^iT. ^ 'i- ^7 LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. Purchased by the Mrs. Robert Lenox Kennedy Church History Fund. Dwision..SLLQ> 150 A4 TWENTIE A A <- / t]nin*i ( ^!• S E R iZ I C E S 1^ CONNECTED WITH THE TMENTIETH KNNIiZERSKRY^ ►^1 O H W R O H 1^ Reunion of the Members and Friends (PAST KND PRESENT) SUNDAY-SCPIOOIv. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 9 Sunday, Skpxenibkr 26xh:. 10.30 A.K. Sermon Rev. James Lisk, D.D. .30 P.M. {Reunion oi the Sunday-school. Hymn. Invocation Pastor. Responsive Readings. Chant. Prayer Ptov. W. P. Hellings. Singing Infant School. Historic Sketch of the School .... Ilev. James I^isk, I).D. Hymn. Address Rev. W. P. Hellings. Address Rev. James Lisk, D.D. Hymn. Address Rev. John Love, Jr. 10 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF Original Hymn Pastor. Tune, St. George's 7s, D. Benediction. Grateful praises now we bring To our lieaven-exalted King, For the MeRSings of His grace, For the Rniilintis of His face. Tlirougrh the swiftly-gliding years How His gracious presence cheers ! Earth no Miss fo human liearts Like our blessed Christ imparts. Souls in tender love are bound, Hands a sacred work have found : Sei'ds of truth have liere bpen sown. Fruitful harvests we have known. Songs from new-born souls liave thrillt'd, Lips with benedictions filled ; God in earthly courts hath given Joys, like those which charm in heaven. Hear our festal songs to-day, Lord of Hosts, we humbly pray ; Gird us for the coming time. Make our il<'eting lives sublime. All we have or yet may share We surrender to Thy care; All we are or hope to be Consecrate we now to Thee. Richer blessings may we know, Keener zest within us glow ; l?e, Christ, our constant guide. Let us never leave Tiiy side. When on earth no more we roam. Welcome us to heaven, our home; Teachers, scholars, let us share All a blest reunion there. 7.45 P.M. Sermon Rev. W. P. Helling.';. Ot^dinanee of Baptism. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. \\ ORDER OF EXERCISES 3 P.M. Voluntary Choir. Scripture Reading. Prayer, Hymn. HiSTORICAIi ADDRES.S Pa.Stor. Memorial Addres.s Rev. James Lisk, D.D. Address Rev. W. P. Hellings. Anthem Choir. Benediction. ••• 6.45 P.M. t^eeepfcion and Social. Addresses by Rev.s. W. W. Everts, W. T. Burns, J. C. Wynn, and otliers. 7.45 P.M. Organ Prelude, doxology. Hymn. Scripture Reading. 12 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF Prayer. Hymn. Address Rev. James Lisk, D.D. Anniversary Poem Pastor. Address of Congratulation Rev. J. W. Willmarth. Original Hymn Pastor. Tune, Stillwater. With joy come we hither glad tributes to bring ; Like the Magi of old we are bending At tlie feet of our glorious Master and King, While our praise to His throne is ascending. Rich blessings have crowneil this dear church of His love Through the years of the past swiftly moving ; Bctliel scenes have been ours — sacred fire from above, Fervent prayers, loving labors approving. To the toils Thou dost call how gladly we press, With Thy banner divino floating o'er us! Wherever Thou lead, if Thy pres«»nce but bless. We will shrink not from trials before us. Thy love is our shield, in Thy might we are strong, By Thy grace atid Thy favor defended ; Let us live till we join in the heavenly throng, And our praise with the atigeh' is blended. Benediction. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 13 OF REV. JAMES LISK, D.D. " Glorious things are si^okcn of tJiee, O city oj GocV — Ps, Ixxxvii. 3. The world of the past has known three cities, — Athens, Kome, and Jerusalem. Athens was the seat of learning, the arts and sciences. Rome of juris- prudence and state polity. Jerusalem was a relig- ious centre. Long years before the founding of Rome, God gave instructions to Moses concerning the building of the Tabernacle. This was super- seded by the Temple. In the Holy of Holies of this grand structure God dwelt. But since the Tem- ple was for the Jew only, it too must give way. God had plans larger than the Jewish race, — they were world-wide. But since God was pleased to manifest Himself in the Temple, as aforetime in the Tabernacle, the city distinguished by this honor was called the Holy City, or the City of God. Tlie name was relative and typical. It pointed to the 14 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF consummation of the Divine plan as seen in the Church. The rending of the veil at the death of Jesus symbolized God's gracious purpose. His gospel should be cosmopolitan. Henceforth He would know Greek as well as Jew. The heart washed in the precious blood of His dear Son should be His abode. And all persons thus morally cleansed should constitute His Church. And so, changing one word of my text, we have, Glorious things are spoken of thee, O Church of God, which is really the underlying thought. Let us glance at some of the reasons which may aid in vindicating to our minds this sublime concep- tion of the Church. And, 1. Because the Church is the result of the Divine, Eternal Purpose, it may most properly be spoken of as glorious. 2. The Church is glorious if we have regard to the fact that the world was made with reference to it. The thought of redemption as eternal must be developed in time. Here is the sublimest possible conception of development. Redemption was no after-thought, therefore. Although the material universe be vast, little is said of it in the Bible. In the account of creation in Genesis, the stellar heavens are disposed of in a very few words, " He made the stars also." God's thought was on His Church, and He determined that by the Church should be made known to principalities and powers in heavenly places His manifold wisdom. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, I5 God ^^ created all things by Jesus Christ," which surely hints that the Saviour was to be the Centre and the Spliere of all His purposes. He must have the pre-eminence. 3. The Church is glorious if we have regard to the price paid for her redemption. "For ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, . . . but with i\\Q precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.'' This is to disclose pre-eminently God's love. Power, wisdom, goodness, may be disclosed in cre- ation, but redemption reveals God's love. " In this was manifested the love of God towards us, in that God sent His only-begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him." 4. If we consider that the history of the world has been controlled in the interests of the Church, we must accord that she is glorious. There was a marked preparation in Old Testa- ment times for the coming of the Messiah. Not only in Judaism, but among heathen nations as well was this true. Witness the triumphs of Alexander, by which Greek colonies were planted in the East, and the Greek language — the most beautiful — was made ready as the vehicle of God's great thoughts of mercy. And since the Christian era, " the earth has helped the woman," God's providence has dominated all 16 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF history in the propagation of the truth as it is in Jesus. Persecutions, martyrdoms, discoveries, in- ventions, God is in all, and Jesus Christ must reign until He hath put all enemies under His feet. 5. The mission of the Church renders her worthy of the appellation glorious. [a) To subdue the world to the sway of the Prince of Peace. (6) To make known the manifold wisdom of God (Eph. iii. 10). (c) To glorify God. 6. Glorious, since all her members are in God's sight most grandly worthy, — children of God. Note the full significance of verses 4, 5, 6. ^' Born twice, die once ; born once, die twice." God seeks character. The Divine order is ^^ fird pure.'' " Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." 7. Finally, since the Church shall stand forever, we may say truly. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O Church of God. In 410 Alaric sacked Rome. The pagans charged the new religion with their trouble. Angnstine, in his masterpiece, " De Civitate Dei," showed the Church had remained unharmed, — whatever else had been destroyed, the Church survived. It is a kingdom which cannot be removed. It contains principles that are eternal. It grounds itself in tlie undying affections of the soul. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 17 " Sure as Thy truth shall last, To Zion shall be given The brightest glories earth can yield , And brighter bliss of heaven." In the light of these considerations reflect : 1. We need have no apology for the Church of Christ. '^ Spots and wrinkles" may mar, but they are not the Church. They shall cease to be by and by; the Church shall live on, for she is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. 2. We may well esteem it an honor to be a mem- ber of the Church of Christ, to have even a humble place and to take an unobserved part in her advance- ment. Zion is the perfection of beauty. Everything beautiful and precious is conserved for her and in her. The pomp and circumstance and glory of earthly kingdoms shall pass away, but the Church remains. Our toils and sacrifices, under God's blessing, shall minister to our enduring joy, to the Church's upbuilding, and to the honor and glory of our Lord and Redeemer. 