Cook County IL Archives Church Records.....Oakland M. E. Church Copyright Date 1895 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com January 8, 2008, 10:28 pm OAKLAND M. E. CHURCH. Services Are held in this Church as follows: SUNDAY. SUNDAY SCHOOL, 9:30 A.M. PREACHING, 11 A. M. and 7:45 P. M. CLASS MEETINGS, 9 A. M. and 12:30 P. M. EPWORTH LEAGUE PRAYER MEETING. 6:30 P. M. MONDAY, BOYS' BRIGADE, meets 8 P.M. OFFICIAL BOARD, 1st Monday of month. 8 P. M. TUESDAY, LADIES' PASTORIAL AID SOCIETY, 4th Tuesday in month, 2 P.M. OAKLAND METHODIST UNION, alternate Tuesdays, 8 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MID WEEK PRAYER MEETING, 7:45 P. M. THURSDAY, W.F.M.S., 1st Thursday in month, 12:30 P. M. N. H. M. S., 3rd Thursday in month, 2 P. M. FRIDAY, S. S. TEACHERS MEETING, 8 P. M. Officers of the Church. Bishop, Rev. Daniel A. Goodsell, D. D. San Francisco, Cal. Presiding Elder, Rev. W. H. Burns, D. D. 57 Washington Street. Pastor, Rev. P. H. Swift, Ph. D. 307 Forty-first Street. Assistant Pastor, Rev. Frank C. Sherman (In charge of mission) 3724 Ellis Avenue. LOCAL PREACHERS. Rev. E. C. Cooke, 4423 Champlain Avenue Rev. C. L. Saylor, 368 Fortieth Street Rev. W. H. Head, 3564 Rhodes Avenue Rev. Frank C. Sherman, 3724 Ellis Avenue TRUSTEES. W. H. Rand, James A Burhans, D. W. Potter, B. F. Head, Peter Daggy, J. M. Longenecker, E. O. Excell, W. B. Gates, T.H.Patterson. STEWARDS. James Hood, C. H. Brand, A. N. Warner, T. F. Andrews, W. A. Lowell, C. L. Bone, A. Bonnell, A. J. O'Leary, S. A. Durr, George B. Chamberlin, A. M. Markle, Charles P. Pruyn, Charles W. Howe. CLASS LEADERS. John M. Latimer, John Hallett, W. H. Beals, E. G. Rood, A. F. Brown, H. W. Bonnell, W. B. Gregory. Recording Steward and Church Treasurer, C. H. Brand, 320 Oakwood Boulevard. QUARTERLY CONFERENCE COMMITTEES. On Missions-W. H. Berger, C. H. Watt, Mrs. N. C. Kemp. On Church Extension-Raymond Gregg, I. M Hall, Dr. Robert Dodds. On Sunday Schools-P. G. Burns, W. B. Gregory, E. H. Latimer, Dr. C. F. Pruyn, B. F. Head, Mrs. A. A Wellington, C. C. Bone, D. G. Kingery, Mrs. A. N. Warner, On Tracts-C. L. Saylor, Miss Allie Lowell, Chas. E. Norman. On Temperance-W. B. Sherman, Dr. Jessie Brown Dodds, Mrs. J. M. Latimer. On Education-W. B. Chamberlin, Miss Mary Howliston, John H. Hill. On Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education- E. D. Allen, Mrs. C. W. Howe, W. M. Smith. On Church Records-A. Bonnell, H. W. Beals, C. C. Bone. On Parsonage and Furniture-Mrs. Anna Turkington, Mrs. W. A. Lowell, Mrs. A. C. Baldwin. On Church Music-E. O. Excell, C. H. Brand, Dr. Charles P. Pruyn. On Estimating Preachers' Salary-W. H. Rand, D. W. Potter, J. A. Burhans. On Conference Claimants-Dr. C. P. Pruyn, E.G. Rood, Mrs R. W. Barger. On City Missions-T. G. Atwood, F. A. Gillette, Rev. E. C. Cooke. On Wesley Hospital-Dr. T. H. Patterson, Dr. L. B, Hayman, Mrs. B. F. Head. Quarterly Conference Social Committee-Raymond Gregg, C. W. Farrington, Dr. Robert Dodds. SPECIAL. Janitor, R.W. Trenham, 347 Bowen Avenue. Organist, Henry W. Wey, 550 Fifty-second Street. Precentor and Soloist, Miss Helen Fleming, "The Allen," 145 Oakwood Boulevard. LADIES' PASTORAL AID SOCIETY. The object of this society is to aid the pastor in his work, to promote a healthy social life in the church, to visit and welcome strangers, to dispense needful charitiesby personal visitation and in the exercise of Christian kindness, and to have general oversight of all local charity work. Each vice president of the society is supervisor of visitation in her district. President, Mrs. B. F. Head, 4128 Drexel Boulevard. First Vice-President, Mrs. A. N. Warner, 320 Oakwood Boulevard. Second Vice-President, Mrs. D. W.Williams, 222 42nd Place. Third Vice-President, Mrs. C. W. Howe, 3967 Lake Avenue. Fourth Vice-President, Mrs. A. C. Baldwin, 3849 Michigan Avenue. Fifth Vice-President, Mrs. R.L. McCabe, Oakland Hotel, Oakwood and Drexel. Sixth Vice-President, Mrs. Sarah E. Murdock, 4122 Vincennes Avenue. District and Vice-Presidents in Charge of Same. FIRST DISTRICT-Bounded on the east by Cottage Grove ave., on the north by Thirty-eight St., on the south by Forty-first St., and west, by Grand boulevard. First Vice-President in charge. SECOND DISTRICT.-Bounded west by Cottage Grove ave , east by the Lake. Second Vice-President, in charge. THIRD DISTRICT.-Bounded east by Cottage Grove ave., north by Forty-first St., and west by Grand boul. Third Vice-President in charge. FOURTH DISTRICT.-East by Cottage Grove ave., north by Thirty eighth St., and west by Grand boul. Fourth Vice-President in charge. FIFTH DISTRICT.