i\ KJ 1 -i^irwATi 4- x^ A t^" PHiLADELPHIA PREPARED BY THE fASTQi^. RV. IRWIN P. McCURDY. ^^^sisy»^-i^mm\x^''^'^ ^ PRINCETON, N. J. ''^ '%. \ Presented by V^X-'(£/<5\C\(£,\^V~^v2a\"Vo x^ . BX 9211 Southwe Church Manua Presbyterian Church .P49142 S68 1885 stern Presbyterian (Philadelphia, Pa. ) of the Southwestern J/Turti\J (P. Tn/^^i/rdt) _ Pastor of the Southwestern Presbyterian Church. Philadelphia MANUAL OF THE Southwestern Presbyterian Church / PHILADELPHIA Situated at. N. E. Cor. Twentieth and Fitzwater Sts. Six Squares West of Broad Street and Six Squares South of Cliestnut Street. PREPARED BY THE PASTOR, REV. IRWIN P. McCURDY. April, 1885. PHILADELPHIA. AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE, EIGHTH AND JAYNE STREETS. 1885. Gontentj Page Explanatory, - - - « - - - - 5 The Pastor's Suggestions, - - - - - 7 Historical Record, - - - - - -14 Present Appointments, - - - - - 16 Present Organization, ...... 18 Church Officers, - - - - - 18 The Sabbath School, .... - 19 Other Organizations, ... - - 20 Roll of Communicants, ------ 22 Summary of Membership, ----- 30 The Financial System, - - - - - -31 Pew Rents, ...... 31 Weekly Free-will Offerings, - - - - 32 Other Contributions, ----- 33 Benevolent Agencies, ------ 34 Presbyterian Polity, .... - 36 The Church, .---.- 36 The Presbyterian Church, . . . . 36 Summary of Presbyterian Doctrine, - - - 39 Annual Report to Presbytery (April 6, 1885), - - 41 Explanalorij. This Manual has been prepared for the use and information of the members of this Church and Congregation, in accordance with the official action of the Session. It is the first of a series, which it is pro- posed to issue at intervals. While great care has been taken to secure accuracy, it is felt that errors will, almost necessarily, be discovered ; and that a subsequent issue may be more perfect, it is requested that any one detecting mistakes will bring it to the attention of the Pastor. All persons connected with our Church are earnestly invited to read carefully the contents of this Manual. It is hoped that it will make us all more intelligent concerning our Church, its work, and its needs; that it will help to stimulate us to greater exertion in Christian work in our Church ; that every one of us may be impressed with the thought that there is a place of usefulness which he can fill, and that each one will diligently strive to bear his full share of all the burdens and responsi- biUties of our Church— and thus make our future bright with God-given success. If it does this it will be considered worth all the thought, time, labor, and money that have been expended upon it. All persons into whose hands this Manual may fall, who have no regular place of worship, are requested to study our Church as it appears upon these pages, and consider the " Invitation to Strangers," which is No. 15 of the Pastor's Suggestions (page 12). Copies of this Manual may be had, without charge, on application to the Pastor or Elders. The cost of its publication has been provided for through the kindness of a friend of the Church. I. P. M. 723 S. 20th St., Philadelphia, April p, 1885. ^he pallor I Sugge§tion|. I. Pastoral Services.— The Pastor is at your service always, for all the purposes of the Pastorate. While his chief work is to preach and teach the Gospel, he is always glad to welcome to his home, at any time, any persons who desire to talk with him about the great concerns of the immortal soul, or who call to consult with him about the affairs of the Church, or anything else that pertains to the progress of Christ's Kingdom. II. Visiting.— It is the Pastor's purpose to visit at their homes, each family of the Church and every member of the Congregation and Sab- bath School, just as often as he can consistently with his other duties. No rule can be established in a Church with a large membership except to be always ready to visit any family or individual when necessary. The Pastor expects that all cases of sickness and sorrow and special religious needs will be at once reported to him, and he will regard it a sacred privilege to answer any and every such call that may be made upon his time and care. Never take it for granted that the Pastor is acquainted with your special needs. When a visit for any reason is desired, and especially if you think he can be helpful to you under any special circumstances, the Pastor will regard it as a favor if you notify him of the fact. When this is done, it is to be hoped that all proper allowance will be made for seeming neglect in pastoral visitation. III. Sickness.— The Pastor is always ready and wilhng to visit the sick, and will gladly put himself to any inconvenience to serve them. As he cannot always know who are sick or when his presence would be desir- able, he most earnestly requests that, whenever the circumstances of any MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. person or any family connected with the congregation are such as call for special attention, he may be immediately informed of the fact. It often happens when people are sick, that they are so sick as to be unable to see even the Pastor; and sometimes there is such a state of confusion in the affairs of the family that it is very inconvenient for them to have the Pastor call. In view of these things, the Pastor ought not to be expected to call, where there is sickness or trouble, unless he is asked to do so, even if he knows that such sickness or trouble exist. At any rate, the Pastor ought not to be censured if he does not call, unless the afflicted have specially sent for him. IV. Funerals. — If possible, consult the Pastor before definite arrangements are made as to the day and hour for the funeral services. This will enable him to so adjust other engagements as to comply with the wishes of the friends of the deceased. Funerals should, in all ordi- nary cases, be in the latter part of the day, and not on the Lord's Day. The regular duties of the Sabbath are sufficient for the strength of the Pastor. V. Baptism. — All Christian parents should present their children to the Lord in Baptism, as soon as convenient after they are born. This ordinance should be administered in the presence of the congregation, and not in private, except in cases of sickness. Parents intending to present their children for Baptism should always write, with care, the child's name in full, and date of birth, together with the names of the father and mother in full, upon a slip of paper, and hand the same to the Pastor, to be recorded in the Church Register. VI. Marriage. — When persons intending to be married have set the day for the happy event, if they desire the services of the Pastor, they should notify him as soon as convenient, so that he may avoid making other engagements which may conflict with their plans. The Pastor always keeps such secrets. VII. Public Worship. — If Christians are to let their lights shine in Sabbath observance, they must engage in the public exercises of the Sanctuary ; they must join in public prayer and praise with the people of God. Let it not be said of us that we are neglecting the ordinances of God's house. Let each one say with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let the habit of regular attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary be a controlling power in the life of our Church. It is a great pleasure for the Pastor to bear record to the continued faithfulness of our people in this direction. Twice each Sabbath, in the evening as well as the morning, it is his happy privilege to preach to a full house. Let this good attendance continue, and let the boys and girls be gathered in with the fathers and mothers, to the congregation of Sabbath worshipers — " both young men and maidens ; THE pastor's suggestions. old men and children : let them praise the name of the Lord." Come promptly at the time appointed for beginning the service, and thus you will not disturb others in their worship. In God's house be reverent and attentive. Be eager to hear as the Word is read, and let the house be stillest when God speaks. Good hearing has a wonderful effect on the preaching. Sing with the spirit. Practice what is preached. VIII. The Sabbath School.— The Sabbath School is the most important department of our Church-work. In it we have the most easily reached and the most impressible part of every congregation. The Sabbath School is an organized power which, properly utilized, is capable of immense possibilities of good to the cause of Christ and to the Church. The great object of the Sabbath School should be Bible study for Christian growth, for immediate religious impressions and con- stant Christian culture. The teacher's object should be to lead the soul to Christ. Parents should send their children regularly and on time, and assist them in the study of their lessons. They should give the officers and teachers their prayers and assistance. The essential qualities of a good teacher are love of the work, carefulness and thoroughness of preparation, and punctuality of attendance. The Pastor would most lovingly press the claims of the Sabbath School of our Church upon the attention of every member, as the work not of the few now engaged in it, but as a work in which every member of our Church has a share and common interest ; and thus aid in making this field of labor rich in abundant fruit for the Kingdom of our Lord. IX. The Weekly Meetings.