First Presbyterian Church of Olney William. Henry Wells, D.D., Pastor Tabor Road at Third Street Olney, Philadelphia /. n. 2 ,i], LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON. N. J. Presented by c3h Division . CUC « Section . A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF THE BUILDINGS WHEN COMPLETED Twenty-five Tears of Service * First Presbyterian Church of Olney Philadelphia COMMEMORATING THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH DECEMBER 5, 1923 COMPILED ANp WRITTEN BY William Henry Wells, D.D., Pastor Published under the direction of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary Committee TO THE PEOPLE whom I have had the honor and privilege to serve as pastor, by whose kindly affection, unswerving loyalty, generous forbearance, and earnest prayers the work of this Church has been supported and devel¬ oped throughout the years, this History is affectionately DEDICA TED Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/twentyfiveyearsoOOwell WILLIAM HENRY WELLS, D.D. Pastor , 1899— FOREWORD In connection with the celebration of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Church, it was suggested that a history be written as a matter of permanent record, a source of encourage¬ ment and a fount of inspiration. In the providence of God it fell to the lot of the pastor to be the historian. In this History, statistics do not figure con¬ spicuously, but sentiments and events have been expressed, believing that the feelings and cir¬ cumstances prompting them would make the pages of this History glow and live in the lives of those who will continue the work in future years. The author gratefully acknowledges the use of the diary notes of Mrs. Mary E. Lighten- home and Mrs. Franklin W. Oehrle, the Minutes of the Church Session and the Minutes of the Presbytery of Philadelphia North, from which excerpts have been quoted. As this brief historical summary goes forth, it is with a prayer that it may fulfill its mission. William Henry Wells. December , 1923. 3 AN APPRECIATION In his Foreword, Dr. Wells said, “In the provi¬ dence of God it fell to the lot of the pastor to be the historian.” Because of the natural modesty of the historian many things which could have been, and should have been said about his work were not recorded. He has read and corrected all the proofs of this book, but has not and will not see this page until the book is completed. It has been my privilege to take care of the mechanics of the book. I have had little to say about what went into it, but much to say about the way it was printed. If I were a writer instead of a printer, it might have been possible for me to pen a proper appreciation of the work which our pastor has done for us. I believe, however, that it is the unanimous sentiment of the congregation that we owe Dr. Wells much, very much, of the credit for the success of the work during the past twenty-five years. Dr. Wells came to us a young man from college. The small beginning did not promise a large future for him, but, with the aid of a few faithful ones, he laid the foundation which has been so suc¬ cessfully developed—a work whereof we are justly proud. From a membership of fifty, we have grown to a Church of almost nine hundred, and from a Sabbath school of less than one hundred we have become one of the largest, and recognized as one of the best organized schools in Philadelphia. During these twenty-five years, Dr. Wells has been more than a preacher and a teacher; he has 5 AN APPRECIATION been a friend in all that the word implies, sharing alike our joys and sorrows, and ready at all times to minister and to help. He has proven himself a Christian, a teacher, a friend. We hope he is as proud of us and our Church as we are of him and his work. Surely we are all thankful that we have had him for twenty-five years, and pray that God will spare him to us and prosper his work among us for many years to come. V. Winfield Challenger 6 CHURCH ORGANIZATION Organized December 5, 1898 Chartered December 12, 1901 Pastor, Rev. William Henry Wells, D.D. Pastor’s Assistant, Miss L. S. Ackerman MISSIONARIES Home Field, Rev. Samuel C. Presnell, Booneville, Kentucky Foreign Field, Rev. Edward W. Perry, Yuan Kiang, Yunnan, China Via Hongkong and Hanoi Foreign Field, Miss Ida M. Reifsneider, West Africa Mission RULING ELDERS William Fetter, Clerk and Treasurer Franklin W. Oehrle, Sr. David Dugan William Harmer Good, M.D. Robert C. Mackie V. Winfield Challenger William K. Robson Elmer C. Bertolet Robert Cairns THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Franklin W. Oehrle, Sr., President Hugh Hamilton, Vice-President William Fetter, Treasurer W. Ellsworth Brown, Secretary William J. Peoples, Sr. Robert J. McConaghy, Sr. Lewis A. Bishop Harry G. Rintz, Sr. Harry C. Hecht, Sr. Choir Director—Charles W. Munder, 3423 N. Sixteenth Street Church Organist—Miss Ann M. Thompson, 1816 N. Eleventh Street Sexton—Robert J. McConaghy, Sr., 5308 N. Water Street CHURCH COUNCIL Chairman - - - V. Winfield Challenger Secretary - - - - M. Elizabeth Oehrle SABBATH SCHOOL Superintendent - V. Winfield Challenger Associate Superintendents Robert C. Mackie William K. Robson Walter J. Neely Recording Secretary - Ruth E. Dugan Secretary of Records - Thomas B. Mackie Assistant Secretaries - { KoTc?'Shut? Treasurer.James S. Shute Chorister - - - - Harry G. Rintz, Sr. Pianist ------ Esther H. Neely Chairman Missionary Committee, Robert T. Lawson Cradle Roll Superintendent - Mrs. D. Orville Killey Beginners’ Department Superintendent - Mrs. Joseph C. Carson Primary Department Superintendent - - - - Ella S. Most Junior Department Superintendent - - Mrs. Otto Winkopp Intermediate Department Superintendent - - Francis T. Johnson Senior Department Superintendent - - - Elmer C. Bertolet Young People’s Department Superintendent - - William K. Robson Adult Department Superintendent - - - Robert C. Mackie Classes Men’s Pleasant Hour Meeting President - - Max. H. Ladendorf Teacher - Wm. Henry Wells, D.D. Women’s Bible Class President - - Mrs. Paul V. Guest Teacher - - - Robert C. Mackie Mothers’ Bible Class President Mrs. Edward H. Vonderweidt Teacher - - Mrs. Elmer C. Bertolet Teacher Training Department Superintendent - - - - Ellen Copeland Home Department Superintendent - Mrs. Robert C. Mackie LADIES’ AID SOCIETY President - - - Mrs. George W. Vass Vice-President - Mrs. John G. Sonneborn Secretary - - - Mrs. Thomas S. Nash Treasurer - - - Mrs. William Elkins Financial Calendar Secretary - - - Mrs. John B. Hartman WOMAN’S HOME AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY President - - Mrs. John G. Sonneborn Vice-President - - Elizabeth J. Reaney Secretary - - Mrs. William J. Gilmore Treasurer - - - Mrs. George H. Keller 7 CHURCH ORGANIZATION TITHERS’ LEAGUE President ------ Robert Cairns Vice-President - - Robert J. Buchanan Secretary ----- Edward Rodisch Treasurer - - Mrs. John G. Sonnebom THE BROTHERHOOD President - - - - Augustus H. Sillman Vice-President - - - John T. Hamilton Secretary ----- Edward Rodisch Treasurer - - - - Wm. J. Peoples, Sr. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR Young People’s Society President.- Carl G. Klaiss Vice-President - - - - Clara E. Logan Secretary ------ Earl Nimon Treasurer - - - - James M. Anderson Senior Superintendent - - - Elmer C. Bertolet Intermediate Superintendent - - Francis T. Johnson Junior Superintendent - - Mrs. Otto Winkopp PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL Representative - Mrs. William H. Wells BOY SCOUTS SCOUT COMMITTEE Arthur M. Byers.Chairman John H. Brownlee - - - - Secretary Scout Master - - - - Walter J. Neely Assistant Scout Master - Dagobert E. Miller Assistant Scout Master - William D. Lutz GIRL SCOUTS (Mrs. William G. Otto Scout Council - ■< Miss Esther Copeland ( Mrs. Horace L. Fenton Captain ------ Naomi Rieber HOME FOR WIDOWS AND SINGLE WOMEN Representative - - Mrs. Joseph A. Blair PRESBYTERIAN ORPHANAGE Representative - Mrs. Harry C. Hecht, Sr. DEACONESS TRAINING SCHOOL Representative - Miss M. Elizabeth Oehrle HOME FOR AGED COUPLES AT BALA Representative - Mrs. V. Winfield Challenger 8 CONTENTS Chapter Page I Early Beginnings - - - 11 II Getting Established - - 24 III Strengthening Foundations - 29 IV Greater Growth - - - 34 V Building Again 45 VI War Annals 54 VII Regions Beyond - - - 61 VIII Valley Shadows 67 IX Dominant Forces 73 X Much Remaineth - - - 76 9 I CHAPTER I EARLY BEGINNINGS T HIS Church is the outgrowth of an effort on the part of persons holding the Presbyterian faith and order, to provide services of worship and a Sabbath school. The initial steps were taken by Mrs. Mary E. Lightenhome, who prepared the way for the in¬ auguration of the work. Invitations to the people of the community were prepared by Mrs. Lightenhome and delivered by Mrs. J. Merriam Boardman. A preliminary meeting for the consideration of the project was held Thursday evening, January 20, 1898, at the home of Mrs. Boardman, 5500 N. Mascher Street, formerly Clinton Street, at which fifteen persons were present. “Much enthusiasm was evidenced and the Holy Spirit hallowed the hour with His presence.” It was decided to take some definite steps. Accordingly, the following Sabbath afternoon, at 3.30 o’clock, the first service was held at the home of Mrs. Boardman, conducted by the Rev. William MacFarland, then pastor of Ann Carmichael Church, and his elder, Harry P. Brown. Mr. MacFarland encouraged the effort. Besides these two, there were nineteen persons present, among them Mr. and Mrs. George E. Hutt. Mr. Hutt was the first man in the community to become interested and to take hold of the work. The following Thursday, Mrs. Lightenhome called upon the Rev. Alexander Henry, pastor of Hermon Church. As a result of this conference, li TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Mr. Henry advised the starting of a Sabbath school immediately. The School was started the following Sabbath, thirty-five persons being present. William S. Jack- son, then a resident of Olney, had been appointed to act as superintendent, and Mr. Hutt, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Jackson spoke, taking for his lesson Job 11:10, followed by Herbert Deuel, of Fox Chase, who spoke on Matthew 18:20. “We were all benefited by what was said and left, more than ever determined to do our utmost in His name.” “Thursday evening, February 3, the first prayer meeting was held. It was an inspiring meeting. Twenty-two were present. Mr. Hutt was the leader and several took part, showing the spirit of service.” Arrangements were made to rent two rooms in the home of Mrs. Nathaniel Clegg, 5437 N. Second Street. Beginning Sabbath, February 6, services were held there until September. The first morning service, April 2, 1898, at which thirty-six were present, was conducted by Shubal Daniels, of the Sunday Breakfast Association. Frequently after¬ wards Mr. Daniels conducted services. Mrs. Lightenhome called upon the Rev. William H. Pumphrey, Ph.D., pastor of the Memorial Church, Fox Chase, and solicited his interest. After five weeks Mr. Jackson, having removed from the community, relinquished his appointment as superintendent. William J. Scott, who had become interested, was asked and kindly consented to act as superintendent. Later, he was elected to the office, and continued as superintendent through these initial stages and be- 12 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY came the first superintendent of the organized Sabbath School after Presbytery had completed the organization of the Church. The beginning in these rented rooms was very humble indeed. The music was furnished from an organ loaned by Mrs. Boardman, and boxes and boards did service for a while as seats. Later, each person bought his own chair, and thus comfortable seating was provided. The School had meanwhile grown so that it was advisable to divide it into three classes. It was at this time, March 13, 1898, that the Primary De¬ partment was organized. A little later an effort was made to secure a library. Also, about this time, Mr. Scott secured from our Board of Publication and Sabbath School Work, a liberal donation of books, weekly papers, lesson leaflets, cards, and charts to aid in the study of the International Lessons. The Board continued to supply the School for some months, until it was able to make the purchase of its necessary supplies. As the weeks went by new people became inter¬ ested, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John K. Wilson and Mr. and Mrs. Franklin W. Oehrle. From the first, Mrs. Rachael V. Brandt was one who rendered every possible assistance to the new enterprise, especially in the use of her home and lawn at the northeast corner of Third Street and Olney Avenue. Mrs. Brandt, however, never be¬ came a member of the Church. Her nephew, William B. Pollard, a member of the Bethlehem Church, became interested and assisted in procuring from his own church, speakers for the Sabbath and 13 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE mid-week services. This was a very great help. At the close of the mid-week service, March 23, “Mr. Pollard suggested obtaining ministerial help for the Sabbath services, from the students at the Theological Seminary at Princeton, for the paying of their car fare.” This was looked upon favorably. At the same time it became evident that before a great while another meeting place would have to be sought. This raised the suggestion of the possi¬ bility of building, and on Sabbath, March 27, “two boxes were put in place, one for the Building Fund, the other for the car fare for ministers.” As opportunity offered, a student from the Theo¬ logical Seminary was secured. He spent the