-All west of Grand boul. Fifth Vice-President in charge. SIXTH DISTRICT.-Bounded on the north by Forty first St., east by Cottage Grove ave, and west by Gand boul. Sixth-Vice-President in charge. STANDING COMMITTEES. Ways and Means-Mrs. W. A. Lowell, Chairman, 351 41st street. Relief-Mrs. A. J. O'Leary, Chairman, 4013 Drexel Boulevard. Needlework-Mrs. Ella Shepard, Chairman, 17 39th street. Domestic-Mrs. D. W. Williams, Chairman, 222 42nd Place. Flowers-Mrs. W. C. Whitcomb,"The Tudor." Y. W. C. A.-Mrs. C. W. Howe, Chairman, 3967 Lake avenue. Deaconess'Work-Mrs. T. F. Andrews, Chairman 3238 Rhodes avenue. Wesley Hospital-Mrs. B. F. Head, Chairman, 4128 Drexel Boulevard. Orphan Asylum-Mrs. J. A. Burhans, Chairman, 204 Oakwood boulevard. Home of the Friendless-Mrs. J. P. Lott, Chairman, 4021 Vincennes avenue. South End Flower Mission-Mrs. Una Roberts, Chairman, 4228 Grand Boulevard. WOMEN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Meets the first Thursday afternoon of each month, in the lecture room. Luncheon served at 12:30. Devotional exercises at 1:45. Literary and business session from 2 to 4. Every lady of the church is invited. OFFICERS. President, Mrs. Mary E. Lott First Vice-President, Mrs. Olive Swift Second Vice-President, Mrs. Leodora Whitcomb Third Vice-President, Mrs. Ella B. Shepard Cor. Secretary, Mrs. Josephine. Kemp Rec. Secretary, Mrs. Ada A. Wellington Treasurer, Mrs. Ellen Andrews Agent Heathen Woman's Friend, Mrs. Adella A. Lowell Mite Box Committee Mrs. J. O. Smith SPECIAL WORK OF THE SOCIETY. Support of five Bible Women in India $200 00 Pupil in Calcutta school 84 00 Bible Women in Nanking, China 15 00 One Bible Woman in China 40 00 Total amount raised last year. $611 59 WOMEN'S HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Meets the third Thursday of each month, according to announcement, at 2:00 P. M. LINES OF WORK. This Society carries on work in the interest of the Freedmen in the South, the foreign born populations of our great cities, Missionaries on the Frontier and Mormans in Utah. Funds raised by the Oakland Auxiliary for this work during last Conference year, $466.00. OFFICERS OF THE OAKLAND AUXILIARY. President, Mrs. C. W. Howe. First Vice-President, Mrs Merwin Church. Second Vice-President, Mrs. W. H. Berger. Third Vice-President, Mrs. D. W. Williams. Recording Secretary, Mrs. W. W. Wyatt. Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Octavius Jones. Treasurer-Mis. A. M. Markle. Assistant Treasurer-Mrs. Mary B. Russell. Agent for "Home Missions,"-Mrs. George B. Chamberlin. In Charge of Mite Boxes-Mrs. Octavius Jones. In Charge of Bohemian Cards-Mrs. W. H. Berger. Collectors for "Mother's Jewell" Fund-Mrs. W. B. Gregory and Mrs. N. C. Kemp. THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. Meets Sunday evening at 6:30 o'clock. The Pledge. I will earnestly seek for myself, and do what I can to help others attain, the highest New Testament standard of experience and life. I will abstain from all those forms of worldly amusement forbidden by the discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and I will attend, so far as possible, the religious meetings of the Chapter and the Church, and take some active part. OFFICERS. President-Arthur B. Cass. First Vice-President, Department of Spiritual Work-Josephine B. Cooke. Second Vice-President, Department of Mercy and Help-Mamie E. Murdock. Third Vice President, Department of Literary Work-D G. Kingery. Fourth Vice-President, Department of Social Work-Ednah Smith. Secretary, Department of Correspondence- E. D. Meyer. Treasurer, Department of Finance-H. W. Bonnell. THE BOYS' BRIGADE. OBJECT. "The advancement of Christ's Kingdom among boys, and the promotion of habits of reverence, discipline, self-respect, and all that tends toward a true Christian manliness." MEMBERSHIP. Any boy who is over ten years of age, and is a member of the Oakland M. E. Sunday School, may become a member of one of the companies. MANAGEMENT. The Oakland companies are under the general charge of a committee of five, appointed by the Sunday School Board, of which the Pastor and Superintendent are ex-officio members. This committee appoints and acts as advisory to the Commissioned Officers of the Battalion, who have direct charge of the companies. COMMISSIONED OFFICERS. George F. Zanies, Colonel Commanding the Battalion, and Assistant Adjutant General, First Brigade, Illinois Division. Commissioned Officers Company A.-Captain H. W. Bonnell; 1st Lieutenant, Edwin E. Brown; 2nd Lieutenant, Dean Swift; 1st Sergeant, Waller Bonnell. Commissioned Officers Company B.