BX8949 .D746 1909
Dripps, Joseph Frederic,
1844-1914.
History of the First
Presbyterian church in
Germantown /
LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
PRINCETON, N.J.
Purchased by the
Mrs. Robert Lenox Kennedy Church History
Fund.
Dec. 5, 1929.
LIBRARY OF PRINCETON
AUG 3 2006
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
HISTORY
/$^;'
^
■ ^ 1D29
OP THE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN
GERMANTOWN
By rev. J. FREDERICK D5fl
PASTOR, 1870-1830.
t}mmm prince
Aiu 3 2Cn5
THEOLOGICAL SEMIN
THE CENTENNIAL SERVICES
THE PRESENT CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
GERMANTOWN, OCTOBER. 1909
PRESS OP
ALLEN, LANE * SCOTT,
PHILADELPHIA.
INDEX
: wa, William. 99, 101
ndix . 218
Assistant Miiiisters. .
- ■ 2,34,37, 55, i2J
' 32
radford, Rev. Thomas ' 45
v.'^Unnial Celebration. . zl, lid, l3S
v".-..rennial Committees. . 8, 9
Centennial Xd.-JIHM PRB.^ENT CHURCH_ BUILDIN(i(:^2l7
Charters
■JhrK.t.ian Endeavor Society.
Church Buildin:
Church Officers . .
Dripps, Rev. Dr. J. Frederics
Hunn, Rev. Thomas.
:-']r-'i List of
£■ Gi.uan, Rev. Charles R
Germantown. .
German Refomitv; - ..unn.
Henry, Rev. Dr. Alexander. .
Henry, T. Charlton
History of the Churc:.
Jennings, Rev. Dr. William Beatty. . .
Junkin, Rev. Dr. George
Knox, Rev. Dr. James H. ,»iit.u^
Market Square Chtirch
Membership, List oi.
247,259
! 5.237
128
7
59,
!.0! !40
...:>, f^ .
16, 124,
139,310
, . . J'}. 1:^
55,
138. 100
.^ I , i -•; i
24, 125
40
55
59
•70
.V/AQAWVe^ WYr
i
.1
ii
*
INDEX
PAGB
Adamson, William 99, 101
Appendix 218
Assistant Ministers 5
Blair, Rev. Dr. Samuel 12, 34, 37, 55. 123
Bourne, Rev. George 32
Bradford, Rev. Thomas B 45
Centennial Celebration 27, 133, 135
Centennial Committees 8,9
Centennial Addresses 140-217
Charters 247, 259
Christian Endeavor Society 1 15, 23 7
Church Building 28, 62, 128
Church Officers 7
Dripps» Rev. Dr. J. Frederick 3, 59, 101, 140
Dunn, Rev. Thomas 25, 31
Elders, List of 5,6,7
Erdman, Rev. Charles R 116, 124, 139, 210
Germantown 18, 57
German Reformed Church 30, 59
Henry, Rev. Dr. Alexander 55, 138, 199
Henry, T. Charlton 53
History of the Church 11, 134
Jennings, Rev. Dr. William Beatty 124, 125
Junkin, Rev. Dr. George 40
Knox, Rev. Dr. James H. Mason 49, 55
Market Square Church 59
Membership, List of 270
11 INDEX.
PAGE
Memorial Window 52
Men's Association 75, 126, 232
Miller, Joseph 23
Missionary Church-members 10
Neill, Rev. Dr. William 16, 38, 42, 55
Nourse, Rev. James 40
Pastoral Aid Society 76, 218
Pastors, List of 5
Preface ; 3
Pulaskiville Mission 88, 93, 1 1 1
Richards, Rev. Dr. William R 136, 149
Roberdeau, Isaac ■. 36
Rooker, Rev. James 39
Sessional Union 99
Somerville Mission 90, 94, 127, 244
Stewart, Rev. Dr. George B 137, 178
Subscription Plan 69
Sunday School 39, 74, 178, 240
Trustees, List of 7
Tustin, Rev. Dr. Septimus 45
Van Dyke, Rev. Dr. Henry Jackson 47
Van Dyke, Rev. Dr. Henry 48, 138, 186
Wakefield Church 99
Westside Church, see "Pulaskiville Mission" 00
Women's Work, see "Pastoral Aid Society" 00
Wood, Rev. Dr. Charles 107, 124, 136, 166
Y. M. C. A. of Germantown 101
PREFACE.
When the Committee on the Centennial of the First
Presb3rterian Church in Germantown determined to pub-
lish a volimie commemorative of the occasion, it turned
at once to the Reverend J. Frederick Dripps, D. D., as the
one man best qualified to write the history and edit the
book.
Dr. Dripps was minister of the Church, the eleventh in
the line of ministers, for the decade 1870-1880. During
his ministry the main body of the present church build-
ing, which stands as a monimient to his zeal and the
generosity of the people of his day, was erected.
Dr. Dripps also wrote the first history of the Church
ever published. For this he had imusual opportunities.
He was in touch with survivors of 1809, the year of the
Church's beginning, and had access to manuscripts of
that time, which are no longer in existence. He was
personally acquainted with many of those active in the
Church during the following years. And more recently,
since his own ministry closed, his relation with the Chtu-ch
has never been other than intimate and deHghtfiil. He
has had part in the installation of every minister since
his own term of service closed, and to each in turn has
proved himself a faithful friend.
(3)
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
For all these reasons the Centennial Committee has
asked Dr. Dripps to prepare the history which follows,
and to edit this volume.
An especially pleasant feature of Dr. Dripps' connection
with the Centennial Celebration is, that the date coin-
cides with the fortieth anniversary of his own coming to
Germantown and to this Church, in 1869.
W. Beatty Jennings,
Chairman of the Centennial Committee.
IN GERMANTOWN.
PASTORS OF THE CHURCH
The Reverend Thomas Dunn Pastor, 1812-1815
George Bourne Pastor, 1816-1818
James Rooker Pastor, 1819-1828
James Nourse Stated Supply, 1829-1830
George Junkin, D.D Stated Supply, l^ZQ-l?>Z\
William Neill, D.D Pastor, 1831-1842
Thomas B. Bradford Pa^/or, 1842-1850
Septimus Tustin, D.D Pastor, 1850-1852
Henry Jackson Van Dyke, D.D. .Pa5/or, 1852-1853
Jas. H. Mason Knox, D.D Pastor, 1853-1869
J. Frederick Dripps, D.D Pastor, 1870-1880
William J. Chichester, D.D Pas/or, 1880-1885
Charles Wood, D.D Pastor, 1885-1897
Charles R. Erdman Pastor, 1897-1906
W. Beatty Jennings, D.D Pastor, 1906-
ASSISTANT MINISTERS
The Reverend John Calhoun 1892-1896
David DeF. Burrell 1901-1902
Walter C. Erdman 1902-1904
John A. McSporran 1904-1906
Joseph B. C. Mackie 1907-1909
Benjamin F. Farber 1909-
ELDERS
CHOSEN AT ORGANIZATION OF CHURCH
Samuel Blair Installed October 26, 1812
Joseph Miller " " " "
Henry Bruner " "
William Turnbull *' "
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ELDERS CHOSEN SINCE ORGANIZATION
Term of Service
Peter Bechtel 1828-1842
William D. Howard 1835-1838
Jacob Rittenhouse 183S-1853
Jacob Whartenby 1835-1854
Matthias R. Miller 1835-1853
Martin Weaver 1836-1868
Joseph B. Mitchell 1853-1868
Joseph W. Parkes 1853-1882*
Archibald McIntyre 1858-1868*
Enoch Taylor 1858-1888
T. Charlton Henry 1858-1890
William Adamson 1871-1874*
Thomas MacKellar 1871-1900
Edward L. Wilson 1874-1887*
Charles M. Lukens 1876-1900
Samuel G. Dennisson 1887-
Thomas Firth Jones 1887-1892*
Edwin F. Partridge 1889-1897
Franklin L. Sheppard 1889-
WlLLIAM SiDEBOTTOM 1889-
Henry Martyn Lewis 1894-1906
William Morris Longstreth 1894-
Harry Leonard Graham 1894-1897*
James A. Elliott 1901-1903
John J. Henry 1901-
Charles H. Scott 1901-
Ashbel Welch 1901-
James S. McCracken 1908-
Henry T. Shillingford 1908-
WiLLiAM R. Young 1908-
Arthur N. Starin 1908-
Jacob C. Bockius 1908-
Melvin H. Harrington 1908-
* Service terminated by dismissal to other churches.
IN GERMANTOWN.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH
MINISTER
Rev. W. Beatty Jennings, D.D.
ASSISTANT MINISTER
Rev. Benjamin F. Farber.
ELDERS
Samuel G. Dennisson, Ashbel Welch,
Franklin L. Sheppard, James S. McCracken,
William Sidebottom, Henry T. Shillingford,
William Morris Longstreth, William R. Young,
John J. Henry, Arthur N. Starin,
Charles H. Scott, Jacob C. Bockius,
Melvin H. Harrington.
Clerk of Session: Samuel G. Dennisson.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Samuel G. Dennisson, William R. Young,
Bayard Henry, John F. Simons,
Charlton H. Royal, Edwin H. Chapman,
Benjamin F. Mechling, William L. McLean,
Frank Leake, William J. McLaughlin,
Alexander Martin, Edward Hutchinson.
PRESIDENT SECRETARY
Frank Leake. Bayard Henry.
TREASURER ASSISTANT TREASURER
Samuel G. Dennisson, William R. Young.
CHAIRMAN. OF PEW COMMITTEE
Edwin H. Chapman.
CHAIRMAN OF CHURCH PROPERTY COMMITTEE
Benjamin F. Mechling.
CHAIRMAN OF FINANCE COMMITTEE
William M. Longstreth.
PARISH VISITOR ORGANIST AND CHOIR MASTER
Mrs. Caroline D. Scott. Stanley Addicks.
SEXTON
William R. Homiller.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Rev. W. Beatty Jennings, D.D., Chairman.
Gilbert S. Galbraith.
William J. Latta.
Frank Leake.
Horace F. McCann.
Ashbel Welch.
Harry O. Chapman.
John J. Henry.
Franklin L. Sheppard.
Jacob C. Bockius.
William R. Young.
William L. McLean.
Samuel G. Dennisson.
John F. Simons.
Alexander Martin.
Bayard Henry.
Rev. J. Frederick Dripps, D.D.
Horace F
Ashbel Welch.
Franklin L. Sheppard
HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
McCann. John F. Simons.
Frank Leake.
Rev. J. Frederick Dripps, D.D.
John J. Henry,
Alexander Martin.
FINANCE COMMITTEE
William J. Latta.
Harry O. Chapman.
William L. McLean.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Bayard Henry. Samuel G. Dennisson.
William R. Young. Jacob C. Bockius.
Gilbert S. Galbraith. William J. McLaughlin.
Rev. W. B. Jennings, D.D.
RECEPTION COMMITTEE
Bayard Henry, Chairman.
Samuel G. Dennisson.
William M. Longstreth.
Ashbel Welch,
Frank Leake.
Alexander Martin.
William L McLean.
William J. McLaughlin.
William J. Latta.
Gilbert S. Galbraith.
Jacob C. Bockius.
John J. Henry.
Norman M. MacLeod.
Alfred M. North.
Franklin L. Sheppard.
William Sidebottom.
George E. Tilge.
Wilson Woods.
IN GERMANTOWN.
WOMEN'S SOCIAL RECEPTION COMMITTEE
Mrs. W. B. Jennings. Miss
Mrs. Enoch Taylor. Miss
Mrs. B. F. Mechling. Mrs.
Mrs. W. M. Longstreth. Mrs.
Mrs. G. S. Galbraith. Miss
Mrs. Frank Leake. Mrs.
Mrs. William Sketchley. Mrs.
Mrs. William C. Hesse. Mrs.
Mrs. E. C. Cutler. Mrs.
Mrs. George E. Tilge. Mrs.
Miss M. R. Heyl. Mrs.
Mrs. William M. Davison, Jr. Mrs.
Mrs. Samuel Thompson, Jr. Mrs.
Miss Bessie Garrett. Mrs.
Miss Helen Wilkinson. Mrs.
Miss Valeria Penrose. Mrs.
Mrs. Chas. A. Spiegel. Mrs.
Mrs. Thos. Leiper Hodge. Mrs.
Margaret Williams.
Katherine Macintosh.
George Lewis Smith.
George Beck.
Sue Carson.
Alexander Martin.
John F. Simons.
Edwin H. Chapman.
William L. McLean.
William J. McLaughlin.
Edw. Hutchinson.
William Sidebottom.
J. J. Henry.
Ashbel Welch.
Jas. S. McCracken.
H. T. Shillingford.
Arthur N. Starin.
J. C. BOCKIUS.
10 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GERMANTOWN.
MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH
Serving in Connection with the Different Boards
MISSIONARY ALLIANCE
Mr. John DeR. Allison, Boma, Congo Free State, W. C. Africa
Mrs. John DeR. Allison, Boma, Congo Free State, W. C. Africa.
AMERICAN BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
Miss Lucile Foreman Aintab, Turkey.
PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS
Mrs. Henry Foreman Jhansi, India.
Miss Christine Cameron Taiku, Korea.
Mrs. Lillie E. Orbison Lahore, India.
Miss Matilda London Tokio, Japan.
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE, Y. M. C. A.
Mr. George Gleason Osaka, Japan.
Mrs. George Gleason Osaka, Japan.
Miss Mabel S. Jones Shanghai, China.
DUTCH REFORMED BOARD.
Dr. Charles S. G. Mylrae Bahrein, Arabia.
Mrs. Charles S. G. Mylrae Bahrein, Arabia.
HISTORY
OF THE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN GERMANTOWN
1809-1909
Some thirty-seven years ago, in 1872, when the present
writer prepared for pubHcation the first printed history
of this Church, he naturally called especial attention to
the title by which it was known in the earlier of its two
charters, namely, *'The English Presbyterian Church in
Germantown." The Church was EngHsh but the town
was German. The second of these two elements was at
once felt to be the more striking and unusual, for English
towns are a matter of course in reading of Colonial days,
but it is something new to find there a "German Town,"
and still more interesting when this proves to be the first
and most prominent of all such ** German Towns" in
America. On this account, that history of 1872 gave a
somewhat full recognition to the German element, while
(11)
12 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the English element was rather taken for granted. The
same course was taken in the enlarged edition prepared
by the same writer for publication in 1880.
In the present sketch he finds it desirable, however, to
give distinct recognition to each of the two elements,
EngHsh as well as German, lest with the increasing
remoteness of those earlier days, their true balance and
proportion may be lost.
In this Colony, the EngHsh had settled among the
Indians, and the Germans among the English, and finally
the EngHsh came from every side into the German
town.
It was these people of English stock who led in the
movement for an English Church, as may be seen by a
glance at the names of the thirty-six pew-holders who
applied for the charter, somewhat later on. There was
indeed a marked concurrence in that movement on the
part of young people from the German Church and of Ger-
man stock, but who spoke only the English language.
That will presently be recognized here, as it has been
in the previous histories already mentioned. But the
movement itself was primarily English ; or to be still more
definite, Presbyterianism in this locality, as elsewhere in
the Colony, was mainly under Scotch-Irish influence and
leadership.
THE REVEREND SAMUEL BLAIR, D.D., may be taken as
summing up in himself personally this group of facts.
IN GERMANTOWN. 13
Among the springs to which we can trace back our life
as a Presbyterian Church, none is earHer in time, or more
influential in character, than that which may be foimd in
this man and his home.
He was himself of Scotch-Irish descent, being in fact
the son of that other Reverend Dr. Samuel Blair, who was
so widely known for active service in the Colonial Church.
In fact, the name of *' Rev. Dr. Blair" was a very familiar
one, in those days. His father, his uncle and his cousin,
each was a **Rev. Dr. Blair." His father was born in
1712, and studied imder Dr. Tennant at the ''Log Col-
lege" which has become Princeton University. When
settled as a pastor, he conducted a Seminary at which was
trained Dr. Samuel Davies, another of the greatest men
in our Church. President Finley of Princeton said of the
senior Dr. Blair, ** He was the spiritual father of great
numbers." He was very prominent in the great revivals
of that time, and was also an influential Trustee of Prince-
ton College.
His son and namesake, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Blair with
whom we are at present concerned, was born in 1741, at
the manse in Fagg's Manor, Chester County, Pennsyl-
vania. When he was but ten years old, his father died
at the early age of thirty-nine, as the result of overwork
and exposure to inclement weather, in his service to
Princeton. The son graduated at Princeton in 1760,
aged 1 9 ; and was a tutor in the College for the next three
years.
14 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In 1766, at the age of twenty-five, he became the col-
league of Dr. Sewall, in the historic Old South Church
at Boston. While there, he was elected to the Presidency
of Princeton College by what is said to have been a unani-
mous vote.
There was no higher position in the Pastorate, than that
which he already held, and no other position in the service
of his Church, more honorable than this which was now
offered him. In the judgment of his greatest contempo-
raries, this yoimg man stood high. But he was as modest
as he was capable, and he believed that an older man,
and one more widely known on the other side of the
ocean, would be in better position to serve the College.
Such a man was Dr. John Witherspoon, in whose favor
Dr. Blair resigned the Presidency, and who vindicated
Dr. Blair's judgment by his eminent services, not only to
Princeton, but to the whole country, as a signer of the
Declaration of Independence, a Congressman from New
Jersey throughout the Revolutionary War, and in various
other capacities.
Dr. Blair continued, therefore, in his Pastorate of the
Old South Church tmtil, not long afterward, he was com-
pelled by permanent and increasing ill health to resign.
He had been shipwrecked at night on the way to Boston,
losing his books and manuscripts, and narrowly escaping
with his life. From his exposure on this occasion he
never really recovered. He struggled on for three years,
but was then obliged to give up active work. We read
IN GERMANTOWN. J5
of his having "a severe illness, which it was thought he
could not possibly It is no wonder that he
continued to be ^v .f his life. We in
this Church hav^ . .. .^ .-'. .'-at it was a life
which lasted for more than fifty ye;. r, and that in
spite of his infirm health he was able to do so much good
work in ■ • ■^^.
Dr. BU.. ^ ^ jiing to Germantown, and n*^ -^^ ' >art of
Ms service to this Church, was the result gi rriage,
September 24th, 1767, to Susanna Shippen, daughter of
the eminent physician, Dr. William Shippen, Sr. Dr.
Shippen had takeji^^ ^hPPP'^^/^^'^&F^W' ^^^^*^^^^own
death m 1801. His equally eminent son. Dr. Wiiliam
Shippen, Jr., was also a i, as were
other members o-" ' ' V e -
fore, that the B. . .. . ... : ^— r-
man town, when Dr. Blair left Boston, He came here in
1769 mtil his death in 1818. From his
twenty ^.^-^i" ui.c.^ nis se». enth year, therefore,
he lived in Germantown. ;..-. ..w.j.se in which he lived
and died is still standing on the southeast comer of Ger-
mantown Avenue and Walnut Lane. Five childi'en were
bom to him here, one of whom became Mrs. K au
and another Mrs. Peirce, their husbands being s> .u .^nt
Church officers. His son, Samuel Blair, Jr., wao married
and had seven children bom to him here. He survived
imtil 1859, when he died at Bristol, Pennsylvania.
c^'o^^^ 1
IN GERMANTOWN. 15
of his having " a severe illness, which it was thought he
could not possibly survive." It is no wonder that he
continued to be an invalid for the rest of his life. We in
this Church have cause to be thankful, that it was a life
which lasted for more than fifty years longer, and that in
spite of his infirm health he was able to do so much good
work in this place.
Dr. Blair^s coming to Germantown, and no small part of
his service to this Church, was the result of his marriage,
September 24th, 1767, to Susanna Shippen, daughter of
the eminent physician, Dr. William Shippen, Sr. Dr.
Shippen had taken up his own residence in Germantown
upon his marriage in 1735, and here continued until his
death in 1801. His equally eminent son. Dr. William
Shippen, Jr., was also a resident of Germantown, as were
other members of the family. It was but natural, there-
fore, that the B lairs should turn their eyes toward Ger-
mantown, when Dr. Blair left Boston. He came here in
1769 and remained tmtil his death in 1818. From his
twenty-eighth until his seventy-seventh year, therefore,
he lived in Germantown. The house in which he lived
and died is still standing on the southeast corner of Ger-
mantown Avenue and Walnut Lane. Five children were
bom to him here, one of whom became Mrs. Roberdeau
and another Mrs. Peirce, their husbands being prominent
Church officers. His son, Samuel Blair, Jr., was married
and had seven children born to him here. He survived
until 1859, when he died at Bristol, Pennsylvania.
16 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In his service to this Church, Dr. Blair had the great
advantage of being surrounded by a large circle of rela-
tives and connections, and the still greater advantage of
having for his wife a noble woman who was thoroughly in
sympathy with him, and was able to render him most
valuable assistance. From that day to the present time,
the Church has repeatedly and signally been favored by
just such a combination of man and wife, working to-
gether for the common good. Mrs. Blair survived her
husband for several years, and continued her active help
until her own death in 1821.
Dr. Blair is described by one who knew him, as "de-
cidedly fine looking ; of polished manners, and of amiable
and generous disposition, a superior scholar and an elo-
quent orator."
Rev. Dr. William Neill, one of the most prominent of
the later pastors, has recorded the fact that Dr. Blair had
himself "labored in word and doctrine, gratuitously, and
with great acceptance" to this congregation. This was
before Mr. Dunn began his ministry, and it indicates that
regular meetings of this congregation for Divine Worship
had already existed for an indefinite time previous to
1809. Dr. Neill also speaks of Dr. Blair as so acceptable
to the Churches aroimd, that it was most unfortunate
that he could not have extended his services more widely.
Even as it was, however, he lived so near to Philadelphia,
where the General Assembly usually met, that he was
brought into touch with the great leaders of his Church
IN GERMANTOWN. 17
throughout the country, and he had special opporttinities
for quiet and unofficial service, as a man honored and
revered by his brethren for nearly two generations.
In Germantown, his position was even more distin-
guished. He was not only a gentleman of comfortable
estate Hving among a working people, but also an eminent
scholar, living among men who revered scholarship; and
above all he was a man of God, and an ordained minister
of Jesus Christ, living in a community which was thor-
oughly and devotedly religious. All this would give him
a place of his own, among his German neighbors; and it
will readily be seen how the English families which fol-
lowed him into Germantown would be drawn to him as
their natural leader.
It is no wonder that at the end of forty such years we
find in Dr. Blair's house a distinct body of regular wor-
shippers ; but it is not now possible to tell how much time
had passed since that regular worship had first begrin.
It was there one hundred years ago, at all events.
Here, then, is the chief spring and origin of our present
Church life; from the Spirit of God, present with this man
himself, and then with his household, and with their
neighbors informally meeting with them, and finally with
the regular congregation under his roof. It reminds us
of the days when Paul greeted not only Priscilla and
Aqmla, but "likewise the Church that is in their house."
Wherever those friends of the Apostle might have their
home, a Church was sure to be in it, sooner or later; and
18 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SO it was with this minister of Christ and his house in
Germantown. There was sure to be a Church in it, sooner
or later, and any Church may well keep in grateful remem-
brance so worthy a founder.
The English congregation was thus living and growing
side by side with the German Churches, and entirely
distinct from them. By the year 1809, however, its need
of more definite organization was emphasized by a special
movement toward it, on the part of those young English-
speaking Germans who have already been mentioned.
Their German town is in itself something which emi-
nently deserves our attention. In October, 1908, when
Philadelphia celebrated her 225th Anniversary, one spe-
cial feature was the gathering of Germans from all over
the land, to commemorate the establishment here of the
first German Colony in our country. The same year had
witnessed the settlement of William Penn's English
Colony, and that of the Germans under Daniel Pastorius.
GERMANTOWN, OR THE GERMAN TOWNSHIP, as it is
called in some of the older records, was from its very
foundation distinctly religious. It was '* freedom to wor-
ship God" which its German settlers were seeking when
they left their homes in the Palatinate. The first arrivals
reached here in 1683, a few months after the settlement
of Philadelphia, and for more than fifty years increasing
numbers joined them, impelled by the same willingness
to live as exiles in the American wilderness, rather than
IN GERMANTOWN. 19
give up religious freedom. The armies of Roman Catholic
France depopulated many a Protestant German village,
only to send its inhabitants westward to Pennsylvania.
So great was the number of these exiles, that the author-
ities of this province seem to have been more than once
not a little alarmed lest Pennsylvania should become
German, and not English; and the population of the
State has always consisted of this German stock in far
greater proportion than is generally known. So late as
1751, nearly one-half of all its inhabitants were of this
race. Most of the German settlements, however, were in
other parts of the province; there was but one German
town in the immediate neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Some of the first settlers of Germantown had, before
crossing the ocean, joined the " Society of Friends" which
had but recently been organized, and whose originator,
George Fox, was still living. Others of them took the
same step after reaching this country, so that the house
which Pastorius, the leader in this immigration, erected
as a place of worship in 1686, was at once used by this
Society for its meetings. Such meetings had already
been held in a private house since 1683.
This was the first reHgious organization in German-
town, and Pastorius himself became one of its leading
members. He was a highly educated man, and seems
to have kept its records in the English language from
the beginning, though German was spoken at the meet-
ings.
20 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The first public testimony which was ever given in this
country against Slavery, came from this Meeting in 1688;
though the German Friends did not find their appeal
seconded by the English Friends, who were not as yet any
more advanced in this matter than the other English
colonists.
In 1708 the Mennonites of Germantown formed a
Church of fifty-two members, and in 1723 the Tunkers or
Dunkards organized one in the district named after one
of the settlers, Bebberstown, since corrupted to Beggars-
town.
Of the German Reformed there were by this time quite
a large number in this coimtry; in 1731 they were esti-
mated at 15,000. But there was an utter absence of
regular pastors; the home church in Germany was so
persecuted and down-trodden that it could not supply
its own wants, much less those of the exiles in America.
The Reformed Church of Holland was appealed to, and
for many years all work among the Germans here was
fostered by the Dutch Classis of Amsterdam.
The first efforts in this direction came, however, in very
-unpretending shape, from among the colonists them-
selves. Men of earnest Christian hearts, moved by the
spiritual needs around them, exerted themselves to do
what they could, and ultimately found themselves called
by the people, and ordained by the chiurch authorities,
as ministers of the Gospel.
IN GERMANTOWN. 21
Such a man was the founder of the original German
Reformed Church in Germantown, the Rev. John Bechtel.
His writings and his Hfe show him to have been a warm-
hearted Christian of true apostoHc spirit. When he
reached this country in 1726, being at the time thirty-
eight years old, he began immediate efforts for the spir-
itual welfare of his fellow colonists. Acting simply as a
layman, he held religious meetings for his neighbors at his
own house, and this not on Sundays alone, but twice each
day through the week. In a letter written by him after-
ward, in 1744, he declares that " for the last sixteen years
[that is, since 1728, two years after his arrival], I have
served the Reformed Brethren as preacher, according to
a call from them, and a written confirmation of it from
Heidelberg in Germany." He was not formally ordained
until 1742, when Bishop Nitschman of the Moravian
Church took the chief part in the service. Long before
this, however, in 1733, five years after his call and licen-
sure to preach, his people erected the first German Re-
formed Church building in the State, and Divine worship
was regularly conducted in it thenceforward. The pas-
tors who succeeded him were no less consecrated and
fervent, and they were men highly educated, regularly
trained for the ministry, and coming to this country in
the veritable missionary spirit. One of them, especially,
Rev. Michael Schlatter, was widely honored throughout
the province for his character and work. He was to his
own church what his friend Muhlenberg was to the Luth-
eran body.
22 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
From 1805 to 1811 the German Reformed Congregation
had no settled pastor. So severely was this destitution
felt, -that in 1807 the congregation at Frankford, which
was a branch of this one in Germantown and under its
care, transferred itself to the Presbytery of Philadelphia,
and has since that time always had EngHsh-speaking
Presbyterian pastors. This action was taken unani-
mously; and the people assigned as their reasons, that
they could in no other way maintain religious services at
all, and that they considered the shades of difference
between the German Reformed Church and the Presby-
terian Church to be very slight. The lines of distinction
between denominations were less firmly drawn than now.
The desire for service in the English language had much
influence with the congregation, as indeed it had with all
the other German churches of the city at that time.
Each of them came to a point at which the younger mem-
bers, who spoke only English, either changed the worship
of their own church into that language, or, as was usually
the case, found themselves obliged to seek another church.
The need was as pressing in Germantown as elsewhere.
Indeed, Rev. Mr. Runkel, who resigned in 1805, had been
in the habit of preaching in both languages alternately.
His preaching at Frankford was in English three times
out of four, and even after his departure, the German-
town Church is known to have had many English services.
But the older members finally refused to continue this
compromise, and voted to call a pastor from Germany,
IN GERMANTOWN. 23
who should use only his native language in all his preach-
ing. The attachment of the older members for their
native language is easily understood ; yet the change was
inevitable sooner or later, and for men who had perma-
nently identified themselves with an English-speaking
nation, it was felt to be as desirable as it was neces-
sary. The younger members concluded that there was
no alternative but to attend a church whose worship they
could understand.
Mr. Joseph Miller, one of the leading members of the
German Reformed congregation, was especially influen-
tial in this movement. The following information con-
cerning him is given in a letter sent to the present writer
in 1872, by his grandson, Franklin B. Gowen, Esq.: —
"Mr. Joseph Miller, my maternal grandfather, was
bom at Mount Airy (in the upper part of Germantown) on
January 16th, 1757, and died at Mount Airy, March 27th,
1825. He married Susanna Raser, who was bom January
12th, 1767, and who long stirvived him, dying in Phila-
delphia, September 23d, 1853. In 1792 he built the
stone house at Mount Airy, in which he subsequently
lived and died, in which my mother and myself were born,
in which I recently lived, and which is now occupied by
my brother, Mr. James E. Gowen."
His father, Sebastian Miller, or, as he invariably wrote
his name, "Sebastian Miiller," was undoubtedly German;
his marriage is on record as taking place in Germantown,
April 10th, 1754.
24 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The family was one of the oldest in connection with the
German Reformed Congregation, and Mr. Joseph Miller
was a prominent man in the commimity. It was with
great reluctance that he left the old church, and his whole
life and character confirmed the declaration that he really
felt himself compelled to do this, by the religious necessi-
ties of his own children, and of the youth around him.
The times were not propitious in all respects for such an
undertaking as that of which we are now speaking ; for the
events which culminated in the War of 1812, were already
producing great disttubance in commercial and social
relations. Indeed, one of the earliest services held in the
new edifice after it was at last completed, was for the bene
fit of a military company enlisted for the war.
Yet in other respects it was a season decidedly favor
able to religious activity. There was everywhere a re-
action from the spiritual depression which had been felt
during the generation immediately following the Revolu-
tionary War. The Foreign Missionary work in this
coimtry, the Sunday School Union, the Theological Semi-
nary at Princeton, were all lifted into existence at the
same time with this little church, and by the same rising
tide of spiritual influence. Our Presbyterian Home
Mission work had just been fully organized, and there had
been great revivals in the land, such as had not been
vouchsafed for more than a generation. Such events are
surely connected one with another, not always by any
conscious purpose of men, but by the purpose and inten-
IN GERMANTOWN. 25
tion of that Holy Spirit, whose presence fills every part of
Christ's Body, the Church. There was by His grace a
spring-tide of religious life throughout the whole Church
in this coimtry; and there is a new interest in looking at
God's providential dealings with this humble German
village, when we see that they formed one part of a much
broader and more general operation of the Divine Spirit.
The originators of this Church were men capable of dis-
regarding outward appearances, and following the inward
call of the Spirit.
It might seem strange that this further movement
toward full organization, did not bring Dr. Blair into view
as the Pastor of the Church. But we have already noted
that he was extremely averse to any such official posi-
tion and by this time he was very near to seventy years
of age, so that his confirmed habits of scholarly retirement
made him feel that a younger and more active man should
be given this office, if any such man could possibly be
found.
The coming of the rev. thomas dunn just at this
time into the village, was held to be providential indeed
by the Germantown people. This might have been less
remarkable, if he had come in the character of a minister
seeking a church, or sought by one: but the circum-
stances were not of this kind. He was bom in Devon-
shire, England, in 1763, and was educated in the Baptist
Church at Bristol, under the charge of Dr. Evards and the
celebrated Robert Hall. He received pressing calls from
26 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
different churches in England, which are still in possession
of his family. By the advice of Lord Erksine he left
England in 1793, on account of the opposition which had
been excited by his publishing a pamphlet, which was too
democratic for the times. He preached for awhile in
Philadelphia and Newport, but on accoimt of ill health
exchanged this for a business life. It was not, therefore,
as a minister, but as a layman, doing occasional ministe-
rial work, that he removed to Germantown in 1809. He
had not given up his interest in preaching, however, and
finding the spiritual need of the community to be very
pressing, he at once entered with great heartiness into
the work of supplying it.
The German Reformed Congregation invited Mr. Dimn
to conduct services for them; there being, as already
stated, no pastor at this time. He accepted the invitation
immediately, and there was for a time some prospect of
his becoming himself their pastor. But that door was
presently closed.
In Dr. Blair's spacious house he met the English wor-
shippers, and continued so to do for the next three years
after his ordination. He had some time previously
changed his views concerning baptism, and had become
Presbyterian in conviction. In October, 1809, he applied
for reception under the care of the Presbytery of Phila-
delphia, as a licensed preacher. There was considerable
delay, however, from various causes, in perfecting these
arraneements. The fact that Mr. Dunn had come from
IN GERMANTOWN. 27
another country and from another denomination, made
it necessary according to the Constitution of our Church,
that at least one year should intervene before his final
reception into this Body. At the end of the year, how-
ever, on October 17th, 1810, he was formally received
under care of Presbytery. It was then agreed by Pres-
tery that since Mr. Dunn had ''for more than a year been
preaching to a congregation within our bounds to the satis-
faction of the people," he should be regularly appointed
to preach for the new church.
Sunday, October 17th, 1909, may therefore fitly be
taken as our Centennial Day. In marks a full century
since the date indicated by the Records of the Presbytery
of Philadelphia, as that which fotmd here a worshipping
congregation with a regular minister of its own ; this con-
gregation being for all practical purposes a "Church"
and its minister a "Pastor," since nothing but the name
was lacking, and that was delayed for technical reasons
only.
The Presbytery sent Dr. Archibald Alexander to con-
fer with the people, so that they might be in position
for extending to Mr. Dunn a regular and formal "call."
When this was finally accomplished Mr. Dunn received
ordination, June 19th, 1811; the Presbytery of Phila-
delphia meeting for that purpose in the Methodist church
of Germantown. Dr. Archibald Alexander presided,
Rev. Nathaniel Irwin preached, and Dr. Ashbel Green
delivered the charge.
28 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
For about three years, as already stated, the congre-
gation continued to meet in the house of Dr. Blair.
It was always their purpose, however, to erect a new
edifice as soon as possible, and by March, 1811, the first
subscription books were opened. In the heading of
these books it is specified that the building was to be
"for the use of a Christian society, formed on the prin-
ciples and rules of the Presbyterian Church, under the
superintendency of the General Assembly of said Church
in the United States."
The site for the building was then chosen, and an agree-
ment made with its owner, John Detweiler, to purchase
it for eight hundred pounds. At the same meeting a
building committee was appointed, consisting of Joseph
Miller, Henry Bruner, Joseph Jacobs, William Sinclair,
Robert Bringhurst, William Stewart, Jr., Jacob Miller
and George I. Howell; Joseph Miller being treasurer,
and Isaac Roberdeau, secretary. July 30th, 1811, the
building was staked off; August 2d, ground was broken;
August 21st, the deeds were finally signed by Mr. Det-
weiler and his wife, after the reluctance of the latter
had been overcome by giving her fifty dollars extra
for signing, and promising her one hundred cabbages
to replace the vegetables then growing in the garden.
The details of these transactions are recorded with great
minuteness by Mr. Roberdeau. September 10th, 1811,
the comer stone was laid, Rev. Dr. Blair presiding, and
Rev. Mr. Dunn making the address. In January, 1812,
jl\l^"^f^^ffl
^m
\\
^1
effort wa
hoidii
'ch wa^i m
I
^..-•i •
..-.>
now,
\
Februa-
^he
c
the b
ri
parsonag
OSes thus: "Resolved the com
Jole of the obligations wh?
^ir fellow citizens in the vicin;
..;■. ^vi..:. foi his oisk^tere^tcd an-"! afT:'.; i:... ^:' .. :.,',L_n-
sposition to reward his ser e
cords of the churc'
...es at -!.- and Dr.
caching at
The building was forty-ii ide by sixi
and the ceiling had a neigiit of thirty tec: ,a tiie
/e, and thirty-three feet at the apex. It cost
)0 (part of which was still unpaid boH'ever) and
ostantial and creditable stru«:r
\
IN GERMANTOWN. 29
an effort was made, which was repeated in 1815, to pro-
cure legislative sanction for the holding of a lottery to
raise $12,000; but this project, which was in those days
quite as ordinary as church fairs are now, was never
carried into effect. In February, 1812, the committee,
"imder a due sense of the benevolent labors of Mr.
Dunn" rented him a parsonage, paying for it by sub-
scription.
The record closes thus: "Resolved, That the com-
mittee, sensible of the obligations which they, in com-
mon with their fellow citizens in the vicinity, are tmder
to Mr. Dunn for his disinterested and affectionate atten-
tions, direct that this testimony of their gratitude and
disposition to reward his services, be entered on the
records of the church, at the same time regretting that,
from the present situation of the institution, it is out of
their power to offer him suitable compensation."
In April, 1812, Presbytery commended this church to the
city congregations for aid, on the suggestion of Dr. Blair.
On Sunday, July 19th, 1812, the church building was
dedicated to God, Mr. Dunn holding the dedicatory
services at 11 A. M., and Dr. Archibald Alexander
preaching at 4 P. M.
The building was forty-five feet wide by sixty-five feet
deep, and the ceiling had a height of thirty feet at the
cornice, and thirty- three feet at the apex. It cost
$17,000 (part of which was still unpaid however) and
was a substantial and creditable structure.
30 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
During the same month an agreement was made by
Dr. Blair and Mr. Joseph Miller for an organ of fourteen
stops, costing $1200, to be finished within one year
by Alexander Schlotman. Mr. Miller for many years
added to his other useful offices, that of organist. Aug-
ust 30th, the first communion service was held in the
new church, twenty-seven communicants partaking.
In October, 1812, Rev. Dr. Samuel Blair, Joseph Miller,
Henry Bruner and William Tumbull were elected as
Elders. Dr. Blair's Eldership would of course not
have been possible, if American rather than Scotch
rules had been followed. In March, 1813, a Board of
Deacons was ordained. On the second Thursday in
May, Rev. Mr. Dunn was finally installed as pastor,
Rev. Messrs. Potts, Latta and Doak taking part in
the service. Mr. Dimn's salary was $800. In June,
additional elders and deacons were ordained. In April,
1814, the first election under the charter was held.
This charter, which is reprinted in the appendix to the
present volume, provided for giving the care of temporal
affairs to a '* Vestry" consisting of twenty-six mem-
bers, serving for four years. The elders were permanent
members ex officio; the others were divided into four
classes, and one class was elected each year. Rev. Dr.
Blair was the first president of this Vestry, Joseph
Miller treasurer, and John Cameron secretary. In June,
1814, it is recorded that on account of Rev. Mr. Dunn's
ill health, the afternoon service was omitted, and the
IN GERMANTOWN. 31
evening service continued, which indicates that three
services had been held previously. This is one among
many indications of Mr. Dunn's energy and faith-
fulness.
In October, 1815, Mr. Dunn resigned his charge on
account of ill health, which prevented his maintaining
such active work.
He had been preaching continuously in Germantown
since the summer of 1809; in the German Reformed
edifice at first, then at Dr. Blair's house, and in the new
church building. When he began his work he was
some forty-seven years of age, and was known as an able
and attractive preacher. Contemporary records show
that he produced a decided impression for good upon
the community at large ; and on the part of the congre-
gation it is said that "God has sent unto us in a very
remarkable manner a preacher eminently qualified for
this glorious work, in whom all are united, and whose
ministry has hitherto been greatly blessed." He after-
ward resided chiefly at Newport, R. I., until his death
in 1833; and we are glad to know that the same qual-
ities which enabled him to be of inestimable benefit to
the church in this place, have in his descendants pro-
duced similar results elsewhere. His grandson. Rev.
Robinson Potter Dunn, D.D., was well known as pastor
of the First Presbyterian Church of Camden, New Jersey,
and professor in Brown University; he also received a
call to the pastorate of this church in subsequent years.
32 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
It is interesting to learn, that Rev. Robinson Potter
Dunn Bennett, now pastor of the Summit Presbyterian
Church in Germantown, is another lineal descendant of
Rev. Thomas Dunn.
REV. GEORGE BOURNE, member of the Presbytery of
Lexington, in Virginia, was invited in November, 1815,
to supply the pulpit for a year : two services to be held on
Sabbath, and one on Thursday evening; salary $600.
Mr. Bourne informed the Session that action had been
taken against him by the Presbytery of Lexington,
chiefly on account of his bold denunciation of slavery;
but it refused to give any weight to these charges, and in
January, 1816, he began regular service in Germantown.
In March, the Presbytery of Philadelphia notified the
church that this action was deemed irregular, whereupon
the people warmly sustained Mr. Bourne: indeed they
carried it so far that Dr. Blair resigned his seat in Pres-
bytery, and the church withdrew from connection with it.
On June 16th, Mr. Bourne was formally elected Pastor of
the church. In March, 1817, we find the church settling
some difficulties which had arisen among the people in
consequence of this ecclesiastical position, by calling upon
Rev. Messrs. Ely, St aught on, Wilson, Parker and Patter-
son to act as an advisory council.
In May, 1817, the General Assembly referred back Mr.
Bourne's case to the Presbytery of Lexington, on account
of the insiifficiency of proof against him, and the over-
severity of his sentence. In October, 1817, Dr. Blair
IN GERMANTOWN. 33
resumed his seat as a member of the Presbytery of Phila-
delphia ; Dr. William Neill and Mr. Dimn having conferred
with him on behalf of that body. In January, 1818,
steps were taken by the Church Vestry towards reuniting
with the Presbytery; and on March 29th, at a Church
meeting moderated by Rev. Dr. E. S. Ely, a letter was
addressed to the Presbytery, requesting that the church
be considered as again one of its constituents, and asking
it to sanction Mr. Bourne's officiating as minister '* for the
present." On April 21, the Presbytery did accordingly
receive the church again into membership.
In May, 1818, however, the General Assembly of the
year decided against Mr. Bourne. This occasioned a
division of sentiment among the congregation ; but as the
officers, led by Dr. Blair, took decided action in support of
the General Assembly's authority, Mr. Bourne withdrew
in June with the purpose of forming a new organization.
On July 14th, we find the Presbytery, on application of
the elders from this church, appointing supplies for the
pulpit. On July 27th, the Vestry appointed a committee
to choose arbitrators between Mr. Bourne and the church.
On September 13th, 1818, Mr. Bourne organized the
"Shiloh Independent Church" in Germantown, with
thirty members. It continued in existence only a few
months, however.
Mr. Bourne was of English birth, and was licensed at
London in 1804. The next ten years of his life were
spent in Virginia and Maryland. After leaving German-
34 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
town, he took charge of an Academy at Sing Sing, and
supplied the Presbyterian pulpit. He was afterward
Pastor of the Congregational Church at Quebec; then at
New York City, and at West Farms, in Reformed Dutch
churches. He died in 1845, aged sixty-five. He was a
man of considerable literary attainments as well as
personal piety; his boldness is sufficiently shown by his
attacks upon slavery in Virginia and upon "popery" in
Quebec. It is gratifying to know that he survived these
troublous experiences in Germantown for nearly thirty
years, and continued in the work of the ministry up to
old age with great power and usefulness. The church
roll showed twenty-nine members at his accession; he
added forty to the list, and has left on record thirty-six
baptisms.
The month of September, 1818, may be taken as closing
the first period of our Church history. It is marked, not
only by the departure of Mr. Bourne, but by the death of
Dr. Samuel Blair. For nearly fifty years, as already
noted, Dr. Blair had been the leading English Presby-
terian in Germantown. His house had sheltered the
congregation which developed into the English Church,
and it continued to be the home of that Church tmtil its
new building was finally erected. He was the President
of its Vestry until in August, 1816, he resigned because
of growing bodily infirmity ; and he was the leading Elder
in active service until his death. The letter of June 25,
1818, addressed to Mr. Bourne and signed by Dr. Blair
IN GERMANTOWN. 35
as '* Ruling Elder," is a model of courteous but thorough-
going firmness and energy. Dr. Blair was always help-
ful financially, both in timely loans and in generous
gifts. He was the chief support of Mr. Dunn throughout
his active pastorate; and he stood faithfully by Mr.
Bourne up to the point of actual disruption from the
General Assembly. Then he expended all his influence
and power, officially and personally, to hold the Church
loyal to Presbyterianism. He actually died in the effort,
but it was successful; so that he not only founded and
developed the Chtirch, but preserved it from destruc-
tion.
No Chtirch could well expect a more utter absence of
strife and friction than we have had ever since that con-
flict of 1818; but at the time it was a deadly peril. On
the small scale of village life. Dr. Blair was to that little
congregation, both a Moses and an Elijah — both a
Foimder and a Defender. All this was, as has just been
said, on a very small scale ; but no small man could have
met the need, and it was no small thing to establish and
then to rescue a Church of Christ. When we combine
together these and all his other services, and take into
accoimt the length of time over which they extended,
and when we consider that a man of such high character
and standing gave credit to the congregation by his very
presence in the midst, we may the better perceive in what
unusual degree the beginnings of our Church life are
identified with this one man, Samuel Blair.
36 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
As we have already seen, the Church received through
Dr. Blair not only his own services, but those of other
members in his own circle. One of those was Col. Isaac
Roberdeau, who had married Dr. Blair's daughter Susan,
and was resident in Germantown.
Isaac Roberdeau was the son of a French Huguenot of
high standing, and his mother was of a noble Scottish
family. He had been trained in Europe as a Civil Engi-
neer, and was associated with L' Enfant in laying out
the City of Washington. He served as an officer in the
army during the War of 1812, and afterward surveyed
the boundary line between this country and Canada, in
accordance with the treaty of Ghent. Later still he
organized the Bureau of Topographical Engiiieers at
Washington, and continued to be its Chief, until his
death in 1829.
He was a valuable co-worker with Dr. Blair, espe-
cially in the erection of the Church building. Most of
the records during that time are in his singularly char-
acteristic and legible hand-writing. One of his descend-
ants, Mr. Roberdeau Buchanan, was an accomplished
student and writer of Colonial genealogy, and his re-
searches have cleared up many obscure points in these
early records. He was consulted in the preparation of
the memorial tablet in honor of Dr. Blair, which was
placed on the wall of the Church in 1892. This tablet
reads as follows: —
IN GERMANTOWN. 37
IN MEMORY
OF
THE REV. SAMUEL BLAIR, A.M., S.T.D.,
Founder and First Ruling Elder of this Church,
Pastor of the Old South Church, Boston, 1766-1769.
Chaplain in the Revolutionary Army, 1775,
Chaplain of the House of Representatives
Of the United States, 1790-1792.
Elected President of Princeton College,
When but Twenty-Seven Years of Age,
An Honor Which He Declined
In Favor of Dr. John Witherspoon.
Devoted to this Church from its Foundation, in 1809,
Until His Death, in the 77th year of His Age,
September 24th, 1818.
And of
SUSAN SHIPPEN BLAIR, HIS WIFE,
Daughter of Dr. William Shippen the Elder,
Who, by Her Generosity and Untiring Exertions
Greatly Aided Her Husband
In the Establishment and Maintenance
Of This Church.
Died October 12th, 1821, Aged 78 Years.
38 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In his comments on this inscription, Mr. Buchanan
mentions that the degree of A. M. came to Dr. Blair
from both Princeton and Harvard, and that the **S.
T. D. " came from the University of Pennsylvania.
He also speaks of Dr. Blair's membership in the American
Philosophical Society, and of various other honorable
positions held by him. The Blair family is shown by
Mr. Buchanan to have been of eminent service in con-
nection with the Presbyterian Ministry, and also with
Princeton and other colleges, and with the public life
of our country. He mentions the name of Dr. Blair
himself, of his father and his Uncle John and his cousin —
each of them a ''Rev. Dr. Blair," as already noted;
and also that of his cousin, Rev. Dr. Samuel Stanhope
Smith, who married Dr. Witherspoon's daughter, and
himself became a President of Princeton College. He had
other cousins who were in the Ministry, and his four
sisters were married to well-known ministers, Duffield,
Rice, Foster and Carmichael. Mr. Buchanan goes on to
mention Montgomery Blair, Senator Frank P. Blair and
Vice-President Breckenridge and *'six or more College
Presidents," as of a later generation of the Blair family.
Not the least of Dr. Blair's services was his engaging
for the Church the special attention and interest of
another eminent man, one of his own type, the Rev.
Dr. William Neill. Dr. Neill did not take this pastoral
charge until several years had passed; but from his
place in Presbytery he watched over its affairs and
IN GERMANTOWN. 39
served it faithfully. From the time of Dr. Blair's death,
Dr. Neill was a special friend and helper of this Church
for more than forty years.
In October, 1818, Rev. Dr. Neill and Rev. Mr. Potts
were appointed a committee to visit and coimsel the
Germantown Church on behalf of Presbytery; and in
December Dr. Neill introduced to the Presbytery THE
REV. JAMES ROCKER, with the view of having him
recognized as Pastor of this Church. Mr. Rooker was
accordingly accepted as a Licentiate, on December 17th,
1818, with expressions of high regard for himself and
appreciation of his previous usefulness. He, like both
of his predecessors, was of English birth, and was at
this time sixty-two years of age ; but although a man of
great experience and worth, he seems to have had no
ordination imtil June, 1819, when he was ordained and
installed as pastor of this Church. Rev. Dr. Neill pre-
sided; Rev. Thomas H. Skinner preached the sermon,
and Rev. J. K. Burch gave the charges.
On April 25th, 1819, *'a Sunday School was opened
in the Church for instructing the children to read and
learn by heart portions of Scripture." There was soon
an attendance of three hundred children.
From a record in 1825, we find that the Church was
in the habit of regular contributions to the ''United
Foreign Missionary Society," by means of collections
taken at the ''monthly concerts," as the Missionary
prayer meetings were at that time called.
40 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
April 20th, 1826, Mr. Rooker resigned his pastoral
charge from infirm health and advanced age, though he
continued to administer the ordinances until his death
in December, 1828, at the age of seventy-three. The
church records show that he found thirty-one members
enrolled at his accession; he added fifty-six and per-
formed seventy-four baptisms. He is remembered,
however, less by such details of work than because of
the deep impression made by his beautiful Christian
character.
In April, 1827, there being still some $3000 debt
on the church building, the property was deeded over
to Rev. Drs. E. S. Ely and J. J. Janeway, of the Presby-
tery of Philadelphia, on condition of their assuming
this debt; and for about five years the title to the prop-
erty was in their hands. On Mr. Rooker's death,
REV. JAMES NOURSE supplied the pulpit during 1829 and
part of 1830, adding eight to the roll. After several
other ministers had taken charge for shorter periods,
REV. DR. GEORGE JUNKIN preached for several months,
adding twenty- two to the roll of members. He was
then principal of the "Manual Labor Academy " in Ger-
mantown, and is said in his biography to have found
here **a good church building, with the nucleus of a
congregation. "
The mention of these names is another reminder that
this Church was kept in an honorable position before
the community, even through its weaker days, by the
i^Kii^^b y ; £
m infirm r
admirii:
imance^
m ' • '
ch... ..' i>..vvi.,.
