of which there is great reward, this
one thing is certain now : history shows that
Jubilee came, came not only in the course of re¬
volving years, but came as a delightful experience
into the very life of that most ancient Church of
the living God. For its coming as for its keeping
He had made full and rich provision. He who in
the beginning set the two lights in the firmament
of the heaven, and said, "Let them be for signs
and for seasons and for days and years"—He, the
living God, in constituting the early Church, so
designated certain periods of time that they led
straight on and up to this fiftieth year of gladness,
or jubilee.
Each seventh day was to be hallowed, a Sab¬
bath, the holy of the Lord, a delight, honorable.
Then each seventh year was to be a Sabbatic year.
" The Sabbath of the Fields," as the Rev. Dr.
Hugh Macmillan has called it in one of his admir¬
able books. Field and flock as well as man,
whether master or servant, were, for that time,
to rest, to be redeemed or released from burden-
bearing.
Then when seven times seven years, or seven
Sabbatic years, had been numbered there came, in
God's own order, this fiftieth or Jubilee year.
The weekly Sabbath was jubilee in germ, the
Sabbatic year was the bud, and this fiftieth year
was the full-blown fragrant blossom. But the fruit
134
was not yet. It is true that this year redeemed
lands, which had been forfeited, back to original
tribal or family ownership. Every servant, too,
who had been sold, or who had sold himself for
debt, was redeemed from servitude to freedom.
This year was ushered in by the great trumpet's
joyful sound—proclaiming liberty throughout all
the land to all the inhabitants thereof—our own
old Liberty Bell's sacred inscription.
Thus the fiftieth year was full of these facts and
forces of a redemption which freed lands and ser¬
vants, and set the latter singing, with those whose
heritages had been redeemed—notes which sug¬
gested Charles Wesley's grand old hymn, so dear
to John Brown's heart.
" The year of jubilee is come."
And yet that year was God's own radiant and
odorous flower, only not fruit, because its redemp¬
tions affected materialities, not mind and heart.
What was needed and that which had been prom¬
ised and prefigured was a redemption which de¬
livers body, soul and spirit. And this is just what
the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground
of the truth, as St. Paul knew and served it, pro¬
claims, the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.
It is a most significant fact that in the Church of
the living God, as it has passed from old to new,
from Jewish to Christian, from ancient to modern,
135
this jubilistic principle has remained, growing
brighter, stronger and more distinctively spiritual,
while that which seemed to be elemental to it has
passed away. Not the seventh, but the first day
of the week is Sabbath now, and the Sabbatic year
is not thought of since the Jews ceased to be an
agricultural people. But the fiftieth year, the
Jubilee, is kept now, not as a form but as a fact
into which a personal experience is woven. It
seems not long ago when the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions observed its
semi-centennial. Fifty years had passed since that
noble institution whose begfinninors were among
£> o o
consecrated young men on bended knees beside
a hay stack. It had grown to such proportions,
was then so widely active in helping to fill the dark
places of the earth with a knowledge of the re¬
demption which is in Christ Jesus, that its friends
and patrons in the Church at home and its bene¬
ficiaries in foreign lands with joy and gladness of
heart kept its jubilee. Praises, thanksgivings
went up to God from thousands on thousands of
thankful hearts and lips, and fiftieth anniversary
offerings were cheerfully made, and so the domin¬
ion of God was extended.
A year or two ago the Queen of England and
her subjects in kingdom and empire and provinces
the world around kept her jubilee ; rejoicing be¬
fore God that one who as a girl had begun her
136
reign, had in His providence reigned on through
fifty long, changeful years. That as happy maiden
and then matron and then as a sad-hearted widow
she had held that lofty throne. All Christians
rejoicing most of all that through it all she had
still held fast a simple faith in the living God ;
with such clear conception of the oneness of His
Church, that she had worshipped Him as heartily
among her humbler subjects in Presbyterian Meet¬
ing House in Scottish Highlands as in her royal
chapel at Windsor, or in Westminster Abbey, or
St. Paul's Cathedral.
Last year, the Free Church of Scotland kept its
jubilee. After ten long years of conflict, on May
18, 1843, had come that famous disruption of the
old Scottish Presbyterian Church, when nearly five
hundred ministers walked out of the General
Assembly of that Church to freedom of conscience
and worship. And though they knewr well that
before that day's sun went down four or five hun¬
dred of their families might be forcefully driven
out, still in the light of that same May day, those
godly men marched into a hall, already selected in
anticipation of trouble, and organized, as we have
said, the Free Church. Without church buildings
or colleges or divinity halls, and with the opposi¬
tion of the secular authorities, in relative poverty,
they began. And last year, 1893, strong, magni¬
ficently, numerically and financially, and wkh well-
137
supported mission stations throughout the world,
they kept their jubilee. The living God had made
for them, helped them to make for themselves, that
fiftieth year grandly jubilistic.
