|
October |
October |
|
1849 |
1909 |
SOUVENIR HISTORY
of
the
First
Methodist Episcopal Church
Sacramento, California
WRITTEN
FOR THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY
BY
FRANK
KLINE BAKER, Pastor
The Present
Pastorate
The present incumbent
is a native of Pennsylvania, born in old Alexandria. He comes of Methodist
stock away back. He was converted when past 17 years of age, soon licensed to
exhort, and at 21 years of age, upon graduation from the Juniata College, was
licensed to preach. His first experience in the ministry was in the coal mining
regions of Pennsylvania, where he faced conditions that prepared him for his
ministry in California. His post-graduate work was in the Boston University
School of Theology, from which institution he graduated in the class of 1900.
He joined the California Conference as a probationer in the class of 1888. All his ministry has been spent in California, except the
three years (1897-1900) he spent at Boston University.
The present
pastorate is marked for the spirit of unity, enthusiasm and aggressive work.
Most all the departments of the work have been reorganized and have undertaken
wider usefulness. The Epworth League during the first year held a membership
contest which added 90 new members to its roll. The contest was followed by a
banquet long to be remembered, and the League planned for a larger usefulness.
The Sunday School, which is a vital question with this
church, has been reorganized under a modern constitution and has grown in
membership and efficiency. The other lines of work have taken on new life.
During the first
year, $800 for street assessment and $1,500 still due on church improvements,
were raised by the Sunday morning congregation, C. H. Dunn in charge. The
church was the happy recipient of a beautiful Individual Communion Set, the
gift of Mrs. C. H. Dunn. The Official Board decided as a better financial
system to do a banking business and pay all bills by check on the bank. The
Board voted to have printed 5,000 invitation cards for distribution among
strangers, inviting them to our church. It was the sense of the Board that
numbers be substituted for names on the pews, and just as soon as practicable
that the pew-rent system be abolished.
November 10,
1908, the Official Board, after the lower story was flooded by high water,
ordered a concrete floor laid in the hall of the lecture room. Bro. T. E. Clark
offered as a gift to the church concrete steps and an iron fence leading from
the street to the lecture room, which was a great improvement, and a gift
highly appreciated.
Another
improvement has been the substituting for the old and inadequate light in front
of the church, a beautiful electric sign, with 12-inch letters on both sides,
at a cost of $160. With this was the placing of a bulletin board at the corner
of Sixth and K street’s.
Through the
efforts of that noble band of women who compose the Ladies’ Aid Society, that
which has been talked of and planned for ever since the disappearance of that
first humble parsonage that housed Rev. Isaac Owen, Dr. M. C. Briggs, J. W.
Ross and other pioneer pastors of this church, but always baffled
accomplishment, has been accomplished, and today we have a magnificent piece of
property located on 1011 P street, and within two blocks of the Capitol Park.
The house is modern and contains seven rooms and bath, and large halls, and
splendid basement with concrete floor. This property was secured through Bro. Bohl at a cost of $6,500, he giving his commission. The
whole proposition has been carried through by Bro. Bohl,
he advancing the money. The Ladies’ Aid Society, under the leadership of their
intrepid President, Mrs. Ludwig Anderson, have been
carrying this burden, but we expect it all to be lifted during the sixtieth
anniversary.
Two items are of
special importance: February 2, 1909, the Official Board, through the
assurances of Mrs. C. H. Dunn of the support being well in hand, Mrs. Helen R.
Peck, deaconess, was unanimously invited to become the deaconess of our church.
Mrs. Peck is a graduate of “The National Training School,” San Francisco, and
she is one of the most capable deconesses (sic) in
the work. Another item: May 4, 1909, the Official Board authorized the pastor
to appoint committees to prepare for the sixtieth anniversary, and endorsed the
writing of a Souvenir History of the church for the occasion.
At the beginning
of the present year, the Official Board decided to make some badly needed
improvements and repairs on our excellent pipe organ, which has been in service
for seventeen years. Several new stops were to be added.
|
Dr. C. S. Haswell |
Dr. M. F. Clayton A. Henley |
Chas. Lenoir Joseph Ough |
Israel
Luce |
Church Officiary
Resident
Bishop
Edwin Holt Hughes, D. D., LL. D.
San Francisco
District
Superintendent
Sacramento
Horace E. Becks, D. D., 1307 P street
Pastor
Rev. Frank Kline Baker, 1011 P street
Deaconess
Helen R. Peck, 1016 N street
Class
Leaders
Mrs. L. H. Glide, Mrs. J. F. Reisner and Mrs. G. S. Brand
|
Sunday School
Superintendent, U. L. Dike President Epworth
League, J. C. Carpenter |
President Ladies’ Aid Society, Mrs.
L. Anderson President Methodist Brotherhood, W.
D. Eastman |
Superintendent Anti-Saloon League, Rev. I. B.
Bristol
Secretary
W. H. Dunster, 1908
M street
Treasurer
Chauncey H. Dunn, 2219 M street
Financial
Secretary
E. P. Huston, 718 Twenty-third
street
Trustees
John L. Huntoon,
President; Peter Bohl, Treasurer
C. H. Dunn, B. H. Marsh, Ludwig Anderson, E.
P. Huston, N. D. Hulse
Stewards
William Walter, Dr. J. A. McKee, William
Hill, Wm. H. Dunster, C. C. Schaeffle,
W. H. Scoble, T. E. Clark, Capt. E. W. Sawtelle, Job Wood, Dr. H. A. Watts, W. R. Noble, Julian W.
Johnson, George L. Sackett, O. E. Bremner,
J. C. Carpenter, Josiah C. Jacka, S. C. Morris,
William Kellam.
No name has been
so closely identified with the First Church during the last forty-three years
of its history as that of Peter Bohl. From the very
beginning of his membership in the church, which reaches back to the sixties,
he has been closely associated with the financial interests of the church. He
has served as a Trustee for the last forty-two years. He has watched over his
church as a mother her child and no small detail touching its welfare has
escaped his notice. He withheld neither time, money nor
strength in the service of his church.
At the Conference
of 1867, there was an increase of 1,200 communicants reported. This was largely
through the labors of Rev. A. B. Earle, a spirit-filled evangelist, who
awakened interest wherever he went.
Among that 1,200
was the name of Peter Bohl, he being one of the
converts of this revival, and a man destined to take no small part in the work
of the church in the following years. He has been one of the most useful and
faithful and liberal laymen of the California Conference,
and his influence has reached far beyond his own church.
Bro. Bohl was born of German parents in Cincinnati, October 23,
1830. He came to Sacramento in 1853, just after the terrible fire. He often
attended the Sixth Street M. E. Church, and when he didn’t the Methodist
preacher found him and his place of business. He often felt moved to a
Christian life. Once, under the preaching of Dr. M. C. Briggs, he felt that he
was a sinner and in need of a Savior. But his real conversion occurred under
the labors of Mr. Earl, on the 26th of December, 1866. He
immediately united with the Methodist Church. Rev. J. W. Ross being pastor, and here has lived ever since, the older he grew the
dearer his church becoming to him.
It is well said
it cost him something in the way of temporal prosperity to give up all for
Christ, but he counted the cost, paid the price, and was blessed in the sacrifice.