>.jsi.t\j -Oi.-.
enrolled at *
i fifty-six .
!ememi
howu
i because- ot
^- 1 - .
■ .. /M. ,-•-..•-.
REV. JAMES XOURSE
this d
REV. JAMES BOURSE SUppliCa tiie pUipit :b29 aud
o" for shorter pe
GEORGE TUNKHf Dreached for several immths.
he
Tlie lucntii.
this Church
the communv'
IN GERMANTOWN. 41
high standing of the men who ministered to it. Mr.
Nourse was noted for his literary abiHty and scholar-
ship. He edited the first Paragraph Bible published
in the United States, and was well known as an author.
Until his sudden death by cholera in 1854, he was
actively engaged in successful work as preacher and
writer.
Dr. George Junkin would have needed no introduction
in any part of the Presbyterian Church, two generations
ago. While in Germantown he was Moderator of the
Synod, and in 1844 became Moderator of the General
Assembly.
"The Manual Labor Academy" may seem like a strange
attraction for such a man. But this was really a most
interesting enterprise, on the same principle which
Dwight L. Moody long afterward developed at North-
field and Mount Hermon. Poor young men were to be
aided in self-support, and wealthier ones were to be
given exercise, wholesome in more than one sense, by
the "Manual Labor" which was obligatory upon all.
The ultimate object, in both cases alike, was to train men
for Christian work and especially for the Ministry.
The location at Germantown proved, however, to be
rather inconvenient in some ways, and Dr. Junkin
transferred his work to Easton, taking with him the
Professors as well as the students of the Academy.
There he found a college existing as yet only on paper,
to which he gave life and body by his advent. The
42 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Manual Labor Academy from Germantown turned thus
into Lafayette College.
It was in the same building where Dr. Blair had lived,
on Walnut Lane and Germantown Avenue, that this
Academy was located; and that house may therefore
be regarded as in some sense the birthplace of a College
as well as a Church.
Dr. Junkin himself, after his Presidency of Lafayette,
became President of Miami University, and of Wash-
ington College in Virginia, where he continued until
1860. With the outbreak of the war, he returned here
to Philadelphia, where he lived through an honored
and venerated old age. He died in 1868, in his seventy-
eighth year.
REV. DR. WILLIAM NEILL, who had SO long been fam-
iliarly acquainted with the Church, assumed personal
charge of it in September, 1831, remaining in this connec-
tion until September, 1842. With Dr. Neill in regular charge
the condition of affairs began to improve, and the congre-
gation prepared to resume control of their own property.
It seemed desirable, however, to make several changes
in the constitution of the Church; and to accomplish
this, the members of the ''Enghsh Presbyterian Church"
caused themselves to be organized by legislative Act
(June 12th, 1832) into a new corporation, with a new
title: ''The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown."
The Charter then granted will also be found in the appen-
dix to the present volume. There has been no serious
> J J X ± s:j !
^•nv ademy fro;
u the same ;( where Dr
it Lane ana • ' . Aven.
.....V...... was located ••r-e n-„_
,»v' ref-arded as in scr lace of
Di. JuiiKia iiir
THE REV. GEORGE JVNKIN, D.D.
REV. DR. WTtTTAM NFj
iliarly ac(]Uc:
0 of it in be ,
, ItSl,
.. .:] C,..-.-..-.--
^ T^n-M
improve, and the
title; ^ .
at vol«
IN GERMANTOWN. 43
incumbrance on the property since the Church has borne
the present title. Several small claims did remain unsat-
isfied for some years; but on August 21st, 1836, it is
recorded as "being free from all debt whatever."
During Dr. Neill's connection with the Church we
find Mr. William D. Howard (afterward the Rev. Dr.
Howard, of Pittsburgh) serving as elder, and as Presi-
dent of the Board of Trustees, 1835-38. In 1838 the
use of the church building on Sunday afternoons and
evenings was given to the German Reformed Church,
pending the completion of their new edifice. In August,
1841, a congregational library was established by Dr.
Neill. In September, 1842, he resigned his position and
passed his declining years in retirement at his home in
Philadelphia. He admitted forty-three members and
performed fifty-eight baptisms.
Dr. Neill was bom in 1778, during the Revolutionary
War, and died in 1860, just after the outbreak of the
great Civil War. After graduating at Princeton in 1803,
he was appointed tutor in the College and served there
until 1805, when he was ordained. Before coming to
Philadelphia, he had been Pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of Albany, New York, from 1809 to 1816. He
was Moderator of the General Assembly of 1815, at its
meeting in Albany, and from 1817 to 1825 he was Stated
Clerk of the General Assembly.
In 1816 he accepted the Pastorate of the Sixth Church
in Philadelphia, and remained there until 1829. Then
44 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
he became successively the President of Dickinson Col-
lege at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and the Secretary of the
Presbyterian Board of Education at Philadelphia.
In the autobiography which was published after his
death, he tells us that his coming to German town, in
1831, was chiefly on the personal invitation of his friend,
Mr. John S. Henry (father of T. Charlton Henry), who
had been actively interested in this Church for several
years previously, and who stood sponsor for the Church
in this matter. When Dr. Neill came to Germantown
he was fifty-three years old, and he remained in the
Pastorate until his sixty-fourth year. It is a significant
fact that regular Sessional Records began with this
Pastorate.
On his retirement, in 1842, Dr. Neill introduced to the
Church his personal friend. Rev. Thomas B. Bradford,
who thereupon, as will presently be noted, was accepted
as his successor. In fact. Dr. Neill's active interest in
this Church began in 1816, and lasted until his death in
1860, when Dr. Knox had already been Pastor for seven
years. He says himself, and correctly, " By my labors
they were kept together till the days of their pros-
perity."
In the great revival of 1857, and in all the events of
that historic period, Dr. Neill was active and influential
for good in Philadelphia. His last years were his best
years, and he was loved and venerated increasingly to
the very end.
.a .a .jjiEVi ¥xK\aj
■1
\V\ -RWT
' arlisie, Pe^ and th
m at T
deatli, he tells us ? to Germr
'8,5 :, ^^ as chiefl
Mr. John S. H^ Iieni
THE REV. WILLIAM NEILL, D. D.
Church
Dr. Ni
and h:
yea
the ver
-ch
IN GERMANTOWN. 45
REV. THOMAS B. BRADFORD had charge of the Church
from September, 1842, until April, 1850. He found
fifty-three enrolled members; added one hundred and
twenty-five, and performed sixty-five baptisms. There
is little of strongly-marked incident recorded of these
years, but they had a decided influence for good
on the character of the Church; its whole spirit grew
more hopeful and aggressive, and it became free from
its dependence on the Home Mission Board for the first
time. Rev. Mr. Bradford resigned his charge in 1850,
on accoimt of painful bodily ailments, and was never
able to resimie pastoral work, although rendering con-
siderable service to weak churches in his own vicinity,
until his death, in 1871, after a long illness.
REV. SEPTIMUS TUSTIN, D.D., took charge in October,
1850, being introduced to the Church by Dr. Neill,
to whom Dr. Tustin refers as "my life-long friend."
He was formally installed in July following, Rev. Dr.
Neill presiding and giving the charge to the Pastor, and
Rev. Dr. Robert Steel preaching the sermon. Rev. B.
F, Steel gave the charge to the people.
Dr. Tustin was bom in 1804, licensed to preach in
1822, and ordained in 1824, when he was but twenty
years old. Such things were possible in those earlier
days, when young men could take both College and Semi-
nary courses in the home of some scholarly minister.
He went at once to Washington, North CaroHna, and
then to Charlestown, Virginia, where in the course of
46 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
his Pastorate he officiated as Chaplain of the Univer-
sity of Virginia in 1836. He was afterward Pastor at
Warrenton, Virginia, and later still was associated,
from 1839 to 1845, with the venerable Dr. Laurie in
what was then the F Street Church of Washington,
District of Columbia. It was while there that he was
appointed, first, Chaplain to the House of Represen-
tatives, and then for six years Chaplain to the Senate.
After a pastorate at Hagerstown, Maryland, he came
to Germantown. Here he had already received fifty-six
into membership, and the tide of prosperity was steadily
rising, when he resigned and turned his face southward
again in June, 1852. He went to Havre de Grace,
Maryland, then to Aberdeen, Mississippi, and finally
returned once more to Washington.
Dr. Tustin performed a duty of noteworthy impor-
tance for Church history in 1862 and 1863. In the
midst of the Civil War he rendered a great service
for Church reunion. Being Chairman of the "Com-
mittee on Correspondence with other Churches," in
the Old School General Assembly of 1862, he made the
first official proposal that fraternal relations should be
resumed with the New School Church, by a personal
delegation to its General Assembly. In 1863 he was
himself appointed as such delegate, and after a separa-
tion of twenty-six years, his voice was the first to break
the silence between the two Churches. It is not easy to
appreciate today how difficult the situation was at
>lttei
gulf V
The ^..1
;o Dr. Tu^^ri.
.! manner in v
' ate part assigns
amiliar with the situation t)
it was indeed a "delicrite \
nled everything . Tho se-'.ire o- '-•■• - ^
aor enough for a Hfetime.
urch and its v
d helpful friendship with the <
i , Van Dyke was bom on the outskirts ot Germain
town, at the comer of Washington Lane
'V ork Road, in Abington, on March 2d, • ^ '
•'6. frr>Tn the Urii^-ersit^' of Persr^".
heology
iiuiiias Braineiu, and compietcd 1
:iA
IN GERMANTOWN. 47
that time. A Church alienation, like one in the family,
is bitter just because the relations touched are so sacred.
This separation had begun so bitterly and had lasted so
long, that no man would have adventured across the
gulf unless he were endowed with great gifts of faith
and hope and love. The Moderator of the New School
Assembly expressed to Dr. Tustin their appreciation of
"the truly admirable manner in which you have dis-
charged the delicate part assigned to you." Any reader
who is familiar with the situation then existing will
recognize that it was indeed a "delicate part," where not
only a word too little, but a word too much, might have
spoiled everything. The service of that one hour was
honor enough for a lifetime, to any man who loved his
Church and its welfare.
REV. HENRY JACKSON VAN DYKE was called within a
few weeks after Dr. Tustin left Germantown, in July,
1852, and he was duly installed in October following.
Rev. Dr. Neill took part with Rev. Dr. Jacob Belville
and Rev. Dr. Robert Steel, in this installation, and Dr.
Neill has left on record the indications of his warm
and helpful friendship with the new Pastor.
Dr. Van Dyke was born on the outskirts of German-
town, at the corner of Washington Lane and the Old
York Road, in Abington, on March 2d, 1822. He gradu-
ated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1843,
studied theology under Rev. Albert Barnes and Rev.
Dr. Thomas Brainerd, and completed his course at the
48 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Princeton Seminary in 1845. He went immediately
to Bridgeton, New Jersey, where he was Pastor from
1845 to 1852. He then settled in German town, and
everything seemed to indicate for him a permanent
continuance here, but with the sudden death of his two
older children his family life was so shocked and dis-
ordered, that a call to the Second Church of Brooklyn,
New York, which came just at that juncture, was
accepted by him as Providential, and he left here in
Jtdy, 1853. He took with him an infant son, born in
German town, who was named after himself and is now
Dr. Henry van Dyke, of Princeton, so well known in
literature and in education. Both father and son were
in turn Moderators of the General Assembly.
It may not be unsuitable for the present writer to
repeat in this place some words which he once addressed
to Presbytery, with regard to Dr. Henry Jackson Van
Dyke. "Dr. Van Dyke was my spiritual guide when I
first entered the Christian life. He counselled and
directed me through my early studies, and expressed
great pleasure when I was invited to follow where he
had himself been Pastor. He came to Germantown
later on, and married me. He showed in every way how
much he had meant it, when he told me to consider
myself as one of his spiritual sons in the common faith."
By repeated exchanges of pulpit and in other ways,
Dr. Van Dyke showed to the end of his life that his
stay in Germantown, though so brief, was always vividly
his memory. Ht <i
liome in Broc; '
forty years, „
Systemali New
ing at. r
,.. w, there %\.. ^ t.. i,
tb in that Institr
-^d keeping it in harmony witi (
ough the Church »wu h&c
V :•. i : .t^aity of developmeiiC • ..- ; ^v . ■ ' '
come ^ j^^^ JRW&S^lf^mA%(^- ^dX, D. D.
was nevertheless on the eve of its final n^atuntv. Tt>?
longest pastorate was jtist at h«?r
THE EKV. JAME*^ ■• "" ^^
tor ate wa
ordained and in:
and he afterward removed
Church at Easton, Penna., wju;
was erected and paid U^-r Aw'^.n^
v-as installed in
father, Rev. Dr. job
.a .a
IN GERMANTOWN. 49
in his memory. He died suddenly, May 24th, 1891, at his
home in Brooklyn, where he had been Pastor for almost
forty years. He had just been elected a Professor of
Systematic Theology in Union Seminary, New York,
being at the time a Director in the Princeton Seminary.
When informed of this election, he said, ''This means
peace;" and, in fact, there was every reason to believe
that his presence in that Institution would have great
influence toward keeping it in harmony with our Church.
Meantime, although the Church in Germantown had
lost that opportunity of development which would have
come through the continued stay of Dr. Van Dyke, it
was nevertheless on the eve of its final maturity. Its
longest pastorate was just at hand.
THE REV. JAMES H. MASON KNOX, D.D., was Pastor for
the next sixteen years, from September, 1853, to July,
1869. He was born in New York City, in 1824, grad-
uated at Columbia College in 1841, and at the Theo-
logical Seminary in New Brunswick in 1848, and was
licensed by the Classis of New York. His first pas-
torate was at German Valley, N. J., where he was
ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Newton;
and he afterward removed to the Reformed Dutch
Church at Easton, Penna., where a fine church building
was erected and paid for during his stay.
He was installed in this Church November 9th, 1853,
his father, Rev. Dr. John Knox, of the Collegiate Re-
formed Church in New York City, preaching the sermon,
50 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
and Rev. Roger Owen, of Chestnut Hill, giving the
charges. Immediately after the coming of Dr. Knox,
in 1854, extensive alterations were made in the church
building, so that for the Sunday School and for evening
lectures there was provision made in rooms separate
from the main audience room. This was effected by
making the edifice consist of two stories, instead of one
as heretofore. On the lower floor, beside the Pastor's
Study, was the Sunday School or Lecture Room, in
which there still remained the old-fashioned square
pews which had been occupied so many years in the
church services. Their ample space was perhaps more
suggestive than the narrower modern pews, of the fact
that a church is meant to consist, not of individuals
merely, but of families. The scriptural teaching on that
point, however, was not at any time more positive or
effective than during the pastorate in which this change
was made.
The body of Sunday worshippers was thus brought
to the upper story, where they were provided with a
room of ample height, and were placed at last within
easy distance of the pulpit, which had in former years
towered in the air far above them. The church building
was renewing its youth, and became much more con-
venient and useful than before. A new organ was built
in 1865.
The improvement in its edifice may be taken as an
indication of a corresponding access of new life through-
IN GERMANTOWN. 51
out the Church itself. One token of this is found in the
very fact that these alterations were undertaken at a
cost of $7000, which was no small sum for a congrega-
tion such as this had been. In fact, it is one of the
special features of this pastorate, frequently recognized
as such, that the spirit of liberality in giving to Christian
enterprises was so successfully fostered. Instead of
being, as in its best days up to this time, barely self-
supporting, or even dependent on the Home Mission
Board for assistance, the Church became henceforth a
generous giver to gospel work outside of its own bounds.
This was not merely from the new families who were
attracted into its membership, but from the patient
and faithful development of this grace in the congre-
gation at large. Contributions increased in far greater
proportion than did the wealth of the people, and since
the giving was made to depend not on impulse, but on
Christian principle, its results in the people have not
been temporary, but life-long; by no means ceasing
to bear fruit even after the removal to another field
of the hand which had given this training. There was
raised for religious purposes, during the pastorate of
Dr. Knox, somewhat more than $107,000, of which
amount $63,229 was sent to the various Missionary
Boards of the Church at large. Since this came from
"growth in grace," and not solely from growth in riches,
it is, of course, good evidence of other spiritual progress,
which may not be so easily described in words. Dr.
52 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Knox received two hundred and seventy-five persons
into membership, and performed one hundred and
sixty-eight baptisms.
Dr. Knox resigned his pastorate here in July, 1869.
He was afterward Pastor at Bristol, Pennsylvania, from
1873 to 1883, and was President of Lafayette College
from 1883 to 1890. Being then in his sixty-sixth year,
he retired from public office, and resided at Baltimore,
Maryland, until his death.
A memorial window, in honor of Rev. James H. Mason
Knox, D.D., and Rev. W. J. Chichester, D.D., was pre-
sented to the Church by Mr. Charles Wolcott Henry,
and dedicated May 15 th, 1904. An address commemo-
rative of Dr. Knox was delivered by his successor, Dr.
Dripps, and one for Dr. Chichester by his successor,
Dr. Wood.
From the address concerning Dr. Knox the following
extract may fitly be repeated here. *'It is singularly
appropriate in this case that the figure on the memorial
window should be that of a veteran soldier, laying down
his sword in triumph. Ever since his early manhood,
and increasingly with his added years, Dr. Knox had a
soldierly appearance. A stranger would naturally have
taken him for an army officer of high standing. He had
a distinctly erect and military carriage of body, with a
strong and dignified face.
" He was a man of wide information, solid judgment,
and the habit of prompt and firm action. The com-
IN GERMANTOWN. 53
bination of strong will and clear head, with uncommon
warmth of heart, will account for the impression which
he made everywhere. It made him particularly valu-
able as a counsellor and advisor. In point of fact, he
was widely sought and consulted, on matters both pub-
lic and private, down to the very end of his life.
"In this respect, as in so many others, he showed
himself a worthy son of worthy ancestors. His father was
Rev. Dr. John Knox, Senior Pastor of the Collegiate
Reformed Church in New York, and his mother's father
was Rev. Dr. John M. Mason, whose name was a house-
hold word in all the Churches two generations ago. Each
of these was pre-eminently *a man of affairs,' though
Dr. Mason was also noted for his phenomenal pulpit
eloquence. Above all else, however, Dr. Knox was
like both of these ancestors of his, and like every true
servant of Jesus Christ, in simple modest piety and
goodness.
" I esteem it a chief honor of my own life, that I should
have spent ten years and more in the pastorate of this
Church, between the pastorates of two such men as
Dr. Knox and Dr. Chichester. Their memorial window
ought to be a singularly valuable asset of this Church,
and all the more because it will so naturally group with
their names that of their faithful friend and remem-
brancer, Charles Wolcott Henry."
The Eldership of T. Charlton Henry calls here for
mention, as in Dr. Blair's time the services of Joseph
54 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Miller in the Eldership have been noted, and in Dr.
Neill's time those of William D. Howard. Mr. Henry's
grandfather, Alexander Henry, was an Elder in the
Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, and for
sixteen years the President of the Presbyterian Board
of Education. He was President of the American Sun-
day School Union, and is described as "the leading
Christian and philanthropist of the entire community.'*
Both of his sons, T. Charlton Henry, D.D., of Charleston,
South Carolina, and John Snowden Henry, a Charter
member of this Church in 1832, proved worthy of such
a father. So it was with his grandsons, Alexander Henry,
Mayor of Philadelphia, and T. Charlton Henry.
Mr. Henry served in the Eldership for the last thirty-
two years of his life, being only thirty-one when elected.
He was at the head of the Germantown Saving Fund
for thirty-six years, and was active in many other benev-
olent enterprises. He was a founder and for nine years
the Superintendent of the Sunday School which devel-
oped later into the Wakefield Presbyterian Church ; and
was Superintendent of our own Sunday School for six-
teen years.
To four pastors in succession he was in special degree
"the trusted helper and counsellor," and his fellow
officers, with the entire congregation, most willingly
showed him peculiar deference and regard. In the
development of systematic liberality in this Church,
his example and active help were of the highest value.
IN GERMANTOWN. 55
It was well saifl of him that "a more conscientious
j^iver it would he difficult to find." It is not easy to
write of him, precisely because he was in so many ways
and with such utter devotion a thorou^^h K<^)in^' (chris-
tian and Churchman. He bequeathed to the official
service of this Church and community in the fourth
^feneration four sons, of whom Charles Wolcott IFenry
continued in service here until his death in 1903, while
Bayard Henry and John Jackson ifenry are still active
members, and Rev. Dr. Alexander Henry is Secretary
of the Presbyterian lioard of I^iblication and Sabbath
School Work.
There is not space to deal adequately with iMr. Henry's
life, or with that of others who in their own place and
generation have served God faithfully as officxTS and
private members of this Church. Men, women and chil-
dren have here, as in our sister churches, lived ('hristian
lives, and wrought righteousness, and died in the faith;
and have thus built up the Body of ('hrist and hastened
the coming Kingdom. But for them, our Leaders would
have had no followers, and our Pastors no permanent
flock.
Among our ministers, three names in particular stand
by themselves as those of men who rendered the largf-st
and longest-continued service to this Church : Dr.
Blair, Dr. Neill and Dr. Knox. Between them, they
covered the entire sixty years from 1809 to 1869. Dr.
Blair passed on the responsibility to Dr. Neill, and
56 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
he in turn to Dr. Knox. Though there were other
pastors, and most helpful ones too, yet in large and
long service to this particular Church, "they attained
not to the first three."
These three were men of the same type. They were
all of Scotch descent, and each of them was a man of
distinction, not only as a courteous and refined gentle-
man of the old school, but also for scholarly attain-
ments, and above all for personal piety. Moreover,
all three were men of native practical ability, and trained
experts in ecclesiastical life and law. Dr. Neill was
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly for years, and
either of the others could have filled that position
admirably. They trusted in God like little children,
and they served Him like veterans. Each in his turn
gave to this Church for long years the benefit of abili-
ties which were shown elsewhere, and on a larger scale,
to be of high order. There was, therefore, a singular
unity after all, in the controlling influences which
moulded the life of this Church through all the many
changes of these sixty years.
Of all the pastors up to the year 1869, not one remains
yet alive. They deserve much larger notice than it is
possible to give them within these brief pages. We
are thankful to know that they are not dependent for
reward or appreciation upon us; that there is a record
on high, wherein is no omission, a Master who is not
unjust to forget their "work and labor of love." Theirs
IN GERMANTOWN. 57
is the fame which is not confined to earth, where it
can only sound over their unhearing bodies; but that
which comes to their glorified spirits, from the souls
whom they led after them to heaven, and from the blessed
angels, and from that King whose generous praise is
given to every good and faithful servant. Not because
they need it, but for our own sakes, do we call to mind
their work in the cause of this Church; so patient and
persevering through trials and difficulties which we
know to have been neither few nor small. The high
regard in which they were held by the community at
large, as men of unusual ability and devoted earnest-
ness, was itself no small help to the Church.
The field in which they labored bears a very different
aspect in our day from that which it then presented.
Instead of being a lovely but somewhat remote country
village, inhabited largely by men speaking a foreign
tongue, Germantown has become an integral part of
Philadelphia itself. It was always attractive and com-
paratively populous. Before the Revolution it is said to
have had ''more houses and people than any other town
in the Province, except Philadelphia and Lancaster."
There were hardly more than 2000 inhabitants, however,
when this Church was organized. In 1830 Germantown
claimed to have 4000 inhabitants. The growth in later
years was far more rapid.
The change from its foreign aspect was very gradual.
In 1709 the English Government refused to continue
58 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
its land-owners in possession of their land unless they
became naturalized. In speech and habits they were
found to be still German, even in 1793, when the National
Government, with Washington at its head, came to
Germantown for a time, to escape the yellow fever in
Philadelphia. From that time onward, however, so
many English-speaking residents came in, that the
inevitable change began; a change with which this
Church, as we have seen, had much to do. It is inter-
esting to read Watson's description of the place in those
days, ''with its houses of dark moss-grown stone, and
of sombre and prison-like aspect, with little old-fashioned
windows, and monstrous corner chimneys formed of
stone;" and of its being such a "very long town," its
houses in little groups with intervals between, for several
miles along the road; this road itself being in a very
bad condition generally, so that most of the travel was
on horseback. And yet, within sixteen years after the
date of which he writes, it was connected with Phila-
delphia (in 1831) by railway, though not incorporated
as the Twenty-second Ward of this City until the
year 1854.
In these various ways, so great a change of popula-
tion was effected, that church life became very different
from what it previously had been. Comparatively
few of the old German families were to be found in this
congregation in 1869, and it was no longer the only
Presbyterian Church in the place. Partly from its
IN GERMANTOWN. 59
membership there had been formed, in 1852, the Chest-
nut Hill Church, and, in 1857, the Second Church of
German town. In 1856 the old German Reformed
Church became Presbyterian also, taking the name of
"The Market Square Presbyterian Church.'* It con-
nected itself with the New School body, the other three
churches being Old School.
The year 1869 marks a dividing line in the history
of this congregation, as really as it does for the Presby-
terian Church at large. It brought not merely a passing
from one pastorate to another, but many other changes.
There was a change of place ; and the new church build-
ing stands as in part a solid thank-offering for the Re-
union between Old and New Schools. It is so reported
on the list of items in the ''Seven Million Dollar Fund"
of 1870. The Re-union made an impression at the
time, which was far deeper and more widespread than
might nowadays be supposed. Not a few of the further
developments in our Church life at that time, were
connected more or less closely with this great Denomi-
national event. As when our old Church building was
erected, so at the erection of this second structure,
there was a spring-tide all abroad, in whose results we
also had our part.
REV. J. FREDERIC DRIPPS was invited to supply the
pulpit in October, 1869, and shortly afterward ar-
rangements were commenced for having him called
60 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
to the pastoral charge; but at his own request this
was postponed for a month, to enable more intelligent
action on both sides. At the expiration of this time he
was given the call unanimously, on January 3d, 1870.
He was born at Philadelphia in 1844, of Scotch-Irish
parentage. He graduated at the University of New
York in 1863, and at the Princeton Theological Semi-
nary in 1868. In the interval which elapsed after grad-
uation, and before coming to Germantown, he had
preached for six months, during the Pastor's absence^
in the First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, and
afterward for eight months in the American Presbyte-
rian Church of Montreal, Canada. He was ordained
and installed in Germantown, March 7th, 1870, Rev.
Dr. J. A. Beggs presiding as Moderator of the Presby-
tery; Rev. Dr. John Hall, of New York, preaching the
sermon. Rev. Dr. John Withrow (then of Philadelphia)
giving the charge to the Pastor, and Rev. Dr. T. C.
Murphy, of Frankford, giving that to the people.
During this pastorate three hundred and forty-eight
persons were received into communion with the Church,
of whom two hundred and twenty came on confession
of faith. The communicants reported in 1869 nimibered
two hundred and sixty-six, and in 1880 there were four
hundred and three. The Sunday-school attendants, in
1869, numbered two hundred, and there were nine hun-
dred and one in 1880. Two of our members had been
ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
i^
^il tile
time to the
:fee ser.
Tapart
one at .
.:nd a chapel bv
ognized as the beginning?
; Church, and of the Chiiuii vvi
of establishmrn^ ■ -- the east -
reorganization of the Sunday School,
'd also o. tl''j 'Work for ?.Kjn'" hnd the "Work for
'ew rents
■re ciborsiied, and voluiitary subscriptions were sue-
ssfuUy substituted for them, to mec;t all current
penses year by year, and to defray the cost of a i^w
uirch building. No debt was left unpaid, eitb
3 building, or on any other Church enterprise.
■ of these items evidently call for
IN GERMANTOWN. 61
At the end of this pastorate the Church was support-
ing a ''Bible-reader" or Parish Visitor, a "Chapel Min-
ister" at Somerville (who gave his whole time to the
work, and conducted three services weekly), and also
a Foreign Missionary in Japan. Two Mission stations
had been established, one at " Pulaskiville" and the
other at Somerville, and a chapel built for each of them.
These will be recognized as the beginnings of the West-
side Presbyterian Church, and of the Church which is
now in process of establishment on the east side of
Germantown.
There was a reorganization of the Sunday School,
and also of the "Work for Men" and the "Work for
Women" — the latter being known as "The Pastoral
Aid Society."
The gifts of this Church for religious and benevolent
purposes, from 1869 to 1880, were $188,746, of which
$90,491 were for objects outside of the congregation
itself. It should be remembered that this period in-
cluded one of the great panics in the business world,
with several years of financial depression. Pew rents
were abolished, and voluntary subscriptions were suc-
cessfully substituted for them, to meet all current
expenses year by year, and to defray the cost of a new
Church building. No debt was left unpaid, either on
the building, or on any other Church enterprise.
Several of these items evidently call for a more com-
plete statement.
62 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The new House of Worship was one of the earliest
achievements in this period. It is cause for sincere
thankfulness to God, that we can ascribe to His own
grace and guidance this building; even as we can trace
to Him the origin of the former btiilding, of the congre-
gation itself, and of the very community in which it
is situated.
In April, 1870, the spiritual influence of the Com-
munion season continued to show itself in a perma-
nently increased attendance at the usual weekly prayer
meetings, to an extent which called for increased accom-
modations in the lecture room. A collection was made
for this purpose on the first of May. On the 17th of
May, the Trustees met to arrange for executing the
work, but found themselves planning so many other
improvements, that they were led to think seriously
of erecting an entirely new edifice. This project had
encountered so many obstacles whenever considered
previously, that the expectation of success was not at
all sanguine.
One great difficulty had always been that of finding
the proper site. The lot occupied by the old building
was too irregular in shape to be desirable, and its value
for business purposes made its sale expedient. It was
not easy, however, to find a new site, satisfactory in
other respects, which would be convenient for this
widely-scattered congregation, without interfering with
any other Church. At this precise juncture a property
IN GERMANTOWN. 63
was offered for the purpose in a manner which we cer-
tainly had warrant for considering Providential. Its
owner sent us word that, although not herself a Church
member, she felt a strong desire in her old age to haA^e
a Church near enough for her to catch the sound of its
worship from her own room, and that for this purpose
she was willing to sell us at a moderate price, a large
strip from her own garden.
As the site was entirely convenient for the congre-
gation, was on an Avenue as desirable as any in Ger-
mantown, and was satisfactory in all other respects,
the offer was accepted. The congregation formally
authorized the sale of the old property and purchase
of the new one, July 11th, 1870. The Fall was spent in
procuring suitable plans for the building. The general
plans furnished by Mr. James H. Windrim, the archi-
tect, being selected, the matter was formally laid before
the congregation by the Pastor, on Sunday, December
11th, 1870, and within the week the sum of $20,000 was
subscribed. This amount, in addition to the value of
the old property, gave so solid a fotmdation pecuniarily,
that Building and Finance Committees were appointed
at once, and went vigorously to work.
On the Building Committee were Messrs. T. Charlton
Henry, William Adamson, Thomas MacKellar, Enoch
Taylor, Woodruff Jones, and Thomas H. Garrett;
Messrs. Henry, Adamson, and MacKellar being given
personal supervision of the work.
64 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Finance Committee consisted of Messrs. James
Garrett, James Kinnier, Dr. G. H. Burgin, Jonathan
Graham, Chas. W. Henry and W. B. MacKellar.
February 16th, 1871, the contract was let to Messrs.
James Kinnier and Sons, and early in March ground
was broken. The nature of the soil threatened to pre-
vent the securing of a good foundation, but a solid rock
foundation was at last secured for the whole building.
From that time everything went on prosperously, even
in little things. The stone, which was from a newly-
opened quarry, was excellent; all the other materials
proved satisfactory, and the different classes of work-
men made such close connection one with another that
no time was lost through delays. No injury to life
or limb was permitted; and the contractors, by their
faithful and disinterested exertions, showed plainly
that their chief aim was to present the Church, of which
they had so long been members, with an edifice which
wotdd be found thoroughly substantial and satisfying.
Not only in the contractors and the Building Com-
mittee and the larger subscribers, but throughout the
whole mass of the congregation, a spirit of zeal and
devotion was manifest. All contributions were volun-
tary; no extraneous means were needed; the sending
out blank subscription cards secured abundant returns.
The liberality of these gifts on the part of all classes was
the more noticeable, because of the fact that no other
part of church activity was suffered to lag on account
IN GERMANTOWN. 65
of this. It was indeed a period of unusual energy in
all kinds of Christian work. The pleasure experienced
from the unity and good feeling of the congregation
itself, was almost equalled by that which came from the
kindly interest and sympathy of the other churches,
and of the community in general.
An additional favor was shown in enabling us to
dispose of the old building in a way unusually satis-
factory. It was sold to the Young Men's Christian
Association of German town, under circumstances exceed-
ingly pleasant and gratifying to both parties. In short,
the Lord gave help and guidance in every direction, far
beyond what could have been anticipated.
On the morning of Sunday, May 12th, 1872, the sub-
stance of the foregoing sketch was given to the con-
gregation by the Pastor, in preparation for the farewell
service in the old building, which was held on the same
evening. The new lecture room was used during the
next week for a prayer meeting on Wednesday, and a
social meeting on Friday.
Sunday morning, May 19th, 1872, the first service was
held in |the Church proper, its object being to recognize
this house as a gift from God to us; in the evening we
solemnly gave it again to Him at the dedication service.
On this occasion the ministers in the pulpit were:
J. H. M. Knox, D.D., R. D. Harper, D.D., E. P. Cowan,
and A. McCuUagh, with the Pastor of the Church,
while the congregations of the Market Square, and
66 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the Second Presb3rterian Churches, and of Trinity
Lutheran Church, combined with our own to produce
an audience which filled not only the pews, but the
aisles and every passage and entrance hall. The Dedi-
catory Prayer was offered by the Pastor, and the Ser-
mon preached by the Rev. Robert D. Harper, D.D.,
from Haggai 2:9; Rev. Dr. Knox closing with the
benediction from Numbers 7 : 24-26.
A brief description of the edifice as it then stood was
given in the following words: —
"It is situated on the north side of Chelten Avenue,
about two hundred feet west of German town Avenue,
and consists of a church proper with transverse build-
ing in the rear for lecture room, etc. The entire length
is one hundred and thirty-seven feet, and the extreme
width eighty-eight feet; the apex of the roof rising
sixty-six feet from the ground, and the spire one hun-
dred and fift}^ feet. The masonry is of gneiss rock
with selected facings. Two vestibules, at opposite cor-
ners of the front, afford entrance to the church proper,
which is eighty feet long, fifty-nine feet wide, and forty-
four in height to the apex of the ceiling. The organ and
choir occupy a raised platform in the alcove between
the two front vestibules, the pulpit alcove being at the
opposite end of the room. Abundant light is secured
during the day by the large double windows on each
side, and the rose window in front, forty feet in cir-
cumference; and at night by two large reflectors just
IN GERMANTOWN. 67
below the apex of the ceiling, containing thirty-six
burners in each. The whole interior finish is conformed
in detail to the style of the building, which is Gothic,
of the early decorated type.
**The woodwork, including pulpit and organ case,
doors and wainscoting, pews and furniture, is of black
walnut, finished in oil with smooth gloss.
"The rear building contains on the ground floor a
lecture room, and infant-school room; on the second
floor, the main Sunday-school room, which is a large
and lofty hall. Opening from this are the Pastor's
Study and the Ladies' Parlor, over which is a gallery
with alcoves for the Bible Classes. The whole effect of
this floor is unusually pleasing.
"Especial care has been given to the ventilation:
among the means which are used being ducts which have
perforated openings through the floor, and communicate
with a large ventilating shaft, perforated openings in
the ceilings, which can be regulated or closed at will,
the usual flues in the walls, etc. The architect was
James H. Windrim, Esq., of Philadelphia. A new
organ, valued at $4300, was constructed by the Messrs.
Standbridge, of Philadelphia, under the supervision of
Mr. Woodruff Jones, in readiness for the Dedication
Services."
The total valuation of the property was a trifle short
of $80,000. Of this amount $21,564 came from the sale
of the old building and organ, and $48,732 was paid in
68 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
cash by the congregation. The ground was taken subject
to a mortgage, with several years to run before maturity.
The arrangements were so made that payments were
distributed over two or three successive years, when
the entire cost of building and furniture was paid in
full. This was almost wholly accomplished by those
who had been with us when the work began, for during
the execution of such an enterprise the Church could
hardly expect to receive any large accessions to its
membership from outside. Those who did join us at
that time, however, took up at once their full share
with the rest. Subscriptions were made at the begin-
ning of each year during the work, being sent to the
Trustees upon cards furnished for that purpose. Pay-
ments were made in advance either weekly, monthly
or quarterly, as preferred by the subscriber. And they
came from all classes, rich and poor, adults and chil-
dren. More than one family, from whom five dollars
would have been counted a fair gift, sent in this way
over fifty dollars in weekly instalments.
No fairs were held and no appeals made, except the
mere statement from time to time, usually but once
a year, of the amount needed; and so far as the Pastor
was concerned, these annual statements included all
the service which was asked of him, in connection with
the raising of the money.
In addition to the money which was thus cheerfully
given, even during the time of commercial disaster
IN GERMANTOWN. 69
which came on before the payments were finished,
many valuable gifts were presented by different mem-
bers, in token of special interest and affection. Alto-
gether the erection of this building was not only a fruit
of grace, but very decidedly a means of grace in every
way. There were only grateful and pleasant associations
connected with it.
A change of plan for meeting the current annual
expenses was adopted before entering the new edifice.
On the 3d of April, 1872, after the Pastor had proposed
the new plan and explained it at two meetings, in suc-
cessive weeks, the congregation voted to adopt it. Each
member was thereafter to decide for himself how much
he would pay toward church expenses, instead of hav-
ing it decided for him by the committee on pew rents.
It was agreed that each family attending the church
should be assigned a permanent seat or pew, on which
their name should be kept so long as they continued
regularly to occupy it. The ownership and control of
each pew, however, remained with the Church itself,
and not with the occupant; no person had any claim
upon a seat beyond the time during which he regularly
used it. No price was charged for a seat, and no rent
was assessed. Each regular attendant was, of course,
expected to bear his own share of the common expense,
but it was left to the person himself to decide what
that share was. At the beginning of each year a printed
estimate of the amount which would be required for
70 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the next twelve months, was distributed among the
congregation, and then a blank subscription card was
sent to each person. These cards were filled out by
the persons themselves, who thereby undertook, "so
far as God should enable them, to pay a certain amount
each week or month, or quarter, during the year," but
the contents of these subscription cards were not made
public. The money was paid at the beginning of each
week or month, by enclosing the proper amount in one
of the envelopes sent for the purpose (each of them
having upon it certain figures which indicated to the
Treasurer whose it was), and dropping the envelope
into the box near the entrance door of the church.
Men were not asked to pay rent to their landlord, but
to bring free-will offerings to their Divine Saviour.
The appeal was successful.
In the first year, instead of $2000, which had been
the largest sum ever paid for pew rents, some $4600
were subscribed and paid; next year the amount was
$5600, and it continued to be from $5500 to $6000.
Great satisfaction was felt with this plan. It prevented
any possibility of having pews in the house of God sold
like real estate in the public market, to buyers who
might have none but a pecuniary interest in them.
It retained full control over every seat in the hands of
the Church itself. When the total amount subscribed
proved inadequate, a statement to that effect was made
to the whole congregation, and an increase of so much
IN GERMANTOWN. 71
per cent, on each subscription requested. The response
to this appeal also was entirely voluntary, but it proved
none the less reliable on that account. The poor did
give according to their ability, and those of more com-
fortable means, instead of preparing to meet a deficit,
prevented one, by increasing their contributions in
advance.
Another subject closely connected with this, which
also received careful attention for some years, was that
of ** systematic beneficence;" t. e., the collecting of
money, not for the operations of the congregation itself,
but for outside objects of a missionary or charitable
natiu*e. The re-union between Old School and New
School was followed by many new plans to increase
and systematize benevolent contributions. So far as
this particular church is concerned, we decided to make
no change in our methods. One Sunday in the year
was designated for a collection in behalf of each of those
regtdar objects of benevolence, which are under the
charge of the Boards of the Presbyterian Church. Notice
was always given to the congregation on the preceding
Sunday, and a careful explanation of the object for
which money was asked was given at the time by the
Pastor. The contributions were received in plates
handed around as usual, and before being finally sent
off, the collection was retained in the Treasurer's hands
for a week, in order that any persons who were not
present at the time might send in their gifts to him.
72 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
This latter opportunity was constantly used, and the
plate collection considerably increased by the sums
voluntarily sent in by those who were absent or unpre-
pared when it was taken. It was found by experience
that this plan commended itself by its results, better
than some far more elaborate methods which were
proposed to us; and it should be understood that our
disinclination to change was the result, not at all of
neglecting to examine these other plans, but of finding
them not so satisfactory to us as the old way.
Methods of Church work were largely affected by
that re-union of the Old School and the New School
Presbyterians, in 1869, which has already been men-
tioned. Our people everywhere were frequently re-
minded that the Lord Jesus Christ, having Himself
the supreme authority, had so committed the exercise
of this authority in each particular Church to the whole
congregation, as that it should under His guidance
elect representative officers, and should through these
representatives direct its common work. Represen-
tative government was, of course, very familiar to them
from their experience as citizens, though in reality the
nation owed this idea to the Church rather than the
Church to the nation. They could see for themselves
the harm which had resulted, where scattered groups
of workers were carrying on various enterprises in a
congregation, with small regard for one another, or for
Church authority. There was great practical need for
IN GERMANTOWN. 73
bringing the various activities of each congregation
under the more immediate guidance and leadership
of the "Session." Consisting as it does of the Pastor
as representing not only the congregation, but also the
Presbytery and the Church at large, combined with
the Elders representing more particularly their own
congregation, the "Session" was declared to be the
chief organized authority and official leader of the whole
people and of all their work and worship.
In our own Church there was no special need of such
instruction, but there was, of course, room for much
greater efficiency in the actual operation of the system;
and the constant repetition of such teachings on every
side was distinctly influential in the organizing of our
people for Christian work.
One of the most frequent causes of trouble in other
Churches at that time was the friction between Elders
and Trustees and other officers, which so often attended
upon this lack of recognized orderly relations. It is,
therefore, a matter for profound gratitude to God,
that in our own case there was such entire peace and
good will, and such ready co-operation. No man could
well expect or desire more readiness to co-operate than
was shown by all the organizations in this Church toward
their Pastor — by the Elders when he asked them to
bear a large increase in their burden of responsibility,
by the Trustees when he asked them (in spite of their
own serious doubt at the time) to try the experiment
74 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
of giving up pew-rents and taking to free-will sub-
scriptions, and by the ladies when he asked them to
merge societies which they imderstood and devotedly
loved, into a new organization which at first perplexed
them not a little.
The Session agreed to hold frequent and regular
meetings, at which definite consideration should be
given to each organization and to each member in the
Church. The Parish was divided into districts, each
of which was assigned to one particular Elder, and
report was made regularly concerning each of the fami-
lies in every district. All our various organizations
were brought into touch with the Session, so that their
interests might receive its sympathetic consideration
and help. Deacons were not appointed, simply because
the duties which would have fallen to them were already
so well performed by certain "Elect Ladies," who were
really unordained deaconesses.
The Sunday School, which had been in operation for
the fifty years since 1819, presented, of course, the
most obvious and important field for both sexes and
all ages. It was not considered to be what many an-
other school then was, a separate and independent
organization, but rather to be the same thing as the
Church itself, met for the special purpose of Bible study
with its young people.
The Sunday School Association was reorganized,
with the Pastor as ex officio President and the Super-
IN GERMANTOWN. 75
intendent as Vice-President. Steps were taken toward
having the expenses of the school met by the Church
at large, so that the children might be trained to bring
gifts for missions and other benevolent causes, instead
of finding themselves required to pay for their own
schooling. School affairs were brought repeatedly to
the notice of the Session and of the Church. The teach-
ings in the school were supplemented by regular monthly
sermons to the children, accompanied by recitations,
for which they were trained by the Pastor, in the course
of his weekly visits to the school.
The Mission work at Pulaskiville, since 1870, and at
Somerville, since 1874, indicated a most attractive and
useful broadening of the Sunday-school field. Both
schools were founded, and largely supported, in con-
nection with our Woman's Work, but, of course, the
whole congregation was represented in the enterprise.
The Men's Work of the Church was not forgotten.
In the year 1870 a Young Men's Society was formed,
and our yoimg men not only continued to hold prayer
meetings for men, and to extend the hospitality of the
Church to visitors, but they also co-operated with the
Young Men's Christian Association of Germantown
and later on conducted various kinds of work at the Mis-
sion Chapels. In 1878 Young Men's Society-meetings
were held monthly, accompanied by illustrated lectures,
concerts, etc. Fifty of the young men were present at
the first of these meetings, which continued to be sue-
76 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
cessful and beneficial. Mr. J. Addison Campbell was at
this time the President of the Society.
It will of course be remembered, not only that the
most important part of all our Church work was under-
taken by those men who acted as Elders and Trustees,
or as Building Committee and Committee on Finance,
but also that much of the Women's work was largely
aided by the men, through gifts and through active
service, and moreover that what gifts were made or
work done by the congregation in general, came largely
from the men.
It was furthermore true, then, as at other times of
emergency, that many a man of this Church did a man's
work for Christ in the public life of business and politics
and social reform. This may suitably be mentioned
in a Church history, because these men declared ex-
plicitly that they found in the Church much of the in-
spiration which kept them faithful to Christ amid worldly
surroundings. But when all this is granted, fully and
heartily, it is undoubtedly the case, that the day for
full and complete service from masculine energies, was
not yet come.
The Women's Work of the Church was that which
most distinctly called for enlargement and rearrangement ;
not because it was especially defective, but precisely
because it was so full of life, and so ready for more and
larger enterprises. The Pastor therefore called the
women of the Church to meet for this purpose, and laid
IN GERMANTOWN. 77
before them a plan for the organization of a Women's
Union, which they at once adopted, and to which they
gave the name of ''Pastoral Aid Society." This was
in April, 1870, and the first business meeting was held
in May of the same year.
There was already in existence a "Domestic Mission
Society," which had been for eighteen years sending
boxes to Home missionaries; and a Bible Reader's
Society, with Mother's Meetings under its care; besides
which, Dorcas Meetings were held, and collections were
made by visitors for the Women's Union Foreign Mis-
sionary Society. It was important that this Foreign Mis-
sion work should be regularly organized and extended, that
systematic visiting should be imdertaken, and the way
opened for still other forms of work. Yet it was evidently
imdesirable to multiply indefinitely separate organizations.
The plan then proposed and adopted was to form a
Union of the Women's societies, of such a kind that each
could be imfettered in doing its own work, and yet have
opportunity for meeting all the others at regular intervals,
for mutual counsel and aid. This Union or Association
could have supervision over all the various societies
of which it was formed, by means of a central Executive
Committee, while in reality it would not be another
society, but rather a combination of those which already
existed.
The Pastoral Aid Society was precisely such a union,
in all but name. The "Bible Reader's Committee"
78 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
continued to have every power which it had possessed
while it was called "The Bible Reader's Society;" it
did the same work, had the same officers, and was within
itself entirely the same as before. The only new feature
was in its external relations; it had agreed to unite
with the other committees, and to give general super-
vision of its affairs to this Union. The supervision,
however, was hardly more than nominal, for its sole
object was to advise and help, if necessary, but not to
constrain. As a matter of fact, not only this, but every
other committee, conducted its own affairs, at meetings
of its own, almost as freely as though no Pastoral Aid
Society existed. The work of each was the more ener-
getic, and not the less so, because of its connection with
all the rest. Experience showed the plan to be easily
worked and efficient. Many new forms of work were
carried into successfiil operation, which would not have
been undertaken but for the help afforded by this So-
ciety, and the older, more familiar work, was not only
sustained but enlarged. According to this plan, every
member of every group of Women- workers, would by that
very fact be also a member of the Pastoral Aid ; but as
there were always some who made no use of this privilege,
provision was made for electing to active membership in
the Pastoral Aid, such workers as the Executive Com-
mittee might find open for invitation and nomination.
It should also be noticed that the whole work repre-
sented by this society was under the immediate super-
IN GERMANTOWN. 79
vision of the Church Session, as its Constitution pro-
vided; and that nothing of importance was undertaken
by it, until after full consultation with its Pastor. The
name of the Society was indeed chosen by the ladies
present at the organization, expressly to indicate their
intentions in this matter.
The System Itself was thus arranged in the hope that
it might, if possible, continue in operation without
needing any essential change; adapting itself to any
future emergency which might arise. It was inherently
flexible enough to admit of every single committee
being discontinued, one after another, if any necessity
of that kind could be imagined, and wholly new forms
of work taken up; while meantime, the Society itself
would still bind together whatever committees did
exist.
Many requests came from other Churches for copies
of the Pastoral Aid Society Constitution, and many simi-
lar societies were formed in consequence. Sometimes,
however, the new organization became simply one fur-
ther addition to the list of Women's Societies, instead
of comprising them all in one imited group. Wherever
this central idea was not thus lost, it was possible to
include at one view all the various operations carried
on by the women throughout the entire congregation.
Every Women's Society or Committee was affiliated
with the Pastoral Aid Society, and every member of
the Pastoral Aid Society was in it solely because of her
80 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
active membership in one or more of these afBliated
societies.
In the report for 1878, our own society spoke of itself
as follows: ''The Pastoral Aid Society is really a group
of societies, for in all but the name, each standing com-
mittee is a distinct society, with its own officers and work.
In order to sympathize with, and help each other, they all
meet together statedly. This united meeting is the
same thing as the Pastoral Aid Society, whose officers
are entrusted with a general supervision over all these
departments of work. " In the course of time, it became
obvious that it was not really necessary to use always
and only the name ''Committee" for every affiliated
organization, as it might be called a " Club" or " Society"
of "League" or "Band'* or "Guild," and still be in
membership with the central united Pastoral Aid
Society.
In the first Annual Report, there were nine com-
mittees on the list, and in the tenth report there were
seventeen. In the course of those ten years some com-
mittees were formed to meet a temporary need, and
ceased when their work was done.
The list in 1880, at the end of Dr. Dripps' pastorate,
included three groups — Missionary, Neighborhood and
Congregational Committees.
For Mission work there were two, one for the Home
and the other for Foreign fields. For Neighborhood
work there were nine; including that for the support
IN GERMANTOWN. 81
of a Bible reader (or Parish Visitor), for Mother's Meet-
ings, Dorcas Work, and Relief of the Poor, for Tract
Supply, for the Pulaskiville and Somerville Sunday
Schools, and for co-operation with the Presbyterian
Home for Widows, and the Orphanage. *'Work within
the congregation" included Systematic visiting, Social
receptions. Parish library. Flowers for church services,
Care of the Church building, and the Ladies' Prayer
Meeting.
In the appendix to this volume, will be found a state-
ment on behalf of the Pastoral Aid Society, prepared
by its Executive Committee.
Some of these operations entered so largely into our
whole church life, that they call for distinct mention
on their own account.
The Women's Foreign Mission Work, is one of these.
It received a considerable enlargement, beginning with
1870. During the year preceding this, some of the
ladies had begun to make collections for the Woman's
Union Missionary Society. But it was felt that the
time had come for enlarging the Women's Work if
possible, and at the meeting above mentioned a Com-
mittee was appointed, with the intention of having it
take into consideration the whole subject. Its more
immediate object was to represent this Church at a con-
vention, held the same month in Philadelphia, prelimi-
nary to the organization of the Woman's Foreign Mission
Society of the Presbyterian Church. That organiza-
82 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
tion did not take place for several months, however;
and meantime the ladies in this church became still
more deeply interested than before, in the Woman's
Union Foreign Mission Society, and agreed to contribute
to it, through the Germantown Auxiliary, which had
been formed January 19th, 1869. It is to the Union
Society that we as a Church owe the first quickening
of interest in this great branch of Women's Work; it
was through its success, that other and more strictly
denominational societies were encouraged to organize;
and its effectiveness on the Foreign Field, combined with
our reverence for the memory of its sainted founder,
Mrs. Doremus, to secure from us the continuance of
hearty interest and good will.
