One hundred years of the Presbyterian church of Frankford...

Introduction

fTTEDNESDAY, the Fourth of May. Eighteen I ? Hundred and Seventy, was a day never to be forgotten in the history of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford. It was the Centennial Anniversary of the laying of the corner-stone of its first church edifice. The occasion was observed with such an impressiveness and such a gladness as were becoming an epoch over which few churches, at least in this land, are as yet permitted to rejoice. The memory of the day itself should be cherished. Its joy. its harmony, its hallowed memories, its festivities, its impressive services, its happy gathering, the smiles of Providence that were upon it. should all be recorded, that they may be read over in the

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future for the renewed pleasure of those who participated in them, or for the information of those who may form this congregation when its present members shall have passed away.

Some months previous to the day, the Session of the Church appointed a committee of eleven members of the congregation to make suitable arrangements for its celebration. The names of this committee were, Reuben Myers, Alfred H. Foster, John McMullen, Frederick K. Womrath, James C. Thompson, Linford Castor, Joseph Ball, Howard Yonker, Samuel Wakeling, Wm, E. Hamill, Rudolph Adams. Faithfully and well did this committee perform the duties which had been assigned them, projecting a plan for the observance of the day, forming themselves into sub-committees for carrying out that plan, and devising means by which all necessary expenses should be provided for. But the committee were not under the necessity of acting alone. The officers of the Church, its Session and Trustees, and the members of the congregation generally, entered into the work most heartily. To the ladies

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particularly thanks are due for the successful manner in which most of the arrangements were carried out. It was by them that money was collected, that bountiful entertainment was prepared, and numberless efforts made for the welcome reception of all friends who might come to share in the festivities of the joyous occasion. So completely were all the arrangements made, and with so much unanimity did all enter into the matter, that from first to last there was not one serious disappointment, and not one thing to disturb the perfect harmony and good feeling. All looked forward hopefully to the important occasion, but the success which attended its observance went far bej^ond the expectations of any.

When the day arrived the w r eather itself was propitious. The days before had been stormy — those which followed were cold and gloomy. But upon this day the sun rose cheerfully, and the air of early May was mild and balmy. It seemed as if Providence was smiling upon us even in this respect. An

almost Sabbath calm prevailed. The serene

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atmosphere and joyous sunshine tempted all abroad, and spread over all a feeling of cheerfulness.

Outside of the Church, which stood upon the ground that had been devoted to the worship of God for an hundred years, all was calm, and bright, and inspiring. Never had its old trees looked down upon happier hearts than upon the hundreds who were gathering into the house of God that morning. Inside of the Church there was felt to be an almost sacred satisfaction by every one that entered. The simple, yet most appropriate and impressive decorations which covered the walls and hung from the ceiling, the fragrance emitted from wreaths and flowers, and the hearty words of welcome filled all with surprise and pleasure. The adornments were not elaborate, but they were beautiful in their simplicity and in the suitable thoughts they were calculated to awaken. On the platform which extended across the pulpit end of the church there were two wide-spreading century plants emblematic of the great occasion. Spanning the pulpit,

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on the wall, in letters of evergreens, was the sublime and fitting text. — " Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations." Before this text stood conspicuously the figures, 1770 — after it 1870. Noble festoons of laurel, ivy, and cedar sprang down from the four corners of the ceiling, and were looped up together at its centre. Wreaths surrounded the gas brackets around the walls, from which also were suspended fragrant hanging baskets of flowers. Flowers, as fresh and beautiful as that May morning, were on the pulpit, on the platform, in the garlands which wreathed the gallery, wherever the eye could turn. The purest sense was gratified, the sweetest thoughts awakened.

Previous to the anniversary there was much speculation as to whether a large attendance could be secured on a clay in the middle of the week ; but as the hour of the morning exercises arrived all anxiety on that score disappeared. The house soon began to fill. In the afternoon it was crowded. In the evening very many could not find room to enter. It

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was a most inspiring scene, as the cars brought load after load of friends from the city, as carriages drove in from all the surrounding country, and as the streets in every direction were alive with persons coming to join our happy celebration. Many persons came from a distance who themselves in former days had worshipped in the Church, or whose ancestors and other relatives had been connected with it. Members of families long separated came together in the spot hallowed to them all. Friends who, in former days, Sabbath after Sabbath, had gone up to the old Church in company, now met once more on earth, before the days of their pilgrimage were ended. Representatives of old families of the Church came home again, some of them from distant States. At the joyous re-union how many sacred old associations were revived ! how many hallowed remembrances of the past were brought up ! how many sacred scenes were revived, and fixed still more indelibly on memory ! how many dear names were spoken of which were once cherished on earth, but now