— Make the Wednesday Evening Lec- ture and the Friday Evening Congregational Prayer Meeting " « previous engagement" even with your best friend. Such meetings have been a power for good that eternity only can measure. Within them brotherly love has been fostered, a strong working faith developed, and souls born into the fold of the Lord Jesus. Let every member feel it a duty and a privilege to regularly attend these services. Not one of us can afford to lose their influence. Invite others to come with you and try to interest them in the services. Come with the spirit of de- votion, of sympathy, and of love ; join heartily in the singing ; expect to give and receive some good ; and these weekly meetings will be the golden hours of the week. X. Home Religion.— The Church services can never take the place of home training and influence. Our Church life: will be regulated and directed very much by the spirit that controls the family. The home ought to be the most hallowed spot on earth to the child. The cords of holy love thrown around him there are almost sure to draw him into the Church, and lead him to Heaven. Godly homes are the nurseries of the Church. The memories of fireside devotions are often among the lO MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. dearest of life. All home conversations about religion and the Church should lead the little children to feel that it is their privilege to love and serve the Lord, just as they do their father and mother, and enroll themselves early among the followers of Christ, by joining his Church, and obey his dying command: "This do in remembrance of me." Let the lambs be gathered into the fold before they become hardened in sin, and stray away from holy influences ; and let the Christian home be the place where their feet are directed aright. XL Bringing Children to Church.- — God has ordained that his visible Church shall be built up, not of isolated individuals, but of famihes. Every child of believing parents is by its birth a citizen of God's Kingdom and an heir of its privileges, subject to the condition of subsequent personal faith. Attendance at the Church services ought to be by families. The Pastor would urge all parents to bring their children to Church. If they do not, they can not expect them to love the Church as they grow up, for they are not training them in that direction. Unless the children are brought regularly 'to the public services of God's House, the Church, humanly speaking, has little or no future before it. The present generation of Church goers will soon be gone, and the coming generation, being untrained in the ways of their parents, will care nothing for the prosperity and perpetuity of the Church, Parents should not allow their children to grow up without that educational training in spiritual truth which a regular attendance upon the services of the Church cannot fail to give, and without that restraining influence which the preaching of God's Word wraps around weak human nature. Parents who do not bring their children to the Church services, are neglecting a duty which is very serious in its consequences, not only upon their children, but upon themselves ; for they are sowing seed which, if the parents themselves are Christians, must, some day, bring a harvest in tears of sorrow and bitterness. The Pastor then would sincerely urge that parents, for their own sakes, for their children's sakes, and for the sake of the Church, should insist upon their children coming with them regularly to the House of God. They ought to bring their children to Church so early in life that, in after years, they would not be able to tell when they began to attend religious services. In manhood and womanhood, they will thank and bless their parents for such a training. XII. Church Membership. — Membership in the Presbyterian Church is based, not on the acceptance of a creed, but upon profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith includes penitence for sin and obedience to the commandments. Uniting with the Church is enrolling ourselves among the followers of Christ. The Church is a school of Christ, and is helpful to the Christian life. Every member is expected to study the Scriptures and " to grow in grace and in the knowledge of THE PASTOR S SUGGESTIONS. 1 1 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The hfe of every member of the Church should be consistent w^ith the profession he has made. His conduct should in no respect give the lie to his profession. In uniting with the Church, he professes to seek and love the truth ; to make Christ his Teacher and Example; to be led by the Spirit of God; to study and promote the peace and prosperity of the Church ; to be jealous of the reputation of the Church and to submit himself to the laws, government, and discipline of the Church. To do all this will require much prayer, watchfulness, and diligence. While no man is perfect, and while sanctification is a work of life, yet the Church expects to find every one of its members earnestly striving to reach this perfection. He should practice much self-denial ; he should be regular in observing the ordinances of the Church ; he should be faith- ful in discharging the duties involved in his relation to the Church; he should be active in Church-work — attending all the services and per- suading others to attend ; he should help in all the prayer, social, and business meetings of the Church ; and he should contribute regularly and freely, as God hath prospered him, not only to the current expenses of our own Church, but to all departments of its benevolent work. Xni. Church Certificates. — It is "walking disorderly" not to have personal responsibility in and to some particular Church. Our members are affectionately urged, when their business and family cir- cumstances call them to leave our community, to apply without delay, to the Pastor or any member of the Session, for their certificates of dis- mission and recommendation, and also to present them promptly to the Church to which they are commended, remembering that their relation to us does not cease until they are received by such Church. Members of other Churches who worship with us, even though for a brief or in- definite time, are cordially invited to present their certificates, and come into full communion with us while their residence is here. It is little trouble, it costs nothing, it is orderly, it is courteous. , Living within the bounds of one Church, and having a membership in another, is not helpful to spiritual life. When for good reasons it is impracticable to transfer their relationship, our non-resident members are requested to report to the Session at least once a year. XIV. Hospitality. — It is the duty of every Church-member to be interested in the welfare of every other, and especially in the same con- gregation. Without brotherly love no Church can prosper; and, without acquaintance, love must be very slight. After every Church meeting there ought to be cordial greetings between those who are present. It is the injunction of Paul: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Always welcome the stranger that may come within our gate. No member of the congregation should allow strangers to leave the MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. house, without speaking to them, and extending an invitation to return and share hi§ pew. " Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compas- sion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." — I Peter, 3: 8. XV. Invitation to Strangers. — All persons who have no regular place of worship, are invited ro come and cast in their lot with us. We will make you welcome, and do you good. If you accept our invitation to be one with us in our worship, we mvite you to make yourself known to the Pastor as such, by waitmg to speak to him at the close of any service ; or by writing to him, giving your name and address, and he will call to see you ; or by visiting him at his home. This invitation is extended to all, alike to rich and poor, learned and unlearned, known and unknown. XVI. Religious Newspapers.— It is desirable that there should be a good religious newspaper in every family of our Church. The follow- ing are good Presbyterian papers : The Presbyterian and The Presbyte- rian Journal, of Philadelphia ; The New York Observer and The Evangelist, of New York City ; The Presbyterian Observer, of Balti- more ; The Presbyterian Banner, of Pittsburg ; The Herald and Pres- byter, of Cincinnati ; The Interior, of Chicago. XVII. Young People.— The hope of the Church and the world is in the young people. The future of our own Church depends very largely upon those who have the fire of youth to help in active Christian work. Most people who have passed middle life are set in their ways ; and, whether their ways are right or wrong, they are not easily moved. It is very difficult to enlist in active Christian work those people who have come into the Church late in life, and especially those who have been in the Church for years, and who have done little or nothing for the cause of Christ and the spiritual good of others. The young people, under the direction of a sympathizing and prudent leader, can do more efficient service in matters pertaining to the active work and prosperity of our Church than the aged. Young men can greatly aid the Pastor in many ways, and especially by loyalty to the Church, and by interest- ing other young men in the services and the work of our Church. Young ladies can do even more by a similar loyalty, by taking a de- cided stand for our Church, by giving it as a whole the benefit of their social influence, remembering what Christ has done for their sex. Our young people can in a multitude of ways render telling service for the good of our Church. XVIII. Christian Work. — It is the Pastor's chief desire to have the hearty co-operation of all, in every work of the Church. Each one can find something to do, and any one desiring special work can find it by consulting the Pastor. Each member ought to work in and for our THE PASTOR S SUGGESTIONS. 