18 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF JBslratl 0^ ^srmoit OP EEV. WILLIAM P. HELLINGS. '■^ And I will give unto thee tlie keys of the kingdom of heaven." — Matt. xvi. 19. When Jesus came into the coasts of Csesarea Philippi He asked His disciples two deeply interest- ing and vitally important questions: ^'TFAom do men say that I the Son of man am f ^' But lohom say ye that lamf The world's opinion and the Church's conviction concerning Christ. The latter, the far more important of the tw^o in- quiries, was so answered by Peter, '^Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," as to bring from the lips of Jesus the profound and suggestive words, '^Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto tliee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven : and what- THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. ]9 soever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." These words give us the clue to the one immov- able foundation, and the invincible and irresistible power of the Christian Church. Christ divinely revealed to the believer, and Christ divinely en- throned in the believer, becomes the solid and rocky foundation, and the triumphant power of the true Church of Christ; a Church whose only legitimate constituency is of believers who can say, out of a conviction born of God, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.'^ To such a believer and to such a Church Christ announces the sacred investi- ture of The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. In our study of this profoundly interesting utter- ance of our Divine Lord let us inquire : First. — As to the nature and significance of this holy prerogative. (a) It is in the nature of a personal Christ-life, manifesting itself in a personal experience of the believer in Jesus as " The Chnd, the Son of the living God.'' It is more than profession. It is possession. It is more than creed or doctrine. It is life and gladsome experience. Not so much the declaration of Christ to Peter as the soulful utter- ance of Christ in Peter. (h) As a prerogative it is both ac^ua^ and represen- tative. A prerogative to be actually exercised be- 20 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF cause actually bestowed for that purpose by Christ. A prerogative representative, in that it is always to be exercised on Christ^s behalf and under His authority and direction. Indeed, its possession is conditioned upon such a vital relation to Christ as that its exercise is impossible when and wdiere that relation does not exist. Second. — As to the extent of this high and holy investiture. (a) Without doubt it was given to Peter. This is plainly declared in the text, Matt. xvi. 19. Not to Peter alone, however, for (b) It was bestowed upon the apostles generally (see Matt. x. 1-15, 40; John xx. 21-23) and upon The Seventy (see Luke x. 1-16). (c) As surely was the gift to the Church as a body (see Matt, xviii. 15-18). (cZ) Doubtless also to every true believer, and to every true Church of Christ in all time (see John xvii. 20-23). To every one whose heartfelt confession of Christ is, " Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,'' Jesus says, ^' Unto thee will I give the keys of the kingdom of heaven.'^ Holy endorsement ! Sacred privilege ! Serious responsibility ! Third. — Consider the high and holy privilege be- longing to the believe^' and the Church. (a) To unlock the kingdom of heaven to the un- saved in our Sabbath-school classes, our families, and in the communities about us. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 21 {h) To lead iuto the fuller eujoyment of Divine knowledge and grace those who have already entered into the kingdom of heaven. (c) To protect the purity and thereby the power of the Church of Christ, by opening its doors to such only as possess that experimental knowledge of Christ which enables them to say to Him and of Him, ' Thou art the Christy the Son of the living God." Fourth. — The solemn responsibility which this sacred investiture involves. (a) To watchfully hold the keys. Take heed that they be not lost. If lost, let them be diligently sought until found. (b) To keep them bright by constant use. Too many allow the keys to become rusty by neglect. (c) To be expert in their use. That we may quickly and skilfully open the way to every one wdio seeks to enter the kingdom of heaven. Let parents, Sabbath-school teachers. Christian ministers, and the Church as a whole see to it that the profoundly sacred gift of the keys is gladly ac- cepted, sacredly guarded, and faithfully employed, that multitudes may enter through the gates into the city of God. 22 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF OF THE SABBATH-SCHOOL OF THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH OF GERMANTOWN. BY REV. JAMES LISK, D.D. About twenty-seven years ago a mission-school was started in Franklin Hall, on Main Street, nearly opposite Church Street. Concerning this school the records are meagre, at least the accessible records, until May 8, 1859. At that time sixteen scholars and seven teachers were convened, and the little enterprise was placed under the care of Mr. Joseph H. Hawley, a member of the First Baptist Church of Germantown. He was succeeded, September 11 of the same year, by Mr. William E. Burk, who on that day entered upon the duties of supei-intendent, and continued in that relation about two years. On the 13th of October, 1861, following the resignation of Brother Burk, Chas. H. Cummings, for seven years, prior to the spring of 1860, superintendent of the Sabbath- school of the Spruce Street Baptist Church of Phil- THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 23 adelpliia, was iDvited to take charge of the school. There were present eight teachers and fifty-six scholars. In the work which thus devolved upon him he had the hearty sympathy and earnest support of his wife and his wife's sister, also of Messrs. Burness and Bechtel, and of Misses Mary Birchell, Alice Lovett, Ellen Swain (now Mrs. Coulter), and Kate Williams (now Mrs. Joseph Earnest). Brother George Nugent occasionally visited the school and manifested a lively interest in its welfare. It ought here to be stated that very valuable aid was rendered the school — of course, in an indirect way — by the Word preached by different brethren, — Randolph, Hand, Spencer, and Hellings. The seed to be sown is the Word of God. In all ways possible let it find its way into the soil of the heart. In October, 1861, an infant school — better known in more recent years as the primary school, or the primary department of the school — was organized with Miss Matilda Cheesham as teacher. Her suc- cessors in this honorable service have been Miss J. S. Stearn, Mr. G. VV. Peabody, Miss Sallie Cox, and Mrs. Lizzie J. Coj^e. Others have, at least for a brief time, acted in this relation. These served nobly and well. For nearly five years the school grew in interest and numbers under the faithful and devoted leader- ship of its superintendent, Brother Cnmmings, or until September 20, 1866, when tliis Church was consti- 24 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF tuted, at which time the school had 200 scholars, 22 teachers, and 6 officers, with 400 volumes in the library. With Wednesday, the 13th of next month, our Brother Cummings will have completed his full quarter of a century of service as superintendent of this Sunday-school, — i.e., counting the mission- school in Franklin Hall as the seed out of which grew the rich and abundant fruit seen and repre- sented here to-day. Whatever may be said of long pastorates, and certainly in at least not a few cases they are an inesti- mable blessing, we who know these past years and to-day behold the results, heartily, gladly accord that here is at least one instance of untold good resulting from a long term as Sunday-school superintendent. The indebtedness of this school to its superin- tendent cannot be known till eternity shall have unfolded the results of earthly labors. Considering the long, tender, warm, and very de- voted attachment of Brother Cummings to this school, we may speak not inappropriately of the relationship as a marriage. This Anniversary may, therefore, be regarded as also a silver- wedding. May our dear brother be spared yet long years to serve the school of his heart's love, and late enter upon rest and the glorious reward, with a crown studded all over with jewels representing the precious souls won to the service of our Lord ! For, " They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firma- ment," etc. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 25 111 May, 1876, the school had grown to a mem- bership of 390, 5 officers, and 35 teachers. This was a gain to within a fraction of one hundred per cent, in ten years. Four years hiter, or in May, 1880, the school n umbered as follows : Officers . . . . . . .11 Teachers ....... 