Is it not a striking coincidence that just about a
year after that famous disruption of the old Scot¬
tish Church, there should have been right here in
Philadelphia, in a little local Presbyterian church
of our own people, internal conflict and disruption
in which three or four score religious liberty-lov¬
ing Christian men and women come out, and thus
the Lombard Street Central Presbyterian Church
began. And is it not an equally striking coinci¬
dence or providence, as you will, that soon after
the rupture and its results here and the great
disruption and continued bitterness there, that the
founder of this church, the Rev. S. H. Gloucester,
should have found his way there to plead on Scot¬
tish and English soil the cause of this communion ?
This we are sure is true, that in some instances
auld Kirkmen and Free Churchmen were diverted
for the time from their own feuds while they list¬
ened to this voice from beyond the sea and saw
in the man of African extraction that which re¬
minded them of Augustine, that eminent North
African Christian. Thus, almost within a year of
disruption of the old there and the organization of
the new and free on a large, grand scale, was this
our own local Presbyterian church organized July
138
22, 1844. And so it comes to pass that within
twelve months of the celebration of the Semi¬
centennial of the Free Presbyterian Church of
Scotland, we too celebrate our Semi-Centennial.
We have had our full grand week of sacred fes¬
tivities, and on this holy day we have our hearty
worship and fiftieth anniversary sermon.
An ancient scripture says, "The righteous shall
hold on his way and he that has clean hands shall
grow stronger and stronger." Without claiming
for this church these characteristics beyond that
of neighboring churches, this historic fact is our
joy to-day, that for fully fifty years this church
has held on its way—has—God be praised—
grown stronger and stronger.
As a church of the living God, it has fully made
manifest that possible reconciliation between the
two which elsewhere seem irreconcilable—stability
and progress. Settled on a rock and yet moving
forward unto perfection.
Its spirit or mode of moving out along the ad¬
vancing lines of Christian activity, while still hold¬
ing to the old established faith, is evidenced by
our various church associations, so harmoniously
active in this semi-centennial celebration.
In its Presbyterial relations our church grows
stronger and stronger, until, for years now, by
self-support and cheerful, if humble, contributions
to denominational boards and other beneficient
139
work, it has been a living witness against the
assertion sometimes made, that our churches are
always wards.
Not unto us, not unto us, not unto us, but unto
His namebe the glory, who said to us: "A jubilee
shall the fiftieth year be unto you." Thanks be
unto God who hath given to us this victory—
this jubilee in the Church of the living God.
fln flDemodam.
Rev. Stephen Henry Gloucester, the second
son of Rev. John Gloucester, Sr., was born in
Tennessee, 1802; was one of the six children the
father redeemed from slavery by purchase in 1810,
after he (the father) came to Philadelphia, going
from place to place, even to England, to get
the money. Stephen worked for a long time
in the family of Alexander Henry, on Arch
Street, and when his brother, Jeremiah, died,
he took charge of the school in Norris Alley
that Jeremiah had conducted. In this we see
the self-confidence and boldness of character in
Stephen. He had only such education as he
obtained by perseverance in a limited way.
Jeremiah had been educated at college by the
Presbytery. Stephen had not; but like his
father, he employed assistants that could teach
the higher branches. Among his assistants
was the late John Bowers. The school became
very popular among the better class of colored
citizens. There were several others at that time,
and also a public school in the building in St. Mary
Street, afterward removed to Sixth above Lom¬
bard, now called the "James Forten School," taught
142
by Mr. James Bird, and the girls by Miss Maria
Hutton. There was also the Willing- Alley Free
School, taught by Friends. The children of this
school were taken every Fourth day (Wednesday)
to Friends' meeting, Pine below Second Street.
Mr. Gloucester continued the school after the
death of his brothers (Jeremiah, 1828 ; John 1832),
who were pastors in succession of the Second
Church. He then turned his attention to the
ministry, but not having a collegiate education,
was unable to pass the required examination to
entitle him to ordination as an ordained minister ;
the Presbytery, however, gave him license to
preach as an evangelist.
Mr. Gloucester became an aceptable preacher
of the Gospel. Some of his explanations of dif¬
ficult subjects, though homely, were such that
any could understand and receive ; for instance,
in explaining the dawning of faith in the human
mind, he would liken it to the dawn of day : at
first we can only discern large objects about the
room, then smaller objects, until, as it becomes
brighter and brighter, we can see even a pin on
the floor. Also in explanation of the joy in
heaven that each one has (a subject that without
this homely explanation is a perplexity to many),
he did not dispute the joy, nor the fullness thereof;
from the infant of a day, to the saint of a century;
from the penitent thief on the cross to the
H3
martyred Stephen—all had their full of joy ; he
likening it to a row of measures, from a gill to a
gallon, all full, as much as they could hold ; all
happy as they could be, all fully blest. Stephen
was not the singer his father was, but as a manager
of church work he was very successful, not hesi¬
tating to adopt anything that tended to keep alive
the interest of the members; for instance, in place
of "love feast" he would have what was termed a
mental feast; plain crackers and water were used,
and whatever of experience and encouragement
anyone chose to give was spoken. This tended
to keep a social, kindly feeling in the congrega¬
tion which, with the visitation by pastor and
elders, promoted better attendance to church
duties, and was not as expensive and enervating
as the present fancy cakes, cream, confectionery
and music, and more becoming the house of God.