13 Church, doing all that he can for its prosperity. Otherwise the greatest success cannot be attained. Be always at Church. Be ever seeking to bring others to Church. Seek out strangers and visit them. Seek for new Sabbath-school scholars. All who can should either teach or enter a class. If you want to teach and there is no class, go out and find a class. Watch for opportunities. Seek to interest strangers in our Church home. Don't wait for formal introductions. Use your personal influence with non-church-goers. Work individually and privately. Be much in prayer for the Church. Be punctual as well as regular at all its services. Be much in secret communion with God. Walk with God. Strive to preach the most eloquent and powerful of all sermons, by simply living for the Saviour. Be careful to fulfill all righteousness between man and man. Covet the best gifts. Pray without ceasing. Be much in fellowship with the saints. Cultivate hospitality. Know and love the members of our Church and do good unto all. When your Pastor makes mistakes, don't go and complain to others, but go and tell Jesus. Pray earnestly for your Pastor, that his ministry may not be in vain, and that he may be the instrument in God's hands of doing much good in our Church. XIX. Holiness. — Holiness is the crowning excellence of which humanity is capable, and for which it was originally designed. The great design of the Gospel is to promote holiness. The principles of holiness are constant fellowship with God and unreserved consecration of the soul and life to God. The members of our Church are affection- ately urged to make holiness the great object for which they pray, and after which they strive. Everything we do should be done in the name of Christ, and for His sake, or our Church services will be worth but little. We should be holy on Monday, as well as on Sabbath ; in the store as well as at the communion table ; in the workshop, as well as in the Church. We are not our own, but Christ's ; and we should hold ourselves and all that we have to be not our own, but the property of the King of kings. Thus, we shall make our lives bright with the effulgence of holiness, and benign with the blessing of beneficence; and, at last, we shall receive from Him whose approbation is eternal honor the com- mendation, "Well done ! enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 14 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. j^i|tori?al ^e?ord. 1853-1885. Church Organized by Presbytery of Philadelphia, Feb. 8, iSsj. Present House of Worship Dedicated, March lo, i86i. Present Parsonage Erected during i86g and i8yo. I. pastOFS. Rev. James McCaskie, a native of Ireland, a licentiate of the Presby- tery of Strabane, Ireland, and who had served this Church as stated supply from its organization, was ordained and installed its first Pastor, by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, July 12, 1854. He was released from the Pastoral care of the Church June 20, 1864, and ever since has been in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. Rev. John McLeod, a native of Philadelphia, a graduate of Yale College, and who received his theological education at Yale Seminary, and who was then Secretary of the Board of Domestic Missions of the Presbyterian Church, (new school,) and stated supply of the Presby- terian Church in Reeseville, Chester County, Pa., and formerly Pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Montreal, Canada, was elected the second Pastor of this Church, September 27, 1864, and, having served the Church as Pastor-elect from his election, was duly installed in 1866. On account of failing health he resigned his charge and was released February 4, 1884, and is now living in England. Rev. Irwin P. McCurdy, a native of Western Pennsylvania, a graduate of the Pennsylvania State Normal School, at Indiana, Pa., and of Lafayette College, and who received his theological education at Princeton Seminary, and who was then Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Frederick City, Maryland, and Professor of Greek and Higher Mathematics in Frederick Seminary, was elected the third Pastor of this Church, April 14, 1884; and, after having been released from his charge at Frederick City on the 15th of the following June, he entered upon his Pastorate in this Church on the next day, and was in- stalled on the 29th of the same month. HISTORICAL RECORD. I 5 II. Elders. Installed. Ceased to Serve. James McClean Feb. 8,1853 Mar. 19, 1853 Robert Mullen Feb. 8,1853 Sept. 24, 1862 John Patterson *June 24, 1853 Sept. 23, 1853 John A. Cowan *Mar. 24, 1854 Dec. 22, 1871 Alexander Gamble *Mar. 24, 1854 Sept. 22, 1871 Samuel Fulton Sept. 4, 1869 James Hemphill Sept. 4, 1869 Mar. 24, 1876 Chas. Edward Miller July 2, 1876 Charles Crudden July 2, 1876 Hugh Rutherford July 2,1876 William McKnight. July 2,1876 James Moore July 2, 1876 James Thompson July 2, 1876 July i, 1877 Charles Harter July 1,1877 June 13, 1884 John Graham July i, 1877 Feb. 20, 1885 III. Deacons. Installed. Ceased to Serve. Hugh Copeland July 2, 1876 Matthew McCauley J uly 2, 1 876 Charles Forbes July 2, 1876 William Robson July 2, 1876 * Date of first meeting with the Session ; installed previously, but the record cannot be found. l6 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. present j^ppointment^ Public Worship, on Sabbath, at 10:30 A. M„ and 7:45 P. M. Sabbath School, on Sabbath, at 2:30 P. M„ in the Sabbath School Rooms. On Communion Sabbaths, at 2 P. M. Young People's Meeting, for Prayer and Praise, on Sabbath, at 7 P. M., in the Lecture Room. Lecture Service, on Wednesday Evening, at 8 o'clock, in the Lecture Room. Congregational Prayer Meeting, on Friday Evening, at 8 o'clock, in the Lecture Room. Young Ladies' Prayer Meeting (for ladies only), on Sabbath Afternoon, at 4 o'clock, in the Bible Class Room. Young Men's Prayer Meeting (for young men only), on Sabbath Morning, at 10 o'clock, in the Bible Class Room. Parent's and Children's Meeting, on the first Sabbath of each month, at 7:45 P. M., in the Church. Communion, on the fourth Sabbath of March, June, September, and December, at 3:30 P. M. Preparatory Services, on Wednesday and Friday Evenings pre- ceding the Communion, at 8 o'clock. Baptism, on the Sabbath following the Communion, at the morning service ; and it may be administered at any public service. The Session meets on Friday Evening preceding the fourth Sabbath of each month, immediately after Prayer Meeting, and at the call of the Pastor. It meets on Friday Evening preceding the Communion, imme- diately after the preparatory service, and also on Commimion Sabbath, immediately after the morning service, to receive applications for Church membership, either on profession of faith or by letter. PRESENT APPOINTMENTS. IJ The Board of Deacons meets at the call of its President. The Board of Trustees meets on the second Thursday of each month, at 8 P. M., and at the call of its President. The Pew Committee meets on the first and third Monday Evenings of April, July, October, and January, at jyi o'clock, in the Lecture Room. The Treasurer and Secretary of the Board of Trustees meet at the same time and place for the collection of pew rents. The Congregation meets annually on the second Monday of Feb- ruary, at 8 P. M., for the election of Trustees and the transaction of other Church business. It may also meet at the call of the Session for the transaction of special business. The Sabbath School Association meets on the second Tuesday of each month, at 8 P. M. The John McLeod Foreign Mission Band meets on the fourth Monday of each month, at 8 P. M. The Willard M. Rice Foreign Mission Band meets on the first Tuesday of each month, at 8 P. M. The Irwin P. McCurdy Foreign Mission Band meets on the third Monday of each month, at 8 P. M. The Mizpah Young Ladies' Mission Band meets on the first Monday of each month, at 8 P. M. The White Ribbon Army, Southwestern Division, meets at the call of its Executive Committee. The Ladies' Aid Society meets on the first Wednesday of each month, immediately after the Lecture Service. l8 MANUAL OF THK SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. JlFegenl Organisation. L GhuFch OffieeFS. I. PASTOR. Rev. Irwin P. McCurdy 723 South 20th Street.* II. RULING ELDERS. Samuel Fulton 728 South 20th Street Chas. Edward Miller 2009 South Street Charles Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street Hugh Rutherford 2501 Naudain Street William McKnight 1935 Pemberton Street James Moore, Clerk 1237 South 20th Street III. DEACONS. Hugh Copeland, President 2051 Fitzwater Street William Robson, Secretary 2025 South Street Matthew McCauley, Treasurer 1631 South Street Charles Forbes 2116 Pemberton Street IV. TRUSTEES. Samuel Sproul, President 22d and Ellsworth Streets John A. Cowan, Secretary 2815 Hummel Street Alex. T. McCauley, Treasurer 1740 Carver Street James S. Caterson 1532 South 17th Street Hugh Copeland 2051 Fitzwater Street Charles Forbes 2116 Pemberton Street John Patterson 1937 Pemberton Street James Thompson 1038 Ward Street John Woods 713 South 19th Street Edward Milligan, Sexton 2020 Catharine Street * The Parsonage is the first house north of the Church. PRESENT ORGANIZATION. I9 II. 5;he Sabbath Sehool. I. OFFICERS. Charles Crudden, Superintendent 2007 Pemberton Street James Moore, Assistant Supt. 1237 South 20th Street Samuel T. Moore, Secretary 1237 South 20th Street Charles M. Moore, Assistant Sec 1237 South 20th Street Samuel Fulton, Treasurer 728 South 20th Street John A. Cowan, Librarian 2815 Hummel Street II. TEACHERS. Miss Sallie A. Brown 2136 Fitzwater Street Miss Lizzie P. Clendenning 191 3 Christian Street Miss Susie E. Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street Miss Martha A. Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street William McG. Cull 1827 Titan Street Miss Mary E. Given 21 16 Catharine Street Miss Maggie Johnson 710 Birch Street Miss Mary J. Martin 2021 Catharine Street Miss Annie McCurdy 2108 Christian Street John McDonald 1 518 Hicks Street Miss Maggie MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street Miss Lizzie MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street Miss Belle MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street James McKinley 191 5 Rittenhouse Street Robert I. Smith 1825 Pemberton Street Samuel R. Smith 221 North Juniper Street Miss Annie M. Smyth 2029 Fitzwater Street Miss Jennie E. Smyth 2029 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Margaret W. Spence 624 Gray's Ferry Road James G. Woods 713 South 19th Street III. THE INFANT SCHOOL. Mrs. Mary Henderson, Superintendent . .807 South 21st Street Miss Jennie Clendenning, Assistant Supt.igi^ Christian Street MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. III. Other OFganizations. I. THE CHOIR. Samuel R. Smith, Precentor 221 North Juniper Street. Miss Susie E. Crudden, Organist 2007 Pemberton Street H. THE JOHN McLEOD FOREIGN MISSION BAND. Organized June, 1883. Miss Annie McCurdy, President 2108 Christian Street John T. Brown, Secretary 2019 South Street Samuel Cameron, Treasurer 2701 Christian Street III. THE WILLARD M. RICE FOREIGN MISSION BAND. Organized December, 1883 Miss Maggie MacFarlane, President . . . .2420 Catharine Street Robert Brice, Vice-President 2203 Montrose Street John Wilson, Secretary .2243 League Street Miss M. C. MacFarlane, Treasurer 2420 Catharine Street IV. THE IRWIN P. McCURDY FOREIGN MISSION BAND. Organized September, 1884. Miss Lizzie P. Clendenning, President. .1913 Christian Street James G. Woods, Vice-President 713 South 19th Street William A. Smith, Secretary 2048 Bainbridge Street James Barr, Financial Secretary 1914 Wilcox Street Matthew B. MacCarter, Treasurer 619 South i8th Street V. THE MIZPAH YOUNG LADIES' MISSION BAND. Organized November, 1884. Miss Jennie E. Smyth, President 2029 Fitzwater Street Miss Annie M. Smyth, Vice-President 2029 Fitzwater Street Miss Lizzie S. Ball, Secretary 2029 Bainbridge Street Miss Maggie Johnson, Treasurer 710 Birch Street PRESENT ORGANIZATION. VI. THE WHITE RIBBON ARMY. SOUTHWESTERN DIVISION. Organized February 8, 1885. James G. Woods, 'President 713 South 19th Street George R. Speer, Vice-President 710 Birch Street James Barr, Secretary 1914 Wilcox Street Miss Belle MacFarlane, Treasurer. . . .2420 Catharine Street The Pastor, Ex- Officio First Officer. The S. S. Superintendent, Ex- Officio Second Officer. VII. THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S MEETING. Established January iS, 1S85. executive committee. James G. Woods, Chairman 713 South 19th Street William Riddagh 1525 Sanderson Street George R. Speer 710 Birch Street The Pastor and S. S. Superintendent, Ex-Officio Members. ORGANIST, Miss Belle MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street CHORISTER, James G. Woods 713 South 19th Street VIII. THE CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER MEETING. Established March 13, 1885. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. James Moore, Chairman 1237 South 20th Street William McKnight 1935 Pemberton Street Samuel Fulton , 728 South 20th Street IX. THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY. Organized March 25, 1885. Mrs. Mary Johnson, President 710 Birch Street Mrs. Mary Henderson, Vice-President . . .807 South 21st Street Mrs. Hannah E. Barnett, Secretary . . . .2136 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Ray L. McCurdy, Treasurer 723 South 20th Street 22 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. ^oll of Gommuni(?ant^ April 1st, 1885. [Arranged alphabetically in families. Not including the " Reserve Roll."J James Anderson 1228 South 19th Street Mrs. Martha Anderson. 1228 South 19th Street Miss Lizzie Anderson 721 Doak Street David Andrews 1826 Pemberton Street Mrs. Margaret Andrews 1826 Pemberton Street Miss Martha T. Andrews 1826 Pemberton Street John G. Andrews 1826 Pemberton Street John Andrews 2030 South Street Miss Lizzie Andrews 2030 South Street Miss Mary Andrews 2030 South Street Miss Maggie Andrews 2030 South Street Mrs. Sarah Andrews 2004 Ellsworth Street Miss Mary Andrews 2004 Ellsworth Street Mrs. Jennie Atherholt 1907 Latona Street Robert Ball 2029 Bainbridge Street Mrs. Sarah A. Ball 2029 Bainbridge Street WiUiam J. Ball 2029 Bainbridge Street Miss Lizzie S. Ball 2029 Bainbridge Street Miss Emma V. Ball 2029 Bainbridge Street George Banks 2002 Evergreen Street Mrs. Martha Banks 2002 Evergreen Street Mrs. Hannah E. Barnett 2136 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Fannie Barr 1914 Wilcox Street Miss Annie Barr 1914 Wilcox Street James Barr 1914 Wilcox Street Miss Lizzie Barr 19 14 Wilcox Street ROLL OF COMMUNICANTS. 23 Miss Sarah Blair 1943 Harmstead Street John Boyd 201 5 Bainbridge Street Mrs. Eliza Boyd 201 5 Bainbridge Street Miss Maggie Boyd 201 5 Bainbridge Street James Brice 2203 Montrose Street Mrs. Annie Brice 2203 Montrose Street Mrs, Martha Briggs 730 Wyoming Street Thomas C. Brown 2019 South Street Mrs. Lizzie Brown 2019 South Street John T. Brown 2019 South Street Miss Mary J. Brown 2136 Fitzwater Street Miss Sallie A Brown 2136 Fitzwater Street Miss Emma R. Brown 2136 Fitzwater Street William J. Brown 702 South 19th Street Mrs. Sallie Brown 702 South 19th Street John Bunting 3208 Chancellor Street Mrs. Susan Bunting 3208 Chancellor Street George L. Burns 717 Florida Street Miss Mary A. Calhoun 2019 Federal Street Miss Eliza Calhoun 2019 Federal Street Robert Calhoun 1436 Hill Street Mrs. Maria Calhoun 1436 Hill Street Robert S. Cameron 2701 Christian Street Mrs. Margery Cameron 2701 Christian Street William Campbell 2805 Hummel Street Mrs. Jane Campbell 2805 Hummel Street Mrs. Catharine Canders 1935 Pemberton Street Mrs. Ann Carnahan 2106 Alter Street John Carr 1042 Ward Street Mrs. Eliza J. Carr 1042 Ward Street James S. Caterson 1 532 South 1 7th Street Mrs. A. Maria Caterson 1 532 South 1 7th Street John Caterson 1009 Dorrance Street Mrs. Charlotte E. Caterson 1009 Dorrance Street Miss Maggie M. Caterson 1009 Dorrance Street Mrs. Margaret Christie 1730 Manton Street William G. Clements 2004 Annin Street Mrs. Mary J. Clements 2004 Annin Street Mrs. Rebecca Clendenning 19 13 Christian Street Miss Jennie Clendenning 1913 Christian Street Miss Lizzie P. Clendenning 19 13 Christian Street Mrs. Isabella Colgan 613 South 20th Street Miss Isabella Condy 1 738 Lombard Street Mrs. Mary Eliza Conner 215 McAlpin Street Miss Lizzie Conner 215 McAlpin Street 24 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. John J. Conner 3501 Market Street Hugh Copeland 2051 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Margaret Copeland 2051 Fitzwater Street Miss Lizzie Copeland 2051 Fitzwater Street Hugh Copeland, Jr 2051 Fitzwater Street Samuel W. Copeland 2051 Fitzwater Street Miss Maggie Copeland 2051 Fitzwater Street John A. Cowan 28 1 5 Hummel Street Mrs. Lizzie A. Cowan 2815 Hummel Street Robert Cowan 1 736 Dickerson Street Robert Coyle 750 South i6th Street Mrs. Lizzie Coyle 750 South i6th Street Miss Agnes C. Creth 1828 Manton Street Charles Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street Mrs. Jane Crudden . . 2007 Pemberton Street Miss Susie E. Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street Miss Martha A. Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street Miss Mary J. Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street Charles J. Crudden 2007 Pemberton Street John Cull 2244 Montrose Street WiUiam McG. Cull 1827 Titan Street Mrs. Agnes Cull 1827 Titan Street John Cull, Jr 1827 Titan Street William McM. Cull 1827 Titan Street Charles E. Cunius 2025 South Street Mrs. Mary A. Cunius 2025 South Street James Dalzell 2103 Catharine Street Mrs. Ellen Dalzell 2103 Catharine Street Mrs. Elizabeth S. Drummond iSth and Cherry Streets Mrs. Mary Erskine 161 5 Dean Street Robert Ferguson 2024 Ellsworth Street Mrs. Robert Ferguson 2024 Ellsworth Street Miss Maggie Ferguson 1909 Wharton Street Charles Forbes 21 16 Pemberton Street Mrs. Annie Forbes 21 16 Pemberton Street Arthur Foster 1230 South i8th Street Mrs. Margaret Foster 1230 South i8th Street Miss Annie Foster 1230 South i8th Street James Fulton 1943 Harmstead Street Mrs. Rebecca J. Fulton 1943 Harmstead Street Samuel Fulton 728 South 20th Street Mrs. Annie Fulton 728 South 20th Street Miss Martha Gallagher 620 North i6th Street Mrs. EHza R. Gamble 18 10 Naudain Street Thomas Gamble 2003 Titan Street ROLL OF COMMUNICANTS. 25 Mrs. Mary Jane Gamble 2003 Titan Street William T. Garvin 524 South 1 5th Street John Getty 21 18 Fairfield Street Mrs. Annie Getty 2 118 Fairfield Street Miss Mary E. Given 21 16 Catharine Street William Glenn 2034 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Martha J. Glenn . . 2034 Fitzwater Street Miss Mary Gordon 2133 Federal Street Mrs. Kate Gorman 614 South i8th Street Samuel Gorman 2212 Kimball Street Mrs. Mary J. Gorman 2212 Kimball Street John Graham 1620 Afton Street Mrs. Elizabeth Graham ■. . . . 