New York, 1895
The Methodist conference, in session at Stamford, Conn., on Tuesday announced the following appointments of ministers for Queens county: Presiding elder, Rev. George Van Alstyne; East Norwich, James Robinson; Flushing, George L. Thompson; Glen Cove, Henry Aston; Jamaica, Harry H. Beattys; Jericho circuit, Alexander McNichol; Long Island City, First church, J. Rippere; second church, E. Cunningham; Newtown, W. W. T. Duncan; Oyster Bay, W. C. Steele; Sea Cliff, W. H. Lawrence; Whitestone, J. J. Moffit; Woodbury and West Hills, Harry Scofield; Baldwins, James Coote; Freeport, F. W. Hannan; Hempstead, J. W. Maynard; Lawrence, J. A. MacMillan; Floral Park, C. B. Tinker; Morris Park, A. W. Byrt; Ozone Park, R. F. Norton; Rockville Centre, F. W. Crowder; Springfield, W. W. Gillies; Unionville, C. P. Christopher; Woodsburg, William Platts; Great Neck, Joseph Baird.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 12, 1895, p. 8.
Showing posts with label Methodist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Methodist. Show all posts
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Dr. Poulson's Good By
New York, 1895
HIS FAREWELL WORDS SPOKEN IN THE METHODIST CHURCH.
Timely Expressions that Will Linger in the Hearts of His Congregation — A Union Service and a Reception in His Honor — A Case of Silver for Mrs. Poulson.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Poulson preached his farewell sermon as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church in Jamaica on Sunday morning. He took his text from Second Corinthians, XIII: 11 — "Finally brethren." He spoke as follows:
This chapter is the language of Paul in the conclusion of his second epistle to the Church at Corinth. It is appropriate to the circumstances under which we are assembled on this occasion. We have met for the last day in a public church service in the relation of Shepherd and flock. It becomes our privilege therefore to exhort you in the affectionate words of the Apostle. We desire to improve the opportunity by calling your attention to that peculiar feature in our economy as a church by which the pastoral office of the speaker in this charge is to be dissolved.
It is pacific. It is not the result of discontent on the part of the minister with his people nor of displeasure of the people with the minister. In other systems of church polity such separation is often occasioned by unrest or dissatisfaction in one or both of the parties.
It is anticipated. It is known beforehand, by contract. It is therefore expected. We are thus prepared for it. We mutually agree to it. Other systems have no legal limit to the engagement between pastor and church, and therefore its termination is often unexpected and strained. Ours being for only one year at a time, with the privilege of five, the change can be amicably effected at the end of any annual term.
It is disinterested. The change is really made by extraneous authority, and not by the pastor or the society. So that the responsibility of the transfer of appointment is lifted from the shoulders of both the charge and the incumbent, and therefore more likely to be free from any suspicion of selfish or unworthy motive on the part of the directly interested parties in the case.
It is mutually afflictive. Both preacher and people usually regret it. This objection is often urged against our system by others. Persons say, "We do not like this frequent changing, for just as we become well acquainted with the pastor and his family, we have to part with them." We sometimes feel this way ourselves, and doubt the wisdom or propriety of the plan. If the method has not very great advantages in other directions, this objection is cogent and serious.
ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM.
It is therefore our purpose to glance at some of the advantages of the system. There are others than those we notice; but we consider only the salient ones.
It is the primitive and scriptural mode. Itinerancy was practiced by the priests and prophets of the ancient church from the very beginning. Christ and the Apostles itinerated. On this point there can be no question.
It always provides a field and a supply. Each minister has a place and each charge a minister. It is not always so with other systems. In them are numerous vacant pulpits and unemployed ministers. But under our system the churches always have pastors, and ministers always have places.
It furnishes each locality with the greatest variety of style and talent. Variety is evidently God's order. This essential spice is found everywhere and in all things. Men are naturally fond of novelty. Observation teaches that churches tire under a long continued pastorate. By the itinerant system a constant variety is maintained. Our preachers are new all the time. Sons of thunder and sons of consolation thus alternate. Once in a while it affords a weak place the benefit of a strong man whom it could not otherwise secure. It wields an influence which is more effectual in reaching all classes in a community. No one minister can hope to attract and profit all the people. Hence many attend the ministry of one who will retrain from listening to preaching of a different style. Each minister is usually profitable to a certain class of hearers. Thus, in course of time, by the itinerancy, all are more likely to be reached and suited.
It energizes the ministry. An itinerant preacher has no time to lose in a given place. Knowing he can stay but a limited time, he is more apt to go to work promptly and earnestly. Chalmers said: "Methodism is Christianity in earnest." The world generally admits the itinerant ministry to be the most earnest, active and laborious.
This method is calculated to promote a more faithful and fearless presentation of the truth. An itinerant preacher, not being dependent on the local church for his appointment is not tempted to the same degree as a minister in other circumstances, to shrink from the performances of his duty from fear of the critical and fault finding. Those who are dependent for place and living on the choice of the societies which they serve, naturally have more reason to respect the captious preferences and predilections of their parishioners, in assailing worldliness and in besieging consciences.
As a rule periodical changes in the pastorate add greatly to the success of the ministry. A new arena often imparts renewed vigor to one's powers. All things being equal, the minister is more successful by occasionally entering new fields. If he were to labor with the same people all his life, he could not possibly accomplish the measure of results he may achieve in a briefer time, by changing once in a while. It avoids the possibility of dull and listless monotony in tone and treatment. It is a remarkable record for a settled minister to receive in church membership five hundred persons in ten years, or a thousand in twenty years. But it is not an uncommon experience for an itinerant minister to average one hundred a year. We have known one Methodist preacher to receive on probation over three thousand in thirty years. It seems as if this result could not have been wrought under any other system.
The itinerancy has been an evident benefit to the church at large. Other denominations were planted in this country with the Colonies. Some came here with them. Whereas Methodism is just a little over a hundred years old in the United States, and yet it outnumbers any of the others. We have more members, more churches, and more property. We are supposed to be the most wealthy, as well as the most numerous. This phenomenal growth is doubtless due largely to the itinerancy. If, with so recent a beginning, we have done so much, what may we not do in the future, if faithful to our opportunities? THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED
This state of things imposes certain obligations. The church should not expect or require the same methods from all ministers. It is well that we are not all alike in manners and methods. Each minister has his peculiar personality, talent and way of working, which for the most part constitute his efficiency. All are proficient in some things, but not always in the same things. Some excel as pastors; others as preachers. Some understand business and manage the temporalities successfully; others can only attend to the spiritual interests. Some build up believers, but do not extensively awaken the unsaved; others the reverse. Some are expert in all departments, but rarely.
Let every minister be content with his own God-given weapons, cultivating and using them to the utmost. Let the church be satisfied with the pastor as he is, for the term of service for which he is appointed, in order that he may be at his best. Form no unfavorable opinion from first impressions. Sometimes this has been done, with subsequent regrets. Become acquainted with the pastor and his family as soon as possible. Go see them. Do not wait for them to call on you. Treat them considerately. Never speak evil of your minister. This injures you and the church. He will hear it and it will make him unhappy, and necessarily curtail his usefulness. If you have any fault to find with him, tell him to his face, kindly and privately.
If the pastor is but a man, as we believe, treat him as you do other men, and expect no more of him, from a human view-point. Sustain him in his plans. Some one must be leader. You have made him such. He is therefore the rightful captain. Follow him in lines of work, as well as in his school of instructions. Work with the pastor, and not against him. How is he to succeed without your help? A drawing minister is not more important than a drawing and holding church.
THE DUTIES ENJOINED.
Be perfect. Not absolutely, but relatively. This world and its inhabitants are sin-scarred, and cannot possibly be absolutely perfect until all the wounds are healed, which will not be while the reign of evil continues. The best human characters who have ever lived were imperfect in judgment and conduct. We cannot hope for better results. But we may be, we must be, as Christians, perfect in submission to God, in faith, in motive, and in love. Christ came into this world to make perfect men, so far as possible under fleshly trammels. The work of the ministry is declared by Paul to be to so preach, warn and teach, "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
Be of good comfort, that is be contented, be animated, be encouraged, be strengthened. Cultivate an optimistic disposition. A hopeful spirit fringes every cloud with silver. Do not conclude that the world and the church are going to atoms because Tammany rules, or because there is so much wickedness in high places. The world is better to-day, and the church sways a wider and more potent sceptre than ever before. The great Proprietor himself declares that "all things work together for good to them who love the Lord." What more could be desired to make a man comfortable, even in adversity? The famous author, Samuel Johnson, once said that "where there is no hope there can be no endeavor." Then be stimulated to heroic effort to be useful, and thus insure happiness along the way.
Be of one mind. Adopt Augustine's wise motto, "In essentials unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all things charity." The strength of union is proverbial. However divided as to methods, be indissolubly united in soul-saving. Let the one prime object of the church's existence be uppermost in your minds, and cement you into inseverable oneness of aim and action. Such unity makes the forces invincible.
Live in peace. The whole warring world is sailing peaceward. Shall the church anchor in the offing? Peace means quietness, tranquility and harmony, the very opposite of strife, anger and confusion. Peace in the church includes two indispensable factors, affectionate union among the members and confidence in the standard-bearers. All differences must be settled by peaceful arbitration. Paul reveals the secret of the prevalence of this temper among the membership, when he counsels the individuals to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." In the announcement of the advent of the founders of the Christian system, the sacred historian declares that the crowning effect of that transcendent event would be "on earth peace."
Pursuing the course thus plainly outlined will insure the unfailing presence of the God of love and peace, which is essential to the successful prosecution of a religious life.
REFLECTIONS UPON THE SITUATION.
To-day ends five years of service in this charge by the present pastor, the longest term hitherto held by any predecessor in this pulpit. While these eventful cycles have not been so fruitful as we desired and hoped, still they have not been altogether in vain in the Lord. We have had the pleasure of witnessing many conversions at these altars, and of holding effable communion in this sanctuary with the people of God. We do not recall a word or act during our pastorate here which was not prompted by a sincere desire to promote the welfare and salvation of the church and community.
Pardonable pride naturally swells the breast of one who is permitted to contemplate any great service he may have been enabled to render his fellowmen. Who can fully appreciate the complacency that must have possessed Wellington at Waterloo, or Washington at Yorktown, or Grant at Appomattox? Sir Christopher Wren will never be forgotten while St. Paul's Cathedral survives. Michael Angelo will be remembered by lovers of art while the ceiling of Sistine Chapel endures. The name of Franklin will appear high on the roll of fame while the lightnings of heaven continue to play about the habitations of men. But the delicate duty of chiseling character and directing destiny of individual men is infinitely above the sublime importance of purely temporal achievements, and its issues will appear when the glory of civilizations shall have forever faded from the memory of man. The imperishable names of Paul, Chrysostom, Wesley and Simpson, as character builders, will be heralded in the New Jerusalem endless ages beyond when the material mound and monument builders of earth shall have been long since forgotten.