In his visit to England he found that the minis-
ters there preached without written sermons, and,
therefore, had to study and get fixed in their
minds the subjects they would preach about. This
he had to do while there. English clergymen
generally wear gowns, and on Mr. Gloucester's
promising to wear one, he was made a present ot
a heavy black silk gown that he wore with becom¬
ing dignity until he died. He was the only Pres¬
byterian minister in Philadelphia that wore a gown.
In 1842 Mr. Gloucester delivered a discourse on
144
the death of Mr. James Forten, Sr., to the Young;
Men's Bible Association of the Second Presby¬
terian Church, which was published by request.
He took as a text: " I go the way of all the earth;
be thou strong, therefore, and show thyself a
man." (i Kings 2 : 2.)
"This was David's counsel to his son who was
to reign as his successor on the throne of Israel.
Solomon was at this time young and inexperi¬
enced, and an immense trust was to be committed
to his hand, at the death of his father. This was
an undertaking of great magnitude and difficulty,
and, to secure its success, it would be necessary
for Solomon to give heed to the instructions of
his pious and dying father. To show himself a
man he must be intelligent, punctual, energetic,
persevering. Solomon was urged by his pious
father to keep the charge of the Lord his God, to
walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and com¬
mandments. Whatever other qualifications he
might have, unless he possessed genuine piety he
had no reason to expect he would succeed in
governing the nation or in ei'ecting the temple
lor the worship of the Most High."
Such is a sketch of the sermon, to show that Mr.
Gloucester was a good practical preacher. Stephen
Gloucester was human ; and active, energ-etic men
1 o
are more prone to err in the sight of their fellow
men than the quiet and non-progressive. It was
145
so with his father; he desired that his sons should
be his successors, the people rebelled ; Stephen
desired to be the successor of his brothers, the
people rebelled ; but Stephen was not easily de¬
feated, and, therefore, renewed his object until
he accomplished it. In the father it was based
on what he thought the best interest of the church,
and God took him early from the trouble that
was gathering. Stephen based his later course
on protection to the interest of his family and his
right to " live by the altar." God took him early
and saved him from himself and the evils that are
inseparable from our humanity, and will not leave
us only in answer to prayer and fasting, the
necessity for which so few consider. The Presby¬
terian Church, among colored people, lost a
"strong man in Israel" when Stephen Gloucester
died. He was outspoken when necessity re¬
quired it. A Mr. Pierce (who died recently in
New Jersey, leaving a large sum of money to
Lincoln University) was being examined by Pres¬
bytery on his studies, and did not pass well. It
was remarked that as he was going to Africa it
would do. Mr. Gloucester replied that they
needed as talented men for Africa as here, and
so gave reproof openly against the idea that
anything would do for colored people.
Rev. Benjamin F. Templeton, the third pastor
io
146
of the church, was born in Cincinnati, 0., 1818,
and was educated at Athens, O. When he came
to Philadelphia he preached for the Second
Presbyterian Church. In 1856 he accepted
a call to the pastorship of this church, and with
him came twenty-five members from the Second
Church, among whom was Sheppard Shay, who
became an elder, and Robert Gurley, who became
a president of the Board, and others who were
good, efficient workers in the church. Mr. Tem-
pleton was a very exemplary, pious man, and
esteemed highly. His voice was not strong, but
his language and fervency of spirit made his
preaching acceptable to those that heard him.
His ministration to the church was short. Being
of delicate constitution, after a short illness, he
died February 6, 1858, and was buried in the
vault in front of the church. He left one child,
a son, William R. Templeton, who studied theology
under the care of this church, in the Allegheny
Seminary, and is now the esteemed pastor of the
Washington Street Presbyterian Church, Reading.
Pa. The mantle of his father having fallen on him
he wears it with the blessing of God, in all humil¬
ity, a faithful worker in the cause of Christ.
Elder James Prosser was born in Mount Holly,
New Jersey, 1782, came to Philadelphia in early
life, and worked for a Jew family, as coachman.