30 Scholars .478 Total 525 The amount contributed by the school for the year was $400.14. According to the secretary's annual report last jNIay, the contributions of the school for all purposes for the year were $1425.96. The school at the present time has Officers 12 Teachers 42 Scholars 552 Grand total 606 The library contains 810 volumes. What a mag- nificent showing is this ! We may indeed say, ^^ Be- hold what God hath wrought. To His own name be all the honor, praise, and glory !'' Of course, with the flow of time many changes have occurred. Some have been called to their heavenly home. Not a few who were scholars years ago have met in themselves with a most radical change from nature to grace. Their conversion, 26 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF followed by patient, prayerful study of the Word, fitted them in their turn to open and expound the Scriptures. Thus scholars were converted into teachers. Indeed, what a kaleidoscopic view is pre- sented by the history of a Sunday-school in a period of ten or fifteen years ! I was impressed afresh with this on recently looking at the photographic scene in the j)icture of the infant class, taken under the administration of Brother Peabody, in the summer of 1873. One in the front line of that delightful group was dear beyond price to my own heart. In the winter of 1882 and '83, a little past twelve years of age, she gave her young heart to the Saviour. One year ago last April she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. No death of aged, toil-worn saint was ever more beautiful, peaceful, and triumj)hant. Yet others of that group it was my joy to lead doW'U in later years into the baptismal waters. They are now young men and women, and are entering upon the stern duties of life. I recall gratefully that the first-fruits of our glo- rious revival in 1872 was a mission of our Sunday- school. What delightful, sacred, and ever to be remembered as precious seasons were those in suc- cessive years, when at the close of the school, after a brief and solemn season of prayer, scholars by request, if they washed to be conversed and prayed with, would file into the ^'Bible-class room," with tears filling their eyes, and a deep and earnest long- ing for the great salvation filling their hearts ! The THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 27 Holy Spirit came in answer to prayer and faithful teaching. God blessed His Word. '' They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." " Thou canst not toil in vain ; Cold, heat, and moist and dry SJiall foster and mature the grain For garners in the sky," That word "shall" is not the exhibition of pre- sumption. It is more than the rhetorician's positive. We have a divine and glorious warrant for its use in our work as Christians. For God says (Is. Iv. 10, 11), "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater : so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." The history of this Sunday-school is an abundant vindication of the sublime truth of that Divine utter- ance. It is said, " Truth is stranger than fiction." And so, too, is truth stronger- than fiction. God asks, What is the chaff to the wheat ? The growth and prosperity of this school hitherto, and its high rank and influence to-day, are due, under God^s blessing, to a faithful superintendent and a devoted band of teachers. It has been a Bible school. The Word of God has indeed been the text-book. There has been a deep and earnest longing for results. Of 28 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF course such longing issued in prayer, and prayer brought down the blessing of God. The results, therefore, noted to-day are natural re- sults in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. Our Lord said, "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw.^^ He has been lifted up here, and hence the drawing power. And so, it must be said, the prosperity of the Church has been largely due to the blessing of God on Bible- school work. Recruits for the Church have come largely from the school. And so, friends, we should make a note of this afresh, — God puts a premium upon faithful, solid, earnest, ])rayerful work. I have never known a Sunday-school where there was less of what is called clap-trap, gush, or sentiment. Very Utile has been done for mere show or display. Scholars have been drawn and held by the real in- terest taken in their welfare. The scintillations and beautiful coruscations of the aurora borealis may elicit our admiration and wonder, but they are evan- escent and fleeting. The mushroom is good and toothsome because it is a mushroom, — the creature of a night. I think it was A})elles who, when asked why he painted with so much pains and care, answered, ^^ Because I paint for eternity." And workers in the Sunday-school — workers for Christ everywhere — must take pains, must exercise the greatest care, because their work is for eternity. Now, no one can be more truly certain that the THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 29 sketch I have given is meagre and very imperfect. Doubtless much ought to have been said which has not been said. Persons ought to have been mentioned, references made, and events noted which have been passed over. But where could one stop if anything like an exhaustive sketch were presented? Indeed, it would not then be a sketch, but a history. Your honored superintendent would heartily accord his commendation to his teachers. I have given this in saying there was true teaching. No general can be great and successful whose soldiers are traitors and cowards, and no superintendent of a Sunday- school can do grandly unless he has thorough, prayerful support. Interrogation of the school's record of teachers would present to our view a noble band of brethren and sisters. Their names and faces at once come up before me. But to suggest some and not all would seem unfair discrimination. The dear Lord knows every one, and, verily, they each and all shall have their reward. God grant that in the great reunion day superintendent, officers, teach- ers, scholars, all, may meet in unending fellowship before the throne! We shall then recount all the Lord's goodness, to the praise of the glory of sov- ereign grace. 30 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF 'isloritHl jIhiirHS. BY REV. JOHN LOVE, JR. One hundred and nine years ago next Monday, October 4, occurred an event which gave a place in American history to Gerraantown. The battle of Brandywine, sometimes called the battle of Chad's Ford, was fought on the 11th of the preceding September. By a skilful manoeuvre General Howe with a force of British fell upon the right of the Americans and compelled them to retreat, with the loss of one thousand men. Among the wounded was the famous Marquis de La Fayette. Following up his advantage, the British general steadily ad- vanced, despite all the efforts of AVashington, and entered Philadelphia on the 26th of September, quartering there four regiments; the bulk of his army was encamped in our immediate vicinity. This main body being weakened soon after by the withdrawal of several detachments to the Delaware, was attacked by Washington before sunrise on the ■^ The writer acknowledges his indebtedness to Thomas U. Walter, LL.D., for many of the facts contained in this address, and for some of the phraseology. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 3I morning of the 4th of October, 1777. Victory at first seemed to be promised to our valiant troops ; the enemy were compelled to fall back, but the Chew mansion, still standing in our immediate vi- cinity, furnished a retreat and fortress for several British regiments, which all the efforts of Greene's division could not expel. The morning proved dark and foggy, the several sections of the army became separated, and Washington was unable to communicate with the heads of the divisions. In this state of confusion the British rallied and re- pulsed the Americans with serious loss. On this same battle-ground once wet with the blood of twelve hundred martyrs to the cause of liberty, within a short distance of the stone house (yet bearing the imprints of the fray) which turned a prospective triumph into a defeat, we meet on this glad festal day. We come from far and near to render thanks to Heaven and to interchange con- gratulations on an event of more thrilling interest, the establishment of a Church of Jesus Christ, the " Prince of Peace,^^ The prophecy that ^^the sj)ear shall be turned into a pruning-hook" has had a broader fulfilment, — the battle-ground has been turned into a sanctuary. Twenty-seven years ago it became very evident to careful observers that this section of German- town presented an inviting field for Christian work. In order to enter upon its cultivation a mission- school was begun in Franklin Hall — a frame build- 32 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF ing on the opposite side of the avenue but a little distance from our gathering-place to-day — on the 8th of May, 1859. Seven teachers and sixteen scholars were present, and the school was placed under the superintendence of Mr. Joseph H. Harley, at that time a member of the First Baptist Church of Ger- mantown. The then pastor of the Church, Rev. Warren Randolph, opened the exercises with prayer, and de- livered an appropriate address. Thus was begun the enterprise which resulted in the establishment of the Church whose twentieth anniversary we to-day celebrate. Upon the removal of Mr. Harley to New York a few months afterwards, Mr. William E. Burk was chosen as superintendent. Preaching services were frequently held on Sabbath afternoons, chiefly by the pastor of the First Church, and in the months of May and September, 1860, continuous meetings during the week. Through the Divine blessing on these services several scholars were won to Christ and united with the First Church. In consequence of the removal of Mr. Burk from this place he resigned the superintendency of the school on the 17th of September, 1861, after a faithful service of two years, whereupon Mr. Charles H. Cummings, a member of Spruce Street Church, Philadelphia, and a resident of Germantown, was invited to fill the vacancy. The new superintendent assumed charge of the school October 13, 1861, and has continued in THE SECOND BAPTIST CIIURCIL 33 that position, honored, successful, beloved, during a quarter of a century. At the beginning of his ad- ministration there were eight teachers and fifty-six scholars and a newly-organized infant school number- ing fifteen scholars, under the charge of Miss Matilda Cheesham. Such was the efficient management of the school and the interest awakened thereby, that at the time of the constitution of the new Church there was an enrollment of two hundred scholars, twenty- two teachers, and six officers, and a library contain- ing four hundred volumes. Regular Sabbath even- ing services were begun in Franklin Hall under the auspices of the school on the 26th of November, 1865. The pulpit was regularly supplied by city pastors and other ministerial brethren, who mani- fested no little interest in the success of the under- taking. In the early part of the year 1866 it be- came apparent that