DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM, N. C. Q&-, UtZl Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/edentonstreetmetOOiden EDENTON STREET METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL RALEIGH, N. C. HISTORICAL SKETCH Commemorating the Opening of the New Sunday School Building April 28, 1912 By SUSAN FRANKS IDEN Edwards & Broughton Printing Company Raleigh, N. C. Ur. INTRODUCTION When asked by the superintendent to pre- pare a sketch of the history of Edenton Street Sunday School from 1881, when the old build- ing was dedicated, up to the present, I felt keenly my inability to perform the task assigned me. Mr. Brown prefaced his request, how- ever, with the question: "You are a member of Edenton Street Sunday School, are you not ?" So as a loyal member of the school and with the one hope to preserve in some part the history of her glorious past, I entered into the work. How small that part would be I did not realize until I found that unfortunately the rec- ords of the school had been destroyed, with the exception of only a few years. And with them has gone the story of many of those who in other days laid the foundation upon which the school is rising to greater heights today. This little sketch, therefore, can be consid- ered in no way a history of Edenton Street Sun- day School and its workers, for as the faces and smiles of many rise in memory before me, none realizes more than I how incomplete it is. S. F. I. Ealeigh, April, 1912. A SKETCH OP Edenton Street Sunday School Today With Something of its Past History 1827-1912 From 1881 to 1910 there stood under the wing of Edenton Street Methodist Church, as it were, a little square, unpretentious wooden building, in its later years it was weather- beaten iind gray without, its steps worn by many feet. Passing within the swinging doors of I lie vestibule, the Sunday School room, too, as many of us remember it, had a worn and faded look, a look of much service. The walls had become discolored, and in places the carpet was worn, but always and to its last hour above the platform smiled the happy word "WEL- COME." They were not very artistic letters, to be sure, that had been painted there when the school was young, but they served their pur- pose through the years. One saw it first on en- tering the door, and a stranger's heart must have felt a thrill of pleasure as he realized that in EdentoD Street Sunday School there was a 6 E dent on Street Sunday School welcome for all. And the welcome has always been a big part of the Sunday School. The glad hand of fellowship and love has always been freely extended, and today our genial and beloved superintendent is noted for the cordial- ity and warmth of his welcome to all who come within the doors of the school. But there was a time when the old building was new, reflecting the skill of the contractors, Messrs. Ellington & Royster, fresh with new paint and well fitted and handsome within. It had been built to meet the need of better ac- commodations and more comfortable quarters for the children and other members of the school. The committee that submitted the plan for the building was composed of Messrs. W. J. Young, S. C. White, J. A. Jones, J. S. Wynne, C. B. Barbee and K G. Whitfield. In a sketch of the Sunday School, prior to that time, written by Mr. Donald W. Bain, he says : "Their efforts in raising the means have been seconded by the ladies of the church, to whom much credit is due for the success of the enterprise." They had felt the need, as our still greater Sunday School has felt it, of a larger building and better equipment, and, put- ting their hearts in the work, they erected this Edenton Street Sunday School 1 edifice, which was 80 feet in length and about 40 feet in width, costing $3,000. On Sunday afternoon, April 10, 1881, the members of Edenton Street Sunday School ded- icated this building "to the worship of God and the cause of Christian education," praying that many should go forth in the providence of God to bless the church and society. In the forenoon of that Sunday, the late Rev. A. W. Mangum, D.D., a former pastor, deliv- ered the dedicatory sermon. In the afternoon addresses were made by Rev. A. A. Boshamer, the pastor, and H. A. Gudger. It was at this afternoon service that Mr. Donald W. Bain read his splendid sketch of Edenton Street Sunday School. Beginning back in 1824 with the first Sunday School established in the city by Miss Susan D. Nye, in the Academy build- ing on Burke Square, and the Sunday School formed soon after under the auspices of the American Sunday School Union, the history of Sunday Schools in the city, and later of Eden- ton Street Sunday School, was faithfully traced up to the day of dedicating the new building, April 10, 1881. In thus preserving the rec- ords of our first Sunday School Mr. Bain did a service that lives today after he has passed to 8 E dent on Street Sunday School his reward, one of the most faithful and loyal members that ever labored for the interest and good of the school. We are indebted to him for the preservation of the names of the fathers of the school. On the list are the names of many who were well known figures in the city in their day, leaders in all good works. They laid the foun- dations, on which we are building today ; they sowed the seeds and today we are reaping a rich harvest. Most of them have passed to their reward, and surely it must be a great one. If today Rev. Bennett T. Blake, pastor of Edenton Street Church in 1827, and the founder of the Sunday School, could be pres- ent, he would truly rejoice as he saw the splen- did fruits of his labors, the wonderful growth that has come from his initial movement, almost a hundred years ago, to separate the Union Sunday School into schools of different de- nominations. Renewed activity and increase of membership was the immediate result. The Methodists opened their Sunday School in the church building, and it has been said that for a number of years there were morning and afternoon sessions. Mr. Nathaniel O. Blake was the first superintendent, being succeeded Rev. H. M. North, Pastor Edenton Street Sunday School 9 in turn by Eev. Thomas J. LeMay, L. W. Peck (for two years), Rev. Thomas LeMay, Samuel H. Young, W. J. Young, Sr., Donald W. Bain and W. J. Young, St. (second term). In 1839, after the destruction of the church building, the school was conducted for a short time at the corner of Hargett and Fayetteville Streets. It was then moved to the Baptist Church in Moore Square. In 1841 it came to meet again in the newly erected mother church. As far back as 1850 the importance of pro- viding a separate room for the school engaged the attention of its authorities, when the first move in that direction resulted in failure. The next movement was made in 1874, when a com- mittee was appointed to consider the matter of an infant class room. Owing to the agitation of the question of a new church edifice at that time the project was not carried out. In 1878 the superintendent, so moved by a sense of duty to the children, and realizing the neces- sity of enlarged facilities for their comfort, ap- pointed a committee to procure a plan for a room for their use. Instead the committee sub- mitted a plan for a building for the whole school ; the result being the erection of the building which was dedicated in 1881. 10 Edenton Street Sunday School Among those who are remembered by the older members of the school for their faithful labor of love in the early days of the school and whose work has brought forth rich fruit, are Rev. Thomas J. LeMay, for more than twenty years superintendent of the school ; Mrs. Eliza- beth Felton, assistant superintendent; Samuel II. Young, superintendent from 1850 to 1866; Misses Susan and Emma White, Miss Corinna LeMay, John C. Palmer, Mrs. Lucy B. Evans, Ann Augusta Young, afterwards Mrs. Holden ; William W. Holden, Robert W. Best, Donald W. Bain, Samuel C. White, II. A. Gudger, D. S. Waitt, Miss Louisa M. Hill, who devoted forty-seven years to the instruction of classes for women and children ; T. H. Selby, for more than twenty years president of the Sunday School Society ; William Hill and Ruffin Tucker, Miss Emma E. Hunter, George T. Cooke and his wife, Mary Y. Cooke, Mrs. Eliz- abeth Nixon, Benjamin K. Pull en, Mrs. Har- riet Whitaker, Rev. ISTuma F. Reid, pastor of the church 1855-1856, and his successor, Rev. Joseph H. Wheeler; Miss Priscilla McKee, William M. Brown, Edward B. Thomas, Wil- liam B. Huthchings, Misses Fannie and Sallie Smith, Mary Anna Hill. Miss Blanche Fentress, E dent on Street Sunday School 11 Mrs. Eliza LeMay, Mrs. Lucinda Tucker, Mrs. Jane S. Young, Mrs. Sarah McCauley, Mrs. ]STancy Selby, Mrs. William White, Mrs. Ann R. Lipscomb, Henry L. Evans, Eldriclge Smith, John E. Young, William T. Bain, L. W. Peck, Henry Porter, C. W. D. Hutchings, Mrs. Syl- vester Smith, Miss Elizabeth F. Bain, Mrs. Eliz- abeth B. Bledsoe, Miss Geneva Harrison, Miss Julia Hutchings, Rev. W. J. Crowder, John Myatt, M. A. Bledsoe, William H. Cook and William C. Doub, C. H. Belvin, Mrs. Elizabeth Belvin, Miss Eleanor Royster (now Mrs. G. E. Iden), and Miss Rebecca Murray. 12 Edenton Street Sunday School DEDICATION OF THE OLD SUNDAY SCHOOL BUILDING The following account of the dedication of the then new Sunday School building appeared in a daily paper following that day, April 10, 1881. On Sunday the very large and handsome Sunday School building of Edenton Street Methodist Church was for the first time opened for public services and was formally dedicated. The building is of wood and seats over six hundred. It is in a lot just east of the church and adjoining it. The interesting ceremonies attracted a large audience. At 11 o'clock the Sunday School scholars and teachers marched from the church into the new schoolroom. The choir sang an appropriate anthem, and Rev. A. W. Mangum, of Chapel Hill, formerly a pastor of the church, read the morning services. The choir then rendered "Never Be Discouraged," after which prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Mangum. The choir and congregation sang the hymn "At the Beautiful Gate." Rev. Mr. Mangum took his text from the 90th Psalm, 16th verse, and delivered a sermon of great power and marked beauty of language and thought. This gentleman is considered one of the most eloquent divines in the State, and he fully sustained that reputation on Sunday. At the conclusion of the ser- mon, prayer was offered by the Rev. A. A. Boshamer. The Sunday School building is 80 feet long and 40 feet wide, with an infant class in the rear seating 100 children. The building cost $3,000. Edenton Street Sunday School 13 In the afternoon interesting services were held in the new building. Addresses on the subject of Sunday Schools were delivered by Dr. A. W. Man- gum, Rev. A. A. Boshamer, D. W. Bain, and H. A. Gudger. The Sunday School at that date, 1881, had 37 officers and teachers and 355 scholars. Mr. W. J. Young, Sr.j was superintendent, having in 1880, for the second time, accepted that of- fice. With the new building and comfortable equipment the school took on new life, Rev. A. A. Boshamer, the pastor, making the following report to the Quarterly Conference, May 2, 1881, following the opening of the new Sunday School : We have a Sunday School in flourishing condition. In fact the school is now enjoying a greater degree of prosperity than it has hitherto known. On yes- terday the attendance was larger than we have ever had. This increase of interest may be attributable largely to the fact that we have just entered our new Sunday School room, which is commodious, pretty, and attractive. Early in July, following the dedication of the school in April, the old church building was torn down to be replaced by the church which stands today on the same spot as the old build- ing. It was built under the superintendence of 14 Edenton Street Sunday School Mr. Thomas H. Briggs. The corner-stone of the new church was laid September 13, 1881, the following being taken from a daily paper of that date : This afternoon the cornerstone of the new Metho- dist church, which occupies the site of the old one, at the corner of Edenton and Dawson streets, will be laid. The ceremonial of laying a cornerstone of a church is prescribed in the Methodist Discipline. Much interest has been manifested in this new church, and there has been a great liberality shown in the way of contributing towards the fund of its erection. The cost will be about $22,000. The build- ing will be built of brick, with a front on Edenton street of 55 feet. It will have in the center of the front a tower 20 feet square, which will project 18 feet from the building. This tower will be sur- mounted by a spire, the total height of which will be 184 feet. This will make it the loftiest in the city. The church and the spire will be covered with slate. The church will be rectangular in form and quite lofty, with large windows and heavy buttresses. The trimmings will be of galvanized iron and terra cotta. The building will have a length of 90 feet, independ- ent of the 18 feet depth of the tower. Also the following: Quite a large number of persons witnessed the lay- ing of the cornerstone of the new Edenton Street Methodist church on Edenton street yesterday after- noon. Rev. A. A. Boshamer, the pastor, officiated, assisted by Revs. Joseph H. Wheeler, Prank L. Reid, R. P. Bumpas, and L. Branson. The impressive service prescribed in the Discipline of the Methodist Edenton Street Sunday School 15 Episcopal Church, South, was used. Engraved on the side of the stone facing the south, "September 13, 1881." The appropriate hymn, No. 780, was sung. A number of various articles were deposited in the cavity of the stone by Mr. D. W. Bain, secretary of the building committee. Under the direction of Mr. George T. Cooke, chairman of the building committee, the stone was placed in position. The services were concluded by singing the long metre doxology and benediction by Rev. Mr. Boshamer. That was the last public act of Rev. A. A. Boshamer, pastor of Edenton Street Church. Arising from a sick bed to perform this cere- mony for his church, he returned to it after the ceremony, and on Wednesday morning, October 12th, after an illness of a little over four weeks, of typhoid fever, he passed on to join the others who had preceded him and some who had worked with him in Edenton Street church. On Thursday, at 5 o'clock p. m. the funeral service was held in the Sunday School room, the room being draped in mourning. A sketch of Rev. Mr. Boshamer's life and an account of the funeral service was added to the sketch of the Sunday School written by Mr. Bain, and has no part in this little sketch except that his name may be remembered as one who gave the best he had to the service of our Sunday School and church. 