“He is universally respected,” said his old friend, Rev. C. V. Anthony, “and by
those who know him best, dearly loved.” He has served his local church in most
every office, and has served the Conference as Trustee of the University of the
Pacific, also Trustee of the Superannuate’s Fund. He
was highly honored by being elected as a lay-delegate to the General Conference
in 1876. He has represented his church in the Lay Association of the Conference
ever since its beginning, he being a charter member of it.
One has but to
read the history of this church for the last forty-three years to know of the
usefulness and liberality of the man of this sketch. Whatever might be said of
the omissions of this brother, no one can ever accuse him of omitting any duties
or failing in any loyalty to his church.
One of the finest
and wisest and far-reaching business enterprises he ever undertook for his
church, is the excellent residence, 1011 P street, well built and splendidly equipped,
and conveniently located within two blocks of the Capitol Park and eight blocks
of the church, which he bought as a parsonage for the church, he advancing the
money.
John L. Huntoon was born in Croton, Vermont, in 1822. He was the
son of an honest farmer, and until 19 years of age worked hard upon the farm,
getting his schooling during the winter months. We find him driving a baker’s
wagon at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1843. Later he was a commercial traveler
for H. S. Doane & Co. of Boston, and still later
for Curtis & Perkins, agents for Mrs. Winslow’s popular Soothing Syrup. At
one time he sold confectionary and cigars. He came to California in 1855, via
Isthmus of Panama, on the steamer “George Law.” Though he dealt in sheep for a
while and was also a furniture dealer, for the most part of his life he has
been a hotel keeper and administrator. He served his country for two terms in
the responsible position as Treasurer, and is now a Director of the People’s
Bank.
He is a man well
known and highly esteemed in business circles, as well as in religious and
church work. His Christian life dates from the Earl meetings, when Bro. Bohl and he were converted. He identified himself with the
First Church the same time of Bro. Bohl, and their
lives for these forty-three years have been closely associated with the church.
Our brother has served in an official capacity all these years. He is one of
the mainstays of the church in the most hearty support
in every way, regular in attendance, devout in spirit, and liberal with his
money.
Our brother,
together with William Walter and Peter Bohl, have
been for forty-three years out of the sixty years of the history of this
church, the most devoted supporters of the church, and all three constantly
remind the younger men of the church, not only what the church can be to them,
but what they can be to it.
William Walter
was born November 3, 1819, near Frankfort on the Rhine, Germany. He came with
his father and brothers to America in 1838, to Baltimore, Maryland. He came to
California in 1855, and located in Sacramento, where he has resided ever since.
He was born of
good, sturdy, pious parents, who belonged to the German Reform Church in his
native land. When his father came to this country he deposited their letters
with the same church, but it was all form with William. He entered into a
conscious religious experience under the ministry of Rev. Deal, pastor of the H
Street Church, this city, and united with the same by probation during his
pastorate:
Bro. Walter has
never been a mere camp-follower in the church. He has always paid and worked
his own way. He seemed particularly adapted to class leading and did that work
in the H Street Church, for more than forty years in the First Church, with
which he has been connected since Rev. J. W. Ross’ second pastorate, when H
Street or Kingsley Chapel, now the Central Church, was made a part of the First
Church. Bro. Walter always took great interest in his work as class leader and
was diligent and earnest in his care for the members.
Though our
brother has reached his ninetieth mile-stone, yet no one has been more regular
in attendance upon the prayer meetings, the Sunday services and the Official
Board meetings. He is an example of Christian manhood, of church devotion, and
of a wise workman of his Master. A potter by trade, he is as clay in the hands
of the Great Potter, and rejoices to be known as a Christian and a Methodist.
Next to the
triumvirate of Bohl, Huntoon
and Walters, the inseparable three who have prayed, thought, worked and given
together for the last forty-three years in this church, stands the name of
Chauncey H. Dunn, who for the last twenty-seven years has been one of the
mainstays of this great church. This history would not be complete without
special mention of a man who stands in the fore rank of the legal profession of
this city, with a character above reproach, and ability of the highest, among
the best representatives of the Sacramento bar. Born in Laurel, Ohio, September
2, 1856, he is the honored son of the lamented, eloquent Rev. Thomas S. Dunn, a
former pastor of this Church, and Mrs. F. M. Dunn, still living. Bro. Dunn came
with his parents to California, via Panama, in 1860. He is a graduate of the
University of the Pacific and finished a course in the Hastings Law School. He
came to Sacramento in 1882, was soon admitted to the bar, and has practiced law
here with an unimpeachable record ever since.
His membership in
this church dates from 1882, and what he has been and still is to First Church,
is hard to figure. Always an ardent temperance advocate and loyal citizen, he
has stood as an exponent of clean and progressive government and civic
improvement. He was too straight a man ever to be elected to any political
office, the push and saloon element fearing such a fearless citizen. During his
twenty-seven years’ connection with this church, he has served in every
official capacity with the greatest efficiency, and with the increase of his prosperity
has come more liberal support of his church, and the cause of righteousness. He
has served as Superintendent of the Sunday School for
nearly twenty years, with some intermission. He has been a Director of Y. M. C.
A. during all these years, and for a long time the honored President of that
institution, and one of its most liberal supporters.
Church
Calendar
Sunday School, 9:45
A. M.
Morning Preaching Service, 11:00 A. M.
Class Meeting in Lecture Room, 12:15 P. M.
Epworth League, 6:15 P. M.
Evening Service, 7:30 P. M.
Monday
Sunday School
Teachers’ Meeting and Normal Class, 7:30 P. M.
Tuesday
Official Board, first Tuesday following last
Sunday of month, 7:45 P. M.
Epworth League Business Meeting, 2nd
Tuesday each month, 7:45 P. M.
Wednesday
Mid-Weed Service, 7:45 P. M.
Thursday
Ladies’ Aid Society, second Thursday each
month, 2:30 P. M.
Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, third
Thursday, 2:30 P. M.
Woman’s Home Missionary Society, fourth
Thursday, 2: 30 P. M.
Friday
Junior League, each Friday, 3:30 P. M.
Choir Rehearsal, 7:45 P. M.
Saturday
Sewing School, 2:30 P. M.
The Methodist Brotherhood meets at call of
President.
T. E. CLARK, Member of Official Board.
Rev. I. B. BRISTOL, Superintendent
Anti-Saloon League
Mrs. ABBIE HORNE, Member of Church
Twenty-five Years.
Sunday School
The Sunday School was organized March 29, 1850. The records back of
1870 do not seem to have been kept, or else have been lost. We find the Infant
Class of 1869 to consist of the following names: Ellen Grimes, Fanny Luce, Hood
Flint, H. Johnson, F. Lower, Eddie Taylor, W. Morris, Jennie Wise, Eddie Sims,
Charles Ekridge, Willie Yoler,
Mary Kiefer, Mercy Flint, Robert Platt, William Platt, Elisha Platt, F. Van
Heusen, Lizzie Petrie, Katie Petrie, Carrie Dray, Alfred Cleeler,
Martha Platt, Louise Nelson, Lincoln Boyd, Mary J. Ellis, Geo. E. McClure,
Lizzie Todd, C. C. Hall, Lavina Hinman,
Walt Magraw, Fannie Kirk, Daniel Cowstork,
Wm. R. Ellis, Sarah J. Ellis, Harry Smith, Bennett Lawson, Jessie Rogers, Mary Stocklaw, F. Flint, Frank Gray. Added names in 1870: Wm.
Henley, John Luce, Willie Huntoon, Wm. Griffin, Chas.