The greater part of our work, however, was carried on
through the Woman's Foreign Mission Society of the
Presbyterian Church. As already stated, our Com-
mittee took part in the movements connected with the
formation of that Society; but did not complete the
relation thus begun until 1872. In November of that
year, a meeting was held in the Lecture room, to receive
statements in regard to the work carried on by the women
of the Presbyterian Church in heathen lands. So much
interest was felt in the addresses made on behalf of that
Society, and especially in the facts with regard to Japan,
that a second meeting was at once held, and after con-
ference with the other ladies in the Church, this Com-
mittee undertook the duties of an Auxiliary to the
IN GERMANTOWN. 83
Presbyterian Societ}^, and the responsibility of furnish-
ing the entire support for a missionary in Japan. Miss
Gamble accepted this position, but there was much delay
in her preparation, and she continued for only one year
on the field.
Mrs. John Ballagh became our missionary on January
1st, 1877. After that time a fresh impulse was given
to the work in all directions, by the helpful and quick-
ening influence which came from intercourse with this
faithful and devoted servant of God.
It is well to notice that during the four years which
immediately followed our entrance upon this work, we
were carrying it on as a matter of principle, without
dependence upon the stimulus of regular correspondence
with a missionary; for until we knew Mrs. Ballagh,
there was but a very brief time during which any letter
at all came to us from the Foreign Field. The lack of
this stimiilus was indeed felt; and especially by those
contributors to whom the Women's Foreign Work was
entirely a new one. But there was always enough of
interest in the work for its own sake, and apart from all
craving for the sight of immediate results, to secure its
continuance without any deficiency.
At the beginning some fears were expressed that these
gifts would interfere with the annual contribution from
the congregation at large to the Mission Board, but the
result was of a very different kind; a wider and deeper
interest in the whole work of missions was secured, so
84 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
that, beside other good results, the annual collection
(which does not include any of the sums above referred
to) had risen from $462 in 1870, to more than $1000
in 1879.
The organization of the Committee calls for special
mention. Its membership was divided into two classes,
Contributing and Active. The Contributing members
included all the ladies of the Church who gave regularly
to the support of the work. The Active members were
those entrusted with the management of the work itself.
The members of this latter class were chosen at first by
the Executive Committee of the Pastoral Aid Society,
in conference with the Pastor ; the object being to secure
persons specially interested in missions, and willing to
give the required time and trouble. A report of all their
proceedings was to be made to the Contributing members
each year, at the Annual Meeting of the Pastoral Aid
Society, where they were expected to be present. It
was also understood that during the year, in case the
Committee was contemplating any unusual action,
report of the same could be made at any Pastoral Aid
meeting, and a vote taken thereon. Practically, there-
fore, so far as the business-meetings were concerned,
the Committee consisted of these "Active Members."
They elected annually a President, Secretary, and Treas-
urer. These officers represented the Committee in its
intercourse with various external bodies, such as the
Woman's Union Society, the Presbyterian W. F. M.
IN GERMANTOWN. 85
Society, and that branch of the same which is composed
of the churches in this particular Presbytery. The meet-
ings for the tranasction of business were held monthly,
during most of the year.
Further details will be found in the "Statement of
the Pastoral Aid Society," in the Appendix.
Another department of Christian work was that of the
** Bible Reader," or as she is now called, the ''Parish
Visitor."
This continued the work of the Bible Reader's Asso-
ciation, which was formed in the spring of 1868, and
which connected itself with the Pastoral Aid Society on
the 4th of May, 1870. The Mothers' Meeting was orig-
inated by this Committee. For the first few years, the
duties of this position were performed in succession by
Mrs. M. G. Baldwin, Mrs. Sarah McNeill, Miss Mary A.
Williams and Miss E. A Hawley. In December, 1879,
Mrs. CD. Scott took up the work, in which she still con-
tinues to the present year, 1909. Her record of service
for thirty years, is worthy of all honor.
Relief to bodily need was at first included among the
duties of the Bible Reader, but experience led to the sepa-
ration of this from the other part of the work. Cases
for relief were reported by the Bible Reader to another
Committee, while her own work was kept distinct from
alms-giving. Each of the Visitors named above took the
position in the true mission spirit, accepting only salary
enough to supplement other means of support. Four
S6 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
afternoons a week were usually spent in visiting. The
Parish Visitor, went about as a Christian woman, to do a
kind of good which only a woman can with effectiveness
do. She visited not merely in homes of sickness and pov-
erty, but wherever as a Christian friend, she had access.
The work among those families who were beyond all
Church influences, was at first the only object in view,
but in the course of time, so many of them came into the
congregation, while still needing these ministrations of
the Parish Visitor, that finally her effort was limited to
families connected with the congregation. Whenever
she did visit those who most naturally belonged to some
other Church, their attention was immediately tinned
toward it, and every precaution was taken against even
the appearance of proselytism. In some years a thou-
sand visits would be made, in others not more than half
that number, according to circumstances; — ^but enough
was always done to render this one of our most valuable
agencies.
Another form of work at this period, was that of ** Sys-
tematic Visiting."
This was the branch of work within the congregation
itself, which really occasioned the formation of the
Pastoral Aid Society. The Pastor greatly desired aid
from the ladies of the congregation in keeping all of its
families constantly reminded of their relation to the
Church; and as new opportimities for usefulness were
constantly presenting themselves to the ladies, resulting
IN GERMANTOWN. 87
in the formation of new organizations, there was danger
of a multiplication of unconnected societies, which might
ultimately prove troublesome. Provision was made,
therefore, not merely for the desired visiting, but also for
combining this and the other new enterprises with the
already established forms of Woman's Work, in one
organization.
This particular Committee was arranged as follows:
the whole Parish was divided into districts of convenient
size, and each of these districts was assigned to a sub-
committee of two visitors, who were expected ordinarily
to call upon every church family within its bounds, once
in each quarter. It was intended that the Visiting
Committee should thus become intimately acquainted
with Church affairs in its own district ; should give notice
to the Pastor at once of every case of sickness, or other
special call for his services, and carry a welcome to new
families which might arrive from- time to time.
Usually it was so arranged that the districts did not
number more than twelve to fifteen families each; but
the Pulaskiville and Somerville Districts needed special
provision. In the latter case the Visiting Committee was
enlarged by the addition of a company of young Church
members, living within the district, who rendered most
efficient aid, calling upon the sick, upon the new arrivals
at the Chapel, and wherever they could be of service. A
tract was left at each visit, and valuable religious help
was given and received during these calls ; but much was
88 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
gained, even when, as in so many cases, the conversation
was simply that of informal neighborly kindness.
The "Ladies' Prayer Meetings" should by all means
have distinct recognition, as a most valuable feature of
the Church life.
Beginning with the winter of 1873-74, a devotional
hour was observed by the ladies, immediately after the
''Mothers* Meetings" each week. The younger ladies
had a similar hour for prayer, on Sunday evenings just
before service, with an attendance of thirty-five or forty
persons. After two or three years, however, it was
found impracticable to connect the prayer-meeting with
another service in this way.
In the Fall of 1877, therefore, Mrs. Dripps invited the
ladies to her own home for an hour in the morning, every
week. The attendance soon became too large for her
rooms, and she agreed to have the meetings transferred
back again to the Church. These meetings were not
held for business, nor for study, but solely for devotional
meditation on God's Word, and for prayer. Every
department of Church work was the better because of the
petitions which were here offered on its behalf, and the
whole tone of the Church life was more spiritual. It was
well worth all it cost.
The Pulaskiville Sunday School afforded still another
field for Church activity. This will be recognized as the
small beginning, from which came in later years the
Westside Presbyterian Church.
^^o
in 1870 .
"tCDOwn as PuiaskiviUe measured
;ss than t
■ >n, but was esti-
iiated tu .
:,:.] ....:'!. And,
[though V
• Hi
hurche-
J. own
v>as but n..
ught home in
his church, M
iary Mansfield: they conieri^d to
r ember 26th, 1870, can vr ■ ' ' ' '
Pledi^es were 2:iven of
orty-eight ciMS.'m^m^'P :CHAPML.
were offered for th
School tr
md eig":
3et square, and as no otherb ^
c ^ ^...,., building was felt n'
"i -.'IS came at the ver
^ist undertaking the heav\ iCSiX
>ew edifice for its own use, 1
' ork would be a help, pj '
A.-\H^
IN GERMANTOWN. 89
In 1870 the district known as Pulaskiville measured
less than two squares in each direction, but was esti-
mated to contain some eight himdred souls. And,
although the place was within a half mile of several
churches, its inhabitants greatly needed to have the
gospel brought to their own doors.
The neighborhood was but recently settled when its
necessities were brought home in various ways to two
different ladies of this church, Mrs. Jonathan Graham
and Miss Mary Mansfield: they conferred together,
and on September 26th, 1870, canvassed Pulaskiville
for scholars. Pledges were given of the attendance of
forty-eight children, and two rooms in a private house
were offered for the use of the proposed school. Mr.
Isaac C. Jones, Jr., agreed to act as Superintendent,
and other of our Church families in the part of German-
town nearest Pulaskiville became active in the work.
The ladies among them w^ere formally organized as a
Standing Committee, by the Pastoral Aid Society, on
the 5th of October, 1870. October 9th, the Stmday
School met for the first time, with forty-eight scholars
and eight teachers. The two rooms were only twelve
feet square, and as no others were procurable, the need
of a new building was felt at once. The appeal for con-
tributions came at the very time when our Church was
just imdertaking the heavy responsibility of erecting a
new edifice for its own use, but it was felt that the mission
work would be a help, and not a hindrance to the Church,
90 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
and the amount asked for was cheerfully given. There
was great need of haste, for the rooms used meantime,
were too small to allow the use of a stove in the cold
days of November; and on Saturday, December 9th,
the new chapel was dedicated. On the next day it was
occupied by the school.
At the Ninth Anniversary, in October, 1879, there
were eighteen teachers and one hundred and sixty
scholars on the roll. Of this number there were thirty-
six scholars who had been present every Simday during
the year ; nine of them having been present for two years,
and eleven for three years without a single interruption.
The Somerville Sunday School began four years later.
One of the ladies who foimded the Pulaskiville School
had, in 1874, removed to the Eastern part of German-
town, and foimd still further East, at the Township Line
and beyond it, a district composed of outlying settle-
ments, several of which were quite distant from any
Church whatever. A large part of the inhabitants were
losing all habits of Church-going, and the need of mission
work was palpable. The field was canvassed for scholars
by this lady, Mrs. Jonathan Graham, August 17th, 1874,
and twenty-seven names were secured. The refusal
of a new hall which was to be erected in Somerville,
had already been secured by Mrs. Graham for the Sunday-
School, should one be organized. Efforts were then made
to secure other helpers in the work, and on September
8th, a conference was held with Mr. George Wiggan as
IN GERMANTOWN. 91
to his accepting the Superintendency. This gentleman
had formerly been for some time a pew holder in our
Church, so that although then a member of the Second
Chtu-ch, he was well known among us, and his residence
in the immediate neighborhood of Somerville made his
co-operation valuable.
On September 14th, 1874, these facts were reported
to our Session, at its first meeting after the summer vaca-
tion, with information that action had been taken thus
far, on the assimiption of Sessional approval : and applica-
tion was made to have the enterprise recognized as a
work of this Church, imder the formal charge of its Pastor
and Elders. This application would have been made
earlier but for the absence of several members of Session
from town, during the Simimer. As it was, the proposal
received the ready sanction which it sought; the new
opportimity for work was thankfully welcomed, and by
formal vote of Session, was recognized as regularly imder
its care, with the promise of all possible help from the
congregation at large.
In the course of the following season there was a move-
ment looking toward the establishment of a new Pres-
byterian Church between Somerville and Germantown,
at the comer of Penn and Chew Streets, in which case it
was desired to have the Somerville Simday School
removed to that point. The proposed Church was to be
under charge of the Sessional Union, representing the
four Churches of Germantown, but so many difficulties
92 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
were encountered that the enterprise was temporarily
abandoned. Several years later, a similar movement
resulted in the formation of the *' Church of the Re-
deemer" which now occupies that position.
The new Sunday School remained, therefore, as it
began, a mission school of this Church, on which it de-
pended both for gifts and for workers. So few of our
congregation resided within reach of the new field, that
some weeks were occupied in finding the requisite num-
ber of teachers from our own number. On October
25th, 1874, however, it was fully organized, and held
its first service with forty-eight scholars and nine teachers.
During 1875, the School continued to use the public
hall in which it had started, at the comer of Stenton
Avenue and Mill Street. In the Spring of 1876, the
necessity of a new building led to the purchase of a lot,
and the beginning of the desired chapel. The ladies
of the Pastoral Aid Committee continued to render
efficient service in procuring the requisite fimds, and
with gratifying success. On June Uth, 1876, the "Som-
erville Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church" was
dedicated, free of debt. Its erection and furnishing
cost $3235.25, and the sum of $432.64 in addition was
raised for the Sunday School, and other services held
during the year, or $3667.89 in all. The Sunday
Schools of our three sister churches gave $50.00 each
toward the erection fund, and the residents in the vicinity
of the School, $504.00, while the main sum of $3000.00
A:i^K
•rll-f^O^
09
l^SPYTKRIA
ncoimtereo
Several
vi rhe f'
-v'hich n .
new Sunda)
a mission sch
The
begar;,
pencied both for
Churcl
^sition.
id, therefo;
ch, on which it de
So few of our
— ^leld, that
•te num-
October
ind held
THE SOMERVILLE CHAPEL
necessity oi a iu.';v <:, j i:^ \ ..r a lot.
and the beginning c. v.. ^...red cha^.. .. * :ie ladies
<^^' the Pastoral Aid Committee continued to render
rocuring the requisite funds^ and
at-
cost 5
raised
towan
of the School, $504.<K^ whii-
3CKX).00
\
IN GERMANTOWN. 93
came from this Church itself. At the Anniversary, held
in "^October, 1879, there were on the roll twenty-five
teachers, and two hundred and seventy-eight scholars.
The growth of the School was only limited by the size
of the building.
In each of the two chapels Simday School work was
connected with various other forms of mission enterprise.
At Pulaskiville weekly prayer meetings were held
beginning with January, 1871; just after the chapel
was erected. These were at first in charge of the various
Elders, who served in rotation ; and were held on Tuesday
evenings, but afterward on Friday. In September, 1871,
they were given by the Session into the hands of Dr.
George H. Burgin, who changed the time for holding
them to Sunday evening. In this form they were at-
tended with much success, until Dr. Burgin 's sickness
and death, in January, 1873.
In the next month, February, 1873, the Rev. Mr.
Travis, who was at the time acting as Principal of the
Germantown Academy, and in attendance at this Church,
took up the work and continued in charge of it imtil late
in the Fall, when other duties compelled him to resign it.
Early in January, 1874, some of the young men in the
Church began to hold regular meetings at a private house
near the chapel ; and in the following summer, the people
of the neighborhood came together more largely than at
any previous time, in attendance upon such services.
It became necessary to return to the chapel in order to
94 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
find room enough ; and the meetings continued to be held
there. The attendance was something more than one
hundred and fifty at these services, and for a long time
additional meetings were held from house to house on
Thursdays, with an average attendance of about thirty.
Many additions were made to the church at the com-
mtmion in December, 1874, and the work resulted in much
permanent good. This meeting continued in charge of
the yoimg men of the Church, and was a valuable feature
of our mission work. The chapel was used for Gospel
Temperance meetings, and other services. A daily Par-
ish School and a Sewing School were held there for some
years. This little building proved to be a spring of whole-
some influences in all the neighborhood, and its work re-
acted in the most beneficial manner upon the Church
itself.
At Somerville also, the chapel was used not only for
Simday School, but for devotional services in the evening.
The difficulty of procuring enough lay helpers for the
purpose, in a place so remote from the main body of the
congregation, led to the suggestion that a ftind be raised
sufficient to provide the salary for a minister, who might
take charge of the proposed services. This plan was
brought before the Session, by those of our people who
were especially interested in that field, together with the
statement that the condition of affairs was still such as to
manifestly preclude any thought of forming a new organi-
zation there for years to come ; and that the success of the
IN GERMANTOWN. 95
work depended wholly upon its being recognized by all
our members as their own enterprise, under the direct
charge of their own Pastor and Session, and for which
they, as a Church, had the entire responsibility.
The title of "Chapel Minister" had been given by the
General Assembly to those whom a Session entrusts with
such services, in a mission station imder its care. The
first to occupy in this way the pulpit of our Somerville
Chapel was the Rev. Mr. Hofford, then of Doylestown,
Pennsylvania, who preached on Sunday evenings for some
three months, his salary being provided by the Church in
the form of private subscriptions. Other engagements,
however, prevented him from entering upon the work as
fully as he had first intended, and caused him to relinquish
it. In January, 1877, another Chapel Minister was there-
fore engaged, viz., the Rev. Mosely H. Williams. As the
work was no longer a mere experiment, regular annual
subscribers were now secured, so as to provide for the
minister's salary in this way so far as possible, and avoid
the necessity of special collections.
The wish for a weekly prayer meeting in the chapel
was now gratified, since the residence of Mr. Williams in
the part of Germantown near Somerville enabled him to
inaugurate services of this kind. This was done at his
own suggestion, and is indicative of his cordial interest.
Both meetings were well attended and successful. In
the Fall of 1878, it was believed that the way was open
for still further enlargement of the work, and application
96 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was made by the members connected with this part of
our Church work, for arrangements whereby two services
might be held each Sunday, with regular visiting through-
out the week. After some time had been spent in con-
sidering this application, and ascertaining the condition
of the field itself, the Session agreed to sanction it, and
provision was made for securing additional funds in order
to bring up the salary to the requisite amoimt.
The Rev. Mr. Williams was precluded by other engage-
ments from accepting the position in its enlarged form,
and after conference with several other brethren, an agree-
ment was finally made with the Rev. James W. Kirk,
who became our Chapel Minister, March 19th, 1879.
Good results from this enlargement of the work were
shown immediately, and this whole wing of the church
force was well equipped for excellent service.
Changes in our forms of worship, which began during
this pastorate, may be grouped together as follows :
The Stmday afternoon service was transferred to even-
ing in the Spring of 1870: this change, together with that
of the weekly prayer meeting from Friday to Wednesday,
being in the direction of harmony with the other Churches
in the vicinity, and attended with good results.
The Sunday morning service has been introduced by
the Doxology, since Jime 1870; and it is especially note-
worthy that since June, 1873, every service during the
week, or on the Lord's Day has been closed, not merely
with the Benediction, but with a pause for silent prayer.
IN GERMANTOWN. 97
Before the Benediction, and also immediately after it,
the congregation stands in entire silence long enough to
give opportimity for silent prayer and to secure a rever-
ential conclusion to the worship of God.
Since 1870, persons received into communion upon
profession of faith, have been given a public welcome
before partaking of the Lord's Supper. It will be noticed
that these persons are presented to the congregation, not
as candidates for reception, but as already in full member-
ship, and to be welcomed as such.
The Week of Prayer was observed at the beginning of
each year; and the following program with slight verbal
alterations was in use :
Sunday. The petition "Thy Kingdom Come," and
in order to the fulfillment of this, prayer for the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh.
Monday. Thanksgiving for that which God has done
to bring the world to Himself, and Confession of our
short-coming as fellow-laborers with Him.
Tuesday. Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit upon The Family, and its supplementary agencies,
the Simday Schools, Colleges, etc., in all lands.
Wednesday. Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit upon The Nation, and for the success of move-
ments for public and social reform.
Thursday. Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit upon The Church Universal, in its ministry and
membership.
98 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Friday. Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
upon The Church in its Foreign Mission Work, and
for the conversion of the heathen.
Saturday. Prayer for the outpouring of the Holy
Spirit upon The Church in its Home Missions, and in
our own neighborhood.
It was intended to secure for our Church by the use of
this program, certain advantages which were often lack-
ing in the schedule prepared by the Evangelical Alliance,
€. g.y The same prominence was given to the coming of the
Holy Spirit, and to the Kingdom of Christ in all the earth,
which characterized the prayer meetings during the days
before Pentecost. This was the model, after which the
Week of Prayer was originally formed in the year 1860;
but in the course of time it was greatly changed, even to
the omitting, or the barely mentioning of the Holy Spirit
in some of the programs.
Two of our members were ordained within this period
to the Gospel ministry. Rev. Dr. Alexander Henry and
Rev. Dr. George C. Yeisley. The former will be remem-
bered as bom and nurtured within the congregation.
The Session of the Church had several changes of mem-
bership. In 1870, the elders were T. Charlton Henry,
Joseph W. Parks, and Enoch Taylor. In January,
1871, William Adamson and Thomas MacKellar were
added; in December 1874, Edward L. Wilson, and in
December, 1876, Charles M. Lukens. Elders Parks
and Adamson afterward removed, the former to another
IN GERMANTOWN. 99
part of the country, and the latter to Wakefield Church,
in whose Session he remained until his death in 1877.
The formation of the sessional union may be
taken as indicative of our fraternal relation toward the
neighboring Churches. As early as October, 1870, this
Session extended an invitation to the others in German-
town, looking toward such a Union: some unexpected
difficulties were encoimtered at that time, but information
of their removal was received in June, 1872, and the
invitation being then renewed was at once accepted. All
the active members of every Session in Germantown
were enrolled, and a permanent organization was formed ;
its object being "fraternal consultation and united action
upon those subjects in which otu* Churches have a com-
mon interest." The meetings of this Union continued
to be most pleasant and profitable, both in the promotion
of brotherly feeling, and in efficient action upon various
matters of importance.
The Wakefield Presbyterian Church of Germantown
was one of its first fruits. Early in the year 1873, Elder
William Adamson informed his fellow elders in this
Church that he had for a long time felt the call to secure
a new Presbyterian Church in the lower part of the town,
where a large field existed, unoccupied by any congre-
gation, and becoming rapidly populated; and that he
now felt himself able to undertake this enterprise, in
view of the fact that our own people were fully settled
100 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
in their new edifice, and could afford to dismiss him. The
Session at once expressed hearty sympathy with him in
this plan, and although deeply regretting the separa-
tion from us which it involved, pledged him its cordial
support. The matter was then laid before the Sessional
Union, Mr. Adamson offering to give a lot valued at
$9000 for the new Church, and agreeing to commence
building at once, in case the three congregations should
subscribe as much as $3000 in all, toward the fund.
Considerably more than this sum was at once pledged.
In a letter written by Mr. Adamson some time after-
ward, he stated to us that $4107.65 had been received
from the three congregations, of which sum $2013.95,
or nearly one-half, had come from the First Church.
Upon the receipt of his letter this Session sent him an
additional sum, bringing our total contribution for the
Building Fund up to $2100. The subscriptions which
were given by members of this congregation somewhat
later toward the erection of another and larger edifice
for the Wakefield Chtuch, were but further indications
of the same spirit. Toward the other two Presbyterian
Churches then in Germantown, the same disposition of
warm fraternal regard was ready to show itself. A
visit was paid to us by the Market Square Church, when
repairing its own edifice in September and October,
1872. A similar invitation was afterward extended to
the Second Church under the same circumstances and
with the same motive.
IN GERMANTOWN. 101
The Young Men's Christian Association of German-
town has received support and aid from this Church,
since its first organization. It traces its foundation
chiefly to the Christian zeal of Mr. William Adamson,
who was at that time, and for some years afterward,
still in this Church. He did not content himself with
the efficient work he was here doing, but sought to in-
fluence the whole commimity for good. His personal
efforts, and the responsibility for its current expenses,
which he so long carried, were indispensable to the suc-
cess of the Y. M. C. A. In this he was sustained by the
other members of this Church. The Board of Trustees
put $3000 into the Young Men's Christian Association
stock, and others gave enough to make a total contribu-
tion amoimting to one-half of all the unconditional sub-
scriptions received from every source, when its building
was occupied. The Association held its public meetings
in this Chturch until, through Mr. Adamson's advancing
a large part of the necessary sum, it piurchased our former
edifice and remodeled it for its own uses. It is interesting
to note that Mr. Adamson continued to serve in the
Presidency of the Y. M. C. A. from its foundation in 1871
imtil his death in 1877, and that Mr. Bayard Henry has
served in the same office from 1887, for the twenty- two
intervening years, until 1909.
Dr. Dripps resigned his charge with the year 1880,
finding himself compelled to seek rest and change for
the benefit of his health. He afterward became Pastor
102 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
of the Clinton Street Emmanuel Presbyterian Church,
in Philadelphia, and there continued from 1882 until
1886. Later on, he was Pastor of the Independent
Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Georgia, from 1889
until 1896. Since 1903, he has been Pastor of the
Church of the Redeemer, in Germantown. During his
connection with the First Church, he served for several
years as President of the Board of Education of the Pres-
byterian Church, and as a Charter Member of its Board
of Ministerial Relief. Before leaving, he prepared the
first printed manual and history of this Church. His
repeated visits to Germantown, and his return here for
permanent residence in 1896, have kept him in touch with
this congregation imtil the present time. His becoming
the Pastor of a neighboring Church has not hindered
him from being still an unofficial friend and helper of
this Church. He was called to take part in the installa-
tion of each of the four succeeding Pastors, and has
been entrusted with preparing the history of their
pastorates.
The intervals between pastorates in this Church have
usually been short: not merely because the field itself
is so attractive, but because the people have felt that
long intervals are so greatly disadvantageous, that they
have always looked for Providential guidance toward
the speedily securing a new minister.
REV. WILLIAM J. CHICHESTER succeeded, therefore,
to the Pastoral charge, with scarcely any interval
^K'*^
c
\ d
whatever. He
ears who te
attaches '
He ^
mrrng t
'i his sadd*^;
he city of
om the Balti-
-al
-'■ Tit'iuate
llh first
!. in 184
1867, '
..miniir-
Second Chi.
' apidly built up the m and was
a further memoriai ot *-^ pres-
edifice, which v/as erect. .., .^ pas-
-'Tinsylvania, and although • -here !\aij
uccession. at Los Angeles. Durir,
with the First Church of that cnty, i
row^th w^as such that the buil ■'
ain the enlarged congregation
•>re sent out to fom a ne'^^
>und himself peculiai;
rowdng and struggling cou
-s,
■rk
in
iV
. con -
there-
Chichestf*r
ird
work i
nd withdrew
I*
'\\\'\
IN GERMANTOWN. 103
whatever. He is the only Pastor during these last forty
years who is not now living in 1909, and his sudden death
attaches to his memory a special pathos.
He was bom of Scotch-Irish parents, in the city of
Baltimore, Maryland, in 1849; graduated from the Balti-
more City College in 1867, from the Western Theological
Seniinary at Pittsburgh in 1870, and took a Post-Graduate
course at Princeton Seminary in 1870-1871. His first
charge was the Second Church ot Altoona, from 1871 to
1878. Here he rapidly built up the congregation and was
able to leave as a further memorial of his work the pres-
ent fine Church edifice, which was erected during his pas-
torate. In 1878 he took charge of the Church at Titus-
ville, Pennsylvania, and although his stay there was
unusually brief, it left marked results of good. Early
in 1880 he was called to Germantown, and was installed
over this Church May 5th. After a pastorate memorable
in the history of this Church, he resigned in October, 1886,
feeling himself called to enter upon work in Los Angeles,
California, where it proved that his chief field for work
was awaiting him. He was Pastor of two Churches in
succession, at Los Angeles. During his three years stay
with the First Church of that city, from 1885 to 1888, the
growth was such that the building could no longer con-
tain the enlarged congregation, and a colony was there-
fore sent out to form a new Church. Dr. Chichester
found himself peculiarly drawn toward work in this
growing and struggling congregation, and withdrew from
104 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the parent Church to join the Colony, which was known
as the Immanuel Church. Here he continued for ten
years, from 1888 to 1898, with a success which attracted
attention not only on the Pacific Coast, but over the
entire country. It was this which led the First Church
of Chicago to send him a call in 1898. From 1898 until
1903, his work in that field was commensurate with its
great opporttmities and with his own previous achieve-
ments. He served in Chicago, not only as Pastor of its
First Church but as Director in the McCormick Theo-
logical Seminary, in the Presbyterian Hospital and in
other benevolent institutions. He was one of the orig-
inal members of the General Assembly's "Evangelistic
Committee," and was most active in its work up to the
time of his death.
His death itself was a sudden shock to us all. He took
cold, was too much absorbed in his work to be sufficiently
careful, was sent South for rest and quiet, became worse
at Atlanta on the journey, sent for his wife, and within a
week from the day he left home, he had died. This
was on March 23d, 1903. It is a striking commentary
on himian planning, when we are told that his Presbytery
had been expecting to send him as Commissioner to the
General Assembly which was to meet that May in Los
Angeles, and that there had been a further expectation
that his name would be presented for the Moderatorship
of the Assembly, with every prospect of success. But
meantime, he had been transferred to the ''General
IN GERMANTOWN. 105
Assembly and Church of the first bom, where names are
written in heaven."
In reviewing his ministerial life as a whole, especial
attention was called at the time, to his success as an
"Evangelistic Pastor." At Los Angeles, with which his
memory is especially associated, he took the Immanuel
Church with a membership of one hundred, and left it
with one thousand three hundred. Including also his
earlier Pastorate in the parent Church, we are told
that he added twenty-six hundred members to the roll,
of whom eight himdred and twenty were on confession
of faith.
Here in Germantown no such figures could well be ex-
pected, because there had been much less than one-half of
the time that was given to Los Angeles, and because the
field and the number of fellow workers were not so large.
It was, nevertheless, by no means unworthy of its
place, even in such a series of campaigns as that which
Dr. Chichester conducted.
During his pastorate four hundred and eight members
were here added to the Church, of whom two hundred
and thirty-eight were on confession of faith, and the
total membership was brought up from four himdred
and three in 1880 to five hundred and ninety-six in 1886.
He left nine hundred and eighty-nine in attendance on
the Sunday Schools. A total of $128,042 was contributed
by the Church, during this pastorate, of which $75,531
went to objects outside of the congregation.
106 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Dr. Chichester's pastorate was marked, not by the
further multiplying of organizations, but by the steady
operation of those already existing. As in the Gospel
record of the Disciples, and in the Acts of the Apostles, the
Lord showed Himself to be seeking results now intensive
and then extensive, so has it been ever since, in every
living Church of Christ. Dr. Chichester was used by his
Master here, as in his other fields, for extensive move-
ments upon unreached souls in the community arotind.
In doing the one, however, he did not leave the other
undone.
His death makes it possible to speak of all this more
fully, and it also leaves us at liberty to mention one fea-
ture which comes to mind first of all, when we think of
him; — namely, the singular and indescribable charm of
his personality. Even at the time of his full maturity as
a leader of men, whenever a waiting congregation looked
up into their Pastor's eyes, they felt as if the Lord had
once more *' set a child in the midst of them."
In private life, his very look did carry persuasion to
many a heart. They were true words which men wrote
of him after his departure, that he was a man ''of win-
some power;" ''genial and lovable;" "modest even to
shyness, and yet courageously frank and earnest;" "a
soul winner ;" " with a wonderful faculty for reaching men
personally."
The close of his pastorate here may be taken as indi-
cating what is in a certain sense a new and distinct
CI
10
livisionof t;
o much in
^ WOOD
(]()wn.
in 1870, and trom Priii
i 6 JO. He was Pastor of the C
. ..... > .h in "Buffalo, ^ew York, frorr .
iid of the Fo^/f^ f^V,^CM4fiLES..W00J^, JD.D.
ork, from 1881 to 1886,
It wfis during
ht Church passed the one-thousand \hi
this height was noL attained for
ncrease began at once, and the
rnce?, especially in the evenin<^.
:ominoc becan^.
IN GERMANTOWN. 107
division of the Church life. The next two pastorates have
so much in common, though they are also quite distinct
and by no means repetitious, and the Church found itself
in their time upon so new a level, that a line of sub-
division may very well be drawn at this place.
THE REV. DR. CHARLES WOOD took up the work when
Dr. Chichester laid it down.
Rev. Charles Wood, D. D., was bom in Brooklyn, New
York, June 3d, 1851. He graduated at Haverford College,
Haverford, Pa., in 1870, and from Princeton Theological
Seminary in 1873. He was Pastor of the Central Presby-
terian Church in Buffalo, New York, from 1873 to 1878,
and of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Albany, New
York, from 1881 to 1886, having spent the interval in
foreign travel and study.
He was elected as Pastor of this Church on December
9th, 1885, and was installed May 6th, 1886. On that
occasion the Moderator of the Presbytery presided, the
sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Alexander Henry,
and the charges were given by Rev. Dr. J. F. Dripps
and Rev. Dr. J. W. Teal.
It was during Dr. Wood's Pastorate that the member-
ship of the Church passed the one-thousand line, and
although this height was not attained for several years,
yet the increase began at once, and the attendance at
Church services, especially in the evening, was so great
that larger accommodations became an imperative
necessity.
108 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
An enlargement of the Building was therefore under-
taken. The Church as originally constructed was ceiled
with plaster, and had a large organ gallery at the south
end. It contained sittings for four hundred and thirty-
six persons. In the Summer of 1888 work was begim on
the present West Transept, which was finished in the
fall of that year, at a cost of about $6000. The interior
decorations were the same as those of the main edifice,
and the seating capacity of this transept was one himdred
and fifty-six. The additional accommodations thus pro-
vided were immediately filled up; and in 1892 a general
reconstruction of the auditorium became an absolute
necessity. The changes then made were planned by
Frank R. Watson, architect, of Philadelphia. These
consisted of the erection of the East Transept, the re-
moval of the old roof at the intersection of the nave with
the transepts, and the framing of the present open-
timbered ceiling, together with the erection of an organ
gallery over the pulpit. The organ previously used was
sold to a Church in Scranton, Pa. The recess in which it
foiTnerly stood was filled with pews, and the seating of
the main portion of the auditoritun was re-arranged.
As the result of these changes, there was a gain in seating
capacity of three hundred and seventy eight, thus pro-
viding, in all, accommodations for nine hundred and
seventy persons.
In connection with these additions to the auditoriimi,
the Chapel and Simday School buildings were also en-
IN GERMANTOWN. 109
larged and re-decorated. The total cost of these improve-
ments was about $14,500.
The beautiful organ which occupies the present organ
gallery was a gift to the Chiu-ch, a memorial of Mrs. Mary
H. Morris Wood, the wife of the Pastor, who died in 1891,
and of her first-bom son, Wistar Morris Wood, who died
in 1887. The instnunent is one of the finest in the city.
It was built by Charles S. Haskell, the builder of the organ
of the Drexel Institute, and of many other notable organs.
The organ has three manuals and pedals, and the action
throughout is pneumatic. A fourth manual controls
the registration of the instnmient, there being no draw-
stops. This somewhat imusual feature adds greatly
to the ease with which the performer manipulates the
organ. There are forty-three speaking stops, divided as
follows : —
Pedal Organ 8 stops
Choir Organ 8 stops
Great Organ 13 stops
Swell Organ 14 stops
There are seven mechanical stops and couplers, and
ten combination pedals. The Choir Organ and the Swell
Organ are each enclosed in a separate swell-box. This
affords additional opportimity for delicate modulation
of tone.
110 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The organ bears a bronze plate with this simple in-
scription :
IN MEMORIAM
M. H. M. W.
1864-1891
W. M. W.
1884-1887
1892
A Parish House was secured, by the purchase of the
property adjoining the Church building toward the
west. This included a building which had originally
been one of the large old-fashioned mansions which helped
to make this such a beautiful avenue, even in early days.
The garden was so large that the owner could well afford
to sell a part of it as the site of our Church building, and
still have ample grounds remaining. In more recent
years the property had been purchased by the German -
town Working-Men's Club, and the house had been con-
siderably enlarged for their uses. After it came into
the possession of this Church in Dr. Wood's time, it was
still further altered and enlarged, so as to make it an
invaluable portion of our working plant.
It has been used for the Primary Department, and
for other uses connected with the Simday School, for
various purposes in connection with the work of the men
)'ir,
Tlic' organ beL- ite witl
scription :
M.
property
west. T.
been one of the large old
to make this such a bciautiiai av
The garden was so large that the u^- i -i ^.ua j .v<Mi >tii".>i*jL
to sell a -Dart of it as the site of our Church building, and
cmaining. In more recent
by the Ot^rmar*
for other uses c hool, for
various pmposes in conn of the men
IN GERMANTOWN. Ill
and that of the ladies, including the Gymnasium, the
reading rooms, etc.,
The Westside Presbyterian Church was organized
during this period, as an outgrowth of the Pulaskiville
Mission School established by our people in 1870.
The same Superintendent who was then mentioned,
Mr. Isaac C. Jones, had continued in charge of the school,
as indeed he did until his death in 1895. The other
workers had been likewise faithful and energetic, so that
the school had grown in number, and had acquired a
reputation for most unusual regularity in attendance on
the part of both teachers and children. The spiritual
results of such work were such as might be expected.
So many of the boys and girls had by this time grown
up and made homes of their own, and so many of the
neighbors had become permanently interested, that
there came to be a distinct call for the establishment of
a new Church in this field. There was assurance in
advance, of its being a self-supporting Church and not a
mere "Mission," from the fact that a group of families,
including those of the Superintendent and of his sons,
and others closely allied with them, were willing to give
up their old home in the First Church, to which they
were warmly attached, and cast in their lot entirely
with the new enterprise. Accordingly in October, 1892,
the First Church sent out sixty-five of its valued mem-
bers to form the Westside Church.
They provided a building fund of $20,000, and one of
112 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
them, Mr. J. Livingston Erringer, purchased a lot of
ground to serve as the site for the new Church building,
the deed for which was made to the Trustees of the First
Presbjrterian Church in Germantown in 1892, and subse-
quently, after the completion of the Westside Presby-
terian Church, conveyed by them to that Church in 1894.
A striking indication of Dr. Wood's energy may be
seen in the following statement, sent to us from the
Yoimg Men's Christian Association of Philadelphia.
"Rev. Dr. Charles Wood, pastor of the First Pres-
byterian Church of Germantown, began the meetings for
yoimg men in Association Hall at Fifteenth and Chestnut
Streets, in the Fall of 1887. He continued this work
after he became Pastor of the Second Presbyterian
Church of Philadelphia until he accepted the call to the
pastorate of the Church of the Covenant, Washington,
D.C. For twenty-one consecutive years, from November
to April, Dr. Wood addressed large audiences of men in
Association Hall, with an aggregate attendance of 231,000
men. The gatherings embraced large niunbers of students
attending professional schools, yoimg business men, work-
ing men, and a floating population of strangers in the city.
"His addresses were practical in their character, full
of helpful suggestion for daily life, well seasoned with
wit and humor, and always having a strong evangelistic
appeal. The fame of these meetings was national and
attracted many visitors. The interest was as strong
and the meetings as fruitful at the end of the twenty-
IN GERMANTOWN. 113
first year as in the beginning. While free from undue
emotional appeals, there were always immediate results,
and the Association, from time to time, received com-
mimications from the remotest parts of the United States,
and even from abroad, telling of the complete conversion
and lasting change for the better in the lives of men, due
to Dr. Wood's addresses.
" Notwithstanding the cares of a large pastorate during
all those years. Dr. Wood never failed to meet the young
men of Philadelphia in this hall on Sunday afternoons,
and it is probable that more yoimg men looked to and
received from him moral and spiritual teaching through
the spoken Word than from any other contemporary
speaker. It is said, and imdoubtedly with truth, that
this record of twenty-one years' preaching, to audiences
of men only, in one hall, is without a parallel in recent
religious history. Dr. Wood not only refused compensa-
tion for this imequalled service, but contributed to the
expenses of the meeting imtil the audience itself gave a
weekly contribution to maintain the service. He also
interested himself personally in the young men who
were brought into church membership and Christian
service through his work.
"It is the verdict of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation of Philadelphia that no one man contributed so
largely to the direct spiritual activities of the Association
or gave greater aid to the work of reaching the imchurched
men of Philadelphia with the preaching of the Gospel.
114 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"The Directors and Managing Boards of the Asso-
ciation united with the members in a testimonial to Dr.
Wood, and in expressions of appreciation of his remark-
able service, when he left Philadelphia to take up the
pastorate in the national capital."
Our attention has been called, by the Young Men's
Christian Association officers, to the further fact that
Dr. Wood in the first year of his city pastorate, in the
summer of 1897, induced his congregation to set up a
large tent for Gospel ser\'ices in the vacant lot, comer of
Twenty-second and Walnut Streets, where in conjunction
with the Young Men's Christian Association they con-
ducted year after year services at which from three
hundred to seven hundred young men were present, be-
sides other services for women and children. With
this example before them, it was the more natural for
the Presbyterian Social Union to inaugurate two years
later, in 1899, their own tent work, which led in 1901 to
the appointment of the present Evangelistic Committee
of the General Assembly.
Not only in Philadelphia but in Paris, there is similar
work to be noted. In the summer of 1895, Dr. Wood
exchanged pulpits with Dr. Thurber of the American
Chapel in Paris. Dr. Thurber 's visit here is still remem-
bered pleasantly, and Dr. Wood's visit to Paris had as
one result the maintenance by this Congregation of a
pew in that Chapel. This may serve as a reminder
that Dr. Wood's interest in young men led him to enter
IN GERMANTOWN. 115
Upon a work for the students in the "Latin Quarter"
of Paris, of which he still continues to be an active
supporter.
The young people of his own congregation were by no
means forgotten, for at the beginning of his pastorate
he led in the organization of the Christian Endeavor
Society, and became himself its first President. There
were at first about fifty members, but it increased until
there were three times that number. In a statement
recently made by one of the original members it is said
that the spiritual element has always been a marked
feature of this Society. "For Christ and the Church"
has truly been its motto. Its meetings have, there-
fore, been for help and not for rivalry, in relation to
those held by the Church. "The members of the Chris-
tian Endeavor have alw^ays been regular attendants
of the regular Wednesday Evening Service."
The Rev. Dr. John Calhoim, who became Assistant to
Dr. Wood in 1892, proved himself to be a most efficient
worker, particularly in the Somerville field, until he
became Pastor of the Mount Airy Church in 1896. Many
of the young people were co-workers with him.
During the ministry of Dr. Wood, there were eight hun-
dred and seventy-six persons received into this Church, of
whom five hundred and fifteen came on Confession of
Faith. The total membership of the Church in 1897 was one
thousand one hundred and ninety-one, and that of the Sun-
day School was one thousand two hundred and fourteen.
116 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
During the same period the sum of $253,981 was con-
tributed to religious and benevolent purposes, of which
$106,953 went to objects outside of the congregation
itself. Dr. Wood resigned January 7th, 1897, to take
charge of the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadel-
phia, continuing in that field until 1908, when he became
Pastor of the Church of the Covenant, in Washington,
D. C.
THE REV. CHARLES ROSEBURY ERDMAN became Pastor
in immediate succession to Dr. Wood. He was bom in
1866, graduating from Princeton College in 1886, and
from the Princeton Seminary in 1891. In the same year,
1891, he was ordained by the Presbytery of Philadelphia
North, and installed as Pastor of the Presbyterian Church
at Overbrook, Pa.
He was elected as Pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church in Germantown on March 10th, 1897, and was
installed the following month, April 22d, 1897. The
sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Alexander Henry,
the charges were given by Rev. Dr. W. J. Erdman and
Rev. Dr. Charles Wood, and the installation prayer was
made by Rev. Dr. J. F. Dripps.
During his pastorate of nearly nine years, he had as
Assistant Ministers, Rev. David deForest Burrell (1901),
Rev. Walter C. Erdman (1903), and Rev. John A. Mac-
Sporran (1904).
The large scale upon which congregational operations
were now conducted made it necessary to provide more
^labotat
rianiiai,. oiar ye<
ice as
' include only t
ind condition was
were made at ini: ra
i.v.,.-. .= ... >. .iar, eight hundred and .; .,.
being enroile<i:^ vM^fr ^4^^^,..^: SfWMAK
epresented additions -■■
Erdman
^^ those he'
a movements (or
" ■- "- " ople. iiis
. ;- will be '
lar interest
regation as well c
cne people of th
IN GERMANTOWN. 117
elaborate records than had been necessary in earlier
times. A card catalogue of all persons in the Church
and congregation was, therefore, prepared, with parish
registers based upon them. Instead of occasional church
manuals, a series of regular year-books was begim, which
has continued ever since as a permanent institution.
Letters were written annually to all absentees, and the
Church-Rolls were revised at regular intervals, so that
they should include only the names of members whose
address and condition was definitely known.
Additions were made at the rate of very nearly one
hundred a year ; eight hundred and sixty-five new names
being enrolled, of which four hundred and twenty-two
represented additions on Confession of Faith, and four
hundred and forty-three from other Churches. Even
with heavy losses by death and by removal, the roll at
the end of this pastorate ntimbered one thousand four hun-
dred and forty-seven. The Sunday School reported one
thousand two hundred and seventy-five members in 1906.
Like his father. Rev. Dr. William J. Erdman, Mr.
Erdman had an active part in such religious conventions
as those held at Northfield, and took especial interest
in movements for the better religious instruction of
Christian people. His courses of sermons on the Books
of the Bible will be remembered in this connection.
A similar interest in Christian work outside of the con-
gregation as well as within its boimds, was shown by
the people of the Church. They were closely connected
118 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
with most of the organizations for general religious and
benevolent work in this city and neighborhood.
This breadth of sympathy and interest was, of course,
materially aided by the remarkable work of Mr. Erdman
himself, in connection with the Yotmg Men's Christian
Association of the Pennsylvania Railroad, on Sunday
afternoons. It is somewhat unusual that two Pastors
in succession should for so many years engage in this par-
ticular kind of Christian work.
The following statement, sent to the present writer
from the President of the Pennsylvania Railroad Young
Men's Christian Association, will indicate the service
which was thus rendered :
"My Dear Doctor Dripps: In accordance with your
request I take pleasure in enclosing a brief outline of
the work done by Rev. Charles R. Erdman in connection
with the Pennsylvania Railroad Department, Yoimg
Men's Christian Association.
**Mr. Erdman's work has had splendid results among
our railroad men, and he is held in the highest esteem
not only by our officials but by all of the employes with
whom he has come in contact. We feel that our Asso-
ciation owes a debt of gratitude to the First Church
of Germantown, for allowing Mr. Erdman to continue
this important service during his incimabency of the
pastorate.
*'If you will ask any Pennsylvania Railroad man in
touch with that important branch of the corporation
IN GERMANTOWN. 119
which is being carried on in Philadelphia tinder the au-
spices of the Pennsylvania Railroad Department of the
Young Men's Christian Association, 'Who is responsible
for the wonderful growth of the religious work of that
institution ?' he will tell you that it has been accomplished
mainly through the self-sacrificing and conscientious
labors, year after year, of Rev. Charles R. Erdman,
in his conduct of the Sunday afternoon meetings.
"Mr. Erdman's connection with this work began in
1894, shortly after he was called to the pastorate of the
Overbrook Presbyterian Church. He had among his
parishioners, Mr. Wistar Morris, who, though a Quaker,
became interested in this new Church enterprise, and
being an admirer of Mr. Erdman, came frequently to
the services. About this time the Management of the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company lent financial aid in
the erection of the Y. M. C. A. Building at Forty-first
Street and Westminster Avenue, West Philadelphia, the
corner-stone of which was laid by the late President
Roberts in 1893, and the building dedicated to the pur-
poses of the Association early in the following year. Mr.
Morris invited Mr. Erdman to be present at the dedication,
and knowing his love for young men, asked him to come
and conduct the Simday afternoon service which was held
for the benefit of Pennsylvania Railroad men and their
families. Mr. Erdman became so much interested in
the work that he agreed to come regularly, which he did
when not otherwise engaged during his residence at Over-
120 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
brook ; and when he was called to the First Presb)rterian
Church in Germantown he accepted with the under-
standing that he still be permitted to continue the work
which he had for several years conducted in the interest
of railroad men on Simday afternoons during the Fall,
Winter and Spring months. This work with him was a
labor of love which he performed most cheerfully, refusing
to accept any compensation for his services, which were
rendered at times when it involved much self-sacrifice
on his part. Since Mr. Erdman's removal to Princeton
he has not been able, owing to the great demand upon his
time, to continue every week, but he is usually present
about two Simday afternoons in each month.
"Mr. Erdman's attendance at these meetings does
not by any means constitute the entire service rendered
by him to the Railroad Association, as during his resi-
dence in Overbrook and Germantown he was frequently
called upon to visit the sick and the dying at their homes
and in the hospitals, and his presence cotdd also be
invariably relied upon at the numerous other religious
and social meetings held in the Building. There was
published several years ago a little book entitled " Simday
Afternoons with Railroad Men," containing the addresses
delivered by Mr. Erdman at these meetings, and it is
safe to say that a copy of this book may be found in the
home of nearly every Pennsylvania Railroad employe
in West Philadelphia. The attendance at these meetings
has grown steadily from the time Mr. Erdman entered
IN GERMANTOWN. 121
Upon the work, and the employes and their famihes are
so attracted by the earnest and practical way in which
Mr. Erdman presents the plain Gospel truths that the
auditorium of the Building, which has a seating capacity
of upwards of twelve himdred, is frequently overcrowded,
so that in the fifteen years during which Mr. Erdman
has been carrying on these services he has reached many
thousands, and his work among railroad men and their
families has been greatly blessed."
During the pastorate of Mr. Erdman there were received
into the Chiurch eight hundred and sixty-five persons, of
whom four hundred and twenty-two came on Confession
of Faith. The Sunday School numbered one thousand
two hundred and seventy-five in the year 1906, and the
total church membership was one thousand four hundred
and forty-seven. The gifts made during this period
amoimted to $253,981, of which $106,953 went to outside
objects.
Mr. Erdman resigned his charge, January 31st, 1906,
in order to become the Professor of Practical Theology
in the Princeton Theological Seminary. His residence
within so short a distance from Germantown, serves
to keep him in pleasantly close touch with his old congre-
gation.
The relation between Pastor and People has had so
marked an influence upon the history of this Church,
that it calls for distinct notice as we bring to a close the
record of this pastorate, the latest of those which are
122 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
finished and completed, and which therefore belong to
the Past.
In a book of general history, events are usually referred
to the time of this or that ruler, even when he himself had
really no part in them. It is of course conceivable that
in the same way we might assign events in the history of
a Church, to this or that pastorate, without implying that
the Pastor in question had any special connection with
them. But in point of fact this is rarely so. In our own
Church, as elsewhere, the new activities of any particular
time are usually originated by the Pastor, and he is almost
always the chief agent in their accomplishment. The
people are not often called to advance, without having
their Pastor first called to lead the way.
We could not well expect to find it otherwise. The
Pastor is directly called of God to a position of leadership
in religious work, and is prepared for such leadership by a
long course of special training. To him, this is his life
work and his specialty, while to the people, church- work
is but one among various other forms of activity. Sim-
ply on the human side, the influence of a professional
expert, a trained leader, is natural and easily understood ;
but the Divine origin of this human relation gives to it
always its chief meaning and help.
Our own history has clearly revealed to us that Christ
is the ever living and active Head of the Church, and that
in every emergency He has at hand exactly the right field
for His minister, and the right Pastor for His people.
IN GERMANTOWN. 123
It is true that, in a single instance, more than ninety-
years ago, a Pastor did undertake to lead the people away
from their Church, but even then it was by the leadership
of the aged Founder, who was in all but name the perma-
nent Senior Pastor, that the situation was saved. The
Lord who sent Mr. Bourne, and used him for good, re-
tained also Dr. Blair, and used him for a still larger good,
and for the prevention of final harm. The Church gained
more through the one Minister, than it lost through the
other, even in that time of division. And no other time
of division has ever come. That was surely "the excep-
tion which proves the rule."