week¬ end in Olney, preaching twice, and assisting in the Sabbath School. The work continued to progress so well that the plan of having a student pastor for the summer was discussed in a business meeting held after the mid¬ week service, May 18. Mr. Pollard spoke of the willingness of a friend, Dudley M. Clagett, a student from the Theological Seminary at Princeton, to come for the summer. Mr. Clagett was secured and took charge the following Sabbath. He began at once gathering in all the Presbyterian families in the neighborhood. It was through his efforts that a number of families came in from Cedar Grove, mem¬ bers of the Frankford Church who had been accus¬ tomed to walk to Frankford. These folks made a large accession to the services of the mission, and included the Copelands, McLories, Clarks, and Dugans. Mr. and Mrs. William Fetter became in¬ terested about this time, too. 14 THE CLEGG HOUSE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING Services of the Church and Sabbath School were held Used 1898_1904 in this house, February to August, 1898 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY The two rented rooms were more than filled with the people who now attended the services, and it was evident that other arrangements would soon have to be made to meet the needs of this healthy, growing mission. This was a serious problem to face. The men and women who were in the work were resolute; having put their hands to the plow, they would not look back. Each one felt it neces¬ sary to go forward. At a business meeting held after the Wednesday evening service, June 22, it was decided to build a house of some kind for worship. A building committee was appointed, con¬ sisting of William J. Scott, George E. Hutt, Franklin W. Oehrle, and William V. Love. Mr. Scott was the owner of a plot of ground at the northeast corner of Tabor Road and Third Street. This he offered to loan to the mission. A canvass of the people resulted in the subscribing of enough money to begin the erection of a plain frame building on the ground offered by Mr. Scott. He also offered his services, without charge, for the erection of the building. John Brough, then a car¬ penter, was engaged to help. The building consisted of one large room, twenty-five feet wide and forty- five feet long, to which a vestibule was afterwards added. It took the entire summer to erect the building, because most of the work was done in the evenings by the men of the Church. Meanwhile, Mr. Clagett organized a Ladies’Aid Society. All the women were invited to meet at the home of Mrs. Hutt, the evening of August 8, to organize a Ladies’ Aid Society. The society was duly organized with Mrs. Hutt as president, Mrs. 15 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Oehrle, vice-president, and Mrs. Lightenhome, secre¬ tary and treasurer. This organization of women has continued to be the most active and helpful organiza¬ tion in the history of the Church, with an unbroken service of ever-increasing usefulness. The building was finished late in August and was made ready for occupancy. The first services were held in it, Sabbath, September 4, conducted by Mr. Clagett. The Rev. William MacFarland was present at the evening service. The attendance for the day was: morning 80, Sabbath School 50, evening 107. Offerings for the day amounted to $40.07. Much of the financial help for this purpose was supplied by the women of the Church. On Wednesday evening, September 21, an elec¬ tion was held for what was to be known as a “Con¬ trolling Committee,” resulting in the election of Messrs. Scott, Hutt, Wilson, Oehrle, and Fetter. To this Committee was entrusted the interests and the affairs of the mission. On Tuesday, September 27, Mr. Clagett left to resume his studies. After his leaving, the plan of having a student from the Seminary over the week-end was resumed. “Among those who came and were most accept¬ able in their ministrations, and by their enthusiasm attracted many people to the services, were Edward L. Kennedy, Charles E. Patton, Ernest F. Hall, Clinton W. Lowrie, Harvey Klaer, and William Henry Wells.” On Wednesday evening, September 28, a Society of Christian Endeavor was organized, with twelve members, and the following officers: President, John 16 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY K. Wilson, vice-president, Lulu Kaiser, secretary, and treasurer, Margaret M. Copeland, and corre¬ sponding secretary, Mrs. Franklin W. Oehrle. As the years have gone by, the Christian Endeavor work has been conducted in all its various departments with much profit, but at times with varying degrees of success. On Sabbath, July 24, the Sabbath School passed a resolution asking to be taken under the care of the Frankford Church; the resolution was to be signed by the Building Committee. Nothing came of this because it did not seem to meet the situation, as the people were looking forward to the organization of a church. Later, another petition was prepared, duly signed by sixty-eight persons and addressed to the Presbytery of Philadelphia North (setting forth that: “We, the undersigned petitioners, most respectfully represent the organization of a Presbyterian Church at Olney, Philadelphia, as desirable, and that the same will advance the interests of Christ’s kingdom; and we hereby petition your honorable body to form such an organization and also represent our¬ selves as willing to become members thereof, and in token of such intention, hereto set our respective names.” “At a meeting of Presbytery held November 8, 1898, the Rev. John B. Laird presented a petition from sixty-eight persons residing in Olney, Phila¬ delphia, proposing to be organized as a Presbyterian Church. The petition was referred to the Com¬ mittee on Home Missions with power to act.” 17 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE In accordance with this action, the Committee on Home Missions met in the Church building, Mon¬ day, December 5, 1898, and organized the Church, with fifty-one members. The Rev. Alexander Henry, chairman of the Committee, was the moderator, and Elder William H. Scott, of the Market Square Church, Germantown, secretary of the Committee, was the clerk. Other members of the Committee present were: the Rev. Thomas R. Bieber, D.D., the Rev. William P. White, D.D., and the Rev. William Porter Lee. The sermon was preached by Dr. Bieber. Immediately after the organization was com¬ pleted, a congregational meeting was held. It was resolved to call the Church the First Presbyterian Church of Olney. The rotary system of eldership was adopted. William J. Scott, William Fetter, and John K. Wilson were elected ruling elders. A letter from the Session of the Frankford Church was read, commending Elders Scott and Fetter, both having been members thereof. Mr. Wilson was ordained and all were duly installed. Subsequently, Mr. Wilson was elected Clerk of the Session. On motion the following persons, nine in number, were unanimously elected trustees: Franklin W. Oehrle, George E. Hutt, Lavine A. Lightenhome, John Wier, David Dugan, Matthew Kenney, Joseph Dickson, J. Kinsey Kerr, and Samuel Clark. Subse¬ quently, Mr. Oehrle was elected president of the Board of Trustees. He has served continuously in that office ever since and he is the only one of the original number still serving. Mr. Wier was elected secretary and Mr. Hutt treasurer. 18 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY At a meeting of Presbytery, January 10, 1899, the Committee on Home Missions presented a re¬ port, which was adopted, namely: “On December 5, 1898, the Presbyterian Church of Olney was organ¬ ized with fifty-one members. William J. Scott, William Fetter, and John K. Wilson were elected ruling elders. The Rev. Alexander Henry was ap¬ pointed moderator until the next meeting of Presby¬ tery. Subsequently, the Rev. William MacFarland was appointed moderator of the Olney Church and permission granted to the Session to supply its pulpit.” William Fetter represented the Church. At a meeting of Presbytery, March 14, 1899, “The Committee on Home Missions presented a re¬ port recommending the Church at Olney to the Synodical Committee on Home Missions and Sus- tentation, for $200 per annum, to date from the organization of the Church, and urging the Church to establish the pastoral relation as speedily as possible. The report was adopted and the stated clerk was instructed to cast the ballot of Presbytery in favor of the Olney Church for $200.” The pulpit continued to be supplied by students from the Theological Seminary. As the winter went on, the need for a settled pastor became more and more evident. “The young men who were coming from Princeton each week were now in the grad¬ uating class and would be going out to permanent charges as soon as commencement was over.” The next important step, therefore, was the se¬ curing of a pastor. “The most popular of all those students who came that winter was William Henry Wells, and Mr. Scott urged that he receive the call. 19 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE The people hesitated only because they could offer but a meager salary of $500 a year, but the Synodical Aid Committee, being appealed to, offered $300 a year additional salary.” It was decided to call a congregational meeting for Wednesday, March 29, to meet at the close of the mid-week service “for the purpose of calling a pastor. Nominations being called for, the name of William Henry Wells was announced, and on motion, nominations were closed with the single candidate. Franklin W. Oehrle was elected to cast the ballot and voted for William Henry Wells, con¬ curred in unanimously by the congregation. The following persons were elected to sign the call: William J. Scott, William Fetter, John K. Wilson, elders, and George E. Hutt, trustee. William Fetter and L. A. Lightenhome were elected a committee to present the call to Presbytery.” “Although he received other calls, all of them carrying much larger salaries, yet Mr. Wells re¬ sponded to this one.” Fie announced his acceptance of the call to the congregation at the Easter morning service, April 7. At a meeting of Presbytery, April 25, 1899, “a call for the pastoral services of licentiate, William H. Wells, was presented from Olney Church. The call was read and, with the exception of the reference to the appropriation expected from the Synodical Committee on Sustentation, which was ordered eliminated, was found in order and retained in the possession of the Presbytery.” Mr. Wells graduated from Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania, class of 1896, and from the 20 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey, class of 1899. The commencement was held Tuesday, May 9, and on Saturday, May 20, Mr. Wells came to Olney and began his work the next day. Mrs. Jacob Felton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Scott, with whom they resided, opened her home to the new pastor, and he continued a member of this family until he established his own home in February, the following year, having married Eulalie C. Ackerman, of Easton, Pennsylvania. At a meeting of Presbytery held in the home Church of Mr. Wells, the First Church of Reading, July 11, 1899, “the Home Mission Committee re¬ ported recommending the Olney Church to the Com¬ mittee on Synodical Sustentation for $300 for one year. The report was adopted and the stated clerk was instructed to cast and did cast the ballot of Presbytery for that amount.” Also at this meeting, “Presbytery proceeded to the examination of licen¬ tiate, William H. Wells, for ordination. Mr. Wells was examined in Theology, Church History, Church Government, and the Sacraments; and the examina¬ tion in each was sustained. The Committee on Examination reported recommending that the ex¬ amination in language be sustained. The report was adopted. The roll was called and the examination as a whole was sustained.” On motion, the Rev. George C. Heckman, D.D., Mr. Wells’s pastor, was appointed to preach the sermon; the Rev. Thomas R. Bieber, D.D., to offer the prayer of ordination, and the moderator, the Rev. William Porter Lee, to propose the constitu¬ tional questions. Presbytery then proceeded solemnly 21 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE to ordain William Henry Wells according to these arrangements, and by prayer and the laying on of the hands of Presbytery, to the work of the Gospel ministry. The name of William Henry Wells was, on motion, added to the roll of Presbytery. Mr. Wells and Elder William Fetter were appointed a committee to arrange for the installation. Later the committee reported “recommending that the install¬ ation take place Tuesday, July 18, 1899, at 8 P. M.; that the moderator of Presbytery preside; that the Rev. Richard Montgomery preach the sermon; that the Rev. Charles E. Burns, D.D., deliver the charge to the pastor, and the Rev. John B. Laird, D.D., deliver the charge to the people. The report was adopted.” The installation took place at the time appointed and was conducted in accordance with the arrangements. The Board of Trustees at their meeting, August 14, 1899, took a wise step, the result of a far¬ sighted motion by Mr. Hutt in setting aside for offerings for the Building Fund the last Sabbath of each quarter, beginning with September. This proved to be a very helpful and encouraging procedure, not only in making provision for the immediate present, but in providing a nucleus for future building pur¬ poses, as the custom was kept up until February, 1916. All the money collected on these quarterly Sabbaths, morning and evening, both that which was in the regular weekly church envelopes and all other offerings, was thus set aside. Sabbath morning, September 3, 1899, the new pastor conducted his first communion service, at which time eleven persons were received into the 22 THE FIRST SESSION FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY / membership of the Church on profession of their faith and three by certificate. At the congregational meeting held December 5, 1900, Franklin W. Oehrle was elected a ruling elder. His ordination and installation took place the following Sabbath morning. He was the first ruling elder to be ordained and installed by the new pastor. The first report of the Session to Presbytery after the installation of the pastor was as follows: Elders 3, trustees 9, members added by profession of faith 23, by certificate 23, total communicant membership 99, adults baptized 4, infants baptized 15, Sabbath- school membership 170. Total benevolences, $20.25. Congregational expenses, $1093.21. 