1620 Afton Street Miss Mary J. Graham 1620 Afton Street Miss Charlotte Graham 1620 Afton Street Miss Maggie Graham 1620 Afton Street Samuel Gray 2214 Christian Street Mrs. Maggie Gray 2214 Christian Street Thomas Gray Clifton, near Phila. Mrs. Jennie Gray Clifton, near Phila. Mrs. Lizzie A. Greer 1014 Clement Street William Hazleton 20th and Evergreen Sts Mrs. Mary J. Hazleton 20th and Evergreen Sts Mrs. Ellen Mary Hemphill, 1809 Naudain Street Mrs. Mary Henderson , 807 South 21st Street Henry Hewkin 1 1 1 2 South 20th Street Mrs. M. E. Hewkin li 12 South 20th Street Joseph Hopper 2130 Ellsworth Street Miss Annie Hopper 2130 Ellsworth Street Miss Susie Hopper 2130 Ellsworth Street Miss Lucinda Hopper 2130 Ellsworth Street Miss Maggie Hufton 749 Park Street Miss Lizzie C. Jackson 744 South i8th Street Samuel Jackson 1641 Federal Street Mrs. Margaret Jackson 1641 Federal Street John Jamison 1828 Manton Street Mrs. Margaret Jamison 1828 Manton Street Miss Mary Jane Jamison 1828 Manton Street William J. Jamison 1828 Manton Street George Johnson 710 Birch Street Mrs. Mary Johnson 710 Birch Street Miss Jennie Johnson 710 Birch Street Miss Maggie Johnson 710 Birch Street Miss Mary Johnson 710 Birch Street Miss Bella Johnson 710 Birch Street 26 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. Miss Lizzie Boyd Johnson 710 Birch Street Samuel Johnston 807 South 21st Street Mrs. Margaret Johnston 807 South 21st Street William J. Johnston 807 South 21st Street Miss Maggie Johnston 807 South 21st Street James Kelly 1908 Kimball Street Mrs. Eliza Kelly 1908 Kimball Street Mrs. Catharine Kerr 2125 Federal Street Miss Maggie Kinkade 2122 South Street Mrs. Georgianna A. Kling 2037 Lombard Street Miss Maggie Knox 1922 Bainbridge Street Mrs. Mary Lamberton 2108 Christian Street James MacCarter 619 South i8th Street Mrs. Matilda MacCarter 619 South i8th Street William J. MacCarter 619 South i8th Street Mrs. Mary McCauley 1 734 Burton Street Matthew McCauley 1631 South Street Mrs. Sarah McCauley 1631 South Street Mrs. Mary Ann McCauley 1631 South Street Miss Mary McCauley 1631 South Street Hugh T. McCauley 1631 South Street Miss Maggie McCauley 1631 South Street Alexander T. McCauley 1740 Carver Street Mrs. Mary J. McCauley .1740 Carver Street Samuel McClellan 1333 South i8th Street Mrs. Sarah McClellan 1 333 South 1 8th Street Mrs. Eliza J. McConnell 853 Perkiomen Street Miss Susie McConnell 853 Perkiomen Street Mrs. Mary McCuen 1803 Lee Street Miss Mary McCuen 1803 Lee Street Miss Lizzie McCuen 1803 Lee Street Joseph H. McCuen 31 North 35th Street Mrs. Maggie McCuen 31 North 35 Street Mrs. Rachel McCune 1927 Kater Street Mrs. Mary A. McCurdy 2108 Christian Street Miss Annie McCurdy 2108 Christian Street Mrs. Ray L. McCurdy 723 South 20th Street John McDonald 1518 Hicks Street Mrs. Mary E. McDonald 1518 Hicks Street James R. McFall 1812 Barker Street Mrs. Mary MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street Miss Maggie C. MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street Miss Lizzie MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street Miss Belle MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street Miss Mary MacFarlane 2420 Catharine Street ROLL OF COMMUNICANTS. 27 William McKay 2001 Titan Street. Miss Matilda McKay 2001 Titan Street Miss Maggie McKay 738 South 12th Street William Mc Knight 1935 Pemberton Street Mrs. Catharine Mc Knight 1935 Pemberton Street Mrs. Annie McLaughlin 2540 Riggs Street Miss Isabella McLaughlin 2540 Riggs Street James McLaughlin 143 1 Montrose Street Mrs. Jane McLaughlin 1431 Montrose Street Miss Violet E, McLaughlin 1431 Montrose Street John E. McLaughlin 1431 Montrose Street Joseph McLaughlin 1431 Montrose Street Mrs. Jane McMichael 1418 South i6th Street Miss Annie McMichael 141 8 South i6th Street Matthew McNerrie 744 South i8th Street Mrs. Margaret McNerrie 744 South i8th Street Charles Maguiness 1920 Montrose Street Mrs. Sarah J. Maguiness 1920 Montrose Street Miss Mary J. Martin 2021 Catharine Street WiUiam Martin 1900 Ringgold Place Mrs. Isabella Martin 1900 Ringgold Place Chas. Edward Miller. . . ^ 2009 South Street Miss Margaret J. Miller 2053 South Street Edward Milligan 2020 Catharine Street William J. Milligan 2020 Catharine Street Charles Mills 2006 Lombard Street Mrs. Mary Mills 2006 Lombard Street Edward Moore i Grayson Place James Moore 21 16 Catharine Street Mrs. Eliza J. Moore 2116 Catharine Street James Moore 1237 South 20th Street Mrs. Maggie L. Moore 1237 South 20th Street Samuel T. Moore 1237 South 20th Street Charles M. Moore 1237 South 20th Street William J. Moore 1 543 Dorrance Street Miss Elmina INIoore 20th and Evergreen Sts W. John Moore 2231 Ellsworth Street David Morrison 2041 Catharine Street Mrs. Sarah Morrison 2041 Catharine Street Miss Jane Morrison 2019 South Street Mrs. Mary Ann Mullen 31 North 35th Street John Murdock 749 Park Street Mrs. Kate C. Murdock 749 Park Street Miss Mary A. Murdoch 1222 South i8th Street Joseph Neeley 20th and Pemberton Sts 28 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB, CHURCH, PHILA. Mrs. Emily Parker 201 5 South Street Miss Isabella Parker 2015 South Street Benjamin N. Parker 201 5 South Street Robert Parker 1819 Titan Street Mrs. Rebecca Parker 18 19 Titan Street Miss Lucy M. F. Parker 18 19 Titan Street Mrs, Martha Patterson 2008 Carpenter Street Robert Patterson 2008 Carpenter Street Miss Hannah Patterson 2008 Carpenter Street Miss Annie J. Patterson 2008 Carpenter Street John Patterson 1937 Pemberton Street Mrs. Jennie Patterson 1937 Pemberton Street William Patterson 406 South 23d Street John Patton 2001 Titan Street Mrs. Matilda Patton 2001 Titan Street Miss Maggie S. Patton 1914 Wilcox Street Mrs. Rebecca Patton 2436 Christian Street Jos. Irvine Patton 2436 Christian Street Mrs. Mary Patton 2436 Christian Street Mrs. Jane Phillips 1738 Lombard Street Miss Jane Phillips 1931 Kimball Street Mrs. Jane Phillips 23d and Fitzwater Streets Mrs. Isabella O uinn 2009 South Street David Rankin 1304 Mt. Holly Street Robert Riddagh 1525 Sanderson Street Mrs. Jane Riddagh 1 525 Sanderson Street William Riddagh 1525 Sanderson Street Samuel Riddagh 1525 Sanderson Street Robert Riddagh, Jr 1525 Sanderson Street Mrs. Eliza Robinson 614 South i8th Street Archibald Robinson 614 South i8th Street James Robson 2025 South Street William Robson 2025 South Street Mrs. Margaret Rogers r935 Pemberton Street Miss Annie Rogers 1935 Pemberton Street George Ross 1900 Ringgold Place Mrs. Elizabeth Ross 1900 Ringgold Place William Ross 1827 Webster Street Mrs. Barbara Ross 1827 Webster Street Hugh Rutherford 2501 Naudain Street Mrs. Isabella Rutherford 2501 Naudain Street Miss Lizzie Rutherford 1930 Watts Street Miss Bella Rutherford 1930 Watts Street Miss Sophia Rutherford 1930 Watts Street John Smallwood 2125 Harmstead Street ROLL OF COMMUNICANTS. 29 Mrs, Eliza Smallwood 2125 Harmstead Street Miss Bella Smallwood 2125 Harmstead Street John L. Smallwood 2125 Harmstead Street Mrs, Eliza Smith 2244 Montrose Street Miss Eliza J, Smith 2244 Montrose Street John J. Smith 1 741 Webster Street Mrs. Mary Ann Smith 2048 Bainbridge Street William A. Smith 2048 Bainbridge Street Samuel Smith 1825 Pemberton Street Mrs. Esther M. Smith 1825 Pemberton Street Robert Irwin Smith 1825 Pemberton Street Miss Hannah Smith 1825 Pemberton Street Samuel R. Smith ■ 221 N. Juniper Street George R. Speer 710 Birch Street Mrs. Margaret W. Spence 624 Gray's Ferry Road Samuel Sproul 22d and Ellsworth Sts Mrs. Annie E. Sproul 22d and Ellsworth Sts Miss Lizzie Sproul 22d and Ellsworth Sts James Stephenson 1 5 1 3 Ellsworth Street Mrs. Isabella Stephenson 1 5 1 3 Ellsworth Street Miss Annie Stephenson 1513 Ellsworth Street Wilham Stewart 730 Webb Street Mrs. Ellen Stewart 730 Webb Street Miss Mary Stockman 1418 Fitzwater Street James Tadley 1422 Fitzwater Street Andrew Thompson 2734 Federal Street Andrew Thompson 2038 Carpenter Street Mrs. Maria Thompson 2038 Carpenter Street James Thompson 1038 Ward Street Mrs. Sarah Thompson 1038 Ward Street Miss Mary Thompson 1919 Kater Street Miss Martha Thompson 19 19 Kater Street Mrs. Ellen Smith Tinney 20th and Catharine Sts Andrew Tinney 20th and Catharine Sts Henry Tosh 1 505 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Matilda Tosh 1 505 Fitzwater Street John Tosh 1 505 Fitzwater Street Joseph W. Verner 181 1 Webster Street Miss Matilda Wasson 745 South 15th Street Miss Jemima Watson 1827 Webster Street Alexander Watters 757 Park Street Mrs. Prudence Watters 757 Park Street William Watters 1917 Kater Street Miss Mary Waters 1919 Kater Street Miss Mary J. Welsh 1834 Pemberton Street 30 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. Mrs. Lizzie White 1418 South i6th Street Mrs. Lizzie Whitney 852 North 29th Street James Wilkie ;2oi2 Catharine Street Mrs. Lizzie Wilkie 2012 Catharine Street Miss Rebecca Wilkie 1826 Pemberton Street Alexander Wilson. 2106 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Jane Wilson . .' 2106 Fitzwater Street Alexander Wilson, Jr 2106 Fitzwater Street Miss Mary Wilson 2106 Fitzwater Street Miss Annie Wilson 2106 Fitzwater Street William D, Wilson 2106 Fitzwater Street Miss Jennie Wilson 2106 Fitzwater Street Mrs. Martha A. Wilson 1635 Burton Street William J. Wilson 2243 League Street Mrs. Isabella Wilson 2243 League Street John Woods 713 South 19th Street Mrs. Jane G. Woods 713 South 19th Street James G. Woods 713 South 19th Street Miss Ray T. Woods 713 South 19th Street Miss Annie Woods 713 South 19th Street John Woods, Jr 713 South 19th Street Matthew Woods 2122 Kater Street Mrs. Lizzie Woods 2122 Kater Street Mrs. EUza Young 1734 Afton Street Miss Annie Young 1734 Afton Street SummaFy of JdembeFship. Pastor and Elders, ------... 7 Deacons, 4 Trustees, o Communicants, ,55 Communicants on the " Reserve Roll," - - - - . jyr Baptized Members, (probable number) 350 Other Adherents of the Church (probably number), - . 150 1061 Deduct for names inserted twice, .... 