There has been a great variety, both in method and in
personality, among these Pastors. When Paul writes
to the Ephesians about the sort of wisdom which God
shows in His dealings with the Church, he describes it as
a wisdom which is ''manifold," or more literally "many-
colored," "greatly- varied." We have found this as true
in German town as it was in Ephesus.
Sometimes a man finds his whole life uplifted and sus-
tained by the sermons of a Pastor whom he knew but
slightly, outside of the pulpit. Sometimes the same
result comes through frequent personal touch with the
Pastor, at home or in the office or on the street. A
spiritual relation is thus formed between Pastor and peo-
ple, which is more sacred than that between leaders and
followers in any other body of men. It is God's own
doing, in every case alike. "There are diversities of
124 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in
all." We find illustrations of this harmony with diversi-
ties, through all our history.
It was so, for example, when Mr. Erdman followed Dr.
Wood, and was in turn succeeded by Dr. Jennings. Here
was a yoimg man of but six year's experience, following
a man who had had recognized success in prominent
ptdpits for twenty-four years, and whose preaching not
only held his own people steadily, but also attracted out-
siders in large nimibers. But the hearts of the whole
people soon became so knit together with that of the
yoimg Pastor, that no one can possibly be acquainted with
his pastorate without being much impressed by this fact
and its results. Yet this warm regard for Mr. Erdman
did not in the least interfere with that which had so long
been felt for Dr. Wood, nor hinder at all that which went
out at once toward Dr. Jennings, when the Lord gave
him in turn to be the Pastor of the Church. It was much
like any other case in which a warm hearted man has
three friends who are entirely distinct in themselves, and
in their relations to him, but for whom he has three
friendships as warm and real as they are distinctive. It
might perhaps be said that the Lord has sent here three
men in succession, one of them reaching heart and will
through the mind, and another reaching mind and wiD
through the heart, and still another reaching the will
through mind and heart. But in any case, and whether
or not we are successful in discerning just what was given
IN GERMANTOWN. 125
to the Church in each of these various gifts from the Lord,
we do need to recognize the Lord Himself, as shaping
every gift for its own time and purpose.
When the Apostle John was given a vision of things to
come, he entitled that vision "The Revelation of Jesus
Christ." Christ was not only its Giver, but its chief
Object. So with our own vision of things in the Past:
whatever else we may see in it, we are surely meant to get
here a vision and a Revelation of Jesus Christ.
It is in this that we find the real significance of all these
little details, in one pastorate and in another.
THE REV. DR. WILLIAM BEATTY JENNINGS is the suc-
cessor to Mr. Erdman, and the present Pastor of the
Church. Dr. Jennings was bom of Scotch-Irish parent-
age at Bennettsville, S. C, September 12th, 1859. He
graduated from Davidson College, N. C, in 1880, and
from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1883. While
at the Seminary he received the degree of A. M. from
Princeton University C'in course.")
He was Pastor from 1883 to 1887, of the First Presby-
terian Church in Rock Hill, S. C. ; from 1887 to 1895, of
the First Presbyterian Church in Macon, Ga., and from
1895 to 1898, of the Central Presbyterian Church of
Louisville, Ky. He was with the First Presbyterian
Church in Detroit, Michigan, from 1898 imtil he came to
Germantown in 1906. In 1890 he travelled in Bible
Lands and in Europe for six months. At Rock Hill and
Macon he started Chapel services which grew into sepa-
126 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
rate Churches, with their own houses of worship. During
his pastorate in Detroit, a Colony was sent out which
formed the Highland Park Presbyterian Church. Dr.
Jennings has been more than once a Commissioner to the
General Assembly, serving on the Committee which
planned for the Permanent Judicial Commission, and on
that which prepared the Book of Common Worship. He
is a member of the Board of Education, and of the
Assembly's Special Committee on Evangelistic Work.
Dr. Jennings was installed as Pastor of this Church on
October 10th, 1906. At that service the sermon was
preached by the Moderator of the General Assembly,
Rev. Dr. William H. Roberts, and the charges were given
by Rev. Dr. J. Frederick Dripps and Rev. Professor
Charles R. Erdman.
The Men's Association is itself a proof of the interest
of Dr. Jennings in the men of the Church. This Asso-
ciation was formed in January, 1908, with a membership
of more than two hundred. In the newspaper account
of this meeting it is described as **the result of plans
made by the Church's active and popular Pastor, the
Rev. Wm. Beatty Jennings, D. D. Several weeks pre-
viously, a few of the most active layman of the Congrega-
tion met him at the Manse, to discuss the possibility of
such an organization, and planned for the meeting."
Its members have co-operated with the Board of Trus-
tees in decorating the Parish-house, and furnishing its
Reading-room and Gymnasium; as also in the extensive
'^^Bi 'i '
•ith their ^>wn houses o1
^rate in Detrc
Highla
bas been t
Assembly.
• for the Pe,
i" —
that which prepay
■sbvtenai
romn. .:
Comrai
mmission, and v a
■r, Worship, lie
-', and of the
c Work.
Church on
^^HE REV. WILLIAM BEATTY JENNINGS, D. f
Charles R. Er.
The Men»s Association is i
, vSSO-
c\ Dr. Jennings in the men k.>. ... ^ -.^^
- - - ^ '-^.rrned in ^-.nuarv, 1908, with a membership
r^rcy h. newspaper ace
its iv
tees u- ^^v v.,
Reading-roo
vvCensive
IN GERMANTOWN. 127
decoration of the Church building itself. In the Ap-
pendix to this volume will be found a Report from the
Men's Association, giving a more particular account of
its various operations.
Another line of effective work in the present pastorate
is connected with the recent development of the Somer-
ville Mission. It is just thirty-five years since this
Mission was started in October, 1874, and it has never
been in better condition than far these past three years,
during which Dr. Jennings has given it his most active
help. Like the *' Pulaski ville Mission" which was trans-
formed into the "Westside Presbyterian Church," in
the twenty-second year after its organization in 1870,
the Somerville Mission also is now on the point of separa-
tion from the Mother Church, in order to an independent
Church life.
Plans have been adopted, and are ready for fulfillment
in the immediate future, whereby the Eastminster
Mission of the Second Presbyterian Church, and our own
Somerville Mission, will unite to form a new Church.
The lot has already been purchased, at the comer of
East Chelten Avenue and the ''Limekiln Pike," and an
edifice is to be created shortly thereon. A fund of
ten thousand dollars has been raised by this Church, and
the same amount will come from the Second Church, so
that the amoimt to be raised on the field itself is not
beyond its available resources. This event is in the
highest degree gratifying, even though the Mother Church
128 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
will greatly miss the long continued habit of caring for
this her child.
A retrospect of this quarter-century at Somerville
brings to view much devoted work and many faithful
workers. At the head of these is naturally Mr. Jacob
C. Bockius, who for thirty years has been with the School,
and for eighteen years has been not only the Superin-
tendent of the School, but the efficient leader in all good
work on the entire field. Others of like spirit have always
surrounded him, and no Chtirch could wish for a more suc-
cessful outpost for work than Somerville has been to us.
We are, therefore, brought now to the point where
we are called to look arotmd over our present resources,
and forward into the futiu*e.
Our material and physical resources are not to be
ignored. Here is our Church building, with its House
of Worship for the congregation, and its Apartments
for the Simday School and for the smaller assemblies.
The Parish House with its various rooms for classes and
clubs, for reading and gymnastics, is an invaluable help,
and the Manse which has just been purchased, gives to
the people the comfortable sense that they have now
provided a dignified and beautiful home for their Pastor
and his family. The three properties make up a plant
which is worth more than One Himdred and Fifty Thou-
sand Dollars in money, and which is worth more than
can be estimated, in the way of available resources for
Church life and work.
128
WiJIi greatly niiss the long continued habit of canr/»: for
this her child.
A retrospect of t' tter-centiiry at Some:
brings to view m^i-'r --^ many fai
workers. At the L ally Mr. Ji^
C. Bcckius, who for tl^:. en with the School,
and for eighteen years has h ly the Superin-
' ^ ' 'in all good
.. , :. - ... nave always
p'ji 1 could w^sh for a more suc-
has been to us.
THE MANSE
and forward i
Our material and physicsd resources arc
ignored. Here is our Church building, t-louse
of Worship for the <: ntion, and as ....-irt merits
for tiie Sunday Schoo. .- , or the smaller assemblies.
The Parish House with its various rooms for classes
clubs, for reading and gymnastics, is an invalual
and a p^ant
which I ifty Thou-
sand r .... ^Vj-iYi
can be for
Church lit
IN GERMANTOWN. 129
The financial resources which are available may be
estimated from the fact that the contributions for the
last year, 1908-1909, amounted to nearly $25,000,
and for the last forty years to more than $1,000,000.
This is significant, not of mere wealth, but of readiness
to give when the Master's call is heard.
The enrolled membership of communicants is another
resource, which has now, within these three years of the
present Pastorate, advanced beyond the fifteen-htmdred
mark. In point of size, this has come to be among the
few largest churches in our City. What still un-mined
resources are here!
The organization of the Church serves to increase its
resources still further. These many himdreds of men,
women and children, are not left as mere disorganized
atoms, but are skillfully knit together as members of
one great complex body.
The Pastor is aided by an Assistant Minister and also
by the Parish Visitor whom the Pastoral Aid Society
supports. There are thirteen Elders and twelve Trustees
to care for spiritual and financial needs. The Church
women bring together tmder the general name of the
Pastoral Aid Society, with its one himdred thirty-two
members, at least twenty-five different Societies and
Guilds and Committees, most of them large, and all of
them alert and vigorous. The Men's Association with
two hundred and forty-nine members, is at work through
ten committees in as many various directions. The
130 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Board of Ushers has an enrolled membership of twenty-
seven young men. The Christian Endeavor Society
reports fifty members, acting through ten Committees.
There are twelve members of this Church now at work
as Missionaries on the Foreign Field. And, not only
last, but first of all, stands the Sunday School.
The Home School reports to-day nine himdred and
two members, and the Somerville School five hundred
and eighty-one, making a grand total of fourteen hun-
dred and eighty-three teachers and pupils. Of the
Home School there are four hundred and twenty-
eight and of the Somerville School one himdred and
seventy-five, who are commimicants in the Church.
The expenses of the school are still paid by the Congre-
gation at large, so that all gifts brought by the classes
are left free for outside benevolence. These gifts for
the last year amounted to $1124.46. There are various
Departments, Main, Intermediate and Primary, with
that for Beginners also, and the Home Department.
The School maintains a "Bible Study Class," which is
really a Normal School in two Departments, for the sys-
tematic training of young men and women to be Sunday-
school Teachers and Church Workers.
It is of course conceivable that a history which went
deeper than mere external events, might disclose in the
people a spirit of self-seeking and self -glorying, occasioned
by this very prosperity. But in point of fact, the present
historian has full warrant for setting down as part of
IN GERMANTOWN. 131
the record, that this has not been the spirit which has
prompted either our leaders or the Church as a whole.
The real defect and danger has always been and is now
of another sort entirely. It has come from a tendency
to forget what an tmspeakable honor it is, for a man to
be in membership with any part of that great "Church
of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. "
There may be discerned the signs of a failure on the part
of its members to value their place in the Church ade-
quately, and to search out and perform with diligence
the duties which grow out of that relationship. But
there have not been lacking, repeated Providential
interruptions of such placid drifting, by which a new turn
has been given to the course of affairs. So it has been
when a new Pastor came, or a new field of work was
entered, or an addition made to the plant, calling for
new adjustments and activities.
Such a Providential call to newness of life comes also
with this Centennial season, during which the Church has
been making further history. It has been a call to look
backward and see what a sincere and warm interest has
been taken in this Church, and is, of course, now taken
in it, by the Lord of us all. It is vindoubtedly true that
every one of our sister Churches could discern from its
own history many a token of Divine care, peculiar to
itself: but that is all the more reason why each should
search out and heed what God has thus done for each.
Since God Himself has taken such interest in it, beyond
132 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
all question our own interest in the Church should be
greater than ever before, and it should be expressed
not only in transient emotion, but in lasting service.
The kinds of service which He seeks from us are not
hard to find.
It is still an experiment, when a Church refrains from
assessing pew rents, and makes appeal for free will offer-
ing from all its members. Here is a call upon each mem-
ber in particular, to see that this worthy and Christian
experiment shall succeed, by a responsive liberality from
each and every one. The present size of the Church,
and its past record, bring to it continual calls for further
giving. Let us each be ready to make reply with just
such words as were actually used by one of our business
men — "You need not apologize for making such a
request. If you can help me to see that our common
Lord wants me to help your cause, and how much He
expects me to give, you shall have it at once and very
willingly." There is need here, as in all other congre-
gations, that each in the mass shall faithfully do his own
part, and not seek excuse for leaving all to be done by
the few.
Through these forty years past, the Church has had
a wide outlet for its activities, and abundant access to
imconverted souls, through the services of its Missions,
one of which is now an independent Church, and the
other of which is just about to become such. But the
membership of the Home Church itself is scattered all
IN GERMANTOWN. 133
over Germantown, and there is more urgent need than
ever before in this generation, that each one shall be
active in personal work. It may be that God will thus
guide us into a new Mission work, in some unoccupied
field which we have not yet recognized ; but in any case,
and even without the advantage of such organization,
the Lord of the Harvest calls for followers who will not
only give gifts, but will do active spiritual work.
And, as the Alpha and Omega of all our service, there
is a call to maintain our Public Worship, by seeing to
it that there are no empty pews and no cold imspiritual
worshippers. "They that wait upon the Lord, shall
renew their strength." Our history is in vain imless
it show God's call for such service, and His readiness
to inspire it. The chapters of Church History found in
the Bible itself, contain many such messages from God,
and in fact each of them is in itself just such a message,
and has this for its chief object. This present appeal
needs, therefore, no apology. Our own history is a
record of God's leading and man's following in the Past,
expressly in order to a far better following of this Leader
in the Present and Future.
The Centennial Services held in October, 1909, indicate
no unworthy response to this Divine call.
From the first service, at which there was a full Church,
up to those of the closing day, when there was not enough
standing room for the waiting crowds, the attendance
was beyond all that could well have been expected.
134 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Communion of the Lord's Supper at the first service,
showed a spirit of reverential worship, which marked
all the succeeding days. At the Reception on Saturday
evening, there was a great multitude present to enjoy
the music, and to greet one another, but first of all to
extend hearty congratulations to Dr. and Mrs. Jennings
upon the unqualified success of the whole celebration.
Willing activities were put forth on every hand, for the
numberless details which required them, and there was
abundant response to every call from the Minister and
his fellow workers. Regard for the Church and its
hundred-year history, was accentuated by affectionate
loyalty to the Pastor himself. Gifts were brought in
from every side, in large sums from those able so to give,
and in sums proportionate to their ability by the people
at large. Toward one fund in particular, more than
four hundred different persons contributed. More than
enough was contributed to raise a Centennial Fund of
Twenty Thousand Dollars, of which Ten Thousand
Dollars were for a farewell gift to the Somerville Mission,
and the other Ten Thousand were for Centennial pur-
poses, and especially for paying off all remaining indebted-
ness on the plant of the Home Church.
The Church of this first century has therefore done
what it can, to free the second century from all incum-
brance, and to provide it with all available resources.
The Centennial Program and Addresses follow here-
after.
IN GERMANTOWN. 135
•• Remember the days of old.
Consider the years of many generations." — Deut. 32 : 7.
1809—1909
THE CENTENNIAL
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
OF THE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN
GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA
OCTOBER THIRTEENTH TO SEVENTEENTH
W. BEATTY JENNINGS, D.D., Minister
BENJAMIN F. FARBER, Assistant Minister
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13.
8 o'clock P. M.
Service of Thanksgiving and Communion.
Prelude — "Elevation" Guilmant
Invocation, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 42.
Hymn 139 — "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" Perrone
Scripture Lesson — Psalm 96.
Address of Thanksgiving — "The Church and its Past."
Rev. J. Frederick Dripps, D. D.
Anthem — "Bread of the World" Franz
Address Before the Communion,
The Minister.
Hymn 409—' ' For All Thy Saints Who from Their Labors Rest " . . How
The Lord's Supper.
Hymn 425— "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" Fawcett
Benediction.
PosTLUDE — "Fugue on the Name 'Bach'" Schumann
136 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14.
8 o'clock P. M.
Prelude — ' ' Coronation. ' '
Invocation, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 22.
Anthem — "Sing Praises Unto the Lord" Cruikshank
Hymn 162 — "Crown Him With Many Crowns" Bridges
Scripture Lesson.
Prayer.
Solo (Soprano) — "Miriam's Song of Triumph" Reinecke
Sermon — "The World-wide Church of Christ,"
Rev. William R. Richards, D.D.
the brick PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEW YORK.
Prayer.
Hymn 401— "Christ for the World We Sing" Wolcott
Benediction.
Postlude — "Finale to the Fifth Symphony" Beethoven
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15.
8 o'clock P. M.
Prelude — "Grand OflEertoire" Batiste
Invocation, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 72.
Anthem — "O How Amiable Are Thy Dwellings" West
Hymn 307 — "O Where Are Kings and Empires Now?" Coxe
Scripture Lesson.
Prayer.
Solo (Tenor) — "Sing Ye Praise" Mendelssohn
Sermon — "The Church and the Community."
Rev. Charles Wood, D.D.
church of the covenant, WASHINGTON, D. C.
Prayer.
Hymn 298 — "Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken" Newton
Benediction.
Postlude — "March For a Church Festival" Best
IN GERMANTOWN. 137
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16.
8 o'clock P. M.
RECEPTION.
All Members of the Church and Congregation
ARE Cordially Invited.
SUITOAY, OCTOBER 17.
9.30 o'clock A. M.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATION.
Prelude — "Allegretto" W olstenholme
Processional — "We March, We March to Victory."
Prayer, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Hymn 354— "The Son of God Goes Forth to War" Heher
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 6,
Hymn 352 — "Lead On, O King Eternal" Shurtleff
Address.
Rev. George B. Stewart,
president of auburn theological seminary, n. y.
Prayer.
Hymn 369 — "O Jesus, I Have Promised" Bode
Benediction.
Postlude — "Priest's March" Mendelssohn
138 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SUNDAY. OCTOBER 17.
1 1 o'clock A. M.
Prelude — *' Hallelujah Chorus " Handel
DoxoLOGY — "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow."
Invocation, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 57.
Hymn 113 — **0 Worship the King All Glorious Above" Grant
Scripture Lesson.
Prayer.
Hymn 408— "We Come Unto Our Father's God" Gill
The Apostles' Creed.
Announcements.
The Offertory — "Largo" Handel
Solo (Bass)— "The Publican" Van de Walter
Sermon — "The Church of To-day,"
Rev. Henry van Dyke, D.D., LL.D.,
professor of ENGLISH LITERATURE IN PRINCETON UNIVERSITY.
Prayer.
Hymn 100— "All People That on Earth Do Dwell" Kethe
Benediction.
PosTLUDE — "Allegro from the Sixth Sonata" Mendelssohn
The Offering is for the Centennial Fund.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17.
4 o'clock P. M.
MEETING IN THE INTEREST OF THE SUNDAY
SCHOOL AND YOUNG PEOPLES' WORK.
Prelude — "Triumphal March" Leminers
Invocation, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 29.
Solo (Bass) — " Pilgrim's Song" T schaikowsky
Hymn 156 — "Shepherd of Tender Youth" Clement
Scripture Lesson.
Prayer.
Solo (Contralto) — "O Y^e That Love the Lord" Barnhy
Address. Rev. Alexander Henry, D.D.,
secretary of the board of publication and sunday-school work.
Prayer.
Hymn 308 — "Saviour, Who Thy Flock Art Feeding". . . Muhlenhurg
Benediction.
PosTLUDE — " Hosannab ! " Dubois
IN GERMANTOWN. 139
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17.
8 o'clock P. M.
Prelude — "Concert Overture " Faulkes
Invocation, Closing with the Lord's Prayer.
Responsive Reading — The Psalter, Selection 58.
Anthem — "Fear Not, O Israel" Spicker
Hymn 121 — "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" Luther
Scripture Lesson.
Prayer.
The Offertory — "In Paradisum" Dubois
Solo (Soprano)— "I Will Extol Thee, O Lord" Costa
Sermon — "The Church of Christ,"
Rev. Charles R. Erdman,
professor of practical theology in PRINCETON
theological SEMINARY.
Prayer.
Quartette and Chorus — "The Lord is My Light" Parker
Hymn 349 — "Take My Life and Let it Be" Havergal
Benediction.
Postlude — "Toccata" Widor
140 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A THANKSGIVING ADDRESS
By Rev. J. Frederick Dripps, D.D,
THE CHURCH AND ITS PAST.
When the High Priest offered up sacrifice on the great
Day of Atonement, we are told that he was to offer up
first for himself, and then for the people. In order to
lead their worship aright, he needed first of all to be in
sympathy with them.
On the same principle, when the people of this Church
are to be led in their first service of Centennial Thanks-
giving, it is not amiss for the speaker to offer first for
himself a personal thanksgiving. As the Church looks
back over the past hundred years, the present speaker
looks back over the past forty years, to the day when he
made his first address from your pulpit, in October, 1869.
It may serve to assure you that whatever else may be
lacking, I have at least the qualification of a deep and
heartfelt sympathy with this assembly to-night. I can
most sincerely join your Doxology, and in view of His
great goodness through these bygone years, can sing
with you — ''Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
Let me read God's own direction for the observance
of a Jubilee.
**Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to
soimd — in the day of atonement — ^And ye shall hallow
the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the
IN GERMANTOWN. 141
land unto all the inhabitants thereof ; and ye shall return
every man unto his possession, and — ^ye shall eat the
increase thereof out of the field."
Every fifty years, there was to be a trumpet call.
The fiftieth year was to be "hallowed": it was to be
given up to God, and kept tmder His special direction.
A life of liberty and of restoration and of abtindance was
ready for them in that year by God's free gift. And it
was after seven times seven years of God's tender mercy
in the past, that they were called to this service of Thanks-
giving and new consecration.
So it is with this Church at our second Jubilee, — our
first Centennial. Its chief object is, to renew our conse-
cration to the service of God, in the extension of his
Kingdom.
And in order to his receiving from us this better
service, we ask Him to give us His own personal Pres-
ence, that in Him we may find that new liberty and
that spiritual home, and that Divinely abundant supply,
which befit our Jubilee life.
And for us also, this call and this promise for the
Future, are reinforced and confirmed by our experience
in the Past. Through all these hundred years, God has
not been to blame for any failure, and God has been the
giver of every success.
When Paul and Barnabas had finished a certain period
in their Mission work, they gathered the Church to-
gether, and rehearsed all that *'God-with-them" had
142 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
done. They said, in effect, ''It is not we who did these
things, but God with us, Immanuel." There is no other
way in which to speak or write, to read or understand
Church History. It is the story of Immanuel, of God
with us. Unless we find "Jesus in the midst" we have
missed the clue to everything else.
There is no other way to account for the continued
identity of the Church. Here is our ti*ue warrant for
declaring that this Church of 1909 is really that Church
of 1809, come of age, and attaining its Centennial.
Of the total list of one thousand five hundred and
twenty-six members reported by this Church in 1909,
not over a dozen were on the roll when I came here
forty years ago. Not more than five per cent, were
here even when I left, thirty years ago, and the great
majority came much more recently. There has been a
perpetual coming and going. In view of this, it might
seem that there could not be any real tmity or identity
across these forty years, much less across the whole cen-
tury. As well speak of unity, some would say, among
the shifting occupants of a railway station or a train of
cars. And in fact, some Churches have not shown any
vigorous and lasting unity ; when the popiilar pastor has
gone or the fine edifice has burned, the whole congrega-
tion is utterly dissolved. But that never happens where
there is a living and true Church. Members come and go
like the atoms in a htunan body, but the body itself is
the same identical body through^all these changes.
IN GERMANTOWN. 143
That is essentially the very illustration used in Scrip-
ture to declare the unity and identity of the Christ-Body,
the Church. A man's own body is ever the same body,
because it has ever within it the same living spirit ; and
the Church of Christ is ever the same Church, because
it has ever within it the same living Spirit.
You remember that the vision of the seven Churches
in Asia Minor was that of "seven golden candlesticks,
and in the midst of the seven candlesticks One like imto
the Son of Man." And when this Son of Man sent a
letter to each of those Churches, He revealed Himself
as the Spirit of the Church, saying, '' He that hath an ear
let him hear what The Spirit saith unto the Churches."
It was the spiritual presence of Jesus Christ which gave
any real tmity to Churth life in Asia Minor, through that
age of the apostles and of the martyrs. Each partictdar
congregation had His Presence in the midst ; and in each,
that Divine Presence revealed itself with an aspect not
seen in any other. Even by the common light of this
world, we can see that every one of those Churches had a
life and character and spirit of its own ; and in the light
of Heaven we can see that each had a manifestation of
the Divine Spirit, peculiar to that Church, and suited to
its place in Christ's Body.
As there was a spirit of its own in the Church of Asia
Minor, so there is in the Church of England and Scotland,
of Holland and Germany, and of America. As each of
the seven Churches in the province of Asia had a Christian
144 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
life and spirit of its own, so has every Church in America,
and in Germantown. This Church, in the Year of our
Lord 1909, is the same as that Church in the Year of our
Lord 1809, because the same Divine Personality is in
the midst of it. There are diversities of gifts, because
there is the same Spirit. The unity and identity and
individuality of this Church, as of every other Church,
is in " the Lord the Spirit." In Him we all have one life,
yet in Him each has the common life in a form peculiar
to itself. Though there is not a different Christ in each
Church, yet there is a distinct manifestation of Christ in
each.
The permanent individuality which may thus be pro-
duced, is to be seen on a large scale in such a Church as
that of Charles H. Spurgeon. During the long years of
his leadership there, through all minor variations that
Church kept the same essential life and spirit, peculiar
to itself. Its work and worship could never be mistaken
for that of any other congregation. Such a restdt came,
not from Spurgeon, but from Christ living in Spurgeon —
living in him as really as He did in Paul or in Luther,
each of whom embodied a manifestation of Christ en-
tirely distinct from that made through any other man.
Nor does such a congregation lose its tmique life and
spirit, when the Lord takes home to Himself the Pastor
through whom it was first developed. He may give
other Pastors still, in long succession, each with vari-
ations of his own, but all continuing the same distinct
IN GERMANTOWN. 145
theme. For the Lord loves the Church as a man loves
his own body, and each of its congregations has a place
in His heart, peculiar to itself. We ought to take far
more seriously than we do, our membership in the par-
ticular congregation to which the great Captain has
assigned us.
As a Church of Christ, our first and chief matter for
Thanksgiving is this, that through these hundred years
He has been with us. In Him we have had "the tmity
of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Our very existence
as a Church, and all which made it worth while to exist,
is from Jesus in the midst. Thanks be unto God for His
unspeakable Gift !
The results produced in this Church, by that special
presence and influence of the Christ-Spirit, are far too
numerous to be mentioned at this time. I have given
the last few months very largely to studying these out
and writing them down. For details I shall have to refer
you to the book which has thus been written. Yet there
may be mentioned in closing, some three or four of the
good gifts which have been added to that great Divine
Gift, and produced by it.
"He gave some, Pastors and Teachers" here, as He
did at Ephesus. e. g., The sixty years which were spent
in the old Church building, were covered by the long
continued services of three men who were given by the
Lord to this Church. It is not unfit to single out for spe-
cial mention the names of Dr. Samuel Blair and Dr.
146 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
William Neill and Dr. James H. Mason Knox. And even
those whom He sent here for a brief time, were often men
of great power, like Dr. Junkin and Dr. Van Dyke.
The same Lord who gave these and other ministers,
gave also a great company of Members — adding to the
Church continually such as were being saved. During
the last forty years, to go no further back, the member-
ship has risen from two hundred sixty-six to fifteen hun-
dred twenty-six. For this also we give thanks to God.
It is not merely that names have been added to a roll of
members, but that the Spiritual Temple has been built
up with living stones. To say nothing of those who yet
remain with us on earth, consider those redeemed saints
who have passed into their Heavenly reward. Let us
thank God for the graces with which He blessed them,
and blessed us through them.
Let us thank God further, on behalf of this Church, that
he has given it so many diligent Workers, and organized
bodies of workers. Look at the Sunday School and the
Christian Endeavor Society, at the Men's Association and
the Ladies' Pastoral Aid Society ; we can afford to thank
God for them all. Take as one instance, the Mission-
School work, which has produced one Church on the
West Side, and is now producing a Church on the East
Side of Germantown. Take as another instance, the
Pastoral Aid Society, which is at work through twenty-
five distinct branches, and which has received and used
gifts amounting to more than $150,000.
IN GERMANTOWN. 147
When Paul wrote his Epistles to Corinth, he counted
up the grace of Liberality, as being in itself one of the
good gifts which God had made to His Churches. We
may therefore mention this, among our own matters for
Thanksgiving. Without including an3rthing earlier than
1869, this Church has contributed for religious and benev-
olent objects, during the past forty years, more than one
million dollars. The greater part of this sum has gone
for Mission work and similar purposes, outside of the con-
gregation itself. To state this more exactly, the total
contributions from 1869 to 1909 were $1,042,081; of
which $586,196 went to outside objects.
This does not include the sum of twenty thousand
dollars, which is now preparing, as a Centennial gift for
the new Church in East German town, and for the better
equipment of the Home Church itself.
You and I, and the whole community, can afford to
thank God for this Church, and for the good which He
has wrought through it. That is not in the least a mere
form of self-gratulation ; for it never has been true, that
you and I and the other ministers and members were the
whole fact, or the chief fact, in this Church. This Church
of Christ is a living Body, whose life comes from the
Spiritual Presence of Jesus in the midst. All these good
fruits did truly come from His Presence, while the de-
fects and shortcomings are from ourselves alone.
For the second time, the fiftieth year is to be hallowed
by this Church. Our Lord Himself sends forth a trumpet
148 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
call to a Christian Jubilee. He has fitted you out well,
with officers and workers, with buildings and apparatus
and resources, with a great company of members; and
He has provided for you in full abundance those varied
spiritual gifts, which He gives to all who will accept and
use them. This is truly a gifted Church, and its gifts
are not merely to be enjoyed, but to be used. Let this
time of Thanksgiving be a time of new consecration.
To reassure us, as we look onward into the new cen-
tury, we need no other word than that which John Wesley
spoke, as he looked back over the way by which God had
led him and his Churches, and then looked forward, and
with his dying breath exclaimed, " The best of all is, God
IS WITH us."
IN GERMANTOWN. 149
SERMON.
By Rev. William R. Richards, D.D.
You may find a text for the theme which has already
been stated to you in the words of the Psalmist, the
eighth verse of the Seventy-second Psalm, "He shall
have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river
unto the ends of the earth" — a world-wide kingdom
promised to our King.
You have come together here, and invited us to come
with you, and we are glad to come, in order to celebrate
a century of blessed experience as a church of Jesus
Christ. Such an occasion, while it is full of gladness,
also starts one's mind into certain inquiries, "What is
a Church of Jesus Christ?" and "What is it for?"
In answer to that first question, as to what it is, many
of us perhaps would be reminded of the familiar words
which we have been taught, that the Church is made
up of "all those throughout the world who profess the true
religion, together with their children." That may be
a sufficient definition of what the Church in its entirety
is, and any particular Church is a particular part of that
body.
But if you try to answer the other question, what
the Church is for, our past instructions have not given
us so definite and satisfactory a reply. What is the
Church for? I remember in my childhood seeing a
150 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
picture of the Church represented under the figure of a
boat out on a stormy sea, the waters of the sea being
filled with wretched creatures who were sinking and
perishing. In the boat were certain monks — the picture
being evidently the work of a Roman Catholic — ^who
were drawing a very few of those victims out of the
perils of the deep. And the impression of the picture
would be that the chief interest of those of us who are
not monks, or priests, or parsons — mere common sin-
ners— the chief interest that we should take in the Church
would be as a sort of contrivance into which perhaps
we might climb, or be lifted, for our own safety. Well,
there is a certain degree of truth in that representation;
but we are coming to feel more and more profoundly
that no such answer as that to the question what the
Church is for, would be altogether satisfying to a faith-
ful member of the Church. As a minister in New York
has said, — and he has said a good many things that are
likely to be remembered, but he never said anything
better worth remembering than when he declared that
a minister ought to regard his Church "not as his field,
but as his force." The Church is not the field of a min-
ister's labor; it is his force. The field, according to the
best authority, is the world ; it is the world lying around
about the Church ; and the Church is the force by which
under God's grace that world is to be won for Jesus
Christ. So, in answer to the question what the Church
is for, we shall not be satisfied until we reach some form
IN GERMANTOWN. iSl
of words which brings out the idea that the Church is
for that very purpose — ^winning that world around about
itself for Christ.
But after you have gotten that question answered,
there are other questions that suggest themselves; and
I do not know why an anniversary like this, when you
rather stop and take account of stock, should not be a
good opportunity for trying to settle some of them. How
much of that surrounding field of the world is any par-
ticular Church to take into its own view as included in
the purpose of its own being? As to that, there have
been in the past various limitations in the minds of
Christians. A certain part of the world they thought
constituted the field throughout which they might put
forth hopeful effort, but other parts they might safely
leave alone. There were times when there seemed to
be more or less of a doctrinal limitation of the field. We
were taught about the elect. The elect were the part
of the world that the Church might hope to win for Jesus
Christ, if we could only tell who they were; and all the
rest, the non-elect, lay beyond the reach of our hopeful
endeavor.
But the limitation no longer satisfies the Christian
conscience. When we study that ancient and venerable
doctrine in the person of the first man chosen of God
to be the father of all the elect, we can never now forget
that the privilege offered to him was with the express
purpose that in him ''all the nations of the earth might
152 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
be blessed." The peculiar election of that one man, or
of any other man, or of any company of men, or any
peculiar privilege which they received but never deserved
from God, is not because of some partiality toward them,
but because, in the wise purposes of God, they are selected
for the sake of some benefit that God has designed — I
quote the words of Scripture — "to all the nations of the
earth;" the privilege of the elect being for the ultimate
blessing of those who, for the time being, have been passed
by. So we cannot be any longer satisfied, and of easy
conscience, to draw that sort of limitation around the
field, and say that here we will put forth our effort, but
out there there is nothing for us to do.
But, then, there have been other limitations, limita-
tions of racial prejudice, Jew against Gentile, or Gentile
against Jew, white man against black man, or against
red man, or against yellow man, or vice versa, limits
within which we are willing to recognize the field lying
around about us as a hopeful subject of effort and having
a claim upon our sympathy, but beyond which there is
nothing for us as a Church to undertake. Those limits
are all breaking down. The conscience of Christians
is no longer satisfied with them. *'A11 nations," — that
phrase which rings throughout both Testaments — is
too large a phrase to admit of any such racial limitations
or prejudices. *'Go ye into all the world, make disciples
of all nations," cannot leave out either Jew or Gentile
or white or black, or red or yellow. It takes them all
IN GERMANTOWN. 153
in. So that those limitations are in fact breaking down,
and we no longer, openly at least, confess that we expect
to be bound by them.
There is, however, another kind of limitation which
men have held practically, even if not very many of them
perhaps would be willing to announce it theoretically,
and which has come down to our own time almost or
quite, by which a Christian of a particular Christian
Church might seem to be justified in saying complacently
that he believes in home missions, and is willing to give
his effort towards their furtherance, but that he does
not believe in foreign missions; the line being drawn
at that botmdary, wherever it be, which separates the
home from the foreign. But there again, while the limita-
tion is one that has counted for a good deal in the past,
it is rather going out of fashion. Christians who really
believe in missions at all, are finding it more and more
difficult to discover any place at which that line can be
drawn. We can remember almost, some of us, the kind
of cheap scorn that used to be thrown around foreign
mission effort so short a time ago as the days of Sidney
Smith, of Macaulay, of Dickens; but a self-respecting
and intelligent person can hardly repeat that experiment
now. The witnesses are coming to be too many, such
witnesses as the honored citizen who now holds the
position of chief magistrate of the United States. I
have heard him in private conversation, where there was
no public impression to be made, speak of our mission-
154 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
aries in the far East as men and women of such charac-
tei and intelligence and power of influence that hardly
anybody else in that part of the world was to be com-
pared with them. He used language which, in a secre-
tary of a foreign mission board, would be deemed extrav-
agant, in setting forth his high esteem for those soldiers
of the Cross who had devoted themselves to foreign
mission effort. I say a man is a back number in these
days, who presumes to limit his effort or his sympathy
within some boimdary that he calls home missions,
leaving everything else out.
So that that limitation has broken down, and we
should find it difficult even to conceive of any other
that should embarass us in the acceptance of the theme
that has been appointed for our subject of thought and
prayer this evening, and that is the world-wide kingdom
of Jesus Christ. The field is the world, and the whole
of it ; and the purpose of a Christian Church, that which
a Christian Church is for, is to see that that field is all
worked, and that the whole world is won for our Lord
and Saviour, Jesus Christ. So much for the answers to
those questions.
Then there comes another question which is apt to
become a very practical one in the internal work of any
particular congregation; and that is — admitting that
this particular congregation as a whole, shares the re-
sponsibility of the Church of Jesus Christ for winning
the whole world for him; — ^how far do the individual
IN GERMANTOWN. 155
members of that Church and congregation have a practical
share in that responsibiHty? That is another question.
Admitting that this Church, now rejoicing in the com-
pletion of its first century, is bound to do some good
part toward winning that final victory which will be
won when the whole world is Christian, how far does
every member of this Church, every man, and every
woman, and every child, have some personal individual
share in that responsibility of the Church as a whole?
In speaking of winning the world as a kingdom for
Christ, one finds his mind turning into military figures
and analogies. You think of the world as an army
fighting in a long campaign. Well, you know there
have been different kinds of armies, and different kinds of
fighting. If we may trust the records of the past, there
was a time when, for a particularly decisive battle, you
would be quite apt to see one or two or three or four
famous champions stride out into the space between the
two hosts to fight one against the other, while the two
hosts sat still and looked on. Those of you who can
remember your Homer will recall how, before the Walls
of Troy, Hector and Achilles and Agamemnon and Paris
and Diomed and the rest of them, half a dozen of them,
would come out between the two hosts, the Greeks and
the Trojans, to fight their various single combats, while
the two hosts sat as spectators, looking on to see which
won. Those of you who are not quite so fresh in your
memories of Homer, or perhaps have never read him,
156 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
will at least remember the account in this ancient history
how once the armies of Israel and of the Philistines were
drawn up together; and the champion of the Philistines,
that gigantic Goliath, the staff of whose spear was a
weaver's beam, went striding out into the open space
between the two armies day after day, tramping up and
down, and shouting his defiance to the armies of Israel,
telling them to choose a man and send him out to fight
with him. "If he kill me, we will be your servants;
and if I kill him, you shall be our servants. I defy the
armies of Israel. Choose you a man that he may fight
with me." And when at last young David accepted
the challenge, and walked out into the space, then Go-
liath turned at him, and cursed him by his gods, and
told him that he would give his flesh to be the food of
the fowls of the heaven and of the beasts of the earth.
And David, in his turn, rather more modestly but after
somewhat the same manner, made his reply. It is the
style of address and repartee that we now associate
principally with the champions of the prize ring; but
in those days it was the language of a leader of a great
army, the understanding being that if it was to be a
particularly decisive battle, it was enough that this
leader and another leader should go out in front and
stand up on some kind of an elevated platform to have
the spectators see which of them should win.
That kind of fighting has long since passed out of
fashion, as regards literal armies in the field. But I
IN GERMANTOWN. 157
think it has been continued sometimes, or resumed, in
our ecclesiastical warfare; as if we should suppose that,
if you wanted a particularly decisive battle against the
forces of evil, you must get some great champion to
accept the challenge that comes from the Prince of
Darkness, and the two of them get up here on the plat-
form together, and the officers of the church perhaps,
as a sort of committee, see that they fight according to
the rules, and the rest of us sit aroimd as spectators and
look on and see which will win. There have been times
when churches settled down to the conclusion that that
was the way to conduct a successful revival of religion,
the way to make a great advance into the enemy's cotmtry
and win from him a great number of captives and make
them the willing servants of our Lord Jesus Christ —
this single combat between the champion of salvation
on one side and the champion of perdition on the other,
with the rest of us as spectators.
I say, that style of fighting has long since gone out of
fashion as regards literal armies. The leader of the
army is no longer looked upon as a person who is going
to do most of the fighting. Sometimes he does not do
any of it. You will find him on some distant height,
from which he can overlook the whole scene of the opera-
tions, and send out his orders to those who are to fight.
The fighting is too much for one man, for him or any
other. If in some peculiarly deadly emergency it is
necessary that he should take the lead in the fighting,
158 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
it is that the others may rush on with him, and all fight
together. The fighting is the work of all. The man who
can most successfully get the largest proportion of his
troops into action; the man like Napoleon, who has the
gift for concentrating the largest number, and massing
them at the precise point where the fight is going to take
place, is the man who is going to win in real warfare. To
every man his work, is the motto for a successful army.
Well, the conscience of the Christian Church is waking
up to the fact that that is also the right motto for a
spiritual army if it wishes to be successful; "To every
man his work."
At a meeting of the Synod of New York a year ago, it
happened that the Moderator of the Synod, one of the
older members of the body — the retiring Moderator,
who would naturally have preached the sermon at the
opening of the session — ^had been laid aside by a stroke
of paralysis, and could not be there. But his sermon
had already been committed to writing, and it was
read to us by another member of the body ; and that was
the text of it — "To every man his work." And I think
you can imagine the pathos of it, that such a message
should come from such a man, an old man, for whom
the shadows were lengthening, for whom the night was
drawing near when no man can work, a man whose
hand was palsied that he could not lift it for a single
stroke of labor, and yet his soul was so thrilled with a
sense of the responsibility resting upon the Church of
IN GERMANTOWN. 159
Jesus Christ and the churches of that Synod that his
message was no complacent recollection of the things
that had been done, and no dreamy reverie about the
rest that remains unto the people of God, but this ring-
ing challenge — To every man his work.
Well, I really think that is the answer to the question,
how far the individual membership of a Church must
acknowledge his or her share of this responsibility of the
Church for getting the whole world won as the kingdom
of Jesus Christ.
But I have not yet discovered the Church that has
been able to return that answer. If the text read — ^To
every woman her work, I think here and there you might
find a Church that had reached the ideal. For a good
while past many of our Churches and of our denomina-
tions, in the persons of their women members, have been
organizing their operations in such a way as to make it
evident that this was the ideal, and in such a way as to
get the ideal fairly well realized, that every woman in
the Church should have a place of work assigned her
and should be given no peace until she had filled that
place; and among all the Churches that have attained
honorable record for that achievement, I personally
know of none that could out-rank this First Church of
Germantown. It seems to me that you have been
among the earliest and among the most successful in
your efforts to accomplish the ideal of universal
Christian service for the women of your membership.
160 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
You have set an example to other Churches. There
are probably more of them, more Churches and more
ministers than you know about — I can speak for one —
who have long been gaining instruction and inspiration
from this particular Church toward the accomplishment
of that particular end.
But, we come back to our text; and it does not say
women, it says men. And what we want is a Church
that can set that kind of example as regards the other
half of the membership. If it is right and true for the
women, why should it not be right and true for the
men? Within the last year or two, during the hard
times, as we called them, in many of our larger cities,
I suppose, the sight has been seen that I have seen
a great many times in my own — a long line of men
waiting with a certain sort of patience before some
door, where in due time they knew they would be sup-
plied with bread. It is a pitiable sort of spectacle, that
long, waiting bread line of idle men. If they are idle
because they cannot find any work to do, and are utterly
unable to earn the bread, every such idler is a worthy
subject for our compassion. But I call you to witness,
brethren, that some of us looking upon that spectacle
have been apt to allow ourselves to fall into a mode of
indignation, because, as we confidently believed, a good
many men were in that line because they would rather
stand in that Hne all day long until the bread was sup-
plied them by somebody else than do an honest stroke
IN GERMANTOWN. 161
of work to earn it for themselves. And, coming home
and reporting what we had seen, I dare say we have
often allowed our indignation to find expression in
words. I should like to know how long the bread line
is in some of our churches, of men who are content to
stand all day waiting before the door for somebody
else to hand out to them a portion of the bread of life
instead of doing an honest stroke of work to earn it for
themselves. If we feel justified in that sort of indigna-
tion against any of the poor wretches who, out of their
miserable antecedents have been betrayed into that
kind of literal idleness, we can hardly think that the
Lord Himself looks with very much complacency upon
us if we occupy a similar position as regard the bread
of life and the work of the Christian Church.
I think it will not be beneath the dignity of this oc-
casion if I relate a dream — not one of my own, but one
which I have heard described as coming many years ago
to the Pastor, the very anxious Pastor of a Church. It
was somewhere up in New England. It seems this man,
being in such a mood of anxiety concerning his Church,
had fallen asleep, and in the visions of the night he
dreamed this dream — ^that his Church was a sort of a
coach, and that it had become necessary to get this
coach to the top of a high hill, and that a long rope was
attached to the pole, and the Pastor had taken his place
at the forward end of the rope, and behind him were
ranged the officers of his Church, — ^they call them dea-
162 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
cons Up there — and the officers of the Sunday School,
and the officers of the various organizations in the church,
and the fathers and mothers, and the little children —
men and women, old and young, all of them — and they
all had hold of the rope, each one pulling according to
the measure of his strength; and, although the hill was
long and steep, the coach was making very good progress
towards the summit of it. But, as it seemed to this
good man in his dream, after a while he became aware
that the coach was going slower and slower, and this
was in spite of the fact that he himself was pulling harder
and harder, until at last, in the midst of his most extreme
effort the thing altogether stopped. And then he looked
aroimd to see what was the matter ; and there, between
him and the coach, stretched out this rope empty; and
the officers of the Church, and the officers of the Stmday
School, and the fathers and mothers, and the little child-
dren, men and women, old and young, all of them had
climbed into the coach, and were stealing a ride. Well,
it is no wonder that the coach stopped. If the dream
had taken a little different character, if it had seemed
to him that only the men were stealing a ride, and that
the women of the congregation and the girls still had
hold of the rope and were pulling with the Pastor, prob-
ably the coach, after a fashion, woiild have continued
to go up the hill. And indeed that would be a fairly
accurate representation of the history of a good many
of our so-called successful and prosperous Churches. But
IN GERMANTOWN. 163
just suppose the beginning of his dream could have con-
tinued. Suppose you could find a Church anywhere
where the men — well, let me put it in this way — where
the men were even as enthusiastic and imiversally de-
voted to the success of the enterprise as the women
actually are, I am not sure but byjthis time the coach
would have timibled over on the other side of the hill.
You could not stop it. It would have such a rate of
ecclesiastical progress as we have not yet adjusted our
thoughts to.
Among one of the most interesting movements of re-
cent Christian history is a movement which gives reason
to hope that this incredible thing may be just about
happening; and that is what is called the Laymen's
Missionary Movement. It is a movement of men, and
it is a movement from which the Parsons are excluded.
It is the laymen of the church. I say the Parsons are
excluded. I was invited for a few minutes the other
day, as an outside counsellor, together with two or three
other men of my calling, into a meeting of the committee
of this movement, which has planned for a great cam-
paign in our City this coming Winter ; but, after a little
I saw that it was expected that we should go out. They
had gotten the opinion they wanted from us, and that
was all we were wanted for. They were planning this
thing, and they were carrying it forward, and their in-
tention evidently was that every layman in the churches
should come to feel his responsibility in doing a share.
164 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
That was for foreign missions. It is a significant
fact that those men whose eyes have been opened to
the world-wide sweep of this Christian enterprise are the
quickest to recognize the necessity of getting all the men
of the Churches enlisted in it. But if their eyes can be
opened to a still larger view than I think they have yet
secured of the significance of their own movement, if
they can be made to understand that this laymen's
Christian movement is not merely for the ends of the
earth, but for the near places of the earth too, that it
ought to contemplate the successful accomplishment of
the whole work laid on the Church, near and far, then I
think we should be pretty near the dawn of the mil-
lennium itself.
Friends, for a himdred years past your neighboring
Churches have been looking at this Church as they are
looking toward it today, because of the splendid ex-
ample of successful service you have already rendered,
and particularly in the way you have succeeded in getting
all the women of this Church at work. Why may we
not hope that, throughout the opening years of this new
century of your life, the Lord may teach you to set that
other kind of example, for there are a great many who
wotdd be willing to follow it? It is a thing to which
the consciences of earnest men are becoming sensitive,
to which the consciences of the pastors of our churches
are becoming sensitive — the necessity of planning the
work of the Church somehow so that all the members,
IN GERMANTOWN. 165
and especially all the men, shall show obedience to
the ancient command that every man must have his
work. If only we could learn how to do it! If only
someone could show us, by a concrete instance, how a
Church can be organized, in what way a spirit of enthu-
siasm can be brought into all its members, so that that
plan can be brought into operation, I think a good many
of us would fall in and follow. You have been blessed
by the Lord in being able to set an example of the one
sort through a hundred years that are passed; our
prayer is, and our confident belief, that this Church is
one of the Churches that shall be setting an example of
the other sort through these years that are to come.
166 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SERMON.
By Rev. Charles Wood, D.D.
It is with deep emotion, friends, that I stand before
you to-night, and find so many of those whom I knew so
well, gathered in this familiar place, so beautified during
the last few months. It has a familiar sound to hear
the Pastor of this Church talk about raising twenty
thousand dollars. As I remember it, you were always
just about to raise twenty thousand dollars, or had just
raised twenty thousand dollars. I trust that next Sun-
day it may be said that you have raised one more of
those very generous gifts that came, we could never tell
exactly where or whence.
I am to speak to you to-night about the Church and
the Community. I take two texts from the Fifth Chap-
ter of Matthew, thirteenth and fourteenth verses, first
clause: "Ye are the salt of the earth; ye are the
LIGHT OF THE WORLD."
The supreme value of an anniversary like this, is not
in the delightful sense of fellowship, and in the warmth
of mutual congratulation that we are permitted to enjoy
the golden harvest whose seeds were sown by other hands
a century ago. The permanent worth of this and of all
similar occasions, is fovind rather in the quickening of
the consciousness of the divine life, the life that is
throbbing and pulsating here in this Church as on the
IN GERMANTOWN. 167
day when this Church was organized, as on the day when
the ApostoHc Church began its campaign of conquest and
great cities like Samaria rejoiced with great joy. That
divine Hfe is manifested in every divine organization in
the Church and in the home. When it takes possession
of an organism, that organism becomes indifferent to
the gnawing teeth of time, and impervious to the silent
processes of decay, before which mighty structures of
stone and of metal have fallen to the earth. The home
lives because God is in the home; the Church lives be-
cause Christ is in His Church. That life is manifested
also in the clearer conception which has come to us,
merely because we stand in the foremost files of time,,
of Christ's plan and purpose in the institution of His
Church. That plan and purpose have always been dis-
cernible, by those who have studied with clear eyes the
direction that has been given through the nineteen
centuries by Christ's own hand to the course of His
Church. But it may be seen even if our eyes are some-
what dulled, as we look across the passage of history;
and read these two metaphors which fell from the lips
of our Master, "Ye are the salt of the earth, ye are the
light of the world"; My Chiu-ch is to be in the world
what salt is in the corrupt mass, shooting its preserving,
particles to the very heart of death, what light is as it
flings out its javelins into the darkness of the world.