23 CHAPTER II GETTING ESTABLISHED T HE next five years were marked by increased growth in every way and the Church became firmly established. Certain things stand out in this period. First is the development of increased interest. Some who were uncertain about the success of the venture were now convinced and united with the Church, while others who had helped in the beginning with¬ drew. Second, the mission of the Church was clearly set forth, a definite policy was outlined. The Church became better understood and established. The first building lots were secured, five in num¬ ber, facing on Tabor Road. Money was borrowed to purchase the two corner lots from Mr. Scott, which he sold at cost, namely, $2600, including the frame house. The other three lots were purchased for $1325, with money loaned by Mr. Scott out of the $2600 paid him. He made this loan without interest, but the Board of Trustees afterwards in¬ sisted on paying him five per cent. If it had not been for the generosity of Mr. Scott, the business ability of Mr. Oehrle, and the help of Joseph Dick¬ son, a member of the Board of Trustees and a real estate man of the community, this opportunity might have been lost. Later on, as opportunity offered, the additional adjoining lots fronting on Third Street were ac¬ quired one by one. The site was heartily recom¬ mended by Presbytery’s Committee for the perma- 24 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY nent location of the Church, and the good judgment of the trustees was commended. On account of failing health, Mr. Hutt resigned as treasurer, May 6, 1901, and Mr. Fetter was elected in his stead. He has served in this office ever since, handling large sums of money for build¬ ing purposes, current expenses and benevolences, with singular fidelity and accuracy. Our Church was chartered August 12, 1901, and was the first to be chartered under the provisions of Presbytery’s Model Charter. Much outside interest was awakened in the efforts of this young, healthy, struggling Church and real help was extended. A communion table was given by the Abington Church, which was later re¬ turned because of the sentiment attached to it. This table was one of the few articles rescued from the fire which destroyed the Abington Church, October, 1895. A pulpit and two chairs were given by the Tabor Church, Philadelphia. Soon the congregation was confronted with the necessity of securing a more suitable and commodious building for worship to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Sabbath School. There were no funds, but in faith the people and pastor heroically gave them¬ selves to the task. The pastor presented the matter to Presbytery at its meeting, January 14, 1902, at which time the following resolution was unanimously adopted: “Presbytery has heard with thankfulness of the splendid growth of the young Church at Olney, and approves of the effort of the Session to secure ade¬ quate accommodations for the needs of their grow- 25 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE ing field, and heartily commends the Olney Church to the liberality of our churches.” This resolution was both encouraging and helpful in the work, al¬ ready begun, of raising the necessary funds. At the solicitation of the pastor, churches of the Presby¬ tery and many individuals made generous contribu¬ tions to the Building Fund. Even so, not sufficient money was secured to go ahead, until, upon further solicitation, John H. Converse agreed to double his previous contribution, provided the majority of the other contributors would do the same. By hard work, this was accomplished. A contract was let to Hoersch Brothers, of Olney, for the erection of the stone Sabbath-school building, which was a part of a complete church plan drawn by Isaac Pursel, archi¬ tect, Philadelphia. The corner stone of this building was laid Satur¬ day afternoon, September 5, 1903, by Mr. Converse, whose counsel and help had enabled the congrega¬ tion to accomplish so much. The first services were held in the completed building Sabbath, August 7, 1904. The entrance into this building was a wonderfully joyous occasion and marked a distinctly new era in the life of the Church. The next problem was the securing of a pipe organ. This was undertaken by the pastor, who resorted once again to the congregation’s outstand¬ ing friend, Mr. Converse, who agreed to give one- half of the cost of the organ. The other half was secured by the pastor from Andrew Carnegie. The organ was to cost $1200. Some additions were made to the original specifications, adding $200 more, which was contributed by the congregation. Later, 26 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY a water motor was installed to pump the organ, which was previously pumped by hand. The organ was dedicated Sabbath, July 16, 1905, and is still in use in the present building. At the end of the fifth year the membership was 132 and the Sabbath-school enrolment was 249. Three new departments were organized: First, the Cradle Roll in 1904, superintendent, Mrs. Samuel G. Hancock; second, the Beginners’ Department, organized in the autumn of 1906, superintendent, C. Lou Krouse, with Mrs. Bertram J. L. Williams and Airs. William H. Wells, assistants; third, the Pleasant Hour Meeting for Men. The pastor felt a desire to do something for the men, and talked the matter over with his friend and Sabbath-school worker, Hugh Cork, at that time a resident of Olney. It was proposed to organize the men into a separate department, under the name of the “Pleasant Hour Meeting for Men,” to meet in the basement of the building; the purpose being to develop a work for men among men. The first meeting was held the second Sabbath afternoon of October, 1904, at 2.30 o’clock. Mr. Cork became the leader and teacher. Soon after, he moved from the community, and the pastor succeeded him. This was one of the first men’s organized classes in the city, and antedated, by several years, the modern movement in men’s organized classes in Sabbath schools. Two years later, this organization undertook the publication of a monthly magazine called “The Pleasant Hour,” which has been pub¬ lished each month of the year until the present time without a single omission. From the first the pastor 27 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE has been the editor. The first assistant editor was John W. Sinnamon, 1906-1907, succeeded by John G. Sonneborn, 1907 to the present. The first busi¬ ness manager was Samuel G. Hancock, 1906-1908, succeeded by Edwin F. Cockroft, 1908-1918. William Neely was assistant business manager and treasurer until 1918, when he became business manager, con¬ tinuing as treasurer. David Dugan has served as assistant business manager and secretary since 1918. Three persons have been identified with the publica¬ tion of this magazine from the first; namely, the pastor, Mr. Neely, and Mr. Dugan. At no time was it the purpose of the management to make money, but to publish the magazine for the benefit of the Church as a means of conveying important information to the congregation and keeping the people informed about the work and progress of the Church. By able business management and the loyal support of the advertisers, the magazine has been entirely self-supporting. This monthly publication has been a valuable asset to the Church. It became necessary to renovate completely the building on Tabor Road. This was done during the summer of 1912, the services being held in the base¬ ment. The walls were painted and new carpet laid on the floor. The pastor conceived the idea and solicited the funds for a complete set of memorial pulpit furniture and wall panels. Each piece of furniture is marked with a memorial plate. This furniture and the pulpit Bible, the gift of the Pleasant Hour Meeting for Men, are still in use in the new Sabbath-school building. 28 CHAPTER III STRENGTHENING FOUNDATIONS T HIS period is marked by three outstanding achievements in connection with the celebration of the Tenth Anniversary. The pastor, in his report submitted to the Ninth Annual Meeting, said: “We hope to accomplish some great things this coming year. We are look¬ ing forward to our Tenth Anniversary as a time of special rejoicing. By that time we hope, first, to be entirely self-supporting; and second, to satisfy the mortgage of $6000 standing against the land and building, in order to dedicate the property at the time of the Tenth Anniversary, free of debt.” It is a joy to record that both of these ends were happily attained. For the first ten years the Church was under the fostering care of Presbytery’s Com¬ mittee on Home Missions. During this time the congregation had the benefit of this Committee’s encouragement and financial help. The growth for the last three years of the decade was such as to lead the Session to hope that the Church might be self-supporting and independent at the time of the Tenth Anniversary. The Session steadfastly kept this in mind, and at length it was felt the time had come when the people were able to assume their own support en¬ tirely, and that the congregation should no longer be drawing upon the funds of the Committee on Synodical Aid and Sustentation. In view of this, with complete confidence in the congregation, the 29 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Session did not renew its application to the Com¬ mittee at the beginning of the tenth year. Instead, the application was returned with a letter of thanks, expressing the gratitude of the congregation for the help of the past, and announcing that in the judg¬ ment of the Session the congregation was now pre¬ pared to assume its entire support. How Presbytery received this announcement is beautifully expressed in the following resolution presented by the Com¬ mittee, and adopted by Presbytery: “It is with very great satisfaction that your Committee on Synodical Sustentation notes the growth of one of our churches, under the faithful, loving pastoral care of one of the younger members of our Presbytery. The sacrifices of both pastor and people, that have sometimes cut to the quick, have gone into the progress of the Church unto self-support. “Beginning with aid from the Synodical Fund to the amount of $300, the Church has been asking less and less each year, until last year the assistance sought amounted to only $100. It has been a great pleasure to your Committee of the Synod, to note the lessening request of the Church for aid; and now it is our very great satisfaction that at the end of ten years, the Church assumes self-support and expresses its grateful appreciation of the help received in the past. It now enters on an entirely independent life. “Your Committee recommends the adoption of the following minute by the Presbytery : ‘The Presby¬ tery desires to put on record its great satisfaction in the progress of the Church at Olney, under the pastorate of the Rev. William Henry Wells, during the last ten years, and in the fact that it signalizes 30 FORMER SABBATH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY the close of its first decade by entering upon self- support; and it expresses the hope that the self- sacrificing labors of pastor and people may bring even larger measures of temporal and spiritual prosperity in the years to come.’” This was a most happy experience for the con¬ gregation and the pastor. According to the Synod¬ ical rule, their financial aid could be applied only to supplement the pastor’s salary. As the amount was decreased, the congregation each time assumed the amount of the decrease. The next objective was the satisfying of the mortgage of $6000 standing against the ground and building then possessed by the congregation, so that all could be dedicated at the time of the Tenth Anni¬ versary, free of debt. This objective was put into practical form by the pastor announcing to the Ninth Annual Meeting his readiness to undertake the work of raising the money, saying he would endeavor to raise $3000 if the congregation would raise the other $3000; where¬ upon Mr. Fetter said he would pledge himself to give $500 if the congregation would raise the $2500. This suggestive plan was approved and with this approval the work began. The consummation of our combined efforts was witnessed in the next annual meeting, when the treasurer announced that with the money in hand, together with what was still to be paid, there would be a little more than enough to satisfy the debt. The announcement was received with profound amazement. Everyone seemed to be wondering quietly—Can it be true? The full and blessed realization of it all did not seem to dawn 31 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE upon the meeting until the pastor rose and said, “Let us all rise and sing the doxology.” Then the pent-up feelings found expression in praise. The consummation of this