147
While in this employment, he connected himself
with the communion of the First African Presbyte¬
rian Church, under the pastorship of the Rev. John
Gloucester, and, with Messrs. Webb, Clarkson,
Craig and McNiel, was ordained elder in 1810,
they being the first colored elders in the United
States. Mr. Prosser then quit the employment of
coachman, on account of being compelled to drive
on the Sabbath, and engaged in the restaurant busi¬
ness, in which he continued to a short time before
his death. Father Prosser was a man endowed
with extraordinary firmness of character and untir¬
ing industry, both in secular and religious duties,
never letting the one interfere with the other
(from the standpoint he took of each), and he was,
therefore, successful in both. In business matters,
he prided himself in having everything of the best
the market afforded, and exacted from his help
the most scrupulous neatness in person, and po¬
lite attention to customers, so that his name and
establishment became known and appreciated, far
and near. As in business, so he was in the
church—attentive to every duty, and persistent in
urging, both from the platform and in their homes,
the membership to do theirs. It was customary in
those days to visit the absentees at least every
quarter, after the communion, and on such visits,
even if they were at the washtub or other work,
Father Prosser would have them stop for a few
148
minutes, and have a word of prayer. The visit
would be short; no time wasted in useless talk,
and we can conceive with what renewed strength
the toils and care of life could again be entered
into, after being led at the throne of grace by one
whose very life and success was an exemplifica¬
tion of what confidence in God and energy in
every duty can do. Another feature in his life, as
an elder, was out-door meetings on Sabbath after¬
noons, in Bedford and St. Mary Streets ; his bold¬
ness and confidence in God; his strong, manly
voice, urging his hearer to flee the wrath to
come; the scene, the man—all was impressive
It was at one of these meetings Mr. Prosser met
a white man, named William Jermon, whose father
was a Methodist preacher. This young man had
the gift of speech, and was holding meetings
wherever he could get opportunity among the
colored people (but without a license to preach
from his church). Father Prosser and a few in the
church differed about a matter connected with his
business (the sale of wine and liquors), but, being
scrupulously temperate himself, and of strong will
and mind, he saw it not as they did, and, out of
very respect for the man, his general consistency
of life, pride of character, perseverance in work
for Christ and the Church, he was honored and es¬
teemed by all. As an elder, Father Prosser con¬
tinued with the First Church a number of years,
149
then, with Elder Webb and a number of the mem¬
bership, formed the Second Church, and wor¬
shipped in Norris' Alley, Second above Walnut
Streets. Afterward, they located in St. Mary
Street, and, for some cause, he ceased to act as
an elder, and went to the German Street Presby¬
terian Church ; afterward he came back, and con¬
tinued as a private member. July 4, 1847, he con¬
nected himself with the communion of this church,
and, with George Potter, Sr., was elected elder,
and installed March, 1848. Hedied March, 1861,
in the seventy-eighth year of his age, after
thirteen years' active service in this church, and
over fifty years in the cause of Christ, rarely being
absent from any meeting, leaving his placeof busi¬
ness for the time, and returning to it when meet¬
ing was over. " Not slothful in business, fervent
in spirit, serving the Lord." This grand old
hymn of Dr. Watts' was a favorite of his :
I send the joys of earth away;
Away, ye tempters of the mind!
False, as the smooth, deceitful sea,
And empty, as the whistling wind,
Your streams were floating me along.
Down to the gulf of dark despair;
And while I listened to your song,
Your stream had e'en conveyed me there.
Lord, I adore Thy matchless grace,
That warned me of that dark abyss ;
That drew them from those treacherous seas,
And bade me seek superior bliss.
15°
Elder William Brown was born in Philadel¬
phia, 1805. In early life he worked in the family of
the Rev. Dr. Janeway, and became a member of his
church, the Second Presbyterian, then located at
the northwest corner of Third and Arch Streets.
He afterward joined the Second African Church,
and came out with this congregation July, 1844.
He was elected an elder with Robert Jones at the
organization of this church, and ordained August,
1844. Brother Brown was quite small in size,
gentle and pleasant in his tone of voice, and
notedly polite to all. This came in a great meas¬
ure, no doubt, from his having always lived in
the private families of the cultured and the rich.
He had not the opportunity of attending the meet¬
ings of the church as he would like, but his piety
and love for Christ and His church was deep and
evident, rendering him beloved by all, and saving
him from much of the unpleasantness that is con¬
sequent on an active participation, even in the
affairs of a church.
Elder Brown died March, 1865, in the 60th
year of his age, having served twenty-one years
as an elder in this church.
Elder George Potter was born near Salem,
N. J., March 14, 1794. He became a communicant
member of the Second African Church in 1838.
Under the pastorship of the Rev. Andrew Harris
i5i
he came out with this congregation, but declined
to be elected an elder at the organization. Brother
Potter was of gentle, unassuming disposition, a
loving husband and kind father. Though an
elder, he preferred to hear rather than be heard.
The prayer meetings of the church were his
especial delight. He was always in one of the
four-armed chairs that stood beside the desk in
the lecture room. His door was always open to
receive the ministers that supplied the pulpit when
vacant. His residence being the second door
above the church, made it convenient for that
purpose or for church members to stop and have
a social chat about things of interest to the
church. Mrs. Potter, like her husband, was gen¬
tle and loving in disposition, fond of the female
prayer meeting, and resigned to whatever was
the will of God. Both were spared to a ripe old
age, and are remembered with kindly feelings by
all that knew them. Elder Potter died October 2o>
1869, in the 76th year of his age, having served
the church twenty-one years as an elder.
Elder George W. Evans was born in Alexan¬
dria, Va., 1821. He became a member of this
church September, 1848 ; was a faithful and suc¬
cessful worker in the Sunday-school and choir.
Being blessed with a voice and love for singing
he took the lead in sustaining the vocal music
152
of the church. Not being blessed with a lucrative
business, he considered that in thus laboring he
was giving what help he could in sustaining the
worship of God. He was elected an elder with
Thomas H. Davis and Sheppard Shay July 2, 1859.
Brother Evans was blunt of speech in whatever
he thought, and therefore liable to disagreement
with brethren of session, or even the pastor him¬
self. In consequence of a feeling growing out of
such a disposition his stay with us became un¬
pleasant and he left with his family and joined the
Shiloh Baptist Church shortly before his death,
which occurred March 6, 1868, in the 47th year of
his age, serving about eight years as an elder.