We had rather be the instrument under God of saving one soul from death than to have been the designer of the superb Brooklyn Bridge, or to have been the author of the immortal Proclamation of Emancipation. If our ministry here has assuaged a sorrow, or eased a pain, or lightened a burden, or healed a wound, or comforted a heart, or saved a soul, then our monument shall stand above the magnificent shafts that commemorate earthly valor and virtue, when they shall have crumbled in the fires of the last day. We are content that the invisible results of these years, which cannot be tabulated by human arithmetic, shall be properly credited in the archives of Heaven, as incorruptible treasures laid up in that unfailing Savings Bank.
This spiritual work is not confined to the moral renovation and eternal reward of the individual who may be rescued. A saved soul means something here and now for the betterment of this world, a better citizenship, broader culture, more important discoveries, more useful inventions, sweeter family life, purified society, abolished poverty, and every other thing that makes for human improvement and refinement.
We count it an inestimable honor to have been favored with the privilege of laboring in this vineyard. Around open graves, in chambers of sickness, at the marriage feast, by the family altar, in the worshipping congregation, friendships have been formed which shall never be broken. From the paradise of memory of these hours we shall never be evicted by the relentless landlord, Time. We leave you at that mile stone, where the poet's sentiment is true,
We have a room where no one enters,
Save ourself alone,
There sits a blessed memory on a throne,
There our life centres.
Let it ever be known that this church is not in any sense a mere guild for social and literary purposes, but a divine institution for the spiritual conservation of society. Nor is it simply a cult for the delectation of its members, but an aggressive force for the moral uplift of humanity, to antagonise everything that is impure and hurtful to men, and to advocate and enforce the Christian religion in all its multifold applications to the regeneration of the race, as the sovereign remedy for the intolerable ills of life. Those whose names are on its roster have voluntarily assumed the responsibility of active service in the irrepressible conflict that is inevitably waged between its avowed principles and vice in all forms. May it continue, both individually and collectively, as an uncompromising challenge to the audacious encroachments of sin, whether in private or public.
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
"When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain,
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again."
There was a union service in the evening as a compliment to Dr. Poulson, whose relations with the pastors and people of all churches have been exceedingly pleasant. There were addresses by the Rev. Mr. Hobbs of the Presbyterian church, the Rev. Mr. Daniels of the Baptist church, and the Rev, Mr. Tilton of the Reformed church. There was special music for the occasion. Mrs. E. J. Johnson of Hollis sang a solo, "Abide With Me." Mr. Taylor rendered a cornet solo, "Angels Ever Bright and Fair." J. Fletcher Watts presided at the organ.
Monday evening a parting reception was given to Dr. Poulson in the chapel. There was a large attendance. There were addresses by Colonel Fleming, Rev. J. Howard Hobbs, B. Frank Wood, John C. Acker, Joseph H. Stansbury, and Charles S. Tabor. Clifton Clerke sang a solo, Henry Clerke and George W. Burnham rendered a duet, and Dr. Poulson brought the exercises to a close with a few parting words.
Mrs. Poulson was presented with a case of silver by the Ladies' Aid Society and the Epworth league.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
Note: The paragraph that starts with "Be of good comfort..." says "be contended" instead of contented. That doesn't sound right to be, but I'm noting it here in case it's some kind of old usage of language that has actual meaning in the context.
HIS FAREWELL WORDS SPOKEN IN THE METHODIST CHURCH.
Timely Expressions that Will Linger in the Hearts of His Congregation — A Union Service and a Reception in His Honor — A Case of Silver for Mrs. Poulson.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Poulson preached his farewell sermon as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church in Jamaica on Sunday morning. He took his text from Second Corinthians, XIII: 11 — "Finally brethren." He spoke as follows:
This chapter is the language of Paul in the conclusion of his second epistle to the Church at Corinth. It is appropriate to the circumstances under which we are assembled on this occasion. We have met for the last day in a public church service in the relation of Shepherd and flock. It becomes our privilege therefore to exhort you in the affectionate words of the Apostle. We desire to improve the opportunity by calling your attention to that peculiar feature in our economy as a church by which the pastoral office of the speaker in this charge is to be dissolved.
It is pacific. It is not the result of discontent on the part of the minister with his people nor of displeasure of the people with the minister. In other systems of church polity such separation is often occasioned by unrest or dissatisfaction in one or both of the parties.
It is anticipated. It is known beforehand, by contract. It is therefore expected. We are thus prepared for it. We mutually agree to it. Other systems have no legal limit to the engagement between pastor and church, and therefore its termination is often unexpected and strained. Ours being for only one year at a time, with the privilege of five, the change can be amicably effected at the end of any annual term.
It is disinterested. The change is really made by extraneous authority, and not by the pastor or the society. So that the responsibility of the transfer of appointment is lifted from the shoulders of both the charge and the incumbent, and therefore more likely to be free from any suspicion of selfish or unworthy motive on the part of the directly interested parties in the case.
It is mutually afflictive. Both preacher and people usually regret it. This objection is often urged against our system by others. Persons say, "We do not like this frequent changing, for just as we become well acquainted with the pastor and his family, we have to part with them." We sometimes feel this way ourselves, and doubt the wisdom or propriety of the plan. If the method has not very great advantages in other directions, this objection is cogent and serious.
ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM.
It is therefore our purpose to glance at some of the advantages of the system. There are others than those we notice; but we consider only the salient ones.
It is the primitive and scriptural mode. Itinerancy was practiced by the priests and prophets of the ancient church from the very beginning. Christ and the Apostles itinerated. On this point there can be no question.
It always provides a field and a supply. Each minister has a place and each charge a minister. It is not always so with other systems. In them are numerous vacant pulpits and unemployed ministers. But under our system the churches always have pastors, and ministers always have places.
It furnishes each locality with the greatest variety of style and talent. Variety is evidently God's order. This essential spice is found everywhere and in all things. Men are naturally fond of novelty. Observation teaches that churches tire under a long continued pastorate. By the itinerant system a constant variety is maintained. Our preachers are new all the time. Sons of thunder and sons of consolation thus alternate. Once in a while it affords a weak place the benefit of a strong man whom it could not otherwise secure. It wields an influence which is more effectual in reaching all classes in a community. No one minister can hope to attract and profit all the people. Hence many attend the ministry of one who will retrain from listening to preaching of a different style. Each minister is usually profitable to a certain class of hearers. Thus, in course of time, by the itinerancy, all are more likely to be reached and suited.
It energizes the ministry. An itinerant preacher has no time to lose in a given place. Knowing he can stay but a limited time, he is more apt to go to work promptly and earnestly. Chalmers said: "Methodism is Christianity in earnest." The world generally admits the itinerant ministry to be the most earnest, active and laborious.
This method is calculated to promote a more faithful and fearless presentation of the truth. An itinerant preacher, not being dependent on the local church for his appointment is not tempted to the same degree as a minister in other circumstances, to shrink from the performances of his duty from fear of the critical and fault finding. Those who are dependent for place and living on the choice of the societies which they serve, naturally have more reason to respect the captious preferences and predilections of their parishioners, in assailing worldliness and in besieging consciences.
As a rule periodical changes in the pastorate add greatly to the success of the ministry. A new arena often imparts renewed vigor to one's powers. All things being equal, the minister is more successful by occasionally entering new fields. If he were to labor with the same people all his life, he could not possibly accomplish the measure of results he may achieve in a briefer time, by changing once in a while. It avoids the possibility of dull and listless monotony in tone and treatment. It is a remarkable record for a settled minister to receive in church membership five hundred persons in ten years, or a thousand in twenty years. But it is not an uncommon experience for an itinerant minister to average one hundred a year. We have known one Methodist preacher to receive on probation over three thousand in thirty years. It seems as if this result could not have been wrought under any other system.
The itinerancy has been an evident benefit to the church at large. Other denominations were planted in this country with the Colonies. Some came here with them. Whereas Methodism is just a little over a hundred years old in the United States, and yet it outnumbers any of the others. We have more members, more churches, and more property. We are supposed to be the most wealthy, as well as the most numerous. This phenomenal growth is doubtless due largely to the itinerancy. If, with so recent a beginning, we have done so much, what may we not do in the future, if faithful to our opportunities? THE OBLIGATIONS IMPOSED
This state of things imposes certain obligations. The church should not expect or require the same methods from all ministers. It is well that we are not all alike in manners and methods. Each minister has his peculiar personality, talent and way of working, which for the most part constitute his efficiency. All are proficient in some things, but not always in the same things. Some excel as pastors; others as preachers. Some understand business and manage the temporalities successfully; others can only attend to the spiritual interests. Some build up believers, but do not extensively awaken the unsaved; others the reverse. Some are expert in all departments, but rarely.
Let every minister be content with his own God-given weapons, cultivating and using them to the utmost. Let the church be satisfied with the pastor as he is, for the term of service for which he is appointed, in order that he may be at his best. Form no unfavorable opinion from first impressions. Sometimes this has been done, with subsequent regrets. Become acquainted with the pastor and his family as soon as possible. Go see them. Do not wait for them to call on you. Treat them considerately. Never speak evil of your minister. This injures you and the church. He will hear it and it will make him unhappy, and necessarily curtail his usefulness. If you have any fault to find with him, tell him to his face, kindly and privately.
If the pastor is but a man, as we believe, treat him as you do other men, and expect no more of him, from a human view-point. Sustain him in his plans. Some one must be leader. You have made him such. He is therefore the rightful captain. Follow him in lines of work, as well as in his school of instructions. Work with the pastor, and not against him. How is he to succeed without your help? A drawing minister is not more important than a drawing and holding church.
THE DUTIES ENJOINED.
Be perfect. Not absolutely, but relatively. This world and its inhabitants are sin-scarred, and cannot possibly be absolutely perfect until all the wounds are healed, which will not be while the reign of evil continues. The best human characters who have ever lived were imperfect in judgment and conduct. We cannot hope for better results. But we may be, we must be, as Christians, perfect in submission to God, in faith, in motive, and in love. Christ came into this world to make perfect men, so far as possible under fleshly trammels. The work of the ministry is declared by Paul to be to so preach, warn and teach, "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
Be of good comfort, that is be contented, be animated, be encouraged, be strengthened. Cultivate an optimistic disposition. A hopeful spirit fringes every cloud with silver. Do not conclude that the world and the church are going to atoms because Tammany rules, or because there is so much wickedness in high places. The world is better to-day, and the church sways a wider and more potent sceptre than ever before. The great Proprietor himself declares that "all things work together for good to them who love the Lord." What more could be desired to make a man comfortable, even in adversity? The famous author, Samuel Johnson, once said that "where there is no hope there can be no endeavor." Then be stimulated to heroic effort to be useful, and thus insure happiness along the way.
Be of one mind. Adopt Augustine's wise motto, "In essentials unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all things charity." The strength of union is proverbial. However divided as to methods, be indissolubly united in soul-saving. Let the one prime object of the church's existence be uppermost in your minds, and cement you into inseverable oneness of aim and action. Such unity makes the forces invincible.
Live in peace. The whole warring world is sailing peaceward. Shall the church anchor in the offing? Peace means quietness, tranquility and harmony, the very opposite of strife, anger and confusion. Peace in the church includes two indispensable factors, affectionate union among the members and confidence in the standard-bearers. All differences must be settled by peaceful arbitration. Paul reveals the secret of the prevalence of this temper among the membership, when he counsels the individuals to "let the peace of God rule in your hearts." In the announcement of the advent of the founders of the Christian system, the sacred historian declares that the crowning effect of that transcendent event would be "on earth peace."