21 Total number, 1040 THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM. 3I ^he l^inanijial Sij^tem. It is impossible to carry forward the work of the Church without money, and it is expected that all Christians will give of their means for rehgious uses, and thus " honor the Lord with their substance." Every member and adherent of our Church should remember that the blessing of God upon ourselves and our Church, is intimately connected with our Christian giving. Every one of us should feel it a privilege to give to the Church "as God hath prospered him." Some fail to give because they cannot afford to contribute as large sums as others. God measures our responsibility by what we have, not by what others do, and our mites will be acceptable if the spirit that offers them is right, and the conscience that directs them is clean. System is necessary to success in any department of action. Business cannot be carried on without system, domestic comfort is impossible without system, and Christ's work will not prosper through lack of system. This applies to the Church in all its departments, not merely its spiritual condition, but also its temporal affairs, and especially its finances. The financial system of our Church is simple and easy for all. It is best for the individual and best for the Church as a whole. It retains all the advantages of the pew rent system, and it gives every one the opportunity to contribute according to God's own method, for the support of the Church. It is hoped that every member of the congregation, rich and poor, old and young, will give our financial plan prayerful considera- tion, and contribute according to his or her ability, so that every one of us may give something to the cause of Christ. Giving of our sub- stance for the service of God, is an act of worship, and every member should unite in it. The financial plan of this Church is as follows : I. Pew Rents. — The pews have fixed valuations, ranging from four- teen to thirty dollars per annum, according to location. Persons not wishing whole pews will be accommodated with either half-pews or sit- tings. All regular attendants of the Church are expected to rent pews, half-pews, or sittings, in order that the general expenses may be shared by the whole congregation. All of the pews, whether rented or not, are free for the use of strangers who may come to worship with us. Pew rents are payable quarterly, and are collected on the first and third Monday evenings of April, July, October, and January. The Treasurer and Secretary of the Board of Trustees meet for this purpose in the Lecture Room, at 7;^ o'clock. The Pew Committee meets at the same time and place. Applications for pews and sittings may be made at any of these meetings, or at any time, personally or by mail, to any of 32 MANUAL ON THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. the following members of the Committee: John Woods, 713 South 19th Street; John Patterson, 1937 Pemberton Street; Samuel Sproul, N. E. Cor. 22d and Ellsworth Streets. II. Weekly Free-Will Offerings. — This system, recently intro- duced in this Church, gives all an opportunity to follow the Bible Rule, and obey the Apostolic direction : " Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." This system is based upon the voluntary promise of the givers. An opportunity is given to every one connected with the congregation, to state how much they would be willing to contribute weekly, as a free- will offering to the Lord, with the distinct understanding that all such contributions will be applied to the support of our own Church. These promised amounts can be increased or decreased at the will of the giver, by notifying those having the matter in charge. Envelopes with the names of those thus promising printed on them, are furnished to every contributor. Every Sabbath, at the morning or evening service, an envelope containing the weekly offering should be placed in the basket; and in the case of absence it should be sent through the kindness of a friend, or carried over to the next Sabbath, and deposited along with the amount for that day. A correct record of each separate contribution from each individual is kept in the Treasurer's Book, prop- erly prepared for the purpose. Persons who may be unwilling to promise any definite amount weekly, but who are willing to give, are urged to make their contributions in envelopes. Envelopes with their names printed on them will be furnished all such persons, and a record of their contributions kept. It is important that every one should join in this Scriptural method of giving for the support of the Church. Among the advantages of this system of weekly free-will offerings on the envelope plan, properly worked, the following are very evident : 1. It is based upon the Bible rule, the Apostolic method of finance. 2. It elevates giving to its proper place as a part of divine worship. This laying by in store on the first day of the week, as mentioned by the Apostle, ought to be regarded as an act of worship, as well as the prayer and the praise of the Sanctuary. As each member of the family is expected to unite in the public worship on the Sabbath, and as some by reason of youth are not able to join intelligently in the devotional parts of the exercise, they may, nevertheless, perform a part in the worship of God by their contributions. 3. It trains the members of the congregation into habits of systematic giving. It is by educating the members of our Church, both the old and the young, into this habit of giving systematically, that our success in the future is assured. The steady, regular, and systematic receipt of these small offerings each Sabbath is worth far more to the Church in THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM. 33 every way than spasmodic contributions of larger amounts by persons who give or do not give just as the impulse moves them. 4. It is well suited to reach every member. It reaches many who otherwise fail to give anything to the support of the Church. The poorest member can do his or her share as well as the wealthiest, and feel that all are helpers of Christ's work, each " as God hath prospered him." Each gives in the easiest way — day by day, little by little ; and thus it secures the small gifts, keeping open the rills which enlarge the stream of Christian giving. It has the correct principle of small gifts from many givers, at regular and frequent intervals. 5. It increases the revenue of the Church. It produces an income which may be rehed upon, and enables the Board of Trustees to engage in the temporal work without the fear of a deficiency at the close of every year. If each of the 366 actual communicants of our Church gave, on an average, 25 cents a week, in a year it would amount to $4,758.00. If one-half of our communicants gave, on an average, 25 cents each per week, and the other half only 10 cents, in a year it would amount to $3,330.60. If each communicant gave, on an average, 14 cents a week, which is only two cents a day, in a year it would amount to $2,664.48. III. Other Contributions. — Collections are taken up at all the regular preaching services of the Church. The contributions on the fourth Sabbath of each month are appropriated to the Poor Fund and the Boards of the Church ; the contributions on the second Sabbath of each month are devoted to the Sinking Fund ; the contributions on the first Sabbath evening of each month are given to the Sabbath School ; and all other contributions are apphed to the current expenses of our Church. All of these contributions are in addition to the Weekly Free- Will Offerings, and are to be deposited in the basket along with the envelopes. The contributions on the fourth Sabbath of each month are appropriated in accordance with the following schedule : January, - - - Foreign Missions. February, - - - Freedmen. March, - - - Poor Fund, April, .... Aid for Colleges and Academies. May, .... Pubhcation. June, .... Poor Fund. July, .... Church Erection. August, - . - . Ministerial Relief. September, ... Poor Fund. October, .... Education. November, ... Home Missions and Sustentation. December, ... Poor Fund. 34 MANUAL ON THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. Beneuolen! j5geii(jie|. The different Boards of the Presbyterian Church are the agencies through which our Evangehstic Work is prosecuted. The Boards of our Church are as follows : I. Home Missions. — This Board directs the efforts of our Church to diffuse the Gospel throughout our own country, in sustaining missionaries where they cannot be supported by the people. Its principal field includes the States and Territories west of the Mississippi, and Alaska. " The Sustentation Department" of this Board is to aid our feeble Churches towards self-support. II. Foreign Missions. — This Board is charged with the general direction of the efforts of our Church to spread the Gospel in foreign countries, by sending and sustaining missionaries in these countries. Our Church has mission fields in the following countries: i. Asia. — India (3 missions), China (3 missions), Persia (2 missions), Siam and Laos (2 missions), Syria, Japan. 2. Africa. — Liberia, Gaboon, etc. 3. Europe. — Italy, France, etc., (Papal countries). 4. South America. — Brazil, Chili, U. S. of Colombia. 5. North America. — Mexico (2 missions), Guatemala, United States (among the Chinese and among eleven tribes of Indians). III. Education. — This Board has thegeneral superintendence of the work of our Church in furnishing a pious, educated, and efficient ministry. It aids candidates for the ministry who need pecuniary assistance in their collegiate and theological studies. About two-thirds of our candidates for the ministry are thus aided. BENEVOLENT AGENCIES. 