Elder Stephen Purnell was born February 7,
1801, at Snow Hill, Md. At what time he be¬
came a member of the Second Church we have
not been able to learn, but he was ordained there
an elder about 1854, and continued with that
church until it dissolved ; and on the 5th of June,
1867, became a member of this church; was
elected an elder, and installed January, 1872.
Brother Purnell was a man of positive, sanguine
temperament, a thorough Calvinist in his belief
and teachings as an elder ; taking great delight in
expressing his strong confidence in God, his be¬
lief in divine sovereignty, and acceptance of the
doctrine of foreordination. Of all the brethren in
153
the Presbyterian eldership, none excelled him
in the hearty taking hold and intellectual expla¬
nation of these doctrines, so dark and inexplica¬
ble even to many in our denomination. Brother
Purnell was gifted in the power of praise, and he
seemed to take it as a matter of duty under God
to do all he could in that part of worship ; being
found in the choir almost to his latest hour on
earth. It is still remembered with holy joy the
rich old tunes, to the grand old hymns that he
used to lead, a verse of one being:
"Awake my soul in joyful lays,
And sing thy great Redeemer's praise;
He justly claims a song from thee.
His loving kindness—Oh how free."
The strengthening influence of such a life still
goes on, even yet, though the voice has ceased
on earth and is praising in Heaven. Elder Pur¬
nell died October 30, 1875, aged 75 years.
Elder Ed. A. Wiley was born in Alabama in
1844, went to Oberlin University, Ohio, and after
completing his studies came to Philadelphia and
was received on certificate from the First Congre¬
gational Church, Oberlin, March 8, 1870. He was
elected an elder and ordained January, 1872.
This young brother, although not long a resident
of this city, seemed to be chosen for the elder¬
ship on account of his steady, quiet piety. He
154
worked in the Sabbath-school, and had been a
member of the Board of Trustees, and at the be¬
ginning of his membership took an interest and a
part in every movement for the good of the
church, evidently from a sense of duty. His
piety was deep, his convictions strong, his pro¬
fessions quiet, and nothing could move him from
what he considered essential duties. In his last
illness (the consumption), when advised to take
spirituous stimulants he refused, saying if it was
the will of God he was ready to die, but he could
not us that which was the cause of so much evil
in the world. Elder Wiley died March, 1874, in
the 30th year of his age, having been a member
of the church four years and a member of session
two years.
Elder Sheppard Shay was born in Accomac
County, Va., September 1, 1799, joined the First
African Church 1820, under the pastorate of the
Rev. John Gloucester, Sr. In 1824 he went with
those that withdrew from the First Church and
formed the Second. This split was occasioned
by an opposition to Jeremiah Gloucester, whose
father shortly before his death had recommended
him to the care of Presbytery as a candidate for
the ministry, and a part of the congregation
wanted to wait until he completed his stndies.
Others opposed it so strongly that it resulted in
155
the separation. About this time, 1824, there was
great excitement among the colored people about
emigrating to Hayti, and Brother Shay went
there ; he returned in 1828, and in 1830 was made
an elder in the Second Church. Brother Shay
staid with the Second Church until he, with
twenty-five others, joined this church in 1856.
He was elected an elder July 2, 1859. Brother
Shay was a great student of the Bible, and loved
to attend Bible-class in the Sabbath-school. In
his latter years he was sexton of the church, and
spent much of his leisure time reading and study¬
ing the school lessons. It was refreshing and
strengthening to hear him lead in prayer for the
Holy Spirit to come, " fair as the moon, clear as
the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."
It was in 1872, while the pulpit was vacant, that
the Holy Spirit put it in the heart of Brother Shay
and others to have a protracted meeting; they
visited the people from house to house, praying
and exhorting them to flee the wrath to come.
Brother Schreiner, a city missionary ; Brother
Samuel K. Godwin, an Episcopal layman, and
others, assisted in the evening meetings. The
ingathering of souls was the largest ever known
at one communion in this church, fifty-two being
added May 10, 1872. The Mutual Aid Bene¬
ficial Society of the church is a living work of his
and Brother Robert Gurley. Nobly and well did
156
they nurture it, and the benefit it has been, and
still is, is best known by its members. Brother
Shay died November 4, 1882, aged 82 years, after
a church membership of sixty-two years, and an
eldership in the church of twenty-three years ;
verifying the promise, "With long life will I bless
thee, and show thee My salvation."
Elder Thomas H. Davis was born on the east¬
ern shore of Maryland, March 10, 1821, came
to Philadelphia a small boy, and by industry and
perseverance became a man of prominence
and means. He united with the church Decem¬
ber, 1857 ; was elected an elder July, 1859.
Brother Davis served as superintendent of
Sabbath-school for two or three years, taking
great pride in having it conducted so as to in¬
terest both teachers and scholars. He also took
pleasure in leading the singing in prayer-meetings,
so those that attended might feel blessed in com¬
ing. His business prevented him attending as
regular as was desirable, and he was missed ; for
his genial, lively spirit was suited to the mind and
condition of the people, lifting them from the
cares of life, and causing them to rejoice in God.
Elder Davis died March, 1884, after a member¬
ship of church twenty-seven years, and in session
twenty-five years, in the 63d year of his age.