the time had come to establish a regular Baptist Church organization in this neigh- borhood. With this object in view Mr. George Nugent, a member of the Broad Street Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and Mr. Charles H. Cum- mings purchased in their individual capacity a portion of the Chew estate, a section of the old battle-field, measuring one hundred and thirty-one feet on Ger- man town Avenue, three hundred and sixty-eight feet on Upsal Street, and one hundred and thirteen feet on Morton Street, containing considerably more than an acre of ground. Designs were secured for a complete church edi- 34 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF fice and coiiDecting chapel^ with all the appurte- nances usual in modern church architecture. Adapting themselves to the needs of the neigh- borhood, tliey concluded, however, to limit the work at that time to the erection of the chapel in which four hundred or more persons could be accommo- dated. The entire responsibility of this enterprise was assumed by Brethren Nugent and Cummings; they paid cash for the ground, having purchased it in fee- simj)le, and furnished the funds for the building as it progressed, trusting to the Church which should subsequently be gathered for tlie reimbursement of their outlay, less their own large and generous sub- scriptions. In October, 1871, these same brethren made a proposition to tlie Church, involving a sur- render, on certain easy conditions, of all their claims against the Church, amounting to about fifteen thou- sand dollars over and above their original subscrip- tions. Through this munificent offer, gratefully ac- cepted, the Church, after an existence of but five years, was possessed of a property free of all encum- brance which had cost about forty thousand dollars. The corner-stone of the chapel was laid on the 12th day of May, 1866, with appropriate religious ceremonies, in the presence of a large concourse of citizens, on which occasion addresses were delivered by J. Wheaton Smith, D.D., G. D. Boardman, D.D., P. S. Henson, D.D., and the pastor of the First Church, Rev. A. H. Lung. As the building ap- THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 35 proached completion Brethren Nugent and Cuni- mings, who up to this time had been without any ostensible coadjutors in this enterprise, invited the members of regular Baptist Churches residing in Germantown, who were willing to co-operate in form- ing a new church in this locality^ to meet in Frank- lin Hall on the 14th of September, 1866. At the meeting held in pursuance of this invitation thirty- two members of regular Baptist Churches signified their readiness to unite in this undertaking ; of these, six were from the Spruce Street Church of Philadel- })hia, three from the E Street Church in Washington, D. C, one from the Broad Street Church in Phila- delphia, one from the Church at Ivoxbury, fifteen from the First Church at Germantown, one from the Calvary Church at Philadelphia, two from the Church at Chestnut Hill, and three from the Church at Norristown, Pennsylvania. Preliminary measures were ado|)ted for the purpose of carrying out the objects of the meeting, and an adjournment took })lace to Thursday evening, September 20, at which time a regular church organization was effected under the name of the '^ Second Baptist Church of Germantown, Pennsylvania." A Church Cove- nant and Articles of Faith, in conformity with the doctrines held by the Baptist denomination, were adopted, and Church officers elected. On the fol- lowing Sabbath, September 23, public worship was commenced in the Town Hall. With a view to the recognition of the body thus constituted as a 36 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF regular Baptist Church, a Council was convened by invitation, in the meeting-house of the First Baptist Church of Germautown, on the afternoon of tlie 27th day of September, 1866. Thirty-one delegates were present, representing fourteen of the neighbor- ing Baptist Churclies, — viz., First, Germantown; First, Philadelphia; First, West Philadelphia; Broad Street, Philadelphia; Chestnut Hill; Elev- enth, Philadelphia; Falls of Schuylkill; Fifth, Philadelphia; Milestown Church, Boxboi'ough ; and Spruce Street, Tabernacle, and Tenth Church, — all of Philadelphia. The Council was organized by the appointment of Eev. J. H. Castle, D.D., as moder- ator, and Rev. David Spencer as clerk. The Church Covenant and the Articles of Faith adopted by the new oi'ganization were read and approved by the Council, and, after careful inquiry and full discussion, it was unanimously resolved to recognize this body as a regular Baptist Church, llecognition services took place in the evening, just twenty years ago to-day. The programme carried out was as follows : PvEADiNG OF Til K Scriptures. By Kov. J. E. Chessliire. '' Thonnis Winter, D.D. " P. IS. Honson. " G. D. I3oarclnian,D.D. " A. H. Lung. " J H. Castle, D.U. " J.N. Brown, D.D. Prayer .... Sermox .... Prayer of Recognition Hand of Fellowship . - Charge to the Church Benediction . On the 3d of October the Church united with the Philadelphia Baptist Association. On the 4th of THE SECOND BAPTIST CHVRCIL 37 the following December the new chapel was dedi- cated to the service of Almighty God. A congratu- latory meeting was held on the afternoon of that day by the city ministers, after which the congregation partook of a sapper prepared by the ladies of the Church. A very pleasing feature of the service was the gift of a handsome Bible for the pulpit. The donor. Miss Salome Stearn, was a granddaughter of one who fought under Washington on the very spot now occupied by the chapel. In her name Dr. Castle, of West Philadelphia, presented it to the Church with suitable remarks, Dr. Smith, of Spruce Street, responding on behalf of the Church. The dedicatory services held that same evening were as follows : Invocation . Scripture Heading Prayer . Sermon . Dedicatory Prayer Benediction . By Eev. J. H. Castle, D.D. '• " J. B. Simmons. " " P. S. Hensoii. " " J. Wlieaton Smith, D.D. " G. D. Boardman, D.D. " " J. Newton Brown, D.D. On the following Thursday evening, being the 6th of December, 1866, the Sunday-school removed from its old quarters in Fraid^lin Hall and held its Anniversary in the new chapel. A corps of teachers and two hundred scholars were in attendance. The Church celebrated its first communion December 9, 1866, and thus with organization complete it inaug- urated its mission of usefulness and influence by 38 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF partaking of the symbols of tlie dying love of the Redeemer. The names of the constituent members of the Church are as follows : Gp:orge Nugent, Charles H. Cummings, Annie R. Cummings, Louisa W. Cummings, Stephen Coulter, Sarah E. Coulter, George E. Carter, Thomas U. Walter, Amanda G. Walter, Ida Walter, William W. Patton, George W. Derr, Martha Derr, Anna E. IIinkle, Anna S. H inkle, John Neilson, Mary Neilson, Thomas Neilson, Susan M. Neilson, Margaret Neilson, John H. Eorer, Eliza Ashton, Jane Campbell, Carrie E. King, Charles K. King, Elizabeth Wolf, Sarah V/entz, William Hinman, Caroline Hinman, Caroline H. Hinman, Joanna Salome Stearn. The first one to receive the hand of fellowship into this new organization was our Brother Henry S. Rorer, who, with his wife, Mrs. Mary A. Rorer, came by letter from the Milestown Baptist Church. The first year of the new Church was crowned with rich blessings, forty-four receiving the rite of baptism and sixteen being added by letter, swelling the total number to ninety-two, nearly trebling its membership. Marked success attended likewise the labors of the faithful superintendent, Mr. Charles H. Cummings, and his attached coadjutors in the de- partment of Sunday-school work. The infant school THK SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 39 during this eveiitful year grew rapidly under the ju- dicious care and fidelity of Sister Salome Stearn, en- rolling an attendance at one time of sixty-four scholars. It was the privilege of the first pastor, Rev. W. P. Hellings, to guide and aid the Church in securing the gracious results we have noted during the greater part of this notable year. Hi^ efficiency is gratefully recognized in the annals of the Church. The call of Brother Hel lings, unanimously extended, bears date February 7, 1867; his acceptance followed one week thereafter. On the 26th of the same month he was publicly ordained to the work of the ministry, having been cordially approved by the Council, which met on the afternoon of that date. In the services of ordination Kev. W. W. Case offered the invo- cation ; Rev. W. H. Conard read the Scriptures; Rev. R. S. Thorn led in prayer ; Rev. P. S. Henson preached from Col. i. 28 ; Rev. J. N. Brown offered the prayer of ordination ; Rev. David Spencer extended the hand of fellowship ; Revs. William Wilder and J. B. Simmons delivered the charges respectively to the candidate and to the Church. Brother Hellings having at that time a place on the roll of the Broad Street Church, Philadelphia, the call for the Council was issued by that Church ; the services, however, of Council and ordination were held with the new charge of the pastor-elect. Well endowed by natural gifts, and having enjoyed the rare advantages of culture furnished by the Univer- sity and the Theological Seminary at Rochester, the 40 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF uew pastor began his relations with the new and enter- prising Church under very auspicious circumstances. During his pastorate about one hundred were added to its membership, and that in a time when its field was necessarily limited by a very sparse population. Brother Hellings terminated his pastorate near the close of the year 1869, and we extend our cordial