' p^lfll » 2-4^ 1J- LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. Purchased by the Mrs. Robert Lenox Kennedy Church History Fund. HI K^.'^'''- T V^OA-V^-/', h<:iA..J...JZ^.ul^A^ V^Ull^vU /v ^< ( cue 4 1j29 . . 1 Ht . • Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Glimpses of Sixty-three Years By the Pastor ROBERT MELVILLE HUNSICKER MDCCCXCVIII COMMERCIAIv PUBI^ISHING AND PRINTING CO. 1 21 2 Cuthbert St., Philadelphia OFFICERS : Pastor Robert M, Hunsicker Deacons Seth Stout W. H. H. Heydrick Jacob S. Rahn ' C. Gilbert Fisher Trustees W. H. H. Heydrick J. S. Rahn Ai.ex. A. Larzelere Joseph Rhoads Chari.es C. Murray Edward Derr Justus D. Dickinson Clerk Miss Harriet A. Heydrick Finance Committee Joseph Rhoads W. K. Hunter C. Gii^rert Fisher Financial Secretary Miss EmiIvY D. Heydrick Treasurer W. H. G0DSHAI.L Sunday-school Superintendent Wm. H. Godshai.1. President Baptist Young People's Union Joseph G. Fisher President Women's Missionary Circle Mrs. Robert M. Hunsicker President Willing Workers' Missionary Society Miss Emma E. Brown President Ladies' Aid Society Mrs. Robert M. Hunsicker " firid l^e XYiat reapetln receivetl:) v^aqes, ar)d gatl)eretl:| fruit ilrito life eternal ; tliat botl:] l[\e tlc\at sov^ett) arid Y\e tt^at reapetl^ rqay rejoice togetl:|er, arid l:)ereiri is tl:|at saying true, one so"Wetl:| arjd ariot]:\er reapetl:\. I ser)t you to reap tl:\at ^l:)ereon ye bestowed no labor; otl:|er rqen labored and ye are entered into tl^eir labors."— King, Pastor King's daughter. Israel Davis King was born in Baltimore, Md., in the 3'ear 1824. His parents, soon after, returned to Chester county. Pa. The earlier 3^ears of his life were spent on his father's farm in the Great Valley. His parents were members of the Great Valley Baptist Church. At the age of sixteen , he entered upon mercantile life with his brother, then a whole- sale dry goods merchant on Market street, Philadelphia. Being converted soon after coming to the city, he was bap- tized into the fellowship of the Spruce Street Church , by Rev . T. O. Lincoln. In the year 1846, Mr. King was married to Miss Mary E. Walter. Of the five children born to them, only two daughters lived to grow up. From his earliest years, Mr. King had desired to become a minister of the Gospel. He was not, however, ordained to that work until 1854. He immediately entered upon the pastorate of the church at Smithfield, Fayette county, Pa. Two years later he took charge of the church at Uniontown, where his labors were rewarded with rich ingatherings, x^f- ter this, he was pastor at Portsmouth, Ohio, then at Gran- ville, and afterward at Monroeville, in the same State. In 62 CHESTNUT HILL 1869, a call wasaccepted from the church at Phoenixville, Pa, Here he succeeded in bringing into harmony and active or- ganized work, two very discordant and contending factions. It was from Phoenixville that Mr. King came, in 1872, to Chestnut Hill. x\fter three years of earnest service, he re- moved to the city, and the following year established a mis- sion at Twenty-third and Oxford streets, which subsequently developed into ;he Centennial Baptist Church. The pas- tor's hopes fur the perpetuation of a strong active church, after several years of toil and struggle, and the building of a house of worship, seemed about to be realized, when seri- ous dissensions sprang up, which almost destroyed the church. The anxiety and disappointment thus occasioned resulted in permanent impairment of his health. A pastor- ate of about three years at Bristol was his last. Returning to the city, the closing years of his life were occupied in editor- ial work, taking charge of the religious news in the "Phila- delphia Press" His death occurred May 16, 1893, after nine months of untold suffering from valvular disease of the heart . H is , was a life of loving devotion and faithful service . While now he "rests from his labors, his works follow him. ' ' Mr. King's pastorate, lasting about three and a half years, was in some particulars, rather an eventful one. Just about the time that the call was extended to him, the church voted to abolish the pew-renting system, which had been in operation for many years. In its stead was adopted the system of weekly offerings, ' 'the plan enjoined, ' ' as the min- » DEACON W. H, H. HEYDRICK Elected June 13, 1S72. BAPTIST CHURCH 63 ntes record, "by the Apostle Paul, I Cor., xvi. 2," and, as it further adds, "a manner easy for all, and oppressive to none, and at the same time, promoting habits of system and economy." The transition, therefore, to the method with some modifications, still in use, was made during this pas- torate. The organ at present used in the auditorium was purchased near the same time. In June, 1874, the prayer meeting was changed from Friday to Wednesda}^ evening, though the change had been for some 3'^ears under con- sideration. When the present house of worship was erected it was left somewhat incomplete, in contemplation of adding a tower to serve as belfry, and awaiting for such time as suf- ficient funds might be available for defraying the expense thereof. During this same year (1874) the work was pushed to completion, at a cost of over $1500, including the purchase of the bell and clock. A portion of the money was realized from the sale of a piece of ground, about fifty feet in depth, from the rear part of the grave3^ard. The bal- ance — everything being paid for at the time — was, through the indefatigable efforts of the pastor, secured from the mem- bers and friends of the church and the citizens of the place. In purely spiritual lines the work was pushed with vigor. Action taken b}- the church during the pastorate immedi- ately preceding, was renewed, viz.: Adopting a schedule for taking ofiferiiigs at specified times for each, the American Baptist Publication Society, Foreign Missions, Home Mis- sions, State Missions and Ministerial Education. Thirty- five baptisms are recorded for this period, and the church c.t the close of this pastorate reported a membership of two hundred and ten, a number that has not been reached since. 