Pursuing the course thus plainly outlined will insure the unfailing presence of the God of love and peace, which is essential to the successful prosecution of a religious life.
REFLECTIONS UPON THE SITUATION.
To-day ends five years of service in this charge by the present pastor, the longest term hitherto held by any predecessor in this pulpit. While these eventful cycles have not been so fruitful as we desired and hoped, still they have not been altogether in vain in the Lord. We have had the pleasure of witnessing many conversions at these altars, and of holding effable communion in this sanctuary with the people of God. We do not recall a word or act during our pastorate here which was not prompted by a sincere desire to promote the welfare and salvation of the church and community.
Pardonable pride naturally swells the breast of one who is permitted to contemplate any great service he may have been enabled to render his fellowmen. Who can fully appreciate the complacency that must have possessed Wellington at Waterloo, or Washington at Yorktown, or Grant at Appomattox? Sir Christopher Wren will never be forgotten while St. Paul's Cathedral survives. Michael Angelo will be remembered by lovers of art while the ceiling of Sistine Chapel endures. The name of Franklin will appear high on the roll of fame while the lightnings of heaven continue to play about the habitations of men. But the delicate duty of chiseling character and directing destiny of individual men is infinitely above the sublime importance of purely temporal achievements, and its issues will appear when the glory of civilizations shall have forever faded from the memory of man. The imperishable names of Paul, Chrysostom, Wesley and Simpson, as character builders, will be heralded in the New Jerusalem endless ages beyond when the material mound and monument builders of earth shall have been long since forgotten.
We had rather be the instrument under God of saving one soul from death than to have been the designer of the superb Brooklyn Bridge, or to have been the author of the immortal Proclamation of Emancipation. If our ministry here has assuaged a sorrow, or eased a pain, or lightened a burden, or healed a wound, or comforted a heart, or saved a soul, then our monument shall stand above the magnificent shafts that commemorate earthly valor and virtue, when they shall have crumbled in the fires of the last day. We are content that the invisible results of these years, which cannot be tabulated by human arithmetic, shall be properly credited in the archives of Heaven, as incorruptible treasures laid up in that unfailing Savings Bank.
This spiritual work is not confined to the moral renovation and eternal reward of the individual who may be rescued. A saved soul means something here and now for the betterment of this world, a better citizenship, broader culture, more important discoveries, more useful inventions, sweeter family life, purified society, abolished poverty, and every other thing that makes for human improvement and refinement.
We count it an inestimable honor to have been favored with the privilege of laboring in this vineyard. Around open graves, in chambers of sickness, at the marriage feast, by the family altar, in the worshipping congregation, friendships have been formed which shall never be broken. From the paradise of memory of these hours we shall never be evicted by the relentless landlord, Time. We leave you at that mile stone, where the poet's sentiment is true,
We have a room where no one enters,
Save ourself alone,
There sits a blessed memory on a throne,
There our life centres.
Let it ever be known that this church is not in any sense a mere guild for social and literary purposes, but a divine institution for the spiritual conservation of society. Nor is it simply a cult for the delectation of its members, but an aggressive force for the moral uplift of humanity, to antagonise everything that is impure and hurtful to men, and to advocate and enforce the Christian religion in all its multifold applications to the regeneration of the race, as the sovereign remedy for the intolerable ills of life. Those whose names are on its roster have voluntarily assumed the responsibility of active service in the irrepressible conflict that is inevitably waged between its avowed principles and vice in all forms. May it continue, both individually and collectively, as an uncompromising challenge to the audacious encroachments of sin, whether in private or public.
"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
"When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain,
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again."
There was a union service in the evening as a compliment to Dr. Poulson, whose relations with the pastors and people of all churches have been exceedingly pleasant. There were addresses by the Rev. Mr. Hobbs of the Presbyterian church, the Rev. Mr. Daniels of the Baptist church, and the Rev, Mr. Tilton of the Reformed church. There was special music for the occasion. Mrs. E. J. Johnson of Hollis sang a solo, "Abide With Me." Mr. Taylor rendered a cornet solo, "Angels Ever Bright and Fair." J. Fletcher Watts presided at the organ.
Monday evening a parting reception was given to Dr. Poulson in the chapel. There was a large attendance. There were addresses by Colonel Fleming, Rev. J. Howard Hobbs, B. Frank Wood, John C. Acker, Joseph H. Stansbury, and Charles S. Tabor. Clifton Clerke sang a solo, Henry Clerke and George W. Burnham rendered a duet, and Dr. Poulson brought the exercises to a close with a few parting words.
Mrs. Poulson was presented with a case of silver by the Ladies' Aid Society and the Epworth league.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, April 5, 1895, p. 8.
Note: The paragraph that starts with "Be of good comfort..." says "be contended" instead of contented. That doesn't sound right to be, but I'm noting it here in case it's some kind of old usage of language that has actual meaning in the context.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Dr. Poulson's Farewell Sermon
New York, 1895
The Rev. Dr. Poulson will deliver his last sermon in the Methodist church, this village, as pastor next Sunday morning, his five years allowed by the constitution of the church having expired. In the evening the Presbyterian, Baptist and Reformed churches of the village will participate in a union farewell service. On Monday evening, in the chapel, a farewell reception will be tendered the pastor and his estimable wife. The public are invited to attend.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 29, 1895, p. 8.
The Rev. Dr. Poulson will deliver his last sermon in the Methodist church, this village, as pastor next Sunday morning, his five years allowed by the constitution of the church having expired. In the evening the Presbyterian, Baptist and Reformed churches of the village will participate in a union farewell service. On Monday evening, in the chapel, a farewell reception will be tendered the pastor and his estimable wife. The public are invited to attend.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 29, 1895, p. 8.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Against A Disorderly Saloon
New York, 1895
A Methodist Clergyman Insulted at an Excise Meeting.
The war against the alleged disorderly saloons of Whitestone by the clergy and numerous other villagers is now thoroughly under way. Sunday night the Rev. James J. Moffit, pastor of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal church, at the conclusion of his sermon on "The Home" requested his people to remain in their seats. He went among them and requested them to sign a paper which he read to them, and nearly all of them did so. It was a protest against the granting of a saloon license to Edward Margolies. In the complaint Margolies is charged with having kept a place of bad character. It is said that he catered to boys and violated the excise law.
The protest, with fifty signatures of prominent villagers attached, was presented to the excise commissioners at their meeting in Flushing Monday afternoon, by the Rev. Mr. Moffitt and the Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf of the Presbyterian church. The clergymen were confronted by Corporation Counsel Lewis W. Ensign and W. S. Overton on behalf of Margolies.
Ex-Judge Overton told the board that Margolies was a man of better character than the minister who had handed in the protest, meaning the Rev. Mr. Moffitt.
The protest was received, and a hearing of the case was set down for Wednesday morning.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 8, 1895, p. 1.
A Methodist Clergyman Insulted at an Excise Meeting.
The war against the alleged disorderly saloons of Whitestone by the clergy and numerous other villagers is now thoroughly under way. Sunday night the Rev. James J. Moffit, pastor of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal church, at the conclusion of his sermon on "The Home" requested his people to remain in their seats. He went among them and requested them to sign a paper which he read to them, and nearly all of them did so. It was a protest against the granting of a saloon license to Edward Margolies. In the complaint Margolies is charged with having kept a place of bad character. It is said that he catered to boys and violated the excise law.
The protest, with fifty signatures of prominent villagers attached, was presented to the excise commissioners at their meeting in Flushing Monday afternoon, by the Rev. Mr. Moffitt and the Rev. Jonathan Greenleaf of the Presbyterian church. The clergymen were confronted by Corporation Counsel Lewis W. Ensign and W. S. Overton on behalf of Margolies.
Ex-Judge Overton told the board that Margolies was a man of better character than the minister who had handed in the protest, meaning the Rev. Mr. Moffitt.
The protest was received, and a hearing of the case was set down for Wednesday morning.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 8, 1895, p. 1.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Methodist Preacher and the Fishing Boy
1895
Boys in church, as is well known, are not infrequently the cause of great annoyance to clergymen. Some years ago a Methodist minister was delivering a sermon with a good deal of earnestness when his attention was attracted to a boy in the gallery. The youngster was leaning over the rail and apparently lowering something attached to a cord, which he occasionally pulled up, when he would throw it over again with more gusto than ever. Do what he would the preacher could not keep his eyes off that boy.
Shifting his position in the pulpit slightly, he had a better opportunity to see what was going on and observed that an old gentleman in a pew under the gallery had fallen asleep and was sitting with his head back and his mouth wide open. Seeing this, the boy had attached a cork to a string and was endeavoring to lower it into the old man's mouth. He came near succeeding several times, and as the cork gently swayed to and fro it occasionally tickled the sleeper's nose. At such times he would stir a little uneasily and brush it away with his hand, to the evident delight of the grinning youngster. The whole scene was so exceedingly comical that the minister came near laughing outright. At length he was obliged to beckon to the sexton and request him to put an end to the boy's fishing for the day or else send him somewhere else to do it.
Boys in church, as is well known, are not infrequently the cause of great annoyance to clergymen. Some years ago a Methodist minister was delivering a sermon with a good deal of earnestness when his attention was attracted to a boy in the gallery. The youngster was leaning over the rail and apparently lowering something attached to a cord, which he occasionally pulled up, when he would throw it over again with more gusto than ever. Do what he would the preacher could not keep his eyes off that boy.
Shifting his position in the pulpit slightly, he had a better opportunity to see what was going on and observed that an old gentleman in a pew under the gallery had fallen asleep and was sitting with his head back and his mouth wide open. Seeing this, the boy had attached a cork to a string and was endeavoring to lower it into the old man's mouth. He came near succeeding several times, and as the cork gently swayed to and fro it occasionally tickled the sleeper's nose. At such times he would stir a little uneasily and brush it away with his hand, to the evident delight of the grinning youngster. The whole scene was so exceedingly comical that the minister came near laughing outright. At length he was obliged to beckon to the sexton and request him to put an end to the boy's fishing for the day or else send him somewhere else to do it.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Broke Up The Revival
New York, 1895
Trouble Between Evangelist Nickerson and Harry W. Paine.
Evangelist Nickerson has been turned down by the Baptist church of Patchogue. The leader, Harry W. Paine, gave forth the edict. Mr. Paine, who assumed the leadership of the church, and at whose home Mr. Nickerson has been stopping since November last, upon returning from the meeting of Sunday night upbraided Mr. Nickerson and charged him with being the instigator of the row that night. Mr. Nickerson denied the charge and said that it was the talking of Mrs. Evans, wife of the former pastor, who is antagonistic to Mr. Nickerson and his followers, and Mrs. Isaac Stagg, which provoked the disturbance. Mr. Paine finished by saying emphatically that Mr. Nickerson could no longer use the Baptist church for his revival meetings. No meetings have been held at the Baptist church since.