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recorded in the General Assembly and Church of the First-born above ! Besides those who were thus drawn together by the precious memories and associations of the past there were also large numbers of others present. All the denominations of the community were largely represented. On the platform there were ministers of the various churches, United Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian and others. Clergymen and other distinguished visitors, including the Mayor of ' the city and judges of the courts, honored us with their presence. Such a concourse of honored names had probably never been gathered together on one occasion in Frankforcl.

It was a great source of pleasure to the Committee having the celebration in charge, that they were able to secure the services of such eminent men as speakers for the occasion. Most kindly and promptly did they consent to be present, and lend their aid. It was also highly gratifying that all those who had engaged to deliver the addresses, save two, were enabled to attend. Hon. J. Ross Snowden,

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whose father, in olden times, had often preached in the church, was prevented by sickness. The Rev. Henry W. Biggs, son of one of the former pastors, was also providentially prevented from being present. The addresses were in every respect such as to give the highest satisfaction. They were listened to with the deepest interest by the vast audiences who were present morning, afternoon, and evening. They touched upon almost every point that was appropriate to the Centennial Anniversary of a Presbyterian Church, and of this Church in particular. It was fortunate that, through the skill of an excellent phonographer, the Rev. S. M. Stiles, of the Methodist Church, these addresses have been preserved so fully; and that they may thus be handed down in this volume.

The music of the occasion was not its least attractive feature. Conducted entirely by the Church's own choir, the expressions of satisfaction it called forth from every quarter were ail the more gratifying. The choir entered fully into the spirit of the day. This they could

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well do, for the Church was dear to them, as it had been to many of their fathers. This hearty love for the cause gave zeal in the selection of the music, and inspired life and excellency in the sacred songs with which the exercises of the day were diversified. Most animating were the moments w r hen some dear old tunes, uttering words hallowed to the children of God, were joined in by the vast assemblage, and filled the whole house with the sounds of praise.

As it is desirable that all the prominent events of the day should be fixed upon record, there must be mention made of the abundant entertainment which had been provided. This was, of course, the work of the ladies. With taste and zeal they had planned for receiving, with the most generous hospitality, all friends who might come up to the great assembly. It was believed that large numbers of strangers would come to spend the happy day with us, and nothing was left undone which it was supposed would add to the heartiness with which they would be welcomed. The expenses neces-

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sary for this provision were contributed most cheerfully. Though over one thousand dollars, in money, and in the estimated value of articles donated, were required, there was no difficulty in collecting enough — yea, more than enough. So great was the enthusiasm that there should be no deficiency in the hospitality, that an overflowing abundance was offered without any urgency of application. Dinner and tea were provided, and all comers were invited to partake in the festivities of the day. The Sabbath-school room of the Church was furnished with elegance and true taste for the cheerful gathering. Five tables extended the length of the room, and were fairly ablaze with shining plate, with brilliant flowers, and, above all, with the savory and substantial dishes with which they were loaded. Course after course of guests filled these tables, and made the whole scene most animated and cheering. It was estimated that not less than fifteen hundred individual repasts were partaken of, and still there were preparations for more. Of all the pleasure furnished by this

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entertainment, there was none so great as that of the fair entertainers, who doubly rejoiced in the enjoyment of their friends.

As a part of the history of this celebration, we give extracts concerning it from some of the journals of the day, whose editors or reporters were present. A desire to preserve it as fully as possible for the future may apologize for retaining the reference to the historical address read on the occasion, which perhaps good taste required to be omitted.

The editor of " The Presbyterian," the Rev. Matthew B. Grier, D. D., who was present on the occasion, and took part in the exercises, gave this account of it in the next issue of that paper : —

" A very bright and pleasant day was Wednesday, the 4th inst, the day of the centennial anniversary of the Frankford Presbyterian Church. The Church was garlanded w T ith evergreens and gay with spring flowers. On the walls were ' 1770 — 1870/ indicating the years through which the church's life had run, and with them words of Scripture most appropriate to the time and place. ' Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations.' A large platform extended entirely across the

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eastern end of the church, on which was seated a large number of ministers of our Church and some of other denominations. At the other end of the church was the choir, with the organ, which varied the services by appropriate music throughout the day.