157
William Laws was one of those that came out
of the Second Church, a "charter member," as
well as communicant. He was not prominent in
prayer meetings, having an impediment in speech
that made it unpleasant to him to speak in pub¬
lic. He was a member of the Board of Trustees
at different times, from the organization of the
church, and acted as agent for the sale of lots in
Lebanon Cemetery until within a few months of
his death. Brother Laws was born in Delaware,
October, 1811, died April, 1892, in the 81st year
of his age.
Brother Levi Bundick was born on the eastern
shore of Virginia, May 20, 1821, became a mem¬
ber of the Second Church and left it with those
who formed this church. He was zealous and
hardworking for the cause of Christ, doing heavy
work at the " shanty," and the getting ready for the
new building ; digging at the vault, of which so
many felt proud, looking on it as actual labor in
building the house of God. Brother Bundick was
the first secretary of the Board of Trustees, being
elected September, 1844, and served till March,
1848, when his health became bad, and after pro¬
tracted illness he died in 1848, and was buried in
the vault he helped to dig. His remains are rest¬
ing there to this day with the remains of Brother
Thomas Loyd and Brother John Winrow. Sister
i58
Eliza Burton desired to be buried there when she
died, December, 1861; but the Board, on account
of its imperfect construction as a burial place, had
permanently closed it.
John P. Worthington, born in Baltimore Co.,
Md., 1799. After he came to Philadelphia he
joined the Second Church, 1838, during" the pas¬
torship of Rev. Andrew Harris. After Rev. Har¬
ris' death, Brother Worthington took sides with
the friends of Stephen Gloucester and came out
with this church. His walk and conversation
were such as becometh godliness in an eminent
degree. To behold his countenance and see the
joy with which he drank in the preaching of the
Word of God, to take notice of his devoutly kneel¬
ing in time of prayer, made the atmosphere around
him seem holy. His business was ice cream
making, and he went, in the summer time, to
Cape May, N. J., where he had a saloon, and also
supplied boarding houses ; but his respect for the
Christian Sabbath was so great that he kept his
saloon closed and refused to serve it at the board¬
ing houses, but if they chose he would make it on
Saturday and bring it to them so they could serve
themselves. Brother Worthington's religion also
made him an earnest temperance man, and, al¬
though he was engaged twice in the restaurant
business, he would not sell intoxicating liquor,
159
choosing rather to fail in making money than to
fail in serving God. He was respected by all
who knew him, making by the help of God, "His
life sublime." Died 1862, aged sixty-three years.
"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto
me, Write Blessed are the dead that die in the
Lord, from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit,
that they may rest from their labors ; and their
works do follow them."
Henry Clarke was born in King George Co.,
Va., 1829, and was sent to Phiadelphia for educa¬
tion and to learn a trade. Early in life, with the
blessing of God, he developed a deep-toned piety
that led him to faithful work in every department
of the church, especially in the prayer meetings
and Sabbath-school. With Clarke were G. S.
Nelson, J. E. Gardiner and others, who were good
singers, which made the meetings pleasant and
strengthening. Nelson, Gardiner, Bundick, Clarke
and others of the young men, while yet in the
Second Church, held a prayer meeting in a court
in St. Mary Street above Sixth, on Sabbath after¬
noon, for the conversion of sinners, and God sig¬
nally blessed their efforts and strengthened their
souls. All of them have gone from labor to
reward.
" Life's duty done, as sinks the clay,
Light from its load the spirit flies;
While heaven and earth combine to say,
How bless'd the righteous when he dies."
i6o
Robert Gurley was born in Delaware, 1819;
came to Philadelphia, 1845 5 became a member of
this church on certificate from the Second Church
September, 1857. Brother Gurley worked many
years for Dr. Moore, a " Hicksite Friend," and
this, no doubt, accounts for his regular, thoughtful
habits of life. He became a member of the Board
1862, and served as president or treasurer for a
number of years. In appreciation of his services
as a member of the Board he was presented with
a gold-headed cane. Brother Gurley highly
esteemed the " token " for the spirit it showed and
its unexpected coming. With Brother Shay he
was instrumental in forming the " Mutual Aid
Beneficial Association" of the church, watching
and nursing it until it became solid and able to
stand. Brother Gurley, although strong in his
opinions and firm in any position he took, was not
contentious, and therefore was never brought or
called before session. He was a fervent Chris¬
tian, often giving testimony in the meeting of his
love for Christ and joy in the Holy Ghost. His
rejoicing at such times would break forth in strong
contrast to his general staid demeanor. He could
well say :
'' I stand on Zion's mount:
And view my starry crown;
No power on earth my hope can shake,
Nor hell can thrust me down."
Died January 5, 1885.
16 r
Jesse E. Glasgow was born in Chester County,
Pa., March i, 1801, died May 15, 1871 ; became
a member of the church on certificate January,
1846, and soon became active in the Sabbath-school
and Board of Trustees. He was appointed super¬
intendent of Sabbath-school November, 1851, after
the resignation of John McKee. A prominent
feature of Mr. Glasgow's administration was the
getting up of entertainments that highly delighted
the children and their parents, as it was an oppor¬
tunity to show their accomplishment in singing or
speaking. Brother Glasgow was an untiring
worker in whatsoever he was given to do, and al¬
though he and other brethren would differ about
ways and manner of doing things, he did not let it
make him fold his arms and stop work, but to the
last was found striving to do what he could for the
Church of God.