When Nickerson heard of the action of the church he applied to Jesse C. Mills, of the opera house, and asked to hire the hall for a Sunday night service. Mr. Mills informed him that he would have to ask the managing board if they would hire the hall for a Sunday night service, concluding his remarks by saying that as four of the board were Methodists, and two Congregationalists, it would be of no use to ask for their permission.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 1, 1895, p. 12.
Trouble Between Evangelist Nickerson and Harry W. Paine.
Evangelist Nickerson has been turned down by the Baptist church of Patchogue. The leader, Harry W. Paine, gave forth the edict. Mr. Paine, who assumed the leadership of the church, and at whose home Mr. Nickerson has been stopping since November last, upon returning from the meeting of Sunday night upbraided Mr. Nickerson and charged him with being the instigator of the row that night. Mr. Nickerson denied the charge and said that it was the talking of Mrs. Evans, wife of the former pastor, who is antagonistic to Mr. Nickerson and his followers, and Mrs. Isaac Stagg, which provoked the disturbance. Mr. Paine finished by saying emphatically that Mr. Nickerson could no longer use the Baptist church for his revival meetings. No meetings have been held at the Baptist church since.
When Nickerson heard of the action of the church he applied to Jesse C. Mills, of the opera house, and asked to hire the hall for a Sunday night service. Mr. Mills informed him that he would have to ask the managing board if they would hire the hall for a Sunday night service, concluding his remarks by saying that as four of the board were Methodists, and two Congregationalists, it would be of no use to ask for their permission.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, Feb. 1, 1895, p. 12.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Had Plenty of Audacity
1895
How Mr. Moody Once Organized a Great Charity In Ten Minutes.
On one occasion Dwight L. Moody had convened a great conference in Liverpool, writes Professor Drummond in McClure's Magazine. The theme for discussion was a favorite one, "How to Reach the Masses." One of the speakers, the Rev. Charles Garrett, in a powerful speech, expressed his conviction that the chief want of the masses in Liverpool was the institution of cheap houses of refreshment to counteract the saloons. When he had finished, Mr. Moody called upon him to speak for ten minutes more. That ten minutes might almost be said to have been a crisis in the social history of Liverpool. Mr. Moody spent it in whispered conversation with gentlemen on the platform.
No sooner was the speaker done than Mr. Moody sprang to his feet and announced that a company had been formed to carry out the objects Mr. Garrett had advocated; that various gentlemen, whom he named — Mr. Alexander Balfour, Mr. Samuel Smith, M. P., Mr. Lockhart and others — had each taken 1,000 shares of $5 each, and that the subscription list would be open till the end of the meeting. The capital was gathered almost before the adjournment, and a company floated under the name of the British Workmen company, limited, which has not only worked a small revolution in Liverpool, but — what was not contemplated or wished for, except as an index of healthy business — paid a handsome dividend to the shareholders,
For 20 years this company has gone on increasing. Its ramifications are in every quarter of the city; it has returned 10 per cent throughout the whole period, except for one strike year, when it returned 7, and, above all, it has been copied by cities and towns innumerable all over Great Britain.
To Mr. Garrett, who unconsciously set the ball a-rolling, the personal consequences were as curious as they were unexpected. "You must take charge of this thing," said Mr. Moody to him, "or at least you must keep your eye on it." "That cannot be," was the reply. "I am a Wesleyan. My three years in Liverpool have expired. I must pass to another circuit." "No," said Mr. Moody, "you must stay here." Mr. Garrett assured him it was quite impossible; the Methodist conference made no exceptions. But Mr. Moody would not be beaten. He got up a petition to the conference. It was granted — an almost unheard of thing — and Mr. Garrett remains in his Liverpool church to this day. This last incident proves at least one thing — that Mr. Moody's audacity is at least equaled by his influence.
How Mr. Moody Once Organized a Great Charity In Ten Minutes.
On one occasion Dwight L. Moody had convened a great conference in Liverpool, writes Professor Drummond in McClure's Magazine. The theme for discussion was a favorite one, "How to Reach the Masses." One of the speakers, the Rev. Charles Garrett, in a powerful speech, expressed his conviction that the chief want of the masses in Liverpool was the institution of cheap houses of refreshment to counteract the saloons. When he had finished, Mr. Moody called upon him to speak for ten minutes more. That ten minutes might almost be said to have been a crisis in the social history of Liverpool. Mr. Moody spent it in whispered conversation with gentlemen on the platform.
No sooner was the speaker done than Mr. Moody sprang to his feet and announced that a company had been formed to carry out the objects Mr. Garrett had advocated; that various gentlemen, whom he named — Mr. Alexander Balfour, Mr. Samuel Smith, M. P., Mr. Lockhart and others — had each taken 1,000 shares of $5 each, and that the subscription list would be open till the end of the meeting. The capital was gathered almost before the adjournment, and a company floated under the name of the British Workmen company, limited, which has not only worked a small revolution in Liverpool, but — what was not contemplated or wished for, except as an index of healthy business — paid a handsome dividend to the shareholders,
For 20 years this company has gone on increasing. Its ramifications are in every quarter of the city; it has returned 10 per cent throughout the whole period, except for one strike year, when it returned 7, and, above all, it has been copied by cities and towns innumerable all over Great Britain.
To Mr. Garrett, who unconsciously set the ball a-rolling, the personal consequences were as curious as they were unexpected. "You must take charge of this thing," said Mr. Moody to him, "or at least you must keep your eye on it." "That cannot be," was the reply. "I am a Wesleyan. My three years in Liverpool have expired. I must pass to another circuit." "No," said Mr. Moody, "you must stay here." Mr. Garrett assured him it was quite impossible; the Methodist conference made no exceptions. But Mr. Moody would not be beaten. He got up a petition to the conference. It was granted — an almost unheard of thing — and Mr. Garrett remains in his Liverpool church to this day. This last incident proves at least one thing — that Mr. Moody's audacity is at least equaled by his influence.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Snowshoe Itinerant
1901
Denver, June 17. — The Rev. John L. Dyer, one of the most famous preachers who has figured in the history of the west, died of paralysis of the throat after a lingering illness. Mr. Dyer was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1812. "Father" Dyer, as he became known, began preaching in Wisconsin in 1849, and was the oldest, if not the last of the old Methodist "circuit riders." Coming to Colorado in 1861 he met many thrilling adventures in his travels in this state and New Mexico, and through his zeal in preaching to the widely separated and almost inaccessible mining camps in ail kinds of weather earned the sobriquet of "The Snowshoe Itinerant" He is the author of a book bearing that title.
Denver, June 17. — The Rev. John L. Dyer, one of the most famous preachers who has figured in the history of the west, died of paralysis of the throat after a lingering illness. Mr. Dyer was born in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1812. "Father" Dyer, as he became known, began preaching in Wisconsin in 1849, and was the oldest, if not the last of the old Methodist "circuit riders." Coming to Colorado in 1861 he met many thrilling adventures in his travels in this state and New Mexico, and through his zeal in preaching to the widely separated and almost inaccessible mining camps in ail kinds of weather earned the sobriquet of "The Snowshoe Itinerant" He is the author of a book bearing that title.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Whitewash' Preachers to End Bad Scandals
1909
Methodist Conference Lets Several Chicago Pastors Off Easy to Get Rid of Them
ROCKFORD, Ill., Oct. 6. — The moral reformers of the Rock River conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church sat dumb under the lash of authority while the suppressionists of the inner council forced through their "whitewashing" program in the cases of alleged ministerial immorality.
But after all is done, the moral reformers have revolted against the Episcopal bludgeon and are denouncing the acts that were sanctioned by the silence on the floor of the conference. The cabineteers have been driven to cover and are shifting responsibility from one to another.
The series of conference acts which have roused the reformers to rebellion culminated in the vote by which John D. Leek, former pastor of the Western Avenue Church in Chicago, whose name was associated with that of Mrs. Mary A. Lavender, was permitted to withdraw from the ministry and from the membership of the church. In addition to that, Perley W. Powers, former pastor of the Olivet Church, Chicago, who was involved with Mrs. V. Book-Fenner, who committed suicide shortly after her arrest on the preacher's complaint, was permitted to withdraw honorably from the conference, to retain his ministry and membership and to have a "location" in the Jason Lee Memorial Church of Blackfoot, Idaho, where the preacher is now engaged in the real estate business.
The John E. Farmer case, which was the first immorality case to be disposed of, is also one of the series, and one that is causing loudest complaint. And on top of these came the programmed disposition of Mrs. Lavender's charges of maladministration against Doctor Crawford. Rev. D. M. Tompkins, pastor of the Rogers Park Church of Chicago and counsel for the Woodlawn Park Church, failed to present Mrs. Lavender's charges, and Doctor Crawford's name was called and passed without comment.
Methodist Conference Lets Several Chicago Pastors Off Easy to Get Rid of Them
ROCKFORD, Ill., Oct. 6. — The moral reformers of the Rock River conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church sat dumb under the lash of authority while the suppressionists of the inner council forced through their "whitewashing" program in the cases of alleged ministerial immorality.
But after all is done, the moral reformers have revolted against the Episcopal bludgeon and are denouncing the acts that were sanctioned by the silence on the floor of the conference. The cabineteers have been driven to cover and are shifting responsibility from one to another.
The series of conference acts which have roused the reformers to rebellion culminated in the vote by which John D. Leek, former pastor of the Western Avenue Church in Chicago, whose name was associated with that of Mrs. Mary A. Lavender, was permitted to withdraw from the ministry and from the membership of the church. In addition to that, Perley W. Powers, former pastor of the Olivet Church, Chicago, who was involved with Mrs. V. Book-Fenner, who committed suicide shortly after her arrest on the preacher's complaint, was permitted to withdraw honorably from the conference, to retain his ministry and membership and to have a "location" in the Jason Lee Memorial Church of Blackfoot, Idaho, where the preacher is now engaged in the real estate business.
The John E. Farmer case, which was the first immorality case to be disposed of, is also one of the series, and one that is causing loudest complaint. And on top of these came the programmed disposition of Mrs. Lavender's charges of maladministration against Doctor Crawford. Rev. D. M. Tompkins, pastor of the Rogers Park Church of Chicago and counsel for the Woodlawn Park Church, failed to present Mrs. Lavender's charges, and Doctor Crawford's name was called and passed without comment.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
"Burning Bush" Sect
1905
Why Indiana Followers of New Religion Insist on Going to Jail
The "Burning Bush" is the title of a new religion which has reached Muncie, Ind., and since it appeals to the fanatics it seems to be spreading at an alarming rate, says a Muncie correspondent of the Chicago Chronicle. Men, women and girls have been arrested and fined for disturbing the progress of other religious meetings and they insist upon going to jail, claiming that God ordered them to do so.
The efforts of the followers to break up meetings of other denominations have resulted disastrously in several places. In Randolph county the operations of the "Burning Bush" followers have become so bold that they attempted upon various occasions to stop meetings of the Methodist churches. They believe that they are the elect and that all disbelievers will go to eternal punishment.
Miss Bessie Ford, a pretty young woman, is one of the leaders, and she was recently convicted, having been charged with disturbing religious meetings. She, together with Mrs. Mary Painter and a man named Hamilton Pursley, who have been introducing the faith in Randolph county, is being held at Winchester for her actions in various churches where regular services were being held. They all claim that they will go to prison and suffer punishment, since it has been the will of the Lord.