The services of the Anniversary were divided into three parts, and the morning, afternoon and evening were thus occupied. The introductory address was made by the Rev. Dr. Musgrave, and the historical address, containing a resume of the events which had marked the church's life for the century just past, by the Rev. Thomas Murphy, who has been for twenty years the useful and beloved pastor of the church. This address, which was the chief feature of the exercises of the morning, was undoubtedly one of the finest historical sketches we have ever heard. Much labor had been expended upon it, but this appeared only in the exactness and fulness of statements in regard to the events of the church's history. The style of the address was admirable; and though the reading lasted one hour and a half, it was listened to without weariness to the close. Five well defined periods were described as belonging to the history of the church, and in each of these some marked and salient event was used, around which the other events of the period were grouped. We were surprised to find that for the first thirty-two years of its existence the church had belonged to the German Reformed body, and joined the Presbyterian Church in 1802. The names and services of

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many of the pastors, particularly of the Rev. Mr. Doak and the Rev. Dr. Biggs, now departed, were made subjects of special mention. The names of those who had served as elders and trustees in the church were carefully noted. Very few of our churches, which have reached the age of one hundred years, will have as full and accurate a history as that which has been so finely written of the Church in Frankford by its pastor.

In the afternoon, the Rev. Dr. William D. Howard, of Pittsburg, Pa., who was pastor of the Church at Frankford from 1838 to 1849, gave his reminiscences, which were very interesting. He described the old Church as it was when he assumed the pastorate, the Church that was removed to make room for the present fine structure. He paid a hearty and affectionate tribute of praise to some of those who labored with him in the gospel, and who stood fast by the Church in its low estate, but who have gone to the assembly and church of the first-born in heaven. After Dr. Howard came addresses from Dr. Hodge and Dr. McCosh, of Princeton, who had come to join in the pleasant services of the day, and who spoke with much force and aptness.

In the evening addresses were made by the Rev. Dr. Beadle and Judge Allison, of Philadelphia, and Dr. John Hall, of Xew York ; but these we were not so fortunate as to hear. Thus ended, amidst joy and congratulation, the well-devised and well-ordered proceedings of this important era in the history of the Frankford

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Church. May the close of the century upon which it has now entered find it in abundant prosperity ; the centre, as now, of good influences, and the home of many precious souls.

We must not forget to add that the hospitalities extended by the Church to the strangers who were drawn by the attractive services of the day to Frankford, were generous and hearty. The ladies of the Church had provided dinner and tea, and gave their guests such a bounful entertainment that, we doubt not, many of them wished that they could see their fair entertainers oftener than once in a century. And the only shade of regret which steals in on such occasions, comes with the thought that when the anniversary arrives again, all the faces which looked so bright and happy last week, will have vanished from the earth, and all the voices that spoke or sang be silent on earth forever. Blessed be God for the hope that all will at last be gathered where the worshippers do not separate, and where the generations that have successively filled one Church on earth will sing together of the loving-kindness of the Lord, and praise Him who has been the dwelling-place of his people in all generations."

The next extract is from the " Reformed (German) Church Messenger." This notice of the event is valuable, as coming from a leading journal of that body with which the Church was originally connected.

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"A very interesting series of religious exercises was held in the Frankford Presbyterian Church on the 4th inst. They were participated in by a large number of Presbyterian clergymen, to whom was added Judge Allison of this city. It was the centennial celebration of the laying of the corner-stone of the first Church. The proceedings possess more or less interest for members of the Reformed church, in view of the early ecclesiastical relations of the congregation.

The pastor, the Rev. Thomas Murphy, presented a full and interesting history of the Church from its commencement to the present day. As is known to some of our more aged ministers, this Church was organized and sustained as a Reformed church for a number of years, but eventually passed over into the Presbyterian church, as did some others in otter sections of the church, about the same time and at a later period, in consequence of the introduction of the English language into the services, to which our early German ministers manifested a marked degree of hostility. The transition, in some instances, was made, not only with their full approbation, but even at their suggestion. How far this applies to the present case, our sources do not authorize us to assert positively. The transition, however, was at least more legitimate and justifiable, than are some effected at a later day.