Fielding Carter Butler was born in Phila¬
delphia, February, 1842, and died 1882. He was
received into the communion of the church, March
8, 1871, and at once interested himself in the prayer
meetings, Sabbath-school and every other depart¬
ment of church work. He served for several years
on the Board of Trustees ; his conduct and man¬
ners were such as endeared him to all that became
acquainted with him. A beautiful Christian life,
"adornino- the doctrine of Christ the Redeemer."
O
I I
I 62
His home influences were conducive to such a life.
Blessed are they whose lives are cast in godly
places, who, living as becometh righteousness, it
may said of them, though dead, their works do
follow them ; and again, the memory of the just is
blessed. God has ordained it that we must work
out our salvation with fear and trembling, and the
Holy Spirit will work in us the will and do of his
pleasure.
Father Lohman (as he was called on account
of age), joined the church September, 1867, after
the Second Church closed. Where he was born is
not certain, but from his mention of his godly
mother in experience meetings, it is thought she
was a slave, probably in Delaware. He came early
in life to Philadelphia and engaged actively in the
barber business, but, unlike brother Worthington,
he could never see the duty of "remembering the
Sabbath day to keep it holy." He could not read
■ or write, and therefore the reasoning of his mind
was rather crude ; but one thing is certain, his love
for Christ and the Church was true. In the latter
part of his life he became quite poor and unable to
keep a shop, his children being bad and a drag on
him. At this time he walked miles of streets, selling
cakes and candy from a basket. It is for his hope¬
ful, truthful disposition, that this mention of him
is made, and the pattern he showed in not "for-
163
saking the assembling together" in the house of
God, walking three or four miles to get there.
" Faint and weary, yet still pursuing," he died
May 1890, in the 76th year of his age.
Francis Wood was born August 28, 1843, in the
city of Philadelphia. Died December 20, 1891.
He became a member of the communion, April
6, 1869, and soon became an energetic, useful
worker in the church, being elected a member of
the Board October 1870, and at the time of his
death, December 20, 1891, was their secretary,
and had been for a number of years. We also
find his name on a Sabbath-school "programme"
of November 26, 1874, as superintendent, with
John S. Roberts, musical director, and Cecilia M.
Davis, accompanyist. Brother Wood always de¬
clined election as an elder, preferring the more
active duties of a trustee. In 1877 he was pre¬
sented by the Sabbath-school with a silver ice-
pitcher, as a testimonial of his valuable service.
In 1880, he was presented with a framed testimo¬
nial, for services as chairman of committee on
lectures and entertainments of the Young
People's Association ; again, in 1886, he received
from Robt. Bryan Post, G. A. R., a framed vote of
thanks for an oration delivered before them ; and
in September, 1890, he was presented by the
Board of Trustees of Lombard Street Central
164
Presbyterian Church with a large, framed testi¬
monial of appreciation, for twenty years consecu¬
tive service as a member of the Board, eighteen
years of which he was their secretary. Predomi¬
nant, positive and persistent were a trinity of
points in Brother Wood's character that made him
the strong man that he was ; being intelligent
made him predominant, being industrious made
him positive, and being conscious of these made
him persistent. The church needed such a man ;
they had had intelligent men, but not industrious ;
they had had industrious men, but not intelligent.
The spheres that Brother Wood accepted to work
in were the Board, the Sabbath-school and the
choir. In each of these his character shone bright
and effective. Men are fitted by nature for a special
kind of work, and it were well that we studied
ourselves more than we do, and would choose the
paths for which we are best suited. Peacefully he
passed away from a loving wife and children, and
friends. We say of him:
Servant of God, well done ;
Rest from thy loved employ.
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master's joy.
V/11.liam G. Harvey was born in North Caro¬
lina, October, 1825. At the age of 14 he came
to Philadelphia, sent by his father to get school¬
ing- and learn a trade. An uncle who lived here
o
165
placed him -with Mr. William * Riley, at Fourth
and Union Streets, to learn boot and shoemak-
ing. After finishing his trade he returned home,
and in 1846 his father died, leaving a widow and
six children, two sons and four daughters, of
whom William was the oldest. The burden of
" head of the family " fell on him, and well and
manfully did he bear it to the day of his death.
Having lived in Philadelphia and learnt his trade
here, it was concluded best to move to this city,
which they did in 1847. William early in life de¬
termined to accumulate property, with which he
could take care of his mother and help his brother
and sisters, and he did it; but always kept the
" rein" in his own hand, which at times seemed
harsh ; but strong-willed men are positive, and by
being so, accomplish more than they otherwise
would. That he did good and well, cannot truth¬
fully be denied ; but, alas ! "The evil that men
do lives after them. The good is oft interred with
their bones."
