Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church Kanawha County, West Virginia - History of Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church - 1917 Submitted by Valerie Crook, , March 1999 BREAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. [From the August 1917 Directory of Members] About one-third of a century ago, Rev. J. C. Barr. D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Charleston, and the "King Bee" of Presbyterianism in Kanawha Valley, seeing the future prospects and feeling the need of a Mission, over Elk, in what was then known as "West End," built a little church near the head of Bigley Avenue and called it the Glen Elk Mission. Here the doctor preached, or sent a supply once every month. This part of the city being thinly settled the attendance at these services was rather small, but as the city grew so did the congregation and the church. Rev. J. E. Booker, co-pastor with Dr. Barr, assisted in supplying this little mission, and in 1891 the first regular pastor was secured, in the person of Rev. B. F. Patton, of Kentucky, who faithfully served the church and community for two and one-half years. During this period the church substantially increased in membership. Rev. J. W. Lafferty followed Mr. Patton in the work, but his stay was rather short. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert Mann, who remained about three years and was quite successful in enlarging the membership and influence of the church. His leaving was as sudden as it was unexpected. Having received a call from a church in one of the back counties he left this field without further notice. In June, 1899, Rev. H. J. Williams, a stalwart, steady, self-made man, fresh from the Seminary at Richmond, Va., was called to the work. Mr. Williams was young in the cause, and as timid as a woman, but was a splendid student and not afraid of work. The church was patient and kind, and soon learned that their new pastor was made of the right stuff. For eight years this pastorate continued, and during that time the membership was more than doubled. In 1902 a lot was secured on Charleston street (the site of the present building), and a stone church erected, called the Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church, in memory of Mr. Bream, who had donated the lot. This building was thought to be adequate for the needs of the congregation for many years to come, and was built at a cost of some six thousand dollars. Dr. Barr and some of his liberal members contributed about one-halt of the amount. The corner-stone was laid May 21st, 1902, and the first service was held in the lecture room on the first Sabbath in November of the same year. The main auditorium was completed and ready for occupancy in April of the following year. On the first Sabbath in June the building was dedicated to the service of the Master, tree of debt, and with the whole church in a prosperous condition. After eight years of faithful labor, Mr. Williams was called to a church in Atlanta, Georgia—to which call he was not disobedient, and left in December, 1906, for his new field. In April, following the departure of Mr. Williams, Rev. J. Dawson Henry, then pastor of the Malden Church, was called. After some delay Mr. Henry accepted the call, entered upon his work and into the hearts of the people. For eight months no minister's prospects were more hopeful, but, alas! he fell victim to that dreaded disease, tuberculosis. Everything that loving friends could do and the skill of the physicians availed nothing, and on June 13, 1908, he went home to be with the Christ whom he had loved, served and preached. On October 1st, 1908, Rev. Charles F. Myers accepted a call to the pastorate of the church. Rev. Mr. Myers was then located at Williamson, W. Va. He came at once and began his labors. On the first Sunday in December, twenty-nine united with the church on profession of faith, and twenty-seven by letter—making a total of fifty- six in so short a space of time. The interest continued unabated, and the congregation became so large that it became necessary to secure additional room. In the summer of 1909 plans were made for a new and larger building. The former church, which was practically new, was torn down and the present building was erected, and on November 20th was dedicated to God in a service led by Rev. Walter W. Moore, D. D., President of Union Theological Seminary, of Richmond, Virginia. We now have one of the largest, most up-to-date, and best equipped church buildings in this section of the state, and all at a cost of little more than fifty thousand dollars. Ample space is provided for the varied activities of the young people's organizations. In 1915 a modern chapel was added to the building in order to care for the Junior Department of the Sunday School as well as for mid-week prayer services. The labors of Mr. Myers were not only successful in the material advancement of the church, but he was wonderfully blessed in spiritual things as well. The member- ship of the church grew from three hundred to more than a thousand during the eight years of his busy life as shepherd of this flock. At a time when least expected by the church, he received a call from the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, N. C. He left for this new field in August, 1916, followed by the prayers and best wishes of the entire church. The Lord has always remembered and most graciously blessed our church in the character of its pastors. When- ever one has been called away from us God has always provided one to fit the new demands of the work When Mr. Myers announced his intention to leave for a new field of labor, the church began to search for his successor. We prayed earnestly and sought diligently for the right Man. We heard of him away down on the Mexican border at Mercedes, Texas. We called loud and long. Finally he heard and after visiting the field and being greatly impressed with the splendid opportunity for service, accepted the call and began work October 1st. 1916, and now we rejoice in the splendid leadership of Rev. Samuel Glasgow. He has taken hold of the work and by his admirable capacity and adaptability is leading the people into ever broadening avenues of service. He is great as a leader of men, and has from thirty to fifty men in his class every Monday night at the Brotherhood meeting, teaching them the Word and training them for usefulness in the missions of the church. A Gospel Team from the Brotherhood assists at Robson and at Dunbar. At Robson a hand- some memorial chapel has been erected and a building is in prospect at Dunbar. Rev. James H. Viser, our efficient co-pastor, has charge of these missions and is aided in a most valuable way by faithful members of the Brotherhood. Regular preaching services, both on Sun- day and week nights, are held at these two points while splendid Sunday Schools are also maintained at each place. In addition to our Pastor and Co-Pastor, the church maintains three other salaried workers: Mr. J. W. Henderson, Musician; Young People's Worker, Pastor's assistant, and an earnest and efficient personal worker fills a large field of usefulness. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. Miss Katherine Main, a graduate Deaconess, is an indispensable arm of our work. She visits the needy, carries cheer and wise help and spiritual blessing into many homes and hearts. She is one of the most beloved persons in Charleston. Miss Frances Hodges, our graduate nurse, has charge of the medical branch of our church's service. Out-clinic work, visiting and nursing the sick in the Savior's name, are her field of service. This is a large asset in our church's program, and we hope looks forward to a hospital that will fill on a larger scale the need for this part of the church's activity. Besides the regular services of the church on the Sabbath and the usual evangelistic efforts then made, we con- duct noon-day Gospel meetings in nearby manufacturing establishments. The Brotherhood holds a street meeting each Sabbath evening in front of the church, which is always greatly blessed. 'Our Pastor is not only a favorite with men, but is universally beloved by the members of the congregation and community in which he has come to take such a high stand. Clean, clear-headed and steady, pure, dignified and consecrated; he preaches with power—logical in his reasoning—earnest in his pleading—and convincing in his argument. He does not weaken nor falter in his work, but grows stronger each day in influence, in power and in the hearts of his people. He is a good worker, well trained and devoted to his task. Already he has won many souls to Christ and into the church, and the entire member- ship has been most graciously and wonderfully quickened. W. M. B. HOBBS. BREAM MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL. In the summer of 1884 a Sunday School was organized in the little Glen Elk church, which stood near the head of Bigley avenue—with Mr. Sommers, an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church, as Superintendent. There being but few Presbyterians on the west side of Elk River, the Sunday School was small. But we Presbyterians have learned to despise not the day of small things, knowing as we do that large oaks from small acorns grow. It required much time, tact, patience and skill to start this Sunday School just right. Some of the best talent from the First Church came to the rescue; such men as J. F. Cirk, John Goshorn, John M. Payne, S. G. Crouch, R. G. Hubbard and others, worked faithfully for about eight years. This school then, was very much like some schools now. It ebbed and flowed with the seasons, and was at high tide about Christmas times, and low tide when the weather was hot and the flies bad. Some sought relief in the shady nooks along the river banks; others fled to the hill-tops amongst the pines, while a few remained steadfast the year 'round. Some of the first teachers, as we remember them, were: Mrs. John Skees, Mrs. D C. Sydnor, Mrs. Win. Pfeiffer, Mrs. "Reg" Hewes, Mrs. Katie Hubbard, Miss Fannie Reynolds. Miss Jessie Denoon and several others. Some of these good teachers have served their usefulness here and gone on to their reward. Others are married and are furnishing scholars for Sunday Schools elsewhere. When the enrollment reached one hundred, it was thought to be a great school, and so it was for this locality. At that time there were but two other schools on this side of the river; one at the old Union Church, the other at the little Episcopal Church, which stood on the corner of Maryland avenue and Fayette street—after- wards it was moved to its present location. It wasn't long till the Baptist, Bowman, Roane Street and the Christian churches were built and Sunday Schools organized in each. These schools, some of them near our school, had no ill effect upon our school, but to the contrary, the officers and teachers were stimulated to greater activity Mr. Crouch, Mr. Hubbard and the writer, each took his turn conducting the school as Superintendent, one year at a time, for six years. About that time the west side of Elk River began to grow and put on city airs, and the school did likewise. In April, 1899, after enjoying all the benefits, blessings and honor of being a Sunday School Superintendent for a number of years, Mr. Crouch and Mr. Hubbard accepted a higher calling, and each took a class, letting their mantle fall upon the present Superintendent, who, with the noble assistance of the most efficient corps of officers and teachers, has done what he could to make this school what it is, notwithstanding the difficulties encountered during the first decade of its existence, it can be said, to the glory of God, that many of the most faithful and consecrated members of Bream Memorial, as well as many members of our sister churches, received their early Christian training in this Sunday School. The school was never a permanent success till some thirteen years ago, when it was located on Charleston street. Since then with leaps and bounds it has rapidly increased in numbers and interest. Soon it lined up side by side with the largest schools in the city, but not being contented there, it has continued to grow until there is none greater in the Kanawha Valley. The then new church soon became too small to accommodate this great school. Mr. Hubbard, who taught a class of fifty boys, had to secure room in the Art Hall in which to teach his class and several more teachers of the larger classes, Mr. S. W. Stone being one of the number who had to secure quarters elsewhere for the want of room in the church. It was predicted that the attendance would double by the time a new building could be erected large enough to take care of