The work of the new religious sect has wrought up many localities, and the promoters have many followers. Not until now have they invaded the churches of the towns, and every effort is being made to confine their work to the rural districts, but this, it seems, is impossible.
Why Indiana Followers of New Religion Insist on Going to Jail
The "Burning Bush" is the title of a new religion which has reached Muncie, Ind., and since it appeals to the fanatics it seems to be spreading at an alarming rate, says a Muncie correspondent of the Chicago Chronicle. Men, women and girls have been arrested and fined for disturbing the progress of other religious meetings and they insist upon going to jail, claiming that God ordered them to do so.
The efforts of the followers to break up meetings of other denominations have resulted disastrously in several places. In Randolph county the operations of the "Burning Bush" followers have become so bold that they attempted upon various occasions to stop meetings of the Methodist churches. They believe that they are the elect and that all disbelievers will go to eternal punishment.
Miss Bessie Ford, a pretty young woman, is one of the leaders, and she was recently convicted, having been charged with disturbing religious meetings. She, together with Mrs. Mary Painter and a man named Hamilton Pursley, who have been introducing the faith in Randolph county, is being held at Winchester for her actions in various churches where regular services were being held. They all claim that they will go to prison and suffer punishment, since it has been the will of the Lord.
The work of the new religious sect has wrought up many localities, and the promoters have many followers. Not until now have they invaded the churches of the towns, and every effort is being made to confine their work to the rural districts, but this, it seems, is impossible.
Friday, June 22, 2007
"The Ossified Man" — Grave Robbed, Body Missing
1896
After His Affliction Prostrated Him He Became a Methodist Preacher of Wonderful Power
The item appearing in the daily papers narrating how the grave of Edgar Pratt, well known as the "Ossified Man," had been robbed recently caused considerable excitement in the vicinity of Sodus, N.Y., where Edgar Pratt was born, educated, learned his trade, transacted business, and where his widow and her mother at present reside.
Edgar Pratt, says a Soclus letter to the New York Times, was a son of William Pratt, a well-known farmer, who for many years resided on a farm which he owned on the town line road between Williamson and Ontario, south of the "Ridge Road," so called. The family is one of the oldest in Wayne County.
The "Ossified Man" was born in the town of Williamson, was educated at the public schools in that village, and completed his education in Sodus Academy. He was a well-formed young man, bright, and fine looking. He came to Sodus about 1878 and went to work for Charles Delano, learning the trade of carriage trimming. He was not religiously inclined, in which respect be differed very materially from his parents and other members of the Pratt family. While the young man was working at his trade his father sold the farm, and with the family removed to Douglass, Butler County, Kan., the son Edgar accompanying.
The latter secured a position as stage driver. Through exposure on the stage route he contracted rheumatism, which eventually compelled his abandoning that vocation. His condition became critical. He recovered from his illness, and shortly afterward removed to Sodus, where he opened up a carriage trimming establishment. Rheumatism returned, and he was soon prostrated with his old ailment. Medical science was invoked, but nothing could be done. At length, being in destitute circumstances, his brother, Daniel Pratt, came from Kansas and took Edgar out West with him.
Shortly after this, ossification began to set in and the patient suffered untold agony. An exhorter came to Douglass, which was then comparatively destitute of religious influences, and Pratt became converted. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and soon became one of the warmest supporters of that denomination. Ossification by that time had become so advanced that the man was taken before a board medical experts in New York City. The case had baffled the skill of all Western physicians who had been consulted. The New York surgeons pronounced the case a most marvelous one in the annals of medical jurisprudence.
An offer of $1000 per year during life and $5000 to the widow at his death, provided Pratt would contract to have his body delivered to the New York medical experts at his death, was spurned, Pratt alleging that his condition was due to an act of Providence. He claimed that he was suffering a just punishment for not improving his talents while young and before being afflicted with disease. His exhortations became so pronounced that his religious admirers built a wagon, in which he lay stretched out rigid as a block of marble.
During the last four years of his life he suffered no pain whatever, but was unable to move a joint. Starvation at one time threatened him, and four of his front teeth were removed, and through the aperture thin liquid food was injected, and thus was life sustained. In his carriage he was taken to camp meetings, where he was the centre of attraction on account of his condition and the earnestness with which he exhorted. It is said that through his instrumentality thousands were converted.
Offers from museums were refused, Pratt insisting that his mission was to convert as many to religion as possible during his remaining days. His faithful wife remained with him until his death, which occurred less than a year ago. Museum managers and physicians, even after Pratt's death, continued to deluge the widow and parents of the ossified man with letters and telegrams offering large amounts for the remains. This so alarmed the father that he declined to allow his son to be buried in the Douglass cemetery, but instead had the body interred in a flower bed in the dooryard beneath the father's window, where he could keep an ever-watchful eye upon it. It happened recently, however, that the father was drawn as a juror at El Dorado, the county seat, and during his absence the ghouls succeeded in robbing the grave.
Viewed from a scientific standpoint the case of Edgar Pratt was one of the most puzzling ever brought before the attention of medical experts. Pratt is believed to have been the only completely ossified man on record.
After His Affliction Prostrated Him He Became a Methodist Preacher of Wonderful Power
The item appearing in the daily papers narrating how the grave of Edgar Pratt, well known as the "Ossified Man," had been robbed recently caused considerable excitement in the vicinity of Sodus, N.Y., where Edgar Pratt was born, educated, learned his trade, transacted business, and where his widow and her mother at present reside.
Edgar Pratt, says a Soclus letter to the New York Times, was a son of William Pratt, a well-known farmer, who for many years resided on a farm which he owned on the town line road between Williamson and Ontario, south of the "Ridge Road," so called. The family is one of the oldest in Wayne County.
The "Ossified Man" was born in the town of Williamson, was educated at the public schools in that village, and completed his education in Sodus Academy. He was a well-formed young man, bright, and fine looking. He came to Sodus about 1878 and went to work for Charles Delano, learning the trade of carriage trimming. He was not religiously inclined, in which respect be differed very materially from his parents and other members of the Pratt family. While the young man was working at his trade his father sold the farm, and with the family removed to Douglass, Butler County, Kan., the son Edgar accompanying.
The latter secured a position as stage driver. Through exposure on the stage route he contracted rheumatism, which eventually compelled his abandoning that vocation. His condition became critical. He recovered from his illness, and shortly afterward removed to Sodus, where he opened up a carriage trimming establishment. Rheumatism returned, and he was soon prostrated with his old ailment. Medical science was invoked, but nothing could be done. At length, being in destitute circumstances, his brother, Daniel Pratt, came from Kansas and took Edgar out West with him.
Shortly after this, ossification began to set in and the patient suffered untold agony. An exhorter came to Douglass, which was then comparatively destitute of religious influences, and Pratt became converted. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and soon became one of the warmest supporters of that denomination. Ossification by that time had become so advanced that the man was taken before a board medical experts in New York City. The case had baffled the skill of all Western physicians who had been consulted. The New York surgeons pronounced the case a most marvelous one in the annals of medical jurisprudence.
An offer of $1000 per year during life and $5000 to the widow at his death, provided Pratt would contract to have his body delivered to the New York medical experts at his death, was spurned, Pratt alleging that his condition was due to an act of Providence. He claimed that he was suffering a just punishment for not improving his talents while young and before being afflicted with disease. His exhortations became so pronounced that his religious admirers built a wagon, in which he lay stretched out rigid as a block of marble.
During the last four years of his life he suffered no pain whatever, but was unable to move a joint. Starvation at one time threatened him, and four of his front teeth were removed, and through the aperture thin liquid food was injected, and thus was life sustained. In his carriage he was taken to camp meetings, where he was the centre of attraction on account of his condition and the earnestness with which he exhorted. It is said that through his instrumentality thousands were converted.
Offers from museums were refused, Pratt insisting that his mission was to convert as many to religion as possible during his remaining days. His faithful wife remained with him until his death, which occurred less than a year ago. Museum managers and physicians, even after Pratt's death, continued to deluge the widow and parents of the ossified man with letters and telegrams offering large amounts for the remains. This so alarmed the father that he declined to allow his son to be buried in the Douglass cemetery, but instead had the body interred in a flower bed in the dooryard beneath the father's window, where he could keep an ever-watchful eye upon it. It happened recently, however, that the father was drawn as a juror at El Dorado, the county seat, and during his absence the ghouls succeeded in robbing the grave.
Viewed from a scientific standpoint the case of Edgar Pratt was one of the most puzzling ever brought before the attention of medical experts. Pratt is believed to have been the only completely ossified man on record.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Watch Night Dec. 31, 1900 Leads To Revival
Iowa, 1901
The watch night meeting in the Methodist church, which was a season of wonderful interest, has been followed by revival services each night except Saturday night. There has been a steady and perceptible increase in the results of the meeting and the prospect for a good work is encouraging.
Sabbath afternoon a children's meeting was held, and every child present was at the altar and nearly all of them prayed. The congregations are good and there is the best of order in all classes. The young people have done themselves credit by their excellent behavior and attention. The pastor, Rev. Cozier, is much gratified at the praise-worthy conduct of the young men and women of the town while at church, and the attention given to the preaching.
There are afternoon meetings this week at 2:30, to which everybody is cordially invited, especially the professed Christians of Humeston and vicinity. Every friend of the cause and believer in Jesus Christ has an opportunity now to show their loyalty and devotion to the Master.
—Humeston New Era, Humeston, Iowa, Jan. 9, 1901.
Penny Concerts
One of the churches of Chester, Pennsylvania has introduced what is a novelty there — a penny concert. These concerts are held in the church on each Friday evening, being chiefly designed for children. The children has always been crowded on these occasions, both little and big people attending in great numbers. They are charged 1 cent admission to an entertainment that is worth many times more, and which is wholesome and instructive. The smaller children are always given the center seats in front, the larger ones the side seats. It is so distinctively an affair for children that the big people who attend have to content themselves with the back seats if there are any left.
The watch night meeting in the Methodist church, which was a season of wonderful interest, has been followed by revival services each night except Saturday night. There has been a steady and perceptible increase in the results of the meeting and the prospect for a good work is encouraging.
Sabbath afternoon a children's meeting was held, and every child present was at the altar and nearly all of them prayed. The congregations are good and there is the best of order in all classes. The young people have done themselves credit by their excellent behavior and attention. The pastor, Rev. Cozier, is much gratified at the praise-worthy conduct of the young men and women of the town while at church, and the attention given to the preaching.
There are afternoon meetings this week at 2:30, to which everybody is cordially invited, especially the professed Christians of Humeston and vicinity. Every friend of the cause and believer in Jesus Christ has an opportunity now to show their loyalty and devotion to the Master.
—Humeston New Era, Humeston, Iowa, Jan. 9, 1901.