35 IV. Publication. — This Board has the general oversight of our Church Literature, including the publication of standard works, tracts, library books, lesson papers, etc., principally for our Sabbath Schools. Contributions made to this Board are not used for its business, but go exclusively to its Missionary Departtnent, which has charge of our Church work in sustaining colporteurs, chiefly west of the Mississippi, in organizing through them new Sabbath Schools in destitute places, and strengthening existing ones, and in making grants of the Board's publica- tions, etc. V. Church Erection. — This Board has charge of the Fund by which feeble congregations are assisted in the erection of Church buildings. The work of this Board goes hand in hand with that of Home Missions. VI. Ministerial Relief. — This Board has charge of the Fund for the aid of ministers disabled by age or disease, and the widows and orphans of deceased ministers. It also has charge of the Presbyterian Ministers' House, at Perth Amboy, N. J. VII. Freedmen. — This Board has the general superintendence of the work of our Church among the Freedmen of the South, in supplying them with ministers and teachers, and in endowing institutions by which they may be furnished with well-trained preachers and teachers of their own race. VIII. Aid for Colleges and Academies. — This Board has in charge the interests of higher education as connected with our Church. Contributions made to this Board are devoted either to the current expenses of struggling colleges and academies, or to their permanent endowment. Its principal field is in the West. 36 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. pre^byferian polity. I. fhe GhuFEh. [Form of Government, Book I., Chapter 2.] I. Jesus Christ, who is now exalted far above all principality and power, hath erected in this world, a kingdom, which is his Church. II. The Universal Church consists of all those persons, in every nation, together with their children, who make profession of the holy religion of Christ, and of submission to his laws. III. As this immense multitude cannot meet together in one place, to hold communion, or to worship God, it is reasonable, and warranted by Scripture example, that they should be divided into many particular Churches. IV. A particular Church consists of a number of professing Christians, with their offspring, voluntarily associated together, for divine worship and godly living, agreeably to the Holy Scriptures ; and submitting to a certain form of government. II. ^he pFCsbytcFian ChuFeh. The Presbyterian Church is so called because it is governed by Presbyters. These officers are elected by the people, and they are invested with the watch and care and government of the Church. Presbyters are of two classes: i. Ruling E/ders, those who rule. 2. Ministers, those who both rule and teach. Deacons constitute another class of officers in the Church, according to our system. They are chosen like Elders, with similar requirements, and have charge of the poor and the benevolent funds for their use. Presbyters exercise their office through the following judicatories : PRESBYTERIAN POLITY. 37 I. The Session. — " The Church Session consists of the pastor, or pastors, and ruling elders, of a particular congregation." Duties — To receive into the Church those whom upon examination it finds to give credible evidence of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ; to inquire into the Christian conduct of the members of the Church ; to admonish or rebuke, to suspend or expel, those who are found to deserve the censure of the Church ; and to take loving and watchful heed " to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers." II. The Presbytery. — "A Presbytery consists of all the ministers, in number not less than five, and one ruling elder from each congrega- tion, within a certain district." Duties — To review and control all the Church sessions within its bounds ; to see that pastors are faithful in the discharge of their duties ; to examine and license and ordain candidates for the ministry ; to install, remove, and discipline ministers; "and in general to order whatever pertains to the spiritual welfare of the Churches under their care." The Presbytery of Philadelphia is the Presbytery which organized the Southwestern Presbyterian Church and with which it is now connected. It is the oldest Presbytery in America, and includes all the Presbyterian Churches in Philadelphia " south of the centre of Market Street, and between the Delaware River and the western line of the city." The other Presbyterian Churches in Philadelphia are connected with the Presbyteries of Philadelphia Central and Philadelphia North. One- fifth of the entire population of Philadelphia is Presbyterian, and one to every twenty of the population is a Presbyterian communicant. Pres- byterians are the strongest religious denomination in the city and Phil- adelphia is the largest Presbyterian city in the United States, and probably in the world. The Presbytery of Philadelphia has 61 ministers, 31 churches, 138 elders, 64 deacons, about 12,000 communicants and 14,000 Sabbath School scholars. Its stated meetings are held in the Assembly Room of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1334 Chest- nut Street, at 3 P. M., on the first Monday of each month, except July and August. Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, D.D., is Moderator, and Rev. Willard M. Rice, D.D.,is Stated Clerk. III. The Synod. — "A Synod consists of all the ministers, in number not less than seven, and one ruling elder from each congregation (unless the Synod decides to become a delegated body), within a certain district, including at least three Presbyteries." Duties — To review the records of the Presbyteries ; to consider appeals from the Presbyteries ; and to promote the benevolent and missionary work of the Church. 38 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. The Synod of Pennsylvania is composed of all the Presbyteries in the State of Pennsylvania, the Presbytery of West Virginia, and the foreign missionary Presbyteries of Western Africa and Zacatecas. It has 24 Presbyteries, 850 ministers, 950 Churches, 3800 elders, 800 deacons, 136,000 communicants, 155,000 Sabbath School scholars. It meets once a year, on the third Thursday of October. It meets as a representative body, on the basis of one minister and one ruling elder for every sixteen of the combined number of ministers and churches, or fraction thereof, in each Presbytery respectively. It met in 1882 at Harrisburg, in 1883 at Pittsburgh, and in 1884 at Philadelphia. The next meeting will be held at Bellefonte, Pa., October 15th, 1885. Rev. Samuel C. Logan, D.D., of Scranton, Pa., is Moderator; Rev. Elliott E. Swift, D.D., of Allegheny, Pa., is Stated Clerk; and Rev. James Roberts, D.D., of Coatesville, Pa., is Permanent Clerk. IV. The General Assembly. — The General Assembly consists of an equal delegation of ministers and ruling elders from each of the Presbyteries, and is the highest judicatory of the Presbyterian Church. Every Presbytery sends at least one minister and one elder. If a Presbytery contains more than 24 ministers, it is entitled to an additional representation of one minister and one elder. Every additional 24 ministers entitles it to a like additional representation. Duties— To pronounce final judgment upon all questions of doctrine and order, appeals and complaints ; to answer overtures from Pres- byteries and Synods; to interpret and declare the law of the Church; to appoint the several Boards of Benevolence, and supervise their work ; and to consider all matters pertaining to the welfare of the Church. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (commonly called " The Northern Assembly" to distinguish it from that of the Southern Presbyterian Church), has 24 Synods, 191 Presbyteries, 5400 ministers, 6000 churches, 625,000 com- municants, 700,000 Sabbath School scholars. It meets once a year, on the third Thursday of May. The last two meetings were held at Saratoga Springs, New York. The next General Assembly will meet at Cincin- . nati, May i6th, 1885. The following are the Commissioners from the Presbytery of Philadelphia to this meeting : Ministers, Rev. Charles A. Dickey, D.D., Rev. Stephen W. Dana, D.D., Rev. William P. Breed, D.D.; Elders, William Still, George Griffiths, Hon. E. A. RoUins. The officers of the General Assembly are : Moderator, Rev. Geo. P. Hays, D.D., Denver, Col.; Stated Clerk, Rev, Wm, H. Roberts, D.D., Prince- ton, N. J.; Permanent Clerk, Rev. Wm. E. Moore, D.D., Columbus, Ohio. V. The Presbyterian Alliance. — The Presbyterian Alhance (sometimes called the " Pan Presbyterian Council") is " The Alliance of PRESBYTERIAN POLITY. 