~Captain W. M. Smith; 2nd Lieutenant, H. B. Jones; 1st Sergeant, Paul Gale. BOYS' BRIGADE COMMITTEE. Dr. Charles P. Pruyn, President; Dr. P. H. Swift, Pastor; James A. Burhans, S. S. Superintendent; George B. Chamberlin, Teacher Brigade Bible Class; A. Bonnell, Assistant S. S. Superintendent; George B. Chamberlin Chaplain; Robert Doclds, M. D., Sergeon. [sic] OAKLAND METHODIST UNION. The Association meets on each alternate Tuesday evening in the Lecture Room of the Church, at 8.00 o'clock. OBJECT. "To promote acquaintance, increase Christian fellowship, and to arouse enthusiasm among the men of our Church and Congregation; to interest men of this community, not connected with another Church, in the work of our Church, and to inaugurate and carry forward movements for the extension of Christ's Kingdom. MEMBERSHIP. Any male member of the Church or Congregation, 18 years of age or over, may become a member of this association OFFICERS. President-Dr. Charles P. Pruyn. Vice President-Octavius Jones and Libi i B. Hayman. Secretary-W. B. Gregory. Treasurer-D. W. Williams. Business Committee, who with the officers above named constitute the executive committee -Dr. N. C. Kemp, W. A. Butolph, and A. L. Burnett. SPECIAL COMMITTEE, Reception-D. W. Williams, Chairman. Systematic Visitation-P. G. Burns, Chairman. Public Worship-Rayman Gregg, Chairman. On the Oakland Mission-John H. Hill, Chairman. On Class Meetings-A. F. Brown, Chairman. On Membership-Dr. O. G. Tremaine, Chairman. SOUTH SIDE CONFERENCE. (Affiliated with the Chicago Bureau of Charities.) Rev. Dr. P. H. Swift, 307 41st Street, President. OBJECT. To secure the districting and subdistricting of the entire South Side so that every block of the territory shall be in charge of some Church or Charitable Institution, which is under pledge to the Conference to look after all cases of need that may be reported from the same, to plan for and carry on the work of Friendly Aid Visitation; to enlist the co-operation of all Churches and Charitable Societies in the work of systematically seeking to care for the poor and elevate the degraded of our city; to inaugurate and carry forward such movements as will foster the Altruistic Spirit, educate the people in the true methods and work of charity and inspire the Masses to help themselves to a better life. DISTRICTS. District No. 1-Boundry, 12th to 31st St., the lake to the river. Send applications to "Chicago Relief and Aid," 52 La Salle street. District No. 2-Boundry, 31st to 45th St., the lake to Halsted St. and the Chicago River, Rev. P. H. Swift, Pres't 307 east 41ststreet. Send application as per directions in lists of sub districts, subjoined. District No. 3-Boundry, 39th to 55th St., Halsted to Pan-Handle R. R., Miss Mary McDowell Ch'n., 4655 Gross Ave. District No. 4-Boundry, 45th to 55th St., the lake to Halsted St., Rev. H. C. Herring Pres't. District No. 5 -Boundry, 55th to 87th St., Stony Island Ave. to State St. Rev. J. G. Inglis, Pres't., 6518 Woodlawn Ave. District No. 6-Boundry,67th to 87th St., Stony Island Ave. to the lake. Rev. G. H. Grannis, Pres't., 83 74th St. T. G. DeGalyer, Sec'y., 105 75th street. District No. 7-Boundry, 55th to 87th St., State St. to Ashland Ave. Rev. H. T. Sett, Pres't. District No. 8-Boundry, 87th St. to city limits, the lake to Stony Island Ave. T. M. Merrill, Pres't Relief Committee, 227 92nd St. District No. 9-Boundry, 87th St. to city limits, Stony Island to City limits, including Pullman, Kensington, Gano, Roseland, West Pullman. Rev. J. W. Warnshuis Temporary Cairman, Gano, Illinois. District No. 10-Boundry, 115 St., Stony Island Ave. and Calumet, Lake on the east, city limits on the south and west. Send application to Rev. Geo. B. Millar, Sec'y., 11,588 State St. Note 1-Unless otherwise specified send all applicants to the chairman of the district in which they reside. Note 2-These lists are published for reference and not to indicate that this is a department of Oakland Church work. Sub Districts of Oakland District, Number 2. For the convenience of those living between 31st and 45th street, the lake and Chicago river we give in full the list of subdistricts, with their boundaries, of District Number Two; together with the name of the Church, or Institution, in charge, and the name and address of the Chairman of the Relief and Friendly Aid Committee to whom all applications for aid should be sent. (1) 31st to 35th streets, Halsted street to the Chicago river; All Soul's Church, Mrs. William Kent, 5112 Kimbark Ave. (2) 31st to 33d streets, the lake to Halsted street; First Baptist Church; Dr. P. S. Henson, 