16 Edenton Street Sunday School In November following, the Sunday School had two life-sized crayon portraits made to adorn the walls of the Sunday School room ; one of the late Rev. 1ST. F. Reid, D.D., a former pastor, and the other of the late Rev. A. A. Boshamer. They have been familiar faces to all who have come within the doors of the old school build- ing. They have looked down in benediction on the people that have followed them reaping the fruits of their labors. FIRST MARRIAGE IN NEW BUILDING On the morning of November 10, 1881, a very pleasant event occurred in Edenton Street Sunday School room, the first occasion of the kind to be celebrated in the new building. It was an event in which Mr. Joseph G. Brown, our present superintendent, had a peculiar in- terest and one to which he often refers. It gave him a very tender feeling toward the old build- ing. The following from a. daily paper of that date explains: Mr. Joseph G. Brown and Miss Alice Burkhead, of this city, were married at Edenton Street Methodist Church yesterday morning in the presence of a large number of friends, Rev. Dr. L. S. Burkhead, father of the bride, performing the ceremony. Edenton Street Sunday School 17 DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH The dedication of the church on Sunday, May 22, 1887, was a great occasion in the history of both church and Sunday School, the following account being given of the exercises: On Sunday, May 22, 1887, Edenton Street Church was dedicated by Bishop W. W. Duncan, of South Carolina. The dedication exercises were splendidly arranged and were impressively performed. One of the largest audiences ever assembled in a church in this city was present. The services began by singing the doxology, and more than a thousand voices in grand thanksgiving chorus sent up their thanks and praise to Him from whom all blessings flow. The dedicatory hymn, written by ex-Governor W. W. Holden, was grandly rendered by the vast congre- gation. Bishop Duncan preached the dedication sermon, tak- ing his text from Jeremiah 6:16. For one hour and fifteen minutes on a sultry day he kept the audience of 1,200 people intensely interested, as he reviewed Methodism from the days of Wesley and Asbury. He alluded to the work of building the church, the anxiety, patience, and waiting which had attended it during six years. He also alluded to the fact that the building was paid for, that there were no debts hanging over the church to embarrass the joy and thankfulness with which they could worship therein. At the close of the sermon Judge Walter Clark, for the trustees, presented the church, which was formally dedicated by the Bishop. The trustees were Rev. W. 2 18 Edenton Street Sunday School J. W. Crowder, Chairman; Joseph G. Brown, Secre- tary; R. T. Gray, Sylvester Smith, L. W. Peck, W. J. Young, Dr. J. W. McGee, M. A. Bledsoe, and Judge Walter Clark. In the afternoon at 4 o'clock a grand Sunday School mass meeting was held, at which short and spicy addresses were made by Bishop Duncan, Rev. E. A. Yates, D.D., and Rev. A. W. Mangum, D.D., inter- spersed with music by the Sabbath School. At night Rev. John E. Edwards, D.D., of Virginia, who was pastor of the church forty-five years before, preached the sermon from Ephesians 2:19-22. The services were closed with prayer by Rev. T. S. Camp- bell, who was pastor of the church in 1856. Several former pastors of the church attended the dedication — Rev. John E. Edwards, D.D., Rev. T. S. Campbell, of Lexington; Rev. A. W. Mangum, D.D., Rev. E. A. Yates, D.D., Rev. W. S. Black, D.D., and Rev. R. 0. Burton. Edenton Street Sunday School 19 PROGRESS OF THE SCHOOL The progress of the school has been gradual and while there has been no remarkable growth, jet during these thirty years, since the erection of a separate building for the school, it has stood as a power for good in the community, many going forth to bless those around them and one even to foreign fields. During the second pastorate of Rev. W. C. Norman the school reached a larger average attendance than it had ever had before. His zealous and intel- ligent work among the children brought the school to a degree of prosperity never before at- tained. The attendance during the past few years has grown steadily, the old building being uncomfortably crowded many times before it was sold and moved away to make place for the new building. At the opening of the Sunday School in the old building there were 37 officers and teachers and 355 scholars. Today the school has on its rolls 16 officers, 2G teachers, and nearly 1,000 scholars. It would be interesting if the records had been preserved so that the growth and his- tory of the school could be traced from year to year. 20 Edenton Street Sunday School In May, 1881, following the entrance into the new building, Rev. A. A. Boshamer made the encouraging report to the Quarterly Confer- ence, that has already been given, attributing the increase in interest and attendance to the fact that the school had just entered the new Sunday School room. In June, 1882, Dr. E. A. Yates, the pastor, reported : The Sunday School is in successful operation and under the superintendency of Brothers W. J. Young and D. W. Bain, assisted by an able corps of teachers, the school is accomplishing much good. It would be difficult to find a school better organized or kept in better order. The infant class is a most admirable feature of this school, and altogether there is much promise of good to the church from this department of her labor. At the close of the conference year, 1882, the school numbered 38 officers and teachers and 380 scholars. In 1883 there was a decrease in the number, there being 37 officers and teachers and 326 scholars. Rev. W. C. iSTorman, pastor, made the follow- ing report of the school at the close of the con- ference year 1884: Our superintendent, Bro. W. J. Young, an-1 his as- sistant, Brother D. W. Bain, aided by a faithful corps of officers and teachers, have served faithfully and Edenton Street Sunday School 21 efficiently in this important work during the confer- ence year that is now closing. We need a few more zealous male teachers to look after the boys and young men. With this improvement the Sunday School of Edenton Street Church would take still higher ground in useful work for the cause of the Master. The school numbers 300 scholars and 39 officers and teachers. In 1885 there were 39 officers and teachers and 350 scholars. There was a decided in- crease in the enrollment of the school during the next two years, the roll of the school for 1887 showing a total membership of 574. The annual report of the secretary of the school, Mr. D. S. Waitt, for 1888, showed there were eleven officers, 24 teachers and 556 scholars enrolled. During the next few years the school kept steadily on in its work. There was some fall- ing off in numbers, however, during this time, for in 1894 the pastor, Rev. John 1ST. Cole, re- ported the number of officers and teachers in the school forty; the number of scholars 450. In 1895 there were 41 officers and teachers, 470 scholars. In 1896 the pastor, Rev. W. C. Nor- man, made the following report to the third Quarterly Conference : There has been during the past quarter a steady increase in the prosperity of our Sabbath School. The school has now perhaps the largest attendance 22 Edenton Street Sunday School in its history. The infant class room has been much improved, having been newly carpeted and supplied with kindergarten chairs. An intermediate class has been organized, which promises to be of value to the school. Number of officers and teachers, 44; number of scholars, 560. In 1807 there was a decrease in membership, the number falling back to, 40 officers and teach- ers and 490 scholars. In 1898 the superin- tendent, Mr. W. J. Young, Sr., declining re- election, his name was withdrawn, and at the first Quarterly Conference, 1899, Mr. Joseph G. Brown was elected. The school numbered 37 officers and teachers and 449 scholars in 1898. At the close of Mr. Norman's pastorate, 1899, he made the following report of the work of the school : Our Sunday School has for many years been a mighty factor in building up the church. Out of its ranks the membership has from time to time been enlarged, and eternity alone can show the good that has been accomplished through the constant labors of the godly men and women who have wrought so faithfully in this sphere of Christian work. The school is in a flourishing and growing condition. The average attendance is now larger than it has ever been at any time in the history of the school. During the year a new infant class room and a library room have been added, so that we now have the most com- modious and convenient Sunday School accommoda- tions in the State. The school numbers 573 scholars, 48 officers and teachers. Edenton Street Sunday School 23 Rev. G. F. Smith, in 1901, made the follow- ing report of the work of the Sunday School : The attendance at Sunday School, which is larger than last year, has almost reached 500. There are more than forty officers and teachers, and their at- tendance is unusually regular. Such variety is given the exercises that there is not a dull moment from the opening to the close of the school. One hundred dollars was raised during the year for the Orphanage. One class furnished a room at the Orphanage and many garments for children were made by different members of the school, and one orphan is supported by it. In 1903 Rev. George F. Smith reported the resignation of Mr. J. G. Brown, who had been the very faithful and efficient superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. W. J. Young, Jr., was elected superintendent. The school was reported to be in good condition in every way. By the close of the conference year the mem- bership had reached 500. In 1904 Rev. R. F. Bumpas reported : The Sunday School is, I believe, making some ad- vancement in its work. The work of some Bible classes, recently organized, is worthy of special men- tion, as the Norman class and the Young Men's class. The motto of the school is: "All the Church in the Sunday School and All the Sunday School in the Church." Number of officers and teachers reported, 40; scholars enrolled during the year, 750. 24 Edenton Street Sunday School In 1906 Rev. E. F. Bumpas mentions the fact in his report that "the Sunday School, which is one of the best in North Carolina, has outgrown its quarters and has on foot a project for erecting a new Sunday School building." The number of officers and teachers for the year was 39, number of scholars 750. In 1908 there were enrolled forty-three officers and teachers and 690 scholars. In 1909 the num- ber reached 45 officers and teachers and 700 scholars. In 1910 there was a slight increase in membership, 44 officers and teachers and 756 scholars. Owing to the inconvenience of meeting in the church and the more or less disorganized state of the school there has been no decided in- crease in the enrollment during the past year. Joseph G. Bkown, Superintendent Edenton Street Sunday School 25 SPECIAL OCCASIONS This school has always been a faithful ob- server of special occasions and festivals days. Easter, Children's Day, the Fall Kally or Har- vest Festival, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, are annually observed with interesting exer- cises. The programs of music and readings, in which the little folks always have their own share, make these occasions memorable ones. The social side of life is not neglected either, for with the return of the Agricultural and Mechanical College boys and other students to the city the fall work begins with the a A. & M. Reception," as it is commonly called. For many years these have been happy events, to be looked forward to with pleasure especially by the young people in the school. The Sunday afternoon "singing" used to be a time of special enjoyment in the old school, many of the records bearing notes of the^e gatherings, which were notable and pleasant fea- tures, the room oftentimes being filled. The older members of the school today look back to those times with deepest pleasure. There is nothing, however, connected with the social times of the school that brings quite the thrill of pleasure that the first announcement 26 E dent on Street Sunday School of the Sunday School picnic does. The first warm spring Sunday brings the thought of it, and usually some time in May the lunch baskets are packed, a train is chartered and the school hies away to some pleasant picnic grounds where a day is spent in the open. As pleasant as are the picnics of the present it is doubtful if they contain any more of real enjoyment than did those Union picnics of by- gone times, when on the Fourth of July, Eden- ton Street Sunday School and the other Sun- day Schools of the city gathered in the Capitol Square to enjoy a feast together. Mr. Bain gives the following interesting ac- count of one of these occasions : What cherished reminiscences are associated with those patriotic and festive scenes. We recall the marshaling of the forces in Union Square, as each school advanced to its place in line, with a waving standard in its front bearing an inscription of loyalty to the Prince of Peace; then the line of march, as the column moved along the streets amidst an admiring throng, like veterans ready for the conflict and eager to rout an army or take a citadel ; then the services in the Presbyterian Church where, under the inspiring utterances of the speaker, the hearts of the lathers were set aglow with patriotic fervor, as the children whiled away the moments in pleasing anticipation of the scenes yet to be enacted; and then the mingling Edenton Street Sunday School 27 of happy hearts at the respective festal boards. Could we who were participants in those most cherished of youthful pleasures live them over again we could wish to be "Though the years onward are stealing, Ever a child." 