Haswell, Frank Lenoir, Wm. Luce, Wm. Wood, Eddie Van
Heusen, Frank Taylor, Frank Kiefer, Frank Willy.
Some idea as to
the attendance of the school: March 5, 1870, attendance 139; August 28, 1870,
attendance 70; January, 1872, attendance 217; April 28, 1872, total on roll
293, attendance 151; September 8, 1872, total on roll 296, attendance 181;
attendance on February 16, 1872, was 238; February 8, 1874, attendance was 256;
February 12, 1876, attendance 232, and on April 25, 1880, it was 187.
Some glances at
the minutes: September 5, 1872, the Sunday School Missionary Society met after
prayer meeting, President O. H. Wing in the chair. Officers were elected for
the coming year. Upon second ballot, Dr. C. S. Haswell
was elected President for one year; L. S. Taylor was elected Vice-President,
and O. H. Wing, Secretary. January 21, 1872, the roll of officers were as
follows: Dr. Heacock, Pastor; C. S. Haswell, Superintendent; J. H. Skelton, Treasurer; H. P.
Cottingham, Secretary; Geo. W. Marsh, Librarian; Israel Luce, Musical Director;
J. C. Stubbs, Organist; L. S. Taylor, Assistant Secretary. The teachers were:
A. Henley, O. H. Wing, F. T. Phillips, J. L. Messersmith,
A. H. Cummings, Mrs. S. E. Clayton, Mrs. S. A. Wassal,
Mrs. S. McVicker, Mrs. D. M. Thorp, Mrs. Isaac Hall,
Frank B. Anderson, Miss Ella Haskell, John C. Stubbs, J. H. Freeland, J. P.
Thompson, Mrs. C. P. Huntoon, Emma
Rice.
In 1872, Miss
Amelia Bohl was made organist, and Dr. M. F. Clayton,
J. L. Huntoon and Mrs. A. C. Curtis were made
teachers. In April, 1872, the Band of Hope was announced to meet after Sunday School at Odd Fellows’ Temple. May 19, 1872, the Secretary, J.
N. Young, writes: “You will observe the attendance is less since the
picnic. Question: Was the attendance
full in anticipation of the picnic, or has the picnic had a depressing effect?
Annual meeting,
March 30, 1873, Dr. C. S. Haswell and J. C. Stubbs
nominated for Superintendent. Stubbs said for various reasons he could not
accept. Haswell was unanimously elected. Assistant
Superintendent, D. W. Welty; Secretary, J. N. Young; Treasurer, J. L. Huntoon; Musical Director, Israel Luce; Organist, Miss A. Bohl; Librarian, O. H. Wing; Assistant Librarian, Geo. W.
Marsh. A Normal Class was organized.
April 17, 1873,
the Committee on May Day picnic reported excursion by steamer is impossible.
Why? Flat cars to Leet’s Grove would cost $30 each, baggage
$25, and $40 for the engine. To Folsom, cars would cost $25 each, baggage and
engine free. Motion that we celebrate at Folsom or vicinity. Picnic to be on 29th
or 30th of April, if grounds could be gotten. Dr. Clayton said
grounds at Folsom would cost $10. Kingsley Chapel School invited to join in
picnic.
May
13, 1874, the school to meet June 21, 1874, at 12:15 o’clock. January 14th, Sister Van Cott held Children’s Meeting. July 26th, 1874,
L. S. Taylor, T. P. Taylor and J. L. Huntoon
appointed a committee to secure library. April 11, 1875, ordered that each
teacher have a small bag for singing books of her class, and she shall be
responsible for the books of her class. May 4, 1875, Bro. Gallatin as
Superintendent, offered prizes at end of school year for class showing best
attendance, proficiency, deportment, as per class book. First,
$10; second $5. To the scholar who brings in most new scholars, $6;
second $4. The Secretary to keep account and report at close
of each month. A committee of Missionary teachers was appointed. The
following were appointed delegates to State Sunday School Convention: Mrs.
Clayton, Mrs. Gallatin, Mrs. Luce, Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Jordan.
August 24, 1875,
Bro. Gallatin tendered his resignation, owing to business engagements preventing
him from doing his duty to the school. He presented the school with check for
$100 to pay prizes offered the school.
March 26, 1876,
Bro. L. B. Hinman was Superintendent. March 28, 1878,
C. A. Maydwell was Superintendent. Bro. Lenoir was
Chorister. On motion of Bro. Burlingame, a new system of collections will be
inaugurated, namely, a box with compartments numbered for each class, and the
box will be passed around each Sabbath for the collections. April 14, 1878,
Israel Luce thanked for faithful service in song, as he would be absent from
the city for some time. High appreciation for his faithful service in leading
in song expressed. Burlingame thanked for the ingenius
(sic) box prepared by him for the use of the Sunday School
collections. April 15, 1880, Lengthy discussion of the best
way to take the collection. No
final conclusion. Matter laid over till next meeting.
Irwin Bentley made Assistant Librarian. July 21, 1880, Mrs.
Smith, Mrs. Bentley, Bro. Jordan and Bro. Marsh a committee to select library
books. March 29, 1882, Pianist, Mamie Barrett.
Offer of John Wannamaker donating 100 packages of flower seeds accepted and
ordered.
October
17, 1884, Dr. Dille in the chair. Mr. Lenoir, Superintendent, said the school
was smaller than he had ever known it since 1850, and that he believed it was
due in a great extent to unfaithfulness on the part of the teachers, who
invariably do not take the interest they should. Board decided that Article S
of the Constitution be amended that absence of a teacher three consecutive
Sundays without satisfactory excuse, constituted a severance of the connection
with the school. June 25, 1897, the pastor suggested a Home Department in the
Sunday School. Miss Healy was appointed
Superintendent. August 29, 1897, the Librarian having gone to the Klondike, J.
O. Prewett was elected. A birthday box was ordered
for Missions. Report of Committee on Fiftieth Anniversary received and adopted,
and committee continued to carry out plans.
The following
persons have served as Superintendents of the School: 1850-55, E. B. Barber;
1856, H. C. Rudolph; 1856-57, G. H. Bell; 1857-63, Jacob Welty; 1864, Charles
Lenoir; 1865, B. F. Pike; 1866-70, Dr. C. S. Haswell;
1870, F. T. Phillips and J. Freeland; 1872, Dr. C. S. Haswell
and D. W. Welty; 1874, L. S. Taylor; 1875, A. Gallatin and J. N. Young; 1876,
L. B. Hinman; 1878, C. A. Maydwell;
1884, Charles Lenoir; 1885, C. H. Dunn; W. W. Lewis was Superintendent for a
while; 1896, G. S. Speer; 1897, B. H. Marsh; 1898, C. H. Dunn; 1908 U. L. Dike.
During the
present superintendence, the school has been reorganized under a new
constitution, and more modern methods are being worked to increase both
interest and efficiency of the school, which is prosperous. Being a downtown
church and continually becoming more such, the Sunday School
question becomes a more serious one, but, with willing and wise and consecrated
workers, great possibilities, are before us.
Since the coming
of the deaconess, a large Home Department reaching about 150 members, and a
Cradle Roll of 35 members, have been organized, and are well worked. We have
also a splendid Sewing School, which promises well as an adjunct to the
school. We have also a large Normal
Class for growing teachers.