3219 South Park Ave. (3) 33d to 35th sts., the lake to Halsted street; St. Mark's Episcopal Church; Mrs J. H. Hinman, 4118 Ellis Ave. (4) 35th to 37th street, the lake to Stewart ave.; Sixth Presbyterian Church; George Halsey, 3614 Ellisave. (5) 35th to 37th streets, Stewart ave. to the Chicago river; Armour mission; Rev. D. C. Milner at the Mission, 33d street and Armour ave. (6) 37th to 39th streets, the lake to Indiana ave.; St. John's Reformed Episcopal Church; Rev. Henry F. Milligan, 195 37th street. (7) 37th to 39th streets, Indiana ave. to Stewart ave; Calvary Baptist Church; Rev. W. B. Riley, 3803 Wabash ave. (8) 37th to 39th streets, Stewart ave. to Chicago river; not as yet assigned. (9) 39th to 41st streets, the lake to State sireet; Oakland M. E. Church; Mrs. A.J. O'Leary, 4013 Drexel boulevard. (10) 4lst to 43d streets, the lake to State street; Memorial Baptist Church; Dr. N. B. Dalameter, 50 Oakwood ave. (11) 43d to 45th streets, the lake to State street; South Congregational Church; George M. Cook, 3742 Cottage Grove ave. (12) 39th to 45th streets, State street to Wentworth ave; Isabella Total Abstinence Society; Miss Libbie Connor, 4101 Indiana ave. (13) 39th to 45th streets, Wentworth ave. to Halsted street; Winter street M. E. Church, Rev. E. W. Drew, 4356 Winter street. HISTORICAL SKETCH Abstracted from the 25th Anniversary sermon delivered by the Pastor, Dr. P, H. Swift, Sunday evening, March 4th, 1894; with changes to complete the statistical exhibit to date. The Oakland M. E. Church was organized March 7th, 1869. But, as is usually the case, there was a beginning back of the beginning. So far as any record can be obtained the first Methodist services conducted in this vicinity were class meetings, which were held during the year 1867, at the residence of Mr. M. Van Allen, who then lived at No. 28 Langley street. During that year an attempt was made to organize a church and put up a building. Lots were secured on Cottage Grove Avenue, and lumber enough promised for the erection of a chapel. But the plan failed and the lots were given up. Nothing further was done till late in the fall of 1868. It is probable that the first one to propose the organization of a Church in this community was Mr. Asahel Otis, who broached the subject to Mr. William Rand. The latter gentleman at once offered the use of his parlors as a place where Methodist services might be held. Later in the same year Rev. S. G. Lathrop, Superintendent of the City Sunday School and Missionary Society, in company with Rev. S. A. W. Jewett, then pastor of Trinity M. E. Church, made a tour of inspection through the Northern part of Hyde Park, with the view to select a place to establish a Methodist center of worship in this vicinity. On the report of these men that it seemed that there was an open door in this section, the above named society resolved to move forward in the matter. Mr. Rand kindly offered his parlors as a place where services might be held. The offer was accepted, and arrangements made to hold preaching services on the evening of each Sabbath. It was also agreed that mid-week prayer meetings should be held at private residences; which was thereafter done, namely at the residences of Brothers Otis, Brown, Copeland, Goodrich and Swan. By the middle of February the congregation had grown to such dimensions as to make it necessary to move to other and larger quarters. The worshipers secured a lease of Cleaver Hall, on the corner of Brooks street and Drexel Boulevard; and thereafter public services were held therein every Sabbath, both morning and evening. Soon after taking possession of the new quarters it was decided to organize a Methodist Episcopal Church. March 7th 1869 was set apart as the eventful day. Rev. S. G. Lathrop, who had continued in charge of the enterprise from the first, was present and effected the organization. Twenty-one persons were that day, received by letter, and six on probation. The names of those so received were as follows: In full connection, A. F. Brown, Lydia Brown, Ella E. Brown, Sarah Dutnall, J. R. Flood, Marthette Goodrich, Julia Goodrich, Peter C. Johnson, Asahel Otis, Mary A. Otis, Thomas G. Otis, Carrie Otis, Maria Otis, Mary Otis, Sarah G. Otis, William H. Rand, Harriet L. Rand, Mary Swan, James N. Thacker, Letetia Thacker, Martha Rand. On probation: Caroline Baker, John Dutnall, Aaron J. Goodrich, Kate A. Johnson, John Nourse, Martha Nourse. On the following Sabbath two full members and one probationer was added to the list; and on April 14th eight full members and one probationer was added to the list; and