According to the historical statement of the pastor, which, as far as our knowledge extends, is correct, the corner-stone of the original building was laid on the 4th

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of May, 1770. During the first thirty-two years of its connection with the Synod of the German Reformed church, the services were conducted exclusively in the German language. In 1802 the English language was introduced, and some few years later, we presume soon after the close of the services of its last pastor, connected with the Reformed church, the Rev. John William Runkel, in November, 1805, the congregation passed over to the Presbyterian church."

The next extracts are from " The Holmesburg Gazette/' penned by its editor, Mr. W. F. Knott. We omit his very full account of the addresses, and give only a few paragraphs descriptive of the more general exercises.

" Last Wednesday was a day in the history of Frankford, that will long be remembered by its citizens as the occasion of the Centennial Anniversary of the Presbyterian Church. For some time past this event was looked forward to with an interest that knew no abatement until the occasion itself should arrive, and the good work be duly consummated. As if acting in concert, the weather was all that could be desired — clear, cool and pleasant. The fine rain of the evening previous served to purify the atmosphere, and lay the dust in the streets, thus enabling strangers w 7 ho had been drawn to Frankford to participate in this event to enjoy, during the Tecess of the sessions, a promenade along its thoroughfares.

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The interior of the Church was most beautifully decorated. From each of the gas brackets hung suspended a magnificent basket of rich and luxurious plants, while, from the ceiling of the recess in the rear of the pulpit, hung suspended a large, and elegantly arranged bouquet of flowers, — a credit to the fair fingers that weaved it together in so artistic a manner. At each end of the platform was placed a fine specimen of the " Century " plant, seeming so appropriate with the day itself. In the centre of the ceiling was fastened a large wreath of evergreen, which threw out long streamers in various directions, while the walls over the windows were festooned with the same materials.

Long before the hour announced for the commencement of the morning session, the large building was filled by a large and intelligent audience, who seemed desirous of taking part in the interesting exercises of the day. The platform was filled by eminent clergymen of the Presbyterian Church, and others holding official connection therewith.

At the close of Mr. Murphy's address another anthem was sung by the choir, after which the Rev. Henry W. Beggs pronounced a Benediction. The announcement was now made to the large audience assembled, that the ladies of the Church had prepared a dinner for those who chose to partake of it. The lecture-room had been handsomely fitted up for these festival purposes. Five long tables were erected, each of which would accommo-

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date on an average forty-five persons. These tables were covered with everything that the fancies of the lady managers could suggest, in the shape of excellently prepared edibles, and which it is needless for us to say was liberally patronized. It was thought that about six hundred took dinner, while the kind offer of the ladies to furnish supper was accepted by about one thousand persons.

During the recess that intervened between the afternoon and evening sessions, the streets of Frankford were made to assume quite a lively appearance by the promenade of many of the friends in attendance at the Church. Stepping into the room, previously referred to as being fitted up by the Society for the entertainment of their guests, the same magnificent sight met the eye as was observable at the noon-day meal — tables handsomely decorated with flowers, and heavily freighted with substantial tokens of good-will and esteem. We must be pardoned for saying here that we think for courtesy, kindness and liberality, the ladies of Frankford are unexcelled. We could not help wishing that their future lives might be full of happiness, and that they might be spared to entertain their friends upon future occasions.

" Lord, Dismiss us with Thy Blessing," was sung by the choir and congregation, after which the Benediction was pronounced, and the large assemblage began to disperse, happy at the thought that they had been participants in an Anniversary held under such auspicious circumstances.

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We cannot close our somewhat imperfect sketch of the Proceedings of this Anniversary without making special reference to the perfect manner in which the event was managed in all its details. The committee all seemed to have done their work admirably — laboring together in harmony, and determined to spare no pains to make the visit of their friends an interesting one. We feel sure that all who participated in this Centennial Anniversary will long remember the occasion, and regret that such a thing comes but once in a hundred years. "

Most of the daily papers of the city had full reports of the Centennial ; we give the opening and closing paragraphs of one of the most complete of them — that contained in " The Press."

" At an early hour a rejoicing throng began pouring into the beautiful Church structure, at the corner of Main and Church streets, and at the opening of the exercises the Church was filled in every part. The interior of the Church was beautifully decorated. From the ceiling and upon every wall graceful festoons depended: numerous hanging baskets were hung at short distances from each other, while a large number of potted tropical plants, exquisite bouquets, and vases of cut flowers rendered the scene one of great beauty.

The platform was occupied by prominent clergymen and others invited to participate in the interesting exercises of the day.