64 CHESTNUT HILL * Pastor edwin macminn, « Rev. Edwin MacMiiin, who entered upon the pastorate January i, 1876, was born at Unionville, Centre county, Pa., May 12, 1852. He received his education in the public schools, Dickinson Seminary, the Commercial College of Williamsport, Richmond College, Richmond, Va., and Crozer Theological, from which latter institution he was graduated in the class of 1874. He was baptized at Wil- liamsport in 1868, and in 1870 was licensed to preach by the Freemason Street Baptist Church, of Norfolk, Va. His first pastorate was at West Chester, where his ordination occurred in 1874. The following year he resigned the pastorate to take up evangelistic work. Accepting a call to the pastorate at Chestnut Hill, he entered upon the work January i, 1876. Closing his work here March i, 1879, he became State Secretary of the American Baptist Publication Society, which position he resigned to enter the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Easton, Pa. From Easton, he re- moved to Moorestown, N. J., January i, 1883, where he served in the pastorate till May 15, 1890. While there he baptized 152. May 15, 1890, he settled wnth the Summit Avenue Baptist Church, Jersey City. Here it was his privi- lege to baptize 156. During the season of 1896 he took charge of the Fresh Air Work of Jersey Cit^^ providing for PASTOR EDWIN MacMINN BAPTIST CHURCH 65 a week at the seashore for 256 children. Since March, 1897, he has been pastor of the First Baptist Church, Salem, N.J. Mr. MacMinn was married in 1875 to Miss Lizzie Rupert, of Oxford, Pa. Two children have been born to them. The oldest, a daughter, died at Chestnut Hill. The second, a son, was born at Moorestown. Mr. MacMinn has been author as well as pastor, having written a number of Sunday School and Temperance books. He has also written upon scientific subjects, being quite an enthusiast in natural science. His cabinet of minerals is said to be one of the finest private collections in the United States. The two pastorates that immediately preceded Mr. Mac- Minn 's had been characterized by so much in the way of debt-paying, purchase and improvement of property, that not much in this line, at least, is to be looked for. Yet there are not lacking indications that the pastorate was an aggressive one even in this direction. The present excellent plan for the care of the Sunday School library, and the sub- stitution of chairs for the old-fashioned kind of seating in the lecture-room, were some of the improvements made, the benefit of which we still enjoy. Large congregations at- tended upon the preaching of the Word, and sixteen bap- tisms are recorded as a part of the spiritual fruitage. 66 CHESTNUT HILL * Pastor B- J. RoW), * We are indebted to Mrs. Robb for the following sketch of her husband : " Benjamin Franklin Robb was born in Philadelphia, December ii, 1842. When a boy he learned the trade of machinist. May 5, 1861, just after the outbreak of the civil war, though still under age, he enlisted in the service of his country , with the Twenty-sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol- unteers. He was severely wounded at the battle of Chancel- lorsville, and was honorably discharged December 21, 1863. After his return from the war, having a strong convic- tion that he was called to preach the Gospel, he entered Buck- nell University, where he completed a four years' course in three years, and was graduated in 1871. Entering Crozer Theological Seminary, he took the full course, and was grad- uated with the class of 1874. While a student at Bucknell, he preached during summer vacations at Coudersport, Pa. After his graduation from Crozer, Mr. Robb spent a year abroad, visiting the Holy Lands. During these travels he successfully conducted a party up the Nile. July 8, 1875, after his return, he was married to Miss Eliza C. Smith. Two children, a son and daughter, both still living, were born to them. October 20, following, Mr. Robb entered upon the pastorate of the Baptist Church, at PASTOR B. F. ROBB BAPTIST CHURCH 67 Stockton, N. J. Thence he was called to the pastorate at Chestnut Hill, April 15, 1879, though the work was not taken up till the month following. Continuing till Febru- ary, 1889, he was constrained by failing health to close his ministry. In the hope that a quieter life would prove beneficial, he accepted a position as Pension Examiner, at Corning, N. Y. He was at one time a member of the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Baptist Education Society. He was also prominently identified with the Grand Army, being chaplain of Ellis Post, No. 6, G. A. R. He was a strong Prohibition advocate, and took a lively interest in matters relating to the License Court. Mr. Robb died at Corning, N. Y., October 5, 1889. His body was brought to Chestnut Hill for burial, and was laid to rest in Ivy Hill Cemetery." With the exception of the first, Mr. Robb's was the longest pastorate in the histor}^ of the church, covering, as it did, very nearly ten years. His work was the quiet, un- pretentious, devoted kind, that won, and held the affection of the people. Nor were his friends, by any means, limited to the membership of the church over which he so faithful- ly presided. To this day, many in the community speak of Pastor Robb in the kindest and most respectful terms. The daily and constantly recurring duties that claimed his attention were faithfully performed. And this it is that counts in the long run. He showed his interest in the spread 68 CHESTNUT HILL of the Gospel by having the cause of City Missions added to the list of objects for which a schedule had been adopted some years previous, making six regular collections yearly, for as many benevolent objects. A heavy debt, part of which, at least, was upon the parsonage property, was seriously bur- dening the church . Soon after his entrance upon the pastor- ate, the payment of this debt was agitated. On the sixth of April, 1 886, the pastor laid before the church a proposition from Mr. William Bucknell. offering to pay $1000 on condi- tion that the church would raise the balance. The offer was accepted, and Mr. Robb went heroically to work. As the result, the church was able to fulfill the condition of Mr. Biicknell's proffer, and thus, happily, free itself from the bondage of debt, ^he following year the parsonage lot was enlarged by the purchase of fifteen feet on the northeast side. Twenty-four members, according to the records, were received by baptism during this pastorate. If any one asks whether Pastor Robb was "a good minister of Jesus Christ," we point to the still unabated love of those he served. No better testimonial need be sought. * Pastors e. D- Bammona and 0* O'B, Strayer, « For nearly a year following the close of Mr. Robb's work the church was without a settled pastor. Early in 1890 the work was taken up by Mr. Hammond, and relinquished in a few months. He was followed by Mr. Strayer for a brief time, when a vacancy again occurred. PASTOR C. R. BLACKALL BAPTIST CHURCH 69 * Pastor C R. B?acKall, D. D. • On the twenty-first of September, 1891, the Pulpit Com- mittee was instructed, by vote of the church, to procure the services of Dr. Blackall, as stated supply. He had been oc- cupying the pulpit for several Sundays, and the term of his official relation was, therefore, dated back to September 6th. He was, at the time, and is still, connected with the American Baptist Publication Society, as Editor of Periodicals. He presented his resignation just three years later, September, 1 894 , to take effect immediately , but was prevailed upon to con - tinue till the close of the year, when his successor took up the work. His letter dismissing him from the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia was received May i, 1892. After the settlement of the present pastor, he continued in active co-operation, servdng also, as chairman of the Board of Trustees, till October 9th, when, having removed from the place, he resigned his position as trustee. December ist, following a letter of dismission was granted to unite with the Church of the Evangel, at Narberth, Pa. While Dr. Blackall would not permit himself to be called ' 'pastor, ' ' and even by the form of the call was express- ly excused from doing pastoral visiting, yet in every particu- lar he was a pastor, not even excepting the visiting. Ac- cordingly, the title "pastor" is employed in the heading. ;o CHESTNUT HILL His work was in all particulars aggressive, and his con- stant aim toward a symmetrical developement of the church. For various reasons, the church, at his coming, was disheart- ened, but he inspired them with courage for large undertak- ings. A floating debt was seriously cumbering the work, and this was paid off". Strict business methods were fol- lowed in all the proceedings. As to improvements in the property, both inside and outside bear substantial testimony. The walls of the lecture-room were painted, the ceiling was papered, the floor laid with linoleum, and new heaters were purchased. The auditorium went thraugh a thorough trans- formation. The walls and ceiling were tastefully frescoed ,^ a new flooring was laid, and the present seating introduced. The improvements in the lower room were made in 1892, those in the upper room in 1893. The work was entered upon with the determination not to go into debt. This purpose was rigidly adhered to. In consequence thereof, when the work was completed, there was no debt, although improvements costing $2800 had been made. The completion of the latter was celebrated by a week of special services at the opening of the New Year, 1894. The order of services for the week announces for Sunday, January 7th, Drs. H. L. Wayland and W. H.Conard; for Monday evening, the pastors of the place. Revs. W. W. Harmond, D D., and W. H. Merrill, (Presbyterian) and Rev. C. H. Rorer, (Methodist Episcopal) as speakers ; for Tuesday evening, Rev. Lemuel Moss, D. D. ; Wednesday BAPTIST CHURCH 71 evening, the annual business meeting ; Thursday, Rev. J. T. Beckle3^ D. D. ; Friday evening, Mr. Charles H. Har- rison and Mrs. J. N. Cushing ; Sunday morning. Rev. Henry G. Weston, D. D., and for the evening, Dr. Blackall. Not only in these particulars are we of to-day indebted to the agressive leadership of Dr. Blackall. The abundant supply of Baptist Hymnals in the upper room, as well as the Select Gems that are in use in the prayer meeting, were pro- cured during this same period. Besides, over