" My Church is my body," it is the reincarnation of my
life. Some one has said that every true Christian is an
168 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
incarnation brought down to date. "Henceforth I am
no longer in the world, but ye are in the world. The
servant is not greater than his Lord. I came not to
be ministered unto, but to minister. So send I you out
into this great world to be ministering messengers to
every conmiunity into which you shall find entrance."
We find nothing to condemn, when we say that there
are certain societies in the world that are self -centered.
They have no other purpose than their own development,
or it may be the mere gratification of their members.
There are artistic, philosophic, poetic, athletic, musical
clubs or coteries, whose constitution and by-laws state
very plainly that their thoughts are turned inward upon
themselves, and that all their resources are to be expended
for their own benefit. But the Church of Christ is a
very different society; and when the artist, or the poet,
or the philosopher, or the athlete — ^the one-time sybarite
or epicurean, it may be — enters the Christian Church, he
unites volimtarily with an organization that, like its
Master, does not live for itself. "Ye are the salt of the
earth, ye are the light of the world."
The Church has in the past recoiled and turned in
different ways from her Master's voice. Again and again
she has refused to come in contact with the world's
corruption and the world's darkness. She has shut her-
self away in caves and dens of the earth, within secret
walls and sacrosanct enclosures, across which no woman's
foot might dare to pass; but the Church that imder-
IN GERMANTOWN. 169
stands what her Lord meant for her, the Church that
accepts His purpose, looks out with new eyes upon the
world.
Thomas Arnold said, "The great and noble ideal of
the Church is that of a society for making men like
Christ, and earth like heaven, and the kingdoms of this
world the kingdoms of our God." One of our modem
scientists, looking to the end of all things as he has seen
it, speaks of a society of human souls living in conformity
to a moral law, as the object or aim of all the cosmic
processes through all the ages; but that society of
human souls has been largely brought into existence by
this society we call the Church, whose purpose is to make
men like Christ, and earth like heaven, and the kingdoms
of this world the kingdoms of our God.
Another educator, President Wilson of Princeton Uni-
versity, has said, "To my thinking the Christian Church
is the center not only of philanthrophy, but of education,
it is the center of philosophy, it is the center of politics;
it is the center of science; in short, it is the center of all
sentient and thinking life, and the business of the
Christian Church and the Christian minister is to show
men's relations to the great processes, whether spiritual
or physical; their duty is nothing less than to show the
whole plan of life, and man's relation to the plan of life."
Ye are the salt of the earth; ye are the light of the world.
When the Church understands that this is its mission,
it sees at once that its duty is to come in as close contact
170 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
as possible with the very world from which it once turned
away. It must get as near to the people as its Master
did, when He stretched out His hand and grasped the
hand of the lame man and lifted him up and stood him
on his feet, or when He reached out His hand and
touched the eyes of the blind man and gave him vision.
Such a Church will study seriously, systematically,
scientifically, not only the theories of the past, but the
conditions of the present, not only theology but sociology.
Such a Church will give careful, deliberate and persistent
study to the home, and to the change of environment in
which the members even of our so-called Christian homes
find themselves. How contrasted is the home of to-day
in this City, with the home of a hundred years ago in this
same City, with the homes of the New England Puritan
and of the Pennsylvania Quaker! Is it not true that
everywhere family prayer and religious instruction are
decreasing, passing away? Are not the ties that bind
husband and wife, the heads of the home, being loosened,
as shown in the frightful increase of divorce? And are
not the ties which bind together the parents and the
children attenuated, when the obedience that is demanded
in the average American home is on a very much more
modest scale than that which was enforced a hundred
years ago ?
Such a Church will be eager to become one of the stu-
dents in the public or the private schools, or in the col-
leges, or the technical schools, or the universities. It
IN GERMANTOWN. 171
will be eager to know what the young are studying, and
also how they are playing. It will ask about their sports,
and about their recreations, and their amusements, and
it will try to add its salt and its light.
Such a Church will be very teachable, ready to learn of
anyone who has anything to teach. Such a Church will
say to the Salvation Army, What can you tell us about
reaching our brethren in the slums? And such a Church
will say to the Young Men's Christian Association, What
can you tell us about reaching the business and profes-
sional men of our community ? And such a Church will
say to the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor,
What can you tell us about reaching the boys and girls
who are just passing up out of boyhood and girlhood into
young manhood and young womanhood ? Such a Church
will be anxious to hear from anybody who has any-
thing to sa}^ about reaching the alienated classes in the
commtmity, or even individuals, one here and another
there, of these alienated classes. Are the laboring men
leaving our Churches? Then, if the labor organizations
can tell us how we may reach the laboring man, we are
ready to listen to what they say. Such a Church also
will be ready whenever it is proven — "hold fast that
which is good" — ^but whenever it is proven that any of
its old-time methods are obsolete, to relegate them to
the ecclesiastical store-house.
There is no Church on earth that is so favorably placed
for the adaptation of itself to changed conditions, as
172 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the Presbyterian Church. Other Churches must wait,
if they want a new plan of campaign, if they want
new weapons with which to arm their soldiers, until
they can get commands from some distant place. On
a Trans-Siberian train last winter, passengers felt in
their air-coops that they were being frozen to death,
and there were boilers and all the appurtenances ready
to heat them, but no fires in any of the furnaces.
The man in charge of the train said, "Oh, yes, we
could light a fire; we could make you very comfort-
able in half an hour." "Why, don't you do it?"
"Well, we must telegraph first to St. Petersburg to get
our authority to light the fire." And there are Churches
that must telegraph to Rome before they can light a fire
or make the slightest change in the temperature or in
their attitude. There are other Churches that must wait
until a board of bishops meets and confers and concurs
and decides. And there are other Churches that must
wait for an ecclesiastical council, which may be held once
in three years ; but a true Presbyterian Church is a com-
plete entity. It may change its entire plan of campaign
in a single night. It may refurnish itself with new weap-
ons in a single day. We ought to be the light artillery of
the sacramental hosts of God. Other Churches are com-
pelled by circumstances to stand and wait and toil on
just as they have stood and waited and toiled on for
years and decades and centuries until authority is given
to change ; but if we do not lay down our bow and arrow
IN GERMANTOWN. 173
when we have found that they are not reaching the mark,
it is our own fault.
In one of the counties of Maine, it is said that for six
months not a single piano had been sold, and the piano
dealers in Boston and Portland said in despair, "It is
utterly useless to attempt any thing with those Philis-
tines; they do not know what music is." But a young
piano dealer in a small town thought differently. He
hired a half dozen buggies, and had them reconstructed
so that each would hold an upright piano, with a seat
before it for the pianist. He got six intelligent young
men from our colleges, and said to them, "Now, you
drive, each of you, in the circuit I give you; drive through
the farms and the villages during the day, and at evening,
when you have marked out the most likely looking
houses, come back, open up your piano and begin to play,
not classical music, but the most popular airs new and
old ; and when there gathers around you, as surely there
will gather around you, the family of the storekeeper or
the farmer, say to them, 'Here is a piano that maybe had
almost as a gift ; if you have any potatoes, if you have any
corn, if you have any wheat, if you have any colts or
cows, we will take them in exchange for this piano; let
us leave it with you for a week. ' " And then the orders
were, "Never take it out unless compelled." And that
young man, with his half dozen assistants, sold a him-
dred pianos, as you can see he would, in the very first
month.
174 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
There are whole sections of all our cities, there are
whole segments of all societies, from which not an inquiry
about Christianity has come in many a long weary month ;
and the old methods do not work. They do not care about
the dignified service in the big Church on the corner of
the distant street or boulevard ; neither do they care much
for the service in the dingy little chapel on the street next
to their own. What do they care for? We are waiting
until some intelligent Presbyterian — why not? — if he be
some other type of Christian, we will thank God for him,
but we hope that some intelligent Presbyterian will do
for the Church what that piano dealer did with his
business, and show us how hundreds may become inter-
ested where there had been stolidity and death.
"New occasions teach new duties;
Time makes ancient good uncouth;
They must upward still and forward.
Who would keep abreast of truth.
"Tho' our camp-fires gleam before us,
We ourselves must pilgrims be;
Launch our Mayflowers, and steer boldly
Through the deserted wintry sea;
Nor attempt the future's portal
With the past's blood-rusted key."
All obligations in this world are reciprocal. If the
Church has duties to the community, it is no less true
that the commtmity has duties to the Church. For ceti-
ttuies it was thought that the only duty of the community
to the Church was submission.
"Their's not to reason why,
Their's but to do and die."
IN GERMANTOWN. 175
Then came a great upheaval in the religious world of
Europe. Men's thoughts began to expand. That one
word submission was no longer large enough to hold the
full measure of their earnest thinking. The world
cracked, opened up, and there were two Churches then
instead of one. The new Church no longer demanded, as
the old Roman Catholic Church still continues to demand,
submission. It phrased its demands differently. It
said, ''Give us your consideration; look up into the face
of this youngest of all the Churches in point of time, and
yet most apostolic in its principles, and see if you do not
behold upon that face the light that never was on sea or
land ; listen to her voice, comprehend her great ideal and
see if there be any other society on the face of this earth
that is working so persistently and diligently to make
men like Christ, and the earth like heaven, and the king-
doms of this world the kingdoms of our God. Consider.
Consider." The Reformed Church took up the cry of the
old Prophet, 'Xome, and let us reason together. When
you have considered, we have confidence that, if you are
logical, you will go one step further, and will be ready to
grant our next and greatest need of all — co-operate."
We are all brothers. Jesus said, ''The kings of the
Gentiles exercise lordship over them, but it shall not be
so amongst you." Ye are all kings and priests unto God,
no one has dominion over you; no one commands you.
But come, come, co-operate, co-operate with your Pastor,
with your elders, with your deacons, with your trustees,
176 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
with your Sunday-School teachers. It is the great word
of Protestantism and of Presbyterianism. It condenses
and crystallizes the great hopes and longings of our
hearts — Co-operation. And when there shall be found
in any one Church, as there has been found in this Church,
men and women eager to keep step with the Leader, the
great Master, and with one another, when there shall be
found in any one Christian denomination a thousand
Churches ready to co-operate one with the other, then the
massive bulwarks of fraud, and treachery, and injustice,
and inhumanity, and unrighteousness, and cruelty, and
corruption shall tremble beneath the mighty tread of
that great army in its onward movement. As individ-
uals we are nothing but impotent: individuals joined
together by a common purpose and longing hope become
conductors of mighty spiritual and resistless currents.
Looking down into one of those great chasms that we
cut in our cities on which to lay the mighty boulders as
the foundation from which tall towers are to spring
towards the sky, I saw a horse harnessed to a cart, and
the cart was heavily laden, and yet men with their shovels
were piling the soil upon the cart until, as I looked up
the steep incline towards the street, I said, *' It is cruelty
to ask any horse to drag that load up that hill;" and as I
looked a brawny man reached down his hand, as I sup-
posed for a whip to beat the horse, but to my surprise he
fastened a chain in a loop, and then waved his hand
toward the bank, and the steam engine began to throb
N GERMANTOWN. 177
and thud, and in a moment horse and cart together were
swept up that long incline to the street. "Hitch your
wagon to a star, ' ' says our American philosopher. Fasten
all your carts, and all your vehicles, and your very lives
to those inexhaustible and resistless energies of which
nature is full. ''They that wait upon the Lord shall re-
new their strength," says the Prophet. They link their
lives to the supreme energy by which the stars are swung
in their courses. "Without Me," says our Master, "ye
can do nothing. All power in heaven and on earth is
given unto Me. Go ye therefore out into the world. Ye
are the salt of the earth; ye are the light of the world."
178 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ADDRESS TO THE SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.
By Rev. George B. Stewart,
President of Auburn Theological Seminary.
I count myself fortunate in having the most attract-
ive audience of this Centennial occasion, for I am
speaking to those who are to come, not to those who are
passing away. The old saying, "Those who are about to
die salute thee," will have to be changed to-day, for me at
least, to "Those who are about to live salute thee." A
hundred years is a long while to live, and we celebrate
our hundred years of living to-day. One thing that makes
us so glad is that those who have lived during this past
hundred years in connection with this Church have lived
so well, so happily, so effectively. We rejoice in what
they have done, and in what they have been. To-day we
erect a monument, so to speak, to their praise, to cele-
brate their deeds, their faith, their hope, their love.
When we think of the past, we erect monuments ; but
when we think of the future, we rear children. And
that is better; and so I may hope to-day to talk about
the future. When Artemus Ward was a little boy,
trundling his cart across a bridge on one occasion, a
kindly gentleman put his hand on his head and said,
"My lad, your future is before you." He said, "Up
to that time, I had thought that my future was behind
me." And I can say to this audience. Your future is
before you ; and the question arises. What are 3^ou going
IN GERMAXTOWX. 179
to do with it? How are you going to look at it? And
I have one message that I want to give you this morning
with reference to it. I want you to think of yourselves
as messengers, or to put it in a little different wa}^ as
missionaries, or to put it in a little different way again, as
sent ones. Listen to the words of Jesus, "As the Father
hath sent me into the world, so send I you." Just
think of it, that we are sent into this world, just as
Jesus was sent into the world. Just as he had a mission
to the world, so have we. Just as He came forth from
God to ser\''e the men and women that He lived among
and those that were to come after Him, so you and I
are sent here to be of sendee to those that are about us.
Horace Bushnell preached a great sermon, which the
world has not yet forgotten, and which men still love to
read, although it was preached a great many years ago.
"Every man's life a plan of God," was the thought he
had in that sermon. Your life and mine have been
planned out by God, our Heavenly Father. There is
something for us to do in this world, and He sent us into
the world to do it. That is what w^e are here for. Every
boy, every girl, every man and every woman has a mis-
sion to carry out God's plan. God had thoughts about
you and me — is not that wonderful, that God should
think about us away back there, long, long before any of
us were thought of by this world; long before the world
was made, when the stars were not made, God thought
about us, planned for us; and now He has put us into
180 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
this world to work out His thoughts. That is what you
are doing, I hope. You have something to do, that God
wants you to do. Do you wonder, then, that I say to
you that the most important thing you have got to
do in this world is to live? There is nothing that you
do, nothing that you try to do, more important than
just this matter of living.
Why, you have got to keep this body in good shape,
in good form, in good condition, in good health. For
that is part of living. Then you have got to keep your
mind in good condition, too; that is part of living. And
you have got to keep your heart in good condition ; that
is part of living. And you have got to keep your mind
and your body and your heart in such good condition
each with the other, that they all will work together,
just like one good machine, and it will work just as your
clock works, harmoniously, and to a purpose, so that all
that you are in your body, all that you are in your mind,
all that you are in your heart, will work together with
each other for the purpose of helping you to be what God
meant you to be, and to do what God meant you to do.
Now, that is living. The chaplain in our State Prison
at Auburn — Auburn is famous probably for three things :
it was the home of the great Secretary of State during
the time of the Rebellion, Mr. Seward; it is the place for
a great prison, the Auburn Prison, and it is the place
where the Auburn Theological Seminary is, so that we
are famous for three things at Auburn — and the chaplain
IN GERMANTOWN. 181
in our State Prison preached a short while ago, so he
told me, on Life, and he gave a definition of life, several
definitions of life; and when he got back into his office,
his clerk, who is a prisoner there for life, said to him,
''Chaplain, there is one definition of life you did not
give." And he said, ''What was that?" "Why," he
says, "It is the definition of life that you hear when the
judge tells you to stand up to receive the sentence of the
court, and he says that you are sentenced to Auburn
Prison for the rest of your natural life. It is the defini-
tion that you hear when the turnkey inserts the key into
the gate at the prison, and he turns in the lock and says,
Life. It is what you hear when the door shuts upon you
for the last time, and the world is shut out, never to be
seen again; and the hinges as they creak say, Life. It
is the definition that you hear as you walk down these
corridors, the walls and the ceiling echoing back your
footsteps, and every footstep saying, Life, Life, Life.
Chaplain, you did not say anything about that this morn-
ing." " No," he says ; " no, I did not give that definition."
It is a pretty serious thing, is it not? And I submit to
you, too, a very serious definition of life. Life is trying
to be what God meant us to be, and trying to do what
God meant us to do. That is living; that is real living.
Now, do you see how that makes us just like so many
individuals ? I am not here to be like you, and you are
not here to be like me. I am not here to do your work;
you are not here to do mine. In God's great field of
182 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
labor, all work is not the same. What I have to do is
my work, and what you have to do is your work. What
I am to be is w^hat God meant me to be, not what he
meant you to be; and what you are to be is what God
meant you to be, not what he means me to be. Some-
times people say to us, What would Jesus do? Well, I
often wish I could answer that question, but I cannot.
And then, if I could, I am not sure that what Jesus did
is what I ought to do. The question I ought to ask every
day is. What would Jesus have me to do,, not w^hat He
would do if He were here. I do not know whether he
w^ould be president of a theological seminary. I very
seriously doubt whether he would be president of a theo-
logical seminar}^ He would have something more im-
portant to do than that. But I think he wants me to be
president of a theological seminary just now; and that
is the question that interests me. What would Jesus
have me to do? What would Jesus have me to do?
Would it not be a foolish thing for the tree, that is so
stately upon the hillside, and sheds its beautiful shade
over so large a portion of the earth's surface, to say, "Oh,
I do not think I amount to much in this world ; I wish I
could just be that sweet and lovely vine, so full of beauti-
ful flowers, and that waves its censer in the air and just
distills sweetness; I give nothing but shadow, while the
vine gives sweetness and fragrance, and I am going to be
a vine." How foolish that would be in a tree. The tree
ought to be the best sort of tree it can be, and the vine
IN GERMANTOWN. 183
ought to be the best sort of a vine. And that is just
what you ought to be ; just be the best you can ; be your
own best self, and do \^our own best work.
Do you know, I think a good many people miss it in
living, because they try to be like somebody else. *'0h>
if I could only be just like that saint; I know^ her; how
sweet and lovely she is ; oh, how I wish I could be as good
as she ; I wish I could have just the same kind of temper
as she has, and take her view of life, and live just as she
lives." But do you know perhaps that is not what God
wants you to be; God wants you to bear some burden,
perhaps, that needs strength and not sweetness; God
wants you to cast some grateful shade for some weary
soul, and not merely give forth fragrance into life and
make somebody else whose happiness is great, even
greater. You have got your own work to do. Now,
find it. Let me tell you what I think we may all adopt
as a very good motto : Be what you seem to be ; seem to
be what you are; be and seem to be what you ought to
be and seem to be.
I have just one further thought to add to this, and
that is. Be yourself, and do your work. Be your best
self, and do your best work all the time. There is the
rub. We can all put on Sunday clothes, but we do like
to take them off; don't we? We can all go to church,
but we do like to go away from it. We can all have a
smile sometime, but to have the smile that won't come
off, that is hard. We can all be good for a little while,
184 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
but it is hard to be good all the time. It is just this
everlastingly keeping at it that is such hard work, it is
not, in being good?
Up our way we have a good deal of snow, and it lasts
a long time; and the story is told of a little boy who
was out one morning trying to make a path with a
little bit of a coal shovel, and somebody said to him,
''How do you ever expect to get through that big
snow drift with that little shovel?" "Why," he said,
"just by keeping at it." That is the way. We have
got to keep at it, you and I, all the time.
And I hope you will not get discouraged. Sometimes
we do; but try not to get discouraged in this life. It
is before you, and what a wonderful thing life is. How
I would like to talk to you more about it. But I want
to leave with you as the last word those beautiful little
words of Mrs. Barbauld. Wordsworth said of her and
of this little stanza I am going to repeat to you, that no
man ever went down to immortality with a smaller book
under his arm. I wish that we could learn those words
and have them written upon our hearts, so that we
would keep them before us :
Life, we have been long together,
Through pleasant and through cloudy weather;
'Tis hard to part, when friends are dear,
Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear.
Then steal away, give little warning,
Choose thine own time;
Say not Good-night,
But in some brighter clime,
Bid me Good-morning.
IN GERMANTOWN. 185
And if we remember that we are sent once into the
world, that we came to work out God's thought in deeds;
that we are here to be what God means us to be, and
to do what God means us to do; if we remember every
day to try to be the kind of boy or man or girl or woman
that God wants us to be, and to do the work that He
has given us to do, then, when we come to lay down life
in this world, it will be to find a brighter life and a better
in a brighter and better world.
186 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SERMON.
By Rev. Henry Van Dyke, D.D., LL.D.
After a long absence from my own country, and many
*'home thoughts from abroad," I am glad to come back
to my home church where I was born and to which I
owe the debt of a son's love and loyalty. I am going to
speak to you to-day of The Church of To-day. You will
find the text in the sixteenth chapter of the Gospel
according to St. Matthew and in the third chapter of
the first epistle to Timothy.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the
Christ, the Son of the Living God. * * And Jesus
answered and said, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock
I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall
not prevail against it. * * The Church of the Living
God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
In an age of confusion and change, when forms are
dissolving around us and something new and strange
seems to impend over the world, it is good to hear these
clear and strong words of St. Peter and St. Paul, and be-
tween them, underneath them and above them, this
divinely confident assurance of our Lord Jesus, linking
the words of His two disciples together in an indissol-
uble bond of everlasting stability.
Peter and Paul both speak of the living God; not
the imaginary God of poetry, unreal and evanescent;
IN GERMANTOWN. 187
not the metaphysical God of philosophy, abstract and
remote; but the God who lives, thinks, feels, acts, the
source and sustainer of all life: therefore, indefinable,
since life itself is a mystery which never has been
defined: therefore, not far from any one of us, since in
Him we live and move and have otir being.
The Church of this living God exists in the world, St.
Paul assures us, as the pillar and stay of the truth. Not
a broken pillar, not a complete pillar, but a pillar which
is building out of living stones. Where, and how? By
what marks shall we know it? On what foundation does
it stand? How shall we be built into it?
Jesus Himself answers these questions in His great
word spoken to His apostle Peter, a word uttered, as I
love to remember, in one of the most beautiful places
of the world, during those brief hours when Jesus trod
on Gentile soil and claimed a mission as wide as the
earth. Think of that scene for a moment. There were
the groves and foimtains of Banias at the source of the
Jordan with their altars of licentious nature worship;
and there was the city of Caesarea Philippi with the
marble temple which Herod btiilt to Augustus, the
shrine of a proud man worship. And, as they looked
down upon those things, a little group of way-worn,
dusty foot-travellers, Jesus turned to His poor followers
and asked, *' Whom do men say that I, the Son of
Man, am ?" They answered in a confusion that seems
almost modem. "Some say one thing, and some say
188 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
another thing." The Master pressed His question,
"But whom say ye that I am?" Then it was that the
life of the spirit in Peter leaped to his lips, and he said,
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
A short answer, a sufficient answer, a vital answer.
It was not an explanation. It was not a definition. It
was not a creed or common confession of faith. It
was something more direct. It was something more
simple. It was an act of the will to believe. It was the
response of Peter's life to the touch of Jesus' life. It
was the flashing of the flame in answer to the kindling
spark. Thou art — not, I say, or we believe, or I think, —
but Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Then
Jesus answered, *' Blessed art thou, O Simon, son of
Jona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee,
but my Father which is in heaven; and I also say unto
thee that thou art Peter — Petros — and upon this rock —
Petra — I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades
shall not prevail against it."
What rock.? Not the man Peter, for that which has
not been revealed by flesh and blood cannot thenceforth
rest upon flesh and blood for its continuance and author-
ity. What rock? Not the apostle Peter, as head of a
college of ecclesiastics, for Jesus did not use Peter's
name when He spoke of the rock, but purposely changed
the word. He never gave Peter any power or authority
which was not possessed by his fellow apostles. What
rock? The rock of the Christian religion, which is the
IN GERMANTOWN. 189
life of the human soul finding the living God in Jesus
Christ, His Son. That is the rock. That is the founda-
tion of the true Church ; that is the mark by which we
recognize it in all ages and in all lands. It is built upon
the giving of the life of man to God and the giving of the
life of God to man in Jesus, the Lord and Saviour of the
world.
Now, it is of that Church that I wish to speak to you
to-day, for it is the only true Church of to-day as it was the
only true Church of yesterday, and as I believe it will be
the only true Church of to-morrow. A thousand ques-
tions, a thousand points of interest in regard to it in-
stantly arise in our minds, and of these I can only touch
on three: the unity of the Church, the mission of the
Church, and the permanence of the Church's relation to
Jesus Christ.
I. The unity of the Church is a question that is earn-
estly considered and warmly discussed at the present
time. And it is a good sign, and a hopeful omen. But
what we need most to understand just now, my breth-
ren, is that the unity of the Church already exists. It
is not something to be created; it is something which
has already come into being and which needs to be
brought out and manifested more clearly to the world.
"The Church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ the Lord."
All true Christians have a common source of life in the
living God revealed to them through His Son. All true
190 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Christians, in all communities, under all creeds and all
forms of government, with all methods of worship — all
true Christians have a common ground of experience of
faith and love and hope which centres in Jesus, their Mas-
ter and Redeemer. All true Christians have a common
mission of activity in the doing of the work of Christ in
the world. This is their religion, and it is really the
same for all of them. The vital part of it, the essential
part from which they derive comfort, and peace, and joy,
and power of spiritual life does not lie in the forms
wherein they differ. It lies in the present and eternal
life which they reach through and beyond them.
Many true Christian men and women I know in all the
churches, and some who are not bound to any of the
churches ; and the thing that impresses me most is not the
outward difference but the inward unity of their real re-
ligion ; and in the storm and stress of life that unity comes
out. Confronted with danger and death, with the great
joys that illumine, or with the great sorrows that ennoble
our mortal existence, all who have known God in Christ
flee to the same eternal refuge, and call in gratitude or in
grief upon the same sweet and almighty Name. Are
they not all building on the same rock; are they not all
in the same Church of the living God? Yet they do not
all know it, and they will not all admit it. There is the
pity of it, and there is the first thing that needs to be
changed, not only for the sake of the Church, but also
for the sake of the world. Christ said, *' If Satan be
IN GERMANTOWN. 191
divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand ?''
And the world to-day says, " The Church of Christ is di-
vided against itself, and how shall it stand ?" The
Church of to-day must find a way to answer this re-
proach and to remove it. The forces of evil are coop-
erant in appearance ; the forces of good must be cooperant
in reality.
The churches exist within the Church. If the churches
represent divisions, they hinder the work and the tri-
umph of Christ. If the churches represent simply natural
methods of distribution, they may meet a real need and
do a real good. But in order to accomplish this, they
must recognize each other in the world and work to-
gether in service.
Men talk about orthodoxy, heresy, and schism. There
is only one kind of schism, that by which a man cuts his
own soul or his neighbor's soul off from Christ. There
is only one kind of heresy, that which denies the mission
of Christ to seek and to save the lost. And there is only
one kind of orthodoxy, that in which Christ leads man
into fellowship with the living God. How sadly this
has been forgotten in the past we all know. How much
it is obscured in the present we all know. But I believe
that a better time is coming already, and I believe that a
still brighter day is near at hand. It is not to be hoped,
perhaps not even to be desired, that all the great differ-
ences of organization, doctrine and worship which mark
the historical distribution of the different churches, can
192 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
presently be reconciled and disappear ; but it is our hope
that a rising tide of faith and love will lift us to a height
where we can all see over all the boundaries. And it
is our hope that some of the thin and flimsy walls of
philosophical lathing and ecclesiastical plaster which
have separated Christians on a definition of predestina-
tion, or on a question of church- worship, or on a method
of ordination, will be found unable to stand the general
tremor of the world to-day under the pressure of new and
powerful forces, and impossible to repair, so that they
will fall down by the force of gravity. And no one will
mourn for them.
It is our hope that the churches which really belong
together will really come together, and that from them
all, as from the many encampments of one army, new
forces will go forth, not to quarrel with each other, but
to work together against the evil and for the good, in
the name and in the strength of the same Son of the
living God.
II. The true mission of the Church to-day is another
subject about which men are thinking and talking. Some
say that her mission is to bear witness to the truth;
others that it is to maintain the rites of worship and the
ordinances of religion ; others that it is to help the poor
and needy and to practice the works of righteousness
and mercy. And it is just because men have insisted
exclusively on one or other of these points that the
Church has not fully| realized her great catholic mis-
N GERMANTOWN. 193
sion, which is to express and minister to the whole life of
man in Jesus Christ.
Ah, but you say, if one Church does one thing and
another Church does the second thing, and another
Church does the third thing, is not the whole task
accomplished in that mystical unity of the Church of
which you have been speaking? Yes, perhaps so —
mystically; but not for actual men like you and me,
for the peculiarity of the actual man is that he does
not attend the Church; he attends a church. It is there
that his whole life as a child of the living God must
receive recognition and nurture and employment; and,
therefore, he needs to find there instruction in truth,
and joy in worship, and guidance and fellowship in
practical service. The failure to give any one of these
elements cannot possibly be a merit in a church; it is
a fault ; it is a defect, and it leads to a misunderstand-
ing of the Church, and a weakening of her influence.
Carried to the last extreme, it brings a church where
the sermon is everything, into intellectual dryness ; and
a church where the ritual is everything, into aesthetic
softness; and a church where practical attention to a
common humanity is everything, into a restless, noisy,
shallow busy-ness.
The truth is that Christian thought, Christian worship
and Christian work must go together, if any one of them
is to reach its highest development. "Why is it," said
Phillips Brooks, "that the Church has magnified doc-
194 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
trine over-much, and throned it where it does not be-
long? It is because the Church has not cared enough
for Hfe. She has not over- valued doctrine, she has
under- valued life. When the Church learns that she
is in her idea simply identical with all noble activity,
when she thinks of herself as the inspirer and purifier of
the whole life of man, then she will — what? Not cast her
doctrines away, as many of her impetuous admirers bid
her do. She will see their precious value as she has
never seen it yet; but she will hold them always as
the means of life, and she will insist that out of their
depths they shall send forth manifest strength for life
which shall justify her holding them."
The same thing is true of worship. Is there any rea-
son in the world why a good sermon should be coupled
with a cold and barren service, or with what the West-
minster Divines called mean, irregular and extravagant
effusions in prayer? No; on the contrary, the force of
teaching is enhanced by the beauty of worship, and the
teaching power of devout and lovely praise and prayer
is inestimable.
Shall we not make the same claim for the activities
of a Christian life? Has not Christ Himself said, If any
man will do God's will, he shall know of the doctrine ?
Honest toil is lowly service;
Faithful work is praise and prayer.
The Church of to-day, if she is to be really the Church
of the living God, must have this fullness of the three-
IN GERMANTOWN. 195
fold life as it is revealed in Christ. The words that He
spoke to His disciples were spirit and life. The bread
that He brake to them, the cup of water that He gave
to them, were the bread of life, the water of life. The
work to which He led them and sent them forth was the
work of life. He said, "I am come that ye might have
life, and that ye might have it more abundantly." Ah,
my brethren, think what it will mean when the Church
really believes that she must be living in the living world,
even as her living Lord. Her sermons translated out of
a theological dialect into a living tongue that comes
home to the business and bosoms of men! Her sacra-
ment of baptism welcoming every child that comes into
the world, even as Jesus took the little ones into His
arms, and put His hand upon them and blessed them,
saying. Of such is the kingdom of heaven! Her com-
munion an open table, spread with the bounty of Christ,
to feed the need of every guest, to comfort and restore
the penitent sinner, to console the lonely and the suffer-
ing, to refresh the weary and the disheartened, to con-
secrate every brave and earnest soul for the day's work,
whatever it may be!
Think of the sweetness and light, the power and joy
that must flow from such a Church. Think how men
must love her and God must bless her. She will not fear
the changes and the conflicts of to-day. The world needs
her still, for the world needs life.
'Tis life, not death, for which we pant;
'Tis life whereof our nerves are scant,
More life, and fuller, that we want.
196 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
And in the true Church, the Christ, the Son of the living
God, ministers to the life of men and women.
III. So then we come to the last question which men are
asking in regard to the Church of to-day. Is her relation
to Jesus, the Christ, permanent and vital, or is it transi-
tory? Does she need Him now and always, or can she
do without Him? The newspapers tell us that a distin-
guished and justly honored man in America, who has
lately retired from the headship of our oldest imiversity,
has been talking of a new religion, in which Christ,
as the Church has known Him, the Revealer of the Father,
the Divine Mediator, the Son of the Living God, seems to
be unnecessary. Men are to find peace and safety, and
hope and strength, in their own thoughts of the purity,
justice, goodness and love of the unseen Father. Christ
may be left out.
There is much that is fine and beautiful in the words
of this teacher of a new religion ; but where does their
moral attraction come from? It is the after-glow of
the old religion, the Christian religion, which led his fore-
fathers. For him, in the security of his virtuous her-
itage, an after-glow may suffice; but not for the sin-
ful, struggling, doubtful, suffering world. It wants
more than an after-glow. It wants the sim-rise of the
living God in the face of Jesus Christ. Where can we
find — I ask you, my brethren, to put it to yourselves,
earnestly and reasonably — ^where can we find the cer-
tainty that God is pure, and just, and good, and for-
IN GERMANTOWN. 197
giving, save in Jesus Christ? Where is the life that we
instinctively recognize as Divine perfectly embodied, save
in Jesus Christ? Where is the assurance that God loves
us, even when we sin, and most of all when we are in
sorrow? Where is the assurance that God loves us and
has a gift of immortality for us, save in Him who was
crucified for our sins, and rose again that we may live
with Him forever?
But men say — my friends say to me often — ^it is un-
reasonable to believe that the Church of to-day must
always be bound to a Lord of yesterday, to a Master who
is dead and gone. Is He then dead and gone? Ask the
man, broken and beaten down by sin, who kneels at His
altar, crying, "Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me," and
feels the dew of a divine forgiveness fall upon his heart.
Ask the missionary who faces danger and death, saying,
"For Christ's sake I can endure it," and feels a heavenly
patience and courage filling his heart. Ask the mother
who hides her face upon the death-bed of her little child,
crying, "Saviour, pity me," and rises to meet her daily
duty with the peace of heaven shining in her eyes.
Dead and gone ? No, my brethren ; He is living, and He
is here, and the Church of to-day its builu pon the
assurance that He is the Christ, the Son of the living
God.
That is the message that I have come to-day to bring
to you in this city of my birth and this church of my
baptism; and, bringing it, I would bow the knees of my
198 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
heart in love and reverence to the memory of my dear
and honored father, who was the Pastor of this church,
and who led my soul to the living Christ. He'^it was who
showed me in his life the meaning of manhood and the
meaning of religion. He it was who gave me, at the end
of our happy comradeship, this message : — *' Personal
loyalty to Je^us Christ is the root and mainstay and
heart of Christianity."
May God bless His word.
IN GERMANTOWN. 199
THE WIDENING FIELD OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
By Rev. Dr. Alexander Henry.
The most serious problem confronting us as a nation
to-day, is the Christian education of our people.
We hear more of other problems, such as the liquor
problem, the negro problem, the labor problem, but
none of them is so vitally important as the problem of
Christian education.
If we can be assured of the Christian education of our
people, we need not fear the ultimate solution of the
other problems. If we fail in this, we fail in all.
Of late years, this religious problem has seemed to
grow more serious and difficult. On every hand we hear
sad references to our failure in this respect. As an illus-
tration of this, we may refer to what Dr. Butler says in
his work, ''The Meaning of Education." He calls at-
tention to the separation of Church and State in our
country, and the drift toward secularity in the education
given by the State; and then he goes on to say: "The
result of this condition of affairs is that religious educa-
tion is rapidly passing out of public education entirely;
and familiarity with the Bible is becoming a thing of
the past. "
This is only one of very many similar testimonies upon
this subject; and it is evidently necessary that we must
seriously face the possibility of the arrival of the time
when a large number of the citizens of this Christian
200 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
nation shall be as ignorant of the historical facts of the
Bible as the heathen themselves.
It is evident that if our citizens are to receive an ade-
quate religious education, it must be given to them, for
the most part, while they are yet boys and girls.
Former generations depended largely upon the home,
the school, and the preaching services of the Church, for
the Christian education and training of the youth. We
are finding that less and less dependance can be placed
upon these agencies. The reasons are so obvious that
we need not dwell upon them.
Consequently, in recent years, men's thoughts have
been turned more and more to the Sunday School as the
most helpful agency for imparting a Christian education
to our people.
This is not the view of Sunday-School enthusiasts alone,
nor even of ministers and religious instructors. It is
the serious conclusion of a large number of intelligent
laymen, public educators, and those who are interested
in the moral and religious welfare of our country.
For example, Henry Frederick Cope, Secretary of the
Religious Educational Association, in his book entitled
"The Modern Sunday School in Principle and Practice,"
declares that "we must look to the Sunday School, at
least in large measure, for the solution of our great prob-
lem of religious education. "
It is generally admitted, however, that while the Sun-
day School is the most hopeful agency to which we may
IN GERMANTOWN. 201
look for the Christian education of our people, it is rather
the Sunday School of the future, the Sunday School de-
veloped into the organization which it can be and should
be, than the Sunday School of to-day, conducted as it is
at the present time.
The Sunday School is capable of great improvement
and development. Results that have been obtained in
local schools here and there, under favorable conditions,
give us an idea of the possibilities of the Sunday School,
and lead us to hope that it will be found to be the agency
through whose instrumentality it will be possible to pro-
vide a Christian education for the citizens of our land.
That this may be the case, we must change our present
conception of the Simday School.
At present it is regarded by very many as being de-
signed for the youth alone, and as being a place for reli-
gious worship and exhortation rather than religious in-
struction and training.
Let me make one or two suggestions of how we should
regard the Sunday School of the future.
We should have an enlarged conception of the Sunday
school and its place in modern society.
The common view of the Simday School is far too nar-
row, both as regards the membership of the school, and
of the work that should be accomplished.
202 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Most persons think of the Sunday School as being in-
tended chiefly for boys and girls — such as the public
school is; and have the idea that when a pupil is old
enough to leave the public school he may at the same
time cease to attend the Sunday School.
This is an utterly wrong view. The Sunday School
is the Bible school for the entire Church. It should
make its appeal to every member of the community.
No one is too old to study God's Word. In these days
when there is so little Bible reading or study in the home,
it is the more important that we should have it in the
Sunday School.
The interest now being taken in the organized Bible
Class is most encouraging. It is an indication of the
fact that men are beginning to reahze that the Sunday
School is not for boys and girls alone.
The formation of these large classes for men will
make it easier to retain the boys in the Sunday School.
When they see their fathers in the school, they will
not be so apt to feel that they are growing too old to
be members.
Through the Home Department, we can meet the needs
of invalids, of men and women who are too busy to at-
tend the Sunday-school service, and of any others who
may be, for various reasons, unable to be present at the
session of the school.
It will require time and effort to lead the Church
and community in general to adjust their ideas of the
IN GERMANTOWN. 203
Sunday School to this new and enlarged conception of
its mission and work.
It can be done, however, and it should be done. The
experience of many schools shows us the possibilities of
success in this direction. The subject is so vitally im-
portant in its bearings upon the reHgious life of both
Church and State, that no effort would seem to be too
great to bring it to pass.
11.
The Sunday School should he regarded as a real school^
where serious study is being done.
There is another illustration of the widening field of
the Sunday School ; this relates to the work the average
Sunday School is doing. Here, again, it is imperative
that we enlarge our conception.
At the present time few schools so regard themselves,
and, as a rule, the results are most disastrous. The
ignorance of the average Simday-school pupil of the
most familiar facts of Bible history would be amusing
if it were not so serious. We take it for granted that
they know these things, and are surprised and pained
when we become aware of their ignorance.
This ignorance of the average Simday-school pupil is
due, in part, to the lessons we are teaching in the Sunday
Schools; and, in part, to the way in which the lessons
are taught.
204 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
While I believe that the International series of Uni-
form Lessons is, upon the whole, the best series for the
average Sunday School, there is no doubt that it needs
the addition of what are known as " Supplemental Les-
sons;" and it is equally evident that our pupils must, in
some way, be induced so to study these lessons that
they will be committed to memory and not readily for-
gotten. The fact that there is so little Bible instruction
given at home in these modern days makes this appeal
all the more urgent.
We must change our view of the Sunday School, and
come to regard it as a real school where the pupils learn
facts which they will remember. At the present time,
the majority of teachers are content if they can preserve
order in their classes while they read the Bible lesson
and preach a little sermon to their pupils. This is better
than nothing, but it is not teaching in its highest and
best sense.
This at once suggests the necessity of training our
Sunday-school teachers. If we are to do the work that
absolutely must be done to avoid failure, we must have
trained teachers, and this means that we must, in some
way, train them. Simday Schools are taking this sub-
ject up most seriously and hopefully. The different
denominations are providing courses of study. Our
church was a pioneer in this matter, and after several
experiments has produced a book which is regarded by
many as being, all things considered, the best of its
IN GERMANTOWN. 205
kind published. It is entitled ''Preparation for Teach-
ing," and consists of fifty lessons on the Bible, the pupil,
the school and the teacher.
We confidently expect to see the time when a teacher-
training class will be regarded as being as essential to
a well-organized school as a Cradle Roll or a Home De-
partment.
III.
We must have an enlarged conception of the use we can
make of the Sunday School,
We have not yet set the Sunday School in its right
place in our ideas of Church work. The Church has its
mission in the world, and is trying to bring men and
women imder the influence of the Gospel. Different
churches have different ideals of service, and varying
methods of work ; yet every true Church is striving to
attain the same goal in the salvation of men for this life
and the life to come.
How can any Church do this? What agency, what
machinery, will be the most effective?
Men's thoughts are turning more and more to the
Simday School as offering the best field for work and
force for service that they can find. Many a minister
who has been relying upon his sermons to attract men
and women to the Church and win them to Christ, is
finding that he can accomplish more through the agency
of the Simday School. Over and over, ministers have
206 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
stated this in Sunday-school conferences and on similar
occasions.
What are some of the results the Church is striving
to secure?
Prominent among these, we must place the winning
of souls, leading men to confess Christ and yield their
lives to His service. It has been abundantly demon-
strated that the Stmday School presents the most fruit-
ful field for evangelistic work; and that the results of
these efforts are more permanent than those in other
directions. Now that men are coming in such large
numbers into the Sunday School, it would seem wise for
the Church to turn its thoughts in an especial way to
evangelistic work in the Sunday School.
The development of Christian character must always be
an important part of the work of the Church. We must
constantly strive to make men more intelligent, more
liberal, more devoted to high ideals and earnest service.
This can be done through the preaching services and
prayer-meeting services, but the Simday School offers an
opportunity for such effort far more inviting and hope-
ful. In the Sunday School we have the youth, with their
characters as yet unformed and in a plastic condition.
If there we systematically and intelligently instruct and
train them, the result will be far greater than we could
expect from the same efforts put forth in later years.
The Church can never be satisfied vmtil it has in some
way secured the earnest reading and study of the Bible
IN GERMAXTOWN. 207
on the part of all its members. However difficult this
may be, it must ever be one of the objects of endeavor
on the part of the Church imtil it has been attained.
Here, again, we point to the Sunday School as present-
ing the most hopeful opportimity for securing this end.
As a matter of fact, it is true at the present time that
there is more regular systematic reading and study of
the Bible in connection with the Sunday School than
with any other agency; and if the Sunday School can
be given the place in the work of the Church which we
are asking for it, this study of the Bible will be increased
many fold.
One other important field of Church activity may be
mentioned. It is the effort to touch the homes of the
community in a helpful way and bring them into sym-
pathy with the Church and its plans and purposes.
Every Church desires to do this. Many methods are
being tried. Are any of them better; are any of them
equal to the plan of making use of the Stmday School ?
Every home in which a Sunday-school pupil is found
has a living link binding it to the Church. That home
is part of the Church field of legitimate service. The
Cradle Roll makes the little baby a member of the school,
wins the parents' interest and opens the door of the
home.
The Home Department does the same for the invalids
and those who cannot attend the sessions of the school.
The Adult Bible class brings men and women into touch
208 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
with the Church and its varied activities through their
connection with the Sunday School.
What better plan could be suggested for going out
into any community and winning the sympathy and co-
operation of the families of that community, and opening
the doors of these homes to the pastor or any other Church
visitor, than to go as the representative of some one of
the departments of the graded Sunday School, which
enrolls among its members all classes and ages?
This may seem to you a very ambitious programme,
and an effort to give the Stmday School a place in the
Church and community more important than it can fairly
claim.
On the other hand, let us remember the vital character
of the problem of Christian education, and consider the
fact that so many are looking to the Simday School as
the most helpful agency for solving it. Let us remember,
further, that the Simday School is not an organization
apart from the Church, or in any way a rival of the
Church. The Simday School, rightly understood, is the
Church studying the Word of God ; and when we mag-
nify the Sunday School, we are, in reality, exalting the
Church itself.
What more appropriate time or place could we find
for a review of the Sunday School, and a consideration
of its rapidly widening field ? We are to-day celebrating
the one hundredth anniversary of a Church that has al-
ways been in the deepest sympathy with the Sunday
IN GERMANTOWN. 209
School; and one which has in its own experience seen
the rich harvests that may be gleaned in this fruitful
field.
As we enter upon another period in the development
of this Church, let us determine that we will give the
Sunday School an even larger place in our sympathies
and activities than we have done in the past.
It is scarcely necessary for me to say how deeply inter-
ested I am in these services to-day; and how heartily I
congratulate you upon the influences for good that have
gone forth from this Church during these many years.
With especial interest do I recall the Simday-school,
meeting in the old Church building on the Main street.
Here I received, as a boy, that instruction and training
which have been so valuable to me in my life's experi-
ences ; and here I had my first experience as a Sunday-
school teacher.
In the light of these memories of the past, and with a
deep appreciation of my indebtedness to the Sunday
School of the First Presb3rterian Church, I join with you
in the prayer that God's richest blessing may rest upon
it as it goes forward into the beneficent activities of the
future.
210 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
By Professor Charles R. Erdman, of Princeton.
Text— Ephesians 4: 1-16.
The surpassing importance and specific character of
this occasion may explain the selection of a subject so
vast as to defy exhaustive treatment, yet of such appro-
priateness as to almost inevitably command our thought.
The mention of " The Church of Chris f at once presents
to us countless vistas of truth. We are reminded of her
origin, her power, her destiny, of the infinite price at
which she was redeemed, of the supreme task to which
she has been called, of the problems by which she is now
faced, of the glory which she will ultimately share, and
we are almost bewildered by the infinite variety of
related and inspiring themes; yet, as we are to-night
reviewing the history of an individual congregation, it
may be of interest and of profit to confine ourselves to
some of the suggestions contained in a single paragraph
of the epistle to the Ephesians, and to recall what that
brief section of Scripture suggests in reference to the life,
the growth and the maturity of the Universal Church.
Through three chapters the apostle has been dwelling
upon the grace which God has bestowed upon the Church,
the body of Christ. In these opening verses of the
fourth chapter, he presents to us, among other truths,
the unity of her life, the gifts bestowed for her growth,
the meastire of her maturity.
IN GERMANTOWN. 211
I. The Unity of the Church is set forth to enforce the
exhortation to a walk worthy of so high a calling — a
walk in humility and lowliness, with a peace which is
borne of mutual forbearance and love. The occasion of
such an exhortation is fotmd in what the apostle has
just been declaring of the glorious heritage, of the high
dignity, of the grandeur and glory of the Church. Such
privileges might engender pride and self-consciousness
and self-dependence and selfish indifference. For this
reason, Paul reminds his readers that they should walk
in continual remembrance of their oneness in Christ.
In matchless phrases he sets forth this imity in its seven-
fold beauty. "There is one body," he declares, a body
composed of all believers united by faith with the unseen
Head who is in glory. He intimates to us that we need
not be seeking to achieve church unity. We need rather
to rejoice in a unity which exists and has always existed
since the birthday of the Church. We need rather to
manifest this unity, that it may be evident to the world
that all who profess the name of Christ are one. There
is "One Spirit." He dwells within the Church. His
power is sufficient for the accomplishment of her every
task, and upon him the Church can continually depend.
There is " One hope" — of salvation, present and to come.
In this we imitedly rejoice. There is "One Lord,"
even Jesus Christ, the head of the Church to whom we
all submit, whose glory in all things we are to seek.
There is "One faith," uniting us as a vital bond with
212 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Christ, our Head. It is no mere intellectual assent to
some dogma or creed, but a conscious identification of
ourselves with Christ. There is ''One baptism;" regard-
less of its form, it is the open confession of our faith by
which we form a visible society and bear our corporate
testimony to the world. "One God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all," to produce
his work, to accomplish his purposes, and by whose love
and commimicated life we form one family in Christ.
Even on such an occasion as this, there may be no
need of warning against the danger of pride and self-
confidence engendered by the review of a glorious her-
itage, but surely there may come to our minds much of
inspiration, and the occasion may assimie a new dignity
if, while we recall the worthy history of an individual
Church, we remember the unity of which the apostle here
speaks. It gives a new importance to this congregation
to be reminded of the many representatives who can be
present to-night only in thought, in memory and in
sympathetic prayer. It might give to our rejoicing a
note of sadness if we should think ourselves separated
from those of our ntimber who have gone forth to reside
in distant cities, or who are laboring beyond the seas.
The apostle reminds us that we are not severed from
them. We are all one to-night and forever.
"Partakers of the Saviour's grace,
The same in mind and heart,
Nor pain, nor joy, nor time, nor space,
Nor life, nor death can part."
IN GERMANTOWN. 213
We think too, as we look backward down the long
vista of years, of the many bright spirits who in other days
have served their master in this field of labour, and again
comes the inspiring thought that we are one with them;
and then we summon to mind the vast throng of apostles,
and prophets and martyrs, the saints of all the ages who
have followed Christ and in whose footsteps we seek to
walk, and it fills us with a solemn joy when we remember
that we are in vital imion with them.
"Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine !
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia!"
II. This blessed imity is perfectly consistent, however,
with a large variety of spiritual gifts. ''To each one is
grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
These gifts are designed to enable each and every member
of the Church to serve and to strengthen the body of
Christ. To each one grace is given; and by this grace
the apostle means both a work to do, and also power to
accomplish that work. The gifts of Christ are mani-
fold. They have been given in virtue of his triumphant
ascension, and they are now administered by his Spirit.
The apostle quotes from the inspired psalm. A great
victory has been achieved. Christ has risen, having
conquered death, and in a new and glorious life he has
ascended his heavenly throne, and as a princely victor
he is distributing gifts among his followers; to all who
obey him he grants by his Spirit both a place to serve
214 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
and power for service. Some gifts are of a special char-
acter and nature. Men are fitted by them for distinct
offices and special places in the life of the Church: — *' He
gave some to be apostles" — and he gives such still.
Men like Moffat and Carey and Judson and Morrison and
Paton, who go forth as foimders of the Church in distant
lands. "He gave some to be prophets," and he still
grants to his church men of prophetic vision who see the
depths and the heights of revealed truth and who sum-
mon the people of God to nobler achievements. "He
gave some to be evangelists," and he still sends forth to
the fields at home and abroad those who bear the good
news of salvation through Christ. "He gave some to
be pastors and teachers," and he still is granting those
who in the local Church feed the flock and lead them by
living waters of refreshing truth. Yet these special
gifts of the risen Christ are declared to be designed for a
specific purpose. They have been given for "the per-
fecting of the saints unto the work of ministering, imto
the building up of the body of Christ." That is to say^
these special gifts, these official ministers are appointed
solely to equip the members of the Church for their
individual labours. These members, too, have their
gifts and it is by them that the real work is to be achieved.
It is the privilege of the specially equipped minister to
give spiritual preparation to the members of the Church.
They then are to perform "the work of ministry" both
to their fellow Christians and to the world. They then
IN GERMANTOWN. 215
are those who, by their individual efforts, are to build
up the body of Christ.