Penny Concerts
One of the churches of Chester, Pennsylvania has introduced what is a novelty there — a penny concert. These concerts are held in the church on each Friday evening, being chiefly designed for children. The children has always been crowded on these occasions, both little and big people attending in great numbers. They are charged 1 cent admission to an entertainment that is worth many times more, and which is wholesome and instructive. The smaller children are always given the center seats in front, the larger ones the side seats. It is so distinctively an affair for children that the big people who attend have to content themselves with the back seats if there are any left.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Pastor Acts As Floor Walker in Department Store
1922
Union Hill, New Jersey, March 23. — Unable to make financial ends meet on his salary of less than $24 weekly as pastor of the Methodist church, Rev. W. C. Ramsay, spends six days each week as a floor walker in a store and the seventh in his church.
He was found today in the position of floor walker and section manager of a big Manhattan department store, a position which he has held the past year without the knowledge of his parishioners. Rev. Mr. Ramsay has been pastor of the Union Hill church for 30 years.
"The average human being doesn't work enough," he said. "I find that I can work as a floor walker, write my sermons, study and lecture in the evenings, preach twice Sunday and wake up Monday eager for my store job." — Associated Press.
Union Hill, New Jersey, March 23. — Unable to make financial ends meet on his salary of less than $24 weekly as pastor of the Methodist church, Rev. W. C. Ramsay, spends six days each week as a floor walker in a store and the seventh in his church.
He was found today in the position of floor walker and section manager of a big Manhattan department store, a position which he has held the past year without the knowledge of his parishioners. Rev. Mr. Ramsay has been pastor of the Union Hill church for 30 years.
"The average human being doesn't work enough," he said. "I find that I can work as a floor walker, write my sermons, study and lecture in the evenings, preach twice Sunday and wake up Monday eager for my store job." — Associated Press.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Printer's Devil Recalls Melodian Organ
Davenport, Iowa, 1922
Printer's Devil On Gazette in '73 Recalls Melodian in Church At 5th and Brady St.
Do you remember 'way back when the old brick church at Fifth and Brady streets housed the congregation of the First Methodist church? Will H. Hitchcock, printer's devil on the old Davenport Gazette in '73, having read with deep interest the interview with Mr. Magoune, veteran printer on the same journal years ago, which appeared in last Sunday's issue of The Democrat, especially Mr. Magoune's reference to the Methodist church organ, writes as follows:
"Mr. Magoune's reference to the Methodist church organ causes me to wonder how many Davenporters are still living who remember when the same congregation worshiped in the old brick church, still standing on the northeast corner of Fifth and Brady street, and who also remember the little old 'Jubilee' Melodian made by the New Haven Organ Co., which supplied the congregation with instrumental music each Sabbath.
"That melodian was a tiny affair in a rosewood case slightly larger than an ordinary suitcase, set on four spindly legs, and with round wooden rods connecting the bellows with the brass foot pedals underneath. It was about a 3-4-caret, 22-caliber, double action instrument, at least it took the double quick action of both feet to supply wind enough in the bellows.
Occasionally the musician's foot would slip off one of the brass pedals and at such times the instrument would give forth a long shuddering sigh and quit cold, like a horse with the heaves. The order of worship was different in those days from what it is now, for instead of singing the Doxology and Glory Be at the opening of the services, the Doxology was always saved 'til the last, like a piece of apple pie, and was sang just before the benediction was pronounced. It was also the custom of all ministers of that period to read the first verse of each hymn (and sometimes the entire four or five verses) before singing.
One beautiful September morning the pastor of the old brick church had read the first verse of the opening hymn and the musician had seated herself at the melodian when Denny McGee with the old switch engine No. 88 came snorting up Fifth street pulling a long string of loaded box cars and the noise of the engine was fairly deafening so the young lady at the keyboard waited quietly until Denny shut off his engine and all was quiet. And then, as she played the opening bars, the choir and congregation arose and out on the Sabbath stillness floated the music of a grand old hymn, "How Firm A Foundation Ye Saints of the Lord."
The singers had just begun the second line when Denny put the old 88 in the back motion and began back down in the yard. Noise? There were no automatic couplers in those days, the old link and pin being still in use with about six inches of slack between each drawhead and just as the words "Is Laid For Your Faith' rang out, Denny slammed 'em together. Denny 'laid 'em all right, laid 'em cold, for the very earth shook while the walls trembled and the windows rattled like castanets. The remainder of that hymn may have been heard by the listening angels but it failed to reach the Methodists. The choir might have been singing, "Mother May I Go Down to Swim," without any one being the wiser. Among the singers that morning was the late Judge J. S. Altman who possessed a fine bass voice and a keen sense of humor and when anything tickled him he would laugh 'tho the Heavens fall.' Mr. Altman said afterward that the 'foundation' was firm enough but that Denny McGee sure shook up the side walls.
"Brother Magoune is right when he said that 'those were the days of real sport.'
"Can you wonder, Mr. Editor, that the favorite hymn of so many old Davenporters should be 'I Love To Tell the Story.' "
—The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Iowa, July 16, 1922, p. 13.
Note: Next is the article from "last Sunday", in which Mr. Magoune mentions the old Methodist organ.
Recalls Pioneer Days when Hiram Price Found Organ Too Giddy for Methodist Worship
D. Orrine Magoune, who has memories of the Davenport of 40 years ago when the First Methodist church was where the Hastings apartment now stands on Brady street hill-top, the Baptist church was down on Fourth and Perry streets and the old Gazette, for which he worked as a printer, with the late Edward Russell editor, was on East Third street, is spending the week-end in Davenport, having come from Cincinnati, where he has been making his home for the past several years.
"Those were 'The days of real sport,' " said Mr. Magoune, reminiscently, as he settled down in one of The Democrat's easy chairs, pushed back his hat and looked around for a convenient desk on which to rest his boots, while he recalled old times.
"I miss lots of folks around here! Yes, I knew Edward Russell and Charlie Russell — he's Charles Edward now — and Warren Teele was in the postoffice and Hiram Price was in all his glory at that time as congressman — and by golly, it was Hiram who found the new organ they'd just put in the Methodist church at the top of Brady street hill too giddy for him and he had it taken out. I believe they sold it second-hand — hated to lose the price, you know.
"I've been a newspaper man and all-'round reporter all my life, and pencil and paper are my daily companions," and the veteran of many reportorial scoops opened a small black traveling portfolio he carried which was packed with his traveling kit, paper and a pencil or two being conspicuously handy.
The traveler went on to say he hardly knew the old town which had been his home for so many years, "and I do miss the old friends." Mr. Magoune is the author of an attractive little book entitled "Life in Florida," which is full of quaint humor, bits of stories, rhymes, anecdotes and considerable matter of interest to the Florida visitor. He has been in the habit of spending his winters for the past number of years south of the Mason and Dixie line, explaining, "I just can't stand these northern winds."
Mr. Magoune is the son of the late Dr. George F. Magoune, who first came from Maine to become president of Iowa college, Ames, a position he held for 20 years. Iowa was then part of the Territory of Wisconsin. His father was a freshman at Bowdoin college when Longfellow was a senior. Recalling the stately presence and fine physique of Dr. Magoune, he said his father had supplied the pulpit of the Congregational church here a number of times in the early days.
Altho getting along in years and using a cane at times, Mr. Magoune preserves something of his spritely stride of more youthful days, and his eye is keen and his hand — and by the way he has the long tapering fingers and slim artistic hand one finds in the artist and among those whose trend in life has been towards the arts — holds the expressive gesture articulate with feeling which one associates most closely with the writer, musician or painter.
Mr. Magoune stated he was here "on business for just a few days and very glad to see how Davenport has grown and progressed." He goes back to Cincinnati shortly.
—The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Iowa, July 9, 1922, p. 11.
Printer's Devil On Gazette in '73 Recalls Melodian in Church At 5th and Brady St.
Do you remember 'way back when the old brick church at Fifth and Brady streets housed the congregation of the First Methodist church? Will H. Hitchcock, printer's devil on the old Davenport Gazette in '73, having read with deep interest the interview with Mr. Magoune, veteran printer on the same journal years ago, which appeared in last Sunday's issue of The Democrat, especially Mr. Magoune's reference to the Methodist church organ, writes as follows:
"Mr. Magoune's reference to the Methodist church organ causes me to wonder how many Davenporters are still living who remember when the same congregation worshiped in the old brick church, still standing on the northeast corner of Fifth and Brady street, and who also remember the little old 'Jubilee' Melodian made by the New Haven Organ Co., which supplied the congregation with instrumental music each Sabbath.
"That melodian was a tiny affair in a rosewood case slightly larger than an ordinary suitcase, set on four spindly legs, and with round wooden rods connecting the bellows with the brass foot pedals underneath. It was about a 3-4-caret, 22-caliber, double action instrument, at least it took the double quick action of both feet to supply wind enough in the bellows.
Occasionally the musician's foot would slip off one of the brass pedals and at such times the instrument would give forth a long shuddering sigh and quit cold, like a horse with the heaves. The order of worship was different in those days from what it is now, for instead of singing the Doxology and Glory Be at the opening of the services, the Doxology was always saved 'til the last, like a piece of apple pie, and was sang just before the benediction was pronounced. It was also the custom of all ministers of that period to read the first verse of each hymn (and sometimes the entire four or five verses) before singing.
One beautiful September morning the pastor of the old brick church had read the first verse of the opening hymn and the musician had seated herself at the melodian when Denny McGee with the old switch engine No. 88 came snorting up Fifth street pulling a long string of loaded box cars and the noise of the engine was fairly deafening so the young lady at the keyboard waited quietly until Denny shut off his engine and all was quiet. And then, as she played the opening bars, the choir and congregation arose and out on the Sabbath stillness floated the music of a grand old hymn, "How Firm A Foundation Ye Saints of the Lord."
The singers had just begun the second line when Denny put the old 88 in the back motion and began back down in the yard. Noise? There were no automatic couplers in those days, the old link and pin being still in use with about six inches of slack between each drawhead and just as the words "Is Laid For Your Faith' rang out, Denny slammed 'em together. Denny 'laid 'em all right, laid 'em cold, for the very earth shook while the walls trembled and the windows rattled like castanets. The remainder of that hymn may have been heard by the listening angels but it failed to reach the Methodists. The choir might have been singing, "Mother May I Go Down to Swim," without any one being the wiser. Among the singers that morning was the late Judge J. S. Altman who possessed a fine bass voice and a keen sense of humor and when anything tickled him he would laugh 'tho the Heavens fall.' Mr. Altman said afterward that the 'foundation' was firm enough but that Denny McGee sure shook up the side walls.
"Brother Magoune is right when he said that 'those were the days of real sport.'
"Can you wonder, Mr. Editor, that the favorite hymn of so many old Davenporters should be 'I Love To Tell the Story.' "
—The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Iowa, July 16, 1922, p. 13.
Note: Next is the article from "last Sunday", in which Mr. Magoune mentions the old Methodist organ.
Recalls Pioneer Days when Hiram Price Found Organ Too Giddy for Methodist Worship
D. Orrine Magoune, who has memories of the Davenport of 40 years ago when the First Methodist church was where the Hastings apartment now stands on Brady street hill-top, the Baptist church was down on Fourth and Perry streets and the old Gazette, for which he worked as a printer, with the late Edward Russell editor, was on East Third street, is spending the week-end in Davenport, having come from Cincinnati, where he has been making his home for the past several years.