two hundred books were added to the Sunday School library, toward which Dr. Blackall made a very generous contribution. But material improvements were not permitted to en- gross all the energies of the people. Spiritual development was persistently sought. The various missionary and ben- evolent enterprises were not forgotten . Interest in the work of Christ beyond the bounds of the local church was shown by offerings made for that purpose. The church during these years showed a healthy growth, as is evident by twenty-three additions, fifteen of them be- ing by baptism. The writer can testify that the work was passed over into his hands in good condition ; and it is no cause for surprise that at the close of Dr. Blackall's pastor- ate, the church should, by a hearty vote, give expression to their grateful appreciation of his work, as well as to their devout acknowledgement of the supervision of the Great Head of the Church, in giving them such leadership. By a bequest of Dr. Edward Jacoby, for many years a 72 CHESTNUT HILL member of this body, a generous provision was made for the church, to go into effect upon the death of his widow, Mrs. Jacoby, also a devoted member of this church, who died dur- ing the last year of Dr. Blackall's pastorate. According to the terms of the will the church is to receive an annuity of $200.00, for a term of ten years, (the first payment being made in 1895), and, at the expiration of that time, is to re- ceive the sum of $6000.00. ^ PASTOR R. M. HUNSICKER BAPTIST CHURCH 7^ « tfte Present Pastorate, * This has not yet become history, and so. can hardly claim a place in this recital. Yet, as a matter of record, a few items call for mention. The present pastor began his work with the church January 6, 1895, coming from Brook- ville, Pa., in response to a unanimous call given the ninth of the previous month. Two events of special interest will be noted. The first of these is important as explaining the prepara- of this historical sketch. It was voted by the church to have a reunion of the membership, with a roll call and social, February 22, 1897. Believing that it would be a good thing, especially for the younger portion of the mem- bership, to have a brief review of at least the earlier history of the church, the pastor gave the sermon, of the Sunday morning immediately preceding, a historical turn. But in preparing for this occasion, he was much surprised to dis- cover that the records were exceedingly meagre. Indeed, the book covering the first twenty years could not be found at all. There was, however, in the second book, the first record in which was made October 12, 1854, a list of the baptisms from the first, copied from book number one. Even this was incomplete, owing to the loss of one leaf 74 CHESTNUT HiLt with the rece:)rd of over four 3^ears' baptisms. Besides this,- as a source of information, Dr. I.Gilbert Young, son of the first pastor, and living in the place, had in his possession a transcript of his father's records, which he kindly put at the service of the writer. Then, too, three of the constitu- ent members were and are still living, and, with remarkable clearness of memory, were able to recall much that was of interest. They are Mrs. Maria Ann Young, widow of the first pastor ; Mrs. Maria Harshaw and Mrs Eleanor Shermer. The pastor, feeling that the history was too valuable, and of too much interest, to be thus lost, and realizing that, if ever it was to be put into permanent form so as to be pre- served, it must be done at once, made a proposition to the church that he would undertake the task of writing up the history of these sixty-three years. So much interest had been evoked by the presentation in the sermon, as above referred to, that the church heartily voted approval. It seemed almost a presumptuous undertaking, considering the scantiness of available materials, especially taking into account for the fact thait by the disastrous fire of February 2, 1896 files of associational letters in the Publication Society's building, at 1420 Chestnut street, Philadelphia, had been de- stroyed. In this connection a mention of the valuable ser- vices of Rev. Leroy Stephens, D. D., must not be omitted. Possibly nothing more than a manuscript copy might have been prepared, but being present at the evening service on the day ot the roll call, Dr. Stephens urged the people to have BAPTIST CHURCH 75 the history of their church printed . Then, and there, it was so decided, and substantial pledges were made toward to'vard defraying the expenses of tlie same. And so the work has been undertaken and pressed to- ward completion. It might be added here, however, that af- ter some months the lost book, and, also, the missing leaf from book number two, came to Jight. By this time, the .writer, having followed carefully every clue, by correspon- dence, by consultation of files of associational minutes, and b3^ personal interviews, had pretty thoroughly covered the period of these earlier years. And yet, the book proved cf great service in two ways. First, it enabled the writer to verify his work , and second, in some particulars, to am- plify it. And, in this place he wishes to make grateful acknowledgment to all who have rendered him such- indispensable help, not only those named above, but others, and especially Rev. J. G. Walker, D. D., for so many years, and still, the efficient clerk of the Philadelphia Baptist Association. This will, we believe, sufficiently explain how this work came to be done. And, as to whether