During these passing days some appreciative mention
has been made of those who during the ten decades of
your history have been privileged to act as the * 'pastor-
teachers" of this Church. Let it be remembered then,
that in so far as they have served in accordance with
the will of the Master, their ministry has resulted in pre-
paring the members of this Church for individual ser\ace ;
and, while we would detract nothing from what may
have been suggested as to the work of these Christian
leaders, we cannot but remember that the history of
this Church has been in perfect accord with the state-
ment of the apostle. Its true growth has been due not
merely to the faithfulness of its ordained ministers but
to the continual service of its individual members. It
is for you in this present, as in the years which are
past, to seek more continually for the grace which the
Master is willing to give, that you may achieve your
work of ministry and may aid in building up the body
of Christ. Grace is given to each ; let each breathe forth
this prayer:
"Oh fill me with thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o'erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word.
Thy love to tell, thy praise to show."
III. This fulness which our Lord will give reminds us,
in the last place, of what the apostle suggests as to the
216 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Measure of Maturity. He reminds us that the growth
of a Church is not to be estimated by the number of its
years nor the enrollment of its members, but rather by
its knowledge of Christ and its submission to Him. He
declares that our efforts are with a view to that result
which he defines as "attaining to the unity of the faith
and knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to
the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. " This
unity of faith and knowledge are the truest sign and proof
of growth. This submission and devotion to the Master
are the surest marks of maturity. The apostle adds that
spiritual childlishness is manifested by being "carried
about by every wind of doctrine" by those who are in-
spired by selfish desires for gain and for power. Where
Christ is truly known, where lives are being moulded in
accordance with his will, where he is really enthroned,
there is being manifested the maturity of true life. A
Church is to be congratulated upon one hundred years
of continued existence ; but there is a far higher ground
for rejoicing. It is found in the attainment of a matiuity
measured by the knowledge of Christ and complete sub-
mission to him.
"Until we all attain ":—" Until "—but when? In-
creasingly, day by day ; measurably, year by year ; com-
pletely "when that which is perfect is come." As the
apostle tells us, Christ will yet "present to himself" the
Church for which "He gave himself; a glorious Church,
not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing;" and as
IN GERMANTOWN. 217
these days of rejoicing have been seasons of historic re-
view, this closing hour should be one of prophetic vision.
We have looked with gratitude upon what God has
given to this Church of united life, of continuous growth,
of increasing maturity ; but now that our greetings have
been spoken, our retrospect enjoyed, our thanksgiving
expressed, it is an hour for solemn resolution and for
inspiring hope. Shall we not determine as individual
members of the body of Christ that we shall hold more
tenaciously to him, the Head, from which we draw our
life and power and strength. And, shall we not rejoice
in the prospect of the time when the King shall appear in
his beauty, and his perfected kingdom shall fill with
splendor a regenerated world; when the chief glory of
that world shall be the city in the light of which the
nations shall walk — ^the New Jerusalem, the Bride of
the Lamb, the Church of the Living God; when the
the chief glory of that city shall be the person of the en-
throned King, the *' Bright and Morning Star, the Root
and Offspring of David, " the Christ " who is and was and
is to come." To Him be all the praise both now and
ever. Amen.
218 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
APPENDIX.
REPORTS FROM CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS.
THE PASTORAL AID SOCIETY.
A Statement from The Executive Committee.
**A meeting of the ladies connected with the First
Presbyterian Church of Germantown was held on Wednes-
day, April 20th, 1870, for the purpose of organizing, as
suggested by notice given from the pulpit the previous
Sabbath." Such is the opening sentence of the old
minute-book of the Pastoral Aid Society.
Rev. J. Frederick Dripps was at that time, and for
ten years after, the Pastor of the Church, and gave to
this organization, of which he was the foimder, his con-
stant interest and assistance in every possible way. At
the first meeting twenty-two members were enrolled, the
proposed Constitution was adopted and the good work
begim, which has continued without interruption for
the intervening thirty-nine years. The Society has now
a membership of one hundred and thirty, and it has
expended, for Congregational, Missionary and Charitable
objects the not inconsiderable stun of $156,000.
Two branches of Women's Work had already existed
for several years in the Church: the " Domestic" Mission
IN GERMANTOWN. 219
Society, which sent large boxes of clothing, each year,
to our missionaries in the West — and the " Bible Reader's
Association," or as it is now called, the Parish Visitor's
work, which is confined to the needy of our o\\ti con-
gregation. These two immediately united with the new
Society, which was originated for the purpose of com-
bining all the work of the women of the Church into
one united group, while leaving each branch entirely
free to attend to its own object. It was planned to
hold a combined meeting once every two months, so
that all might then be informed of what each was doing,
and that all might be helpful to each other, by sug-
gestions and contributions. There were at first nine
Committees, and there are now twenty-five, while a
number of others have been formed from time to time,
and dropped later, when the special need for them was
over. The total expenditure of the first year was $1,596,
while our last year's report shows a total of $5,242. Such
is a brief review of what the Society has accomplished,
and is now doing, as a whole
A word may fitly be spoken as to some of the members
who have helped to make it what it is. Mrs. Isaac C.
Jones was the first President, serving in that capacity
for eight years, and as Vice-President, and member of the
Executive Committee, and also Chairman of the Foreign
Mission Committee, for twelve years more, imtil her
removal to the newly formed Westside Church, in
whose Stmday School — a Mission of our own Church —
220 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
she had always been actively engaged. She was a dig-
nified and capable officer, deeply interested in the work.
Mrs. Edward Cope served as the first Secretary for a few
months, and was succeeded by Miss Eleanor J. Wilson,
who filled the position most acceptably for more than
five years, imtil her marriage, and removal from the
Church. The other original members of the Executive
Committee were Mrs. Jonathan Graham, for more than
eighteen years an imtiring worker. Miss Emily Whar-
tenby and Miss Anna Garrett. Mrs. T. C. Henry, from
1873 tmtil her death in 1885, was a faithful and devoted
member of the Executive Committee, aiding in its
work in every way, and beloved by all. Mrs. Mary
D. Westcott was the President, and Miss J. H. Bacon
the Secretary from 1879 until 1889. In 1889, at the
suggestion of Mrs. Wescott, who was removing from
German town. Miss Bacon, who had then become Mrs. T.
Charlton Henry, was elected President, and has filled
that position up to the present time. Our first Treasurer
was Miss Cornelia Erringer, later Mrs. Thomas F. Jones,
who performed the duties of that office for twenty-two
years, tmtil her removal to the Westside Church. Mrs.
Wm. Sidebottom was then elected Treasurer, and served
for nearly fourteen years. Mrs. J. F. Dripps was Secre-
tary, and member of the Executive Committee for about
four years, from 1875 to 1879, but that is only a brief
suggestion of her usefulness to the Society. From 1872,
as Miss Emily Dimning, and later as the wife of our
IN GERMANTOWN. 221
Pastor, she was untiring in her interest. Her work was
more especially in connection with the Mothers' Meet-
ings, Cottage Meetings and Bible Classes. In devo-
tional and practical Bible study she was gifted to a very
remarkable degree, and her inspiring lessons are still
held in grateful remembrance. Mrs. Mary D. Pease was
one of the charter members ; for thirteen years one of the
Executive Committee, and for thirty-five years, until
her death in 1905, a devoted, and much beloved asso-
ciate. She was always active in Sunday-school work,
having charge of classes at different times, in every
department, from the Mission Primary, to the Mothers',
and Young Men's classes. In the latter she formed the
Westminster Band, who for many years contributed
and worked for the Westminster Hospital in Persia. Mrs.
John S. Henry, Miss Theodosia B. Henry, and Miss
Theodosia Bayard were all charter members, and all
specially interested in the Home Mission work, in which
they had already been engaged for nineteen years before
uniting with the Pastoral Aid Society. Miss Henry
was for six years a member of the Executive Committee
until her death in 1891. Of all those mentioned, but two
are living; all the others have passed from the earthly
work to the Heavenly reward. Many other names of
those who have gone, and of those still laboring with us,
might well receive mention, but space forbids. Of the
original twenty-two, but five remain, Mrs. Charlton H.
Royal, Miss Anna Garrett, Mrs. J. L. Erringer, Miss Mary
222 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Mansfield, and Miss Jtdia A. Wilson, the latter having
been for eighteen years a valued member of the Execu-
tive Committee. Miss Margaret T. Richards was for
nearly thirty years an indefatigable worker in Home
Missions, Mothers' Meetings, and other Committees, and
for ten years a member of the Executive Committee,
imtil her removal to another city. Mrs. H. B. Carpenter
was for more than ten years our faithful Secretary, and
is still a member of the Committee.
For about two years, before the Pastoral Aid Society
was formed, a Bible reader had been supported by the
Church, to visit and care for the needy. Mrs. Sarah
McNeil, for nearly five years faithfully attended to this
duty, but was then obliged to give it up for a year, and
Miss M. A. Williams served for that interval. Mrs.
McNeil returned for three more years; failing health
obliged her to retire. Miss Hawley was then appointed
for a year, when on the 5th of December, 1879, Mrs.
Caroline D. Scott accepted the position, and for thirty
years has been a devoted, faithful friend and helper in
this exhausting work on behalf of the sick and needy.
In some families she has ministered to those of the
third and fourth generation. She has been of the great-
est assistance to the five Pastors under whom she has
served, and has for many years been called our Parish
Visitor.
The Parish Visitor's Committee, in conjunction with
that for "Rehef of the Poor," may be considered as
IN GERMANTOWN. 223
performing the work which would otherwise be com-
mitted to a Board of Deacons.
Miss Henry was Chairman of the Home Mission Com-
mittee for fifteen years, and later, Mrs. F. L. Sheppard
for thirteen, tmtil her death in 1904. For about twenty
years $100 has been sent annually to Tucson, Arizona,
toward the salary of a teacher. Two large boxes have
been sent each Autumn to missionary families in the
West, valued at several hundred dollars each, as well as
other smaller boxes and gifts for Freedmen, Indians and
Italians in this country. There is a Committee on Social
Receptions, which are held from time to time in the
Chapel, to promote better acquaintance and interest
among our Church members. The Committee on Relief
of the Poor, helps to distribute the gifts received at our
Communion Services among our aged and needy members.
The Dorcas Committee, of which Mrs. R. Provost has
been the leader for sixteen years, meets each week,
even in summer, to cut out and sew household linen and
clothing, which are given to Mrs. Scott for distribution,
or to one or other of the benevolent institutions in which
we are interested.
The Foreign Mission Committee for the first twenty-
five years contributed to the support of Miss Hook in
India, through the Women's Union Missionary Society.
This relation has continued to the present time by con-
tributions to the general fund, and to their annual boxes
for India and China. One of our ladies has also assumed
224 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
the support of a Bible woman in Japan. The greater
part of our work, however, since November, 1872, has
been carried on through the Woman's Foreign Mission-
ary Society of the Presbyterian Church, which was
organized at that time. We became an AuxiHary,
and, assisted by contributions from our Sunday School,
were among the first to assume the entire support of
•a Missionary, a quite new departure in women's work.
For a time we were represented by Miss Gamble in Japan,
"but in January, 1877, Mrs. J. C. Ballagh became our
Missionary, and greatly increased our interest by her
:graphic letters from the field. For six years she con-
tinued to be our loved representative, when her strength
failed and she came home hoping to renew her health,
but after a few months died while still in Philadelphia.
Miss Ford in Syria, and Miss Seeley in India, were our
next Missionaries, for two or three years each, both re-
signing from ill health, but since 1890, Mrs. J. B. Dunlap
has been our devoted representative in Bangkok, Siam,
and her name has indeed become a "household word"
among us. Since 1880 we have also contributed annually
to the McAll Mission in France, and since 1891 to the
evangelical work in Italy. Through the influence of
foreign missionaries, our bands first started into life.
In 1876 Mrs. Dr. Hepburn, of Japan, sent a request for
a box of useful articles for fancy work, which was res-
sponded to by a party of young girls who became the
" Willing Workers," and for seven years they sent money
IN GERMANTOWN, ' 225
and boxes and supported a scholar. The * * Miriam Band ' '^
was organized in 1879, to assist Mrs. Ballagh. This band
was for years under the care of Miss T. B. Henry, until
her removal from Germantown in 1890, since which time
Miss Mary Mansfield, one of our charter members, has
been its leader. They supported a scholarship in Chefoo,.
China, and later assumed the entire salary of a Bible
woman in Yokohama. By a pleasant coincidence, this
woman proved to be one of the girls whom they had
helped to educate ten years before. They have sent
boxes to many different places in both the home and
foreign field as well as to special families in our Southern
States. "Christ's Little Ones," of the Primary Simday
School, started the same year, and much good has been
accomplished by the pennies so willingly and gladly
given by those little hands in all these thirty years, and
the good work still goes on. In 1881 ''The Elliot Boys'
Band" was organized, which in 1888 became two, by
division into Senior and Junior sections. They are still
active, under the leadership, all this time, of Miss Valeria
F. Penrose, whose faithful service for more than twenty
years as secretary for Young People's Work in this
Presbytery has made her so widely known as an expert
in mission work, and who has given to her own Church
the full benefit of her experience and her untiring de-
votion.
In 1882 the "Young Men's Westminster Band," al-
ready mentioned as having been organized by Mrs.
226 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Pease, assumed support of a bed in Westminster Hospital,
at Oroomiah. This Band continued in active service for
sixteen years. From another Band, *'The Watchers,"
formed in 1878, there are now two members at work
on the foreign field, both wives of medical missionaries,
one in China, the other in India. In 1888 the Watchers
graduated into our F. M. Auxiliary, having enjoyed un-
usual privileges for ten years, under the leadership of
Miss Hannah More Johnson. A number of other Bands did
good work for different periods, such as the ''Sunrise,"
for girls under fourteen years of age, the "Brainerd,"
the "Traveller's Club," the "John G. Paton Club," for
boys. The "Christian Work Club," formed in 1895, as
the Young Ladies' Band, was most faithful for a number
of years in helping both the home and foreign work.
The "Whosoever Will Band" was an outgrowth of the
Mothers' Meetings, the women gladly contributing of
their time and labor for missionary purposes. In 1884
two Chinamen came each Sunday, to be taught by Mrs.
Scott. This was the beginning of a regular school which
was continued for sixteen years, when several of the
men returned to China, others moved to the city, and our
work closed.
"The Young Women's Guild, "with a membership of
twenty-five, has become deeply interested in the Mission
Study led by Mrs. W. B. Jennings, and has also con-
tributed toward the salary of one of our former members,
now at work in Japan, and to our home board. "The
IN GERMANTOWX. 227
McAll Mission," in France, and Evangelical Work in
Italy, have also been aided by us, for a number of years
past.
During the present year, 1909, the home and foreign
workers have arranged to hold joint meetings under a
common president, but retaining their distinct commit-
tees and treasuries. Mrs. J. S. MacCracken was elected
as the first joint president.
In our Congregational Work, Mothers' Meetings are
held weekly from November to April. The Flower Com-
mittee, under the care of Mrs. John J. Henry, supplies
flowers for the Church each week, with generous abun-
dance, and these are distributed later, to the sick or
bereaved. The Vacation Committee is enabled by small
contributions from many, to send needy ones to the sea
or cotmtry for rest. The Lend-a-hand Club holds a
meeting each week, at which yoimg girls are taught
in various lines of useful work, dressmaking, millinery,
&c., as well as in literature and current events. A
Girls' Sewing Class, and Mothers' Dressmaking Class
are regularly maintained by Mrs. John J. Henry, under
competent teachers, and have proved most useful.
For twenty-three years the Committee on Care of
the Church Building has had for chairman Mrs. Enoch
Taylor, and the prevailing neatness and order testifies to
its faithfulness. Regular contributions have long been
sent annually to the Presbyterian Home for Widows,
the Presbyterian Orphanage, the Presbyterian Home for
228 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Aged Couples, the Women's Christian Association, and
to various hospitals, through their several Committees.
We are constantly asked for reports of our work, and
many other societies in various states have been formed
upon our plan. The following figures will show what has
been expended through the Pastoral Aid Society during^
the thirty-nine years ending April 1st, 1909.
Home and Foreign Missions $74,617 . 77
Congregational Work 51,702 .51
Benevolent Institutions 29,747 .21
Total $156,097.49
[At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the
Pastoral Aid Society held October 10, 1909, the following
resolution was tmanimously adopted : —
** Resolved, that distinct recognition should be given
to the faithful service of our beloved president, Mrs.
T. Charlton Henry. She has been a member of this
Society for thirty-three years, was Secretary for more
than eleven years, and has been president for the past
twenty years. Her fellow- workers desire to express
their appreciation of the remarkable service which she
has thus rendered, not only to the society, but to the
Church itself."]
IN GERMANTOWN. 229
The list of officers is as follows :
Presidents.
Mrs. Isaac C. Jones, April, 1870-1878.
Mrs. Mary D. Westcott, April, 1878-October, 1889.
Mrs. T. Charlton Henry. October, 1889-
Vice-Presidents.
Mrs. Edward Cope, 1879-1881.
Mrs. I. C. Jones, April, 1881-October, 1892.
Mrs. S. G. Dennisson, October, 1892-April, 1908.
Mrs. J. S. McCracken, April, 1908-
Secretaries.
Mrs. Edward Cope, May-December, 1870.
Miss Eleanor J. Wilson, December, 1870-June, 1875.
Mrs. J. F. Dripps, June, 1875-April, 1878.
Miss J. H. Bacon (Mrs. T. Chariton Henry), April, 1878-October,
1889.
Mrs. H. B. Carpenter, October, 1889-February, 1900.
Mrs. Charles H. Scott, February, 1900- April, 1903.
Mrs. Everard F. Tibbott, April, 1903-
Treasurers.
Miss Cornelia Erringer (Mrs. Thomas F. Jones), May, 1870-
October, 1892.
Mrs. William Sidebottom, October, 1892-April, 1906
Mrs. Enoch Taylor, April, 1906-
Parish Visitors.
Mrs. S. McNeil, for eight years to November, 1874.
Miss Mary A. Williams, about one year.
Miss Hawley, about one year.
Mrs. Caroline D. Scott, thirty years from December 5, 1879.
230 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Mrs. Isaac C. Jones 1870-1878; 1880-1892
Miss E. J. Wilson 1870-1875
Mrs. Jonathan Graham 1870-1888
Miss E. Whartenby 1870-1878
Miss Anna Garrett 1870-1871
Mrs. T. C. Henry 1873-1885
Mrs. J. F. Dripps 1875-1879
Mrs. M. D. Westcott 1878-1890
Miss Bacon (*Mrs. T. Charlton Henry) 1878-
Miss T. B. Henry 1885-1891
♦Mrs. Enoch Taylor 1888
♦Miss Julia A. Wilson 1891
♦Mrs. H. B. Carpenter 1889-1900; 1908-
Mrs. J. O. Pease 1892-1905
Mrs. F. L. Sheppard 1893-1904
Miss M. T. Richards 1893-1903
Mrs. S. G. Dennisson 1894-1908
Mrs. Charles H. Scott 1900-1908
Mrs. James A. Elliott 1903-1906
♦Mrs. E. F. Tibbott 1903-
Mrs. William Sidebottom 1904-1906
Miss Anna J. Upham 1904-1905
♦Mrs. J. S. McCracken 1906-
♦Mrs. W. M. Longstreth 1906-
♦Mrs. F. McKnodle 1907-
♦Mrs. W. B. Jennings 1909-
* Present members.
IN GERMANTOWN. 231
CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES.
Permanent Nominating Committee. — Mrs. Charles M. Lukens.
Women's Missionary Society. — Mrs. J. S. McCracken, President:
Mrs. W. B. Jennings, First Vice-President; Mrs. F. M. Knodle,
Second Vice-President.
Foreign Committee. — Miss V. F. Penrose.
Home Committee. — Mrs. George Rich.
Devotional Committee. — Miss Carpenter.
Box Committee. — Mrs. W. R. Young.
Hostess Committee. — Mrs. George E. Tilge.
The Miriam Band. — Miss Mary Mansfield.
The Young Woman's Guild. — Miss Helen McCracken.
Woman's Union Missionary Society. — Mrs. F. A. North.
The McAll Mission. — Mrs. Charlton H. Royal.
Evangelical Work in Italy. — Mrs. James G. Kitchen.
Parish Visitor's Work. — Mrs. T. Charlton Henry.
Mothers' Meetings. — Mrs. J. G. Kitchen.
Relief of the Poor. — Mrs. Catharine Carpenter.
Dorcas Society. — Mrs. Roderick Provost.
Flower Committee. — Mrs. John J. Henry.
The Lend-a-Hand Club. — Miss Barbara Brown.
Woman's Temperance and Sabbath Alliance Society. — Miss Wilkinson.
Care of Church Building. — Mrs. Enoch Taylor.
Social Receptions. — Mrs. Charles M. Lukens.
Vacation. — Miss Carrie D. Spebse.
Presbyterian Home for Widows and Single Women. — Mrs. Enoch
Taylor.
Presbyterian Orphanage. — Mrs. John F. Simons.
Home for Aged Couples and Aged Men at Bala. — Mrs. Francis M.
Knodle.
Hospitals. — Miss Martha R. Heyl.
Women's Christian Association. — Miss Lillian McCracken.
232 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE MEN'S ASSOCIATION.
AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.
This Association was organized on Tuesday, January
7th, 1908, at the Church building. In spite of a wintry
storm, there were present two hundred men. Mr. Frank
Leake presided, and explained that the meeting had
been called together as the result of an informal confer-
ence of men recently held at the Manse, at the desire of
the Pastor, Dr. Jennings, in order to consider the best
method of developing the men's work of the Church.
It was agreed at once, that an organization be effected,
and that a Constitution be adopted. A copy of this
Constitution is presented herewith, as also a list of the
various Committees, and the present officers of the As-
sociation. The Association has assisted the Board of
Trustees in placing a portion of the Parish House in
order for the use of the men, as Reading Room and
Gymnasium. The Association has also assisted the
Board of Trustees in the decoration and refurnishing
of the Main Auditorium of the Church.
In accomplishing the above, a guarantee fund of ten
thousand dollars was secured by general subscription ^
about one-fourth of which remains on call.
The Association has held monthly meetings in the
nine Fall, Winter and Spring months. Lectures and other
entertainments, accompanied by light refreshments, have
been provided at these meetings. The membership of the
Association, as enrolled, is 249.
IN GERMANTOWN. 233
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
William J. Latta, President.
William L. McLean, First Vice-President.
William J. McLaughlin, Second Vice-President.
Edward Hutchinson, Third Vice-President.
Rev. B. F. Farber, General Secretary.
William M. Tarr, Treasurer.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Rev. W. Beatty Jennings, D.D.
John J. Henry,
Frank Leake,
Florence J. Heppe,
William M. Longstreth.
CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES.
Religious Work. — Edward Hutchinson, Jr.
Educational Lectures and Topics. — Frank Leake.
Bible Study. — Alexander Martin..
Hospital and Auxiliary Mission Work. — E. C. Cutler.
Sunday School. — Lieutenant G. S. Galbraith.
Music. — Florence J. Heppe.
Ways and Means. — W. J. McLaughlin.
History. — Ashbel Welch.
Church Improvement. — ^John J. Henry.
Relief and Employment. — Melvin H. Harrington.
Refreshments and Decoration. — E. F. Tibbott.
Membership. — Dr. Walter B. Adams.
To Assist in Raising Funds for the Church. — ^James S. McCracken^
Auditing. — H. O. Chapman.
Temperance. — ^Jacob C. Bockius.
BOYS' CLUB.
Meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 P. M., in the Parish House.
William M. Bernhard, Superintendent.
Irvin Neiheiser, President.
Gilbert McNabb, Vice-President.
Henry Belville, Secretary.
■" Augustus Magee, Treasurer.
234 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CONSTITUTION.
Name.
The Men's Association of the First Presbyterian
Church in Germantown.
Object.
To produce better acquaintance among its members.
To open opportunities to the men in the congregation
to do effective service for the growth and prosperity of
the church.
To encourage a larger measure of spiritual, philan-
thropic and social work.
To stimulate and utilize, in the advancement of the
Great Cause, those talents which men employ success-
fully in other directions.
Organization and Membership.
This shall be an organization of men to meet socially,
with officers chosen in the usual manner, and a simple
form of government. The membership to include men
in the Church and congregation — church membership not
a requisite to eligibility. Officers to consist of a Presi-
dent, three Vice-Presidents, a General Secretary, a Treas-
urer, and an Executive Committee of twelve; the Presi-
dent, Vice-Presidents, the Pastor, General Secretary and
Treasurer to be members of this Committee. The duties
IN GERMANTOWN. 235
of these officers shall be those conforming to the best
practice under rules governing such associations.
Term of Office.
The officers shall be elected for one year. The Presi-
dent shall be ineligible to succeed himself, and upon
retirement shall be elected an Honorary Member of the
Executive Committee. Each Vice-President shall suc-
ceed to the Presidency in the order of his official seniority.
The Annual Election shall take place at the stated
meeting in May.
Entertainments.
Monthly meetings may consist of social gatherings
with or without refreshments at the option of the Exec-
utive Committee, lectures, addresses, readings, musicales,
discussion of suitable topics, and receptions on special
occasions, and may be arranged by the Committee having
such matters in charge, after approval by the Executive
Committee. Annual receptions may be held at which
ladies, by invitation, may be present.
Meetings.
Meetings may be held once each month, except during
the months of Jtme, July and August, upon such day^,
near the close of the month, as will not interfere with
regular Church meetings. Members to have the privi-
lege of inviting two friends to attend these meetings.
236 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
such invitations to be filed with the General Secretary
in advance.
Finance and Dues.
The stated dues, payable semi-annually in advance,
shall be two dollars per annum. The disbursements
shall first be approved by the Executive Committee.
Chairmen of various Committees, at the opening of each
year, shall furnish an approximate estimate of the sums
required by the Committee for the season. The Audit
Committee shall report at the meeting in May.
Committees.
That the work of the Church to which this Association
may direct its efforts shall not fall upon a few, and that
as many as possible be enlisted in the cause, the following
Committees may be constituted, the Chairmen to be ap-
pointed by the ; President, and the members composing
the same to be selected for appointment by and with
the co-operation of the Executive Committee and the
Chairmen of the respective Committees — the object being
to give to each man, as far as possible, such work as he
is best qualified to perform, with a view of obtaining im-
mediate and effective results:
Committee on Ways and Means. — Mr. W. J. McLaughlin, Chairman.
Hospital and Axixiliary Mission Work. — Mr. Edward C. Cutler,
Chairman.
Education, Lectures, Etc. — Mr. Frank Leake, Chairman.
Auditing Committee. — Mr. Harry O. Chapman, Chairman.
IN GERMANTOWN. 237
Religious Work Committee. — Mr. W. M. Longstreth, Chairman.
Relief and Employment. — Mr. Melvin H. Harrington, Chairman.
Bible Study. — Mr. Alexander Martin, Chairman.
Committee on Church and Association History. — Mr. Ashbel Welsh,
Chairman.
Music Committee. — Mr. F. J. Heppe, Chairman.
Sabbath-School Committee. — Mr. Franklin L. Sheppard, Chairman.
Entertainment and Decoration. — Mr. William M. Davison, Jr.,
Chairman.
Committee on Financial Assistance in Providing Ftmds for Church
Maintenance and Missions. — Mr. James S. McCracken, Chairman.
Membership Committee. — Mr. Edwin H. Chapman, Chairman.
Church Improvement. — Mr. John J. Henry, Chairman.
Committee on the Temperance Movement. — Mr. Jacob C. Bockius,
Chairman.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
The Christian Endeavor Society was organized in
December, 1887, when Dr. Wood was pastor, and he was
its first President.
There were about fifty members at first, but the
membership increased until it was three times this
nimiber.
The members of the Christian Endeavor have always
been regular attendants of the regtilar Wednesday even-
ing service. When Mr. Erdman was pastor very often
one-third of the attendance was made up of Christian
Endeavor members.
The work of the Society has been along missionary
lines. Every month a Missionary meeting has been
238 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
held. Every country has been studied with great in-
terest.
Once a week during the past five Winters and Springs,
Mission Study Classes have been held. Systematic
giving and Self -Denial Weeks have been practiced. One
year two himdred and eight dollars were given to Home
and Foreign Missions. Once a month during the Winter
meetings have been held at the Almshouse. In the
Summer, open-air meetings, at Vernon Park, have been
arranged by this Society.
A great deal of Missionary spirit has been aroused by
training the members to read Missionary books — a good
library of about 200 volumes being owned by this
Society.
We had a Junior Society for about six years, which
grew into an Intermediate Society, and now^ some of
those Juniors are officers in the Senior Society.
The Social Evenings have strengthened the good work.
Some of our own members are now working under the
Boards of the Presbyterian Church. Meetings have been
held at which we have studied about our own Denomi-
nation and Church Government, Temperance and Sabbath
Observance, and in fact all topics that would interest
or instruct the young have been brought before us during
during these past years. But putting all these extra
matters aside, the deepest spiritual feeling has always
been a featiure of this Society. "For Christ and the
Church" has truly been its motto.
IN GERMANTOWX. 239
OFFICERS, 1908-1909.
Edward L. Pugh, President.
Howard Roberts, First Vice-President.
Walter Ferguson, Second Vice-President.
Miss Susan Waugh Carson, Corresponding Secretary
Miss Emeline Moore, Recording Secretary.
Miss Ida Pope, Treasurer.
Miss Frances A. Cutler, Librarian.
CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES.
Lookout. — Miss M. Louise Moore.
Missionary. — Miss Helen Newland.
Prayer Meeting. — T. Ross Topley.
Calling and Welcome. — Miss Blanche Thompson.
Relief and Flower. — Miss Vera Thorpe.
Sunday School. — Miss Katharine G. McIntosh.
Literature and Evangelistic. — Miss Alberta Schwartz.
Social. — Miss Dorothea Schell,
Music. — Paul Ferguson.
Intermediate Society. — William M. David.
INTERMEDLA.TE SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
Meets every Sunday Afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Miss Vera Thorpe, Miss Blanche W. White, William M. David,
Superintendents .
Officers.
Miss Rachel Watson, President. t
Alexander Balfour, Vice-President.
Miss Dorothy B. Williams, Secretary.
William White, Treasurer.
240 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF THE CHURCH
Organized April 25th, 1819.
Meet every Sunday at 9.30 A. M.
MAIN SCHOOL.
OFFICERS.
William M. Longstreth, Superintendent.
John J. Henry, Assistant Superintendent.
E. Naudain Simons, Assistant Superintendent.
Robert A. Davies, Treasurer.
Albert J. Yerkes, Secretary.
William M. David, Assistant Secretary.
TEACHERS.
Class Class
No. No.
1. Miss Helen B. Simons, 17. Miss Ellen Kinnier,
2. William J. Peebles, 18. W. Marriott Canby, Jr.,
3. Miss Gertrude Elliott, 19. Mrs. Frank Leake,
4. Robert A. Davies, 20. William M. Bernhard,
5. E. C. Cutler, 21. Mrs. James G. Kitchen,
6. Miss Alice E. Claplin, 22. Miss Belle F. Clark,
7. Harry C. Thompson, 23. Miss Martha R. Heyl.
9. Miss Helen McCracken, 24. Miss J. A. Wilson,
10. Edward A. Evans, 30. E. Naudain Simons,
12. Miss Anna K. David, 31. Mrs. S. G. Dennisson.
13. John J. Henry, 32. Bayard Henry.
14. Miss Helen Newland, 37. T. Ross Topley,
15. Mrs. M. H. Harrington, 39. Miss Lillian McCracken.
16. Miss Katherine McIntosh,
BIBLE STUDY CLASS.
* FOR THE TRAINING OF SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS AND
CHURCH WORKERS.
Miss Margaret B. Williams, Superintendent.
Miss Margaret B. Williams, Instructor Senior Department.
Eugene C. Alder, Instructor Junior Department.
IN GERMANTOWN.
241
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.
OFFICERS.
Walter L. Sheppard, Superintendent.
Henry L. Hodge, Secretary and Assistant Superintendent.
H. Cameron Potts, Social Secretary.
Oswald H. Schell, Jr., Assistant Secretary.
Walter Ferguson.
Philip G. Kitchen,
Miss Antoinette E. '
Miss Emily W. Ferguson
Clarence S. Mansfield,
Miss Margaret McKeown
Miss Emma N. Garrett,
M. K. Sloane,
Mrs. E. S. Burgess,
Charles R. Alexander,
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
OFFICERS.
Mrs. Charles M. Lukens, Superintendent.
Miss Kate L, Miles, Assistant Superintendent.
Mrs. Robert D. Carson, Assistant Superintendent.
Miss Helen Tilge, Organist.
Harry F. Smith, Secretary.
TEACHERS.
William R
. Young,
Miss
Emma
Klotz,
LiAMs, Miss
Marion E. Leake,
r, Miss
Mary
L. Sheppard,
Mrs.
C. D.
Scott,
sf, Mrs,
H. B.
Taylor,
Walter A.
Brewster,
Miss
S. W.
Carson,
Miss
M. L.
Moore,
Miss
Augusta McFadden,
Mrs. Thomas M. Emmes,
Miss Sarah McKeown,
Miss Bessie Chapman,
Miss Elsie M. Williams,
Miss J. C. Keyser,
Miss Carrie D. Speese,
Miss Martha M. Young,
Miss Ellen Knipe,
Miss Emeline R. Moore,
Miss Helen Tilge,
TEACHERS.
Miss Emily Snitzer,
Miss Elizabeth McKeown,
Miss Emily R. Yerkes,
Miss Vera May Thorpe,
Miss Blanche W. White,
Miss Anna W. Longstreth,
Miss Margaret Borden,
Miss Elmira Parmelee,
Miss Carrie L. Thorpe.
242 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
BEGINNERS' CLASS.
Miss Miriam Partridge, Superintendent.
Miss Dorothea Schell, Assistant Superintendent.
HOME DEPARTMENT.
Mrs. Caroline D. Scott, Superintendent,
SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.
The Pastor, President {ex-officio) .
AsHBEL Welch, Secretary.
Robert A. Da vies, Treasurer.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
William M. Longstreth, Chairman, Mrs. C. M. Lukens,
Rev. W. Beatty Jennings, D.D.. Mrs. Robert D. Carson,
Walter L. Sheppard, John J. Henry,
William R. Young, E. Naudain Simons,
MISSIONARY COMMITTEE.
Miss Lillian McCracken, Chairman, Robert A. Davies,
Miss V. F. Penrose, Miss Blanche W. White.
Miss Margaret B. Williams, Miss S. W. Carson.
SYSTEM OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS.
The Sunday Schools are supported by the Church. All collections and
contributions are devoted to missionary purposes under the direc-
tion of the Teachers' Association, as follows:
December, January, February, March, April, May: To Home and
Foreign Missions.
June, July, August: Board of Ministerial Relief and Board of Missions
for Freedmen.
September: Presbyterian Board of Education.
October: Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbath-school
Work.
November: Presbyterian Orphanage.
IX GERMANTOWN. 243
SUNDAY-SCHOOL STATISTICS.
Year Ending March 31st, 1909.
Number of officers, teachers and scholars enrolled:
In Home Schools 732
In Home Class Department 170
In Somerville Mission School 507
In Somerville Home Department 32
Total Sunday-school Membership 1441
Number of scholars received into Church membership during year:
From the Home Schools 14
From Somerville School 27
Total 41
Number of members now in full membership of the Church:
Home Schools 428
Somerville School 169
Total 597
244 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
THE SOMERVILLE MISSION CHAPEL
Stenton Avenue above Church Lane.
PREACHING SERVICE.
Every Sunday at 11 A. M. and 8 P. M., alternating with the East-
minster Mission, Sixty- fifth Avenue and Twenty-first Street.
SOMERVILLE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Organized October 25th. 1874.
Meets every Sunday at 2.45 P, M.
SUPERINTEITOENT.
Jacob C. Bockius.
ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDEIITS.
Thomas K. P. Haines, Harry C. Thompson.
SECRETARIES.
George W. Williams, Samuel J. Schubert,
Henry Studenmund.
ORGAinST.
Charles F. Greenwood.
MUSICIAN.
Samuel J. Schubert.
LIBRARIAN.
Joseph Gunn, Jr.
SUPERINTENDENT OF HOME DEPARTMENT.
Mrs. Mary L. Jakeman.
ASSISTANTS.
Mrs. Joseph Gunn and Mrs. W. H. Hainsworth.
IN GERMANTOWN.
245
TEACHERS— MAIN SCHOOL.
William T. Seal,
Thomas K. P. Haines,
John Galloway,
A. A. Hodge,
Charles F. Greenwood,
Miss Emily McKeown,
Miss Alice A, Turner,
Mrs. Elva Jenney,
Harry C. Thompson,
Edward C. Cutler,
Mrs. Francis M, Knodle,
Mrs. G. W, Rickard,
Mrs. James G. Kitchen,
Miss Alice T. Carpenter.
Miss M. A. Swartz,
Miss Emma Worthington,
Miss A. E. Campbell,
Mrs. J. E. Graham,
Miss Ruth Jakeman,
Thomas L. Hodge.
JUmOR DEPARTMENT.
Mrs. Francis Kopp, Superintendent.
Miss Lena Piening, Secretary and Organist.
TEACHERS.
Miss Mary J, Williams,
Mrs. John Losko,
Miss Annie Piening,
Miss Nellie Hainsworth,
Edwin H. Robinson,
Miss Mary Schubert,
Miss Jennie White.
PRIMARY DEPARTMENT.
Miss Lottie D. Tomlinson, Superintendent.
Miss Edith Dunkerly, Assistant Superintendent.
Miss Emma Kelsh, Secretary.
Miss Jennie Greaser, Organist.
TEACHERS.
Miss Nellie Dunkerly,
Miss Bessie Tomlinson,
Miss Mary Gunn,
Miss Mabel V. Robinson,
Miss Ethel W. Wilkinson.
Miss Mabel V. Robinson, Superintendent of Cradle Roll.
Miss Edith Dunkerly,
Miss Louise Robinson,
Miss Annie Simpers,
Miss Ethel Wignall,
246 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GERMANTOWN.
SOMERVILLE INTERMEDIATE CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR
SOCIETY.
Meets every Sunday evening at 7 o'clock.
OFFICERS.
Charles F. Greenwood, Superintendent.
Miss Elizabeth Worthington, Secretary.
Howell Tomlinson, Treasurer.
CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES.
Prayer Meeting. — Miss E. Dunkerly.
Missionary. — Thomas Kee.
Lookout. — Miss Esther Worthingtox.
Social. — Miss E. Worthington.
Music. — Miss Edith Jakemax.
SOMERVILLE JUNIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY.
Meets every Sunday evening at 7 o'clock.
OFFICERS.
Miss Emma Worthington, Superintendent.
Edwin H. Robinson, Assistant Superintendent.
Miss Ethel Wignall, Assistant Superintendent.
Harry Schubert, President.
Miss Lily Venables, Vice-President.
Miss Elsie Greaser, Secretary.
Miss E. Gomeringer, Treasurer.
Miss Alice Jakeman, Organist.
Miss Ethel Wignall, Organist.
SOMERVILLE BOYS' CLUB.
Meets every Tuesday evening at 7.30 o'clock.
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
John Galloway, President.
E. H. Robinson, Secretary.
A. A. Hodge, Treasurer.
John W. Tomlinson, Jr., Thomas Kee,
Jacob C. Bockius, J. C. Williams,
George W. Williams, John Galloway.
THE CHARTER
OF THE
ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN GERMANTOWN.
1814.
CONSTITUTION
OF
''THE ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN GERMANTOWN."
Whereas the undersigned Pew Holders in the House
of Worship recently erected in Germantown in the County
of Philadelphia and Citizens of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania having associated together as a church
and congregation for the purpose of worshipping Almighty
God and being desirous of acquiring and enjoying the
powers and immimities of a Corporation or Body Politic
in Law do declare this instrument of writing as their
Constitution Specifying the objects, Articles, Conditions,
and Name, Style, or Title, under which they have asso-
ciated.
Article 1.
This Corporation shall be called and known by the
Name, Style, and Title of "The English Presbyterian
Church in Germantown."
Article 2.
This Corporation shall have full power and authority
to make and use one Common Seal with such device and
inscription as they may deem proper and the same to
break, alter, and renew at their pleasure, and by the
(249)
250 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Name, Style, and Title aforesaid shall be able and capa-
ble in Law to sue and be sued, plead, and be impleaded
in any Court or Courts, before any Judge or Judges,
Justice or Justices, in all manner of Suits, Complaints,
Pleas, Causes, Matters, and demands whatsoever and
all and every matter and thing therein to do in as ftill
and effectual a manner as any other person or persons,
bodies Politic and Corporate within the said Common-
wealth may or can do and shall be authorized and em-
powered to make rules, Bye Laws, and ordinances, and
to do every thing needful for the good government and
support of the affairs of the said Congregation Provided
always that the said Bye Laws, Rules, and Ordinances
or any of them be not repugnant to the Constitution
and Laws of the United States, to the Constitution and
Laws of this Commonwealth or to this Instrument.
Article 3.
The said Corporation by the name. Style, and Title
aforesaid shall be able and capable in Law according to
the terms and Conditions of this instrument to take,
receive, and hold all and all manner of Lands, Tene-
ments, Rents, Annuities, Franchises, and Hereditaments,
and any sum or sums of money, and any manner and
portion of Goods and Chattels, given and bequeathed
imto them to be employed and disposed of according to
the Objects, Articles, and Conditions of this Instrument,
IX GERMANTOWN. 251
or according to the Bye Laws of this Corporation or of
the will and intention of the donors Provided that the
clear yearly value or income of the Messuages, Houses,
Lands, and Tenements, Rents, Annuities, or other Heredit-
aments and Real Estate of the said Corporation and the
Interest of money by them lent shall not exceed the
sum of Five himdred pounds.
Article 4.
Sec. L The affairs of the said Corporation shall be
managed by Twenty-six Vestry Men, to say, in the first
place and until others are duly elected as herein after
mentioned, by William Tumbull, Peter Bechtel, Joseph
Miller, Conrad Carpenter, Henry Brimer, Issachar Thorp,
George Harral, Michael Riter, Henry Toland, John Smith,
Samuel Blair, John Lisle, Silas Weir, James Morrow,
Stephen Boisbnm, Joseph Jacobs, John McClune, Rich-
ard Engle, William Sinclair, William Stuart, Richard
McCartney, Jacob Bruner, John Cameron, Robert Bring-
hurst, Thomas Carter, Robt. Boardman.
Sec. 2. At the first annual meeting of the Corpora-
tion the said vestry men above named except those who
being elders are vestry men ''ex officio'' Shall be
equally divided into Four Classes and shall be drawn
by Lot and the offices of the class first drawn shall there-
upon be vacated. The offices of the Class Second drawn
shall be vacated at the annual election in Eighteen
252 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
hundred fifteen. The office of the Class Third drawn
shall be vacated at the annual Election in Eighteen hun-
dred and Sixteen and the offices of the Class Fourth and
last drawn shall be vacated at the annual Election in
Eighteen hundred and Seventeen So that no one of them
shall send more than four years successively unless
re-elected to which re-election they are hereby declared
eligible.
Sec. 3. The said Corporation shall hold an annual
election on the first Monday of January in each and
every year whereof notice shall be given from the pulpit
at least two Sabbaths previous for the purpose of election
by ballot vestry men to serve four years to supply the
places of those whose office annually become vacant
and if by accident an election shall not be held on that
day then an Election shall be held for the purpose afore-
said within one month thereafter.
Sec. 4. In case any vacancies shall happen in the
said vestry by death, refusal to serve, resignation, or
otherwise an Election shall be held by the Corporation
as soon as possible thereafter whereof notice shall be
given as aforesaid to supply any vacancy and the person
or persons so elected shall continue in office during the
period for which the person or persons in whose place
he or they were elected might have continued, and no
longer.
IN GERMANTOWN. 253
Sec. 5. Every member of the Corporation holding a
pew, or seat in their House of Worship at least one year
prior to the election and not more than Twelve months
in arrear with the rent thereof and none others shall be
entitled to vote at the election for vestry men, and none
other than members so qualified shall be eligible to that
office.
Article 5.
The vestry men and their successors shall hold four
stated meetings, say, on the First Monday of the months
of January, April, July, October in every year and ad-
journed and special meetings from time to time as they
may think proper always causing at least two Sabbaths
previous notice from the pulpit of such meetings and
shall have authority at the first or any other subsequent
meeting after the election to choose by Ballot by a
Majority of votes out of their Body, a President, Treas-
urer, and Secretary who shall perform such duties as are
implied in the names of their respective appointments
whom they shall have^power to remove or continue as
they or a majority of them at a stated meeting shall
deem most for the Benefit of the Corporation, provided
however that is shall require Five members of the Vestry
to form a Quorum.
Article 6.
The said vestry men and their successors shall be
vested with the whole property of the Corporation, Real,
254 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Personal, and Mixed, and it shall be their duty to rent
the Pews, and to receive the rent thereof publick col-
lections, and church dues, keep the House of Worship
in good repair, fix and pay the salary of the Pastor,
Clerk, and Sexton, in a special manner to take care that
the Interest of the debt already contracted and which
may hereafter be contracted for the purchase of the
ground and Building the House of Worship thereon for
the use of this Congregation be regularly paid and pro-
vide for and discharge the said Principal debt so soon
as the funds of the Corporation will justify that measure
and generally to transact the Temporal affairs of the
said Corporation as shall be most advantageous and
consistent with Christian Obligations and Honour and
also to put such rules and ordinances for the purposes
aforesaid as may be necessary and proper, and keep fair
Books of all their proceedings and accounts of all the
monies received and expended by them and shall produce
a full settlement of all accoimts and lay the same before
the members of this Corporation at every annual meeting
with all the receipts and vouchers accompanying the
same for their perusal and examination.
Article 7.
Every Member holding the office of Elder of the said
Congregation shall Ex-Ofjicio be entitled to a seat and
voice of the vestry men.
IN GERMANTOWN.
255
Article 8.
The said vestry men or any individual of them as such
shall not in any case interfere in Concernments of the
Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United
States appertaining to the Pastor or Elders who by said
Constitution are invested with proper powers in relation
to such Matters.
William Taylor
William Sheepshanks
Jacob Miller
Jacob Rittenhouse
Stephen Boisbrun
John Lisle
John Cameron
Thomas Dunn
Wm. Turnbull
Benjamin Carpenter
Yost Smith
John Morrow
T. Carter
Geo. Harral
Joseph Miller
IssACHAR Thorp
Wm. Stewart
Joseph Jacobs
Isaac Roberdeau
Saml. Blair
Thos. Parker
Philip Werner
Jonathan Williamson
William Metz
Henry Bruner
Conrad Carpenter
Richard Macartney
Jacob Bruner
Robt. Bordman
Silas E. Weir
John Peasly
Saml. Blair, Jr.
John Bruner
James Morrow
William Sinclair
Charles Fisher
I Certify that I have examined the aforegoing instru-
ment and am of opinion that the objects, Articles, and
Conditions therein set forth and contained are Lawful.
Jared Ingersoll, Attorney-General.
256 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
We the subscribers Judges of the Supreme Court of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Do Certify to his
Excellency the Governor of this Commonwealth that
we have perused and examined the above Instrument
and concur with Jared Ingersoll Esquire Attorney Gen-
eral of the State in his opinion that the Objects, Articles,
and Conditions therein set forth and contained are lawful.
January 4-1814, Wm, Tilghman
J. Yeates
H. H. Breckenridge
PENNSYLVANIA, In the name and by the authority
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Simon Snyder
Governor of the said Commonwealth to Nathaniel B.
Boileau, Esquire Secretary in and for the said Common-
wealth SENDS GREETING.
Whereas it has been duly certified to me by Jared
Ingersoll Esquire Attorney General of the said Common-
wealth and by William Tilghman Chief Justice, and
Jasper Yeates and Hugh H. Breckenridge Associate
Justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania that they
have respectively examined the above Act or Instrument
for the Incorporation of "The English Presbyterian
Church in Germantown" and that they concur in opinion
that the Objects, Articles, and Conditions therein set
forth and contained are Lawful Now Know You that
in pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly passed
IN GERMAXTOWX. 257
the Sixth day of April in the year of our Lord One thou-
sand Seven hundred and ninetyone entitled "An Act
to confer on certain Associations of the Citizens of this
Commonwealth the Powers and Immimities of Corpora-
tions or Bodies Politic in Law." I have transmitted the
said Act or Instrument of Incorporation unto you the
said Nathaniel B. Boileau, Secretary as aforesaid hereby
reqtiiring you to enrol the same at the expense of the
applicants to the intent that according to the Objects,
Articles, and Conditions therein set forth and contained,
the parties may become and be a Corporation or Body
Politic in Law and in fact, to have continuance by the
Name, Style, and Title in the said Instrument provided
and declared.
Simon Snyder Given under my and the Great Seal
of the State at Harrisburg this twelfth day of March
A. D. One thousand eight hundred and fourteen and of
the Commonwealth the Thirty eighth.
By the Governor
W. B. Boileau Secy
W. B. Boileau, Secy. Secretary's Office, Harrisburg.
March 12th, 1814.
Enrolled in the office of the Secretary of the Common-
vs^ealth in Book No. 1. Page 379 containing a record
incorporating sundry Religious, Charitable, and Literary
institutions. Witness my hand and the Lesser Seal of
the State at Harrisburg the day and year aforesaid.
258 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GERMANTOWN.
AMENDMENT
Your Petitioners pray Your Honors that the following
Amendment be made in the First Section of the Fourth
Article of the said Charter so that the same hereafter
shall be as follows, viz:
Article 4. Section 1st "The affairs of the said
Corporations shall be managed by a Board of Trustees
consistini? of Ten Members."
THE CHARTER
OF THE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN GERMANTOWN.
1832.
CONSTITUTION
OF
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN GERMANTOWN.
Whereas the undersigned Citizens of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania having associated together as a
Church and Congregation for the purpose of worshipping
Almighty God and being desirous of acquiring and
enjoying the powers and immimities of a Corporation
or Body Politic in Law do declare this instrument of
writing as their Constitution Specifying the Objects,
Articles, Conditions, and Name, Style, or Title which
they have associated: —
Article 1.
This Corporation shall be called and known by the
Name, Style and Title of ''The First Presbyterian Church
in Germantown" and shall be under the care of the
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chiu"ch in the
United States.
Article 2.
This Corporation shall have full power and authority
to make and use one common Seal with such device and
inscription as they may deem proper and the same to
break, alter, renew at their pleasure and by the Name,
Style, and Title aforesaid shall be able and capable in
(261)
262 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Law to sue and be sued plead and be impleaded in any
Court or Courts, before any Judge or Judges, Justice or
Justices, in all manner of Suit, Complaints, Pleas, Causes,
Matters and Demands whatsoever and all and every
Matter and thing therein to do in as full and effectual a
manner as any other person or persons, Bodies Politic
and Corporate within the said Commonwealth may or
can do and shall be authorized and empowered to make
inles, Bye Laws and Ordinances and to do everything
needfull for the good government and Support of the
affairs of the said Congregation, Provided always that
the said Bye Laws, Rules and Ordinances or any of
them be not repugnant to the Constitution and Laws
of the United States to the Constitution and Laws of
this Commonwealth or to this Instrument.
Article 3.
The said Corporation by the name. Style, and Title
aforesaid shall be able and capable in Law according to
the terms and Conditions of this instrument to take,
receive, and hold all and all manner of Lands, Tene-
ments rents, Annuities, Franchises, and Hereditaments,
and sum or sums of money, and any manner and portion
of Goods and Chattels, given and bequeathed imto them
to be employed and disposed of according to the Objects
Articles, and Conditions of this Instrument, or according
to the Bye Laws of this Corporation or of the will and
IN GERMAXTOWX. 263
intention of the Donors Provided that the clear yearly
value or income of the Messuages, Houses, Lands, and
Tenements, Rents, Annuities, or other Hereditaments
and Real Estate of the said Corporation and the Interest
of money by them lent shall not exceed the sum of Five
hundred pounds.