greetings to him to-day as not only the first pastor of this Church, but the present pastor of one of the most vigorous churches in Wisconsin. For the period of five months the pastorate was vacant, when, in the providence of God, the attention of the Church was turned to the Rev. James Lisk, of Hinsdale, Illinois, a graduate of Denison Univer- sity, Ohio, and of Rochester Theological Seminary, New York. On the 25th of April, 1870, an unani- mous call was extended to Brother Lisk, which was duly accepted, his pastoral relation to begin with the 1st of June. The services of installation took ])lace in the chapel on Tuesday evening, June 21, 1870. The sermon on the occasion was delivered by Rev. Dr. Henson, who from the very first was a warm friend of the Church. Rev. Drs. J. Wheaton Smith, W. Randolph, L. Moss, and others took prominent parts in the service, while tlie hand of welcome and fellowship was extended by the Rev. A. H, Lung of sainted memory. Thus began a pastorate of thirteen years which inaugurated a new era in the history of the Church, full of interesting incident, of vigorous enterprise. THE SKCOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 41 of steady growth, and cheering results. The mem- bership, which had been somewhat depleted, num- bered at that time about one hundred. The prop- erty of the Church was materially improved, its value enhanced, and the comfort of the pastor and family provided for by the erection of a commodious parsonage, which was occupied about the 1st of July, 1871. The letter sent to the Association in the fol- lowing October was full of cheer and gratitude upon the temporal and spiritual prosperity of the Church. A gracious season of revival was enjoyed during the early part of the year 1872, through the influence of which upwards of forty were added to the Church on confession of faith ; among this number were several who have since become honored office-bearers and Sunday-school helpers. The five succeeding years were likewise very fruitful in results, the num- ber of baptisms reaching forty-two in the year 1877. In the month of January, 1874, the treasurer, by vote of the Church, was appointed to receive contri- butions towards the erection of the main edifice, thus creating a " building fund." Not, however, till the early part of the year 1881 were active measures taken to reach the desired end. Deacon George Nugent being exceedingly anxious to see the work commenced and accomplished before the Lord called him home (possibly having a premonition that his pilgrimage was nearly run), made a very generous offer, which was accepted by the trustees on behalf of the Church. Accordingly, designs and specifica- 42 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF tions for a new sanctuary were procured and adopted, and on the 12th day of March, 1881, work was com- menced, and the corner-stone of the building was laid on the 2d day of May following, by Deacon Nugent, with appropriate religious ceremonies, in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. The weather being un})ropitious, the preliminary exer- cises were held in the chapel. The order of service was as follows: Anthem, by the choir; invocation, Rev. J. D. King ; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. J. O. Critchlow ; anthem, by the choir ; addresses by Rev. L. P. Hornberger and B. D. Thomas ; anthem ; addresses by Dr. Henson and Pastor James Lisk. An original hymn, coniposed by a member of the Church, Hon. Charles Thurber, was sung by the congregation. The corner-stone was then laid by the senior deacon, George Nugent, and the Divine blessing on the new enterprise was besought by the pastor of Spruce Street Church, Rev. W. S. Roberts. On the 19th day of December, 1882, our main edi- fice was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. A sermon was delivered on the occasion by Rev. Dr. AYeston, President of Crozer Theological Semi- nary, and the prayer of dedication offered by Rev. George E. Rees, of Philadelphia. Asa pleasing ex})ression of the Christian fellowship and interest of other denominations in our enterprise, the Rev. J. W. Teal, of the Second Presbyterian Church of Germantown, preached a sermon in the new church on the Wednesday evening following. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 43 Six months from that time (June 25, 1883) sad funeral rites were here observed, and the Church, so blessed from its earliest history by the counsels and love of Deacon Nugent, gathered round his bier, with a sense of bereavement deeper than is often known. The memory of the just is blessed ; the memory of Deacon Nugent is an inspiration as v/ell. A lovinar and extended tribute to his worth and work would at once be expected of and grateful to myself, were it not tliat such a service has been intrusted to another, who can speak not only as a historian, but out of the rich memories of a personal fellowship, which it was not my privilege to enjoy. On the 18th day of May, 1883, i\\Q pastor, Eev. James Lisk, D.D., after a long and successful term of service, resigned his charge to enter upon the im- portant and responsible position of secretary of the Baptist Publication Society for the District of New York and Vicinity. Consecrated in spirit, possessed of a love for Christ at once tender and strong, loyal to the truth, and able in its presentation, with sym- pathies quick and generous, that made him a blessing to the sorrowing, the tried, the tempted, with an ab- sorbing interest in the welfere of tlie Church, the thirteen years of Brother Lisk's pastorate were rich in results and permanent in influence for good. The regard of the Cfiurch for the retiring pastor found expression in tlie following minute : " Besolved, That the thirteen years of efficient and successful pastoral labor among us has endeared 44 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF Brother Lisk to our hearts, and we will ever re- member with affection his labor of love. ^'Resolved, That we tender him our cordial and best wishes for liis success in the new field of labor to which he is called, and will ever cherish the fondest recollections of his life and services among us.'^ The Church was without a pastor for a few months, and then extended an unanimous call to the present incumbent on the evening of October 5, 1883. The closing of his pastorate in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and the beginning of this relation- ship, bears date November 1, 1883. The services of his installation were observed December 13 following; Eev. Dr. Edward Lathrop, of Connecticut, delivering the sermon on the occa- tion. Rev. Brethren Peddie, Ray, Wright, and others participated in tlie exercises. Of the loyalty, the earnestness, and uniform fidel- ity of the membershi]) of this Church during the nearly three years of his service the pastor would make glad and grateful mention. The Divine bless- ing has crowned our common toil with very cheering results. For some years past it has been very ap- parent that the services of a Sabbath-school visitor might be of great benefit to the community and en- able the school to fulfil its mission, as would scarcely be possible otherwise. The peculiar qualifications requisite for such a work seemed possessed in an unusual degree by the father of the pastor, who for thirty-four years had been engaged in missionary THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 45 duties in the city of New York, the last seven of which liad been spent in aiding in the pastoral work of Rev. Dr. Mac Arthur, of the Cavalry Baptist Ciiurch of that city. By a rising and unanimous vote Mr. John Love, Sr., was elected to the offices of associate j)astor and Sabbath- school visitor on the evening of June 12, 1885. It is believed that the relationship thus formed between son and father is entirely unique and has never before been known. Having in the interim transferred his membership to this Churcii prior to entering on his appointed work, a Council was called on September 30, 1885, to consider the propriety of ordaining Mr. Love to the ministry, which lie had been exercising under the limitations of a license bearing date September, 1853. Thirteen Churches were represented in the Council, which was organized by the election of Dr. J. G. Walker as moderator and Rev. E. H. Bronson as clerk. With entire unanimity the Council voted to pro- ceed to the services of ordination on the evening of that day. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. MacArthur, of New York. The prayer of ordination was offered by Rev. Dr. Evans, of the Tenth Church. The hand of fellowship was ex- tended by the son of the candidate. Brethren Everts and Bronson assisted in the service. In accordance with the practice generally adopted in Baptist Churches, the office of deacon is a per- manent one with us, appointment holding during 46 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF the term of membership. On the 20th of Septem- bcr^ 1866, Brethren George Nngent, Charles H. Cummings, and Stephen Coulter were chosen as the first Board of Deacons of the. new Church. James K,. Speir, Richard V. Boswell, Thomas Randall, George C. Stokes, and Henry F. Scatcliard have since been elected to this responsible office, eight in all. Deacons IN'ugent, Coulter, and Speir represent us in the Church triumphant, the others are our honored office-bearers to-day, loved by the Church and devoted to its welfare. At the time of its organization the Church num- bered 32; 431 have been baptized, 175 have joined by letter, and 22 by experience, making a total of 660 names that have been enrolled in the member- ship of this Church during its history. Our present membership numbers 425. There has been raised by the Church during these twenty years for all purposes the amount of about $150,000. The ])rop- erty of which it is possessed is valued at §82,000, or upwards, and is entirely free of debt. During the year past a Missionary Society has been organized, which is quickening the sympathies of the Church, enlarging its knowledge of and its offerings for the various objects which lay claim to our benevolence. Special mention must be made of the Ladies' Mite Society, which, organized in April, 1867, has proved a great blessing to the Church, and is still a most valuable aid in a variety of ways. While there has not been a year in the history of THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 47 this people which has lacked that emphatic seal of the Divine approval, the conversion of sonls, grate- fully do we record the five Pentecostal seasons en- joyed in 1867, 1872, 1877, 1883, and 1885. A striking feature of these gracious ingatherings was the large proportion representing the Sunday-school* Of 44 baptisms reported in 1867, 32 were connected with the school. 