them. The Sunday school room at that time was packed, the main auditorium was crowded, the vestibule and choir loft were filled to over- flowing and still they came. We hoped for, dreamed dreams and saw visions of a large and more up-to-date building in which we might house the entire school. Did you ever stop to think that in this great school are the members of the future Bream Memorial Church, the future religious leaders of this community, and the future professional and business men of the city? And, above all, let us hope that in this school may be found many ministers of the gospel, many missionaries to foreign lands, and a great many able, earnest, consecrated personal workers at home. Let us be a little more faithful in the work which has been assigned to us, remembering that we are co-workers with God and are required to do our part well. Now our hopes, our dreams and our visions in regard to larger and better equipment have materialized, and our school has been graded and classified from the Cradle Roll to the Home Department, making it possible or every- body to attend our school and find his place in one of the departments. We now have five separate and distinct departments besides the Cradle Roll and Home Department. The Kindergarten meets in the ladies' parlors and is one of the most interesting of all the departments. Mrs. R. G. Hubbard is the Superintendent of this department. The Primary Department is held in the Dickerson Auditorium, with Mrs. E. A. Harmon Superintendent. The Junior Department, which has the largest enrollment, is conducted in the chapel by Mrs. H. H. Marting Superintendent. The Intermediate Department is under the leadership of Mr. J. W. Henderson and meets in the basement, where a nice orchestra furnishes the music for this department. The adults assemble in the Church Auditorium, with W. M. B. Hobbs Superintendent, which position he has held for more than eighteen years. Mr. R. G. Hubbard, who has been connected with this school as Superintendent or teacher ever since its organization, has been elected General Superintendent and Is therefore the "Boss." Whatever he says goes. All the departments are well equipped with efficient officers, faithful, able and consecrated teachers, pianos, blackboards, maps, charts and everything calculated to make our Sunday school the most interesting, entertaining and delightful place on earth. Our school is not quite so large as it was a few years ago. The classes have been so thoroughly sifted and weeded out. The chaff and tares have been separated, till now we have only our own—and we know our sheep. All we have are ours and we are Christ's and Christ is God's. W. M.B. HOBBS. THE LEWIS PRICHARD FOUNDATION Dr. Lewis Prichard, prominent physician of Charleston, W. Va., and large philanthropist, remembered the Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church of that city most handsomely in his recently created foundation of $200,000.00. Of this generous sum the benefit of $33,000.00 is given to the Bream Church for the purpose of maintaining the services of a gospel singer and boys' worker, which position is being filled at present by Mr. J. W. Henderson, graduate of Moody Bible Institute, and a man of large and successful experience in the evangelistic field. Mr. Henderson has under his leadership a large chorus choir of some thirty voices that leads the worship of song at both of the Sun- day services, and special attention is given to the Gospel song service at the evening hour. At that time Mr. Henderson conducts a twenty minute song and praise service as a preparation for the evangelistic sermon and appeal. In addition to this choir work, the musical leader provided by the foundation, leads the music at the Brotherhood, the prayer meeting, the street gospel meeting, which immediately precedes the Sunday evening preaching service, he conducts chorus work for the boys' and girls' classes and has oversight of all the work among the young people in the Scouts and Miriams and gymnasium classes, and such like. There is no way to estimate the blessing and is brought into hundreds of lives, many of them boys and girls, through the operation of this part of the foundation in supplying the Bream Church with our splendidly equipped singer and Young People's Worker. The foundation also provides for the church an assistant pastor, whose specific work is the cultivating and caring for the active and growing missions of the church. Rev. James H. Viser has recently taken up this challenging work, and Is rapidly organizing it for the certain expansion that is before It. Under the liberality of this foundation we are enabled to have Mr. Viser for Sunday school and Sabbath preaching and a week night preaching at each of our mission points, and the response in interest and professions of faith and general strong growth in the few months that he has been on the field amply warrant this investment on the part of the creator of the foundation. At one of the mission points, Robson, Mr. A. M. Prichard, the son of Dr. Prichard, and one of the leading Christian lay- men of this city and state, is building as a memorial to his wife a beautiful and thoroughly equipped brick chapel, into which the work there plans to move in August of this year. The mission work service by this foundation is in the section of the city of Charleston that will receive tremendous impetus from the coming population drawn here by the government's location of the armor plant at this place. We are endeavoring to get our plans well in operation before this great and certain influx of new people is upon us. Such liberality as that which marks the creation of this foundation cannot fail to bring blessings and joy to the heart moved to make this gift to this most intelligent and useful end, and will most certainly yield a harvest of rich blessing in many hearts and lives that are made to know and experience the fullness of the salvation of Jesus Christ through the liberality of one of his servants in their behalf. The Bream Memorial Church is deeply conscious of the responsibility reposed in it by this legacy as well as the unlimited opportunity that it creates for this church to be a full and active channel of spiritual blessing to the many whom it can reach and help find the blessed way of life. SAMUEL GLASGOW, Pastor. 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