Present
Officers
Superintendent, U. L. Dike
|
Assistant
Superintendent, B. H. Marsh Secretary, Mrs. W.
H. Scoble Treasurer and
Librarian, W. H. Scoble Auditor and
Enrolling Secretary, J. C. Carpenter Superintendent
Primary Department, Mrs. J. F. Reisner |
|
Superintendent Home
Department, Mrs. J. W. Johnson Superintendent
Cradle Roll, Miss Alma Johnson Historian, Miss
Mary Kiefer Pianist, Miss
Muriel Uren Chorister, J. F. Reisner |
Epworth
League
In all probability
the first attempt at a young people’s movement was in 1869, when there was
formed what was termed “The Social.” We find records to this effect: “May 17,
1869, the Social of the Sixth M. E. Church met at the residence of Mr. Luce, at
the very fashionable hour of 8¾ p.m. After some
discussion, Dr. Haswell was elected President, Mrs.
J. L. Huntoon, Vice-President; Mrs. I. Luce, Second
Vice-President; Ella F. Combs, Secretary; Mrs. A. Gallatin, Treasurer. The
following resolution was offered and adopted, viz:
Each gentleman member shall pay 25 cents semi-annually. Ladies free. The
following became members: Mr. A. Gallatin, 50c; Mr. Freeland, 50c; Dr. Haswell, 50c; Mr. Huntoon, 50c;
Mr. Luce, 50c; Mr. Clark, 50c; Mr. Reirdon, 50c; Mr. Grinwold, 50c; Mr. Kirk, 50c; Mr. Doo, 50c; L. S. Taylor,
$1.00; Mr. Forshel, 50c; Mr. Reed, 50c; Mr. Smith,
50c; Mr. Jones, 50c.
Total amount collected, $7.50. After spending the evening very
pleasantly, the meeting adjourned at a little past 10, to meet May 31st,
at J. H. Huntoon’s.”
The above is a
specimen of the minutes of “The Social.” A feast of reason and a flow of soul,
enlivened by an occasional resort to the divine art of music,” the Secretary
writes, made their evenings to pass agreeably. “Singing and social conversation”
seems to have been the chief attractions then. These socials were held at Mr.
J. L. Huntoon’s, Mr. J. F. Clark’s, Mr. A.
Gallatin’s, Mr. R. K. Wick’s, Mr. B. H. Sweetland’s,
Dr. Clayton’s, Mr. Wilcox’s, Mr. Littleton’s and Mr. Luce’s, and also at the
church basement.
Other members
were added from time to time: S. Tryon, Mr. Denslow,
Mr. Stevens, Dr. Clayton, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Danner, Dr. Wythe, Mr. Porter, Mr.
Vance, Mr. Clark, Mr. Wilcox and others.
Some of the
performers of that day were Mrs. Buckminster, who wrote and read an essay; Miss
Rudolph, who rendered a solo, “What Shall Be My Angel Name?; Mrs. J. H.
Freeland, “Paddle Your Own Canoe”; Miss Littleton and her brother rendered both
instrumental and vocal music; Mrs. Rudolph rendered, “Then You’ll Remember Me”;
Miss Gibbs gave a pretty ballad; Miss L. A. Littleton read an essay on
“Beauty,” which was well rendered. Among the list of refreshments at their
social functions, we find mentioned “mush and milk.”
The next attempt
at young people’s organization we find was “The Young People’s Union,” under
Dr. E. R. Dille. This was for the most part for
social purposes and it met monthly, but it was a very live organization.
The movement then
formed into a “Christian Endeavor,” and finally into our present Epworth
League.
The charter of
the Epworth League, Number 1150, dates April 4, 1893, though the Epworth League
existed prior to that date. The earliest minutes of the League are dated
September 23, 1891, and read as follows:
“The regular
monthly business meeting of the Epworth League of the Sixth Street M. E. Church, met Wednesday, September 23, 1891, C. H. Dunn,
President. Meeting opened by song and prayer, after which Mr. Avery read a very
interesting report of the devotional work for the past year. The report of
Christian work was made by Miss Minnie Kiefer. P. S. Driver, the Treasurer,
reported the finances. It was decided that seven should constitute a quorum;
also that a distinction be made between active and associate members, the former
signing the pledge. The following officers were elected:
President, A. K.
Ransom; First Vice-President, Miss Anna Wood; Second Vice-President, Miss
Minnie Kiefer; Third Vice-President, Mr. J. E. Walker; Fourth Vice-President,
Miss Anna Fountain; Secretary, Miss Belle Church; Treasurer, Miss Mary Kiefer.
The committees
appointed: Christian Work - Mr. Brookman, Miss Elsie
Kiefer, Mr. Whitehorn, Mr. Dunn, Miss Billings; Mercy
and Help - Geo. Marsh, Mrs. Condo, Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Lizzie Klotz,
Miss Alsbach; Literary Work - Miss Clara Root, Miss
Mollie Titherington, Rev. T. C. George, Mr. Slater,
Mr. Avery, G. S. Driver; Entertainment - J. M. Uren, Ed Willie, Mr. Heitman, Mr. P. Driver, Miss Maude Hodson,
Miss Jennie Elworthy, Miss Lulu McCormick; Correspondence
- Miss Grace Danforth, Miss Myrtle Hodson; Finance - Miss Carrie George, Howard Marsh. Belle Church, Secretary.
E. E. Avery, Wm. Angus, Hattie Billings, Alice E. Bailey, Mr. Bishop, Elizabeth Blasdel, C. H. Brookman, Howard Carey, Belle Church, Mr. Cox, E. E. Condo, Mrs. E. E. Condo, Frank Croasman, Grace Danforth, Bertha Dawley, C. H. Dunn, Mrs. C. H. Dunn, P. S. Driver, Mrs. P. S. Driver, Grant Driver, Jennie Elworthy, Lizzie Fountain, Abbie Fountain, Rev. T. C. George, Mrs. T. C. George, Carrie George, Flora Greenlaw, Edna Greenlaw, Orrin Hand, Frances Healy, Lulu Henwood, Myrtle Hodson, Maude Hodson, John Hoskings, Ida Hugo, Lillie Huebner, Al. Hutchinson, Willie James, Clemenca Kerr, Albert Keene, Minnie Kiefer, Mary Kiefer, Elsie Kiefer, George Kiefer, A. Kloppenburg, Lizzie Klotz, A. K. Lawson, W. W. Lewis, Wm. Lawrence, Walter Leitch, Mrs. Lyons, Howard Marsh, Russell Mill, T. P. Mitchell, Chas. McConnell, G. A. Miller, Philip O’Reilly, Ethel Page, J. O. Prewett, Jane Ranns, George Shepstone, Frank Scott, Geo. H. Smith, Albert Tower, J. M. Uren, Mrs. J. M. Uren, Mrs. Van Huesen, B. Van Lewven, J. E. Walker, E. T. Waterbury, John Webb, Mr. Whalen, Mrs. Whalen, J. S. Withorn, Ed. Willie, Mary Willie, Oscar Willie.
May 23, 1892, W. W. Lewis was elected President, as A. K. Ransom was leaving city. November 11, 1892, total enrollment 64, average attendance 58. B. H. Marsh said his committee decided to collect 10 cents per month.
The question was up several times of joining the Christian Endeavor Union of the city, under “Epworth League of Christian Endeavor,” but it was finally lost. Debates were also had as to adopting Christian Endeavor pledge, but decided to accept the Epworth League pledge.