41 of the 47 received in 1872 and 44 of the 54 added in 1885 likewise w^ere members of the school. The Church grew out of the school ; the success of the former has been in large measure due to that of the latter. They have sustained an interdependent and always loving relationship with each other. Through all these twenty prosperous years, whose completion we celebrate to-day, and for five years previous to the organization of the Church, the school has been nobly, faithfully, and wisely superintended by Deacon Charles H. Cummings, between w^hom and teachers, officers, and scholars alike, there has always existed an attachment such as is rarely found. To him, under God, have been largely due the rich blessings with which the school has been crowned. Faithful and highly-esteemed coadjutors has he found during these eventful years in Sister Salome Steam, Sister S. J. Cox, Miss Sliingle (now Mrs. Sturges), Brother George W. Peabody, and Mrs. Joseph B. Cope, who have served as superintendents of our Infant Department. Within two years past the field occupied by this 48 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF Church has materially improved l>y the opening of a new railroad in our immediate vicinity. Our op- portunities for usefulness were never greater, our work never more inviting, our future never so full of promise. The review of the past, the outlook on tlie present, and the possibilities of larger develop- ment give the clearest evidences tliat like the two pioneers who in the 'olden time returned from the goodly land beyond the Jordan and so inspired the courage of Joshua and all Israel with their report that they went forward to its proud possession, so George Nugent and Charles II. Cunmiings were di- vinely led in the measures they inaugurated twenty years ago, out of which have grown the goodly pos- session we enjoy, and the splendid results which have become the annals of a vigorous and grateful Church and the occasions of glad congratulations on this our festal day. Thanks be to God for these and all others whose names are treasured in the annals of this Church, but with the myriad host who gather round the throne would we say, "Blessing and honor and glory and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever." We are but humble instruments. The power which inspires and renders possible results is vested in the Head of the Church. " One company above, below, At His command we bow ; Part of the host have crossed the flood, And part are crossing now." THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 49 ^ BY REV. JOHN LOVE, Je. The poets oft, in rapt and glowing verse, The scenes and beauties of the earth rehearse ; And love in sky, and mount, and sea to find The traces of an ever-potent mind. 'Tis well, for nobler themes can ne'er inspire; 'Tis well, of themes so pure we never tire; Nature, in all the wonders she displays. Is vocal with the Great Creator's praise. But grander work than nature we may see ; In man the impress we behold of Deity. The works of God His thought and power reveal. But man the beating of his heart may feel. Nature must fade, her glories must decay, But man is destined to eternal day. He lives in time, that he may live on high ; An infant here — there his maturity. The Church of Jesus hath on earth been reared That God may be obeyed and loved, revered ; That man the pathway to the world of bliss May learn while passing through the cares of this. Blest be the Prince of Peace, our Lord and King ! The triumphs of His grace we love to sing ! But nobler strains from our glad lips shall rise • When we have learned the chorals of the skies. A score of j^ears have quickly passed away, In varying scenes, since the eventful day 4 50 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF When Heaven with blessings first began to crown The Second Baptist Church of Germantown. As in the olden time was reared a stone In token of the help divinely shown, So we convene on this our festal day To trace the guiding hand through all the way. As springs the spreading vine from tiny seed, As mighty streams from rivulets proceed, Beginnings small to large proportions grow, From simple deeds results surprising flow. 'Tis ours to till the fallow ground with care, 'Tis God's to bless our toils with harvests rare ; 'Tis ours to speak the truth His love reveals, 'Tis He that message with the blessing seals. In numbers few, but strong and true in heart, A little band devoted did their part ; On Freedom's battle-ground their banner reared. While hopes of hallowed days their spirits cheered ; The Lord at Emmaus forbore to stay. But through the years we glad recount to-day His promise sweet fulfilment findeth here, " Lo, I am with you alway ; never fear." What gracious seasons oft have been enjoyed, What thankful strains have glowing lips emjiloyed, As souls new born lisped their confessions sweet, And learned the dialect for Christians meet! What solace here hath blest the sore bereaved. What help the weak and faltering have received ! And glowing hearts have oft within them burned, As Heaven's rich benedictions they have learned. To bless the race was Christ's divine employ ; Like Him to live the Christian's deepest joy. What sacred streams of influence hence have flown To win and keep disciples for His own I THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 51 In scenes remote, as well as those more near, Are hearts devout, which thankful tributes rear, That in this church beloved the gospel's sound Fell on their ears, that here a ho7ne they found. And some have entered in that holy place Beyond the veil, and view their Saviour's face; Though now their names are in the Church above, Ours still in tender memorj^ and love. How blest the place where partings are unknown. O'er golden day no shades of night are thrown, Sin nevermore disturbs, nor sorrows blight ! There rest is given and fulness of delight. Thrilling the prospects which such joys iiis})ire ; Quickened be every soul with sacred tire ; While through the pilgrimage of life we're led, Under the orders of our Living Head. Forth to our work the Master's ringing call Into His vineyard welcomed be by all ; The feeblest gifts our gracious. Lord can use ; What loyal soul His summons can refuse ? May many more here find the "pearl of price," A blessed title gain to Paradise ; From joyful lips let raptured praises rise, Kehearsals for the chorus of the skies ; Let Christian hearts in sweet affection blend, With mutual longings let our prayers ascend ; To tireless toil our willing hands be given. Till Church on earth becomes the Church in heaven. 52 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF BY REV. JAMES LISK, D.D. Paul speaks of the Church as a family. In this beautiful conception he includes as well those who have crossed over the river into the land of fade- less bloom, as those who linger on this side. " Of whom," he says, " the whole family in heaven and earth is named. '^ Such conception necessarily sug- gests intimacy, tender friendship, strong attach- ment, and earnest love, for a true family life must comprehend all these. And the great apostle would represent that the Church of Jesus Christ embraces those elements and qualities which characterize a true family. Now, if in the broad sense of the Church Catholic — universal — this is a fitting characterization, much more is it in the restricted, narrower sense of the Church individual and local. For mark the names of great and notable worthies dear to all Christians, as Paul, John, Augustine, Luther, Knox, Bunyan, Whitefield, Judson, and many more. Indeed, the list of holy men and women reminds us of the apostle's striking words after his roll-call of the illustrious dead ; ^^ Wherefore, seeing we also are THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 53 compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight/' But each Church contributes its quota to the vast general aggregate, and the names of those added are dear to them who tarry behind. There are Churches to-day encompassed by an atmosphere that seems charged with inspiration and magnetism, on account of certain of the Lord's dear ones who lived and toiled and died in their midst. Not long ago I preached in a church in another city, which for long years enjoyed \a\q ministrations of an eminent man of God. He died as the pastor of that Church. A memorial tablet adorns the wall beside the pulpit. I knew the man only by reputa- tion and his biography, which is one of the precious volumes of my library. I confess the sight of that tablet aflPected me. I was impressed and stirred. It seemed to say, " Be sure you do your duty. Preach the Word, be sincere, be in earnest ; death and the judgment are only a little way ahead !" Men of holy lives are like Abel, though dead they yet speak. When