"Those were 'The days of real sport,' " said Mr. Magoune, reminiscently, as he settled down in one of The Democrat's easy chairs, pushed back his hat and looked around for a convenient desk on which to rest his boots, while he recalled old times.
"I miss lots of folks around here! Yes, I knew Edward Russell and Charlie Russell — he's Charles Edward now — and Warren Teele was in the postoffice and Hiram Price was in all his glory at that time as congressman — and by golly, it was Hiram who found the new organ they'd just put in the Methodist church at the top of Brady street hill too giddy for him and he had it taken out. I believe they sold it second-hand — hated to lose the price, you know.
"I've been a newspaper man and all-'round reporter all my life, and pencil and paper are my daily companions," and the veteran of many reportorial scoops opened a small black traveling portfolio he carried which was packed with his traveling kit, paper and a pencil or two being conspicuously handy.
The traveler went on to say he hardly knew the old town which had been his home for so many years, "and I do miss the old friends." Mr. Magoune is the author of an attractive little book entitled "Life in Florida," which is full of quaint humor, bits of stories, rhymes, anecdotes and considerable matter of interest to the Florida visitor. He has been in the habit of spending his winters for the past number of years south of the Mason and Dixie line, explaining, "I just can't stand these northern winds."
Mr. Magoune is the son of the late Dr. George F. Magoune, who first came from Maine to become president of Iowa college, Ames, a position he held for 20 years. Iowa was then part of the Territory of Wisconsin. His father was a freshman at Bowdoin college when Longfellow was a senior. Recalling the stately presence and fine physique of Dr. Magoune, he said his father had supplied the pulpit of the Congregational church here a number of times in the early days.
Altho getting along in years and using a cane at times, Mr. Magoune preserves something of his spritely stride of more youthful days, and his eye is keen and his hand — and by the way he has the long tapering fingers and slim artistic hand one finds in the artist and among those whose trend in life has been towards the arts — holds the expressive gesture articulate with feeling which one associates most closely with the writer, musician or painter.
Mr. Magoune stated he was here "on business for just a few days and very glad to see how Davenport has grown and progressed." He goes back to Cincinnati shortly.
—The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Davenport, Iowa, July 9, 1922, p. 11.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Trouble Arises in Geneva Church
Iowa, 1914
Ackley, Ia., Jan. 9. — From Geneva comes the report that the differences existing in the Methodist congregation have broken into a fierce fight.
The trouble appears to have arisen through the refusal of Rev. T. M. Neilsen — who has been there two years — to move, according to church custom, he having been returned by the last conference. This did not suit a faction, but the parson used moral suasion in efforts to quiet the dissenters.
Now that the trouble is on Rev. Neilson very naturally feels that he should not retire while under fire, especially when the only complaint against him is that some members of his church object to his interpretation of the scriptures. The higher officials of the church, however, will probably order a change before the present two-year term expires, for the reason that it is their custom to move a pastor when local conditions prevent him doing effective work, and as a rule they pursue this course regardless of whether the pastor has been at fault or not.
In the meantime the row stirred up by the dissenting members is looked upon by the officials of the church as a case of insubordination, for the reason that they have done the best they could and think that there should be patience shown the men who have been elected to govern in these matters.
Ackley, Ia., Jan. 9. — From Geneva comes the report that the differences existing in the Methodist congregation have broken into a fierce fight.
The trouble appears to have arisen through the refusal of Rev. T. M. Neilsen — who has been there two years — to move, according to church custom, he having been returned by the last conference. This did not suit a faction, but the parson used moral suasion in efforts to quiet the dissenters.
Now that the trouble is on Rev. Neilson very naturally feels that he should not retire while under fire, especially when the only complaint against him is that some members of his church object to his interpretation of the scriptures. The higher officials of the church, however, will probably order a change before the present two-year term expires, for the reason that it is their custom to move a pastor when local conditions prevent him doing effective work, and as a rule they pursue this course regardless of whether the pastor has been at fault or not.
In the meantime the row stirred up by the dissenting members is looked upon by the officials of the church as a case of insubordination, for the reason that they have done the best they could and think that there should be patience shown the men who have been elected to govern in these matters.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
"Many Throng Christ But Do Not Touch Him," said Pastor
Pennsylvania, 1915
Too Many Christians Only For Effect Is Impression Conveyed In Discourse "Have You Touched Christ?" — Three Decisions
"Too many people of the world, simply throng Christ but do not touch Him", was the declaration made by Dr. Oyler in his sermon of last evening at the Methodist revival. It is the tendency of persons to profess Christianity but in real life their deeds fall short of the true Christian character and their submission to Christ is one of form rather than sincerity. This statement was developed in Dr. Oyler's theme "Have You Touched Christ," delivered to one of the largest congregations since the opening of the revival.
Three more persons announced their intention to follow Christ and there were two requests for prayer when the call for converts was sent out by the pastor. This makes a total of five decisions and eleven requests for prayer since the meetings began.
The music was a prominent part of the service last evening. The large choir rendered the usual number of revival hymns, leading the congregation, and Dr. and Mrs. Oyler sang two excellent selections, "He'll Never Forget to Keep Me" and by request repeated "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago," which they sang Sunday evening.
Tonight will be "School Night" and Dr. Oyler will have for his subject, "God's Call To Youth". The school children of the church will have a block of seats in the front of the auditorium.
The Cottage Prayer Meeting today will be held at the home of Mrs. Annie Tate, 67 East Middle street. It will commence at 2:30. It was announced by Dr. Oyler last evening that Miss Nettie Swartz, of New Oxford, a deaconess of the Methodist church, will be present and assist in the services next week, and perhaps will be here for Sunday's meeting.
Dr. Oyler's sermon last evening was woven about the Bible story of the woman who touched the hem of Christ's garment and was healed. This he emphasized "was one of the most beautiful instances of faith in all the Bible." The great need in the church and the world today is Christ. There is a great difference between thronging and touching Him and there are many people in the church and Sunday School, who throng Christ but do not touch Him. The theme was profusely illustrated by personal experiences of Dr. Oyler during his life in the ministry.
—The Star and Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA, Jan. 15, 1915, p. 2.
Too Many Christians Only For Effect Is Impression Conveyed In Discourse "Have You Touched Christ?" — Three Decisions
"Too many people of the world, simply throng Christ but do not touch Him", was the declaration made by Dr. Oyler in his sermon of last evening at the Methodist revival. It is the tendency of persons to profess Christianity but in real life their deeds fall short of the true Christian character and their submission to Christ is one of form rather than sincerity. This statement was developed in Dr. Oyler's theme "Have You Touched Christ," delivered to one of the largest congregations since the opening of the revival.
Three more persons announced their intention to follow Christ and there were two requests for prayer when the call for converts was sent out by the pastor. This makes a total of five decisions and eleven requests for prayer since the meetings began.
The music was a prominent part of the service last evening. The large choir rendered the usual number of revival hymns, leading the congregation, and Dr. and Mrs. Oyler sang two excellent selections, "He'll Never Forget to Keep Me" and by request repeated "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago," which they sang Sunday evening.
Tonight will be "School Night" and Dr. Oyler will have for his subject, "God's Call To Youth". The school children of the church will have a block of seats in the front of the auditorium.
The Cottage Prayer Meeting today will be held at the home of Mrs. Annie Tate, 67 East Middle street. It will commence at 2:30. It was announced by Dr. Oyler last evening that Miss Nettie Swartz, of New Oxford, a deaconess of the Methodist church, will be present and assist in the services next week, and perhaps will be here for Sunday's meeting.
Dr. Oyler's sermon last evening was woven about the Bible story of the woman who touched the hem of Christ's garment and was healed. This he emphasized "was one of the most beautiful instances of faith in all the Bible." The great need in the church and the world today is Christ. There is a great difference between thronging and touching Him and there are many people in the church and Sunday School, who throng Christ but do not touch Him. The theme was profusely illustrated by personal experiences of Dr. Oyler during his life in the ministry.
—The Star and Sentinel, Gettysburg, PA, Jan. 15, 1915, p. 2.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Rome (Georgia) Regrets Losing Dr. Jones
New Jersey, 1907
An extract from the Tribune of Rome, Ga., shows in what high esteem the people of that place hold the Rev. C. O. Jones, who has been called to the pastorate of the First M. E. Church, this city. The article refers to Dr. Jones's farewell service last Sunday, and is as follows:
"One of the most affecting services ever seen in Rome took place Sunday morning at the First Methodist Church, when Dr. Charles O. Jones bade the members farewell after laboring for a year as their pastor.
"His theme was 'Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness,' and the eloquent speaker was at his best. His words deeply moved his hearers, and when the closing song, 'God Be with You Till We Meet Again,' was sung there was scarcely a dry eye in the house. Dr. Jones and his family leave for his new field, Trenton, N. J., tomorrow, and the best wishes of all Methodists and all Romans go with him.
"At the farewell service there was not a vacant seat in the house and many members of other denominations were present."
—Trenton Evening Times, Trenton, N.J., Dec. 7, 1907, p. 7.
An extract from the Tribune of Rome, Ga., shows in what high esteem the people of that place hold the Rev. C. O. Jones, who has been called to the pastorate of the First M. E. Church, this city. The article refers to Dr. Jones's farewell service last Sunday, and is as follows:
"One of the most affecting services ever seen in Rome took place Sunday morning at the First Methodist Church, when Dr. Charles O. Jones bade the members farewell after laboring for a year as their pastor.
"His theme was 'Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness,' and the eloquent speaker was at his best. His words deeply moved his hearers, and when the closing song, 'God Be with You Till We Meet Again,' was sung there was scarcely a dry eye in the house. Dr. Jones and his family leave for his new field, Trenton, N. J., tomorrow, and the best wishes of all Methodists and all Romans go with him.
"At the farewell service there was not a vacant seat in the house and many members of other denominations were present."
—Trenton Evening Times, Trenton, N.J., Dec. 7, 1907, p. 7.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Evangelist: Can't Be 50-50, Christ or Devil, Mark of the Beast
Ohio, 1921
Methodist Meetings
Evangelist Changes Style in Handling of Sermon Subject — Splendid Attendance
Evangelist Birney has changed his style somewhat at the revival meetings at the First M. E. Church. Always earnest and persuasive, he has taken on new energy of expression and new earnestness of appeal as he approaches the end of his engagement here. Last night he based his sermon on several passages in the book of Revelation, which speak of the marks of the beast upon the hand and the forehead. It was an earnest appeal for an out and out immediate decision for Christ.
He said in part: "Those who received the mark of the beast in these highly figurative passages were marked for destruction. They bore the marks of hell upon their hand and upon their forehead. Those who did not bear the marks of the beast were those who had chosen Christ and would be saved in the day of wrath. They were all marked for salvation or for destruction — for heaven or hell. So it is to-night. There is no such thing as a third class. All are either marked with the mark of the beast or of the Lamb. There is no neutrality, no neutral class. There is no such thing as a fifty-fifty Christian. Just as there was no such thing as a fifty-fifty American during the war so there is no such thing as a fifty-fifty Christian as long as the war against sin is on. You are for Christ or the beast.