The League assisted the Y. M. C. A. in social entertainment, held street meetings before League meetings, conducted a revival meeting in the church.
December 21, 1894 - Decided that a Training Class be organized, and a committee consisting of Miss E. Blasdell, Mrs. Buck and Mr. Avery appointed to decide time and place.
October 8, 1895 - Mr. Spear, President. Decided all members absent four successive business meetings, and failing to pay dues, be dropped. December 13, 1895 - Bertha Dawley put in charge of a Circulating Library.
February 14, 1896 - Mr. Avery reported charter framed at
cost of $6.50. Members elected: Kate Griffin, Mabelle
Cook, Sam. Lewis, Dr. Cartwright, Mrs. Dunster, H.
Burrell, Geo. Shepstone, John James. March 12, 1896 - An Epworth League paper
launched, with A. E. Keene business manager. June 11th, the paper
turned over to the Official Board of the Church. July
11th - decided to send committees to visit other societies to get
their ideas of work. November, 1896 - Mr. Keene, President.
November 9, 1897 -
The Constitution amended that members be constituted by election of chapter on
motion of President, after approval by cabinet or pastor.
October
11, 1898 - B. H. Marsh, President. November 8, 1898 - League decided to support a native missionary in
India at $60 per year.
January 10, 1899
- Mercy and Help Committee reported holding meetings at County Hospital every
other Sunday. March 14, 1899 - An initiatory ceremony in receiving new members
adopted. October 10, 1899 - Dr. Simmons elected President.
May 15, 1900 -
Sixty dollars to be raised for support of missionary in India, by each member
raising one dollar and then telling how it was raised.
March 10, 1901 -
By-Laws amended to read: Article 6 - The annual meeting for the election of
officers shall be held on second Tuesday evening of month of July. July 9, 1901 - J. D. Crummey, President.
A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws and report at
next meeting.
March 17, 1903 -
On motion of Mr. Carey, Article VII of the Constitution was unanimously
suspended, considering the following amendment to Constitution; Article I - The
regular election of officers shall be held at the regular business meeting in
April and installed on Anniversary Day. Amendment was adopted. April 12, 1903 - Mrs. Biegle, President.
Present Officers
|
President, J. C.
Carpenter First
Vice-President, Mrs. Mattie Howard Second
Vice-President, O. E. Bremner Third
Vice-President, Mrs. Helen R. Peck |
|
Fourth
Vice-President, Miss Bessie May Baker Secretary, Miss Clara
Powell Treasurer, Eugene
W. Sawtelle Pianist, Miss May
Carpenter |
Junior
League
The
Charter dates from November 10, 1894, and numbers 3110.
October 5, 1894 –
The meeting opened with song, pledge read, prayer by
Miss Dawley. December 15, 1894 - Ralph Langner read the lesson. December,1894
- Mamie Langner
read the lesson. Election of officers: First Vice-President, Laura Lewis;
Second Vice-President, Ola Elwood; Third Vice-President, Bertha Tebow; Social Work, Donna Hunt; Treasurer, Roger Scott;
Secretary, Winnie Langner.
December 19, 1895
- Roger Scott, President; Ratie Elliot, First
Vice-President; Grace Tower, Second Vice-President; Agnes McDonald, Third
Vice-President; Clara Carpenter, Fourth Vice-President; Ethel Luce, Secretary;
Marian Green, Treasurer; Mrs. Mary Marsh, Chorister; Miss Stella Danforth, Organist; Frank Rideout,
Librarian; Myrtle Luce, Assistant Librarian.
Among the members
were: Roger Scott, Ratie Eliot, Grace Tower, Agnes
McDonald, Clara Carpenter, Ethel Luce, Marian Green, Frank Rideout,
Myrtle Luce, Donna Biegle, Ella McDonald, Katie
Hannah, Ethel Criss, Dempsey Elwood, Walter Campbell,
Annie Martin, Lorena Buck, Joseph Carpenter, Hazel Luce, Grace Covell, Alex. Green, Melissa Shoop,
Gabriel Clements, Carrie Doscher, Irene Lesser, Lilly
Owens, Adna Ferriter, Edna Elworthy, Emma McGee, Osborn Elliot, Edna McGinnis, Irma Phleger, Oretta Elliot, Mary A.
Clark, Edw. Schmidt*, Pearl McAllister, Robert Straiter,
George King, Otta Cole, Tommy King, Bertie Hildebrand,
Alma Johnson, Ralph Langner, Irving Scott, Willie
Rule, Grace Tokeyama, Ruby McAllister, Lillie Bangher.
June 26, 1896,
there were 64 members present. Graduating exercises took place October, 1896.
The year’s report showed much good done. The Juniors
thanked the Senior League for recreation provided out of school hours, for
banquet at annual election, for grand picnic at Oak Park, where they had their
picture taken, and for a Valentine social and also a birthday party.
Financially, the
Junior League bought 50 J. L. Hymnals, bought cards for flowers sent to sick,
helped support the deaconess. Though many members were lost by graduation, they
still numbered 120 members, with a good average attendance each afternoon.
May 8, 1896 -
Officers: President, R. Langner; First
Vice-President, J. Carpenter; Second Vice-President, Annie Martin; Third
Vice-President, Ella McDonald; Fourth Vice-President, Pearl McAllister;
Secretary, Albert Hastings; Treasurer, Grant Covell;
Librarian, Lester Moody; Assistant, Alex. Green.
At present the
Junior League is in process of reorganization for larger and more efficient
work.
Ladies’ Aid
Society
This organization
went at first under the name of “Ladies and Pastor’s Union” of the Sixth Street
M. E. Church. Its object was to visit families in one’s neighborhood, invite
strangers, and gather children into the Sunday School,
to visit the poor and sick of the congregation and extend aid as far as
possible.
The officers are:
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer; these constitute the Executive
Committee. The meetings were held semi-monthly, on Wednesdays. The officers
were: President, Rev. R. Bentley; Vice-President, Mrs. J. L. Huntoon; Second Vice-President, Mrs. J. Thomas; Secretary,
Mrs. Julia A. Barrett; Treasurer, Mrs. Bowstead.
The Charter
Members were: Rev. R. Bentley, Mattie Thomas, Julia A. Barrett, Jane Griffin, Reny Cowles, D. Breckenfeld, E. Bowstead, Mrs. C. P. Huntoon, E.
Baldwin, Mrs. C. C. Gerlie, Mrs. S. E. Bentley, Mrs.
A. C. Curtis, Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. Dodsworth, Mrs.
Vaughn, Mrs. Figg.
Wayside hints:
January 15, 1881 - Decided to add “Sewing Society,” to meet every Saturday for
the purpose of making clothing for the poor, and teaching children to sew.
Board of Managers: Mrs. Wassol (chairman), Mrs.
Bentley, Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Dillman, Mrs. Baker. New
members added to society: Mrs. Maydwell, Mrs. Frank
Bell, Mrs. McMullen, Mrs. Mumford.
April
9, 1882 - Mrs. Brewer, Secretary. Mrs. Drew added to Board of Managers. Business Department added to
Union, and Mrs. Barrett was made manager. Change made in paying of dues, from
25 cents per quarter to 10 cents per month in advance.