Robert Bruce lay dying, he called Douglas to his bedside, and told him tiiat it had been the wish of his heart to go to the Holy Land and rescue Jerusalem from the infidels. Then he expressed his dying wish that after his death his heart should be embalmed and carried to Jerusalem, and laid in the Holy Sepulchre. Douglas was faithful to his charge. He had his master's heart embalmed, and when he set out for the recovery of the Holy City 54 TWEN'tlETH ANNIVERSARY OF he wore it suspended in a silver casket from his neck, and in his first encounter with the infidels he threw the casket into the midst of their spears, cry- ing, " Heart of Bruce, I follow thee !" Beloved in the Lord, the hearts of noble and loved ones that once lived among us and wrought for Christ and His Church have preceded us, — they have met the sharp spear of death, the last enemy, and have con- quered, for they live. The true Cliristian heart lives forever. It cannot die. And as our loved Christian friends have only gone before, we follow on if so be we may attain even as they. A dying wish is sacred. We are glad to meet such wish to the extremest of our ability. If we were able on this joyous Anniversary occasion to gather into our minds the hints, messages, and earn- est beseechings of tliose who, once members of this Church, have passed on to their rest and reward, we should surely all be tlie better. For " Not many lives have we, One, onl}^ one; How sacred should that one life ever bo. That narrow span !" Or, if even the sheer fact that a recognition of death is had by a memorial were allowed its proper weight, we should be moved to more earnest living;. For o- " Life is brief and sin is here ; Our a.!2:e is but the falling of a leaf, A dropping tear." THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 55 Ever and anon are we reminded of our frailty and mortality. When more effectively than when we note the vacant chair in the home or the unoc- cupied seat in the sanctuary? These speak elo- quently, though silently, of life's brevity, — " Man's days are as grass ; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth," — and remind us of the loved and hon- ored with whom we took sweet counsel, and in whose company we walked into the house of God. In- deed, they are with us still ; not in bodily presence, but in the holy power and inspiring influence they exert upon our hearts and lives because their names arc sacred treasures of our memories. Though dead tiiey are yet speaking, and the full measure of their blessed service cannot therefore be comprehended and known until the books are opened at the great day. The necrology of this Church would indicate an average of about two deaths per year, or forty deaths in the twenty years. But there were at least four years of the twenty during which no deaths oc- curred. We may regard these as years of special grace. A respite was given the death angel by Him who holds the keys of death, yet only for a little while. He did not forget to return. Lonesome hearts and desolate homes attested over and over the sheer impossibility of bribing the angel of death to stay away. It cannot be expected that I shall present a sketch of the life and character of each one who has fallen 56 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF on sleep during these years past of this Church's history. The time is too limited, and it seems in- vidious to discriminate. Our standard of measure- ment and judgment is not infallible. But surely all will recognize the fitness of a few words specially of such as were officers of the Church and teachers in the school. With pre-eminent appropriateness I may mention first the name of him we all loved and honored, Deacon George Nugent. The Church has honored itself in honoring him, by giving place to and causing to be put up the beau- tiful memorial tablet at my left. Brother Nugent was born May 3, 1809, and died June 21, 1883. He thus lived to be a little more than seventy-four years of age. AVhen a young man twenty-three years old he was converted, and united with the Lower Merion Baptist Church. Afterwards he re- moved his membership to the Eleventh Baptist Church, Philadelphia, then to the Broad Street Church, from which Church he brought his letter to become a constituent member of this Church. The doctrine which he heard preached in those early years of the century was very different from much that is heard now. How often he has given me an account of his change of heart ! There was real laic work in his case, as indeed with most of those converted under the preaching of ^^ old Father Jones.'' And how often he presented in his prayer- THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 57 meeting talks his views of sin, and insisted no one would ever flee to Christ as a Saviour until he saw and felt that sin is an awful tiling, — a curse which, with- out the atoning blood of Christ and godly sorrow, — sincere repentance, — would sink the sinner into ever- lasting woe ! His conversion in early life and under solid Bible doctrine gave him immense advantage. He was a Bible student. He loved the pure gospel. Often has he commended sermons which were spe- cially designed to exalt Jesus Christ and to make conspicuous His atoning work. Accordingly, he had little patience with froth and foam ; he wanted the sincere milk of the Word and the strong meat of God's truth. He loved Jesus Christ with an intelli- gent love. He loved His Church. He loved to give his money for causes that would bring surest returns in the salvation of souls. This magnificent house would not be here to-day had not our brother opened his purse most generously and nobly. But to see this house erected, paid for and dedicated, seemed to be the crowning desire of his life. This Avas done, and then, after being permitted to worship in it six mouths, he was called up to the heavenly sanctuary. Thus more than fifty years was he a disciple of Christ. And what a record, oh, friends, he made by the grace of God ! Think of the money he gave to Churches, to the Sunday-School Union, to the American Baptist Publication Society, to the Baptist Home (which alone is a grand monument to his 58 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSART OF benefactions and labors, for its existence was due to his foresight, energy, and noble gifts) ! think of his personal work with men, his prayers and consecrated service for more than half a century ! Surely we may say. He came to his grave in a full age, like as a sliock of corn. Mrs. Nugent w^as not a member of this Church, but we who knew her all remember the deep interest she felt in its welfare. In the early history of the Church one of the sisters said to her, " Mrs. Nugent, we are to meet on such a day to make baptismal robes : would you not come and assist us ?'^ The sister thus speaking spoke pleasantly, and hardly supposed the invitation woidd be accepted. But it was, and Mrs. Nugent aided the sisters in the work. This was characteristic of her. She was very sympathetic. Her feelings were easily touched by a story of suffering, and she was ready to respond. She seconded heartily her husband's efforts in doing good. Almost always was she by his side in the seat in the house of God on Sabbath mornings, and she rejoiced in the Church's prosperity. Left alone for a little over two years, the summons came for her to join him in the heavenly land with whom for so long she had travelled in this world. In September, 1874, passed away Deacon^ James K. SrEiR. He was a true man, one of God's noble ones. His body v/as too small aiid frail for the great soul THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. 59 that resided in it. Oli, how we loved him ! How glad we were to hear him talk in the conference meeting ! Never shall I forget with what enthusi- asm lie used to say, " Oh, brethren, when the Master calls me home, I wish to enter the pearly gates with banner flying." His request that I should preach his funeral sermon from a text of his choice was in keeping with this joyous, happy, sunny side of his Christian life, — John xi. 40: '^Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God ?'' It is not a little strange that the last two pastors of the Church should be bereft of their companions with but little more than two years of time inter- vening. They were wives and mothers, and they had cares and responsibilities, yet they were real helpers in the Lord. The sweet and blessed in- fluences which they set agoing in home-circle, in church, and Sunday-school cannot be known this side the great wiiite throne. " The memory of the just is blessed," and the memory of noble. Christ- like companions remains a very benediction on heart and life. They passed on and up to the rest that remaineth for God's toiling ones and burden-bearers. To one of these the sweet words of the devotional Bonar were very precious, — beginning : " The star is not extinguished when it sets Upon the dull horizon ; it but goes To shine in other skies, then reappear In ours, as fresh as when it first arose." 