Article 4.
Section 1st. The affairs of the said Corporation shall
be managed by a Board of Trustees consisting of seven
members — viz in the first place and tmtil others are
duly elected as hereinafter mentioned Jacob Ritten-
house, John Schaeffer, John Boardman, Matthias R.
Miller, John Bruner, Peter Bechtel and Jacob Whartenby.
Section 2nd. The said Corporation shall hold an
annual election on the first Monday in July in ever>^
year (whereof notice shall be given from the pulpit
at least two sabbaths previous) for the purpose of elect-
ing by ballot trustees to serve for one year, and if from
any cause an election shall be held on that day then an
election shall be held as soon as conveniently may be
afterwards (two weeks notice thereof being given from
the pulpit) and the Trustees already in office shall con-
tinue to be so until successors shall be duly elected.
Section 3rd. In case any vacancy shall happen in
the said Board of Trustees by Death, Resignation,
Refusal to serv^e or otherwise, an election shall be held
264 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
as soon as may be thereafter (whereof notice shall be
given as aforesaid) to supply such vacancy and the per-
son or persons elected shall continue in office until the
next general election.
Section 4th. All persons worshipping at the said
Church and Contributing to the support of the Pastor
or the expenses of the Church shall be entitled to vote
at election for Pastors and Trustees.
Article 5.
The Board of Trustees shall hold four stated meetings,
to say, on the first Monday of the months of January,
April, July and October in every year and adjourned and
Special Meetings from time to time as they may think
proper of which Meetings whether stated or special the
Secretary of the Board shall give to the members notice
in writing at least three days previously and shall have
authority at the first or any other subsequent meeting
after the election to choose by Ballot by a majority
of votes out of their Body a President, Treasurer, and
Secretary who shall perform such duties as are implied
in the names of their respective appointments whom
they shall have power to remove or continue as they or
a majority of them at a stated meeting shall deem most
for the benefit of the Corporation, Provided however
that it shall require at least Four Members of the Board
to form a Quorum.
IN GERMANTOWN. 265
Article 6.
The said Board of Trustees shall be vested with the
whole property of the Corporation, Real, Personal, and
mixed, and it shall be their duty to collect and receive
publick collections and Church dues, keep the House
of Worship in good repair fix and pay the salary of the
Pastor, Clerk and Sexton and generally to transact the
temporal affairs of the said Corporation as shall be ad-
vantageous and consistent with Christian Obligation
and Honour and also to pass such rules and ordinances
for the purposes aforesaid as may be necessary and proper
and keep fair Books of all their proceedings and accounts
of all the monies received and expended by them and
shall produce a full statement of all their accounts and
lay the same before the members of this Congregation
at every annual meeting with all the receipts and vouch-
ers accompanying the same for their perusal and exam-
ination.
John Schaeffer Thomas Pollock
Charles F. McCay Jacob Wartenby
Peter Bechtel, Jr. John Bruner
Stephen Boisbrun Daniel Forton
Jno. S. Henry Jacob Rittenhouse
Mathias R. Miller John Boardman
I Certify that I have perused and examined the afore-
going instrument and am of opinion that the Objects,
Articles, and Conditions therein set forth and contained
266 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
are Lawful — Given under my hand at Harrisburg the
twenty seventh day of February, Anno Domini one
thousand eight hundred and thirty two, Samuel Douglas,
Attorney General of Pennsylvania.
We the subscribers Judges of the Supreme Court of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Do Certify to his
Excellency the Governor of this Commonwealth that
we have perused and examined the above instrument
and concur with Samuel Douglas Esquire Attorney
General of the State in his opinion that the objects, Arti-
cles, and Conditions therein set forth and contained are
Lawful.
John B. Gibson
MoLTON C. Rogers.
Charles Huston
Jno. Kennedy.
PENNSYLVANIA In the name and by the author-
ity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania George Wolf,
Governor of the said Commonwealth to Samuel Mc-
Kean Secretary of the said Commonwealth SENDS
GREETING.
Whereas it has been duly Certified to me by Samuel
Douglas Esquire Attorney General of the said Common-
wealth and John B. Gibson Chief Justice Molton C.
Rogers, Charles Huston and Jno. Kennedy, Associate
Justices of the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania that
N GERMANTOWN. 267
they have respectively examined the above Act or
Instrument for the Incorporation of The First Presbyte-
rian Church in Germantown atnd that they concur in
opinion that the Objects, Articles and Conditions therein
set forth and Contained are Lawful, Now know you that
in pursuance of an Act of the General Assembly passed
the sixth day of April Ao Di one thousand seven hundred
ninety one entitled "An Act to confer on certain asso-
ciations of the Citizens of this Commonwealth the power
and Immimities of Corporation or Bodies Politic in Law"
I have transmitted the said Act or Instrument of Incor-
poration imto you the said Samuel McKean Secretary
as aforesaid hereby requiring you to enrol the same at
the expense of the applicants to the intent that according
to the Objects, Articles, and Conditions therein set forth
and contained the parties may become and be a Corpora*
tion or Body Politic in Law and in fact, to have con-
tinuance by the name. Style, and Title in the said Instru-
ment provided and declared.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal
of the State at Harrisburg this twelfth day
of June in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and thirty two and of
the Commonwealth the fifty sixth.
By the Governor
Samt. M. McKean,
Secy, Comth.
268 the first presbyterian church
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Secretary's
Office.
Enrolled in Charter Book No. 5, Page 8, containing a
record of Acts incorporating sundry, literary, charitable
and religious institutions.
Witness my hand and the less Seal of
the State at Harrisburg this twelfth day
of June in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty two,
and of the Commonwealth the fifty sixth.
Saml. McKean.
AMENDMENTS.
Your Petitioners pray your Honorable Court that the
following amendments be made to their Charter, viz : — In
Article 4, section 2 substitute for the words *' first Monday
in July" the words "second Wednesday in April," so
that that the section thus amended will read "The said
Corporation shall hold an annual election on the second
Wednesday in April in every year, whereof notice shall
be given from the pulpit at least two Sabbaths previous
for the purpose of electing by ballot Trustees to serve
for one year; and if from any cause, an election shall
not be held on that day then an election shall be held
as soon as conveniently may be afterwards (two weeks
notice thereof being from the pulpit) and the Trustees
IN GERMANTOWN. 269
already in office shall continue so to be until successors
shall be duly elected."
In Article 4, strike out the whole of section three
and insert instead thereof, the words "The Board of
Trustees shall have power to fill any vacancy or vacancies
in their number that may occur between annual elec-
tions."
In Article 6, that the wording be changed, so as to
read as follows: "Article 6, section 1 — The said Board
of Trustees shall be vested with the whole property of
the Corporation, real, personal, and mixed; it shall be
their duty to make and receive all public collections and
church dues ; keep the House of Worship in good repair ;
fix and pay the salary of the Pastor, Clerk, and Sexton,
and, generally to manage the temporal affairs of the said
Corporation, Provided however, in no case shall they
incur an indebtedness exceeding the sum of Two thou-
sand dollars, without the previous consent of the Cor-
poration."
"Section 2. — ^The Trustees shall have power to adopt,
revise, alter and amend all needed rules and ordinances
for the purposes aforesaid."
"Section 3. — Said Trustees shall keep just and true
records of all their proceedings, together with accoiuits
of all money received and disbursed by them; and they
shall lay a full statement of all their accounts before the
members of the Corporation at every annual meeting
thereof."
270 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
LIST OF MEMBERS
OF THE
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN
GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA.
DATE
OF •;
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS >•
1908. Ackroyd, Mrs. Priscilla 2154 Nedro St.
1878. Adam, Mrs. John 300 Bringhurst St.
1880. Adam, Matthew 300 Bringhurst St.
1894. Adam, John, Jr 5323 Lena St.
1881. Adams, Mrs. M. Barnett 116 Maplewood Ave.
1908. Adams, Dr. Walter Barnett 116 Maplewood Ave.
1899. Adams, Lorenzo J Lester, Delaware Covmty, Pa.
1899. Adams, Mrs. Lorenzo J Lester, Delaware County, Pa.
1902. Adams, James B 611 E. Chelten Ave.
1902. Adams, Walker J 611 E. Chelten Ave.
1905. Adams, William Seymour 611 E. Chelten Ave.
1905. Adams, Joseph Francis 611 E. Chelten Ave.
1908. Alder, Eugene Charles 5213 Archer St.
1902. Allen, James J 6318 Burbridge St.
1902. Allen, Mrs. James J 6318 Burbridge St.
1892. Allison, Mrs. Richard Medary Ave. and Beechwood St.
1906. Allison, Ethel C Medary Ave. and Beechwood St.
1892. Allison, Henry England.
1892. Allison, Mrs. Henry England.
1901. Allison, Thomas 1602 Chancellor St.
1896. Allison, John DeR Boma, Congo Free State, W.C.Africa.
1887. Allison, Mrs. John DeR Boma, Congo Free State, W.C.Africa.
1886. Amies, Mrs. William Torresdale, Pa.
1901. Anderson, Eugene H 5305 Germantown Ave.
1901. Anderson, Mrs. Eugene H 5305 Germantown Ave.
1909. Andrus, Dr. Walter 5913 Greene St.
1907. Anthony, Elsie Hall 5656 Boyer St.
1904. Archibald, Robert Haines and Chew Sts.
1905. Armbruster, Mrs. J. L 6967 Musgrove St.
1906. Atmore, Emily M 6041 Norwood St.
1873. Axford, Mrs. John 343 E. Chelten Ave.
1894. Axford, William 343 E. Chelten Ave.
1894. Axford, Edward 6120 Ross St.
1902. Bacheller, Bimey C Brooklyn, N. Y.
IN GERMANTOWN. 271
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1890. Bachellor, Mary 5648 Chew St.
1891. Bacon, Mrs. Albert E 5136 Newhall St.
1886. Bader, Leona 127 W. Gorgas Lane.
1893. Bains, Mrs. Geo. B 457 Hansberry St.
1899. Baldwin, Ada 5614 Boyer St.
1899. Baldwin, Louise 5614 Boyer St.
1905. Baldwin, Isabel Thelma 5614 Boyer St.
1906. Baldwin, James K 5614 Boyer St.
1908. Balfour, Alexander 233 E. Penn St.
1881. Ballantyne, Alexander 34 W. Duval St.
1879. Ballantyne, Mrs. Alexander 34 W. Duval St.
1888. Ballantyne, Mrs. Walter 34 W. Duval St.
1908. Banks, Mrs. Mary G 134 W. Chelten Ave.
1908. Banks, Jennie C 134 W. Chelten Ave.
1905. Barbour, James D 28 E. Seymour St.
1905. Barbour, Mrs. James D 28 E. Seymour St.
1902. Barker, James 827 Woodlawn Ave.
1898. Barnes, Charles H 423 E. Haines St.
1888. Barnes, Mrs. Charles H 423 E. Haines St.
1909. Barnes, Sara K 423 E. Haines St.
1899. Barnes, Howard L 126 Pleasant St.
1890. Barclay, Rebecca 5807 Germantown Ave.
1884. Barry, Mrs. Elizabeth 52 W. Penn St.
1892. Barry, John 52 W. Penn St.
1903. Barton, Dr. Clyde Edwin 151 W. Coulter St.
1903. Barton, Mrs. Clyde Edwin 151 W. Coulter St.
1908. Barton, George W 73 E. Haines St.
1908. Barton, Mrs. George W 73 E. Haines St.
1890. Baylis, Mrs. Charles E 5541 Chew St.
1888. Beach, Charles Atlantic City.
1870. Beach, Mrs. Elizabeth D Atlantic City.
1901. Bean, Mrs. William Perry 2912 N. Franklin St.
1905. Beatty, J. Henry 172 Maplewood Ave.
1905. Beatty, Mrs. J. Henry 172 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Beatty, Mary Mays 172 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Beatty, Frances A 172 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Beatty, Emily A 172 Maplewood Ave.
1903. Beatty, Reading K 172 Maplewood Ave.
1904. Beatty, Charles Henry 172 Maplewood Ave.
1908. Beck, George H 4845 Pulaski Ave.
1908. Beck, Mrs. George H 4845 Pulaski Ave.
1898. Bedford, William 5325 Germantown Ave.
1898. Bedford, Mrs. William 5325 Germantown Ave.
1899. Beesley, Mrs. Bartholomew W 28 W. Coulter St.
1898. Belville, J. Edgar, M.D 5915 Greene St.
1901. Belville, Caroline E 19 W. Walnut Lane.
272 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATS
OF
ADUISSION NAME ADDRESS
1901. Belville, Mary G 19 W. Walnut Lane.
1908. Banner, Henry George, Jr 6660 Musgrove St.
1899. Benner, Mrs. Henry George, Jr. . . . 6660 Musgrove St.
1885. Benson, Mrs. Robert J 6029 Beechwood St.
1896. Benson, Mary E 6029 Beechwood St.
1885. Bemhard, Mrs. Sarah E 579 E. Haines St.
1895. Bemhard, Margaret 579 E. Haines St.
1899. Bemhard, William M 145 E. Walnut Lane.
1901. Bemhard, Mrs. William M 145 E. Walnut Lane.
1905. Bevan, Elizabeth 226 Springer St.
1880. Bickley, Mrs. Robert 404 E. Walnut Lane.
1903. Bingham, Mary V Moreland Ave. & Huron St., Ch. Hill.
1890. Birch, William Elwood 256 Armat St.
1888. Birch, Mrs. William Elwood 256 Armat St.
1904. Bishop, Mrs. Alfred S 72 E. Walnut Lane.
1895. Bitters, Howard M 404 School Lane.
1895. Bitters, Mrs. Howard M 404 School Lane.
1902. Bitters, Jessie May 404 School Lane.
1888. Black, James Simpson 442 E. Haines St.
1890. Black, Mrs. James Simpson 442 E. Haines St.
1904. Blackwood, James D 5346 Wayne Ave.
1904. Blackwood, Mrs. James D 5346 Wayne Ave.
1904. Blackwood, Dr. J. Douglas 5346 Wayne Ave.
1901. Blair, Robert Woodlawn and Bloyd Sts.
1901. Blair, Mrs. Robert Woodlawn and Bloyd Sts.
1881. Bockius, Jacob C 44 W. Coulter St.
1881. Bockius, Mrs. Jacob C 44 W. Coulter St.
1898. Bockius, Mrs. Mary J 340 Wister St.
1900. Bodle, Dr. E. Schuyler 134 W. Chelten Ave.
1900. Bodle, Mrs. Byron B 242 Winona Ave.
1894. Boggs, Nettie Palmer
1889. Boileau, Mrs. Isabel B North Wales, Pa.
1905. Bolton, Mrs. Rose Evelyn Locust Ave. and Bloyd St.
1893. Borden, Dr. Walter A 1122 Walnut St.
1893. Borden, Mrs. Walter A 1122 Walnut St.
1908. Borden, Majorie Van Horn 6825 Cresheim Road.
1876. Bosworth, Mrs. Jane 272 Ashmead St.
1898. Bowles, Elizabeth 6035 Stenton Ave.
1903. Boyd, Samuel W. C 260 Queen Lane.
1903. Brackett, Mrs. Wilbur F 122 E. Duval St.
1885. Bramwell, Walter 5017 N. Sixth St.
1877. Brear, Mrs. Isabella A 105 W. Seymour St.
1906. Brewster, Walter A 159 Harvey St.
1906. Brewster, Mrs. Walter A 159 Harvey St.
1905. Brey, Mrs. Caroline 168 School Lane.
1908. Briggs, Mrs. Keturah 80 E. Walnut Lane.
IN GERMANTOWN. 273
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1882. Britton, Mrs. Frank 60 E. Coulter St.
1908. Britton, Norma L 60 E. Coulter St.
1901. Bronson, Mrs. James E 42 W. Chelten Ave.
1904. Brook, Mrs. H. J Medary St. and Stenton Ave.
1906. Brook, Thomas William Medary St. and Stenton Ave.
1887. Brooker, Mrs. Irene Yost 115 E. Washington Lane.
1894. Brookley, Mrs. Charles Earlham Terrace.
1904. Brookley, Mary S Earlham Terrace.
1906. Brooks, William T 6115 Norwood St.
1906. Brooks, Wilfred England.
1898. Brown, Isabella 41 W. Upsal St.
1898. Brown, Barbara 41 W. Upsal St.
1898. Brown, Margaret 41 W. Upsal St.
1898. Brown, Anna R 41 W. Upsal St.
1891. Brown, Mrs. William Henry 35 E. Haines St.
1904. Brown, Laura Ellis Stenton Ave.
1908. Brown, Dr. Wistar P 42 Queen St.
1908. Brown, Mrs. Wistar P 42 Queen St.
1891. Bruce, William Horace 5211 Wayne Ave.
1887. Buchanan, Jennie Smith 20 Gowen Ave., Mt. Airy.
1909. Buggey, William 6109 Stenton Ave.
1899. Buggey, Mrs. William 6109 Stenton Ave.
1908. Burbage, Mrs. D. P 623 Locust Ave.
1908. Burbage, Minne D 623 Locust Ave.
1900. Burgess, Mrs. Estelle S 164 Maplewood Ave.
1908. Bums, Susan 705 Church Lane.
1906. Butler, Dorsey 1325 Girard Ave.
1906. Butler, Mrs. Dorsey 1325 Girard Ave.
1896. Buzby, Mrs. Louisa 7432 Devon St., Mt. Airy.
1876. Cairns, Mrs. James G 219 Tabor Road, Olney.
1894. Callanan, Mrs. George D N. Darien St.
1899. Cameron, Christine H Taiku, Korea.
1874. Campbell, Mrs. Archibald 416 W. Chelten Ave.
1880. Campbell, Arthur W 416 W. Chelten Ave.
1875. Campbell, Laura H 416 W. Chelten Ave.
1875. Campbell, A. Elisabeth 416 W. Chelten Ave.
1889. Campion, Mrs. Herbert G 117 Gorgas Lane.
1895. Cannon, William R 49 E. Bringhurst St.
1895. Cannon, Mrs. William R 49 E. Bringhurst St.
1901. Cannon, Mary Moland 49 E. Bringhurst St.
1904. Cannon, William Henry 49 E. Bringhurst St.
1904. Cannon, James Crawford, 49 E. Bringhurst St.
1891. Carbutt, Mrs. John Oxford, S. C
1892. Carbutt, May Oxford, S. C.
1892. Carbutt, Florence Oxford, S. C.
1905. Carbutt, Robert F Oxford, S. C.
274
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1898. Carbutt, John E 5018 Greene St.
1898. Carbutt, Mrs. John E 5018 Greene St.
1903. Carlisle, John H Mt. Airy. i
1907. Carlisle, Mrs. Olivia Logan St., cor. Gennantown Ave.
1887. Carpenter, Mrs. Catherine T 121 Maplewood Ave.
1887. Carpenter, Alice T 121 Maplewood Ave.
1891. Carson, Mrs. Robert D 419 W. Rittenhouse St.
1907. Carson, Helen Graham 419 W. Rittenhouse St.
1888. Carson, Susan Waugh 182 Maplewood Ave.
1893. Carson, Thomas Duncan 182 Maplewood Ave.
1887. Carson, Mrs. Thomas Dimcan 182 Maplewood Ave.
1900. Carter, Mrs. Jacob G 20 E. Walnut Lane.
1900. Carter, Emma T 20 E. Walnut Lane.
1899. Gathers, Mrs. Charles W 6035 Magnolia Ave.
1889. Chaffee, Gertrude 232 E. Price St.
1908. Chaffee, Lydia M 232 E. Price St.
1897. Chapman, Edwin H 122 W. Washington Lane.
1908. Chapman, Mrs. Edwin H 122 W. Washington Lane.
1898. Chapman, Harry 0 312 W. Duval St.
1898. Chapman, Mrs. Harry O 312 W. Duval St.
1898. Chapman, Elizabeth M 312 W. Duval St.
1895. Christine, Flora E Wakefield St. above Coulter.
1904. Claflin, Mrs. Elmira D 161 Hansberry St.
1904. Claflin, Louise S 161 Hansberry St.
1904. Claflin, Alice E 161 Hansberry St.
1905. Clark, William James 24 S. Church St., Doylestown, Pa.
1903. Clark, Mrs. William James 24 S. Church St., Doylestown, Pa.
1894. Clarke, Katharine M 5321 Knox St.
1908. Clayton, Mrs. Sarah Jane 6261 Stenton Ave.
1894. Clough, Mary The St. James.
1901. Clough, Gertrude E 213 E. Sedgwick St.
1906. Glutton, Hannah E 972 Locust Ave.
1900. Cochran, Mrs. Elizabeth 165 E. Walnut Lane.
1895. Collins, William C 121 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave.
1895. Collins, Mrs. William C 121 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave.
1899. ColHson; Hallowell D West Creek, N. J.
1889. Cond6, Charles A. 44 E. Walnut Lane.
1889. Cond^, Mrs. Charles A 44 E. Walnut Lane.
1907. Connelly, Lois 130 W. Duval St.
1905. Conrad, Mrs. M. W 32 E. Coulter St.
1906. Cookman, Earl C 335 W. School Lane.
1876. Cooley, Thomas 5680 Morton St.
1874. Cooley, Mrs. Thomas 5680 Morton St.
1875. Cooley, Clara L 5680 Morton St.
1895. Cooley, Millicent M 5680 Morton St.
1907. Cooper, Milton C 153 W. Washington Lane.
IN GERMANTOWN. 275
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1907. Cooper, Mrs. Milton C 153 W. Washington Lane.
1872. Coulston, Kate 21 E. Price St.
1909. Courtney, Helen May 5516 Boyd St.
1895. Cowan, Sarah J
1878. Craven, Emma 417 W. School Lane.
1896. Cressman, Newton F 140 Phil-Ellena St.
1902. Crocker, Frederic J Oak Lane and York Road.
1899. Crocker, Mrs. Wm. B 3 Ware St., Boston.
1883, Croft, Mrs. Jacob R 5216 Knox St.
1883. Croft, Ida M 5216 Knox St.
1889. Croft, Alice 5216 Knox St.
1901. Cromwell, Mrs. James 1513 Girard Ave.
1887. Cronin, Mrs. Charles I. . . . 78 E. Stewart Ave., Lansdowne, Pa.
1900. Crowell, Mrs. Wilmer G 3820 Spruce St.
1887. Crowther, Frank 443 Wister St.
1894. Crowther, Mrs. Frank 443 Wister St.
1883. Culbertson, Jane 5029 Keyser St.
1888. Curry, Robert 56 Nippon St.
1890. Cutler, Edward C 230 School Lane.
1890. Cutler, Mrs. Edward C 230 School Lane.
1904. Cutler, Frances Amelia 230 School Lane.
1905. Cutler, James Benjamin 230 School Lane.
1891. Dallas, Margaret J 168 Herman St.
1879. Dalton, Mrs. James, Jr 3446 N. Twenty-third St.
1906. Datesman, Florence L 5349 Wayne Ave.
1908. Davenport, Mrs. Martha 6150 Lambert St.
1892. David, Edward M 226 E. Penn St.
1892. David, Mrs. Edward M 226 E. Penn St.
1904. David, William Morris 226 E. Penn St.
1905. David, Anna Knight 226 E. Penn St.
1906. David, Edward Wandell 226 E. Penn St.
1902. David, James O 321 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. David, Mrs. James O 321 E. Walnut Lane.
1905. David, Dorothy 321 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. Davidyan, Nathaniel K Moorestown, N. J.
1899. Davies, Robert A 139 E. Walnut Lane.
1899. Davies, Mrs. Robert A 139 E. Walnut Lane.
1903. Davis, Charles C 1133 Arrott St., Frankford.
1906. Davis, Mrs. Charles C 1133 Arrott St., Frankford.
1892. Davis, Mamie C 432 W. Woodlawn Ave.
1901. Davis, William E 5636 Utah St.
1901. Davis, Mrs. William E 5636 Utah St.
1904. Davis, Mrs. Katherine M 400 W. Stafford'^St.
1907. Davis, John Barry 52 W. Penn St. '
1908. Davis, Charles H 6101 Stenton Ave.
1894. Davison, Florence May Colorado Springs, Colo.
276 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1898. Davison, Mrs. William M 232 W. Willow Grove Ave.
1904. Davison, William M., Jr 30 Pelham Road.
1904. Davison, Mrs. William M,, Jr 30 Pelham Road.
1908. Day, Mrs. Ella T 5542 Devon St.
1886. Dearlove, Mrs. Henry H 69 Ashmead St.
1907. Decker, Mrs. Annie Somerville Ave., Olney.
1905. Decker, Clara Somerville Ave., Olney.
1907. Decker, Marie Somerville Ave., Olney.
1907. DeLong, Dr. Percy Hamburg, Pa.
1897. Denham, Arthur 119 Gorgas Lane, Mt. Airy.
1897. Denham, Mrs. Arthur 119 Gorgas Lane, Mt. Airy.
1893. Denise, Mabel W 271 W. Haines St.
1871. Dennisson, Samuel G 5530 Greene St.
1871. Dennisson, Mrs. Samuel G 5530 Greene St.
1908. Denniston, Paul H 238 Winona Ave.
1908. Denniston, Mrs. Paul H 238 Winona Ave.
1871. Dingas, Sarah C 146 E. Duval St.
1900. Dinsmore, Mrs. E. W 412 W. Chelten Ave.
1901. Doane, Joseph A
1909. Dobbin, William 222 W. Haines St.
1881. Doherty, Mrs. John 5725 Knox St.
1883. Doherty, Edward G 5911 McCallum St.
1883. Doherty, Mrs. Edward G 5911 McCallum St.
1907. Doherty, Bessie Morris 5911 McCallum St.
1908. Doherty, William A 591 1 McCallum St.
1905. Doriss, Howard 37 W. Upsal St.
1862. Dougherty, James 40 E. Coulter St.
1902. Dougherty, Mrs. Richard I
1902. Dubree, Mrs. John Henry 1721 Dounton St.
1905. Dudgeon, Mrs. Agnes R 5215 Knox St.
1881. Duffield, Mary C 141 W. School Lane.
1881. Duffield, Anna 141 W. School Lane.
1888. Dimcan, Mrs. Samuel 5735 Knox St.
1881. Dungan, Florence Rahway, N. J.
1893. Dtmkerly, Joseph W Bloomfield, Neb.
1888. Dunkerly, Mrs. Joseph W 6159 Lambert St.
1899. Dunkerly, Edith 6159 Lambert St.
1894. Dunkerly, Nellie 6159 Lambert St.
1904. Dunkerly, Miller 6159 Lambert St.
1905. Dunkerly, Louise Schofield 6159 Lambert St.
1885. Dunlop, Mrs. Charles 115 E. Phil-Ellena St.
1895. Dunn, Robert D 6328 Norwood Ave.
1895. Dvmn, Mrs. Thomas J 256 Apsley St.
1907. Dwyer, Anna 3317 N. Eleventh St.
1900. Dyson, Mrs. Richard F 5120 Lena St..
1879. Edwards, John 335 Church Lane.
IN GERMANTOWN. 277
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1880. Edwards, Mrs. John 335 Church Lane.
1879. Edwards, Margaret, 335 Church Lane.
1894. Edwards, Hugh M 2132 Wallace St.
1894. Edwards, Thomas 53 E. Haines St.
1906. Edwards, Earl S 5514 Morris St.
1906. Edwards, Mrs. Earl S 5514 Morris St.
1908. Egner, Lucy Anthrum 5542 Devon St.
1909. Egner, Harry 5542 Devon St.
1881. Ekron, Annie J 77 E. Coulter St.
1898. Elliott, Edith 5156 Pulaski Ave.
1898. Elliott, Gertrude S 5156 Pulaski Ave.
1901. Emmes, Thomas M 246 E. Haines St.
1894. Emmes, Mrs. Thomas M 246 E. Haines St.
1888. Enderiy, William 225 Church Lane.
1906. Erdman, Mrs. W. J 5511 Morris St.
1906. Erdman, Frederick 5511 Morris St.
1907. Ernst, Mrs. George H 6208 Clearview Ave.
1894. Etchells, Elwood W 6317 Beechwood St.
1890. Etchells, Mrs. Elwood W 6317 Beechwood St.
1907. Etherington, Burton H 441 Hansberry St.
1907. Etherington, Mrs. Burton H 441 Hansberry St.
1902. Evans, Edward A 5138 Keyser St.
1907. Evans, Mrs. Edward A 5138 Keyser St.
1908. Evans, Emily 5138 Keyser St.
1899. Evans, Mrs. Harry 53 Earlham St.
1904. Fallom, John Francis Bound Brook, N. J.
1902. Farmer, Mrs. Jennie J 314 E. Rittenhouse St.
1907. Ferguson, Mrs. Joseph C 418 W. Chelten Ave.
1907. Ferguson, Walter Black 418 W. Chelten Ave.
1907. Ferguson, Emily W 418 W. Chelten Ave.
1909. Ferguson, Edwin Paul 418 W. Chelten Ave.
1898. Field, Mrs. Thomas R 232 W. Willow Grove Ave.
1893. Findlay, Mrs. M. M 346 Shedaker St.
1906. Firth, Joseph Charlotte, N. C.
1895. Firth, Mrs. Joseph Charlotte, N. C.
1900. Fisher, Miranda 5221 Knox St.
1908. Flavell, George K 5438 Wayne Ave.
1895. Fleming, James P 48 E. Washington Lane.
1905. Fleu, Girdon 6320 Morton St.
1896. Fling, Mrs. George R 251 Ramsey St., St.'Paul, Minn.
1894. Forman, Mrs. Henry India.
1886. Foreman, Lucile Aintab, Turkey.
1908. Forshee, Martha Sayers 815 Church Lane.
1908. Forshee, Bertha 815 Church Lane.
1900. Fort, Pierson T 414 W. Stafford St.
1900. Fort, Mrs. Pierson T 414 W. Stafford St.
278 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAMB ADDRESS
1898. Fortescue, Horace Stenton Ave. bel. Gorgas Lane.
1899. Fortescue, Mrs. Horace Stenton Ave. bel. Gorgas Lane.
1900. Fortescue, Mrs. Maria B Stenton Ave. below ^Gorgas Lane.
1905. Foster, Esther 4 Penn's Court.
1903. Fox, Mrs. John E 5611 Utah St.
1901. Frazee, Clarence A 438 E. Tulpehocken St.
1901. Frazee, Mrs. Clarence A 438 E. Tulpehocken St.
1909. Frazee, Claude C 438 E. Tulpehocken St.
1905. Freas, Mrs. Jacob E. Haines St. beyond Stenton Ave.
1876. Freed, Laura A 5940 McCallum St.
1901. Freed, Mrs. J. Markley 531 Hansberry St.
1907. Freeman, Mrs. William Coleman St. Martin's, Chestnut Hill.
1903. Freemantle, Mrs. F. C 1522 Locust St.
1893. French, Lousia F 235 W. Rittenhouse St.
1888. "Fretz, I. Newton 40 Pastorius St.
1888.' Fretz, Mrs. I. Newton 40 Pastorius St.
1903.^ Fritz, Sparta 159 Maplewood Ave.
1894. Fritz, Mrs. Sparta 159 Maplewood Ave.
1904. Frost, Mrs. Henry W 235 W. School Lane.
1904. Frost, Ellinwood A 235 W. School Lane.
1904. Frost, Inglis F 235 W. School Lane.
1904. Frost, Elizabeth S 235 W. School Lane.
1905. Frost, Hilegarde 235 W. School Lane.
1905. Frost, Elfreda 235 W. School Lane.
1884. Fulton, Nancy 5819 Knox St.
1902. Furey, Edgar V 1726 Cayuga St.
1896. Gabel, John C 117 W. Washington Lane.
1894. Gaede, Mrs. A. Henry 4417 Germantown Ave.
1898. Galbraith, Gilbert S 143 Maplewood Ave.
1898. Galbraith, Mrs. Gilbert S 143 Maplewood Ave.
1900. Galloway, Mrs. Margaret 6318 Beechwood St.
1900. Galloway, John 6318 Beechwood St.
1890. Galloway, Mrs. John 6318 Beechwood St.
1900. Gardiner, Mrs. Martha E 521 Hansberry St.
1905. Gardiner, Florence 521 Hansberry St.
1871. Garrett, EHzabeth W 165 W. Chelten|Ave.
1874. Garrett, Emma N 165 W. Chelten^Ave.
1904. Garvey, Rebecca 6026 Germantown Ave.
1870. Garvin, Mary 37 Pastorius St.
1887. Gaw, Mrs. William W 1636 Lafayette St., Denver, Col.
1886. Geere, Anna 745 E. Woodlawn Ave.
1904. George, Morris Franklin Ogontz Ave. and City Line.
1893. George, Mrs. Morris Franklin Ogontz Ave. and City Line.
1903. Gilfillan, John 47 E. School Lane.
1903. Gilfillan, John, Jr 47 E. School Lane.
1904. Gilfillan, Robert Thomas 47 E. School Lane.
IN GERMANTOWN. 279
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1905. Gilfillan, Sarah 47 E. School Lane.
1896. Gill, Mrs. Charles B Flatwood, Ala.
1900. Gilmore, Robert A Haines St., near Chew St.
1904. Gilmore, Mrs. Robert A Haines St., near Chew St.
1908. Glass, Mrs. Isabella 180 W. Price St.
1904. Gleason, George Osaka, Japan.
1904. Gleason, Mrs. George Osaka, Japan.
1891. Glendinning, Mrs. John F Atlantic City, N. J.
1907. Glenn, Mrs. Robert James 180 W. Price St.
1907. Glenn, Robert James 180 W. Price St.
1901. Gomeringer, Susie W Haines St. and Stenton Ave.
1908. Goodfellow, Arthur N 105 W. School Lane.
1899. Goodwin, Mrs. Mary 342 Armat St.
1904. Graffin, William F 57 Westview Ave.
1904. Graffin, Mrs. William F 57 Westview Ave.
1903. Graham, D. Barry 5036 Tacoma vSt.
1903. Graham, Mrs. D. Barry 5036 Tacoma St.
1908. Graham, Walter James 5036 Tacoma St.
1890. Graham, Mrs. Jane E Beechwood St. and Church Lane.
1908. Graham, Elizabeth 134 W. Chelten Ave.
1902. Gramm, Mrs. Conrad 5200 Wayne Ave.
1906. Gramm, Harris 5200 Wayne Ave.
1898. Gramm, Mrs. Lizzie Y 2089 Washington Ave., Denver, Col.
1903. Gramm, Paul Francis 2089 Washington Ave., Denver,|Col.
1905. Gramm, Stanley 2089 Washington Ave., Denver,[^Col.
1893. Gray, Mrs. Walter N 329 W. School Lane.
1893. Greaser, Clara B 6055 Stenton Ave.
1902. Greaser, Jennie 6055 Stenton Ave.
1907. Greaser, Elsie B 6055 Stenton Ave.
1904. Greenwood, Charles Francis 48 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Gribbel, Mrs. Wakeman G 319 Moreland Ave., St. Martin's, C.H.
1909. Grier, Jay R 5134 Newhall St.
1904. Griffin, Eliza 228 Queen Lane.
1908. Griffiths, William Wiederseim 6222 Clearview Ave.
1908. Griffiths, Mrs. William Wiederseim, 6222 Clearview Ave.
1882. Grimes, William Ellis North Deer Isle, Maine.
1882. Grimes, Mary J North Deer Isle, Maine.
1905. Groben, Clarence Spencer 119 W. Sharpnack St.
1907. Groben, Florence D 119 W. Sharpnack St.
1908. Guitner, Emma 119 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Gull, Caroline 8313 Norwood St., Chestnut Hill.
1887. Gunn, Joseph 6316 Beechwood St.
1877. Gunn, Mrs. Joseph 6316 Beechwood St.
1899. Gtmn, Joseph Henry 6316 Beechwood St.
1899. Gunn, Mary Isabel 6316 Beechwood St.
1903. Haig, Charles Anthony 5919 Morton St.
280 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1894. Haig, Mrs. Charles A 5919 Morton St.
1896. Haines, Thomas K. P 5020 Knox St.
1900. Haines, Mrs. Thomas K. P 5020 Knox St.
1903. Haines, Nellie Wallace 262 Montana St.
1907. Hainsworth, William H 5940 Beechwood St.
1907. Hainsworth, Mrs. William H 5940 Beechwood St.
1907. Hainsworth, Nellie 5940 Beechwood St.
1860. Halford, Mrs. Joseph Wildwood, N. J.
1878. Halford, John J Wildwood, N. J.
1885. Halford, Mary J Wildwood, N. J.
1890. Halford, Charles W 254 E. Walnut Lane.
1890. Halford, Mrs. Charles W 254 E. Walnut Lane.
1904. Halford, Dorothy J 254 E. Walnut Lane.
1882. Hallowell, Ella Irene 5322 Magnolia Ave.
1879. Hamilton, Mrs. Robert 40 E. Coulter St.
1902. Hamilton, Nellie 40 E. Coulter St.
1883. Hammer, John B 37 Pastorius St.
1894. Hammer, Hannah S 37 Pastorius St.
1901. Hammer, Mary E 37 Pastorius St.
1904. Hammer, John Blakely 37 Pastorius St.
1907. Hammer, Thomas C. P 37 Pastorius St.
1890. Handsberry, Ellie 5222 Germantown Ave.
1902. Handsberry, Sue B 5222 Germantown Ave.
1907. Hanna, Sarah J 319 E. Walnut Lane.
1906. Hardcastle, Louis Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1901. Harkinson, Marion C, 3d 5333 Germantown Ave,
1900. Harmer, Mrs. L. Howard 16 E. Walnut Lane.
1890. Harrington, Melvin H 112 W. Upsal St.
1890. Harrington, Mrs. Melvin H 112 W. Upsal St.
1898. Harrington, Arthur 112 W. Upsal St.
1908. Harrington, Mary Helen 112 W. Upsal St.
1894. Harrison, Mrs. George 6324 N. Twenty-first St.
1901. Harrison, Elsie P 6324 N. Twenty-first St.
1905. Harrison, Alice Chandler 6324 N. Twenty-first St.
1902. Harrison, Mrs. Harriet T 2132 Grange St.
1902. Harrison, Hilda 2132 Grange St.
1899. Hart, Mrs. William 145 Harvey St.
1899. Hart. Elizabeth B 145 Harvey St.
1899. Hart, William H 145 Harvey St. •
1900. Hart, Dr. Russell T 145 Harvey St. '
1880. Hawley, Miss Emeline A 428 High St.
1907. Hayward, Mrs. W. F 5339 Wakefield St.
1907. Hayward, Daisy A 5339 Wakefield St.
1888. Heckroth, John A 465 E. Penn St.
1880. Heckroth, Mrs. John A 465 E. Penn St.
1907. Heckroth, Albert J 5648 Devon St.
IN GERMANTOWN. 281
DATB
OF
ADMISSION NAUB ADDRESS
1907. Heckroth, Mrs. Albert J 5648 Devon St.
1904. Heckroth, Florence Mabel E. Wister St., Wister Station.
1896. Heid, Mrs. Joseph Overbrook, Pa.
1901. Heid, Henrietta E Overbrook, Pa.
1900. Heist, Mrs. Lee H 5109 Knox St.
1907. Heitz, Ella May 5723 Knox St.
1895. Henderson, James P 6336 McCallum St.
1899. Henderson, Mrs. James P 6336 McCallum St.
1876. Henry, Mrs. T. Charlton 5337 Knox St.
1871. Henry, Bayard W. Walnut Lane.
1897. Henry, Howard Houston Fort Washington, Pa.
1876. Henry, John J Cherokee & Moreland Aves., Ch. Hill.
1900. Henry, Mrs. John J Cherokee & Moreland Aves., Ch. Hill.
1907. Henry, Charles W Cherokee & Moreland Aves., Ch. Hill.
1907. Henry, David R Cherokee & Moreland Aves., Ch. Hill.
1905. Henry, Thomas Charlton Springfield Ave., Chestnut Hill.
1903. Henry, Mrs. Emma 47 W. Penn St.
1872. Henszey, William C Pasadena, Cal.
1881. Henwood, Mrs. Elizabeth 44 W. Penn St.
1900. Heppe, Florence J Cresheim Road.
1900. Heppe, Mrs. Florence J Cresheim Road.
1871. Hergesheimer, Mrs. Helen J 151 E. Coulter St.
1892. Hesse, William C Upsal St. west of Wayne Ave.
1892. Hesse, Mrs. William C Upsal St. west of Wayne Ave.
1908. Hesse, William Charles, Jr Upsal St. west of Wayne Ave.
1899. Heyl, Martha Reed 23 W. Upsal St.
1883. Heys, Mrs. Hannah Presbyterian Home.
1896. Hicks, Linda A 928 E. Chelten Ave.
1897. Higgins, Mrs. Wilfred W New York City.
1884. Hildebrand, Elizabeth M 334 E. Haines St.
1905. Hill, Margaret Clyde 208 E. Sharpnack St.
1908. Hill, John, Jr 208 E. Sharpnack St.
1906. Hillman, Robert 1668 Dounton St.
1902. Hillman, Mrs. Robert 1668 Dounton St.
1903. Hinman, Mrs. Louis S 407 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Hobbs, Ernst H Washington, D. C.
1901. Hobbs, Mrs. Ernst H Washington, D. C.
1899. Hockman, Hattie 163 W. Penn St.
1895. Hodge, Thomas Leiper 444 W. Stafford St.
1883. Hodge, Mrs. Thomas Leiper 444 W. Stafford St.
1896. Hodge, Sarah Bache 401 W. Price St.
1896. Hodge, Archibald A 401 W. Price St.
1896. Hodge, Henry L 222 Winona Ave.
1887. Hodge, Mrs. Henry L 222 Winona Ave.
1904. Hoffman, Sargent Glenn 6008 Germantown Ave.
282 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS t
1908. Hollows, Elizabeth A 833 Church Lane.
1908. Hollows, Benjamin 833 Church Lane.
1905. Holt, Mrs. Harry D 6967 Musgrove St.
1905. Holt, Anna D 6967 Musgrove St.
1882. Hook, Walter M 5231 Germantown Ave.
1890. Horton, Mrs. Edward H Wayne, Pa.
1903. Hovey, Mrs. Annie Elizabeth 127 Hansberry St.
1898. Howard, Mrs. William 4853 Anderson St.
1903. Howard, Bessie E 4853 Anderson St.
1906. Hubbs, John Henry 5404 Wayne Ave.
1906. Hubbs, Mrs. John Henry 5404 Wayne Ave.
1882. Hudson, Mrs. Alfred Medary Ave., near Beechwood St.
1890. Hurtzman, Mrs. Maria 960 Woodlawn Ave.
1894. Hurtzman, Daniel 655 Clementine St.
1894. Hurtzman, William 6315 Beechwood St.
1901. Huston, Joseph M Lehman Lane.
1903. Hutchinson, Edward Queen Lane west of Wissahickon Ave.
1903. Hutchinson, Mrs. Edward Queen Lane west of Wissahickon Ave.
1882. Hutchinson, Thomas F 110 E. Washington Lane.
1883. Hutchinson, Mrs. Thomas F 110 E. Washington Lane.
1899. Hutchinson, Bessie 110 E. Washington Lane.
1885. Hutchison, Margaret A Oak Lane.
1903. lacampo, Michael 430 W. Woodlawn Ave.
1901. Illingworth, Harry 1032 Elm St., Bristol. Pa.
1905. Immendorf, Clara 450 High St.
1892. Ingham, Mrs. Richard P 238 Church Lane.
1898. Irons, Clara M 3606 N. Twenty-second St., Tioga.
1898. Irons Sallie B 3606 N. Twenty-second St., Tioga.
1900. Irvine, Mary L 927 N. Broad St.
1905. Irwin, Mary H Coulter Inn.
1874. Jackson, Mrs. Charles 2132 S. Sixty-eighth St.
1881. Jakeman, Mrs. Firth 6077 Stenton Ave.
1898. Jakeman, Ruth 6077 Stenton Ave.
1903. Jakeman, Clara 6077 Stenton Ave.
1903. Jakeman, Edith 6077 Stenton Ave.
1907. Jakeman, Alice 6077 Stenton Ave.
1899. Jakeman, Thomas 5950 Beechwood St.
1902. Jakeman, Mrs. Thomas 5950 Beechwood St.
1877. Jakeman, Mrs. Mary L 6237 Beechwood St.
1904. Jakeman, Morris 6237 Beechwood St.
1892. Jenkins, Mary 115 W. Haines St.
1888. Jenkinson, Mrs. Acis 410 Locust Ave.
1905. Jenne, Lyle Loren 120 E. Washington Lane.
1884. Jenney, Abraham Haines St., Pittville.
1895. Jenney, Mrs. Abraham Haines St., Pittville.
1908. Jenney, John A Haines St., Pittville.
IN GERMANTOWN. 283
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1906. Jennings, Mrs. W. Beatty 6012 Greene St.
1909. Jennings, Arnold Huff 6012 Greene St.
1908. Jenny, Harry 1354 E. Rittenhouse St.
1909. Jenesnius, Howard H 436 E. Tulpehocken St.
1874. Johnson, Anna M 6316 Germantown Ave.
1907. Johnson, Margaret C 513 E. Rittenhouse St.
1903. Jones, Mrs. William H 5078 Magnolia Ave.
1888. Jones, Albert J 40 Pastorius St.
1888. Jones, Jeannie 40 Pastorius St.
1888. Jones, Mary S 40 Pastorius St.
1894. Jones, William L 46 Pastorius St.
1868. Jones, Mrs. Clement D Plymouth, Montgomery Co., Pa.
1882. Jones, Mrs. Charles S 416 School Lane.
1894. Jones, Edward Herring Care Liecester & Continental Mills,
New York City.
1899. Jones, Mrs. Charles H 204 E. Rittenhouse St.
1909. Jones, Mary Selina 204 E. Rittenhouse St.
1903. Jones, Mabel Steele Shanghai, China.
1895. Jones, Mrs. S. Percy 167 Maplewood Ave.
1904. Keenan, Mary E 44 W. Duval St.
1889. Kelly, Mrs. William B 179 Maplewood Ave.
1901. Kelly, Mary Margaret 179 Maplewood Ave.
1905. Kelly, William Benton Jr 179 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Kelsh, Emma 5526 Boyer St.
1893. Kendig, Mrs. H. Evert 5328 Baynton St.
1889. Kendrick, James R 133 Harvey St.
1889. Kendrick, Mrs. James R 133 Harvey St.
1894. Kendrick, Edith 133 Harvey St.
1889. Kendrick, Thomas F 133 Harvey St.
1908. Kenworthy, Ethel Alice 835 Church Lane.
1907. Kephart, Mrs. Charles 6252 Beechwood St.
1909. Kerr, M. Henry 65 W. Johnson St.
1909. Kerr, Mrs. M. Henry 65 W. Johnson St.
1894. Kesten, Philip B 5660 Morton St.
1894. Kesten, Mrs. Philip B 5660 Morton St.
1901. Keyser, Katherine V 5922 Germantown Ave.
1888. Keyser, Jeanette C 5922 Germantown Ave.
1894. Keyser, Francis 240 W. Chelten Ave.
1904. Kidder, Edgar S 48 E. Penn St.
1903. Kidder, Mrs. Edgar S 48 E. Penn St.
1904. Kidder, Carrie E 48 E. Penn St.
1904. Kidder, Dorothy E 48 E. Penn St.
1906. Kidder, Almon Wall 48 E. Penn St.
1891. Kinkaid, Robert 121 W. Rittenhouse St.
1896. Kinkaid, Mrs. Robert 121 W. Rittenhouse St.
1873. Kinnier, John 4609 Germantown Ave.
284 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATB
OF
ADUISSION NAMB ADDRESS
1856. Kinnier, Ellen 815 Church Lane.
1859. Kinnier, Margaret 815 Church Lane.
1885. Kinnier, Adele 815 Church Lane.
1899. Kinnier, William 822 Locust Ave.
1899. Kinnier, Mrs. William 822 Locust Ave.
1900. Kinnier, Charles F 211 Shedaker St.
1904. Kinnier, Mrs. Charles F 211 Shedaker St.
1906. Kinnier, James W 6117 Beechwood St.
1906. Kinnier, Mrs. James W 6117 Beechwood St.
1898. Kirby, William 4967 Sheldon St.
1899. Kirk. Harry K 103 W. Hansberry St.
1899. Kirk, Mrs. Harry K 103 W. Hansberry St.
1879. Kitchen, Mrs. James G 449 Locust Ave.
1902. Kitchen, Philip Gordon 449 Locust Ave.
1901. Kitchen, William G 503 E. Walnut Lane.
1898. Kitchen, Mrs. William G 503 E. Walnut Lane.
1888. Klineback, Mrs. George S 62 Wister St.
1895. Klotz, Mrs. William H 100 Pastorius St.
1895. Klotz, Elizabeth M 100 Pastorius St.
1904. Klotz, Emma M 100 Pastorius St.
1894. Klotz, Harry M 6651 Musgrove St., Mt. Airy.
1896. Knaeble, Mrs. Emile 485 E. Penn St.
1896. Knight, Mrs. G. Lee 4000 Pine St.
1894. Knight, Mrs. Frank C 139 W. Sharpnack St.
1894. Knipe, Walter E 327 E. Walnut Lane.
1894. Knipe, Mrs. Walter E 327 E. Walnut Lane.
1907. Knipe, Ellen 327 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. Knipe, Franklin P 3146 N. Ninth St.
1907. Knodle, Francis M 6319 Baynton St.
1907. Knodle, Mrs. Francis M 6319 Baynton St.
1907. Knodle, E. Roberta 6319 Baynton St.
1908. Kopp, Mrs. Virginia P 6161 N. Twenty-first St.
1883. Krieble, Daniel S 133 W. Sharpnack St.
1883. Krieble, Mrs. Daniel S 133 W. Sharpnack St.
1907. Kulp, Ethel Midvale and Wissahickon Aves.
1894. Lackey, Alexander F 7327 Boyer St.
1894. Lackey, Lillie 7327 Boyer St.
1894. Lackey, Sophie 7327 Boyer St.
1886. Lackman, Mrs. Katie Boot 230 E. Haines St. (Rear).
1901. Lackman, Mrs. Clara P Stenton Ave. below Godfrey.
1901. Lalor, William B 159 W. Penn St.
1901. Lalor, Mrs. William B 159 W. Penn St.
1900. Lambert, Henry L. W 5326 Magnolia Ave.
1900. Lambert, Mrs. Henry L. W 5326 Magnolia Ave.
1894. Landell, Herbert S 177 E. Walnut Lane.
1904. Landell, Mrs. Herbert S 177 E. Walnut Lane.
IN GERMANTOWN. 285
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1901. Landis, John G 70 Springer St.