April 3, 1894 -
The name changed to “Ladies’ Social Union.” That change was evolution in the
right direction, for the word “pastor” prefixed to the name of the society was
a foolish superfluity. This meeting was held at residence of Mrs. Fountain,
Fifteenth and P streets; Mrs. Scott, Vice-President presided. Many poor
reported. Mrs. Clayton warned the society against allowing too many to settle
down on the society. An “At Home” planned for Rev. C. V. Anthony and wife.
June
5, 1894 - Mrs. Clayton’s residence, 631 L street. Parsonage furniture moved to Mansion House.
Mrs. Anthony elected President, Mrs. Condo, Secretary.
Bro. Anthony made remarks recommending church socials properly conducted as a
means of grace bringing old and young together.
November 6, 1894
- Ladies’ Aid plans a Golden Wedding Anniversary, with a gift of $100 in gold
for Mr. and Mrs. Carley. April 2, 1895 - Assisted in furnishing the Y. M. C. A.
June, 1895 - The parsonage enterprise brought forward. A committee appointed to
look for lot to purchase, the building to be built on
the installment plan. The lot and parsonage to be owned by
Ladies’ Aid Society, and rented to pastor. The committee
were: Miss H. M. Richard (chairman), Mrs. S. Root and Mrs. Crowley.
July 2, 1895 -
Decided to allow Miss Brooks and Miss Dawley to give
social to the Junior League, the ladies assisting. The parsonage enterprise
committee reported several lots and as many prices. September 5, 1895 - Mrs.
Bell nominated President. Membership at close of year
1894-95, 58. October 1, 1895 - Mrs. Scott, President.
February 4, 1896
- Mrs. Crowley reported nothing doing on parsonage matter, considered matter
dropped. Subscription discontinued. Committee continued, Mrs. Ough added. They will report on property mentioned in next
meeting. March 3, 1896 - Committee on parsonage well preserved, both as to
arrangement of rooms and location. It was the sense of the committee a
desirable purchasing, if it could be brought about. Matter carried over for a
month. April 7, 1896 - Ladies assume $100 of church debt. October
6, 1896 - Bible readings to open the exercises. Mrs. Scott elected
President. November, 1896 - Ladies’ Aid asked to help support deaconess.
February 2, 1897
- Mrs. Covell said name of society was sometimes
misunderstood and led some to think we meet only socially. After discussion she
moved the name be changed to Ladies’ Aid Society. The motion passed
unanimously. May 2, 1897 - Mrs. Davis elected President. September 7, 1897 -
Special parsonage committee appointed to act with regular parsonage committee
having charge of parsonage. October 5, 1897 - Mrs. S. Root,
President.
April 5, 1898 -
Sunday School Board decided to put tables and chairs in Sunday School room and asked the Ladies’ Aid Society to put down
carpet. After discussion, decided to put in new carpet. May
3, 1898 - Mrs. Dunn, Mrs. Carroll, Mrs. Osborn, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Lyons, a
committee to buy carpet. June 7, 1898 - New carpet cost $383.44. September 5, 1899 - Mrs. Carroll, President.
October 2, 1900 -
Time of meeting changed from first Tuesday to first Thursday in month.
June 6, 1901 -
Decided to change day of meeting from first Thursday to second Thursday to
oblige Mrs. Clayton. The annual election changed from first Tuesday in October
to first meeting in July, in order that new officers can be put in Year Book.
July 11, 1901 - Several amendments to Constitution suggested,
these to take place at next meeting.
Section 1, of Article 2, to read: The regular meetings of the Society
will be held on the second Thursday of each month, at the church or the homes
of its members, instead of the first Tuesday of each month. A quorum changed
from 9 to 5. Officers elected; President, Mrs. S. A. Root.
July
10, 1902 - President, Mrs. Job Wood; Vice-President, Mrs. J. A. McKee. October, 1902 - Mrs. Dunn moved a committee
be appointed to confer with the Official Board in reference to repairing and
cleaning the church. November, 1902 - Mrs. McMullen, chairman of committee,
reported that the Official Board needed $2,000. Ladies’ Aid Society asked for
$500. Decided so.
July,
1903 - Election of officers; President, Mrs. Kate Covell.
June,
1904 - Report of Mrs. Dunn for carpet committee. Weinstock’s bid of
$624 was accepted. December, 1904 - Mrs. Barrett brought up subject of
communion cups. It was discussed and laid over.
Mrs. Ludwig Anderson,
the present wise and energetic President, was first elected, 1907. She has
proved a leader and worker of rare worth, and has led the good women in many
useful undertakings.
About the
greatest enterprise this noble band of women has undertaken is the splendid
parsonage now occupied by the pastor’s family. These good women, in March of
1908, encouraged and backed by Bro. Peter Bohl,
bought the beautiful home on 1011 P street, for
$6,500. C. C. Schaeffle started the enterprise by
giving $5. This record follows: April 9, 1908 - President Mrs. Anderson paid
$100 on our new parsonage. We were all pleased to hear of our new modern home
for our pastor and his family. Mrs. Anderson was to thank Bro. Bohl and Mr. Trueblood for their
kindness in assisting the ladies in buying the parsonage.
Present Officers
|
Vice-President,
Mrs. N. D. Hulse |
President, Mrs. Ludwig Anderson Treasurer, Mrs. W. H. Dunster |
Secretary, Mrs.
Florence Putnam |
Among others, not
already mentioned, who have formerly been connected with this society, who have
either died or moved away, are the following names: Mrs. Mitchell, Miss Walker,
Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Waterhouse, Mrs. Camp, Mrs. Bohl,
Mrs. S. Wing, Mrs. H. Ough, Mrs. Osburn,
Mrs. Clough, Mrs. Luce, Mrs. Lenoir, Mrs. O’Neal, Mrs. Coats, Mrs. Ross.
Missionary
Societies
Foreign
Missionary Society
|
Mrs. H. A. Watts,
President Mrs. M. V. Dunn,
Vice-President Mrs. W. G. Dyas, Secretary Mrs. M. E.
Dickinson, Treasurer |
|
Mrs. F. P. Dunstan,
Corresponding Secretary Mrs. W. G. Dyas, Mite-Box Secretary Miss May Carpenter,
Supt. Standard Bearers Mrs. D. B. Clark,
Past Corresponding Secretary |
Home
Missionary Society
|
Mrs. Charles F.
Green, President Mrs. N. D. Hulse, Vice-President Mrs. S. A. Root,
Secretary |
|
Mrs. Augusta
Carpenter, Treasurer Mrs. Peter Bohl, Corresponding Secretary Mrs. F. K. Baker,
Mite-Box Secretary |
These societies have been organized for many years
and have rendered excellent and faithful service in their respective fields.
Methodist
Brotherhood
|
W. D. Eastman,
President C. H. Dunn,
Vice-President |
|
W. E. Bristol,
Secretary C. C. Schaeffle, Treasurer |
The Church
Choir
First Church has
a choir that ranks among the best. Mrs. J. W. James is the organist and
director. She is very capable in both capacities and takes much interest in the
choir. She is strongly supported by two of the most capable singers in the
city. Mrs. T. Frankland, soprano,
and Mrs. Charles Mering, contralto. Besides
these there are about twenty others who give their time and talent to the great
mission of leading in song. The members of the Choir are as follows:
Sopranos: Mrs. T. Frankland, Miss Lillian M. Nelson,
Miss May Carpenter, Mrs. F. P. Dunstan, Miss Clara Powell, Miss Bernice Henley,
Miss Margaret Becker, Miss Hazel Ferguson, Mrs. Geo. Wilson, Miss Alma Johnson,
Miss Mae Brome, Miss Louise Haas; Altos:
Mrs. Charles Mering, Miss Bess Sackett,
Miss Hedwig Anderson, Miss Etta Walker; Tenors:
Mr. Charles A. McConnell, Mr. W. H. Dunster, Mr. F.