great work was spoken of by many as wonderful, as indeed it truly was, under the circumstances. Thanks to the interest and kindness of our many generous friends and helpers; thanks to the interest and liberality of the members and to their labors and sacrifices; thanks to the Ladies’ Aid Society and to the members of the different departments of the Sabbath School; thanks to the pastor, as was expressed to him by the congregation in a rising vote of thanks; and above all, thanks to the goodness and blessing of God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. The liquidation of this debt meant much for the future welfare of the Church. The congregation came into full possession of all the property on the northeast corner of Tabor Road and Third Street, 132 feet front and 110 feet deep, together with the three buildings—the original frame structure, then being used as a store, the frame house, and the stone Sabbath-school building. In this first ten years nearly $10,000 was raised by the pastor for the Church, outside of the con¬ gregation, for the building fund and the pipe organ. The celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the Sabbath School, Children’s Day, June, 1908, was made memorable by the erection of a bronze tablet by the Sabbath School Association, com¬ memorating the esteem of the officers and scholars for the person and work of Mr. Scott as superin¬ tendent, who felt the time had come for him to lay 32 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY down the duties of this office. This tablet reads as follows: IN RECOGNITION OF LOVING SERVICE WILLIAM J. SCOTT FIRST SUPERINTENDENT 1898 - 1908 UNVEILED JUNE 14, 1908 TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF SABBATH SCHOOL The tablet is twenty-two inches high and twenty- eight inches wide. It was originally placed on the east wall of the Tabor Road building, and after¬ wards removed to the new Clarkson Avenue building. After a brief address by the pastor, the tablet was unveiled, by request, by Esther Wells, the little daughter of the pastor, a member of the Beginners’ Department, who released a silk American flag, which dropped from the face of the tablet, exposing it to view. The erection of the tablet was a surprise to Mr. Scott, who was manifestly deeply affected by this tribute. After he recovered himself, Mr. Scott made a touching and appropriate response. In the third place, this period was marked by an increased development. In the five years 1903 to 1908 the membership increased from 132 to 340 and the Sabbath-school enrolment from 249 to 487. In the next five years, the membership increased from 340 to 415, and the Sabbath-school enrolment from 487 to 645. By this time the whole Church was well estab¬ lished and organized—the foundations were deep¬ ened and strengthened. 33 CHAPTER IV GREATER GROWTH , THIS period opens, it was deemed wise to en- large the membership of the Session. Hence, after the death of William J. Scott, a special con¬ gregational meeting was called to elect a successor for his unexpired term, and two additional ruling elders, to make the number six instead of four. The following brethren were elected: David Dugan, S. Godwin Wright, and William Harmar Good, M.D., who were duly ordained and installed Sabbath morning, June 1, 1913. The Fifteenth Anniversary was a marked oc¬ casion, and was celebrated with special services Sabbath, December 7, 1913. At the morning service the anniversary sermon was preached by the Rev. William Porter Tee, D.D., who was the moderator of Presbytery at the time the pastor was installed. H is text was Ephesians 5 :25, “Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it.” At the evening service, the Rev. John B. Laird, D.D., spoke on the timely theme, “The Church and the Community.” Wednesday evening, the Rev. Alexander Henry, D.D., who was the moderator of the meeting at the time the Church was organized, spoke on the sub¬ ject “The Place of the Sabbath School in the Church.” Thursday evening was observed as “Presbyterial Night,” at which time brief congratulatory addresses were delivered by members of Presbytery. All these services were helpful, full of encouragement and inspiration. 34 SECOND CHURCH BUILDING Used 1904—1918 -/ . FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY One of the great events in the life of the Church was the wonderful evangelistic campaign conducted by the Rev. William A. Sunday, D.D., in Phila¬ delphia, beginning the third Sabbath of January, 1915. Pastor and people, from the first, lent them¬ selves in the interest of this evangelistic effort and stood ready to co-operate in every way with the whole movement, as far as possible. A goodly num¬ ber of the members served as singers, ushers, and personal workers in the neighborhood prayer meet¬ ing work and at the Tabernacle. We, in common with a great many other congregations throughout the city, expected for our people and Church a great blessing. We worked and prayed for it, and we got it. During the campaign no hindrances were put in the way of the people. They were encouraged to attend as many of the services at the Tabernacle as possible and to bring back with them as much of a blessing as they could—both for themselves and the Church. When the campaign was over, our Communion Sabbath, April 11, witnessed the greatest occasion in the history of the Church, when it was necessary to hold two communion services, one in the morning and the other in the evening, in order to accom¬ modate all who desired to commune. At this time 174 persons were received into membership. Many of these people who united with the Church then are still with us. It was most remarkable in an existence of little more than sixteen years, what a high and honored place the Church held in the affections and lives of a splendidly devoted and loyal membership. It was 35 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE truly wonderful how the membership had increased by real leaps and bounds during the past two years. Surely this spoke well for the people and the Church. By this time, too, the Church had grown greatly in the estimation of the community. During the two years, May, 1913, to May, 1915, there were received on profession and reprofession of faith, 201 persons, and by certificate 120, total¬ ing 321. In the early part of 1913, the membership was 388 and in May, 1915, it was 683. In his report submitted to the annual meeting in December, the pastor said: “We were glad to co¬ operate in every way in the Tabernacle Meetings, and our co-operation and labors were not in vain. If we had that campaign to go through again we would try to do again as much as we did the first time. It is our hope to keep the spirit of that mem¬ orable campaign alive, and still be reaping rich bless¬ ings in soul-winning. This, after all, is the great and glorious work of the Church, beside which nothing else can compare and in which all else centers.” About this time vast and unexpected changes took place in the community, which was growing rapidly. It was during the next five years, beginning with 1914, that the Church experienced its greatest growth. The membership increased from 487 to 763 and the Sabbath-school from 645 to 1066. This remarkable growth, and the consequent in¬ creased drawing on the limited resources of the then existing plant, forced the issue of building again. Recognizing what this would mean to the con¬ gregation and the pastor, the Session and the Board of Trustees, feeling that the people desired only that 36 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY the work go forward, engaged Miss Lina S. Acker¬ man, a sister of the pastor’s wife, a trained and ex¬ perienced church worker and visitor, for part of her time from June 1, 1914, to assist the pastor in his work. Miss Ackerman is still continuing in this office, and has rendered invaluable service. Robert C. Mackie was elected a ruling elder at the Annual Meeting, December 2, 1915, to fill the unexpired term of S. Godwin Wright, who resigned on account of removal from the city. Mr. Mackie was ordained and installed the following Sabbath. During the next three years the Church con¬ tinued to grow rapidly and the work was conducted under increasingly difficult conditions. Ofttimes people were turned away, unable to get into the Sabbath services. An effort was made to remedy these conditions as far as possible by holding two services on Communion Sabbaths, and on special occasions by holding services for the children in the basement, so that the places otherwise occupied by the children could be given to adults. It was, there¬ fore, a glad time when the day came to enter this new building. The Twentieth Anniversary of the Church was celebrated Sabbath morning, December 8, 1918. The sermon was preached by the Rev. John H. Boggs, D.D., of Lawndale, a sympathetic friend of the Church, from the text Hebrews, 12 :27. The pastor, too, spoke briefly, basing his remarks on the words, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,” Samuel 7:12. ‘It was noted that as we stand to¬ gether by this twentieth milestone, and here set up 37 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE our Ebenezer and openly acknowledge the help of the Lord, we take a look in three directions: “1. A Look Upward. We give thanks, first of all, to God and His Son Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, for the help granted to us. “2. A Look Backward. We look backward and we see our God in our history and accomplishments all beyond our most sanguine expectations. During this time 518 united with the Church on profession of faith, and 489 were received on certificate, total¬ ing 1007. Communicant membership is now 763; Sabbath-school enrolment 1066. Baptisms, children 376, and adults 75. Moreover, large sums of money were raised for current expenses, benevolences, for the purchase of land, and for building purposes. “3. A Look Forward. The future holds still greater things in store. In a renewed faith in God and. a closer co-operation and a greater willingness to give and to do, we rejoice. Take new courage and press forward!” Despite the spirit of optimism, the years 1917 and 1918 proved to be by far the most difficult and trying years in our history, because of the absence of so many of the young men in the war service, because of the difficulties confronting us in getting the new building finished, and because of the in¬ fluenza epidemic which raged during the month of October, 1918. This epidemic brought about, for the time being, a complete abandoning of the ser¬ vices and work of the Church and Sabbath School, except for the care of the sick and dying. This was the first and only time in its history that the Church was without its regular Sabbath and 38 THE PRESENT SESSION David Dugan Elmer C. Bertolet William K. Robson Robert Cairns William Fetter Franklin W. Oehrle William Harmer Good, M.D. Wm. Henry Wells, D.D. Robert C. Mackie V. Winfield Challenger FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY mid-week services. In view of all the difficulties of the times and circumstances, all were very thankful that the Church came through this trying period as well as it did, and was able to show results of still greater growth. On Sabbath, May 25, 1919, John K. Wilson, who had been so closely identified with the life and work of the Church and Sabbath School almost from the very beginning, relinquished his place as superin¬ tendent, because of leaving the community. Mr. Wilson had served as assistant superinten¬ dent. When, therefore, Mr. Scott felt it necessary to lay down the duties of the office, Mr. Wilson was elected successor. He served as superintendent for eleven years, during which time the school made its greatest advance. As an evidence of their esteem and appreciation, the scholars, teachers, and officers combined in a splendid gift to Mr. Wilson, in the form of a large easy chair, which was presented, on their behalf, by Robert C. Mackie, in the presence of the entire school. At the Annual Meeting held December 4, Mr. Wilson presented his resignation as ruling elder, which was very reluctantly accepted. He had served as ruling elder and clerk of the Session continuously for twenty-one years, and had been one of the three members of the original Session. The departure of Mr. Wilson was keenly felt, for he had, all these years, been a gracious, generous, and faithful coworker. Closely associated with Mr. Wilson and the work, beginning November, 1904, was Charles A. Higgins, a member of the Susquehanna Avenue 39 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Church, who, for nearly fifteen years, was the chor¬ ister and a teacher in the Sabbath School. At the same time, Mr. Higgins was the director of the Church choir. He was a singer and a leader who had consecrated his talents to the Lord, and gave them freely in His service, through the opportunity offered in this Sabbath School and Church. About three years and a half after Mr. Hig¬ gins came into the work, Esther H. Neely became pianist in the Sabbath School and the mid-week service, also giving freely of her time and talent in the service of Christ and the Church. She has con¬ tinued to serve in these positions with signal fidelity and acceptability. On November 7, 1914, Robert J. McConaghy Sr., was elected sexton, to succeed J. Kinsey Kerr. He is still serving in this office, and as a member of the Board of Trustees as well. Another to enter into long continuous service of the Church, as a member of the Board of Trustees and its secretary, was W. Ellsworth Brown, who has been a faithful and accurate scribe. In connection with the same congregational meet¬ ing at which Mr. Wilson resigned, a reception was tendered Franklin W. Oehrle, who for twenty-one years had been a member of the Board of Trustees, during which time he had served continuously as the president. It was the desire of the official family of the Church and its members to recognize the signal and faithful service rendered by Mr. Oehrle and to do him honor. Hugh Hamilton, vice-president of the Board of Trustees, with Mrs. Hamilton, received with Mr. and Mrs. Oehrle. 