1894. Lang, Albert 147 E. Washington Lane.
1889. Lang, Mrs. Albert 147 E. Washington Lane.
1901. Lang, Mary W 147 E. Washington Lane.
1904. Lang, Agnes Margaret Yost 147 E. Washington Lane.
1904. Lang, Rosalie 147 E. Washington Lane.
1907. Lang, Augusta Sophia 147 E. Washington Lane.
1901. Lang, Louisa Christina 147 E. Washington Lane.
1907. Lang, Robert Murray 147 E. Washington Lane.
1894. Lang, Albert William 130 Pomona Terrace.
1904. Langstroth, Mrs. Theodore A Silver City, New Mexico.
1904. Langstroth, Theodore Silver City, New Mexico.
1904. Langstroth, Katherine B
1904. Langstroth, Francis O
1890. Lanning, Arthur H 5312 Lena St.
1899. Lanning, Mrs. Arthur H 5312 Lena St.
1903. Latta, William J Moreland Ave. & Huron St., Ch. Hill.
1903. Latta, Mrs. William J Moreland Ave. & Huron St., Ch. Hill.
1897. Lauchlen, Bruce 85 W. Sharpnack St.
1897. Lauchen, Maud 85 W. Sharpnack St.
1887. Leake, Frank 316 E. Price St.
1886. Leake, Mrs. Frank 316 E. Price St.
1900. Leake, Marion Ella 316 E. Price St.
1900. Leake, Gertrude Elizabeth 316 E. Price St.
1901. Lee, Mrs. Kate Remsen 5450 Germantown Ave.
1897. Leech, Elizabeth E 4837 Germantown Ave.
1904. Leinau, Roberts Ill S. Seventh St.
1904. Leinau, Mrs. Roberts HI S. Seventh St.
1904. Leinau, Ethel Ill S. Seventh St.
1906. Lesher, A. Y 5022 Newhall St.
1906. Lesher, Mrs. A. Y 5022 Newhall St.
1883. Lester, William J
1887. Lippincott, Mrs. Wallace H Ruxton. P. O., Baltimore, Md.
1908. Lippincott, Mrs. John J 6010 Greene St.
1893. Lister, Benjamin B 58 W. Upsal St.
1893. Lister, Mrs. Benjamin B 58 W. Upsal St.
1872. Little, Jennie 5517 Market Square.
1905. Littman Alfred H, 5975 Beechwood St.
1900. Littman, Mrs. Alfred H 5975 Beechwood St.
1881. Livezey, George F 3004 W. Cvmiberland St.
1880. Livezey, Mrs. George F 3004 W. Cumberland St.
1894. Livezey, Girard R 3004 W. Cumberland St.
1895. Logan, Mrs. Mary Locust Ave. and Chew St.
1894. Logan, Bessie Locust Ave. and Chew St.
1900. Logan, Mary B Vineland, N. J.
1897. Logan, James Simpson 65 W. Johnson St.
286 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OF
AOMISSIOK NAME ADDRESS
1897. Logan, Samuel S 345 Pelham Road.
1886, London, Matilda H Tokio, Japan.
1904. Longcope, Walter C 6845 Gorsten St.
1904. Longcope, Mrs. Walter C 6845 Gorsten St.
1893. Longmire, Mrs. Charles H 49 High St.
1890. Longstreth, William Morris Penn and Knox Sts.
1890. Longstreth, Mrs. William Morris. . . Penn and Knox Sts.
1906. Longstreth, Dorothy Penn and Knox Sts.
1906. Longstreth, William Church Penn and Knox Sts.
1907. Longstreth, Anna Williams Penn and Knox Sts.
1880. Lonsdale, Alfred F 20 Armat St.
1893. Lonsdale, Emma Lillian 20 Armat St.
1903. Lonsdale, Elsie Miriam 20 Armat St.
1888. Lonsdale, Wm. Henry 275 W. Haines St.
1888. Lonsdale, Mrs. Wm. Henry 275 W. Haines St.
1901. Lonsdale, Ida Mary 275 W. Haines St.
1905. Lonsdale, Edith Florence 275 W. Haines St.
1907. Lonsdale, Carrie Fox 275 W. Haines St.
1893. Lorimer, Mrs. John S. E. cor. Walnut Lane & Wayne Ave.
1893. Lorimer, Anna K S. E. cor. Walnut Lane & Wayne Ave.
1894. Losko, John 6335 Norwood St.
1875. Loughery, Mrs. Samuel 4062 Powelton Ave.
1885. Lukens, Mrs. Charles M The Delmar.
1901. Lutz, Mrs. Robert Florence, N. J.
1904. Lyons, John 5724 Knox St.
1903. Lyons, Mrs. John 5724 Knox St.
1904. Lyons, William John 5724 Knox St.
1907. Lyons, Mrs. William S 4857 Anderson St.
1888. McCallum, Mrs. Mary 0 33 E. Clapier St.
1889. McCann, Mrs. Horace F 109 E. Washington Lane.
1909. McCann, Wilmot A 109 E. Washington Lane.
1909. McCann, Richard H 109 E. Washington Lane.
1901. McCarty, William Walker 152 Pomona Terrace.
1901. McCarty, Mrs. Wm. Walker 152 Pomona Terrace.
1894. McCarty, Charles J 164 E. Chelten Ave.
1901. McCaw, George 5231 Greene St.
1898. McCaw, William 251 W. Walnut Lane.
1880. McCleary, Margaret 5130 Wayne Ave.
1880. McCombs, Jeanette P 273 W. Haines St.
1894. McCombs, Bertha A 273 W. Haines St.
1894. McCombs, Eugene 273 W. Haines St.
1904. McCorkle, Elizabeth 5346 Wayne Ave.
1906. McCracken, James S 5443 Greene St.
1905. McCracken, Mrs. James S 5443 Greene St.
1905. McCracken, Robert L 5443 Greene St.
1905. McCracken, Lillian 5443 Greene St.
IN GERMANTOWN. 287
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1905. McCracken, Helen 5443 Greene St.
1902. McFadden, Augusta 5105 Pulaski Ave.
1890. Mcintosh, Katherine G Cresheim Road above Carpenter St.
1889. McKeown, Mrs. Thomas 317 Earlham Terrace.
1882. McKeown, Emily 223 Church Lane.
1885. McKeown, Deborah 223 Church Lane.
1886. McKeown, Margaret 223 Church Lane.
1890. McKeown, Sarah 223 Church Lane.
1894. McKeown, Elizabeth A 223 Church Lane.
1894. McKeown, Hugh 223 Church Lane.
1899. McKinney, Charles R 414 E. Haines St.
1899. McKinney, Mrs. Charles R 414 E. Haines St.
1899. McKinney, Samuel W. H 414 E. Haines St.
1899. McKinney, Charles M 414 E. Haines St.
1899. McKinney, Albert H 414 E. Haines St.
1906. McKinney, Russell Edmunds 414 E. Haines St.
1907. McKinney, Davis S 414 E. Haines St.
1891. McKinney, Mary J 124 Haines vSt.
1894. McKinney, Margaret E 124 Haines St.
1902. McLaughlin, William J E. Washington Lane.
1902. McLaughlin, Mrs. William J E.Washington Lane.
1885. McLean, Margaret Cresheim Road above Carpenter St.
1890. McLean, Mrs. John A 96 E. Seymour St.
1890. McLean, Annie 96 E. Seymour St.
1893. McLean, William L Indian, Queen Lane.
1893. McLean, Mrs. William L Indian, Queen Lane.
1905. McLean, Warden Indian, Queen Lane.
1906. McLean, Robert Indian, Queen Lane.
1908. McLean. William L., Jr Indian, Queen Lane.
1901. McMaster, Thomas J Seventh and Dauphin Sts.
1901. McMaster, Mrs. Thomas J Seventh and Dauphin Sts.
1851. McNabb, Mrs. Mary A 341 Church Lane.
1893. McNabb, David 5835 Boyer St.
1893. McNabb, Mrs. David 5835 Boyer St.
1887. MacDonald, Robert 5373 Wingohocking Terrace.
1887. MacDonald, Mrs. Robert 5373 Wingohocking Terrace.
1899. MacDonald, Sarah 5373 Wingohocking Terrace ;
1900. MacDonald, Harry 5373 Wingohocking Terrace.'
1904. MacDonald, Emma Elizabeth 5373 Wingohocking Terrace.
1898. Macintosh, Marion T 620 S. Washington Square.
1898. Macintosh, Adeline A 620 S. Washington Square.-
1898. Macintosh, John O 620 S. Washington Square.
1907. Macintosh, Dr. B. S 1821 Wallace St.
1899. MacKellar, Mrs. Catharine B 4841 Pulaski Ave.
1899. MacKellar, Thomas, Jr 4841 Pulaski Ave.
1884. MacLeod, Mrs. Georgiana R 5450 Germantown Ave.
288 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATS
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1897. MacLeod, Norman M 5450 Germantown Ave.
1848. MacNeill, Miss Jane 5653 Chew St.
1870. MacNeill, Ellen 1534 Mt. Vernon St.
1903. MacNeill, Elizabeth C 5615 Baynton St.
1894. Madara, Mrs. Delia 256 Apsley St.
1894. Maguire, William E. Washington Lane.
1894. Maguire, Mrs. William E. Washington Lane.
1894. Maguire, Frank C E. Washington Lane.
1901. Maguire, Anna H E. Washington Lane.
1099. Mair, Esther 51 High St.
1909. Mair, Bethia K 51 High St.
1881. Malatratt, Mrs. Mary B Rittersville, Pa.
1904. Malatratt, Elmer Burdette Rittersville, Pa.
1894. Manley, Emily 130 E. Price St.
1856. Mansfield, Mary 48 W. Chelten Ave.
1866. Mansfield, Sarah L 48 W. Chelten Ave.
1896. Mansfield, Clarence S 79 High St.
1907. Mansfield, Mrs. Clarence S 79 High St.
1871. Mansfield, Dr. Job R 5620 Germantown Ave.
1874. Mansfield, Dr. Harry K 130 W. Chelten Ave.
1878. Mansfield, Mrs. Harry K 130 W. Chelten Ave.
1908. Mansfield, Emily W 130 W. Chelten Ave.
1882. Marshall, Mrs. Charles 235 W. Chelten Ave.
1904. Marshall, Charles, Jr 235 W. Chelten Ave.
1900. Marshall, Thomas L 5321 Lena St.
1887. Martien, Alfred 107 W. Washington Lane.
1890. Martin, Alexander 155 W. Walnut Lane.
1890. Martin, Mrs. Alexander 155 W. Walnut Lane.
1901. Martin, Alexander T 155 W. Walnut Lane.
1903. Martin, Stuart Thompson 155 W. Walnut Lane.
1894. Martin, Richard S 168 Herman St.
1891. Martin, Mrs. Richard S 168 Herman St.
1906. Marvel, Irma Viola 7003 Greene St.
1894. Mason, Mrs. John T 6161 N. Twenty-first St.
1896. Mather, Mrs. John M 565 N. Wanamaker St.
1894. Maxwell, Isaac E 5603 Utah St.
1892. Maxwell, Mrs. Isaac E 5603 Utah St.
1902. Maxwell, Walter G 48 E. Penn St.
1903. Maxwell, Mrs. Eugene W 5247 Knox St.
1903. Maxwell, Alfred LaFayette 5247 Knox St.
1906. May, Flora 841 E. Locust Ave.
1888. Mears, Martha T 114 East Upsal St.
1883. Mechling, Benjamin F The Bartram.
1883. Mechling, Mrs. Benjamin F The Bartram.
1905. Mechling, William Hubbs The Bartram.
1883. Mechling. William H Wingohocking Heights.
IN GERMANTOWN. 289
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1883. Mechling, Mrs. William H Wingohocking Heights.
1894. Mechling, Edward A Moorestown, N. J.
1898. Mechling, Benjamin F. Jr 370 Church Lane.
1907. Mechling, Mrs. Benjamin F., Jr 370 Church Lane.
1890. Mechling, Benjamin S Riverton, N. J.
1906. Meile, EHzabeth 8313 Norwood Ave., Chestnut Hill
1901. Meredith, James Edwin 6370 Germantown Ave.
1908. Messer, Mrs. Amy 467 E. Penn St.
1892. Miles, Mrs. Mary L 227 Queen Lane.
1892. Miles, Mary E 227 Queen Lane.
1892. Miles, Kate L 5423 Germantown Ave.
1866. Miller, Mary J 105 Pastorius St.
1868. Miller, Julia F 105 Pastorius St.
1868. Miller, Josephine K 6350 Jeflferson St.
1871. Miller, Elizabeth F 6350 Jefferson St.
1891. Miller, Katherine B 5439 Morris St.
1901. Miller, Maria 134 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Miller, WilHam P 1335 E. Rittenhouse St.
1903. Miller, Mrs. William P 1335 E. Rittenhouse St.
1903. Miller, Elidy 1335 E. Rittenhouse St.
1907. Miller, Caroline K 1335 E. Rittenhouse St.
1908. Miller, Geraldine L 607 E. Chelten Ave.
1909. Miller, Mortimer G 607 E. Chelten Ave.
1909. Mitchell, Robert S 6332 Jefferson St.
1909. Mitchell, Mrs. Robert S 6332 Jefferson St.
1909. Mitchell, Thomas G 6332 Jefferson St.
1909. Mitchell, Lily G 6332 Jefferson St.
1905. Moir, Richard Henry Norristown, Pa.
1905. Moir, Mrs. Richard Henry Norristown, Pa.
1908. Moir, LilHan Matilda Norristown, Pa.
1907. Molitor, John 319 E. Walnut Lane.
1907. Molitor, Mrs. John 319 E. Walnut Lane.
1897. Montelius, William E 8309 Shawnee Ave.
1901. Montelius, Mrs. William E 8309 Shawnee Ave.
1900. Montross, Mrs. John F Hillside Ave., Jenkintown, Pa.
1889. Moore, Frank 549 E. Haines St.
1881. Moore, Mrs. Frank 549 E. Haines St.
1908. Moore, Sarah P 549 E. Haines St.
1892. Moore, George D 181 Maplewood Ave.
1892. Moore, Mrs. George D 181 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Moore, Mary Louise 181 Maplewood Ave.
1902. Moore, Emeline R 181 Maplewood Ave.
1906. Moore, Charlotte H 181 Maplewood Ave.
1908. Moore, Samuel Rathmell 181 Maplewood Ave.
1896. Moore, Dr. William F Llanerch, Delaware Co., Pa.
1907. Moore, Beulah V 6010 Greene St.
290 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATB
OF
ADMISSION NAMB ADDRESS
1901. Moorehead, Thomas A 402 E. Walnut Lane.
1893. Moorehead, Lydia 117 W. Chelten Ave.
1890. Morgan, Mrs. Cecilia 5649 Boyer St.
1896. Morley, Charles Henry 5670 Boyer St.
1886. Morrison, James 61 W. School Lane.
1885. Morrison, Mrs. James 61 W. School Lane.
1905. Morrison, Elizabeth Thompson. ... 61 W. School Lane.
1907. Morrison, May Frances 61 W. School Lane.
1902. Morrison, Martha 168 W. School Lane.
1894. Moser, Mrs. R. W Haines St. near Stenton Ave.
1908. Moult, Mrs. Martha 4859 Anderson St.
1908. Moult, Sarah Annie 4859 Anderson St.
1908. Moult, John William 4859 Anderson St.
1905. Mowrey, Elsie Catherine 363 E. Chelten Ave.
1907. Mowrey, Nina M 363 E. Chelten Ave.
1898. Murdoch, Benjamin 6354 Jefferson St.
1898. Murdoch, Mrs. Benjamin 6354 Jefferson St.
1905. Murphy, Mrs. Walter 618 W. Rittenhouse St.
1906. Murphy, Helen Benson 618 W. Rittenhouse St.
1906. Murphy, Emma Maxwell 618 W. Rittenhouse St.
1906. Murphy, Harold Purves 618 W. Rittenhouse St.
1907. Murphy, Mrs. Lucy R 5220 Laurens St.
1907. Murphy, Aline Moore 5220 Laurens St.
1896. Murray, Mrs. Robert Fox Chase.
1909. Muschert, Nina 5654 Heiskell St.
1886. Musgrave, Mrs. Annie E 5025 Wayne Ave.
1903. Mylrae, C. Stanley Garland, M. D.. . Bahrein, Arabia.
1903. Mylrae, Mrs. C. Stanley Garland. . . . Bahrein, Arabia.
1904. Neff, Oliver Kane 5621 Heiskell St.
1899. Neiheiser, Andrew G 579 E. Haines St.
1894. Neiheiser, Mrs. Andrew G 579 E. Haines St.
1907. Neiheiser, Credilla W 579 E. Haines St.
1907. Neiheiser, Irvin L 579 E. Haines St.
1890. Nelson, Mrs. George 124 E. Phil-Ellena St.
1882. Nevill, Richard 5831 Knox St.
1874. Nevill, Mrs. Richard 5831 Knox St.
1906. Nevill, Mary 5831 Knox St.
1905. Newland, Mrs. Mary A 45 E. Washington Lane.
1905. Newland, Helen L 45 E. Washington Lane.
1894. Nice, William H 6212 Baynton St.
1888. Nicholas, Mrs. Charles, Jr 3044 N. Franklin St.
1907. Nittrouer, Mrs. Georgiana G 37 Collom St.
1893. North, Mrs. Francis A 117 W. Chelten Ave.
1893. North, Alfred M 117 W. Chelten Ave.
1891. Nuttall, Mrs. Frederick 2 Greaves Court.
1893. Oelberman, Mrs. Julius 302 Carpenter St.
IN GERMANTOWN. 291
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1875. Orbison, Mrs. Lillie E India.
1885. Omiiston, Mrs. Andrew C Flourtown Ave., Wyndmoor.
1894. Osbom, Mrs. Henry 268 W. Rittenhouse St.
1908. Osier, Joseph L 161 W. Chelten Ave.
1907. Paine, Madeline Worrell 401 W. School Lane.
1907. Paine, Harold George 401 W. School Lane.
1908. Paine, Gladys Treat 401 W. School Lane.
1884. Parke, Mary S Meadowbrook, Montgomery Co., Pa.
1870. Parker, Mrs. Samuel 49 Herman St.
1886. Parker, Mary Alice 49 Herman St.
1903. Parker, Horace 51 Herman St.
1903. Parker, Mrs. Horace 51 Herman St.
1904. Parmalee, Elmira 5105 Pulaski Ave.
1906. Partridge, Miriam 238 W. School Lane.
1880. Paton, William 338 Mechanic St.
1880. Paton, Mrs. William 338 Mechanic St.
1881. Patterson, Mrs. William H Merion, Pa.
1894. Patton, Mrs. Robert Emmet 26 W. Coulter St.
1895. Patton, Robert D 26 W. Coulter St.
1892. Patton, Gideon Harmer 26 W. Coulter St.
1894. Patton, Pearl Estelle 36 E. Coulter St.
1905. Patton, Mrs. Thomas Allison 741 E. Chelten Ave.
1905. Paxson, Mrs. Carrie A Presbyterian Home.
1901. Payne, Margaret B 19 W. Walnut Lane.
1894. Payson, Anna E 5033 Wade St.
1899. Peacock, S. Moore 6202 Wayne Ave.
1872. Pease, James O., Jr Oakboume, Pa.
1905. Peebles, William J 326 W. Duval St.
1905. Peebles, Mrs. William J 326 W. Duval St.
1905. Peebles, Clara Rowena 326 W. Duval St.
1908. Peebles, Mary D 326 W. Duval St.
1873. Penrose, Mrs. Clement B 182 W. Chelten Ave.
1873. Penrose, Emily L 182 W. Chelten Ave.
1874. Penrose, Valeria F 182 W. Chelten Ave.
1891. Penrose, Mary Clementine 182 W. Chelten Ave.
1909. Pflugfelder, W. H. G 5610 Heiskell St.
1905. Pflugfelder, Mrs. W. H. G 5610 Heiskell St.
1907. Pickles, Mrs. Alice 6015 Stenton Ave.
1905. Pickles, Edna 6015 Stenton Ave.
1906. Pickles, Sydney Brook 6015 Stenton Ave.
1907. Pickles, Ethel 6015 Stenton Ave.
1904. Picot, Mrs. Jane D Glenside, Pa.
1904. Piening, Ida 6030 Beechwood St.
1908. Piening, Lena Irene 6034 Beechwood St.
1892. Pierce, Mrs. Charles J West Somerville, Mass.
1891. Pitfield, Mrs. Robert L 5211 Wayne Ave.
292
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OF
ADMISSION
1905.
1905.
1879.
1870.
1893.
1893.
1904.
1880.
1906.
1887.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1904.
1898.
1900.
1900.
1894.
1888.
1885.
1900.
1889.
1895.
1886.
1891.
1905.
1882.
1903.
1906.
1906.
1902.
1892.
1901.
1902.
1893.
1888.
1888.
1903.
1903.
1903.
1882.
1905.
1905.
1907.
1904.
1905.
NAME ADD'^ESS
Pittman, Raymond H 247 W. Duval St.
Pittman, Mrs. Raymond H 247 W. Duval St.
Plass, Mrs. Charles F. W 741 E. Chelten Ave.
Plass, Mrs. Herman T Morton St., near Woodlawn Ave.
Pooley, Frederick J Germantown.
Pooley, Mrs. Frederick J Germantown.
Pope, Ida 6102 Baynton St.
Potterton, Mrs. Samuel 528 High St.
Potterton, Clara Elizabeth 528 High St.
Potts, H. C 6370 Germantown Ave.
Potts, Mrs. H. C 6370 Germantown Ave.
Potts, George 215 E. Phil-Ellena St.
Potts, Mrs. George 215 E. Phil-Ellena St.
Potts, George, Jr 6642 Crowson St.
Potts, Mrs. Charles William 213 Cliveden Ave.
Powell, S. Jennie 1500 Mt. Vernon St.
Powell, Jessie 1500 Mt. Vernon St.
Preston, Mrs. James A 5033 Wade St.
Price, Emanuel Bala Home, Bala, Pa.
Price, Charies E 436 E. Haines St.
Price, Mrs. Charles E 436 E. Haines St.
Price, Henry 5910 Baynton St.
Price, Mrs. Henry 5910 Baynton St.
Price, Mrs. John 116 W. Haines St.
Price, Mrs. Emma 0 412 Manheim St.
Prince, Mabel E 6302 Morton St.
Provost, Mrs. Roderick 447 E. Mt. Airy Ave.
Pugh, Ethel Lois 48 E. Penn St.
Pugh, Edward Lawrence 48 E. Penn St.
Pugh, Helen Newhold 48 E. Penn St.
Ramage, Mrs. Sarah 518 High St.
Ramage, Maggie 518 High St.
Ramsey, Margaret W 56 W. Chelten Ave.
Raven, Mrs. Laura 6237 Beechwood St.
Raws, Lewis 261 Ashmead St.
Raws, William Whitings, N. J.
Raws, Mrs. William Whitings, N. J.
Rebbie, Henry 157 E. Chelten Ave.
Rebbie, Joseph 157 E. Chelten Ave.
Rebbie, Mrs. Edward 5633 Heiskell St.
Reckard, Mrs. William 6331 Oakland Place.
Reckard, Viola 6331 Oakland Place.
Reckard, Elsie 6331 Oakland Place.
Reckard, Cora Violet 5936 McCallum St.
Reeves, Mrs. Monroe 300 Ashmead St.
Reeves, Mrs. Charles W 59 Maplewood Ave.
IN GERMANTOWN. 293
DATB
OP
ADMISSION NAMB ADDRESS
1905. Reeves, Charles Vernon 59 Maplewood Ave.
1907. Reeves, Helen May 59 Maplewood Ave.
1903. Reihl, Charles W St. Joseph, Mo.
1903. Reihl, Mrs. Charles W St. Joseph, Mo.
1908. Reihl, Alice Topley St. Joseph, Mo.
1909. Remsen, John N 5450 Germantown Ave.
1909. Remsen, Mrs. John N 5450 Germantown Ave.
1909. Remsen, Mrs. Sarah E 5450 Germantown Ave.
1905. Rennie, Georgiana Reading, Pa.
1884. Renouf, Mrs. Arthur 4842 Pulaski Ave.
1907. Reynolds, Mrs. Elizabeth 5851 Osceola St.
1877. Rhoades, Mrs. Samuel 5523 Bloyd St.
1901. Rhodes, Alice Irene 118 E. Price St.
1894. Rich, Mrs. George 5321 Knox St.
1901. Richie. Robert J 4910 Knox St.
1901. Richie, Mrs. Robert J 4910 Knox St.
1898. Rickard, Mrs. George W 942 Woodlawn Ave.
1902. Ridgwell, Mrs. Mary 827 Woodlawn Ave.
1907. Rigg, Francis N 406 E. Walnut Lane.
1892. Rigg, Mrs. Francis N 406 E. Walnut Lane.
1907. Rigg, Blanche M 406 E. Walnut Lane.
1900. Riggs, Mrs. Mary 5649 Heiskell St.
1878. Righter, Annie S 5842 Ba5mton St.
1880. Ripley, Mrs. Joshua 453 Wister St.
1902. Rippey, Albert P 132 E. Washington Lane.
1902. Rippey, Mrs. Albert P 132 E. Washington Lane.
1876. Robbins, Mrs. Thomas 130 Pastorius St.
1908. Robbins, Samuel 130 Pastorius St.
1908. Robbins, William 130 Pastorius St.
1902. Roberts, Mrs. Caroline Henry Cynwyd, Pa.
1893. Roberi:s, Mrs. Randall H 49 E. Walnut Lane.
1905. Roberts, Randall H.. Jr 49 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. Roberts, Amy T 49 E. Walnut Lane.
1904. Roberts, Helen Jeanette 49 E. Walnut Lane.
1905. Roberts, Mrs. Samuel T., Jr 304 E. Walnut Lane.
1908. Roberts, Howard, S. 2d 304 E. Walnut Lane.
1909. Roberts, Ella V 261 W. Rittenhouse St.
1894. Robinson, Allen R 404 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. Robinson, George E 404 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. Robinson, Mrs. George E 404 E. Walnut Lane.
1902. Robinson, Arthur G 404 E. Walunt Lane.
1907. Robinson, Louisa S 404 E. Walnut Lane.
1908. Robinson, John 404 E. Wakiut Lane.
1887. Robinson, Mrs. William M
1900. Robinson, Mrs. Mary E 4861 Anderson St.
1900. Robinson, Edwin H 4861 Anderson St.
1903. Robinson, Mabel Viola 4861 Anderson St.
294 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATS
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1893. Robinson, James 279 Tulpehocken St.
1895. Robinson, Mrs. James 279 Tulpehocken St.
1903. Robinson, Mrs. J. H 3340 N. Twenty-second St.
1900. Rogers, Mrs. B. Palmer Wissinoming, Pa.
1882. Roop, Samuel H 60 W. Haines St.
1873. Roop, Dr. W. Harvey 6000 Greene St.
1876. Roop, Mrs. W. Harvey 6000 Greene St.
1899. Roop, Henry Rowland 6000 Greene St.
1879. Rose, John H 6114 Beechwood St.
1889. Rose, Mrs. Frank East Wister St., Wister Station.
1906. Rose, James Francis East Wister St., Wister Station.
1902. Rose, Mrs. Caroline M 213 W. Coulter St.
1904. Rose, Albert Chatellier 213 W. Coulter St.
1908. Ross, Katie May Wyndmoor, Chestnut Hill.
1880. Roth, Mrs. Christina N. Opal St.
1888. Roth, Casper, Jr 5604 Bloyd St.
1904. Roth well, Courtnay R Pittsburg, Pa.
1904. Rothwell, Mrs. Courtnay R Pittsburg, Pa.
1896. Rouillot, Airs. V. B Mays Landing, N. J.
1868. Royal, Charlton, H 5328 Baynton St.
1865. Royal, Mrs. Charlton H 5328 Baynton St.
1907. Roylston, Mabel 6230 Norwood St.
1888. Salmons, William 1308 N. Tenth St.
1906. Salzman, Martha 254 LaSalle Ave., Chicago, 111.
1904.' Sanson, Frederick B The Greystone.
1880. Savin, John T 5837 Crittenden St.
1894. Savin, John T., Jr 5837 Crittenden St.
1896. Scaife, Mrs. Lillian Hicks, 1028 E. Chelten Ave.
1908. Scarborough, Henry W 6412 Germantown Ave.
1908. Scarborough, Mrs. Henry W 6412 Germantown Ave,
1899. Schaefer, Mrs. Clara Mesa, Ariz.
1898. Schaefer, Gertrude M Mesa, Ariz.
1899. Schaefer, Emily Mesa, Ariz.
1902. Schaefer, Katharine C. M Mesa, Ariz.
1899. Schaefer, Francis P 2122 Uber St.
1879. Schaeffer, Mrs. William Dougherty, 232 E. Phil-Ellena St.
1906. Schell, Oswald Hampton 5513 Morris St.
1906. Schell, Mrs. Oswald Hampton 5513 Morris St.
1906. Schell, Oswald Hampton, Jr 5513 Morris St.
1906. Schell, Dorothea 5513 Morris St.
1879. Schlater, Henry L 409 E. Penn St.
1903. Schlater, Mrs. Henry L 409 E. Penn St.
1908. Schlater, Henrietta V 409 E. Penn St..
1880. Schlater, Frederick F 6028 Beechwood St.
1903. Schlater, Mrs. Frederick F 6028 Beechwood St.
1908. Schlater, Bertha May 6028 Beechwood St.
IN GERMANTOWN. 295
DATS
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1889. Schlater, Emma L 42 E. Haines St.
1885. Schubert, Samuel 2147 Medary Ave.
1877. Schubert, Mrs. Samuel 2147 Medary Ave.
1899. Schubert, Samuel J 2147 Medary Ave.
1904. Schubert, Mary 2147 Medary Ave.
1906. Schubert, Henry Allison 2147 Medary Ave.
1888. Schupard, Mrs. John Penna. Institute, Mt. Airy.
1884, Schwartz, Mrs. Preston 6027 Morton St.
1908. Schwartz, Charles M 6027 Morton St.
1909. Schwartz, Katherine P 6027 Morton St.
1880. Scott, Mrs. Caroline D 6115 Germantown Ave.
1899. Scott, Charles H Vineland, N. J.
1899. Scott, Mrs. Charles H Vineland, N. J.
1902. Scott, Dorothy Logan Vineland, N. J.
1899. Scott, William McK Houtzdale, Pa.
1899. Scott, Anna M Rosemont, Pa.
1899. Scott, Alexander H Manchester, N. H.
1903. Scott, Thornton F. B 54 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Scott, Mrs. Thornton F. B 54 W. Chelten Ave.
1905. Scott, Mrs. Janette R 54 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Scoville, Mrs. E. Cornelia Presbyterian Home.
1906. Sellers, Walter Alexander 4448 Greene St.
1902. Selsor, Mrs. Isabella 58 E. Seymour St.
1892. Shapley, Mary Alice 434 Woodlawn Ave.
1894. Sharp, William H Osceola St. above Price St.
1890. Sharpless, Mrs. John 5648 Chew St.
1885. Sharpless, William C 300 School Lane.
1885, Sharpless, Mrs. William C 300 School Lane.
1899. Shaw, Howard Wesley 5218 Marion St.
1892. Shaw, Mrs. Howard Wesley 5218 Marion St.
1905. Shaw, Lillie 5218 Marion St.
1904. Shaw, Ambrose Herbert 331 Earlham Terrace.
1907. Shaw, Daniel W., Jr 1357 E. Price St.
1899. Sheip, Henry H Oak Lane and York Road.
1901. Sheip, Mrs. Henry H Oak Lane and York Road.
1888. Sheppard, Franklin L 229 Harvey St.
1888. Sheppard, Mary 229 Harvey St.
1893. Sheppard, Irene 229 Harvey St.
1894. Sheppard, Walter Lee 229 Harvey St.
1894. Sheppard, Grace ; 303 Commerce St., Dallas, Texas.
1872. Sherman, Mrs. Ellen J 146 E. Duval St.
1898. Sherman, Mary 146 E. Duval St.
1901. Sherman, Frank 146 E. Duval St.
1908. Sherman, Mabel D 146 E. Duval St.
1908. Shewell, Rebekah Austin 5334 Wayne Ave.
1908. Shewell, William Irvin 5334 Wayne Ave.
296 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
OF
ADMISSION NAMB ADDRESS
1901. Shields, Mary A 121 Maplewood Ave.
1905. Shillingford, Henry T Queen Lane west of Wissahickon Ave.
1905. Shillingford, Mrs. Henry T Queen Lane west of Wissahickon Ave.
1905. Shillingford, William G Queen Lane west of Wissahickon Ave.
1876. Shingle, Mrs. William 314 Queen Lane.
1905. Shingle, Gertrude 314 Queen Lane.
1908. Shingle, Margaret 314 Queen Lane.
1907. Shore, Ruby E 34 W. Duval St.
1895. Shriver, Mary M 44 E. Haines St.
1907. Sibson, Mrs. W. H 6070 Beechwood St.
1888. Sidebottom, William 5536 Wayne Ave.
1888. Sidebottom, Mrs. William 5536 Wayne Ave.
1905. Sidebottom, Herbert G 5536 Wayne Ave.
1894. Sidebottom, Walter 5832 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.
1901. Simons, John F The Greystone.
1901. Simons, Mrs. John F The Greystone.
1901. Simons, Helen B The Greystone.
1902. Simons, E. Naudain 406 W. Stafford St.
1902. Simons, Mrs. E. Naudain 406 W. Stafford St.
1894. Simpers, William Germantown Ave. near Hartwell St.
1901. Simpers, Annie E 5620 Sprague St.
1899. Simpers, Clarence Fort Schuyler, N. Y.
1892. Simpson, Alexander 43 1 W. Wyoming Ave.
1892. Simpson, Mrs. Alexander 43 1 W. Wyoming Ave,
1900. Sketchley, William, Jr 426 School Lane.
1882. Sketchley, Mrs. William, Jr 426 School Lane.
1907. Sketchley, Rothwell G 426 School Lane.
1894. Sketchley, William W 7007 Boyer St.
1898. Slayback, Mrs. John D 416 Madison Ave., New York City.
1908. Sloan, Kenneth Moir 261 Zeralda St.
1904. Smalley, Joseph, Jr 90 E. Haines St.
1888. Smalley, Mrs. Joseph, Jr 90 E. Haines St.
1909. Smiley, Mrs. Eliza 182 Manheim St.
1909. Smiley, Edith 182 Manheim St.
1890. Smith, Mae E 6102 Baynton St.
1898. Smith, Harry Foster 123 Mayland St.
1902. Smith, Dr. George Lewis 5538 Wayne Ave.
1892, Smith, Mrs. George Lewis 5538 Wayne Ave.
1891. Snitzer, Emma L 5313 Belfield Ave.
1876. Snitzer, Elizabeth 5535 Pulaski Ave.
1903. Snitzer, Mrs. Mary 52 Reger St.
1895. Snyder, Charles M 73 High St.
1890. Snyder, Mrs. Charles M 73 High St.
1906. Snyder, Charles Harding 73 High St.
1903. Somerset, Henry Smith 5666 Morton St.
1894. Somerset, Mrs. Henry S 5666 Morton St.
IN GERMANTOV/N. 297
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1888. Sowby, Mrs. Katherine 7 Maplewood Ave.
1889. Sowby, Emily M 7 Maplewood Ave.
1886. Sowby, Thomas Thornton 1314 Narragansett St.
1891. Sowby, Mrs. Thomas Thornton 1314 Narragansett St.
1901. Spalding, Harry 5906 Mervine St.
1885. Speese, Carrie D 331 E. Chelten Ave.
1904. Speese, Donald 331 E. Chelten Ave.
1900. Speese, Dr. John 328 S. Sixteenth St.
1888. Speese, George K Oak Lane, Pa.
1909. Spencer, Anna V 143 W. Coulter St.
1876. Spiegel, Eugene F 164 Maplewood Ave.
1900. Spiegel, Mrs. Eugene F 164 Maplewood Ave.
1908. Spiegel, Charles Eugene A 164 Maplewood Ave.
1908. Spiegel, Charles A 246 Harvey St.
1885. Spiegel, Mrs. Charles A 246 Harvey St.
1908. Stambaugh, Mrs. Lillian G 134 W. Chelten Ave.
1891. Starin, Henry G 5118 Newhall St.
1891. Starin, Mrs. Henry G 5118 Newhall St.
1891. Starin, Helen C 5118 Newhall St.
1891. Starin, Arthur N 113 Springfield Ave., Chestnut Hill.
1900. Starin, Mrs. Arthur N 113 Springfield Ave., Chestnut Hill.
1880. Stark, Mrs. Adam 5653 Chew St.
1902. Stark, Margaret 5653 Chew St.
1902. Stark. Mary 5653 Chew St.
1904. Stark, Matilda Gordon 5653 Chew St.
1897. Steen, Elizabeth M 3232 Diamond St.
1908. Stevenson, George B 416 W. Stafford St.
1908. Stevenson, Mrs. George B 416 W. Stafford St.
1908. Stevenson, George, 2d 416 W. Stafford St.
1907. Stewart, Emma L 459 High St.
1904. Stillwagon, Mrs. Bertha L 5814 Wakefield St.
1904. Stillwagon, Ellen F 5814 Wakefield St.
1891. Stoer, John F 412 Manheim St.
1897. Stone, Theodore W 106 E. Washington Lane.
1897. Stone, Mrs. Theodore W 106 E. Washington Lane.
1902. Stone, T. Willard 106 E. Washington Lane.
1892. Stone, Isabel A
1904. Stout, Clara E 6322 Beechwood St.
1908. Stout, Frank S 6322 Beechwood St.
1901. Stout, Mrs. Archie 5645 Heiskell St.
1903. Strassburger, Mrs. Katharine M 135 E. Duval St.
1908. Strauch, Mrs. Helen C 161 W. Chelten Ave.
1909. Stroud, William H 39 W. Chelten Ave.
1909. Stroud, Mrs. William H 39 W. Chelten Ave.
1893. Stuart, Mrs. James 119 W. Haines St.
1908. Stuart, Margaretta C 155 W. Walnut Lane.
1900. Studenmund, Mrs. Harry 6236 Beechwood St.
298 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DATE
OP
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1902. Sutcliffe, Mary 200 E. Johnson St.
1909. Swank, Harry A 6329 Stenton Ave.
1903. Swank, Mrs. Harry A 6329 Stenton Ave.
1897. Swartz, Miss M. Alberta 6102 Baynton St.
1900. Swartz, Mrs. Paul A Post City, Texes.
1893. Swift, Mrs. Frank B Shenandoah, Pa.
1900. Symes, James Frisby 1335 Narragansett Ave.
1858. Tarr, Mrs. George W 100 Queen St.
1892. Tarr, William M 59 Herman St.
1906. Taussig, Mrs. Richard A 6337 Greene St.
1906. Taussig, Grace Anna 6337 Greene St.
1883. Taylor, Mrs. Enoch 6138 Germantown Ave.
1890. Taylor, Mrs. W. M 1103 N. Forty-second St.
1892. Taylor, Mrs. William T 420 Mechanic St.
1909. Taylor, Irene E 420 Mechanic St.
1894. Taylor, Nellie May 5666 Morton St.
1909. Taylor, Charles T 5321 Wayne Ave.
1898. Taylor, Mrs. Charles T 5321 Wayne Ave.
1898. Taylor, Charles K 5321 Wayne Ave.
1909. Taylor, Emily C 5321 Wayne Ave.
1909. Taylor, H. Birchard 214 Hortter St.
1909. Taylor, Mrs. H. Birchard 214 Hortter St.
1901. Taylor, Mrs. Samuel 6038 Magnolia Ave.
1902. Taylor, Roberta V 5524 Crowson St.
1905. Tease, Eliza R Wissahickon Ave. and School Lane.
1887. Thomas, Philip J 5935 Wakefield St.
1898. Thompson, Mrs. Samuel, Jr 340 Wister St.
1901. Thompson, Harry C 6218 Morton St.
1901. Thompson, Harry C, Jr 6218 Morton St.
1908. Thompson, Blanche R 6218 Morton St.
1893. Thornton, Florence L 278 W. Rittenhouse Si.
1894. Thorpe, George 6328 Morton St.
1887. Thorpe, Mrs. George 6328 Morton St.
1894. Thorpe, Edith C 6328 Morton St.
1894. Thorpe, Vera May 6328 Morton St.
1902. Thorpe, Chester D 6328 Morton St.
1902. Thorpe, Carrie L 6328 Morton St.
1902. Tibbott, Everard F 439 W. Price St.
1902. Tibbott, Mrs. Everard F 439 W. Price St.
1900. Tilge, George E 226 W. Chelten Ave.
1896. Tilge, Mrs. George E 226 W. Chelten Ave.
1900. Tilge, Helen 226 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Tilge, Lewis Henry 226 W. Chelten Ave.
1889. Tinney, Joseph 5532 Morton St.
1888. Tinney, Mrs. Joseph 5532 Morton St.
1897. Titus, Theodore 5733 Wayne Ave.
IN GERMANTOWN. 299
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAUE ADDRESS
1897. Titus, Mrs. Theodore 5733 Wayne Ave.
1897. Titus, Harry L 5733 Wayne Ave.
1890. Tomlinson, Laura Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1891. Tomlinson, Lottie Stenton Ave, and Spencer St.
1895. Tomlinson, Mrs. John Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1894. Tomlinson, Bessie Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1899. Tomlinson, John W., Jr Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1904. Tomlinson, Howell Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1907. Tomlinson, Mrs. Howell Stenton Ave. and Spencer St.
1894. Toon, Mrs. Thomas H Potterton Heights.
1898. Topley, Mrs. Gordon 149 Pomona Terrace.
1902. Topley, Thomas Ross 40 W. Chelten Ave.
1895. Townsend, Herbert 5040 Wakefield St.
1906. Townsend, Mrs. C. Elmer 218 E. Upsal St.
1901. Tracy, William Bowers Oak Lane and York Road.
1891. Treichler, Louis A 5283 Germantown Ave.
1891. Treichler, Mrs. Louis A 5283 Germantown Ave.
1894. Treichler, W. Claude 5283 Germantown Ave.
1906. Trott, Charles P 257 W. Rittenhouse St.
1887. Trout, Mrs. Catherine T 5834 Germantown Ave.
1901. Truitt, Mrs. Joseph P 5500 Wayne Ave.
1889 Tucker, George Near Queen Lane Station.
1886. Tucker, Mrs. George Near Queen Lane Station.
1907. Tucker, Henrietta Near Queen Lane Station.
1901. Tull, Mrs. Maurice L 5119 Marion St.
1907. Turner, Mrs. Anna C 6116 Beechwood St.
1903. Turner, Alice Ashton 6116 Beechwood St.
1904. Tuttle, Mrs. William N 5016 Osage Ave.
1909. UUum, Mrs. J. S 24 Carpenter St.
1 884. Vage, John
1882. Vage, Mrs. John
1902. Vage, Minnie Helen
1902. Vail, Mrs. Susan S 125 W. Chelten Ave.
1903. Vail, Charles D 125 W. Chelten Ave.
1889. Vanderslice, Mrs. T. L Cresheim Road, St. Martins.
1894. Vanderslice, Daniel W
1901. Van Home, J. Harold 5372 Wingohocking Terrace.
1901. Van Home, Mrs. J. Harold 5372 Wingohocking Terrace.
1897. Vaughan, Miriam Maine.
1897. Vaughan, Helen Maine,
1907. Venables, Mrs. Sarah 6146 Lambert St.
1905. Venables, Mary 6146 Lambert St.
1908. Venables, Frederick H 6146 Lambert St.
1909. Venables. Lily 6146 Lambert St.
1876. Vogelsang, Casper 219 Tabor Road, Olney.
1880. Vogelsang, Albert J 5616 Utah St.
300
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
D\TB
OP
ADMISSIOK NAME ADDRESS
1898. Wagner, Caroline 2019 N. Twenty-second St.
1900. Wagner, Florence 72 E. Garfield St.
1907. Wagner, Rose May 124 E. Phil-Ellena St.
1909. Wagner, George G 453 High St.
1893. Walbridge, Caroline C 136 Tulpehocken St.
1892. Walker, Sarah Craig 6111 McCallum St.
1894. Walker, Mrs. John 5907 McCallum St.
1907. Walker, Isabel Fleming 5907 McCallum St.
1909. Walker, John Isaac 5907 McCallum St.
1897. Wallace, H. Agnew 226 Apsley St.
1886. Wallace, Mrs. H. Agnew 226 Apsley St.
1894. Wallace, Alfred C 36 E. Seymour St.
1894. Wallace, Mrs. Alfred C 36 E. Seymour St.
1907. Wallace, Mrs. Rebecca 27 W. Willow Grove Ave.
1904. Walton, Harry Berry Glenside, Pa.
1904. Walton, Mrs. Harry Berry Glenside, Pa.
1906. Wannop, Thomas Everitt 1256 Frazier St.
1906. Wannop, Mrs. Thomas Everitt 1256 Frazier St.
1904. Warthman, James Harris 21 Pelham Road.
1904. Warthman, Mrs. James Harris 21 Pelham Road.
1890. Waterstradt, Lillian Eighteenth St. and Sixty-fifth Ave.
Oak Lane.
1900. Watkins, Harvey L 304 vShedaker St.
1900. Watkins, Mrs. Harvey L 304 Shedaker St.
1896. Watkins, Mrs. iMary S 182 W. Price St.
1904. Watkins, Charles Henry 182 W. Price St.
1904. Watkins, Frank OHver 182 W. Price St.
1885. Watson, Mrs. Harry 5312 Magnolia Ave.
1906. Watson, Rachel 105 E. Haines St.
1898. Watt, Mrs. Katherine B 151 Maplewood Ave.
1904. Watt, Harry Calvin 211 W. Coulter St.
1909. Watt, Mary Jane 167 Maplewood Ave.
1879. Watts, Mrs. Harvey B 176 E. Stafford St.
1900. Webb, John T 453 High St.
1881. Webb, Mrs. John T 453 High St.
1902. Weber, Carl 414 W. Chelten Ave.
1908. Weber, Mrs. August 6353 Jefiferson St.
1892. Weiss, George E 5444 Pulaski Ave.
1892. Weiss, Mrs. George E 5444 Pulaski Ave.
1880. Weiss, Charles H 159 Maplewood Ave.
1880. Weiss, Mrs. Charles H 159 Maplewood Ave.
1904. Weiss, Charles Robert 159 Maplewood Ave.
1895. Welch, Ashbel 426 W. Stafford St.
1895. Welch, Mrs. Asbhel 426 W. Stafford St.
1895. Welch, Ashbel R Haworth, Bergen Co., N. J.
1903. Wenborg, Mrs. Charles 5633 Heiskell St.
IN GERMANTOWN. 301
DATE
OF
ADMISSION NAME ADDRESS
1904. West, Mortimer, Jr 527 Hansberry St,
1904. West, Mrs. Mortimer, Jr 527 Hansberry St.
1890. Wheitzel, Mrs. Antoinette M 6325 Beechwood St.
1885. White, Mrs. Clement A 159 E. 47th St., Chicago, 111.
1880. White, Mrs. Wilham J 406 W. Chelten Ave.
1898. White, Blanche Warrington 406 W. Chelten Ave.
1905. White, Florence W 406 W. Chelten Ave.
1892. White, Annie J 1950 Venango St.
1901. White, Eliza Frances 32 Collom St.
1900. White, Mrs. Andrew R 2912 N. Franklin St.
1906. White, George Theophilus 5949 Beechwood St.
1874. Whitesides, Mrs. Edward G 165 W. Chelten Ave.
1888. Whitesides, John G 165 W. Chelten Ave.
1904. Wicke, Matilda 224 Church Lane.
1904. Wicke, Victoria H 224 Church Lane.
1906. Wignall, Mrs. Emily A 306 Somerville Ave., Olney.
1903. Wignall, Ethel 306 Somerville Ave., Olney.
1908. Wignall, Herbert 306 Somerville Ave., Olney
1901. Wilckins, Ida G
1907. Wilcox, Edith Dwyer, 5825 Knox St.
1891. Wilkinson, Helen E 431 W. Chelten Ave.
1906. Wilkinson, Ethel Warhurst 833 Church Lane.
1906. Wilkinson, Blanche M 833 Church Lane.
1906. Wilkinson, Mabel G 833 Church Lane.
1880. Williams, Mrs. Mosely H 29 W. Walnut Lane.
1886. Williams, Margaret B 29 W. Walnut Lane.
1900. Williams, Ethel Lillian 29 W. Walnut Lane.
1896. Williams, Mrs. Carlton M 456 Locust Ave.
1896. Williams, Carlton M 456 Locust Ave.'
1896. WiUiams, Elsie M 456 Locust Ave.
1902. Williams, Antoinette C 456 Locust Ave.
1907. Williams, Dorothy B 456 Locust Ave.
1901. WiUiams, Alfred, Jr 1211 Eleventh Av.,SanFrancisco,CaI.
1901. William, George W 2140 Medary Ave.
1893. Williams, Mrs. George W 2140 Medary Ave.
1901. Williams, Mary Johanna 5419 Germantown Ave.
1899. Williams, Mrs. David W 1504 Myrtlewood Ave.
1905. Williams, Dr. Carl Germantown Ave., above Haines St.
1905. Williams, Mrs. Carl Germantown Ave., above Haines St.
1867. Wilson, Miss Julia A 222 Harvey St.
1907. Wilson, John H 130 E. Washington Lane.
1898. Wilson, Mrs. John H 130 E. Washington Lane.
1902. Wilson, William Arthur 8114 Roanoke St.
1902. Wilson, Mrs. William A 8114 Roanoke St.
1901. Winner, Mrs. E. R Wissahickon Ave.
1897. Wistar, Mrs. Thomas, Jr 166 School Lane.
302 THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GERMANTOWN.
DATB
OP
AOUISSION NAME ADDRESS
1877. Wister, Mrs. Elizabeth W 53 E. Logan St.
1902. Wolf, Samuel K 6026 Magnolia Ave.
1902. Wolf, Mrs. Samuel K 6026 Magnolia Ave.
1902. Wolf, Salome J 6026 Magnolia Ave.
1889. Wolfer, Emma 165 E. Chelten Ave.
1874. Woods. Wilson 271 Harvey St.
1882. Woods, Mrs. Wilson 271 Harvey St.
1906. Woods, Samuel N 271 Harvey St.
1908. Woods, Elizabeth 271 Harvey St.
1905. Woods, Mrs. Anna 83 7 Church Lane.
1905. Woods, Robert Evans 115 W. Haines St.
1904. Woods, Mrs. Robert Evans 115 W. Haines St.
1900. Woodward, William W 4542 Wayne Ave.
1900. Woodward, Mrs. William W 4542 Wayne Ave.
1900. Woodward, William W., Jr 168 E. Willow Grove Ave.
1900. Woodward, Mrs. William W., Jr. . . 168 E. Willow Grove Ave.
1880. Worthington, Samuel 849 E. Chelten Ave.
1887. Worthington, Mrs. Samuel 849 E. Chelten Ave.
1902. Worthington, Emma 849 E. Chelten Ave.
1904. Worthington, Esther 849 E. Chelten Ave.
1905. Worthington, Elizabeth 849 E. Chelten Ave.
1904. Wright, Katherine L 2351 N. Nineteenth St.
1904. Wright, Mrs. Henry C 5632 Boyer St.
1908. Yeagle, Annie Floyd 1103 E. Chelten Ave.
1884. Yerkes, Mrs. Theodore 210 W. Chelten Ave.
1894. Yerkes, Albert J 210 W. Chelten Ave.
1887. Yerkes, Emily R 210 W. Chelten Ave.
1889. Yerkes, Eleanor L 210 W. Chelten Ave.
1898. Yocum. Mrs. Henrietta 115 W. Haines St.
1897. Young, Boyd School Lane and Wissahickon Ave.
1897. Young, Mrs. Boyd School Lane and Wissahickon Ave.
1903. Yoimg, Martha M School Lane and Wissahickon Ave
1894. Young, William R 249 Harvey St.
1894. Young, Mrs. William R 249 Harvey St.
1903. Yoimg, Alan S 249 Harvey St.
1897. YoTong, Mrs. Hugh Thorpe's Lane.
1903. Young, Mrs. Charles 5525 Morris St.
1894. Zell, Mrs. Warren D 22 Maplewood Ave.
Note. — The addresses given in the foregoing list are those last
known to the officers of the Church.
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