Brother Harvey became a member of the
church March, 1853, and was elected a member
of the Board October, 1855, and served now and
then for a number of years in that part of church
work, often, by reason of his financial standing,
beino- of great service. His children, who were
o o
all girls, being given a musical education, have at
times presided at the organ in church and Sab-
166
bath-school servite. Brother Harvey died in
February, 1893, leaving an aged mother, for
whom he made provision in his will, and a widow
and six daughters.
Addison Foster was born in Charleston, S. C.,
came to Philadelphia early in the sixties, was
employed as watchman in the First National
Bank, where by industry and honesty he soon
got a character that served him well in after-
years. He afterward engaged in the livery stable
and undertaking business. By perseverance and
industry he soon built up a large trade and
acquired considerable property. Brother Fos¬
ter became a member of the church October,
1864, took part in the prayer service, etc., served
in the Board of Trustees for several years, part
of the time as treasurer. His disposition was
quiet and retiring. For a long while before he
died his health was bad, but he bore it with great
patience. Three nephews of his wife being left
orphans, he took and cared for them as his
own. July 14, 1893, he passed quietly into the
spirit world, trusting in Jesus, leaving a widow
and three children to mourn his loss.
The women of the church who were fervent in
the spirit, showing by their faith and works their
love for Christ and His cause, were many. On
August 9, 1844, the session passed the following :
167
Resolved\ "That a female prayer meeting be
established, to meet on Monday evenings
weekly, to be conducted by Belinda Davis (who
has been a conductor of such meetings since the
establishment of the first colored female prayer
meeting) and Eliza Edwards, assistant, subject
to the session."
In this action of the session they perpetuated
a custom that was of great spiritual service to the
church. Every female admitted to the com¬
munion was enjoined to attend the female prayer
meeting if possible; it was a strong, reliable
pillar to the church. With Sisters Davis and
Edwards there have gone up from this Church
militant to the Church triumphant, from prayer
and labor to praise and reward, Sarah Maxwell,
Julia Maloney, Susan Boon, Henrietta Potter,
Keziah Jackson, Amy Roberts, Priscilla Stratton,
Rachel Macoy, Mary Purnell, Mary Somerville,
and a host of worthy "mothers in Israel," whose
names are precious to those still left to labor on
until it is said " It is enough, come up higher."
This "female prayer meeting" has ceased,
and in its place .a " Young people's meeting" is
held on Monday evenings. This meeting,
although doing a good work—and among them
are some that can truthfully say, " Oh, God, my
heart is fixed "—yet there seems a growing effect
from this separation of young from old that makes
168
the religion of to-day less solid than it ought to
be. The grand old hymns of the past and the
fervent heart-searching prayers that were
"strength to the bones" have given way in a
great measure to a class of hymns and a lightness
of conduct and conversation that are in no way
conducive to deep piety and prayer. "The chil¬
dren of a king" should not go mourning all their
days, and yet they should be distinguishable from
the world, that men may see that they have been
with Jesus and learnt of Him. In this church
there are some women who are doing a quiet,
steady work for the " Master" in ministering to
His aged and needy ones. The " Dorcas "
Society, with Mrs. Sarah Titus, president; Miss
Alma Somerville (successor to her mother),
treasurer ; Miss Julia Jones, secretary. And
efficient aid they find in Mrs. Dr. Reeve, Ann
Eliza Freeman, Julia Songo, Rebecca Garnett,
Mrs. Carroll, Emma Mishaw, Mrs. Middleton,
Mary Foote and others. In the early days of the
church quite a number of the women lived at
service in private families. Being plain and inex¬
pensive in their dress, etc., they always had a few
dollars to help the church, and therefore should
be noticed. Miss Jane Potts loaned the church
$150, and when the debt was to be paid gave
$100 of it off the amount. Also at her death
$100 on condition that her grave be kept in
169
order. Miss Elizabeth White, $100 for the poor
of the church. The names of those that gave dur¬
ing their life are many. Among them was Rhoda
Moore, Judith Reese, Hannah Burton, Anna M.
Grey, Henrietta Jeffries, Agnes Emerson, Sarah
A. Carter. These and others have gone home
(as Sister Hannah Burton expressed it as she
was dying, "I'm going home"). There are
those still living that are following on in the same
loving way, doing what they can to support the
cause of Christ. God bless and comfort them
with joy in knowing that
" High in yonder realms of light,
Dwell the raptured Saints above ;
Far beyond our feeble sight,
Happy in Emmanuel's love;
Every tear is wiped away,
Sighs no more shall heave the breast,
Night is lost in endless day,
Sorrow—in eternal rest."
170
EXTRACT
From the Public Ledger, 1872.
Mr. Robert Jones, Superintendent of the Sun-
day-schools of the Lombard Street Presbyterian
Church (colored), is having a medal cast in com¬
memoration of Rev. John Gloucester, the first
colored Presbyterian minister in the United States.
The medal will be in the form of a St. Andrew's
cross, having a likeness of the deceased in an
oval centre. It is intended for use in Sunday-
schools of the Colored Presbyterian Churches
throughout the country. Officers and teachers
of one year's standing will be entitled to the
bronze medal; those of five years, to the silver
medal; and those of ten years, to the gold
medal. Scholars of one year's standing will re¬
ceive a bronze medal. The award of medals will
be made at the teachers' meetings.