it has been worth the doing, and how well it has been done, must be judged by those who may do it the honor of giving it a reading. The second event, hinted at above, was the sixty-third an- niversary of the founding- of the church . This was suggested by the interest that had been awakened in connection with the writing of this sketch. It was celebrated Sunday and Mon- day , Setember 5ch and 6th , i ^97 . The pastor preached at the 76 CHESTNUT HILL morning service from Ps. ii6, 12. Dr. Blackall, being pres- ent by special invitation, addressed the boys and girls, and preached at the evening service. On Monday evening, most interesting and stirring addresses were delivered by I. Gilbert Young, M. D., Rev. E. R. Tilton, pastor of the Cold Point Baptist Church, Rev. Edwin MacMinn, pastor First Baptist Church, Salem, N. J., and Rev. George E. Rees, D. D., pastor of the New Tabernacle Baptist Church of West Phil- adelphia. Also, a poem written for the occasion by Miss Harriet x\. Heydrick, was read. These anniversary exer- cises were an occasion of much inspiration and profit to the church. The church at the end of three score and three years is in a prosperous condition. In the last Associational letter -a membership of one hundred and thirty-four was reported — the highest number reported for seventeen years. During the present pastorate, thirty-four (including the pastor and his wife) have united with the church, eighteen of whom were received by baptism. These sixty-three years abound with evidences of the Divine leading, and watchcare and keeping. Who but that is reminded of the words of Jehovah in Isaiah xxvii. 3, "I, Jehovah, do keep it; I will water in every moment. Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." DEACON C. GILBERT FISHER Elected January 9, 1895. BAPTIST CHURCH 77 « Retrospect and Prospect* « What shall this review of three-score and three years yield for us ? This is a question that may well concern us. No one in reading the meagre records of these years could be blind to the fact that those whose history has thus been pre- served were but human. It requires no special gift of keen- sigh tedness to discern mistakes and shortcomings. But it must not be imagined that the record thus left is peculiar in this respect. With changes of names and a few details, it would be an equally faithful portraiture of the doings of many another church of the same times. But shall we leave a better record for the perusal of the generations that shall come after us ? What shall be our heritage to others ? Of this we are well assured, that those into whose "labors we have entered," earnestly endeavored to be faithful. And the only design of this review of the past, has been, to recall such things as should awaken gratitude, and to stimulate to better service. And that one is blind, indeed, who does not find much to stir the heart's gratitude. To a very large measure is it true of us of to-day, that we have been sent to reap that whereon we have bestowed no labor, and that others, having labored, we have entered into their labors. Shall we, then, make such use of our heritage, so go forward as reapers, that it shall come to pass 78 CHESTNUT HILL that they who have sown, and we who reap, shall, in the great home-gathering, rejoice together? More has been given ns than was given to those who have preceded us. Not only have we the heritage that they have committed to us, but our opportunities are greater than theirs. And the Great Teacher admonishes us that "unto whomsoever much is given , of him much shall be required . ' ' Shall we measure up to our opportunit}^ and our responsibility ? We stand at a point where the past and the present meet. What, in such situation, is presented to us by way of en- couragement ? Is there anything more than a heritage of frasfrant memories ? It is well sometimes to count our blessings. We have a good church property, well located, and entirel}' free from cumbering debt. We have a com- modious house of worship, pleasant, cheer}^ and in excel- lent condition. And all this comes to us largely as a gift from those who have entered into rest. We have a mem- bership loyal to the interests of the church, and a scheme of finance that yields gratifying results. We have a Bible School, under the care of a faithful corps of teachers and officers, and an interesting organization of young people. Our missionary organizations are active and in a thriving condition, and our offerings, for the various branches of our Lord's work, show a growing interest in that work for which He, "though rich, became poor." We enjoy the respect of the community, and are favored with good and attentive congregations. We have our Master's BAPTIST CHURCH 79 command to "go forward," coupled with the gracious prom- ise, "Lo, I am with you all the days." (R.V., margin.) What, therefore, is there to hinder an obedient going forward in the fulfilment of 'the gracious purposes of the Gospel? Let him who falters give the answer. To falter, would be treason not only to God and an honored past, but the rising genera- tion, and those yet unborn, would rightly cast upon us the reproach of unfaithfulness. Thuswehavf the past, with its memories; the present, with its duties, and the future, with its anticipations — one for wnsdom. one for action and one for hope Let us there- fore faitlifuUy serve our own, and thus, future generations, and there will awvat us glad welcome of those who have gone before, the grateful eulogies of those yet unborn, and the blessed "well done" of an approving God. Shall this generation ''appreciate its own place in history .