39 the Reformed Churches throughout the World holding the Presbyterian System." It meets in General Council, ordinarily, once in three years. It consists of delegates, ministers and elders, from the Churches forming the Alliance, on the following basis : Each Church of 100 congregations, or less, sends two ; from 100 to 200, four ; and so on up to looo ; above 1000 the additional delegates are only two for 200 ; above 3000, two for 500; at 4000, or more, the total not to be above forty. Duties — To consider questions of general interest to the Presbyterian community ; to seek the welfare of Churches ; to gather and disseminate information concerning the Kingdom of Christ throughout the world ; to commend the Presbyterian system as Scriptural, and as combining sim- plicity, efficiency, and adaption to all times and conditions ; to entertain all subjects directly connected with the work of Evangelization ; to confer upon matters of common interest, and to further the ends for which the Church has been constituted by her Divine Lord and only King. The General Councils of the Presyterian Alliance have been held as follows: The First in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July, 1877; the Second in Philadelphia, in September, 1880 ; the Third in Belfast, Ireland, in June, 1884. The Fourth Council will be held in London, in 1888. The Presbyterian Alliance represents not less than 21,500 ministers, 100,000 elders, 25,000 Churches, seven million communicants, and two million Sabbath School members. III. SummaFy of JresbyteFian DoctFine. The doctrines of the Presbyterian Church are contained in the "Con- fession OF Faith," and also in the Larger and Shorter Catechism. It is required of all ministers and elders that they receive and adopt the Confession of Faith, " as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Scriptures." Church members are only required that they give credible evidence of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This faith includes penitence for sin and obedience to the commandments. The following is an outline of the doctrines set forth in the Confession of Faith : I. One God — infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth, subsisting in mys- terious and eternal Trinity, — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. II. One Word — the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, all given by inspiration of God, and our only infallible rule of faith and practice. III. One Condemnation — there being no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, because the carnal mind is enmity against God, 40 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. IV. One Saviour— the Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, the power unto salvation from sin and endless death, by atoning expia- tory sacrifice through faith. V. One Atonement for Sin — made by Jesus Christ in his obedience unto death, sufficient for all, adapted to all, taking every legal obstacle out of the way of all, and on these grounds to be offered to all, VI. One Spirit — God, the Holy Ghost, through whose sovereign agency in regeneration, the soul, dead in sin, is made alive in Christ, and through whose sovereign agency in sanctification, the soul is changed more and more into the divine image from glory to glory. VII. One Life — the life hid with Christ in God, the life eternal; begun when a sinner believes, and assured thereafter by the effectual and sovereign grace of God ; so that once given this eternal life, no believer shall ever perish. VIII. One Church — which is Christ's body, all the members of which, God hath from the beginning chosen to salvation through sanc- tification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth. IX. Two Sacraments — and only two, as ordained by Christ — Bap- tism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism being a sacrament wherein we have " sign and seal of ingrafting into Christ, of remission of sins by his blood, and regeneration by his Spirit ;" and the Lord's Supper being a sacrament wherein "the Lord's death is showed forth," and the worthy receivers are, by faith, "made partakers of his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace." X. One Judgment — when the dead, small and great, shall stand before God, and every man shall be judged according to his works ; and the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. ANNUAL REPORT TO PRESBYTERY. 41 _;^nnual ^egOFt to JlFe^byteFy. April 6th, 1885. The following is the Annual Report from the Southwestern Presby- terian Church to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, from April ist, 1884, to April 1st, 1885: I. PRESENT OFFICERS. Pastor, Rev. Irwin P. McCurdy. Elders, Samuel Fulton, Chas. Edward Miller, Charles Crudden, Hugh Rutherford, William McKnight, James Moore. Deacons, Hugh Copeland, Matthew McCauley, Charles Forbes, William Robson. II. STATISTICS. I. Members added during the year, 74. A. On Profession, 56; B. On Certificate, 18. 2. Present number, 366. 3. Members of Sabbath School (teachers and pupils), 302. 4. Contributions for Congregational purposes, $3350.00. III. ASSOCIATIONS FOR CHURCH WORK, with facts of interest respecting their operations. 1. Public Worship,— Preaching services have been held twice each Sabbath during the year, except in July and August when the evening service was omitted. There has been a steady, healthy increase in the attendance, and much interest manifested. A full house is present at every service, and the people gladly hear the Word as it is preached, and join heartily in the prayer and praise of the Sanctuary. 2. The Sabbath School.— The attendance at the Sabbath School also has increased. The Superintendents, the officers, and the teachers, 42 MANUAL OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PRESB. CHURCH, PHILA. are thoroughly interested, and good work is done in this most important department of the Church. More than half of the members of the School attend the preaching services, and a large number regularly at- tend all the services of the Church. 38 from the Sabbath School have been received into the Church on profession. A Children's Service is held in the Church on the first Sabbath evening of each month. 3. Wednesday Evening Lecture.— This service has had a remark- ably good attendance during the last few months. The Pastor has been lecturing on the International Sabbath School Lessons, which has been found to be attractive to all, especially the young people. 4. Congregational Prayer Meeting (Friday evening). — This service was established a few weeks ago. It is conducted by the lay members of the Church, and has a good attendance. 5. The Young People's Meeting.— This service was established last January, and is held on Sabbath evening, three-quarters of an hour be- fore'the preaching service. It is a meeting for prayer and praise, and is led by the young men of the Church. There is an excellent attend- ance every evening, and the success of this meeting has been a surprise to all. 6. Other Prayer Meetings. — The Young Mais and the Young Ladies' Prayer Meetings have recently been established. The first of these, which is for young men only, meets on Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock ; and the other, which is for ladies only, meets on Sabbath afternoon at 4 o'clock. Twelve young ladies have united together to take their turn in leading the meeting. Both these meetings give evi- dence of success. 7. Mission Bands. — Two mission bands have been organized during the year : — The Irwin P. McCurdy Foreign Mission Band last Septem- ber, and the Mizpah Young Ladies' Mission Band last November. The first; of these bands has a membership of over fifty young ladies and gentlemen ; the other has a membership of about twenty young ladies. Two other mission bands, for the younger people of the Church, had been organized previously. All these bands have monthly meetings, and are prosperous. 8. The White Ribbon Army, Southwestern Division. — This temperance movement was organized on the 8th of last February, and has already a membership of some 200 persons. It has entered upon a defensive warfare against intemperance and is likely to do much good. 9. The Ladies' Aid Society This society was organized a few weeks ago, and it is securing a good membership. IV. MISSIONS [if any), with state of their condition and prospect. (We'have no Missions.)- ANNUAL REPORT TO PRESBYTERY. 43 V. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.— J?eviva/s. Special efforts of any kind. Facts indicating prosperity, or the reverse. Wants which should be brought to the notice of Presbytery, etc. 1. Revivals. — There have been none of the so-called revivals during the year. However, the Church has been remarkably blessed with a quiet work of grace, without any excitement, during the past few months, especially manifested during the past month. 2. Special Efforts. — No special efforts have been made outside of the regular services, except special preaching services were held every evening for a week preceding the March communion, when the Pastor had the valuable assistance of five succcessful Pastors of this Presbytery and the Chaplain of the U. S. Naval Asylum. 3. Prosperity. — The following facts will indicate our prosperity : (i.) Peace and harmony prevail among us, which we regard as one of the brightest harbingers of good, as one of the surest tokens that the Holy Spirit is with and in our Church. (2.) A large increase in the membership, especially on profession ; during the past nine months 74 new members have been received, 56 being on profession ; 36 on profes- sion were received at the March communion. (Only thirty-one of all the Churches connected with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, which is the largest Presbyterian body in the world, received more than 56 persons on profession during the last ecclesiastical year.) (3.) Nearly all our members are thoroughly interested in our Church, and many are earnestly working and praying for the Church's prosperity. (4.) Our Church has a large number of excellent young people, who are anxious to work for the Master, and the hope of any Church is in its young people. (5.) All the services are well attended. (6.) Contributions to all the Boards of the Church have been made. (7.) At the end of our Church year, the Treasurer's account had a balance on the right side, after a large payment had just been made to liquidate the debt against the Parsonage. (8.) We have the sympathy and prayers of our late beloved Pastor, the Rev. John McLeod.