"You cannot sidestep and play fast and loose with the devil. You may say 'Good God, good devil,' but it deceives no one but yourself. 'Choose you this day whom you will serve,' — but don't imagine you can serve both God and the devil at the same time. Everyone in the congregation is either on the road to heaven or on the road to hell and it is up to you to decide which it will be. O, why do you take any chance, my brother? You may leave this building undecided and never have another chance to throw off the mark of the beast. Which side are you on? Whose mark is on you? God help every one here to choose heaven and to avoid hell. Why not decide now? Choose ye, choose ye. Don't try to be a fifty-fifty Christian, but come out on the Lord's side without delay."
Dr. Birney's subject to-night is "The Tragedy of Neglect." Friday afternoon his subject is "The Lord's Prayer." Friday night is Young People's night. The subject is "In the Garden of God."
—Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, March 3, 1921, p. 2.
Methodist Meetings
Evangelist Changes Style in Handling of Sermon Subject — Splendid Attendance
Evangelist Birney has changed his style somewhat at the revival meetings at the First M. E. Church. Always earnest and persuasive, he has taken on new energy of expression and new earnestness of appeal as he approaches the end of his engagement here. Last night he based his sermon on several passages in the book of Revelation, which speak of the marks of the beast upon the hand and the forehead. It was an earnest appeal for an out and out immediate decision for Christ.
He said in part: "Those who received the mark of the beast in these highly figurative passages were marked for destruction. They bore the marks of hell upon their hand and upon their forehead. Those who did not bear the marks of the beast were those who had chosen Christ and would be saved in the day of wrath. They were all marked for salvation or for destruction — for heaven or hell. So it is to-night. There is no such thing as a third class. All are either marked with the mark of the beast or of the Lamb. There is no neutrality, no neutral class. There is no such thing as a fifty-fifty Christian. Just as there was no such thing as a fifty-fifty American during the war so there is no such thing as a fifty-fifty Christian as long as the war against sin is on. You are for Christ or the beast.
"You cannot sidestep and play fast and loose with the devil. You may say 'Good God, good devil,' but it deceives no one but yourself. 'Choose you this day whom you will serve,' — but don't imagine you can serve both God and the devil at the same time. Everyone in the congregation is either on the road to heaven or on the road to hell and it is up to you to decide which it will be. O, why do you take any chance, my brother? You may leave this building undecided and never have another chance to throw off the mark of the beast. Which side are you on? Whose mark is on you? God help every one here to choose heaven and to avoid hell. Why not decide now? Choose ye, choose ye. Don't try to be a fifty-fifty Christian, but come out on the Lord's side without delay."
Dr. Birney's subject to-night is "The Tragedy of Neglect." Friday afternoon his subject is "The Lord's Prayer." Friday night is Young People's night. The subject is "In the Garden of God."
—Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert, Ohio, March 3, 1921, p. 2.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Buckeye Self-Sharpener Lectures Crowd on Temperance
Ohio, 1845
"Hallo! Merchants, clerks, grocers, landlords, bar-keepers, loafers, and drunkards — come up." Such was the exclamation made by an individual who stopped in the middle of the street last Thursday afternoon.
A crowd immediately gathered around, out of curiosity to see what 'crazy loon' it was that should interrupt the tranquility of our street. But curiosity was shortly turned into downright pleasure, for it was soon discovered that it was no other than Mr. Fiester, the Buckeye Self-Sharpener, the great Temperance Lecturer.
He lectured to an audience of some 50 or 60 for about an hour, meeting with some opposition from two or three persons who were evidently enjoying the bliss of being 'three sheets in the wind,' and who were unwilling to have their rights and privileges attacked in such a sudden and unexpected manner.
Mr. F. lectured in the Methodist Church that evening to a crowded house, and the next day in the afternoon, to the Temperance Convention, which happened then to be held. — X. Y. Z.
—Huron Reflector, Norwalk, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1845, p. 3.
"Hallo! Merchants, clerks, grocers, landlords, bar-keepers, loafers, and drunkards — come up." Such was the exclamation made by an individual who stopped in the middle of the street last Thursday afternoon.
A crowd immediately gathered around, out of curiosity to see what 'crazy loon' it was that should interrupt the tranquility of our street. But curiosity was shortly turned into downright pleasure, for it was soon discovered that it was no other than Mr. Fiester, the Buckeye Self-Sharpener, the great Temperance Lecturer.
He lectured to an audience of some 50 or 60 for about an hour, meeting with some opposition from two or three persons who were evidently enjoying the bliss of being 'three sheets in the wind,' and who were unwilling to have their rights and privileges attacked in such a sudden and unexpected manner.
Mr. F. lectured in the Methodist Church that evening to a crowded house, and the next day in the afternoon, to the Temperance Convention, which happened then to be held. — X. Y. Z.
—Huron Reflector, Norwalk, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1845, p. 3.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Leader of "Holy Jumpers" Tells Experiences in Religious Life
1909
CONFESSIONS OF MRS. HARVEY
Leader of "Holy Jumpers" Gives Interesting Experiences in Religious Life
Mrs. E. L. Harvey, wife of the secretary of the Metropolitan Church association, otherwise known as the Holy Jumpers, a woman of much force of character and ability and one of the leading spirits of the sect, has an interesting article entitled "A Page of My Experience" in the current number of The Burning Bush. From this article we make the following selections:
From childhood I was brought up in the Methodist church and Sunday school and later in the missionary societies and Epworth league. I saw around me a company of young people who professed to love the Lord, who were members of the church but the great object with all of us was to make our class or our society a success.
Only for the week of prayer in the winter time was a special effort made to get souls saved and in that only a very few took part in assisting the minister or evangelist. Again, in the summer time the camp meeting would meet and for ten days the people were stirred up to think about getting someone saved.
Whenever I would hear a sermon preached which told of a life higher than that which I experienced, I was at the altar to seek holiness, but, immediately, on the return from camp meeting, came the usual round of strawberry suppers and ice cream sociables in the name of religion, and these sapped away the piety of each individual.
Trying to Outdo.
As a matter of course in all of these social affairs there entered much rivalry and jealousy, each one trying to outdo the other and secure the approbation of her fellow-workers — then came the vieing with each other in the matter of dress. Of course these things were supposed to be hidden, and yet in each heart was the desire to appear as well as her neighbor.
I had been married and we were engaged in mission work, but, we still attended the old church; but the fact that we were laboring in mission work caused me to trim down somewhat and helped me to get a different view of matters, and I began to see more clearly that real work for God did not consist in giving sociables and parties.
Realizing a Need.
A holiness evangelist was called to the Methodist church where we held our membership, and I eagerly listened to the red-hot truths and went to the altar to be sanctified as I thought that that was what I needed. The preacher told me if anyone in the church was sanctified, I was and that I should not be at the altar. However, I knew the stirrings of my own heart and knew that I needed the abiding presence of Christ.
God certainly changed my heart at that time and all desire for the social doings was taken from me and God helped me to take a decided stand against them and to refuse to lend any assistance to those who carried them on.
God's Voice Was Heeded.
My husband's business was prospering and I had an easy, care-free life and could have whatever I desired. God led me to spend much time each day in prayer and in reading His Word and holiness literature and I well remember how He talked to me about the manner in which I wore my hair, and very gladly I made it plain to please Him. The Lord also had talked to me about singing worldly songs and these too were laid aside. Then came up the question of fancy hats and, as though it were yesterday, I remember the first one I tore to pieces, taking off the drooping feathers and the flowers. The devil said that I could never stand it; but I believed God, and ten years have flown by since that time and I have never wanted any such things.
Silk dresses came in for condemnation by the Lord and these too were given up. Then came the wearing of gold. I had often been ashamed in our mission work on seeing my diamond engagement ring flash and would turn it under my hand, but when God talked to me about this and also all other gold — rings, pins, chains, watch, etc. — I became so heartsick and disgusted with gold that I could scarcely bear the sight of brass buttons and it was no trial to lay it off, and later I was delighted to see the gold and diamond "treasures" traded off to help pay for a bus to carry students to a noon meeting held years ago in Chicago.
Thus it was with other matters of clothing — the tailor-made suits became a thing of the past, as well as the sealskin coat which went to help pay expenses of the Bible school. These things all belong to the long-ago — the time which we would not recall for all there is in this world.
The Light Was Dim.
We heard no preaching upon these things — the light was dim. Once in a while some old saint would say a word but the holiness evangelists enjoyed coming to our home and we enjoyed entertaining them, but they did not speak out against anything they saw.
Dr. Carradine's Opinions.
It was in Dr. Carradine's meetings that God sanctified my soul; but Dr. Carradine told me that the Lord would never ask me to take off my wedding ring as it was the bond of matrimony —but, nevertheless, it went for I knew that gold was gold and God said through His apostle that it was not to be worn by the saints. Although Dr. Carradine in his public preaching ridiculed "rooster tail feathers" and plumes, yet he told me the feathers in a certain hat of mine were all right, and told me he believed the prettiest trimming for a lady's hat was ostrich feathers, and showed me the pictures of his wife and one or two of his daughters with hats heavy with plumes, which of course must have been bought with money which he received from holiness preaching.
God had told me I must not sing worldly songs, but Dr. Carradine, while at our home, brought in two copies of a song, "Her Mem'ry Brings Me No Regret," giving me one which he asked me to sing and sending one to his daughter in St. Louis.
The Home in Question.
The Lord began to talk to my husband and me about our home with its hardwood floors, oriental rugs and furnishings. I asked Dr. Carradine what he thought about that. He told me to never give it up, that it was none too good and that if we would give it up and live in a tent with a rug in it, someone would come along and say we ought not to have the rug. But still the voice of God kept talking and reminding us that there were thousands of dollars tied up in a home for us, which could be used to put missionaries into the field and win souls. The decision was made; the devil stood by, telling me I could never stand it as I had always loved my home. He said we were deteriorating and we were degenerating and would soon have nothing.
I told the Lord if I had to dress in calico and live in a tent the rest of my life I was going to be His child and do His bidding. It was sweet to do His will. The day came when we were to pack up and move out and to the glory of God I can say that there was not a sigh nor a tear but a constant song. A friend afterward remarked that as she saw the packing going on, she did not see how I could sing.
The Distribution.
When the different articles of furniture were distributed, some to the Children's Home, some to the Missionary Home, some to the Bible school it was a delight to see them used, not for self, but for the glory of God. Some pieces were sold and the money put directly into the work of the Lord. Then came the selling of the home — the title passed into the new owner's hands; the money went into the Lord's work; the bridges were burned, and, praise God, to this present day through the years that have passed since then we have never had one desire to have the home back again, but have thoroughly enjoyed the life into which the Lord has led us.
God Almighty Speaks Again.
When our home was sold we had no thought of living in the Bible school, but there the Lord plainly led us. Then the Lord called for my husband's business. It was prospering and growing; the proceeds had long been used for the Lord, but now He said, "Strip for the race and lay aside these burdens and let others assume these responsibilities."
So the business was sold, passing into other hands who bought it — name and all. This money also was put into the Lord's work, and there was no temptation to touch any of it to get clothing or anything for ourselves. Thank God, our Christ was welcomed to it all. He has cared for us during the years since that time, has clothed and fed us and we fear not the future, but trust God always.
—The Waukesha Freeman, Waukesha, WI, July 1, 1909, p. 2.
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