^" " flrid \\e \\\a\. reapetl:| receivetl:! ^ages, and gatt\eret]:| fruit unto life eterqal ; tl^at bott\ \\q \Y\pX sowetti arid tje tlqat reapetti rr\ay rejoice togetl:|er, and ]:]ereiri is \\\a\ saying true, one so^etl:\ and ariotlner reapetl:}. I sent you to reap tlr^at \^^]^ereon ye bestoiA^ed no labor; otlr^er rnen labored and ye are entered into tJr^eir labors." '• SpeaK Unto tir^e cl^ildren of Israel tl\at tl|ey go forward," BAPTIST CHURCH 81 APPENDIX A As suggestive of the striking contrast between the con- ditions of life sixty-three years ago and those in the midst of which we to-day are living, and as a hint of the marvel- ous progress that these passing years have witnessed, tl e following is quoted from The A^nericaji Daily Adverthcr, of Saturday, November 24th, 1832 : PHILADEIvPHIA, GERMANTOWN AND NORRISTOWN RAIL- ROAD. Locomotive Engine. Notice. — The Locomotive Engine (built by M. W. Baldwin, of this city) will depart daii,y, when the weather is fair, with a train OF PASSENGER CARS, commencing on Monday, the i6th inst., at the following hours, viz : — FROM PHII,ADEI.PHIA. FROM GERMANTOWN. At II o'clock, A. M. At 12 o'clock, M. " I " P. M. " 2 " P. M. " 3 " P. M. " 4 " P. M. The cars drawn by horses will also depart as usual from Phila^ delphia at 9 o'clock A, M., and from Germantown at 10 o'clock A. M., and at the above mentioned hours when the weather is not fair. The points of starting are from the depot, at the corner of Green and Ninth streets, Philadelphia, and from the Main street, near the centre of Germantown. Whole cars may be taken. Tickets 25 cent^\ It is said that the president of the road was in the habit of accompanying the train to guard against accidents. 82 CHESTNUT HILL B As an item of local history of no little interest, the following citation is given from the deed, donating the ground on which Union Chapel was built : "A certain lot or piece of land situated on Chestnut Hill in Gennantown Township, for the use and purpose of building thereon a house for Christian worship, and such other purposes as the said John IMa^'oflfin and the said trustees shall consent to, and shall not be detri- mental to the other lot of land of which the hereby granted premises are a part, excluding absolutely a common day or night school, and a Sunday school, unless with the proper consent and approbation of the owner of the said other lot of land of which this is a part, and on the decease of the said John Magofhn, or previously thereto, if he may think proper, the said lot hereby granted with^such buildings as may be built ihereon, shall be under said restrictions — for The uses of the neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, to be held by trustees possessed of such qualifications and to be appointed in such manner as the said John Magoffin may direct ; and in failure of such direction by him made, and on record in the Recorder's office, it shall be held for such uses, and under said restrictions by trustees to be chosen by the Schwenkfieldian Congress of Towamencin, Montgomery County ; by the Episcopalian, English Presbyterian, German Re- formed, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Methodist now existing congre- gations in Germantown township ; and by the Baptist congregation now existing nearest to said premises, each of which congregations shall appoint one trustee annually, a;id those actualh- appointed for a year, commencing always on January ist, shall be the trustees for that year ; four of whom shall always be a quorum ; and it shall not be lawful for any trustee to refuse the use for worship of the said building, to anv minister or teacher of any or either of said denomi- nations ; Provided that no other minister or teacher shall have first had their consent to have made an appointment there. Position of Saiu Lot. Bounded on S E. by lane leading to John Magoffin's plantation ^ [Union Ave.] on S by ground of Levi Rex, and N. W. and N. E. by ground of Abram Heydrick. In width, front and rear, 30 feet, and depth 50 feet. Part of 2^4 acres 33 perches land." BAPTIST CHURCH 83 C These extracts from the records of the church are given not only because of an 3^ quaintness the}^ may possess, nor, indeed because of their historic interest in this connection ; but because they give, as well, a reflection of affairs in the churches in general in the times in which they were recorded : Pews rented October 17, 1835. Israel Gilbert, No. 29; Ezra Sands, 26; Rachel Jacoby, 32; Titus Shermer, C. Strouse, and C. Shuster, 25; Sisters Crosby and S. Camp- bell, 30; Ifenry S. Lentz, 51; Paterson and Grant, 31; Louis Bessin, 33; C. Heins and Abner Campbell, 22; i dollar and 50 cents paid for a seat by Mrs. Mary Holgate. September 19, 1835. On motion resolved, that each member pay 12%, cents per year to defray the expenses of the communion table. One motion resolved, that the hymns be lined for the singers. January 7, 1837. On motion resolved, that any person absenting himself from this church for the space of six months, and living in the bounds of another Baptist church without having taken their letter from this, (except rendering a reasonable excuse) shall be liable to church censure. October, 1840. On motion resolved, that the discipline of the primitive churches be adopted. January, 1842. On motion resolved, that any person paying annually $r.oo shall have the privilege of burying their dead in the Baptist grave yard. July 9, 1842. On motion resolved, that any member, or members, blazing abroad to the world the business transactions at our church, or special meetings shall be under church censure. 