28 Edenton Street Sunday School THE PASTORS No history of Edenton Street Sunday School would be complete without a word of tribute to the work of the pastors who have served the church and Sunday School during all the years of her glorious history. All of them left the stamp of their work on the Sunday School, la- boring in this department of the church as much as they had opportunity. The name of Rev. Bennett T. Blake should always be held in grateful remembrance by Edenton Street Sunday School as its founder and father. No other work during his ministry so entitles him to remembrance as this act of his, in 1827, of separating the Methodist Sun- day School from the Union Sunday School. Mr. Donald Bain's historical sketch of the school preserves a list of those who followed Mr. Blake up until 1881, the time when his sketch was written. The complete list appears elsewhere in this sketch. During the 30 years since that time the Sun- day School has been greatly blessed in the work of her pastors. All have labored untiringly for her interests, striving at all points to influ- ence and win for the Master the young life Edenton Street Sunday School 29 of the church. Their names are familiar and most of them are remembered with pleasure by the adult members of the school today. Three of them have finished their work here, Dr. E. A. Yates, Eev. J. H. Cordon, and Rev. W. C. Norman. REV. W. C. NORMAN Eev. W. C. Norman seemed especially to be- long to Edenton Street church. Twice he served as pastor, from 1884 to 1888, and again from 1896 to 1900. During these terms as pastor he so closely identified himself with all branches of work of the church that he made for himself a large place in the hearts of the people. A little more than two years after the close of his pastorate at Edenton Street church, in 1902, he was called home to his Father. From the walls of the school his kindly, genial face has smiled down upon the people he loved and one of the organized classes, the class that he taught, has been named the Norman Class. Quoting from the resolutions presented at the Quarterly Conference at the close of his pastorate in 1899 : Under his wise leadership the church was built up and all its interests advanced. His zealous and in- 30 E dent on Street Sunday School telligent work among the children has brought the Sunday School to a degree of prosperity never before attained, and his watchful interest in all the organi- zations has maintained their efficiency and usefulness. The gracious influence of his godly life will always linger with us. Like Christ, whom he loved and served, he went about doing good. The others in their own way left their im- press upon the school, which remembers their labors with grateful appreciation and rejoices that they still labor among us in the bounds of the conference, still keeping in touch with the school and feeling an interest in its prosperity. REV. H. M. NORTH From the time that Rev. Harry M. North came to Edenton Street Church as its pastor, he became closely identified with every depart- ment of the church's work to the end that every organization has been quickened and awakened to greater efforts. Back of them has been the ready sympathy and encouragement of the pas- tor. He has won the confidence and respect of the young folk and to the old people and the shut-ins his many little acts of kindness and remembrance have brought gladness and cheer. No department of the church has benefited more from Mr. North's ministry than the Sun- day School. He came when plans for the erec- Edenton Street Sunday School 31 tion of a new building were occupying the at- tention of the whole church. He took up the work with ready zeal and has striven in every way to advance it. A great part of the burden of it has fallen upon his shoulders, and he has not failed the school in the least detail. The greatest passion of our present pastor is the salvation of souls, but he has been equally faithful in the more arduous features. His practical plans have aided largely in raising the money necessary to carry on the building. It can truly be said that no pastor has worked more untiringly for the interests of the Sunday School. As teacher of the Gorman Class he has been actively at work. Last fall, recognizing the need for trained teachers, he organized his teacher-training class of forty or more, meeting with them every Friday night. They will soon be ready, through his teaching, for larger and better service in the Sunday School as trained and efficient workers. The latest work Mr. North has undertaken is the organization of the boys of the Sunday School into two leagues. The object is to train them for future service to the church, Sunday School and Epworth League. For some time there has been no organization of the boys of 32 Edenton Street Sunday School the Sunday School. In thus meeting this long felt need Mr. North is rendering one of the greatest services possible to the church. His heart is very much in the undertaking and the boys have responded gladly and willingly to his call. Our people rejoice that Mr. North is still with us to see the fulfillment of his labors and to join with the school in a song of thanks- giving on this glad day. The Sunday School at Edenton Street belongs to him, and he be- longs to the school in a peculiar way, for they are bound to each other by the closest ties, and as the years bring to the school the ripened fruits of his labors, these ties will be strength- ened. Edenton Street Sunday School 33 WORKERS, PAST AND PRESENT JOSEPH G. BROWN This is in reality a jubilee occasion for our superintendent, Mr. Joseph G. Brown, for just fifty years ago in April he became a member of Edenton Street Sunday School. One might doubt the fact, had he not so proudly proclaimed it, for he seems to have discovered the fountain of eternal youth. Just a little fellow, so small that he had to be lifted to his seat on the bench, he first began his Sunday School life at Central Church, then known as Person Street church. His first teacher, after becoming a member of Edenton Street Sunday School, just fifty years ago, was Miss Sallie Smith. A little picture card was her reward for a good lesson, and those which he received from her hands are among the things which he likes to remember. His teacher has gone to her Master, but her work is not yet done, for her pupil is still bless- ing the Sunday School and church with the seed which she sowed. Mr. Brown became identified with the work of the Sunday School as pupil, teacher, secre- tary, assistant superintendent, and superintend- 3 34 Edenton Street Sunday School ent. He lias been ready and willing to fill any position that would be for the advancement of the work of the school. As a teacher he filled that position as few others can. Among the adult members of the church today are some of the women, who were among the original six girls who, graduating from the primary depart- ment, formed his first class. From these few the number grew to about fifty young ladies, some of the six remaining there until they were married and left the Sunday School. It was a class in which all loved to be present, the les- son under Mr. Brown being a time of pleasure and profit. Secretary of the school, and twice assistant superintendent, Mr. Brown brought to those positions the same faithfulness and capability that characterized him as a teacher, but it is as superintendent that he has been the greatest force in the school. In 1898, Mr. W. J. Young, Sr., declining a nomination for this of- fice, Mr. Brown was elected to succeed him. At the beginning of the year 1903, af- ter serving as superintendent four years, Mr. Brown resigned to take up the work of teacher again. Mr. W. J. Young, Jr., suc- ceeded him, serving faithfully and efficiently PASTORS 1. Rev. Sidney D. Bumpas, 1842-1843 2. Rev. Thomas S. Campbell, 1846 ;i. Rev. Robert O. Burton, 1847-1848 4. Rev. Rufus T. Heflin, 1849-1850 5. Rev. Peter Doub, 1851-1852 Edenton Street Sunday School 35 for two years. In 1905 Mr. Brown again assumed the leadership of the school. Today under his direction and guiding hand the school has come to the gladdest day in its history, and looks forward to a golden future, with Mr. Brown still at the helm. As president of a bank, a man of affairs, and a public spirited citizen, Mr. Brown has yet found time to make the Sunday School a chief interest in his life. He has traveled and ob- served and studied the methods of the most suc- cessful Sunday Schools in the country, and he intends that Edenton Street shall become the best Sunday School that it is possible to make it. For many years Mr. Brown had the vision of the new home, finely furnished and equipped, into which the school would some day come, and none has labored harder than he for the accom- plishment of that dream. His personality dom- inates the school, inspiring both teachers and pupils with his enthusiasm and life. His ready wit, keenness of mental vision and tact never fail to make the Sunday School hour an enjoyable service. The school, in love and sympathy, is ready to clasp hands with him and push forward to greater heights. 36 Edenton Street Sunday School WILLIAM JEFFERSON YOUNG For more than half a century the name of William Jefferson Young, Sr., stood at the head of the roll of workers of Edenton Street Church. As superintendent, teacher, or in whatever capacity he could serve the school, he was always found ready to advance the cause of his Master. Early Monday morning, Febru- ary 12, 1912, he heard the voice of Jesus say: Come unto me and rest, Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon my breast, and sweetly and quietly as a little child he pil- lowed his head, grown white in his Master's vineyard, on that broad breast that had never failed him, and went to his Father to hear his "well done" and to enter his rest, the rest that remaineth to the faithful. . There is probably not a member of the school that can remember the time when Mr. Young was not a worker there. It is hard to think of the Edenton Street Sunday School of the future without him. As Rev. John ]ST. Cole fittingly said in his beautiful tribute to him: The woodman has come into our forest and felled one of the finest and tallest cedars, and the entire landscape is changed. The church will seem another Edenton Street Sunday School 37 church without this venerable father, brother, and friend. Just as the school was alive and looking for- ward with hopeful expectation to a larger field of usefulness in the new building, Mr. Young laid down his work and went home to his Father. His pastor, Eev. H. M. North, lik- ened him to Enoch, who walked with God until he got nearer to God's house than to his own and just went on until now he walks with God there. Mr. Young was born in Franklin County, in August, 1832. For thirty years he was superin- tendent of and teacher in the State School for the Blind. He was actively connected with the Sunday School and church, in May, 1866, succeeding his brother, Mr. Samuel H. Young, as superintendent. Under his administration the school reached a greater height of numerical prosperity than ever before, its rolls numbering in 1873 nearly 400. In 1877, he retired to the less prominent position of teacher, but was again called to the head of the school in Octo- ber, 1880. This position he held, sowing for a rich harvest of future reaping, until 1898, when he declined reelection and was succeeded by Mr. Joseph G. Brown. 