40 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY Mrs. Otto Wynkopp, on behalf of the Ladies’ Aid Society, with a few well-chosen remarks, presented to Mr. Oehrle a large and beautiful basket of flowers and growing plants, as an expression of esteem and well wishes. The pastor spoke, and in a brief ad¬ dress pointed out the marked characteristics of the administration of Mr. Oehrle, in his willing service, his fine optimism, rare wisdom, and unfailing faith¬ fulness in the discharge of the duties of his office. On behalf of the congregation the pastor then pre¬ sented to Mr. Oehrle a fine Elgin gold watch, with the following inscription engraved inside the case: “Presented to Franklin W. Oehrle by the First Presbyterian Church of Olney, in recognition of faithful service as President of the Board of Trustees, 1898-1919.” To these addresses Mr. Oehrle responded in words of deep feeling, appreciation, and thanks. V. Winfield Challenger, who had for several years been serving as a teacher, and for a year as one of the assistant superintendents, of the Sabbath School, was elected to succeed Mr. Wilson as superinten¬ dent, and is still serving most ably in this office. On the foundations that had been laid, Mr. Challenger has worked diligently to develop the School and increase its efficiency. During his ad¬ ministration, some of the departments have been re¬ organized and new ones added, completing the organization of the school in ten departments. Mr. Challenger attributes his success in the management of the School to the hearty co-operation given him by the more than one hundred officers and teachers of the School. The present departmental 41 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE organization of the School and their respective en¬ rolments, October 21, 1923, are as follows: Cradle Roll, organized in 1904, with Mrs. Samuel G. Hancock as the first superintendent, followed by Mrs. Clarence J. Reifsneider, Mrs. Edgar G. Egee, and Mrs. D. Orville Killey. The present enrol¬ ment is 53. Beginners Department, organized in 1906, with C. Lou Krouse as the first superintendent, followed by Mrs. Bertram J. L. Williams,* Mrs. William H. Wells, Mrs. Edgar G. Egee, and Mrs. Joseph C. Carson. The present enrolment is 124. Primary Department, organized in 1898, with Carrie Christman as the first superintendent, followed by Mrs. Mary E. Lightenhome, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Adams, William Elkins, and Ella S. Most. The present enrolment is 144. Junior Department, organized in 1918, with Mrs. Morgan W. VanTassell as the first superin¬ tendent, followed by Mrs. Otto Wynkopp. The present enrolment is 119. Intermediate Department, partly organized in 1918, for boys, with Morgan W. VanTassell as the first superintendent, followed by Dagobert E. Miller. The Department was reorganized in 1919 to in¬ clude the boys and girls, with Ruth E. Dugan as superintendent, followed by M. Elizabeth Oehrle and Francis T. Johnson. The present enrolment is 85. Senior Department, organized in 1920, with Elmer C. Bertolet and Margaret P. Kennedy as the first superintendents, followed by Mr. Bertolet. The present enrolment is 98. 42 V. WINFIELD CHALLENGER Superintendent, 1919— FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY Young People’s Department, organized in 1920, with William K. Robson as the first superintendent. The present enrolment is 150. Adult Department, organized in 1920, with Robert C. Mackie as the first superintendent. The present enrolment is 196. Teacher Training Department. Classes in teacher training have been in existence since 1915. The department was organized in 1922, with Ellen Copeland as the first superintendent. The present enrolment is 44. Home Department, organized in 1901, with John McK. Titus as the first superintendent, fol¬ lowed by Mrs. George E. Hutt and Mrs. Robert C. Mackie. The present enrolment is 101. The grand total enrolment including the five officers is 1119. The communicant membership of the Church is 867. At the following Annual Meeting, Mr. Challen¬ ger was also elected to succeed Mr. Wilson as ruling elder. By this election, a ruling elder was continued in the office of superintendent of the Sabbath School, thus keeping this important branch of the Church work in close touch with the Session. Because of the larger preparations under way for the celebration of the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Church, to be held during the first week of December, 1923, at which time the Sabbath School would receive fuller recognition, the Twenty-fifth Anniversary was observed, Children’s Day, June 10, 1923, with simple exercises. Special services were held during the day: a Children’s Service in the morning, special exercises in the afternoon in the 43 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Sabbath School, and in the evening an Anniversary Service, at which there were “Congratulatory Greetings” by John K. Wilson, former superinten¬ dent, and an address on “Our Sabbath School,” by V. Winfield Challenger, present superintendent. In May, 1921, a pleasant surprise came to the pastor. It was announced to the congregation, Sabbath morning, May 29, by the clerk of the Session, Mr. Fetter, that a communication had been received by the pastor from the President of Lafayette College, stating that the Board of Trus¬ tees had voted to confer the degree of Doctor of Divinity upon the pastor, at the coming commence¬ ment, Monday, June 13. This signal honor was deeply appreciated both by the pastor and the congregation. Different organizations of the Church honored the pastor in recognition of the honor conferred on him by the college. The Ladies’ Aid Society sent him a beautiful basket of cut flowers. The Brother¬ hood gave him a series of books by P. Whitwell Wilson. The Sabbath School Association presented him, on Children’s Day, with a splendid Emeralite desk lamp, and the Young People’s Christian En¬ deavor Society presented him with a beautiful pic¬ ture, entitled “Christ Weeping Over Jerusalem.” These splendid gifts were deeply appreciated, not only for the value in themselves, but also because of the regard and esteem which they represented. 44 CHAPTER V BUILDING AGAIN T HE first change this new situation of greater growth forced upon the officers was the necessity of abandoning the former church plans. These plans had been drawn in 1903, with a view of erecting a church to accommodate a congregation of about five hundred. At the time, as far as could be seen, that would probably be the size of the congregation. Fortunately, only the Sabbath-school building was erected according to these plans. The question of financing a building proposition on a yet bigger plan arose in all its seriousness. There was but one thing to do—meet it. God had given the increase and He would provide. When the Palethorp Bequest became known, the pastor, for several months, spent much time and effort trying to secure this bequest of $75,000. The conditions of the bequest could not be modified to meet our situation, so any financial help from this direction had to be given up. At a special Congregational Meeting, held Janu¬ ary 27, 1916, it was decided that the Board of Trus¬ tees be instructed to proceed with the plans for the erection of a new building. It was also decided to abandon the quarterly offerings and, beginning with the first Sabbath of March, raise the money by an¬ nual voluntary subscriptions, contributed weekly through the envelope system. Much time, thought, and prayer were put into the task of planning for the new building. Modern 45 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE church buildings were visited by the pastor and officers, and everything possible was done to help determine on plans, suitable not only for the present, but for the future. After all possibilities were care¬ fully gone over, plans were accepted as worked out by the architect, Carl A. Ziegler, Philadelphia. As in the former instance, the pastor undertook to help raise some money for the Building Fund, outside of the congregation. In May, 1916, a new benefactor came to the help of the Church, through the solicitation of the pastor, so that Sabbath, May 14, was a day of great re¬ joicing and thanksgiving, because of the announce¬ ment made by the pastor at the morning service, of the very generous gift of $15,000 to the Building Fund, upon two conditions: First, the $15,000 would be given when the officers of the Church were able to show subscriptions totaling a similar amount; and second, the name of the donor was not to be made known. This most generous gift, at the time of the greatest need, was truly a Godsend. It brought en¬ couragement and inspiration to all to know and to feel that some one was so deeply interested in the welfare and progress of the Church in Olney, and was willing so generously to second the self-sacrific¬ ing efforts of the pastor and people laboring there so long under difficult conditions, which of them¬ selves, they had no power to change. There is no doubt that this generous gift meant the turning point in the history and work of the Church, and heralded the day of its largest usefulness. The first condition of the gift was happily met in less than six months, and our generous benefactor, 46 THE PRESENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES Robert J. McConaghy, Sr. Harry G. Rintz, Sr. Harry C. Hecht, Sr. Lewis A. Bishop William J. Peoples, Sr. William Fetter, Treas. Franklin W. Oehrle, Pres. W. Ellsworth Brown, Sec. Hugh Hamilton, Vice-Pres. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY in turn, fulfilled his promise, paying over to the Church the entire sum stipulated. The second con¬ dition has been faithfully kept. The announcement that the money had been paid was received with a very evident deep feeling of gratitude by the congregation to the generous, but unknown donor, and to God for His favor and blessing. This gift was interpreted as a kindly ex¬ pression of personal faith in the mission and work of the Church in Olney, and a most substantial evi¬ dence of personal confidence in the people. Besides this large gift, the pastor secured many smaller gifts from friends, which very materially supplemented the contributions of the congregation. Early in 1917 the officers were about convinced that a definite move must be made toward building. So the following letter was sent to the members under date of February 10, from the Board of Trustees and the pastor: “The officers of the Church are now per¬ suaded that the present and immediate future welfare of our Church demand that we proceed with the work of building this spring. There has been a holding back for various reasons well known to all, but we now feel we cannot hold back any longer without very serious detriment to and a stunting of our development as a Church. “We frankly admit we cannot overcome all objections, difficulties, and hindrances first, before we attempt to build. If we wait to accomplish that, nothing would ever be done—so we are going ahead, as we believe it is our clear duty now to do. From the action of the congregation and views expressed by individual members, we 47 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE confidently believe the whole congregation is back of this decision and endeavor. “In the face of all conditions, as officers, we have done our best thus far, but we now feel that the people have been very patient withal and have put up with hampered conditions and awful inconveniences long enough. As officers we be¬ lieve we ought to undertake the work of housing our congregation and Sabbath School, knowing our people stand ready to help financially to the utmost of their ability, in order that the pressing needs of this growing Church may be adequately met, not only for to-day, but for years to come. So with the faith of Nehemiah, of old, we believe ‘The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore, we, his servants, will arise and build.’ Nehemiah 2 :20.” Accordingly it was definitely decided Wednesday night, May 2, by the Board of Trustees and the Session, in joint meeting, in harmony with the in¬ structions given, to proceed at once to build. Afterwards, a contract was let to F. L. Hoover & Sons, contractors and builders, Philadelphia, for the immediate prosecution of the work, erecting first the Sabbath School, the cost for this part of the work not to exceed $62,580. To this had to be added the cost of heating, lighting, plumbing, and architect’s charge, which made an approximate initial expendi¬ ture of nearly $75,000. The work was to take about twelve months. At the time it was completed, the Board of Trustees expected to have in hand about $50,000, leaving the balance to be carried by loans and ultimately provided for by additional gifts. This was a big undertaking, but not too big for a people of big vision, big faith, and big heart. 