84 CHESTNUT HILL January, 1843. On motion resolved, that a fund be established for the sick poor; collection to be taken at every communion season for said purpose. July 8, 1843. On motion resolved, that we take up quarterly collections for State Convention 3rd Sunday in January, Foreign and Missionary and Bible Society, 3rd Sunday in April, Education Society, 3rd Sunday ill July, Widows' Fund, 3rd Sunday in September. October 26, 1843. On motion resolved, that the deacons be authorized to prevent members from communing who have transgressed and have made no confession. December 4, 1848. Church was granted articles of incorporation. January i, 1854. Moved and carried that the penny collections be taken in the gallery. February, 1855. On motion it was agreed to that the church and congregation rise to sing the closing hymn of our public exercises. January i, 1857. Resolved that we have religious services on Monday, January 5th, and that it be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, as recommended by the Association. May 19, 1858. Agreeable to notice, the church met to consider the propriety of appointing delegates to meet the delegation to be held in the North Baptist Church to confer with them regarding the formation of a new association of churches. March 17, 1859. On motion resolved, that we adopt the system of renting pews, and that every member be required to take a pew, part of a pew, or a sitting. BAPTIST CHURCH 85 January 2, i860. Resolved that we engage to collect the pastor's salary for i860 at a commission of 5 per cent or less. (This was very soon discontinued.) May 18, 1868. Trustees voted to exhibit notice prohibiting persons going out during services. June, 1897. The concrete pavement at the front, as shown in the picture of the present house of worship, was constructed, the brick sidewalk laid, and the front fence changed to its present form, at this time. D In the table given below, the yearly increase by baptism, only, is given, simply because increase by letter, and other- wise, as well as losses in the various ways, could not, except in a rather small portion of cases, be made out. But the increase, yearlj^ as given, can be relied upon as being very approximately correct. This is given yearly in the sta- tistical reports in the Associational minutes. These have, besides, been compared with other records with such care that deviation from strict accuracy, if there be such, is so slight as scarcely, if at all, to affect the aggregate. For the yearly membership as given not so much can be claimed in the way of accuracy. These figures are taken with but few exceptions from the statistical reports above mentioned. In one case at least there is manifestly a considerable error, viz., 1845. The additions, other than by baptism, carefully recorded in the church book which amount to thirteen, are not sufficient to raise the number from that reported the year previous ; but not regarding it wise to seek to correct these totals, unless there was some assurance of reaching the correct result, it has been thought best to give it as 86 CHESTNUT HILL recorded, being, most likely, a typographical error. Such there are, without doubt, in other cases. And yet, these data may be depended upon for being very largely correct. In other cases a startling falling off will be observed. This is easily explained. In 1854, fifty-three received letters of dismission to form the Cold Point Church. In other cases there has been a large reduction by reason of erasures and exclusions — one year alone forty-nine. Total number of baptisms in sixty-three years, seven hundred and one. Year. 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 18^1 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 i860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 Baptisms. Membership. Year. Baptisms. Membership 18 19 1866 26 196 13 35 1867 26 220 6 46 1868 5 206 20 65 1869 3 178 19 82 1870 9 195 14 94 1871 5 184 II 102 1872 I 179 13 108 1873 9 188 43 150 1874 16 204 53 199 1875 9 210 II 205 1876 10 170 21 281 1877 3 160 19 241 1878 3 157 9 234 1879 146 21 249 1880 139 13 234 1881 I 119 I 220 1882 10 128 T9 220 1883 I 127 19 223 1S84 127 8 211 1885 5 129 56 205 1886 5 131 4 205 1887 I 127 36 223 1888 I 123 13 234 1889 121 10 240 1890 3 126 I 209 189I 3 132 2 185 1892 9 124 6 182 1893 I 106 24 202 1894 I 104 2 190 189s 10 i'7 7 191 1896 I 117 2 184 1897 10 134 pCTD/^^P A representative — American Busi- SCHOOL r''"""'': both bexes. Three courses are offered : Business, Shorthand and Typewriting, English. Full infor- mation of the school is given in the Thirty-third Year Book, which is sent to any address. Peirce School, 917-919 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY JOHN HOWARD HARRIS, President The College. Four courses of study, with electives, leading to degrees. Library and Reading Room open daily. Astronomical Observatory, Chemical Laboratory, Gymna- sium, vigorous Christian Associations, High Moral Tone, Healthy Community. The Academy, with its own corps of instructors and its own buildings, fits young men thoroughly for any course in college or technical schools. The Institute for Ladies. Separate campus with com- modious buildings ; full corps of experienced teachers ; three courses of study. Graduating courses in Music and Mod- ern Languages; special advantages in Art. For Catalogue