on April 14th, eight full members and one probationer took their places in the ranks of Oakland's membership. On March 17th a Sunday School was organized under most auspicious circumstances with Mr. Wm. H. Rand as Superintendent, which office he held till 1871; when he was succeeded by John H. Mandeville, who served the school for about four years, but not consecutively. James Hood filled the office of Superintendent for two years, and was succeeded by D. W. Potter, who for five years did most efficient work. Brother Potter's successor was E. M. Richardson who served one year. W. W. McIlhany followed Brother Richardson, served two years and gave place to F. W. Dickerman, who had charge of the school four years (from 1884 to 1888), at which latter date Brother J. M. Fleming was elected to the office. At the end of six months he removed to Denver, and A. R. Porter filled out the unexpired term to the end of the year; when James A. Burhans, the president Superintendent was elected. The school has at this date of writing, a membership of about 725; the Primary Department, in charge of Mrs. Burhans, who has been Superintendent for over eleven years, a membership of about 150; Mr. Hill's Bible Class a membership of over 100; while the school as a whole is regarded as one of the best organized in the country. An effort is made to secure the use of the Bible in the School by every member; the star class system is well worked; a successful teacher's meeting is held every Friday evening; quarterly written examinations are provided for; transfers from Departments is made with public graduating exercises, and the presentation of a handsome Testament to the Primary, and a Bible to the intermediate graduates. A home department has been organized, and is doing efficient work. The firet [sic] quarterly Conference was held April 27th, 1869, with Rev. Hooper Crews, then Presiding Elder of the Chicago District, in the chair. At this conference A. F. Brown, Jas. N. Thacker, John Nourse, Aaron Goodrich, and J. R. Flood were elected stewards. At the second Quarterly Conference, which was held July 28th, 1869, a legal organization of the church was effected, and William H. Rand, A. F. Brown, Thomas G. Otis, Thurston Priest, and C. DeWolf were elected as trustees. The name at first selected was "The Oakland M. E. Church." In the fall of 1869 this was changed to "St. Johns"; which continued to be the name of the Church till 1872, when the original name appears again in the Conference Minutes. In 1875 the name of "Langley Avenue" was adopted, by which the Church was known till 1886, when the name of "Oakland" was permanently selected, and engraven on the corner stone of the Church building now occupied. Up to the present time the Church has been served by thirteen different pastors, seven of whom are now living; those who have passed home being L. G. Lathrop, Dr. R. M. Hatfield, Lewis Meredith, Dr. A. C George and Dr. C. W. Bennett. In the spring of 1869, Rev. S. G. Lathrop was appointed Superintendent of Methodist Missions in Montana; and Rev. Charles E. Mandeville, who had been recently transferred from Connecticut, was appointed to the Oakland charge. He began his work on the first Sunday in May, 1869, and continued till October 8th 1871. He preached his last sermon to the congregation as pastor on the evening of Octobor 8th-an evening ever to be remembered as the one which saw the commencement of the great fire. During his pastorate Brother Mandeville received thirty-one probationers, and eighty-five full members; and reported one hundred and three in full connection when he retired from the work. It was during this term of service that the first Church building was erected. In the spring of 1870 lots were purchased on the corner of 39th street and Langley Avenue for the sum of $10,000.00; which sum was consequently paid by the Beard of Trustees of the First M. E. Church of this city; and on these lots a building was begun February 25th, 1871, which was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God. Sunday, August 6th, of the same year. The sermons at the time of dedication were preached by Drs. Haven, Reid and Fowler. The two first named have passsd to their everlasting reward; and the last named is now one of the Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The church building was two stories, the first floor being used for Sunday School and class rooms, and the Pastor's study. The capacity of the audience room was about five hundred. The total cost of the building and furnishing was $12,000.00. The congregation continued to worship in that