38 Edenton Street Sunday School While retiring from the leadership of the school, Mr. Young in no way gave up active service, but fell back into the ranks of teachers, accepting the least service for the school as a pleasure. Edenton Street Church rather re- joices in his life of service than mourns at his death. His portrait, which will be presented to the school by some of the members, was shown to him before he died, so that he might know the loving appreciation in which he was held. The funeral service, which was held at 3 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, February 13th, in the church, was attended by many of the Sunday School scholars. Rev. John 1ST. Cole, superin- tendent of the Methodist Orphanage, a former pastor and a devoted friend of Mr. Young, and his pastor, Rev. H. M. North, both paid beauti- ful tributes to his memory. Mr. Cole spoke of his many years of labor, all filled with service to his God. He was a man, whose course was steady, vigorous and hopeful. One passion dominated every other affection, his love for Christ. His pastor said : As a steward he was found faithful. For half a century within the bounds of his own church he was characterized by faithfulness and loyalty. He ac- cepted his work without complaint, considering it a E dent on Street Sunday School 39 pleasure rather than a burden. The church of Christ was large enough for all of his activity. He gave without stint. He was an example to men by his fidelity to citizenship, and we can not tell today what he was worth to the church. He gave it the best he had and set on it the seal of his manhood. No man asked how he died because all knew he died as he lived, "a man of God." If his heart could be disclosed you would find in it the name of the church he loved. Servant of God, well done! Thy glorious warfare past; The battle's fought, the race is won, And thou art crowned at last; Of all thy heart's desire Triumphantly possessed ; Lodged by the ministerial choir In thy Redeemer's breast. happy, happy soul! In ecstacies of praise, Long as eternal ages roll, Thou seest thy Saviour's face. Redeemed from earth and pain, Ah! when shall we ascend, And all in Jesus' presence reign With our translated friend? MRS. W. J. YOUNG In Miss Sarah Ellen Cook, of Chelsea, Ver- mont, whom Mr. Young married in 1861, he found a worthy helpmeet and a great inspira- tion to him in his Christian life. They were evenly yoked together, for she was always active in the work of the church. As teacher, leader 40 Edenton Street Sunday School of the singing and organist, her life was full of service. Perhaps as superintendent of the in- fant class her life counted for the most, and there are those who are carrying on the work of the church today in whose hearts she sowed the germ of truth. Although she finished her work here nineteen years ago the school remem- bers it with deep appreciation. She died Jan- uary 27, 1893, and until the time of her last ill- ness she continued superintendent of the infant class. MISS MARY PESCUD In the foreign fields of Brazil today there is one whose heart turns with love and rejoicing to Edenton Street Sunday School. She no doubt pictures in her mind the scenes being enacted here today and prays God's blessing on her old school, the one from which she went forth to take the message of salvation to the men and women in Brazil. Although Miss Mary Pes- cud is present, only in spirit, today the school does not forget its absent member, who is doing a glorious work teaching in a school for girls at Petropolis, Brazil, and bringing the light of salvation to many who are in darkness. For many years Miss Mary Pescud was a faithful teacher in the Sundav Scliool, having Edenton Street Sunday School 41 charge of a class of young ladies, from which has grown the Philathea Class. From a girl her heart was in the missionary work, her one aim being to go to those who knew not Jesus Christ. After a year spent in the Scarritt Bible and Training School, in Kansas City, she sailed in September, 1898, to take up her work in Brazil. After four years there she returned home, a year sooner than she expected to, on ac- count of her health. A rest of two years sent her back to her work strengthened and re- freshed. Her period of five years passed swiftly, sending her home again for a year's vacation. She came so well and happy and full of zeal for her work that it was a privilege to have her in the Sunday School. It has been two years since she returned again to Brazil. Her friends frequently have good reports of her work there. At the expiration of her five years she will return again for a year. The mem- bers of the school look forward with pleasure to that time. MRS. MINNIE MOSELEY Many in the school today do not personally remember Mrs. Minnie Wilkinson Moseley, who more than eighteen years ago was one of the most active and helpful members of the 42 Edenton Street Sunday School school. As a teacher of a class of girls and in every department of church work, she was a most efficient helper. She died June 29, 1894. Her picture, presented to the school shortly af- ter her death by her husband, Mr. T. B. Mose- ley, has recalled during these years the story of her work. MRS. LAURA BOBBITT One of the most enthusiastic workers the school has ever had was Mrs. Laura F. Bobbitt. Her activities were not confined to any one de- partment of the work of the school or church, but her influence and active service touched it at all points. Her charming personality domi- nated every social gathering, affecting all with the happiness of her nature. Her beautiful voice was devoted to the work of the Master, and many a service at Edenton Street has been enriched by her songs. The granddaughter of Rev. Bennett T. Blake, the founder of the school, her heart was naturally in all that con- cerned the welfare of the school. Mrs. Bob- bitt is now living at Indianapolis, Indiana. Her active connection with the school was sev- ered a number of years ago, but it is pleasant to think of her as always at heart a member of Edenton Street Sunday School. PASTORS 1. Rev. William E. Pell, 1853-1854 2. Rev. Joseph H. Wheeler, 1857 3. Rev. L. L. Hendren, 1858-1859 4. Rev. H. T. Hudson, 1866-1869 5. Rev. A. W. Manqum, 1872-1875 Edenton Street Sunday School 43 "ONLY REMEMBERED" Many of us had a very tender love for the old Sunday School building, not only for what it has stood for in our lives, but for the friend- ships formed there with men and women who are not here today. Closely associated with it are the forms and faces of many we knew and loved. Some of them dropped seeds into our lives that found the fertile spots, some we remember only for their smile and words of greeting. Some we learned to look for always at their post on Sunday morning. Some of them were with us only for a day, passing on to other fields of labor. Some, when we knew them, were finishing up a long life of service and they have gone to their Father's home above. From the very foundations of the new build- ing the old school comes back to claim a share of the present. May the memory of the old gray building, with its days of struggle and its days of rejoicing, and the faces of the past grow brighter as the years bring us greater prosperity. Many who rejoice in this day of enlargement will hold the old house ever in fond remembrance. 44 Edenton Street Sunday School Without the records of the school for the past thirty years it is impossible to give a list of those whom we would remember, and lest some be forgotten I have refrained from mentioning any. They faithfully performed their work in their day and passed on to have their places filled by other laborers. Time has erased the names and faces of many of them from earthly remembrance, but what does it matter since the Master of all remembers and rewards ? Like a half forgotten strain, an echo from the past, come the words of an old song, sung by one whose beautiful voice often brought pleasure and blessing to the school : Fading away like the stars of the morning, Losing their light in the glorious sun — Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done. Shall we be missed, tho by others succeeded; Reaping the fields we in springtime have sown? No, for the sowers may pass from their labors, Only remembered by what they have done. Only the truth that in life we have spoken, Only the seed that on earth we have sown; These shall pass onward when we are forgotten, Fruits of the harvest and what we have done. Edenton Street Sunday School 45 Oh, when the Saviour shall make up his jewels, "When the bright crowns of rejoicing are won, Then shall His weary and faithful disciples All be remembered by what they have done. Only remembered, only remembered, Only remembered by what we have done; Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done. 46 Edenton Street Sunday School THE "INFANT" CLASS The greatest asset of Edenton Street Church has been the young people, not only the mem- bers of the Sunday School but the little folks of the primary department. The "infant" class has been from the beginning the very founda- tion of the church. From its ranks, trained from very childhood to Christian work, have come up the men and women, leaders in the work of the church today. In 1878, Mr. Bain tells us in his history, the superintendent, Mr. W. J. Young, Sr., "moved by a sense of duty to the children, and realizing the necessity for enlarged facilities for their comfort and instruction, appointed, with the approval of the school, a committee to procure a plan for a room for their use." After ma- ture deliberation the committee submitted the plan for the Sunday School building instead, which was sanctioned by the school. Thus it was the need of the children in the primary department that finally brought about the erec- tion of the Sunday School building. An infant class room was a part of the building, being separated from the main school by sliding doors. It was fitted with raised circular seats. E dent 071 Street Sunday School 47 In 1882 Dr. A. E. Yates said: The infant class is a most admirable feature of the school, and altogether there is much premise of good to the church from this department of her labor. The teaching and singing of the truth in this department, as well as in the entire school, can not be otherwise than religiously profitable to the children. The infant class room has been enlarged and beautified and made attractive to the children. In 1896 the primary class room was much improved being newly carpeted and supplied with kindergarten chairs. In that same year an intermediate department was organized, which has been of great value to the school. The growth of the primary and intermediate departments soon necessitated an enlargement of the Sunday School building and in 1899, the last year of the pastorate of Kev. W. C. Xorman, a new infant class room and a library room were built, making the school at that time the most comfortable and convenient in the con- ference. The room that had been used by the primary class was divided into classrooms, one part of it being used by the intermediate de- partment and the other section for the young men's class from the Agricultural and Mechan- ical College. 48 Edenion Street Sunday School When the Sunday School building was sold and moved away the section which had been added for the primary class and library was moved back of the church and continued to be used by the primary department until the new building was nearing completion. The importance of wise and efficient training of the children cannot be overestimated. This has long been one of the strongest features of the school, which has been indeed fortunate in the superintendents of the primary depart- ment. For years the primary class was under the direction of Mrs. W. J. Young, Sr., who gave her best efforts to the work of teaching and training the children, leading them both in the study of lessons and in songs of praise. She was assisted at various times by different mem- bers of the school. The last year of her service before her death in 1893, she was efficiently as- sisted by Miss Mattie Keese, Miss Mary Mills and Miss Emma McGee, all of whom later re- turned to the main school, either to teach or to enter classes. After Mrs. Young's death the primary class was for a while in charge of Mr. Jim Brown and Miss Addie Goodwyn. In 1895, at the ear- E dent on Street Sunday School 49 nest insistence of Eev. J. 1ST. Cole, the pastor, Miss Mattie Reese consented to become super- intendent of the "infant" class. This was one of the last services Mr. Cole rendered Edenton Street church before his term as its pastor ex- pired, and it is a service in which both he and the Sunday School rejoice today. In Miss Mattie Eeese Mr. Cole saw a leader who was capable of making of the infant class a great and mighty factor in the church. Accepting the duty in the spirit of the Master, she threw her whole soul into the work, becoming each year more proficient until today the Sunday School points with pride to its primary class. When Miss Reese took charge of it as its superintendent there were fifty children on the. roll. Today there are 275. Mrs. Fab. P. Brown and Miss Bessie Brown were her first assistants, Miss Bessie Brown later taking charge of the intermediate department. Mrs. Fab. Brown has continued her work in the class, the other assistants being Miss Ruth Hughes, Miss Ethel Wynne, and Miss Bessie Brown (Mr. Joe Brown's daughter). It was the increase in membership that soon resulted after Miss Reese became superintend- ent, that necessitated the enlargement, the pri- 4 50 Edenton Street Sunday School niary class first starting the movement for a new room and contributing the first $50. Through their efforts money was raised to buy the car- pet, piano, pictures, etc. Both superintendent and assistants have looked forward with pleasure to the splendid new quarters and increased facilities offered in the new Sunday School building. For months they have been planning for the opening and preparing to entering a greater field of endeavor than ever before. The primary room is fitted with every convenience and device to further its work and interest the children in the teach- ing of God's word. Graded classes will greatly simplify the work. While this has been car- ried out as far as possible before, the crowded quarters have made it almost impossible. When a child graduates from the primary class into the intermediate, it is well grounded in the fundamental truths of the Bible and of the beliefs and doctrines of the Methodist- Church. It is safe to say that many of the grown people of the Sunday School and church are not nearly so well informed as these young people are who complete the course of the Pri- mary department. In the simplified doctrines of the Methodist Church, which Miss Reese af- iw *■* PASTORS Rev. L. S. Burkhead, 1875-1877 Rev. William S. Black, 1878-1880 Rev. F. L. Reid,* 1881 Rev. E. A. Yates, 1882-1883 Rev. W. C. Norman,! 