History of Haddington Methodist Episcopal Church; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Jane Hamilton http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/philadelphia/images/JaneHamilton.jpg Copyright. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************* Church History of: HADDINGTON CHURCH later renamed SARAH D. COOPER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 63rd & Girard Avenues Phila. Pa. In the summer of 1830, a number of Methodists, living in the vicinity of Haddington, formed themselves into a class, which met on Thursday evenings at the residence of Dr. Isaac Anderson at the southeast corner of Sixty-sixth Street and Haverford Avenue. Dr. Anderson was selected the leader of the class, together with Reverend James A. Massey, Pastor of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Occasionally, during the year, Rev. Massey conducted preaching services in the "Haddington Academy," a building belonging to John Smith. However, in 1832, this building was sold by John Smith, who was not friendly to Methodism, and who gave notice to the class that they could not occupy the building after April 1, 1833, without the payment of a rental which the members considered exorbitant. In 1833, the class, having no place in which to hold its meetings, accepted the offer of Mr. George Helmbold to use a large room in his paper-mill the class now having preaching every other Sunday afternoon. During this year, 1833, a lot containing 103 perches, now the northeast corner of Sixty-seventh Street and Haverford Avenue was bought from Mr. Perry Price and his wife for the sume of $300. The following trustees were named in the deed of conveyance: Jon Esray, Leonard Farley, Isaac Anderson Patrick Scnalan and Evan Lewis, all of the HADDINGTON class and John Buckman and Thomas Hunter, members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. Ground was broken and the foundation stone was laid September 5, 1833, at 2 P.M., the Reverend Charles Pitman, of Philadelphia Conference officiating. In 1834, the basement was ready for occupancy. On May 4, 1834, the audience room was dedicated by the Reverend Charles Pitman, preaching in the morning, and Reverend Edwin L. James in the afternoon. The cost of the building amounted to almost $2000. After a pleasant union with Asbury charge, from 1830 to 1837, the members of the HADDINGTON class, numbering forty-eight, made application to the Conference for a separation into a distinct charge. This was granted and the Reverend James Flannery was appointed pastor in April, 1837. On April 9, 1849, the Legislature of Pennsylvania granted a charter to the "Haddington Methodist Episcopal church." In the year 1849 the appointment of Monroeville was connected with "Haddington" which connection continued until 1852, inclusive. At Conference in 1853, Haddington and Monroeville were separated into tow distinct stations. On November 29, 1871, the lot of ground at the south-west corner of Sixty- third Street and Girard Avenue, formerly Hamilton Street, was bought of William Keichline for $4,000. The western portion of the lot was sold to the City of Philadelphia for public school purposes. The frame church was built on the Girard Avenue front of the lot in 1874, the contract being taken by one of the members of the church, Brother Ambrosia Thompson, for the sum of $3,300. The church was dedicated October 24, 1874, by the Presiding Elder, Samuel W. Thomas assisted by the pastor, Reverend William J. Mills and others. In July, 1890, initial steps were taken to build the present church eidfice, the building committee consisting of the Reverend J. T. Swindells, William T. Miller, John L. Frailey, ENOS CROSLAND, and Charles C. Warwick. Reverend J. T. Swindells resigned from the committee in August, and William R. Bradin was appointed; in September William Douglass was added to the committee. Work was begun September 2nd, the first stone laid October 8th, and the cornerstone laid by Bishop Foss, October 18, 1890. The building was dedicated by Presiding Elder J. H. Hargis, assisted by the Reverend George E. Reed, October 18, 1891. On May 10, 1893, the male members of the church met and authorized and directed the trustees to apply to the Court of Common Pleas to so amend the charter of the church, that the name might be changed from the HADDINGTON Methodist Episcopal Church to the Sarah D. Cooper Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. This amendment was approved by the Court of Common Pleas, Judge fell presiding, August 22, 1893. In this year the church was enlarged and extended through the liberality of Mrs. Mary C. Allison, widow of the late William c. Allison,. the cornerstone of the extension was laid July 8, 1893, and the enlarged church was re-dedicated on the first Sunday in October, 1893, by Bishop Warren and Bishop Foss. The entire cost of the church was $41,439.49. In 1919, under the pastorate of Dr. W. Gray Jones, plans were formulated for improving the auditorium of the church and the installing of a new pipe organ. During the week of September 19th to 26th, re-opening services were held in the church, Bishop Berry preaching the dedicatory sermon September 19th. On Sunday, September 26th, Dr. J. Richards Boyle preached the sermon, and the bronze tablet containing the names of the men and women who had served their county in the Great World War was unveiled by Miss Ethel Jones. The organ, which was installed to their country's service was installed at a cost of between $12,000 and $13,000. The other improvements, including new lighting, new roof, changing of pews, etc., amounted to $10,000. END Note: Enos Crosland was my great grandfather. I have a photo of the Sarah D. Cooper ME Church taken in 2000 if anyone is interested. Jane OLD HADDINGTON METHODIST CONGREGATION CELEBRATES NINETY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY A feature of Founders' Day exercised in the Sarah D. Cooper Memorial Church, 63d and Girard av., On Sunday was the opening of a box sealed in April, 1901. The box contained old records, photographs, newspapers and a history of the church and is shown after it was opened by members of the Founders' Day committee. (pictured are) Mrs. and Mr. David N.Ruth, 1234 N. Redfield St..; Colonel George W. B. Hicks, chairman, 6117 Nassau road; Charles good, 6217 Vine Street, holding lid of box; Miss Mattie Hood, 5912 Master St.., and the Rev. Orville S. Duffield, pastor of the church. Note: no date was given of the Newspaper article. Founders' Day Anniversary was held on Sunday, April 11, 1926. Orville S. Duffield, Pastor at that time.