building for a little more than sixteen years, when it took possession of the larger and more elegant edifice now occupied by the society, and located on the corner of Oakwood Boulevard and Langley Avenve. At the Conference of 1871, Rev. Charles G. Trusdell was appointed to the charge, which he served for one year. During that year, the burdens occasioned by the great fire rested heavily oh the church and congregation, and Brother Trusdell magnanimously remitted his salary for the year, serving the charge till the fall of 1872 without pay. At that date, having assumed the duties of Superintendent of the Chicago Relief and Aid Society (a position which he has ever since filled), Brother Trusdell retired from the work at Oakland Church, having received during his pastorate three probationers and forty-eight full members, and brought the membership at the close of the year to one hundred and thirty-six. Rev. J. F. Yates was appointed as Brother Trusdell's successor, and continued in charge one year, during which time he received twenty-eight full members, and reported one hundred and forty names at the close of the year. At the Conference of 1873j Rev. Lewis Meredith was assigned to the church as its Pastor. He was one of the most spiritual and sweetest tempered of men, and his ministry was precious to the saints in Oakland's fold. When he closed his pastorate, two years later, he reported one hundred and sixty-four full members and eight probationers, he having received during his ministry with this people nine probationers and fifty-eight full members. Brother Meredith's successor was Rev. W. C. Willing, D. D., who served the church for two years, at the expiration of which time he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Chicago District. Thirty-nine probationers and seventy-five full members were added to the church by him, and Dr. Willing reported one hundred and seventy full members when he laid down the mantle ol duty. During the three years from 1877 to 1880, Rev. T. C. Clendenning served the charge as Pastor. These were years of growth and prosperity. One hundred and fifteen probationers and one hundred and sixty-eight full members came into the society under Brother Clendenning's ministry, and the membership roll was increased from one hundred and seventy to two hundred and. thirty-seven The largest missionary collection given by the Church during the first thirteen years of its history was given during the second year of this pastorate, the sum being $117.00. In 1880, Dr. R. M. Hatfield was appointed as Pastor. Dr. Hatfield was one of the strongest preachers the denomination, has produced during the last half century, and the members who worshiped at Oakland during that period hold his name in everlasting remembrance. Eighty-nine persons were added to the Church during the two years of his service, and report says that the membership was two hundred and sixty-eight when the reluctant Church was compelled to part with its beloved Pastor. Dr. Hatfield's successor was the Rev. J. W. Richards, who served the Church most faithfully for one year, receiving thirty-two members, and doing grand work notwithstanding embarassments under which he was called to labor. The Conference of 1883 appointed Rev. A. C. George, D. D., as Brother Richard's successor. Dr. George was the Napoleon of Western Methodism. •He had done heroic and most effective service on many a field; his brain and heart gave the inspiration that carried to perfection the great Eccumenical Council of Methodism. But the burdens had been too heavy, and the giant gave way under the pressure, and in August, 1885, he was transferred from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant. He received forty-seven members during his pastorate. The last months of Dr. George's second year were filled out by Rev. Charles W. Bennett, D. D, LL. D., Professor of Historical Theology in Garrett Biblical Institute. He was a rare scholar and a ripe Christian gentleman. It is not to be wondered that those months brought great spiritual uplift to the Church. In March, 1885, the society secured the services of Mrs. L O. Robinson, the noted lady Evangelist. Her labors were greatly blessed, and more than one hundred precious souls were born into the Kingdom, eighty-seven of whom were received into this Church as probationers. Scores of people date their better Christian experience from that hour. That was the transformation scene in the history of the Oakland M. E. Church. The membership, which had been depleted by frequent removals during the previous two or three years, rose again under