60 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF Having spoken of the decease of one who was not a member of the Church, I may be permitted to speak a kindly word of another. I refer to Mrs. Peabody, who, though not herself a member, was the mother of four children who are. She died in the sum- mer of 1876. She had nearly reached the full period of human life. For about sixteen years of her life she was called to suffer. The discipline was severe but refining. She exhibited wonderful patience and quiet submission to the will of her Lord. She knew well, " They also serve who only stand and wait." And she did wait. Blessed release it was when the summons came to enter the land where the inhabi- tant shall never say, ^' I am sick." How well we remember the service rendered both Church and school by the two Williams ! — William B. Hinkle, who departed this life November 29, 1881, and William H. Cummings, who peacefully fell asleep in Jesus July 7, 1882. In some respects they were much alike, — quiet, undemonstrative, thoughtful. Both entered the kingdom at about the same time, fruits of the blessed work of grace beginning January 1, 1872. I remember well the determination and deliberation of William Cum- mings when the question of duty presented itself. He felt that he must not be hasty. He was anxious to avoid the mere show and form of professing alle- giance to Jesus Christ wdiile yet wanting in real knowledge and love. He searched the Scriptures and prayed. He knew he ought to be a Christian, THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. Gl and hence he would be. Thus he sought the Lord and found Him, and became one of the most patient, persistent, conscientious, and faithful teachers in the Sunday-school. He often came to meet his class when real duty to himself demanded rest. Having counted the cost, he was ready for service in the sphere of duty at all seasons. And the close of life with him was as the close of a calm summer day, quiet and peaceful. " So fades a summer cloud away ; So sinks the gale when storms are o'er ; So gently shuts the eye of day ; So dies a wave along the shore." Brother AVilliam Hinkle was baptized the last Sunday in February, 1872, just one month after the baptism of Brother Cummings. He was diffident and quiet and retiring in disposition. But he knew how to be persistent and helpful. He was ever willing to do to the best of his ability both iu Sun- day-school and as a member of the choir. He loved the service of song in the house of the Lord, and the Master called him while yet in his young manhood to join the choir of the heavenly sanctuary. " Blest are they in bright array, That exulting, happy throng, Kound the altar night and day, Hymning one triumphant song." Some of us remember well our Brother Charles W. Hesser, who, years ago, was a member and Q2 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF worker here. He was among the early helpers in the Sunday-school, and very dearly loved the cause of his Saviour. We remember well our Sister Sallie Rue, who, with her sisters, was baptized into the fellowship of this Church. For some time she served as a de- voted teacher in the school. Our sister seemed to have a premonition of a sudden coming of the mes- senger which should summon her to the 'Miome over there.'^ And there are others it would be a pleasure to mention, as our aged Brother John Neilson, one of the constituent members of the Church. He was a Scotchman by birth, but a genuine Christian by the second birth. What a sturdy faith he had ! How trustingly he placed his hand in that of his Saviour ! And how patient and uncomplaining during all the years of iiis weakness and illness ! Thus came to his grave another in a full age, like as a shock of corn Cometh in his season. And then Mrs. Mary Ann Sibson, Mrs. Susan Gonover, Mrs. Maria Reeves, and Susan M. Neilson, are for us all beautiful illustrations of the grace of patience. No mortal j:30uld express how much of suffering these passed through. For long weeks they watched and waited for the summons. How blessed the rest upon which death permitted them to enter ! Our Sister Mary A. Rorer united with the Church in less than two months after it was consti- THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. (53 tuted. She lived to see all her children in the fold. She was quiet, unobtrusive, but deeply attached to her family and the Church. Her bodily strength was not equal to all she desired of it. Our Sister Elizabeth Miles fell on sleep in the spring of 1879. She was most devotedly attached to the Church. Living some distance from the house of God, it would be quite natural to be con- tent at home, on dark nights especially. But with a lantern to lighten the way she would come. She was one of the most helpful listeners any pastor ever had. Just as the sun's rays entered her sick- chamber on a Sabbath morning, her spirit passed up to the blessed home. Her husband, though not a member, was sure that here he found pardon and hope, and was a faithful Christian friend. Often would the tears stream from his eyes as he attentively listened to the "old, old story of Jesus and His love." Then, too, mention should be made of our Sister Rebecca Kohl. She lived too far from the house of God to be always present. But she had a deep in- terest in the prosperity of the Church. Her heart was fixed on the salvation of her children. For this she prayed and lived. ^ And what shall I say more ? For the time would fail me to tell of Brother Charles Goodfcllow, Brother Nathan Longacre, and Sisters Jennie Barrows, Kizzie Wilson, who left as her dying message for us all the terse and forceful injunction, "Don't trifle;" Mary 64 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF L. James, Hannah Arment, Sal lie Gerheart, who wished us to sing as she came down to death's water's edge, " Jesus, Refuge of my Soul ;" also, the young, hopeful, and devoted Annie Maguire, Mrs. Sarah A. AVentz, Josephine Holmes, Ella Rittenhouse, Jennie Lisk, and Sister Barbara Haig. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received the promise of their Lord, for did He not say, " I will come again and receive you unto m^'self " ? They served their day and generation and fell on sleep. True, some of them were young. But is not the Church a family f And the goodly company of the redeemed is ever growing on either side of the river. The transfer is made from the earthly school to the heavenly home just when the great Lord and Master appoints. And when some loved one is called we stand and w^onder, as did the disciples when Jesus ascended. Perhaps under heavy press- ure of grief Ave murmur and complain. But the dear Lord knows best. " His ways are alwa.ys right, And love is o'er them all, Though far above our sight." Loss to us who still linger amid the noise and dust of battle, yet positive and eternal gain to them whom Jesus calls to be with Himself. What re- mains for us, beloved friends, is to do our work, and, if possible, to take up and carry on to comple- tion plans only imperfectly consummated by those THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. G5 we to-day recall. Time is short. BeyoDcl the smiling and the weeping we all shall be soon. Precious words of our Lord, " A little while and ye shall see me." ^^ A little wliile,^^ Oh, words of cheer ! Lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh ! Here and now the toil, there and then the rest. Here and now the battle, there and then the full and glorious victory. " I heard a voice saying unto me. Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them." And still another name must be added to the list of the departed members of the Church. Since our Anniversary services Thomas U. Walter, a constitu- ent member of the Church, for years its very efficient clerk and a valued and successful teacher in the Sabbath-school, has passed away. During his relations with the Church he was a most devoted and earnest helper, ever ready to share whatever burdens were to be borne, to make any sacrifices that might be necessary, and to give liber- ally for the advancement of the cause of the Mas- ter. He was born in Philadelphia in 1804, and was named after the honored Pev. Thomas Ustick, a former pastor of the First Church. He early de- veloped a genius for arciiitecture, and in 1830 began the practice of that profession. He was the arclii- 66 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF tect of the Moyamensing Prison, of Girard College, of the Extension of the National Capitol, of the east and west wings of the Patent Office, of the General Post-Office, and of many other public build- ings at the capital. He was held in deserved honor in his profession. He was one of the original mem- bers of the American Institute of Architects, and was at the time of his death its president. He re- ceived the degree of A.M. from Madison University, that of Ph.D. from Lewisburg, and that of LL.D. from Harvard. At the time of his death he was a member and deacon of the Memorial Church. THE SECOND JiAPTIST CHURCH. 07 ®Hi«r$ of l^i- i|urrl|. Pastor. Eev. John Love, Jr. Deacons. Charles H. Cummings. KiCHARD V. BOSWELL. George C. Stokes. Thomas Randall. Henry F. Scatchard. Trustees. Charles H. Cummings. Henry F. Scatchard. David Hey. Paul W. Katz. Henry M. Philler. Joseph B. Cope. Samuel B. Marple. Treasurer. William Eandall. 68 TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF BIBLE-SCHOOL. Superintendent. Charles H. Cummings. Associate Superintendent. William Kandall. Treasurer. William S. Kohl. Secretary. Arthur Freeston. Associate Secretary. William Piiiller. Registrar. Victor Paul. Financial Secretary. lloiJERT Doris. Librarian. George C. Stokes. Associate Librarians. Harry Hinkle. P. Bart Hinkle. Charles C. Mininger. William E. Freeston. A. G. Stokes. Chorister. Owen J. W. Burness. THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH. gQ INFANT DEPARTMENT. Superintendent. Mrs. Joseph B. Cope. Associates. Joseph B. Cope. Miss Maggie Hatg. Miss Mary White. Advisory Committee. William Kandall. h. f. scatchard. Thomas Randall. George W. Peabody. W. H. Kester. Arthur Freeston". OFFICERS OF THE MITE SOCIETY. Miss J. S. Stearn, President. Mrs. Joseph B. Cope, Vice-President. Mrs. Crissie K. Peabody, Secretary. Mrs. J. Martindell, Treasurer. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Mrs, John Love, Jr., President. Mrs. H. M. Philler, ) Tr- t> \j 4 ,^ ,^ 'I Vice-Presidents. Mrs. M. Figner, j Mrs. Joseph B. Cope, Secretary. Miss Ida Paul, Treasurer. Mrs. H. F. Scatchard, Secretary and Treasurer of Dorcas Branch.