Springfield Globe Republic

THE FINAL FAREWELL.

Interesting Memorial Services Held by the First U. P. Congregation on Leaving the Old Church.

History of the Church from Its Organization to the Present—Sketch of the Sunday School and Missionary Societies.

Gradually the old landmarks of Springfield are disappearing, and in their places are being reared structures of modern build, the better representing, perhaps, the growth, vigor and prosperity of the city. One of the familiar, though not by many years the oldest, buildings in Springfield is the little United Presbyterian church on Limestone street. After serving for half a century as a place of worship for a devoted band of Christians, it is now about to go the way of all old-fashioned structures. The Globe-Republic has already chronicled the fact that the church has been purchased by William Whiteley who, it is expected, will erect in its place a magnificent general office building.

On Sunday the last religious services were held in the church, and the auditorium was literally crowded at both morning and evening services. Last evening memorial services were held there, all for the last time the congregation assembled in the old church, which many of the older members leave with unfeigned sorrow. Early in the evening an excellent supper was served by the ladies of the church and around the tables the elder members of the congregation recalled pleasant memories of days long gone by, while the children tottered about the church with high glee.

About eight o'clock, after the auditorium was fairly crowded, the services were opened by an anthem sung by the choir. Rev. Joseph Kyle then offered an humble and fervent petition to God that He might let His hand rest in blessing on the congregation as it left the church which had for so many years been consecrated to His service. The congregation sang the 100th Psalm to that grandest of all church tunes 'Old Hundred.' After which E. L. Arthur formally presented the deed to the property to William N. Whiteley.

William A. Barnett, one of the oldest members of the congregation, then read a very interesting history of the organization and rise of the church. Subjoined is an abstract of his paper:

No definite date of the organization of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church can be obtained, as the original records were destroyed by fire in 1810. The congregation, until after the Rev. Steel's removal, was but a part of his charge, in connection with what is now the First U. P. church of Xenia, each branch, however, having its own elders and trustees. Old M. Steel, Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Kirkpatrick were among those who formed the nucleus of the congregation. Rev. Steel was the first pastor of the united congregation of Xenia and Springfield. He came from Bourbon county, Ky., in 1801, and was moved from there to Ohio in wagons by James Sed, of this congregation, and Robert Stevenson, of Xenia. He was promised $300 per year, Xenia to pay two-thirds and Springfield one-third. Rev. Steel resigned in the autumn of 1836. Rev. James F. Sawyer was installed as pastor in 1837, and remained here until 1848. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert Henry, who was installed on December 15, 1850, and remained with us until 1853. At that time there were fifty-seven families and 126 members in this congregation.

Rev. Joseph Gokey commenced his pastoral services here on the 1st of March, 1854, and after twenty years of faithful service retired March 1st, 1874. Three hundred and nineteen members were received into the church during his pastorate. Two hundred and ninety deaths and removals occurred during that time, leaving when he retired one hundred and fifty-five members. The Rev. Joseph Kyle commenced his ministry on January 1st, 1875, and is now with the church.

Before the church building was erected the congregation met for worship in the second story of William McIntire's distillery, located where the Voress & Blees brewers now stands. We have no evidence of any harm arising from worshiping in so close proximity to whisky. The article made at that time was not the lightning kill-at-forty-rod kind of modern invention; but it had the reputation of being good, wholesome and harmless, well adapted for family use, and especially desirable when milk was scarce.

The first church building was erected on the east side of North Limestone street, near Buck creek, but no date of the erection of the stone building on this lot can be found. A charter for the Associated Reformed congregation was obtained from the legislature in 1850, but in 1853 the name was changed to the First United Presbyterian church of Springfield.

Since Rev. Kyle began his work here 150 persons have been received into the church, the present number being 214. Were it not that we hope soon to have a house better adapted to our use, we should leave this place, connected as it is with so many endearing ties, with real sorrow.

The Rev. Kyle called upon William N. Whiteley for some remarks, and Mr. Whiteley spoke substantially as follows:

MR. WHITELEY'S SPEECH.

'FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: We are dwelling on the past tonight—on memories dear to all of us. It is seldom in the bustle and confusion of this life that we have time to look backward and we are continually committing the same blunder as those who preceded us committed. It was my fortune to attend this church at a very early period and while I cannot claim a membership my associations are with this congregation. Shortly after 1850 I located just opposite this church. Later on George Fassler and I opened a shop immediately south and adjoining this church but an increasing business compelled us to seek larger quarters. After wandering about for many years we are finally attracted back to the old place. It was the first stand in my life and it will be my last. The fondest memories of my life are clustered around that spot, and, in looking about for a final location, we naturally turned to this place. It shall ever be my wish that you may prosper wherever you may go, and it shall ever be my pleasure to co-operate with you in all your endeavors. With these few words I bid you good bye, hoping sincerely that prosperity may attend you in your new location as it always has in the old.'

After the applause which the remarks elicited had subsided, Rev. Kyle, on behalf of the congregation, thanked Mr. Whiteley for his kind wishes.

E. J. Arthur, superintendent of the Sunday School, then read a very interesting paper on that branch of the church. While reading the paper he frequently recalled, in side remarks, incidents in the history of the school. For thirty-five years there is not the scratch of a pen to guide one in preparing a sketch of the school, as the first records were destroyed by fire. It is known, however, that the school was organized in 1830, the Rev. Sawyer, their pastor of the church, being the only teacher. At that time the average attendance was twenty but forty persons often attended. The school was composed of the older members of the church but in 1854 they caught the spirit of the times and the children were enlisted. The school has always been a mission school and at all times self supporting, never relying aid from the church and that less than $5.00 since the organization of the school $1,000 have been raised in collections, and the moneys devoted to the support of the school and to mission work.

The attendance has increased greatly year by year, until now there are nearly 100 pupils enrolled.

After the congregation had sung the 104th psalm, Miss Mary Gokey read a historical sketch of the WOMEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The first organization was effected about 1850 and thirty members were enrolled. In 1857 the society was disbanded and but three of the original members are now in this church. On March 1st, 1874, another society was organized, Mrs. William Barnett being made president. Thirty members were enrolled and $35 was raised the first year, but one year ended the society's work. In 1883, the 23rd September, the present society was organized and is still in a flourishing condition. July, 1880, witnessed the organization of the Children's Missionary Society composed of sixty-one members. This society is doing good work, but at present has a membership of thirty girls and boys. Since the organization of the last society the sum of $45, in money and clothing, has been collected. Miss Gokey then read letters from Mrs. Rev. James Sawyer and Mrs. Eliza Gokey. Personal reminiscences of the past were given by Wm. A. Barnett and James Bird. Rev. Kyle read a list of the names of the congregation as first organized. He then spoke of his nine years of pastoral labor as being replete with pleasure. He referred feelingly to Matthew Anderson who has been an elder of the church for forty-six years. He was present, but unable to make an address on account of weakness. The services were concluded with the singing of the last Psalm and pronouncing of the benediction.