this spiritual inspiration, and is recorded at three hundred and fourteen. Forty-four persons received baptism from Dr. Bennett's hands, and seventy-five were received into full membership by him. Under his judicious care, nearly all of the probationers were saved to the Church, and at the end of his brief pastorate, the society was stronger in every respect than ever before in its history. In October, 1885, Rev. J. M. Caldwell, D. D., was appointed Pastor. When he came, the doors of prosperity were swinging on the hinges of promise, and every promise was more than realized. His was the first five years pastorate in the history of the Church, and during that time Dr. Caldwell received two hundred and ninety-six probationers and eight hundred and thirty-eighty full members, and the records show a membership of eight hundred and four when those five eventful years came to a close. It was during his pastorate that the building now occupied by the society was erected, at a cost of about $75,000.00, or about $53,000 00 above the proceeds of the old property at the corner or Thirty-ninth street and Langley avenue. It is an elegant structure of gray stone, handsomely finished and furnished, situated on the southwest corner of Oakwood boulevard and Langley avenue, and is at present richly worth $100,000.00; and the property is unincumbered. The new building was dedicated with a week of services beginning Sunday, November 20th, and closing Sunday, November 27th, 1888. The following was the program of the week: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH. 10:45, Serman by Revr. H. B. Ridgaway, D. D. 3:00 P. M., Serman by Rev. F. M. Bristol. 7:30 P.M., Sermon by Rev. H. D. Kimball. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST. Sermon by the Rev. William Faucett, D. D. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND. Sermon by the Rev. C. E. Mandeville, D. D. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD . Sermon by the Rev. H. W. Bolton, D. D. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH . Reunion Social, addresses by former pastors. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25th. 7:45 P. M. Sermon by the Rev. H. G. Jackson, D. D. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27th. 9:30 A.M., Sabbath School. 11:00 A. M., Sermon by Bishop S. M. Merrill, D. D., LL. D. 6:00 P. M., Joint League Meeting. 7:00 P. M., Sermon by the Rev. R. M. Hatfield, D. D., and Dedication of the Church by the Rev. C. G. Trusdell, D. D. Prof. E. O. Excell, Mrs. Hazelton, Mrs. Mills and other vocalists assisted the choir during the services. The Conference of 1890 assigned the present Pastor, the Rev. Dr. P. H. Swift, to the charge, which he has now served for four years and ten months. During this time, he has received into the church 359 probationers and 772 full members, the roll of membership now standing 978 full members and 42 probationers, or 1,020 full members and probationers, resident and nonresident. The records show that the blessing of God has been upon the church. The largest number of members received into full connection in any one year sinGe its organization was 216, received by letter and from probation during the year ending October 1st, 1891. The largest number of probationers received during any one year was 178, which number was received during the year ending October 1st, 1893. The largest number of probationers received any one day was 100, that being the number received February 19th, 1893. The largest collection for the Missionary Society in any one year was $730.00, that being the offering for the year ending October 1st, 1894. The largest collection for the W. F. M. S. was taken in 1891, and reached the sum of $606.00. The largest collection of the W. H. M. S. was taken in 1892, and amounted to $500.00. The largest offering of the church to the Conference Claimants' Fund made during its history was $450.00, for the year ending October 1st, 1891. The church is prosperous in all departments. The various societies, with outline of work and achievements, will be found in another part of this book. All of these organizations are doing splendid work for Christ and the church. Truly God has blessed his people. March 7th, 1894, the church completed the first twenty-five years of its history. This event was celebrated in a most fitting manner by a week of services, which began Sunday, March 4th, and closed Sunday, March 11th. The program was as follows: Sunday, March 4th. 9:30 A. M.-Sunday School. J. A. Burhans, Superintendent. 11:00 A. M. -Sermon by Bishop C. H. Fowler, D. D.,LL. D., of Minneapolis. 