1884-1887 *Filled the pulpit to the close of the year, succeeding who died during; his pastorate. fServed a second four years, 1896-1890. Rev. A. A. Boshamer, Edenton Street Sunday School 51 ter long months of hard work and earnest study completed and had published for the use of her classes, she did a service whch extended even beyond the bounds of Edenton Street Church, the set of 25 doctrines as simplified by her, being used by primary classes in other Sunday Schools. The Sunday School has the deepest appreciation for her splendid work and that of her faithful assistants. It is always one of the pleasant features of the Sunday School hour when the little folks, holding aloft their banner, and with faces and eyes aglow with happiness, march through the main school. On such occasions the superin- tendent never fails to point with pride to them as the future leaders of the church. And what a large company of leaders they are ! THE CRADLE ROLL Edenton Street Sunday School is ready to enroll as members the children even from the day of their birth. The cradle roll department has for many years been a part of the primary work. The little folks are presented with a di- ploma and on each birthday the date is remem- bered by a birthday card. The age limit is three years, when they are advanced to the 52 Edenton Street Sunday School primary department. On special days at the Sunday School, Harvest Day, Chldren's Day, Christmas, etc., the cradle roll members, in their nurses' arms, make an interesting part of the primary procession. In memory of his little girl, Mary Elizabeth Young, who died November 28, 1911, Mr. Henry J. Young presented to the primary de- partment a handsome cradle roll birthday chair, and a picture of Jesus and the children, to hang above it. INTERMEDIATE DEPARTMENT A very important part of the Sunday School is the intermediate department, a stepping stone as it were from the primary department to the larger body of the main school. The children in this class are just at the formative period, the age when the deepest impressions are made. To hold these children during this time, to see that no seed sown in the young lives in the primary department is lost, but that it should blossom and bear fruit for the larger school, is the work of the intermediate teacher. Most successfully has Miss Bessie Brown performed this work. With untiring zeal, pa- Edenton Street Sunday School 53 tience and loyalty, she has labored in this de- partment of the school's work. Yet to make the intermediate department what it should be, to make it count for the most good, those who have given the subject the most study, declare there should be a four-year course. With the school in its new home this department will no doubt be enlarged so as to embrace such a course. The intermediate department was first organ- ized under the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Nor- man, in 1896, Mrs. Clee Lee having charge of it for some time, being later succeeded by Miss ISTarcissa Hutchings and Miss Minnie Redford. In 1905, the intermediate department had about disbanded, when, in May, Miss Brown became superintendent of it, receiving from the primary department a class of ten children. She was equal to the task of building up the de- partment again, and since that time she has made of it, what it should be, one of the most important branches of the Sunday School. There are at present 32 members enrolled. 54 Edenton Street Sunday School SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THE HOME DEPARTMENT A branch of the Sunday School which is do- ing untold good, unknown and unobserved by the great body of the school, is the home de- partment. The coining of the monthly maga- zine, or the quarterly, is looked forward to with much pleasure by many who are shut in, un- able to attend Sunday School. In their homes the lessons are studied. Thus there is a bond of union and a thread of sympathy between the the home department and the main body of the Sunday School. There was a home department a number of years ago in connection with the school while Mr. J. R. Johnson was connected with the school. He served as superintendent of the de- partment, and with a number of efficient help- ers did good work. After he left the city, to return to his former home, this department of the Sunday School's work died out. It was successfully revived in the fall of 1907, when at a meeting at the home of Mr. J. G. Brown, the department was newly organized. Mr. W. J. Young, Sr., was made superintendent. He Edenton Street Sunday School 55 was assisted by Miss Janie Brown, Miss Josephine Brown (now Mrs. J. K. Doughton) and Mrs. N". G. Whitfield. These ladies served most faithfully until circumstances compelled the last two to give up the work. Miss Janie Brown, together with Mr. Young kept up a department of 107 members. Mr. Young's fail- ing health compelled him to give up active work, and shortly before he died he spoke of his intention of asking to have some one ap- pointed to fill his place. At a meeting of teach- ers, Sunday afternoon, February 18th, of this year, Dr. Albert Anderson, an assistant super- intendent, was appointed to take charge of the work of the home department. An increase of interest is already being shown. The pastor has within the last few weeks added a number of members at Method. There is now a large class enrolled. The great burden of carrying on this work for the past several years has fallen largely on Miss Janie Brown. But to her it has been no burden, for nowhere does she find greater pleas- ure than in working for Edenton Street church and Sunday School — working in the byways and untrodden places, helping when she can to drop a seed of kindness or shed a ray of light 56 Edenton Street Sunday School into some darkened home and life. No won- der that the members of the home department look forward to the coming of their lesson paper, when with it comes Miss Janie, who al- ways leaves a brighter home for her visit to it. What her service has meant to the school it would be hard to say, for so quietly has she gone about her work that few know how often her helping hand has been extended. Thirty years ago Mr. Bain wrote in his his- tory: The record of attendance notes the long connection with the school, beginning with childhood, of Misses Fannie H. Smith, Sallie S. Smith, Mary Anna Hill, Blanche Fentress, and Janie L. Brown. What shall I say of them? Through all the history of our Sunday School, ever since the beginning of their membership, they have been more faithful in their beautiful service than were the vestal virgins to the sacred flame they guarded. But pure and heavenly were the fires that they have tended in their loving vigils — fires that have brightened, now brighten, and will brighten, many a pathway in life — fires that will mingle at last and forever with the glory that illumines the home of the blest. How well he expressed it ! If he were living today he would realize the full truth of the vis- ion he had, for through thirty years the fire of Miss Janie's loving service has shed a great glory over countless pathways. Time has no Edenton Street Sunday School 57 effect on her, and she will always be numbered among the young people of the Sunday School, who love her and claim her as one of them- selves. TEACHER TRAINING CLASSES With a growing Sunday School has come the need of trained and efficient teachers. At dif- ferent times efforts have been made to enlist the teachers in special study classes. A Quar- terly Conference record of 1902 bears note of the fact that the "superintendent has organized a teachers' study circle, with 23 members, to in- crease the practical efficiency of the teachers." Only one member of the circle completed the circuit. Mr. T. B. Eldridge was active in this work ; at various times trying to interest the teachers in taking it up. In the meantime he studied the courses prescribed by the Sunday School Board of the General Conference, tak- ing the "full diploma," and later, the "ad- vanced diploma." The past year, 1911, has been most success- ful in the organization of two teacher training classes. Mr. Eldridge first organized a class of ten, which he taught every Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour. Eive of these completed the course and on Sunday morning. 58 Edenton Street Sunday School February 11, 1912, received their diplomas from the superintendent. They were Mrs. W. E. Stinson, Mrs. I. H. Paris, Mrs. L. W. Lancaster, Miss Gulia Faison and Mr. T. B. Stancel. As this was the first occasion of the kind in the history of the Sunday School, it was a notable one, and words of commendation and congratulation were offered by both the pastor and superintendent. Mr. North, in be- half of the class, presented their teacher with a handsome umbrella as a token of their appre- ciation. Mr. Eldridge has already started an- other promising class of seven members. The pastor last fall organized a teacher training class of about forty, which meets every Friday evening. They have been doing good work and the pastor is justly proud of his class. They have just completed the first half of the book, Dr. Hamill's "Legion of Honor," and have started on the second half. It means much for the future of the school to have so many trained workers in the ranks. It is now recognized that teacher-training is a regular and permanent feature of the work of our school. Edenton Street Sunday School 59 ORGANIZED CLASSES About 1904 and 1905 the organized class movement began to take hold of the school, gaining popular favor until within two or three years three classes were organized, the jSTorman Class, the Baraca Class and the Philathea Class. Mr. T. B. Eldridge was active in the organization of all three of these classes, and was the first teacher, respectively, of the Gor- man Class and the Baraca Class. Following the organization of these, about three or four years ago, Mrs. E. W. Hightow- er's class of girls was organized into the Berean Class. During nine months of the year one of the largest classes in the Sunday School is a class of A. & M. College students, taught by Mr. Josephus Daniels. On Sunday, February 25, 1912, the Loyal, the youngest organized class came into exist- ence, a class for boys under the direction of Mr. E. M. Hall. While these are the only large organized classes, many of the individual classes have some form of organization and elect their offi- cers. 60 Edenton Street Sunday School THE NORMAN CLASS The class of the older men of the Sunday School, taught by Rev. W. C. Norman during his second pastorate, was called the Bible class, or Mr. Norman's class. At the end of Mr. Norman's term, Mr. J. R. Johnson became teacher, the class then being called by his name. When Mr. Johnson went to Canada to make his home, Mr. T. B. Eldridge was elected teacher of the class. About this time the adult class movement was setting in, and at the sug- gestion of the teacher, the class on July 3, 1904, adopted a form of organization, choosing as their name, one which met the approval of all — "The Norman Class." Mr. Norman had only shortly before that been called to his Heav- enly home, and it was a beautiful tribute to pay to his memory. The first officers elected were : President, Miles O. Sherrill; Vice-President, C. W. Thornburg; Secretary, Vitruvius Royster; As- sistant Secretary, Ivan M. Procter; Treasurer, A. H. Green; Teacher, T. B. Eldridge. In 1905 Mr. T. B. Eldridge resigned as teacher, having been called away from the city for the time being, and was succeeded by Mr. Z. V. Judd. Mr. Judd continued teacher of 1. Rev 2. Rev 3. Rev 4. Rev 5. Rev PASTORS J. T. Gibds, 1888-1889 J. II . Cordon, 1890-1891 John N. Cole, 1892-1895 G. F. Smith, 1900-1903 R. F. Bumpas, 1904-1907 Edenton Street Sunday School 61 the class until Rev. H. M. North became pas- tor of the church in 1910. On the voluntary retirement of Mr. Jucld as teacher, Mr. North accepted the position, which he has most faith- fully filled since that time. Mr. Vitruvius Royster has been secretary of the class since its organization, a motion being made at the last election of officers to make him secretary for life. The present officers of the class are: Presi- dent, W. G. Womble; Vice-President, E. W. Hightower ; Secretary, Vitruvius Royster ; As- sistant Secretary, C. W. White ; Treasurer, J. F. Stanback; Teacher, Rev. H. M. North; As- sistant Teachers, Prof. Z. V. Judd and T. H. Calvert. BARACA CLASS The Baraca Class had its beginning before it was known by its present name. At a time when there was no distinctively young men's class except the A. & M. College class, in our Sunday School, Mr. Herbert Sink began an agitation for a class of young men composed of home-folks. He failed to get the necessary support and the project went to sleep. It woke up suddenly when Dr. C. O. Abernethy spoke on the subject in church conference, and in a 62 Edenton Street Sunday School surprisingly short time thereafter the class was organized, April 23, 1905, with