of all the schools and. other information, address WM. C. GRETZINGER, Registrar LEWISBURQ, PA. The West Chester State Normal School The State Normal School at West Chester, Pa., only an hour from Philadelphia by the Pennsylvania R. R., oflfers superior educational advantages. It prepares for teaching, fits for college, for the law or medical schools, or for busi- ness, at very moderate cost. AMONG the many advantages offered the students here are : — An ideal school town, healthy, moral, intelli- gent, convenient of access — A corps of more than 30 teachers, deserving their wide reputation for scholarship and efficiency — The highest reputation for thoroughness — The finest Normal School buildings and equipments in this country, costing nearly |500,coo — The best and best equipped gymnasium in the State — 46 acres of splendid grounds — A library of 7,000 volumes, with 100 magazines and papers regularly taken, all free — Superior musical department, both instrumental and vocal, equipped with first-class new pianos — Fine lecture course each year — Physical, botanical, physio- logical and chemical laboratories all equipped for individual work — Large museum of natural history specimens and curiosities — Every room heated by steam and lighted by electricity — First-class elevator — The best of water in every part of the building, bath-rooms with hot and cold w^ater, excellent toilet arrangement and drainage — Students' rooms have all been newly papered and many other improvements made New and complete infirmary with resident nurse — New enclosed athletic grounds, with grand stand, etc. The total cost of board, tuition, washing, light, heated and furnished rooms, only $200 per year of 40 weeks. No extras except private lessons in music and materials used by chemical students in laboratory. For catalogue and full information address G. M. PHILIPS, Ph. D„ Principal WEST CHESTER, PA. THE Chestnut Hill Academy A Day and Boarding School for Boys BOARD OF TRUSTEES JOHN C. SIMS, President CHARIvES W. HENRY, Vice-President DR. GEORGE WOODWARD, Secretary and Treasurer DR. RADCLIFFE CHESTON S. F. HOUSTON E. WALTER CLARK J. LEVERING JONES WALTON CLARK FRANCIS D. LEWIS JACOB S. DISSTON RANDAL MORGAN EDGAR DUDLEY FARIES HARLAN PAGE SAMUEL Y. HEEBNER EDGAR L. SHEPPARD HEAD-MASTER JAMES L. PATTERSON, D. Sc. At the opening of the school year 1898-99, the Academy will occupy the fine building known as the Wissahickon Inn. The courses of study cover six years and prepare boys for college, scientific school, or business. A preparatory department, which pre- pares boys from eight to eleven years of age for the First Form, is maintained. For Catalogues address the Head-master. Xhe X^iTtipJ^ College Broad and Berks Sts., Philadelphia RUSSELL H. CONWELL, President Day and Evening Sessions for Both Sexes Day Classes open Sept. 19, J 898 Evening Classes open Oct. 3, J 898 The College offers the following courses. Students in the Evening Department completing the same amount of work as that required of the Day students, receive the same credits and degrees. Course in Ar^s, {B. A.) Course in Science, [B. S.) Course iti Philosophy, ( Ph. 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Cloth, cnarioite s Kevenge ^^-^^^ ^^^ p^ p^.^^^ ^^^^^ ^j^^. ^^ ^^^-j ^^^^ Crown Series, No 3 AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY. 1420 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. DIRECTORY OF BAPTIST AGENCIES. American Baptist Missionary Union. — Rev. Frank S. Dobbins, District Secretary, Room 8.7, 1420 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia. Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society'. — Mrs. F. W. Tustin, Pre.«?ident ; Mrs. Chas. H. Banes, Treasurer; Mrs. H. N.Jones, General Secretary, Room SoS, 14 ?o Chestnut St., Philadelphia. American Baptist Home Mission Society. — Rev. E B. Palmer. D.D., Dis- trict Secretan,-, Room 806, 1420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Women's Baptist Home Mission Um<>n. — Mrs. J. G. Walker, President ; Miss M. A. I. Hart, Treasurer, Room 80^, 1420 Chestnut vStreet, Philadelphia. American Baptist Publication Society. — A. J. Rowland, D. D., Secie- tarj' ; Rev. O. F. Flippo, District Secretary, Rev, R. 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Baptist Trai.ning School for CHRisriAN Work.— This school is open for young women over twenty years of age, who feel that thej- are called of God to engage in Christian work, in our own country or on a foreign field. Mrs. J N. Cushiug, Preceptress, 762 South Tenth Street ; Mrs. Emma T. Denithrone, Treasurer, 2045 Park Avenue, Philadelphia Nugent Homi^: for Aged Ministers — l,ocated at West John.son Street, Germantown. Philadelphia Baptist Home — I^ocated at Seventeenth and Norris streets, Philadelphia. Mrs Levi Knowles, President of Lady Managers, 126 North Eighteenth Street; Mrs Chas. H Banes, Treasurer, 2021 Spring Garden Street ; LeviL- Rue, Treasurer of the Trustees Baptist Orphanage.— Located at Angora, Philadelphia. Mrs. Benjamin Griffith, President Lady Managers, 1420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia ; Mrs. H. N Story, Trea.surer, 1521 Poplar Street; Mr. B F. Dennissou, Treasurer of the Trustees, 1107 Market Street, Philadelphia German Baptist Home for the Aged in Philadelphia. — Located nu Second Street above Church Street, Philadelphia. David Kaiser, President, 1646 Passyunk Avenue ; Mrs. George Knobloch, President of Lady Managers, 807 Morris Stieet ; S. Sessler, Treasurer. 2615 North Front Street, Philadelphia.