3:00 P. M.-Junior Epworth League. Mrs. J. E. Covel, Leader. 6:30 P. M.-Epworth League. "Consecretion Service." J. M. Latimer, Leader. 7:45 P. M.-Anniversary Sermon by the Pastor, Rev. Dr. P. H. Swift. Monday, March 5lli. 7:45 P. M.-Rally of Young People. General Topic, "Young People's Societies and work in the M. E. Church." ADDRESSES: "The Junior League." Rev. N. J. Harkness, Pastor Ada Street M. E. Church, Chicago. "The Boy's Brigade," the Pastor, Rev. Dr. P. H. Swift. "Perils and Opportunities of the Epworth League," Rev. Edwin A. Schell, D D.," Ph. D., General Secretary of Epworth League. Tuesday, March 6th. Reunion, Social and Reception, 7to 10.30 P. M., in charge of Ladies' Aid Society. 8:00 P. M.-Platform meeting in the auditorium, for greetings from former Pastors. Wednesday, March 7th. 7:45 P.M.-"Reminiscence Love Feast." led by Dr. C. E. Mandeville, first Pastor of the Church. 9:00 P. M.-Communion Service, in charge of the Pastor, Dr. P. H. Swift. Thursday, March 8th. 7:45 P. M.-"Woman's Missionary Work in the M. E. Church." ADDRESSES: "Opportunities of the Home Field," Mrs. S. B. Potter, Bloomington, Ill. "Work for our Sisters Beyond the Sea," Mrs. Mary C. Nind, Detroit, Mich. Friday. March 9th. 7:45 P. M.-Rally of Sunday School and Sunday School Workers. General topic, "The Methodist Church and the Sunday School." ADDRESSES Hon. A. G. Lane, Superintendent Chicago City Schools, "Methods in Sabbath School Instruction." Judge Edmund W. Burke, Superintendent Centenary Methodist Episcopal Sunday School. Sunday, March 11th. 9:30 A. M.--Sunday School. J. A. Burhans, Superintendent. 11:00 A. M.-Sermon by Bishoy I. W. Joyce, D. D., L L. D., Chattanooga, Tenn. 3:00 P. M.--Junior Epworth League. Mrs. J. E. Covel, Leader. 6.30 P. M.-Epworth League. Leader, Mrs. J. G. Hallett. 7:45 P. M.-An evangelistic service in charge of Evangelist D. W. Potter, assisted by Bishop Joyce. During the twenty-six years of the church's history it has contributed to all purposes the sum of $181,187; which has been divided as follows: For support of pastor, $55,145; for Missions, $6,105; for W. F. M. S. $3,626; for W. H. M. S $3,520; for Church Extension, $2,493; for Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education, $996, for Bible Cause, $201; for Sunday School Union and Tract Causa, $324; for Conference Claimants, 2,871; for Education (mostly Children's Day Fund) $484; for Support of Bishops, $640, for Support of Presiding Elder, $2, 829; for Other Benevolences, $19,652; Current Expenses, $27,400; for Support of the Sunday School, about$5,000; for Church building (over and above the amount received from first M. E. Church, and the rise in value of the 39th street lots) about, $50,000. Perhaps other contributions, quite beyond the ken of the historian, would swell the offerings of the Church to full $200,000. God has blessed the Church spiritually in a wonderful manner. The organization was launched with twenty-one members on the 7th of March 1860. Since that time 956 persons have been received on probation, and 2,442 to full membership by letter and from probation. Of these 105 have been transferred from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant, four other churches have been organized by those who have gone from us: Woodland Park, Hyde Park, Kenwood and Washington Park, M. E. Churches; many have gone to distant Churches, and a small army have moved to the suburbs to enrich Methodism there, and yet 978 remain in the fellowship of the old home Church. That is to say the increase of the membership has been more than 50 fold. It is more probable that over 2,000 have been converted at the alters of the Church during the 26 years of its history. And, when we remember that the Master said that a soul is of more value that a world we begin to get a faint glimpse of the work done by Oakland M. E. Church in the years that are gone. Truly the history of this Church in the past is a wonderful illustration of the fact that the Evangelistic spirit is the path of victory. It is the hope of the Church. We ought to be thankful for what God has done for us in the days that are gone; and then reconsecrate ourselves to him for grander victories in the future. Additional Comments: Extracted from: DIRECTORY OF THE Oakland M. E. Church And Sunday School. SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF OAKWOOD BOULEVARD AND LANGLEY AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Organized in 1869. 1895. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/cook/churches/oaklandm23gbb.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 37.6 Kb