eighteen young men under the leadership of Prof. EL H. Hume as teacher. The first president of the class was Dr. C. O. Abernethy and the secretary was H. D. Arnold. The class might have been named "Baraca" from the first, but there was objection; so an- other name had to be chosen. After much searching of the Bible dictionary the name "Helon" was selected, because it signified strength, which was supposed to be a proper sentiment for a class of young men. By and by Prof. Hume removed to Florida and Mr. T. B. Eldridge, having returned to Raleigh, was elected teacher. The new teacher felt the pulse of the class and found it weak ; he tested the temperature and found it below normal. He inquired the cause and found there was no enthusiasm for the name or organ- ization, and that there was an impression among the leaders that the thing would go if it were named Baraca. By this time the former opposition to the name had abated. The mat- ter was taken up in a general meeting of the class, the name was changed and everybody was happy. The date of this change was October Edenton Street Sunday School 63 14, 1906. There has never been any reason to regret the change. The class has been a strong organization ever since it adopted the Baraca name. On April 9, 1909, Mr. Eldridge resigned as teacher and was succeeded by Prof. J. A. Biv- ins, who is still teacher. Prof. H. E. Satter- field is assistant teacher. The present officers are : S. H. Farabee, President; R. F. Munns, Secretary; G. C. Knight, Treasurer; and L. E. Nichols, Press Reporter. PHILATHEA CLASS Following the organization of the Norman Class and the Baraca Class, the need of an or- ganized class for women was felt. There was already in the school a large class of young women, doing splendid work. This clsss had been known as the Mary Pescud Class. Miss Pescud having given up her class to go to Bra- zil to take up her work as a foreign missionary, she was succeeded in turn as teacher by Mr. Jo- seph G. Brown, who resigned to become super- intendent; Miss Jessie Jones, now Mrs. E. W. Ledbetter, of Anniston, Fla. ; Miss Maude Mer- rimon, now Mrs. Jesse L. Cuninggim, of Nashville, Tenn., who resigned to go to Flor- 64 Edenton Street Sunday School ida to teach. After the resignation of Miss Merrimon Dr. Albert Anderson, in October, 1907, was appointed teacher of the class. In January, 1908, in order to do more effective work, the class was organized into a Philathea Class. The first class officers were: President, Mrs. J. S. Gray ; First Vice-President, Miss Janie Brown ; Teacher, Dr. Albert Anderson ; Assist- ant Teacher, Mrs. R. B. John ; Secretary- Treasurer, Miss Mamie Young; Assistant Sec- retary-Treasurer, Miss Bessie Guthrie. The class today numbers 34, with an average attendance of 18. They have done splendid work during their four years of organization. One hundred and twenty-five dollars has been paid on the new Sunday School building, twenty-five dol- lars to the Philathea Union, and about forty dollars for stationery for the class, flowers for the sick, etc. The work of the class cannot be estimated in dollars and cents, for it has been in the visits to the sick, the cheering bouquets, the welcoming hand to the stranger and the smile and word of help and love that the class has counted most. Edenton Street Sunday School 65 The lesson hour is a time of pleasure and profit, for in Dr. Anderson they have a model teacher. It has been said that the class is what the teacher makes it. It is certainly true that the Philathea Class owes a great deal to the in- spiration and help of their teacher. The present officers of the class are : Teacher, Dr. Albert Anderson; Assistant Teacher, Miss Sallie Reese; President, Miss Lina Stephen- son; First Vice-President, Miss Sallie Reese; Second Vice-President, Mrs. S. P. ISTorris; Sec- retary, Miss Mamie Young; Assistant Secre- tary, Miss Hannah Price ; Treasurer, Miss Vir- ginia Eldridge. BEREAN CLASS Mrs. E. W. Hightower's class of girls was about three or four years ago organized into the Berean Class, the meaning of which is "search the Scriptures daily." As this is what Mrs. Hightower's girls do, the name is pecul- iarly fitting. This is one of the largest classes in the school, having on the roll 39 members. There is a charm about this class, the secret of which is no doubt to be found in the teacher's personal interest in each and every one who comes to the class, whether a member or a vis- 66 Edenton Street Sunday School itor. And back of it all is her deep consecra- tion and earnestness. The present officers are President, Miss Jen- nie Procter ; Vice-President, Miss Nellie Hill ; Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. W. B. Wright; As- sistant Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Athalea May ; Class Treasurer, Mrs. B. B. Benson ; Social Committee, Mrs. Annie Love Wilson, Misses Mary Evans, Hilda Bloxton and Annie Lee Wynne; Working Committee, Misses Emily Hall and Myrtle King, and Mrs. Hubert Tur- ner ; Visiting Committee, The entire class. A. AND M. CLASS A Sunday School record of May 15, 1884, makes note of the fact that Mr. Robert E. Lums- den had been appointed teacher in place of Miss Mary Conn. That class of three boys taken by Mr. Lumsden, later grew into one of the largest classes for young men in the school, most of them being A. & M. College students during the greater part of the year. Mr. Lums- den proved to be a very efficient teacher, keep- ing the class until it was taken, in September, 1902, by Mr. Josephus Daniels, who is still teacher. Under Mr. Lumsden the class grew from 3 to 66 members. E dent on Street Sunday School 67 Today there are 82 A. & M. students en-> rolled. The membership, of course, varies, but during the nine months the boys are here, the A. & M. class is the largest in the school. They add greatly to the interest and their return is always welcomed with pleasure, while it seems that a big part of the school is gone when vaca- tion takes them to their homes. In Mr. Dan- iels the school has found a teacher who can best attract and hold the young men, who delight in his teaching. In September, 1911, the following class offi- cers were elected for the school year: President, O. W. Smith; Vice-President, J. B. Steele; Secretary-Treasurer, W. H. Gra- ham, Jr. ; Membership Committee, W. B. Sto- ver, T. R. Parrish, C. M. Kephart, J. B. Ward, and J. T. King. THE LOYAL CLASS On Sunday, February 25, 1912, a class of youths was organized by Mr. E. M. Hall from the two classes formerly taught by Miss Ida Cheek and Mr. G. E. Iden. Herbert Taylor was elected president of the class ; Charles P. Eldridge, first vice-president ; and Kenneth Merritt, secretary-treasurer. Twenty-three 68 Edenton Street Sunday School were enrolled in the class. The young fellows and their teacher have many plans for future work, and it is confidently expected that the number will soon grow so that this class will be one of the strongest in the school. The hustling committee is composed of Leon- ard Thornburg, John Hall and Everett Smith. CLASSES OF THE BLIND For almost fifty years, since the establish- ment of the State School for the Blind at Ra- leigh, many of the pupils of that institution have been regular attendants at Edenton Street Sunday School. The fall revival of interest in this school, after the summer dullness, may be said to begin with their coming, when school opens in September. During all the winter, whenever the weather permits of their coming out, they are regularly and promptly in their places, setting an example in many ways to those more fortunate. Their presence has been a blessing to the school during all these years and their silent influence has gone out among many. The other members of the school would do well to follow their example in the faithful study of the lesson. What the Sunday School has meant to these boys and girls who for a Edenton Street Sunday School 69 few years have come under its influence could hardly be told. In every revival meeting held in the church the school is well represented among those who come to the Master. The teachers of these classes today are doing more for their scholars than if they were light- ening the blinded eyes ; they are bringing vi- sions of eternal things, that will make bright the hearts and lives, and in the future years will in the New Jerusalem give them eyes to see their King in His glory. There are four classes, taught by Mrs. R. G. Reid, Miss Sarah Burkhead, Miss Flora Creech, and Mr. I. C. Blair. OTHER CLASSES AND THEIR TEACHERS Miss Penelope Davis' class of young ladies is the outgrowth of the class of girls Mrs. A. H. Green received from the infant class, May 6, 1894. The class has been fortunate in that during all these years of its history it has had only the two teachers, Miss Davis taking up the work that Mrs. Green laid down at her death in 1902. Only two of the original number that graduated from the primary department are members of the class today, and as one of these, I could not complete this sketch without paying 70 Edenton Street Sunday School tribute to the faithful teaching of Mrs. Green. Although she had the care of a large family, she always found time to be in her place Sun- day morning, and it was largely through her influence that many in her class found the Saviour. Miss Davis has proved a worthy suc- cessor, and it is indeed a great privilege to lis- ten to her earnest teaching of the lesson. She has at all times shown a deep and personal in- terest in her girls, that they appreciate very deeply. Mrs. I. M. Procter has one of the most inter- esting and enthusiastic classes of girls in the school. Mrs. Procter has been among the ranks of the teachers for eight or nine years. During this time she has taught several classes of girls. Miss Narcissa Hutchings has been teaching in the school since she was fifteen, and no more faithful worker can be found in any depart- ment of the work of the church. She is always ready and willing to lend a hand in any service. She has a class of younger girls, the fficers of which are President, Miss Rosalie Pope ; Sec- retary, Miss Nellie Sims Iden ; Treasurer, Miss Bessie Pope. Other teachers of the classes of younger girls, are Mrs. T. C. Powell, Miss Mary Swann, Miss PASTORS 1. Rev. F. M. Shamburger, 1908-100!) 2. Rev. W. A. Stanbury,* 1909 3. Rev. H. M. North, 1910-1913 'Appointed to succeed Rev. F. M. Shamburger, who resigned because of im- paired health. E dent on Street Sunday School 71 Beryl Taylor and Miss Alice Willson. While they have not been teaching as long as the teachers already mentioned they are among the most faithful in the school and are doing a great work for the young folk and for the school. The devotion of Mrs. Will Young's class of boys to their teacher is beautiful to see, as is also that of the class taught by Miss Mary King. Both these teachers seem to have found the key to a boy's heart and learned the secret of winning them. 72 Edenton Street Sunday School SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFICERS The superintendent is assisted by a most ef- ficient corps of officers. The assistant superin- tendents, Captain J. T. Alderman, Mr. T. A. Partin, and Dr. Albert Anderson, help him very largely in his work. Mr. Partin and Cap- tain Alderman are usually to be found at the door with a hearty handshake and a "glad to see you." Just how long Mr. Phil Thiem has been treasurer of the school it is impossible to say, for Mr. Thiem says he does not remember him- self, and unfortunately there is no record. He is so much a part of the school that it would hardly be the same without his happy face at the treasurer's desk. The school has just lost one of its most valu- able officers, Mr. George D. Stephenson, its sec- retary. Mr. Stephenson's removal to another city is a distinct loss to the school, doubly so since he took with him his wife who promised to be a very valuable worker. As an evidence of the appreciation in which he was held, the school on Sunday, March 3, just before his de- parture, presented him with a handsome Bible. E dent on Street Sunday School 73 Mr. J. B. Green, who was assistant secretary, has succeeded him, Mr. Julian White being elected assistant secretary. From 1875 to 1898, the school had a most efficient librarian in Mr. E. F. Pescud. When business called him to another city to reside for a while in 1898, he was succeeded by Mr. Henry J. Young. Mr. Young has continued in charge of the library ever since and is as- sisted by Mr. O. L. Bailey and Mr. C. C. Ba- ker. Those who are acquainted with the stat- ure of the assistant librarians feel that a better combination could not be secured, for they work together in unusual harmony. There is neither the need of a stepladder on one hand nor a need- less stooping on the other, while Mr. Young, with his calm unruffled smile, hands out the books from the middle shelves. But this is an old joke with the superintendent, usually heard on Sunday School election day. Edenton Street Sunday School is fortunate in its music, an important part of the exercises. Mrs. Hightower and her assistant, Miss Mary King, are both faithful and efficient pianists. Too much cannot be said of Mr. W. B. Wright as leader of the orchestra. There is no officer or teacher in the school more faithful in at- 74 Edenton Street Sunday School tendance than he. He spares no effort to give the school good orchestral music. There is no more faithful servant of the church and Sunday School than John Morgan, who for eighteen years has been the sexton, and who feels an interest in everything that con- cerns the life of the church. Edenton Street Sunday School 75 