48 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY The formal ceremony of “ground-breaking” took place Saturday afternoon, May 12, at 3.30 o’clock, on the plot at the corner of Third Street and Clarkson Avenue, which additional lots happily had been secured during the intervening years. The corner stone was laid Saturday afternoon, September 15, at 3.30 o’clock, by William Fetter, senior rul¬ ing elder and treasurer. An interesting number of articles were placed in the cornerstone, as listed in “The Pleasant Hour” of October, 1917. The address was delivered by the Rev. John B. Laird, D.D. The services were in charge of the pastor. It was planned to have the opening of this grand new building, Children’s Day, June 9, 1918, in con¬ nection with the observing of the Twentieth Anniver¬ sary of the founding of the Sabbath School. The building, as constructed, is 90 feet 8 inches wide, facing on Clarkson Avenue, and 80 feet 8 inches deep along Third Street. It is two stories high, with a finished basement, containing a recrea¬ tion room, an ample kitchen, and a boiler room. The first floor is divided into four separate departmental classrooms, and on the second floor is the main auditorium, with twelve separate classroom divi¬ sions, a superintendent’s room, and an office for the secretary and treasurer. The entrance into this building, Children’s Day, June 9, 1918, as planned, was a memorable occasion. The opening service was held in the morning, the Rev. Alexander Henry, D.D., secretary of the Board of Publication and Sabbath School Work, preaching the sermon. A white marble baptismal font was dedicated in memory of William J. Scott, the first 49 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE superintendent of the Sabbath School, the gift of his wife, daughter, and grandsons, a fitting memorial to him who loved the children so well. The Sabbath-school session was attended by more than six hundred. In connection with this service a unique coincidence took place—brief addresses were made by James R. Wilson, brother of the superin¬ tendent, and by Walter S. Wells, brother of the pastor. Corporal Walter J. Neely, on furlough from Camp Meade, a former assistant superinten¬ dent, also spoke. At the evening service brief remarks were made by Carl A. Ziegler, the architect, S. Earle Hoover and William F. Schlimmie, representing F. L. Hoover & Sons, builders, and Franklin W. Oehrle, president of the Board of Trustees. Anniversary addresses were made by John K. Wilson on “The Past,” by Robert C. Mackie on “The Present,” and the pastor on “The Future” of our Sabbath School. During the day general satisfaction was expressed with the building. At the mid-week service following, addresses were made by ruling elders, Henry S. Borneman, of the Frankford Church, and J. Herbert Jefferis, of St. John’s Church, Devon. Entrance into this building stood out as the visible evidence of the continued and now crowning blessing of the Lord, and the reward of the faith and perse¬ verance of this people and their pastor in His service. During the time of the construction of this building, at the request of the Board of Trustees, the pastor was practically the executive agent, on behalf of the Board, between the architect and the 50 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY builders. To discharge this duty required a great deal of time and attention. While this especial office had its difficulties, it was a pleasant and profitable experience. Unfortunately, while attending to these new duties, some of the old duties had to be partly or entirely omitted. At the Annual Meeting, December, 1919, the Board of Trustees was instructed to devise ways and means for building a manse, in harmony with the comprehensive plans. At the same time, the Board was given authority to demolish the Tabor Road building. This matter was still pending at the time of the next annual meeting, when the pos¬ sibilities of building the Church and the manse were discussed. No definite decision was arrived at con¬ cerning the Church, but the building of the manse was considered possible, a special fund for this pur¬ pose having been started in March, 1920. The Board of Trustees gave careful consideration to possible ways and means by which their instructions to build a suitable manse might be carried out. Finally, it was decided to proceed. Plans were completed by the Church architect, Carl A. Ziegler, bids obtained, and the contract let to John Riley & Son, builders, Mount Airy, Phila¬ delphia, for the demolition of the Tabor Road build¬ ing and the erection of the manse, the salvaged ma¬ terial, as much as possible, to be used for the manse. The completion of the manse was the realization of another long-cherished hope of the congregation. The pastor and his family moved into the manse Thursday, November 10, 1921. On the Sabbath following, after the evening service, a meeting of 51 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE the Session, the Board of Trustees, and officers of the Ladies’ Aid Society was held in the manse for the purpose of dedicating it to the glory of God and to the service of the Church. Mr. Oehrle, representing the Session and the Board of Trustees, was asked to preside. Prayers were offered by members of the Session, and some familiar hymns were sung. The pastor spoke, congratulating the officers on this achievement and expressing his deep appreciation for the interest the congregation had always shown in himself and family, for the great pleasure afforded them on being able to enter such a fine home, and their thanks for all that had been done. Brief ad¬ dresses were also made by some of those present. The service closed with the singing of the Doxology. The manse represents an outlay of about $20,000. By March 1, 1923, it was possible to announce to the congregation that all indebtedness on the new Sabbath-school building had been cancelled and all the property of the Church was entirely free from encumbrance, except a loan of $7500 against the manse. This announcement was received with great joy and thanksgiving when it was fully realized what it meant. The value of all the Church property—land and buildings—as it now stands, is at least $135,000. All this, accomplished in a little more than twenty-four years, is to everyone most remarkable. The first organization to make any contribution for building purposes was the Ladies’ Aid Society, and this society has continuously kept this particular object in view, so that each time the Board of Trus¬ tees had to launch a building project, the society 52 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY rendered its invaluable aid. One of the particular means used to this end was the carrying of building and loan association shares. The monthly payments on the shares carried from time to time were made through the income from the Financial Calendar. This has been in existence since 1904, ably and suc¬ cessfully directed by its secretary, Mrs. John B. Hartmann, at whose suggestion the work was under¬ taken. Great credit is due Mrs. Hartmann for her continuous, diligent, and self-sacrificing work in the maintaining of the Financial Calendar through all these years, and in making it such a valuable financial asset to the society and the Church. As is now well known, the Financial Calendar is a simple working plan of systematic giving, con¬ ducted on the basis of a calendar year. The Sabbath School, too, has been a large con¬ tributor to the building funds over and above its current expenses and other benevolences. It began with a Christmas offering in 1904, contributing annually until the present. The School has always been self-supporting. All through these years the contributions have been increasingly generous, as the School has grown in numbers. Great credit is due the teachers and scholars for their deep interest and financial help. Other organizations have given as they have been able, and individual members, as well as many friends outside of the membership, all of which is deeply appreciated and here gratefully acknowledged. 53 CHAPTER VI WAR ANNALS D URING 1917, the departure of thirty-one young men from the Church and the Sabbath School for military and naval service in connection with the World War, with the prospect of many to follow, was a very solemn matter. It brought to everyone the terrible reality of the great World War. The next year saw the departure of forty-eight more of our young men, making in all a total of seventy-nine in the different branches of Government service. The absence of all these young men from our homes and the Church, with the anxieties of the possible consequences, was keenly felt. Sabbath evening, June 30, 1918, was a memo¬ rable occasion, at which time Washington Camp, No. 363, of Olney, Patriotic Order Sons of America, presented to the Church a beautiful silk American flag, mounted on an ebony staff and iron floor stand. The membership of the Camp attended the service in a body. A special patriotic service was held, full of enthusiasm and patriotic fervor. The flag was presented to the Church, on behalf of the Camp, by William R. Worrell, one of the members. This presentation was most timely, because our Nation was at war for the preservation and per¬ petuation, on earth, of the principles for which our flag so nobly stands, and therefore a most appro¬ priate time for the display of the flag of the Nation before the people in the Church. 54 PRESENT SABBATH SCHOOL BUILDING FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY “It will bring to our minds, each returning Lord’s day, Those who go to the field and the wave.” The flag was accepted, on behalf of the Church, by the pastor. The patriotic address was to have been delivered by Judge Benjamin H. Renshaw, of Philadelphia, who at the last moment was not able to be present. His place was filled by the pastor. The Triple Quartet sang Kipling’s recessional, “God of Our Fathers, Known of Old,” and Katharine Lee Bates’s hymn, “America, the Beautiful.” The hymns were all patriotic, the music excellent, and the singing inspiring. The great auditorium of the new Sabbath- school building was filled with a large and appre¬ ciative audience. Each one in the congregation deeply appreciated the true spirit of patriotism in the Patriotic Order Sons of America, their splendid generosity in the gift of this flag, and their loyalty to our American institutions and the Church of the living God. The Sabbath evening service, July 14, was another memorable occasion, made so by the presentation to the Church and Sabbath School of a beautiful silk service flag, by the members of the Ladies’ Aid Society. The whole service was one of which no one present could fail to appreciate the full signifi¬ cance. Much could be read between the lines and much remained unexpressed, tied up in the affec¬ tions by the heartstrings, save for the falling of a silent tear. The service flag was presented on behalf of the Ladies’ Aid Society by the president, Mrs. Wynkopp. In an appropriate address she said, in part: “It is 55 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE a most fortunate conjunction of events. Two weeks ago there was presented to this Church a beautiful silk American flag, now to be followed with the presentation of a silk service flag, a most fitting patriotic and Christian service on the part of the donors, as a token of their love and esteem for the sons of our Church and Sabbath School who are giving their young manhood for the welfare of our country and the world, in their devotion and desire to serve the highest and noblest aims of mankind. “To-day our sons are marching heroically away as their forebears went. They have heard the call of the ‘Minute Men,’ and they have answered it. We who remain at home have also heard the call that comes ringing down through a glorious and vic¬ torious past, that tells us that war, with all its hard¬ ship and sacrifice in a great and righteous waging, is to be cheerfully and loyally met. We must give, and give gladly of those things that we hold most dear at such a time, not only of our country’s need, but of the world’s peril. The need of the times is to make the world safe for any man to live in, and for the existence of any nation, however small. In order that we may keep before us those of our sons who have gone out from among us to do their part, I have the honor and the pleasure, on behalf of the Ladies’ Aid Society, to present to this Church and Sabbath School, this service flag, with its forty-four stars, and two more to be added, representing those on our ‘Honor Roll.’ This flag is hereafter to have a place in our Church beside the flag of our Nation. “The most glorious heritage to leave posterity is the consciousness of service well done and battles 56 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY well fought, as declared the Apostle Paul, ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.’ ” The service flag was received on behalf of those who had sons and others in the service, and on be¬ half of the Church by Mr. Wilson, who showed how much such a flag meant to the Church, and par¬ ticularly to the Sabbath School, out of which so many had gone from the Young Men’s Class. It also meant much to the homes represented where was the empty chair, around which clustered affectionate as¬ sociations of love and kinship. The service flag was borne forward to the platform by two of our boys, Elmer W. MacLardy and Howard C. Klaiss, both of the Naval Reserve, together with four other young men of the Naval Reserve who were present. The presentation closed with a salute to the national flag, the service flag, and to the young men of the Naval Reserve. Stars were added to the service flag from time to time, representing the additional men entering the service. They were happy days when the strain of war was lifted and these sons began to return home. A Recognition Service was held Sabbath evening, April 27, 1919, for all those sons who had served their country in any capacity. The speaker on this occasion was Lieutenant Allen O. Newman, chaplain of the Buffalo Division (colored). As an army chaplain, he saw active service in France, in the Argonne, Vodges, and other sections. Lieutenant Newman gave an interesting and inspiring message as to how the Christian men of the army fulfilled their duties and went into battle. 