P. Dunstan, Mr. W. E. Bristol, Mr. Harry Murphy, Dr. J. W. James; Bassos: Mr. J. C. Carpenter, Mr. Geo.
L. Sackett, Mr. David Hulse,
Mr. Charles Essell, Mr. P. A. Poissant.
Mrs. J. W. James, organist and director.
Membership
Directory
|
|
Non-Resident
Members
|
Allen, John,
Pleasant Grove Allen, Mrs. John,
Pleasant Grove Belden, Mrs.
Blanche, Address wanted Betz, Mary E.,
Spokane, Wash. Berry, Mrs.
Catherine, Address wanted Callow, Wm., Butte,
Montana Davidson, Mrs.
Mary, Canada De Jersey, Miriam,
Los Angeles Elwood, Ola B., Gault, Mo. Erickson, Mrs.
Sabina, Oakland, Cal. Gilmore, Mrs. A.
A., Medford, Oregon Harris, Mrs. Electa B., Address wanted Harris, Mrs. J. W.,
Denver, Col. Hastenplug, Mrs. Susana, San Francisco, Cal. Hastenplug, Bertha, San Francisco, Cal. Hastenplug, Albert, San Francisco, Cal. Hugo, Mrs.
Elizabeth, Stockton Joslyn, H. S., Live Oak, Cal. Joslyn, Mrs. H. S., Live Oak, Cal. Keene, Albert E.,
Marysville, Cal. Meade, Mrs. L. H.,
San Francisco, Cal. |
|
Mispley, Fred, Blue Canyon Nobel, Mrs. Marian,
Roseville Orim, Mamie, (Wanted) Osborn, Mrs. Mary
E., San Francisco Osborn, Miss
Beatrice, San Francisco Pritchard, Mrs.
Lena, Wanted Ramsey, Mrs. Edith
M., Wanted Robertson, Frank,
Address wanted Robertson, Mrs.
Frank, Address wanted Ryan, William,
Crescent Smith, Frank,
Seattle, Wash. Scott, Irving,
Oakland, Cal. Shepstone, Mrs.,
Vallejo, Cal. Stephenson,
Stephen, Address wanted Talbot, Mrs. E. G.,
Oakland Tuttle, Leon A.,
Stanford Uren, Philip,
Pacific Grove Uren, Mrs., Pacific
Grove Welsh, Mrs. Laura,
Address wanted Wills, Obadiah,
Butte, Montana Wood, Percy A., San
Francisco |
Probationers
|
Bosshardt, E. P., Now East Bosshardt, Mrs. E. P., Now East Briggs, Asa, 512 N Street Caldwell, Charles,
1024 4th Street Chamberlain,
Clifford, 2326 N Street Cross, Clinton,
2411 O Street Catlett, Wm. H.,
617 16th Street Catlett, Mrs. W.
H., 617 16th Street Dodge, Alice, 2318
5th Street Dodge, Phoebe, 2318
5th Street Duffy, F. W., 2808
G Street Dunn, Homer, 2219 M
Street Dunstan, Clarence,
1330 K Street Dunster, Frederick, 1908 M Street Dukeshire, Frederika,
621 L Street Gabby, D. P.,
Address wanted Gabby, Mrs. D. P.,
Address wanted Garvey, Essie, Yolo Gaunt, Geo. Edward,
Golden West Hotel Gosling, Edw. M.,
Gen. Delivery |
|
Harris, Arthur,
1417 S Street Harris, Caroline,
1417 S Street Huston, Arloa, 718 23rd Street Johnson, Gerald,
816 Q Street Jurgenson, Walter, 716 12th Street Mayhew, A. B., 614
22nd Street McGee, Charlie,
1818 F Street McPeak, Nina, Address wanted Morris, Stanley,
1225 5th Street Mering, Sumner, 1216 24th Street Odom, Arthur, 1528
4th Street Odom, Carl, 1528 4th
Street Odom, Leslie, 1528
4th Street Rau, Wesley, 2017 E
Street Root, Homer, 302 O
Street Watts, May Wilna, 1326 16th Street Webb, Ruth, 1831 T
Street Stains, Vera,
Missouri Strader, Gladys, Broderick |
Wm. Hill, Floyd Morris, Joseph H. Baker,
Fontaine Johnson
Among the
Early Accessions
Among the number
of those who united with the church many years ago, we have thought it of
interest to mention the following names. The oldest record book we have
mentions quite a number, the date of whose joining the church is not stated. It
may be among that number are all the original members of the church, but not
knowing for a certainty, we mention only as ‘49-ers the following: Wesley
Merritt, Charles Maltby, Charlotte Maltby, Edmond L. Barber, Geo. H. Bell, Mark Stewart,
Deborah Stewart, Archibald Henley, Julia Henley. Other names among the earliest
members are: John and Jane Griffin, 1854; Mary Ann Wick, Israel and Mary A.
Luce, Henry Leet, Harriett E. Nelson and Charles
Lenoir joined 1855; Nathaniel and Francis Lenoir, 1856; Jas. A. and Lydia Fox,
B. F. Pike, Jas. A. Gardiner, 1857; Lillie Lyah,
Cyrus Stern Lenoir, 1858; Edward Eugene Toll, Phillip Henry Toll, Wm. Chas.
Griffin, Rebecca Eliza Griffin, Isaac Shaw, Moriah Sweetland, Loyal T. Smith, 1859; Dr. R. B. Sweetland, 1860; S. M. Kiefer, 1861; Mary Wise, 1860; Sarah
Van Heusen, William and Harriett Ellis, Mrs. Orpha Wassol, Mrs. Lizzie D. Watt, E. L. Barber, Samuel Mervin,
Nancy B. Bell and Frank B. Bell, Mrs. Carley, Jacob
and Ann Welty, Milton and Sophia Barney, Elizabeth Bowstead,
Harriet Combs - most all these joined near 1860; Clara Henley, Nellie Henley,
Katie Henley, 1866; William Roberts, Carrie Wicks, John Lee and Julia Ann Wood,
Mrs. Nemie Gallatin, Warren Hector, John S. and Mary Harbinson, Peter Bohl, John L. Huntoon, Dr. C. S. Haswell, Eliza
A. Hodgson, Wm. And Elizabeth Kirk, Mrs. Mary Ann and Miss Mary R. Patterson,
William Walter, 1867; Mary Rosina R. Luce, Miles, L. Templeton, F. T. Phillips
and wife, John H. Freeland, Mrs. B. B. Hinman, Mrs.
Henrietta and Cordelia Heaton, Isaac and Frances M.
Hall, Dr. and Mrs. M. F. Clayton, 1868; Mrs. Mary Greenlaw,
Mrs. Martha Buchanan, Geo. W. Marsh, Daniel and Ellen Carley,
John C. Stubbs, Mrs. B. Sutliff, Mrs. Sarah Wing,
1870; D. W. Welty, Wm. R. Toll, Amelia Bohl, 1871; H.