THE CIRCLES From Sunday to Sunday at Edenton Street Church the congregation hears the announce- ments read out of the meeting of Circle No. 1, Circle ISTo. 2, or whatever circle it may be, of- tentimes without giving a thought to what these meetings mean. Thursday night, December 28, 1911, in the basement of the new Sunday School building a general meeting of the cir- cles was held and a report of the year's work was made, also of the four years during which the circles have been organized, $5,168.56 be- ing the grand total raised. This means not $5,168.56 raised by subscrip- tions and solicitations, etc., but that it has been made by the hard, untiring toil of the women composing the membership of the circles. ISTo undertaking has been too hard or too big, and they have labored unceasingly in behalf of every worthy cause. There are six circles, the chairmen of these being: Miss Hilda Bloxton, Mrs. J. J. Ber- nard, Miss ISTarcissa Hutchings, Mrs. T. A. Partin, Mrs. W. A. Wynne and Miss Sallie Reese. The circles have not only the aim to make monev. but to brins; about a closer social 76 Edenton Street Sunday School spirit in the church, making it a special aim to visit the strangers, the sick, the shut-ins, etc. The organization was formed on the fourth Monday in January, 1908. The movement had been in the minds of Mrs. I. M. Procter and some of the other ladies of the church for months before. It had been planned and talked and finally, at the beginning of the year, 1908, the time seemed ripe to organize. Mrs. Procter as first vice-president of the Home Mis- sion Society, was the moving spirit in the work of organization, and so became the chairman of all the circles. There were sixty ladies at this first meeting. Mrs. C. V. Albright was made treasurer and Miss Daisy Waitt, secretary. The object of the organization was to do the local work of the church. About this time the matter of the new Sun- day School building was being agitated and the movement had no more enthusiastic sup- porters than the women of the circles. They have given willingly and unceasingly of their time and their means. The amount of their work can not be estimated in mere dollars and cents. Mrs. Procter has continued chairman of the circles for four years, and her inspiration, un- Edenton Street Sunday School 77 tiring energy, business ability and tact have been the motive power that has spurred the women on to greater efforts. She has had the loyal support of the chairmen of the individual circles, and working together in harmony and union they have built up one of the greatest organizations in the church. From sixty mem- bers the number has grown during the four years to more than 250. Miss Mary King is the secretary and Miss Bessie Brown treasurer of the general circles. 78 Edenton Street Sunday School MOVEMENT FOR NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL The new Sunday School had been considered for a long time. In 1906, Rev. R. F. Bum- pas, who was then pastor, in his report to the Quarterly Conference, said : The Sunday School, which is one of the best in North Carolina, has outgrown its quarters and has on foot a project for erecting a new Sunday School building. The successful movement seems to have had birth in a banquet given by the women of the circles to the official board Tuesday evening, February 16, 1909. It was a very happy oc- casion and earnest talks were made on the sub- ject of the new Sunday School building. A subscription was started and amounted to $5,000. The circles at this meeting pledged their support, and later in the year when pub- lic pledges were called for they gave $1,000 to the building. Another $1,000 has since been given to the building fund, while $1,000 has been raised for the furnishings. Besides this total of $3,000 raised for the building and fur- nishings, the last gift of the circles is the hand- some Knabe Concert Grand piano for the Sun- day School auditorium. Edenton Street Sunday School 79 THE FAREWELL SERVICE In the spring of 1910 the old Sunday School building was sold to Mr. T. C. Powell, and on Monday, May 2, 1910, workmen began to tear it away to make room for the handsome new brick edifice to take its place. Many of the members of the Sunday School felt a touch of sadness in seeing the old building go, for even its discolored walls and worn carpets were dear to all who had found a home within its portals. Many tender memories were enshrined there. It had faithfully met the needs of its day and time, but that day was now past. The friends it had known in its youth were gone, many of them, and its ways were not the ways of this new generation. Its work was done and it was ready to give way to a newer, larger, hand- somer building, where the school could continue its march of progress. In 1881 the building was dedicated to God, and to the service of Christian education, and it was fitting that before it finished its course God's blessing should be pronounced upon the work that had been carried on there during these years. The farewell service was held in the build- ing, Sunday, May 1, 1910, and the following 80 Edenton Street Sunday School account is given of it in the Raleigh Daily Times of the following day: A large congregation worshiped at Edenton Street Church yesterday morning. The communion service was preceded by a few earnest remarks from the pastor, Rev. H. M. North, on the subject of thanks- giving. The communion should be partaken of in a spirit of thanks. Instead of the usual church serv- ice in the evening, a farewell service was held in the Sunday School room. The present buildiDg has been sold and will be removed this week so that work may begin on the new $30,000 Sunday School building. There is a feeling of sentiment connected with the old building, felt by all who have grown up in the Sunday School there, many of whom were baptized and have been converted at its altars. The superin- tendent has an especially tender feeling for the old building as his was the first marriage performed within its walls, while the church was being built. The congregation last night was composed princi- pally of those who are or have been connected with the Sunday School, and to whom the service had a special interest. Mr. North preached a splendid ser- mon from the familiar words of the benediction, "And now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost abide with you always." It was a sermon most appropriate to the occasion, the whole service bearing a tender farewell note. Many who attended the final service in the old building passed out the doors with a feeling of regret for the work of demolition that was to be begun on the morrow. Edenton Street Sunday School 81 THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL Following the farewell service, the first Sun- day in May, 1910, the next day workmen be- gan to tear away the old Sunday School build- ing to make way for the commodious and hand- some brick edifice which stands today on the same spot as the old building. It has been al- most two years in building, for the work has been many times delayed, so that the opening has been deferred from time to time. The result is well worth whatever there may have been of discomfort and inconvenience in meeting in the church, for Edenton Street has a Sunday School building today which is a credit not only to this church but to Southern Methodism as well. Built of brick with trim- mings of granite, it presents a handsome ap- pearance. Inside, the building is even more pleasing to the eye. Plain and substantial, it is finished in dark oak, with oak chairs, and furnishings in a harmonizing shade of green. The building is entirely modern and up-to- date, erected to meet the needs of a large and growing school. It is conveniently arranged and fitted, the individual class rooms being a feature that will meet with universal favor and will greatly aid in the teaching of the lesson. 6 82 Edenton Street Sunday School The double row of class rooms, arranged in semi-circular fashion, are so situated that the platform will be visible from the most distant seat. The auditorium and class rooms com- bined will seat 1,500 people. On the main floor are six class rooms, the ladies' parlor, the library, intermediate and primary departments, the primary department being so divided as to carry on graded work. Around the gallery above are one large and eleven smaller class rooms with a large room in the rear. The basement has been fitted up with kitchen and serving room, with a large assem- bly room which can be used as a dining room when luncheons are served at the church. This feature will be especially welcome to the ladies of the church. Mr. A. H. Green was chairman of the build- ing committee, the other members being Mr. Jos. G. Brown, J. W. Barber, D. G. Holt, F. H. Phillips, I. M. Procter, M. W. Woodard, T. C. Powell and W. J. Young, Jr. Mr. C. E. Hartge is the architect and Mr. M. A. Moser contractor and builder. Into the building have gone the prayers and hopes and expectations of a whole church. As has already been said the women of the circles Edenton Street Sunday School 83 have aided largely in contributions to the work, while there is probably not a child in the Sun- day School but that has given its mite. Bishop Kilgo, in a recent visit to Raleigh, paid a visit to the new building and expressed his admiration and commendation in the high- est terms, declaring it to be one of the finest and most modernly equipped schools in the South- ern church. A well known Sunday School man, who has traveled largely, observing Sun- day School work, says it is one of the finest he knows of anywhere. With so much in its favor Edenton Street Sunday School in the future ought to be a far greater school than it has been in the past. On the same spot of the former school, it is indeed building on the same foun- dations and ideals of the old school, into which went the strength of many noble men and women. Looking to the opening day a vigorous cam- paign has been carried on by the teachers to bring in all the old scholars and many new ones as well. The committees appointed have done such effective work that this will be a great day in the history of the school. The whole day will be turned into a Sunday School celebra- tion, three services being held. 84 Edenton Street Sunday School The program committee is composed of Mrs. "W. J. Young, chairman; Miss Bessie Brown, Miss Ruth Hughes, Mrs. C. V. Albright and Mr. H. E. Satterfield. On the music committee are Mrs. E. M. Hall, chairman ; Mrs. E. W. Hightower, Miss Jennie Procter and Mr. W. B. Wright. Edenton Street Sunday School 85 CONCLUSION Today we can join with a full heart with the poet in the hymn : I love thy church, O God! Her walls before thee stand, Dear as the apple of thine eye, And graven on thy hand. For her my tears shall fall, For her my prayers ascend, To her my cares and toils be given, Till toils and cares shall end. In a very peculiar sense these words will find lodgment in the hearts of all who love the walls of old Edenton Street church. For more than a century the church has stood on this very spot which is truly hallowed ground. From it ascended the prayers of our fathers in days that are past. For Edenton Street church their toils and cares were given until for them the toils and cares have ended in perfect rest and peace. How many of us have stopped to give ai thought to the early days of our church? Yet they were glorious times and the story of them ought to thrill every one who has the least in- terest here today with a feeling of pride. Be- 86 Edenton Street Sunday School cause we have reached the mountain top let us not forget the way by which we climbed. While we look forward with bright expectations to the pleasant fields and high places of endeavor let us not lose the strength that came only by sur- mounting the heights of difficulty. Today there stand out a number of mile- stones to mark the line of progress. The first one was erected in 1811, when one of the first results of the first Methodist Conference held in Raleigh was the erection of the First Metho- dist Church. It was a wooden structure, 50x60 feet, and stood on the site of the Edenton Street Church of the present. It was the first house of worship built by any denomination in the city and was finished in 1811. The lot on which the church and parsonage are located was donated by Hon. Wiley Jones. The next milestone to be erected was one al- ready mentioned, in this sketch, the founding of Edenton Street Sunday School by Rev. Ben- nett T. Blake in 1827. In 1839 the first church building was con- sumed by fire. Steps were taken immediately to erect another and better house of worship, and 1841 marks the entrance into the new church. SUPERINTENDENTS 1. Donald W. Bain, 1877-1880 2. William J. Young, 1866-1877; 1880-1898 3. Joseph G. Brown, 1898-1903; 1905- Edenton Street Sunday School 87 The erection of a separate Sunday School building in 1881 marks another period of de- velopment, closely followed by the building and dedication of the new church in 1887. Today, Sunday, April 28, 1912, we go an- other step farther and place another milestone in the line of progress. For more than a half century the same old bell has been pealing out invitation. When the new church was built it was the unanimous opinion that no other bell could ever tell its story quite so sweetly. One of the oldest inhabitants of the city tells a pretty story about this bell, which she declares to be a fact. It was cast, she says, at Burns' foundry in our own city, the members of the church inarching around and throwing in handfuls of silver when it was cast. There