57 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE On the evening of Lincoln’s Birthday, Thursday, February 12, 1920, the Ladies’ Aid Society and The Brotherhood united in giving a dinner in honor of the service men and the Home Defense Reserve Men. No effort was spared to bring all the men together on this occasion to do them honor for their sacrifices and services for the country and the world, and to give them all a good, happy time in the home Church. In connection with the Sabbath evening service, July 3, 1921, a bronze Honor Roll tablet, the gift of George Uetz, was unveiled. The address was delivered by the Rev. Melville B. Gurley, assistant minister of the First Presbyterian Church of German¬ town, who served as a chaplain in the United States Navy during the late war. The theme of the address was that America went into the war, in the spirit of answering the Macedonian cry of old, to help save Christian civilization for Europe. After the address the congregation assembled in the hall and on the stairs of the Sabbath-school building for the unveiling of the tablet placed at the foot of the stairs on the west end of the hall. The congregation was gathered in the following order: Mr. Uetz, son Charles, and the pastor, Mr. Gurley and Mr. Oehrle, the service men of the Church and Sabbath School, veterans of the Ameri¬ can Legion, Post 388, Veterans of Foreign Wars, C. W. Hewitt, Jr., Post 154, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the members of the congregation and friends. As the Boy Scout buglers sounded the “Church Call,” the tablet was unveiled by Master Charles Hamor Uetz, youngest son of the donor. 58 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY The tablet was presented by the pastor on behalf of the donor who, addressing the company, said: “I have the honor of representing on this occasion the donor of this magnificent bronze tablet, who desires me to act on his behalf in this matter. “This whole idea was conceived in the mind of the donor as an enduring tribute to our service men, for the present and succeeding generations, and as a lasting recognition and mark of appreciation of the services of each one of these seventy-nine men, ren¬ dered in their own way to our beloved country and to the whole world in an hour of supreme need. “In the erection of this tablet the donor has performed a real patriotic service, met a real need, and fittingly recognized the noble individual patriotic spirit, services, and sacrifices of these men born out of their love of country. “This gift, with all it represents, is deeply appre¬ ciated by all, and our thanks are due you, Mr. Uetz, for the patriotic impulse, its splendid execution, and for the gift itself in all its simple magnificence. “On behalf, therefore, of the donor, I have the great honor and extreme pleasure of presenting this tablet ‘in honor of the men of this Church and Sabbath School who answered the call of their country in the World War, 1917-1919,’ and the turning over of the same to you, Mr. President, as representing the sacred custody of this congregation and its officers.” The tablet was received on behalf of the service men and the Church by Mr. Oehrle, president of the Board of Trustees and a member of the Session, who, in his remarks, expressed the deep debt of gratitude we shall ever owe to these service men for 59 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE all they sacrificed in going forth in answer to the call of their country. In receiving the tablet he also expressed the thanks of the people to the donor. Prayer was offered by Mr. Gurley. The Boy Scout bugler sounded “taps.” The exercises closed with the singing of “America,” and the benediction by the pastor. Only words of praise and approval were uttered concerning the tablet as it stood out in its simple magnificence. Most fortunately, none of our young men, while in the service, died through sickness or were slain or maimed, for which everyone was most thankful, although some of them saw hard service and were engaged in deadly battle. 60 CHAPTER VII REGIONS BEYOND C HILDREN’S Day and the Twenty-first Anni¬ versary of the Sabbath School were marked in a special manner by a decided step forward in the cause of Christian Missions, both on the home and foreign fields, when it was determined to undertake the partial support of a home missionary and a foreign missionary. The Rev. Samuel C. Presnell, of Buckhorn Presbytery, laboring among the southern mountaineers of Kentucky, was selected as our rep¬ resentative on the home field. Mr. Presnell carried on his work under the direction of our Presbyterian Board of Publication and Sabbath School Work. He was reared in the mountains of Kentucky, and knows the people thoroughly, and is doing very suc¬ cessful work. Mr. Presnell is particularly devoted to the organization of Sabbath schools and their work in laying the foundations of Christian character through Bible instruction and training. Upon the invitation of the Superintendent of Missions, John M. Somerndike, of the Board of Publication and Sabbath School Work, the pastor, with his wife, spent part of the summer of 1920 vis¬ iting this field. Their headquarters were at Buck- horn, the seat of Witherspoon College, where the Rev. Harvey S. Murdock, D.D., was president and pastor of the church. Here the hospitality of Mr. Presnell and the Rev. Elmer E. Gabbard, vice- president of the college and assistant pastor, was enjoyed. 61 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE The object of this visitation was to bring our people into a more intelligent understanding and sympathetic touch with this work and its problems. For about two weeks the pastor traveled about on horseback with Mr. Presnell, visiting different parts of this vast field of home missionary endeavor and seeing the needs and the work at first hand. This visit was made very pleasant by the most delightful associations with these brethren and their families, whose hospitality was most cordial. Since this visit, our people have been very gen¬ erous in their remembrance of the missionaries and the people, with contributions of money and supplies. The Rev. Edward W. Perry, laboring in China under the direction of our Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, was selected to represent us on the foreign field. In the record of Mr. Perry is the story of an American boy, early orphaned, who was true to the teachings of a Christian mother, strug¬ gling for an education, independent, self-reliant, and never losing sight of his goal, which was to be a foreign missionary. Mr. Perry was born in Hamilton, New York, September 25, 1888. From 1902 to 1906 he was a member of the George Junior Republic. He was graduated from Colgate Academy, Hamilton, New York, in 1910, and from Colgate University, Ham¬ ilton, New York, in 1914, and from Auburn Theo¬ logical Seminary, Auburn, New York, in 1917. While in college, Mr. Perry began the study of the Chinese language in order to fit himself for his chosen field. In his senior year he filled out his formal application to the Board of Foreign Mis- 62 THE MANSE J FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY sions, January 22, 1914. In this application he de¬ clared that he had endeavored to make the effort to lead souls to Christ the first thing in his life, and that for six years he had been eager to be a missionary. On January 2, 1917, Mr. Perry was appointed to China, and on February 19, of the same year, to the Central China Mission. On September 27, 1917, two days past his twenty-ninth birthday, he sailed for his appointed field of labor. Upon his arrival he was assigned to Shanghai, where he remained for about two years, when he was transferred to Hang¬ chow; again in about a year to Bangkok, Siam, and again in about eighteen months back to China, at Yuan Kiang, Province of Yunnan. Mr. Perry is a whole-souled Christian and good, all-around fellow, fond of hunting, swimming and all outdoor sports, and possessed of considerable knowl¬ edge in the mechanical arts. He is most excellently fitted and prepared for the great work upon which he has entered. Mrs. Perry is the daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Taylor, missionaries at Nan, Siam. As yet our people have not had an opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Perry personally, but from what we have learned from others and through cor¬ respondence with Mr. and Mrs. Perry we have come both to know and to love them. We are expecting the pleasure of a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Perry sometime during the year 1924, while on their furlough. Our people have taken pleasure in remembering Mr. and Mrs. Perry at Christmas and Easter time. 63 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE A greater missionary interest than ever before was awakened by Ida M. Reifsneider, who for over nine years was a communicant and worker in the Church and active in the Sabbath School. Miss Reifsneider graduated from the William Penn High School for Girls, Commercial Department, Class of 1915, after which she spent some time in business. It was while attending a summer conference in 1919 that she decided to give herself for service in the foreign mission field. With this in view she entered the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, for a two-year course, graduating August 10, 1922. Through correspondence it was arranged for Miss Reifsneider, with the pastor, to meet represen¬ tatives of our Presbyterian Board of Foreign Mis¬ sions in New York City, Thursday, September 28, 1922, for conference. This proved very satisfactory. In her application Miss Reifsneider stated she would be willing to go where the Board, in its wise judg¬ ment, might direct, but she had a preference for Africa, and expressed the hope that she might be sent for service there. Her application remained under consideration until early in February, 1923, when Miss Reifsneider was informed of her appointment to the West Africa Mission, which information was received with great gratification. All missionaries under appointment were called together for a two-weeks’ conference in New York City, beginning Wednesday, June 6. Miss Reifsneider attended this conference. The definite date, Satur¬ day, July 21, 1923, had been set for her sailing for Paris, France, where she was to spend six months in further study and preparation for her work. 64 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY After her return from the conference, at the request of the pastor, Miss Reifsneider consented to speak in the Church at the Sabbath evening service, July 15, at which time she spoke of her call to the mis¬ sionary service, and told something of the Mission¬ ary Conference and of the field of labor she expected to enter for Christ and the Church. On Wednesday evening, July 18, in connection with the mid-week service, there was a special service of prayer and an informal farewell reception to bid her God speed on her way. According to arrangement, Miss Reifsneider sailed Saturday, July 21, at noon, on the ship Presi¬ dent Arthur, United States Line, from Pier 4, Ho¬ boken. Besides her mother and father, Ruth E. Dugan, Ethel Kennedy, Edward Rodisch and son Edward, and the pastor were there to see her off. She landed at Cherbourg, Monday evening, July 30, and the next day went to Paris. The congregation voluntarily undertook the entire support of Miss Reifsneider, becoming respon¬ sible to the Board of Foreign Missions to the amount of $1500 annually. Arrangements for the raising of this fund were put in the hands of a special committee, as follows: Edward Rodisch, Mrs. John G. Sonneborn, and Ruth E. Dugan. The amount was divided into one hundred and fifty shares at $10 per share. The shares were taken up by individual members and different organizations of the Church and the Sabbath School. In this way the entire amount was subscribed, beginning with July 1, 1923. 65 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE It was a grand thing for Miss Reifsneider to be able to go to her field of labor knowing that her entire support was provided for by her own Church. The appointment of Miss Reifsneider to this im¬ portant field in Africa is a direct honor both to Miss Reifsneider and to our Church, marking a new era in missionary interest in the congregation. 