N. and Catherine Cummings, Calista Hodgdon, Joseph Ough and Mrs.
Anna Ough, 1872; William P. and Sarah J. Dillman, Mrs. A. A. Jordan, Mrs. Sarah E. Gibson, Mrs. Annetta Elsworthy, 1873; Aaron
Harwood, 1874; Rev. L. B. and Mrs. Alice D. Hinman,
1875; Miss Hattie Clayton, 1876; Phillip and Sarah A. Uren, Elizabeth N.
Davis, 1879; Mrs. A. Hodson, 1880; Mrs. M. A. Drew,
1881; Mrs. Miranda Billings, J. R. and Julia McConnell, Ludwig Anderson and C.
H. Dunn, 1882; Mrs. Donna E. Elliott, 1883; Maude Ough,
May Ough, 1884; Minnie Gardiner, 1885; Thomas and
Mary E. James, William James and John James, 1888; Morris Brooke, John Ing, Myrtle Hodson, Maude Hodson, 1890; Elizabeth Blasdel
Moore, 1892.
There are many
who have been connected with First Church, Sixth Street, Sacramento, who have gone out from us into other busy centers, and who have
become great in their respective callings; but none have eclipsed the name of
John C. Stubbs, who without a doubt has become the greatest railway freight
expert in the country. It is said of the late Mr. Harriman that he would allow
“no 10-per cent man” about him, that they all had to be 100-per cent men. Mr.
Stubbs is a native of Ashland, Ohio, where he was born in 1847. It is said: “At
twenty-two he was an assistant general freight agent, and ever since he has
been living with freight, eating with it, sleeping with it, studying it,
wrestling with it, and reducing it or its handling to something approximating
an exact science.”
John C. Stubbs
was received into this church December 30, 1870. He was a member of the
Official Board for some years and was elected Sunday School Superintendent, but
resigned on account of lack of time to attend to it. He was a most capable
teacher in the school of a young men’s class, who were very fond of him. He was
also an able Bible student. Mrs. Stubbs, formerly Miss Mary R. Patterson, was
received into the church, December, 1867. She was organist in the Sunday School, and was also church organist. It was in 1871 that
Mr. Stubbs and Miss Patterson were married. Joseph David Stubbs, their son, was
baptized September 7, 1873, by Rev. H. B. Heacock.
Old First Church,
Sixth Street, is glad to honor such a man and cherishes his record while a
member here, and Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs, like hundreds of others who have come
under its influence, remember with interest the “days o’ lang
syne.”
Some
Recorded Baptisms
Georgiana McCourtney, George Julius Bohl,
Agnes Toll, Charlotte Phoebe Lovell, Sheldon B. Coachman, 1854; Sierra Nevada
Cummings, James Bowstead Williams, Robert Skelton
Cook, Alice Elephalet Cook, Albert E. Leimbach, 1855; Mary Ann Wood, Julia Ann Wood, David Wood,
1857; Ann Rebecca Walter, Alfred J. McCourtney,
Eugene Waterman, 1858; Mary Alice Pierson, W. H. Wickersham, William Charles
and Rebecca Eliza Griffin, Phillip Henry Toll, 1859; Clinton Allen Thompson,
1867; Mary Rosina Luce, 1868; Abbie B. Hicks,
Catherine Cummings, Calista F. Hodgdon,
1871; William F. and Eva May Huntoon, George Luce
Marsh, 1872; Lizzie Evelyn Bohl, Joseph David Stubbs,
1873; William and Hattie Clayton, 1874; Lee Sutliff,
1876; Hattie B. Bell, 1877; Alice Phoebe, Thomas Milton and Mary Eunice Hodgdon, 1878; Mrs. Sarah A. Root, Charles H. and Edwin Van
Heusen, 1879; Joseph Edgar Huntoon, Elephalet Skelton, J. T. Skelton, 1881; Mr. and Mrs. E. F.
Reeves, 1882.
Some
Recorded Weddings
J. F. Taylor and
Harriett Denison, December 24, 1855; Jacob Welty and Anna Williams, October 15,
1857; George H. Bell and Mary Jane Perry, February 24, 1858; John A. Shaw and
Frances Meyers, May 10, 1860; Benjamin F. Pike and Mary A. Harner,
July 9, 1860; W. H. Mills and M. Elizabeth Haswell, January
1, 1867; H. B. Burlingame and Miss H. A. Seman, June
9, 1868; Frederick B. Haswell and Vida Wyman, January
1, 1868; George W. Marsh and Mary R. Luce, February 22, 1871; John C. Stubbs
and Mary R. Patterson, August 14, 1871; A. J. Gardiner and Hattie Clayton,
Philip C. Byrne and Clara M. Clayton, January 21, 1879.
The Closing
Word
The author is
conscious that while the task of writing this Souvenir History for the Sixtieth
Anniversary has been pleasant and profitable to himself, the book itself may prove
unsatisfactory to some, and, perhaps to others, incommensurate with the great
record of good deeds wrought by this church. But he asks for it that it be
accepted in the spirit of love and loyalty, for the church that has prompted
it. Under the blessings of God, this church has stood in this city sixty years
an unbroken witness to vital godliness and an exponent and defender of the
cause of righteousness. Her altars have been crowded with devout worshippers.
Thousands have been led by it to a better life. At its altars children have
been dedicated to the Lord in holy baptism, and many have been joined in holy
wedlock. From its altars have been borne many of our departed
loved ones to the silent city of the dead. Its influence has gone out
into the community life and has helped to mould public opinion, and has
inspired many to holier purposes. Its pathway has not been without the rough
places, nor has it been margined all the way with flowers. It has had its
trials and sacrifices, all of which have helped to make it the power it has
been all these years.
The author would
have the members and friends consider this noble history, and be proud of it, and be prompted by it to a more earnest
endeavor and a deeper consecration.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to min’?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne?”
What a privilege
and honor “to count oneself in the genealogy of such a magnificent lineage!”
The sons and daughters of such pioneers of character, ability and heroism,
should take up the work where they laid it down and carry it forward to even
greater achievements than they. They had as much, if not more, to contend
against in those early days than we have in ours, and yet no one reads of their
unfaithfulness or cowardice.
We are glad that
in the present membership and officiary (sic) we have
worthy successors of this noble line of Christian workers. The church still
occupies the same old location, but in a new environment. No longer do most of
the members live in their own homes in the vicinity of the church, but farther
out, in choicer resident sections of the city. But there are more people living
in the vicinity of the church today than formerly. The church is now surrounded
by business blocks and rooming houses, and is more needed in this location than
ever.
Owing to the new
environment, new problems press upon the church for solution, and to meet “the
challenge of the city,” the church must command the means and intelligently and
zealously adapt its methods to the changing conditions. The mark of change and
transformation is seen on every hand in the business life of our expanding
city, and old buildings and methods are being replaced by new and better ones.
The church must adapt itself to the present environment and need that it may
win its way against the tide of change sweeping all about it. This is no time
for retrenchment, but for expansion. Our fathers wrought better than they knew.
We should take the heritage bequeathed us and do even better than they.
“Faith of our fathers! Living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword:
O how our hearts beat high with joy
When e’er we hear
that glorious word!
Faith of our fathers! holy
faith!
We will be true to thee
till death!”
Donated by
SFgenealogy.com
Transcribed
by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Proofread by Betty
Vickroy.
© 2010 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Golden Nugget Library's Sacramento County