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The music was rendered by a large choir in an excellent manner, the selections being made with great taste and a due regard for the jubilant character of the occasion.

At the conclusion of these eloquent addresses, of which w 7 e can only give the foregoing scanty abstract, the audience was dismissed with the benediction, and dispersed full of the best and happiest feelings, and greatly impressed with the golden truths which they had caught from the lips of the denomination's greatest champions.

We cannot conclude this report without special mention of the great courtesy shown us by the Committee on the celebration, who fairly overwhelmed us with their warm hospitalities and ministrations to our comfort during the protracted stay which the occasion demanded. We append the names of the members of this committee : Reuben Myers, chairman ; Joseph Ball, secretary ; Linford Castor, treasurer; Alfred H. Foster, John McMullin, William E. Hamill, Frederick K. Womrath, Eudolph Adams, Samuel Wakeling, Howard Yonker, and James C. Thompson."

Such was this memorable day in the existence of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford. It is no wonder that the whole community was alive and excited by the occasion. It is no wonder that, on every hand, from those who entered heartily into it, was heard the

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assertion. " It was the happiest day I ever spent." It was a day that never can be forgotten. Not onlv in the event which it celebrated. but also in its own successful and happy occurrences, it was one clay of a century.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.

Morning Services, 10 A. M.

REV. MATTHEW B. GRIER. D. D., PRESIDING.

I. Invocation

BY THE REV. JOSEPH BEGGS.

TT^E would worship and adore thee, O God, as the y ) self-existent, the independent, and the everblessed God. Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations. We thank thee this morning for thy wondrous mercy and grace to thy church ; and especially would we thank thee for thy goodness and thy mercy to this particular church. We thank thee for all that thou hast done for us ; and. as we come here to-day to worship and to talk of the things pertaining to thy kingdom, we pray that thine especial presence and thy blessing may be with us ; that every thing that may be done this day shall redound to the - promotion of thy great glory and to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom upon the earth. We pray that thou wouldst be with us when singing the songs of Zion, and grant that, notwithstanding the sins and the imperfections that cling to our nearest approaches unto thee, the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts may be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.

II. Hymn

READ BY THE REV. JAMES PRICE,

PASTOR OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FRANKFORD,

AND SUNG BY THE CHOIR AND CONGREGATION.

All people that on earth do dwell,

Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice, Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell,

Come ye before Him and rejoice.

Know that the Lord is God indeed,

Without our aid He did us make ; We are His nock, He doth us feed,

And for His sheep, He doth us take.

OF FRANKFORD.

enter then His gates with praise, Approach with joy His courts unto ;

Praise, laud, and bless His name always, For it is seemly so to do.

Because the Lord our God is good,

His mercy is for ever sure ; His truth at all times firmly stood,

And shall from age to age endure.

III. Reading Of The Scriptures

BY THE REV. W. E SCHENCK, D. D.

PSALM XLTIII.

1. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

2. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.

3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

4. For lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.

5. They saw it s and so they marvelled ; they were troubled, and hasted away.

6. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

7. Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

S. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God : God will establish it forever. Selah.

9. We have thought of thy loving kindness, God, in the midst of thy temple.

10. According to thy name, God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth : thy right hand is full of righteousness.

11. Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

12. Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

13. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces ; that ye may tell it to the generations following.

14. For this God is our God forever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

PSALM CXXII.

1. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

2. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together :

4. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

5. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee.

7. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

8. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

9. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.

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IV. Pkayek

BY THE KEY. WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, D. D.

Almighty and ever-living God, we desire now to enter into thy heart-searching presence, to draw near unto thee, our Father in heaven, to praise thee for the mercies of thy hand, humbly to confess our great unworthiness, to tell thee of all our wants, and to entreat thy forgiveness, and the abundant bestowal of all the precious mercies that thou knowest we need for the life that now is, and for a full and gracious preparation for the life that is to come. O Lord, our God, we entreat thee, lift now our hearts up unto thee in humble trust, in the exercise of a spirit of faith that realizes thy presence, that recognizes the faithfulness of thy character, as well as the freeness of mercy that thou dost vouchsafe unto thy people. Put away all will-worship ; put away out of our hearts, we beseech thee, everything that is cold, that is formal, and lead us now to thy throne in the spirit of thy children; and help us, Lord, to have communion with thee, our Father, such as shall refresh and strengthen our souls.