66 CHAPTER VIII VALLEY SHADOWS C HURCHES, as well as families and individuals, are called sometimes to “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” By their virtues and their works, individuals endear themselves in the associations of life. Next to the family, the place of such endeared associations is the Church. The shadows that fall across the life of a church in a quarter of a century are deep and dark. The first shadow of death’s dark vale to cross the life of the Church in the early years was caused by the de¬ parture of a brother beloved and a faithful co¬ worker, George E. Hutt, November 15, 1901. Mr. Hutt was the first man in the community to identify himself with the movement from its incep¬ tion. A man of zeal and spirit, refined and consid¬ erate, willing and active, he gave himself to the work in earnest. His heart and life were in it. He was the first secretary and treasurer of the Sabbath School, as well as a teacher. He was a trustee and first treasurer of the Church, 1898-1901. He was the leader of the first mid-week prayer meeting that was held. Through him, other men were encouraged to take an interest in the work. H is fine personality, his interest and his efforts meant much in the time of early beginnings. For a second time the valley shadows penetrated the official family circle, January 11, 1903, removing a stanch friend and faithful officer, Samuel Clark, 67 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE trustee, 1898-1903. He was one of the original members and the oldest man at that time serving on the Board of Trustees. Although not a member of the Board of Trus¬ tees at the time the shadows fell, the passing of another grand old man, J. Kinsey Kerr, July 2, 1909, was deeply felt. He, too, was a faithful and devoted officer, a trustee, 1898-1907, and first sexton of the Church, 1898-1904. At the dawn of the period of greater growth, the Church was veiled in the valley shadows by the departure, March 24, 1913, of its early leader and benefactor, William J. Scott. The services of Mr. Scott to this Church were large, self-sacrificing, and generous in every way. He loved the Church; it was his delight to worship and work there. He was the first Sabbath-school super¬ intendent, 1898-1908, and a ruling elder, 1898-1913. Such a strong Christian and useful churchman could not but be greatly missed. His faith and love, his simplicity and prayers, his Christian character and generous works abide with us as an inspiring example and holy benediction. Ever since the founding of the Christian Church, women have had a very large part in its history and service, laboring in the things of the Gospel, thus contributing their peculiar part to the advancement of the kingdom of God in the world. This Church is fortunate in having had many such women. The translation of some of these women “who bestowed much labor on us” and “who are of note” among us, cast deep valley shadows over the Church at different times. 68 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY The first among these women was Mrs. Sara T. Fetter, who came into the Church, with her hus¬ band, at the time of its organization. From the very first she was deeply interested in the progress and welfare of the Church. She gave generously of her time, talent, and means to further its interest. She was the first one to suggest a manse. It was through her that her husband secured the house for the pas¬ tor, in which he lived so many years as the undis¬ turbed tenant. She had a particular interest in the missionary work of the Church at large. Mrs. Fetter was a Christian born and reared, a Christian in character and culture, a Christian in consecration and charity, in all, loving much and much beloved. The valley shadows fell February 10, 1918, leav¬ ing a fine character and delightful personality ever to be remembered. Again the somber shadows fell across the valley, June 24, 1922, marking the sudden passing of Mrs. Mary E. Lightenhome from our midst. Mrs. Lightenhome was the moving spirit and inspiration in setting in motion the activities which led to the early beginnings of the Church and Sabbath School, concerning the ultimate outcome of which she had no doubts. “We expect not only one blessing, but many blessings. I see turrets and minarets aris¬ ing out of this small beginning.” She lived to see in part the realization of her faith and effort. Through the years, Mrs. Lightenhome was al¬ ways identified with some branch of the work. She was especially interested in the Sabbath School and in missionary endeavor. She was a woman of diver- 69 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE silled talent, with the gift of speech and the pen of a ready writer. She was an intelligent Christian, always ready to give a reason for the hope within her. She was a witnessing Christian, always ready to bear a living testimony for her Master. She was a working Christian, always ready to serve others. She was a woman of faith and vision, of prayer and good works. Her familiar presence is greatly missed in the Church, where she was so faithful and useful. The most active of the oldest women who en¬ tered into the establishment of the Church, and the strengthening of its foundations with earnestness and vigor, was Mrs. Agnes McMillan Scott. She believed in the founding of this Church and the large opportunity for service that was evidently before it. She gave generously of her services and means. She was the first to make a contribution of twenty-five dollars for lumber for the original frame Church building, erected on the lot of Tabor Road and Third Street, loaned and afterwards sold to the Church by her husband, who gave his services in the erecting of the building. Mrs. Scott was one of the original members, and as long as she was able was deeply interested in all that pertained to the welfare of the Church. She was a woman of positive conviction, of Bible knowledge, of Christian experience, of devotion to Christ and the advancement of His kingdom in the world. The shadows in the valley were greatly length¬ ened, until at last they faded away in the light of eternal day, October 12, 1922, and she entered in 70 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY through the gates into the city whose builder and maker is God. The Church and the community were brought down into the deep valley shadows Friday night, April 27, 1923, when the much-beloved and sin¬ cerely revered Mrs. Mary E. Oehrle “Silently slipped O’er the threshold by night, To make her abode In the city of light.” Mrs. Oehrle was one of the original members, together with her husband, w T hom she counselled and encouraged, and with whom she planned and worked in promoting the best interests of the Church. From the very first, Mrs. Oehrle herself was actively identified with the work of the Church and Sabbath School, always filling some important place and always wielding a great influence by her counsel and splendid Christian character. Mrs. Oehrle possessed a fine literary mind, the qualities of a student, and the ability of a teacher. These cultured talents she used generously and helpfully in Christian instruction and spiritual edifi¬ cation. Mrs. Oehrle was a teacher born, and the desire and pleasure of imparting knowledge always re¬ mained with her as one of the magnificent avenues of her Christian service. In the recent years, it was particularly in con¬ nection with the Teacher Training Department of the Sabbath School that she was so helpfully asso¬ ciated, not only in what she did, but also through her influence and inspiration. 71 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Mrs. Oehrle’s activities in time and talent were by no means limited to the local Church, but extended out into the community and the Church at large, for she was a woman of varied interests and wide sym¬ pathy. She filled so large a place, her departure was a great loss. “Her sun is gone down while it was yet day.” 72 CHAPTER IX DOMINANT FORCES T HROUGH the years certain dominant forces have been at work. From the first a most dominant force has been the evangelistic. Ever aiming to be true to the mission of Christ and the Church, the all-prevailing objective has been the salvation of souls. Evangelism has been the dominating force of the pulpit and of the people. It has always been a pleasure to be identified with this part of the work, whether organized from within, or in co-operating from without. Among the former, was a series of laymen’s evangelistic meetings in April, 1914, planned by the pastor and regarded at the time as unique. The meetings were addressed by Presbyterian laymen, imbued with the evangelistic spirit. These meetings attracted considerable attention and accomplished much good. Among the latter were the Simultaneous Evan¬ gelistic Campaign in February, 1908, under the leadership of J. Wilbur Chapman, D.D., the Taber¬ nacle Evangelistic Meetings in January, 1915, under the leadership of William A. Sunday, D.D., and the Presbyterial Evangelistic Campaign during the season of 1920-1921, under the auspices of the General Assembly’s Evangelistic Committee. Dur¬ ing this campaign the meetings in our Church were conducted by the Rev. Thomas Houston, the blind evangelist. These efforts were fruitful spiritually. 73 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE Where the evangelistic force is dominant, it is sure to manifest itself in the missionary spirit and effort. Hence, simultaneously with the evangelistic force, missions have been a dominant force, too. It is significant that through all the exacting de¬ mands of acquiring land and buildings, contributions to missionary and benevolent causes increased. The missionary objective was to support individual mis¬ sionaries in the home and foreign fields. It was a glad day when this was realized. Again, educational forces have always been dominant, seeking expression through all the avail¬ able avenues of the Church life. The aim has been to declare the whole counsel of God and to present the gospel of Christ intelligently and appealingly, with a view of having it intelligently understood and sympathetically received. No pains have ever been spared in marshalling the forces that edify the mind and develop the spiritual life. The dominant force of fraternalism in its largest sense has always been evident. As far as possible the Church organization has been regarded as one large family with common interests. This idea dominated the social life, and the promotion of it was for the development of sociability, not as a financial asset. Such an aim has always meant keeping away from the mercenary and mendicant spirit, thus avoid¬ ing embarrassment to those within and hindrances in the way of those without. A consistent effort has been made to show clearly that this Church existed not only for those inside of it, but for those outside as well. 74 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY The Church has been maintained by the free-will offerings of the people, given systematically by the use of the weekly envelope. By consistently adhering to this plan, no other means have ever, at any time, been resorted to for maintenance. The seats have always been free. One of the crowning dominant forces which has contributed so largely to the successful development of the Church has been the splendid harmony which has so uniformly prevailed. An evidence of this is seen in the few changes which have taken place in some of the important offices. There have been only one president of the Board of Trustees, two secre¬ taries and two treasurers, one pastor, three clerks of Session, two sextons, three Sabbath-school superin¬ tendents, four pipe organists, and four choristers. These prevailing dominant forces have counted for much in the life and character of the Church which is about to enter upon the era of its greatest usefulness. 75 CHAPTER X MUCH REMAINETH AS WE face the future, much remains upon which i \ to bestow our best energies. The building problem is still with us. The greatest remaining task, however, is the erection of the Church edifice. This is the one thing needful to round out properly our Church life and organization. May the Lord speed the day when this can be done! The importance of the Sabbath School has al¬ ways been recognized and must continue so to be. Every effort must be put forth to develop it into a more efficient means for the worship of God, the disseminating of Bible knowledge, and the upbuilding of spiritual life. To do this requires officers and teachers of spiritual resources and definite prepara¬ tion. To be a worker in the Sabbath School always has been and always will be a position of chief im¬ portance and usefulness. The increasing requirement ever remains for maintaining and successfully prosecuting the work of the different organizations. The work of these organizations affords opportunity for varied indi¬ vidual expression in aiding the advancement of the kingdom of God in the world. Each member of the Church ought to seek some such avenue of expression. To this end, the importance of giving attention to training for Christian service is imperative. To be successfully useful, this training must be fostered by the Church. There must always be those who are 76 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF OLNEY able and willing to give that training, and those who are ready and willing to receive it. The fact ought never to be lost sight of that the secret of such work is to do it right and well. It re¬ quires seriousness and sincerity on the part of those engaged in it. Of course, changes in the membership of organizations are bound to come and must be met. While this is true of all organizations to some ex¬ tent, it is particularly true of young people’s organ¬ izations. Workers change, but the work must go on. It is said the light that shines farthest away burns brightest at home. This is true of the missionary and evangelistic Church. It means that the work of Christ is being prosecuted in the missionary and local fields for the salvation of souls. The live Church is the missionary and evangelistic Church. Both the missionary and evangelistic interests of our Church must continue to be developed and to receive the increased support of the whole congregation. Those who began the work of this Church and those who have developed and maintained it these tweny-five years bestow upon the coming years a rich spiritual heritage. It remains a sacred obligation to the past and a loving trust to the future to sustain an unflagging interest in the welfare of this beloved Church, dear to the past, precious to the future. “The Lord hath done great things for us; where¬ of we are glad.” “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” “For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.” 77 J * *