seems to be no record of the fact, but it is stated that a number of bells were cast at Burns' foun- dry, and this was no doubt one of them. While the rest of the story is probably only a tradi- tion which was called forth by the unusual sweetness and silvery tone, it adds a sentiment to the old bell which we all have learned to love. 88 Edenton Street Sunday School May this great day draw all closer in love and loyalty to the church and school which have come hand in hand through the years, so closely united. May we be inspired to greater, more faithful and unselfish service, looking to the Master of all to set His seal upon it. Brighter still and brighter, Glows the western sun, Shedding all its gladness O'er our work that's done; Time will soon be over, Toil and sorrow past, May we, blessed Saviour, Find a rest at last! Onward, ever onward, Journeying o'er the road Worn by saints before us, Journeying on to God! Leaving all behind us, May we hasten on, Backward never looking Till the prize is won. Higher, then and higher, Bear the ransomed soul, Earthly toils forgetting, Saviour, to its goal; Where, in joys unthought of, Saints with angels sing, Never weary raising Praises to their King. APPENDIX Edenton Street Sunday School 91 OPENING OF THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL A more perfect day could not have been de- sired than dawned Sunday, April 28, 1912. Following a rainy Sunday the bright, sun- shiny spring day was hailed with joy by many hearts in the city, for it was to be a day of great things, the biggest day in the history of Edenton Street Methodist Sunday School, the day when those who had labored unceasingly for the new building and for a bigger school were to see their hopes and expectations more than realized. The formal opening of the new building on this glorious Sunday morning was a time of closer union and deeper love and fellowship. Those who had any part in the services or any interest in the school felt closer drawn to each other through their common love for the old school. There was a smile on every face and a song in every heart. Though this was not the formal dedication of the building, it was a consecration in every true sense. Three services were held during the day, the exercises doing honor to the occasion and at- tracting large congregations ; many coming from the other churches of the city. Large col- lections and pledges were raised, the total 92 Edenion Street Sunday School amounting to something more than $4,000. Of the $31,000 cost of the building, $14,000 of this amount had already been paid. The exercises were full of life and interest, the music by a large orchestra and the singing by a choir of white robed girls being a feature of the day that was greatly enjoyed. The fol- lowing order of services was observed at the morning hour: Orchestra — 9:30 to 10 o'clock. Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow. Prayer — Rev. H. M. North. Scripture Lesson — Psalm 100. Responsively, School standing. Superintendent. — Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. School. — Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Superintendent. — Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. School. — Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: he thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Superintendent. — For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all genera- tions. Hymn, No. 184. Processional — Primary Department. Song — Primary Department. Presentation of Diplomas and Bibles. Recognition of Cradle Roll. Edenton Street Sunday School 93 Welcome — Worth Bagley Daniels. Song, No. 70. What the Sunday School Has Meant to One Class — Clifton Beckwith. The Baraca Class — Prof. W. C. Norton. Chorus — Students from Blind Institution. The Philathea Class— Mrs. H. E. Satterfield. The Home Department — Mrs. V. Royster. Male Quartette — A. and M. College. History of the School — Miss Susan Iden. Chorus. Orchestra. Hymn, No. 190. Address — Dr. Dred Peacock. Hymn, No. 196. This Building — Joseph G. Brown, Superintendent. This Occasion — Rev. H. M. North, Pastor. Offering. Hymn, No. 39. Benediction. Orchestra. The congregation at the morning service filled every available section of the great build- ing. The seats were all taken, many extra chairs being placed in the aisles and around the gallery, while many people stood during a large part of the exercises. The address was delivered by Dr. Dred Pea- cock, of High Point. He humorously depicted the Sunday Schools of the time when he and many of the older members of Edenton Street 94 Edenton Street Sunday School school were boys and girls, and enumerated some of the essentials to successful teaching. During this service diplomas were presented to the graduates of the primary department, welcome was extended by Worth Bagiey Dan- iels, and "What the Sunday School Has Meant to One Class" was told by Mr. Clifton Beck- with. Representatives of two other classes, Prof. W. C. Norton, Baraca, and Mrs. H. E. Satterfield, Philathea, told what was being done in their classes. Mrs. Vitruvius Roy- ster talked on the Home Department, and Miss Susan Franks Iden read a synopsis of her his- tory of the Sunday School, which had been pre- pared for this occasion. The superintendent, Mr. Joseph G. Brown, and the pastor, Rev. Harry M. North, made a few appropriate re- marks, and then those present were given the opportunity to subscribe to the building fund. At four o'clock in the afternoon fraternal services were held, representatives of other Sunday scho.ols in the city participating, the following being the program : Orchestra. Hymn No. 153. Prayer — John T. Pullen. Go Forward — J. Van Carter. Edenton Street Sunday School 95 Greetings from Other Methodists — Rev. C. J. Harrell. Solo — Mr. Beasley. Greetings from Our Neighbors — Col. Fred A. Olds, C. H. Stephenson, E. B. Crow, N. B. Broughton. Hymn No. 206. Solo — Mrs. Horace Dowell. A Suggestion from the Pastor. Doxology. Orchestra. Although the audience at the afternoon serv- ice was not as large as in the morning or in the evening, to many this was the most interest- ing service of the day. The speeches were short and live and there was good music, the singing being mostly congregational, a point that had been stressed at all the services. At this meeting greetings were received from the churches and Sunday schools of other de- nomination, and these all breathed the spirit of friendship and good will, rejoicing with the Methodists in their day of achievement. Mr. Joseph G. Brown, the superintendent, presided. The opening prayer was made by Mr. John T. Pullen. The first speaker was Mr. J. Van Carter, general secretary of the North Carolina Sun- day School Association. Mr. Carter's theme was "Go Forward." Rev. C. J. Harrell, pas- 96 Edenton Street Sunday School tor of Epworth Church, brought greetings from the other Methodists of the city. Such an oc- casion, he declared, brought joy to all, but the Methodists of the city were especially proud of it. It is a working plant for the Methodist Church, and through it to the kingdom of God. A building like it means a strengthening of the fold, and he was proud of it. The greeting from the Episcopalian neigh- bors was brought by Col. Fred A. Olds, and as the man who shows Raleigh to visitors, he de- clared he would not forget about this building. He especially commended the teacher-training department of the school. Mr. C. H. Stephenson, superintendent of the Christian Sunday School, declared this was his first day of speech-making, but he was happy to bring the greeting of the nearest neighbor. Mr. E. B. Crow, who like "Brer Rabbit" had been born and bred, not in the "brier patch," but in the Presbyterian Church, gave seven points that characterize an ideal Sunday School, the first two of which he declared Eden- ton Street School already possessed, ideal equipment and an ideal superintendent. The last greeting was from Mr. 1ST. B. Broughton, the live superintendent of the Tab- Edenton Street Sunday School 97 ernacle Sunday School, and the man, who., Mr. Brown declared, was known whether at home, in Boston or Jerusalem, as "the Sunday School man." Mr. Broughton's greeting was very heartily expressed. He recalled his boyhood days and the Union Sunday School picnics, tell- ing an amusing incident of the little boy who was greedily clutching for two handfuls of cake and when reproved his mother exclaimed: "Eat just as much as you want to, John William, you belong to the big Methodist Sunday School !" Mr. Broughton wished she could see the "big Methodist Sunday School" of today. He de- clared he had seen a good many of the best buildings in the country, but he had never seen a better building for Sunday School work and he was proud of it. At eight o'clock in the evening the opening day's exercises were brought to a close with the following services : Anthem. Hymn No. 659. Prayer. Scripture Lesson. Offertory. Hymn No. 658. Sermon — Rev. Leslie P. Howard. Hymn No. 192. Benediction. 7 98 Edenton Street Sunday School The members of the Sunday School and church and many visitors of other denomina- tions met again at eight o'clock in the Sunday School auditorium, to conclude a day that had been so full of interest, and one on which even the weather had smiled in brightest favor. Rev. II. M. North, the pastor, said that for the closing message of the day they were to have Rev. Leslie P. Howard, pastor of the Methodist Church at Rocky Mount, and while this was not saying that they were saving the best for the last, those who listened to, his mag- nificent sermon, a message of hope and faith, and high ideals, felt lifted and inspired and felt that this was indeed a fitting message to have at the close of such an eventful day. Mr. Howard's text was Genesis 28:12-14, the vision of Jacob recorded in his dream of the ladder stretching from earth to Heaven. Surely this must be a place, he declared, where men must dream dreams and see visions and go out into the world and find the vision and dream to be The real thing. In after years they will come back again, as Jacob did to Bethel, and find again the heavenly vision. He declared this building should be dedicated to the eternal thing in man that keeps him Edenton Street Sunday School 99 above the beast. It should be dedicated to re- ligion so that all men may become religious. Mr. Howard did not despair of modern life, he declared, because unseen powers lurk in the souls of men about us. When the infinite forces of man assert themselves then he is linked on to the eternal. To the task of bring- ing out these forces in men this building should be dedicated. So the day came to a close, and while rising to the mountain top and looking back over the rugged way by which this triumphant day had been attained, a glance was also cast toward the future to catch a glimpse of the heavenly vision that raised Jacob. 100 Edenton Street Sunday School PASTORS Beginning with the founder of the school, Rev. Bennett T. Blake, in 1827: 1827. Bennett T. Blake. 1828. George A. Bain. 1829. George W. Nolley. 1830. Abram Penn. 1831. Melville B. Cox, Bennett T. Blake. 1832. James McDonald. 1833. John Kerr, Daniel Hall. 1834. James Jameison. 1835. James Jameison. 1836. George W. Langhorne. 1837. Edward Wadsworth. 1838. Joseph H. Davis. 1839. William S. Johnson. 1840. John Todd Brame. 1841. William S. Johnson, Bennett T. Blake. 1842. Sidney D. Bumpas. 1843. Sidney D. Bumpas. 1844. John E. Edwards. 1845. John E. Edwards. 1846. Thomas S. Campbell. 1847. Robert O. Burton. 1848. Robert O. Burton. 1849. Rufus T. Heflin. 1850. Rufus T. Heflin. 1851. Peter Doub. 1852. Peter Doub. 1853. William E. Pell. 1854. William E. Pell. 1855. Numa P. Reid. 1856. Numa P. Reid. 1857. Joseph H. Wheeler. Edenton Street Sunday School 101 1858. L. L. Hendren. 1859. L. L. Hendren. 1860. Joel W. Tucker. 1861. Joel W. Tucker. 1862. John S. Long. 1863. John S. Long. 1864. Braxton Craven. 1865. Braxton Craven. 1866. H. T. Hudson. 1867. H. T. Hudson. 1868. H. T. Hudson. 1869. H. T. Hudson. 1870. Jonathan H. Dally. 1871. L. S. Burkhead. 1872. Adolphus W. Mangum. 1873. Adolphus W. Mangum. 1874. Adolphus W. Mangum. 1875. Adolphus W. Mangum, L. S. Burkhead. 1876. L. S. Burkhead. 1877. L. S. Burkhead. 1878. William S. Black. 1879 William S. Black. 1880. William S. Black. 1881. Augustus A. Boshamer. 1882. E. A. Yates. 1883. E. A. Yates. 1884. W. C. Norman. 1885. W. C. Norman. 1886. W. C. Norman. 1887. W. C. Norman. 1888. J. T. Gibbs. 1889. J. T. Gibbs. 1890. J. H. Cordon. 1891. J. H. Cordon. 1892. J. N. Cole. 102 Edenton Street Sunday School 1893. J. N. Cole. 1894. J. N. Cole. 1895. J. N. Cole. 1896. W. C. Norman. 1897. W. C. Norman. 1898. W. C. Norman. 1899. "W. C. Norman. 1900. G. F. Smith. 1901. G. F. Smith. 1902. G. F. Smith. 1903. G. F. Smith. 1904. R. F. Bumpas. 1905. R. F. Bumpas. 1906. R. F. Bumpas. 1907. R. F. Bumpas. 1908. F. M. Shamburger. 1909. F. M. Shamburger, W. A. Stanbury. 1910. H. M. North. 1911. H. M. North. 1912. H. M. North. SUPERINTENDENTS Nathaniel O. Blake, reported as the first superin- tendent, was appointed in 1827, serving only a short time. Rev. Thomas J. LeMay, served until May 19, 1850, with the exception of two years filled by L. W. Peck. S. H. Young, May 19, 1850— May 27, 1866. W. J. Young, May 27, 1866— September 24, 1877. Donald W. Bain, September 24, 1877— October 19, 1880. W. J. Young (second term), October 19, 1880-1898. Joseph G. Brown, 1898-1903. W. J. Young, Jr., 1903-1905. Joseph G. Brown (second term), 1905 — Date Due I 1 L. B. Cat. No. 1137 268.876 n9E 113614 •any Historical Sketch Z66,9>lte m^ 113614 etsity I- 1 0917309/1.00 Ejqn A)isj3Aiun 8>(na