Part Three Into the Twentieth Century
Chapter V Kingsley1 Mrs. Elizabeth Haggren
At the beginning of the 20th century, Kingsley was active in community ministry. Small groups met for prayer and study in various parts of the Island; from them grew several new churches and Sunday Schools. The Wandell Memorial Methodist Church was organized in October, 1900. A building was begun in 1902 on a lot at Clove Road and Targee Street. (It is now occupied by St. Sylvester's Roman Catholic Church.) A parsonage was erected in 1909 and the congregation remained active until 1928.
The St. James Methodist Church grew out of Kingsley activity and was organized in July, 1903. We note that the Rev. J. Edgar Washabaugh was appointed pastor in 1910 while a student at Drew. He later became Superintendent of the Newark District (1932-40) and held responsible positions with the Methodist Publishing House (1940-58) Work also began at Garretson in Dongan Hills.
The interest in outreach resulted in the establishment of "The City Evangelization Union of the Methodist Episcopal Churches in Richmond Borough, Staten Island, New York City" in August, 1900. The purpose was to "establish missions, aid missions already existing, assist churches in financial distress, and bring together members of Methodist Churches in close spiritual and social fellowship." Plans were developed for additional work at New Brighton, Annadale, Kreischerville, West Mariner's Harbor, and work among Italian immigrants. The latter resulted in the establishment of Holy Trinity Methodist Church in 1918, now since merged with others to form Christ United Methodist Church.
The Rev. James C. Howard had become pastor in 1897. He served for eleven years, the longest pastorate in the history of the church. During his time the chandeliers, other lighting fixtures, and the baptismal font, a memorial to young Oliver Griffin, were presented. The pipe organ and the beautiful memorial windows were installed, the large triple window being in memory of three little girls. In the community, he was Chaplain of the Fire Department and a member of the Tompkins Lodge, A. and F.M. The Rev. F.G. Willey served during the difficult years of World War I carrying out his full church program, and working regularly at the Y.M.C.A. at Fort Wadsworth.
The stained glass windows mentioned above are exceptionally beautiful one and are now stored at Faith Church. Miss Muriel Irving, in her history described them as follows:
"The large window facing on Cebra Avenue, was donated by Mrs. Mary Helen Finch in memory of Bernice Clayton Howard, the Pastor's daughter, Helen, and her own little daughters, Frances Lindsay, and Mary Edith Margaret Lindsay.
On the West Side beginning at the front:
(1)The Stapleton Woman's Christian Temperance Union in memory of Anna M. Drew.
(2)Donated by the Ladies Aid Society in memory of Eliza Morgan and Hester Morgan.
(3)Donated by Tompkins Lodge F. & A.M.
(4)Sandy Hook Pilots of N.Y. and N.J. (in memory of departed members).
(5)Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department (in memory of departed members).
On the East Side beginning at the front:
(1)Donated by John J. Wood, (in memory of his father and mother, Nicholas Jaines and Anna Elizabeth).
(2)Donated by Mrs. Taxter (in memory of her husband).
(3)Donated by E. Stuart Taxter.
(4)In memory of James G. Johnston Pastor 1886-1890.
(5)Donated by the Board of Trustees 1907."
The Willing Workers, a group of young women, which started in 1913, when the Rev. F.L. West was the pastor, had as its purpose Bible Study, assistance to the pastor, promotion and guidance of the social life of the church. From this organization, the Guild developed, and much later the Evening Circle of the Woman's Society of Christian Service.
During the pastorate of the Rev. William Burd (1930-33) Mrs. Otto Lindemann presented a gold cross for the Communion table given in her husband's memory. The late depression and World War II years were difficult ones. During this time, the Rev. F.E. Good, the Rev. G.L. Forman, the Rev. B.R. Greenwalt and the Rev. H.A. Cooper were pastors. Part of the Sunday School room was used as a meeting place for the air-raid wardens of the area and a number of church members served in this capacity.
In 1935 Kingsley Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated its One Hundredth Anniversary. In an article published in the Staten Island Advance, October 12, 1935, Saturday's edition, we find these comments:
"A centennial celebration and reception will take place Monday night at eight o'clock with George L. Egbert presiding. Many former pastors and assistant pastors have been invited and are expected to attend. Many local pastors of Staten Island community churches are attending.
Wednesday evening at seven o'clock the Ladies Aid Society will have the Kingsley Homecoming Banquet with many well known speakers attending.
Organization night will be celebrated Friday at eight o'clock, with the Epworth League, the Sunday School, the Boy Scouts, the Ladies Aid Society, the Kingsley Guild, the Junior Choir and the Intermediate League taking part in the program. The centennial souvenir was donated by Mr. And Mrs. Charles Diem of 148 Wright Street, Stapleton, active members of the church."
It was also noted in the above mentioned Advance article that Miss Adelaide Morgan was the oldest living member of the church. She was the daughter of Mrs. Eliza Morgan, one of the first converts to the church in 1835. Miss Morgan joined the church in 1870 when she was twelve years old. She had been the church organist for twenty years and held many other posts throughout the years. The Ladies Aid Society donated one of the memorial windows in memory of "Mother" Morgan and her daughter Hester, for their loving contributions of time and service to the churchs growth. Another lay member cited by most of the ministers with whom he served was Mr. Silas N. Havens for his great contribution to the ministry of Kingsley. Obviously, much more could be written about lay members and their work, but time and records of the church activities have not been generous in recording these many worthy souls.
In 1940, the Ladies Aid Society was renamed the Womans Society for Christian Service. The organization continued, under the new name, to meet the needs of the church, locally and abroad.
In November 1950 a severe storm blew in the three-part memorial window in the front of the church. Water damage was extensive and there was a possibility of damage to the organ assembly. The downstairs lecture room served the Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and the morning worship service was held there at eleven a.m. The Rev. H. Allen Cooper, pastor, announced that a campaign for a restoration fund was being launched immediately, and some contributions had already been volunteered.
"The concern of the community is most heartening to our members and officials", the pastor said. "While we have not yet been able to decide just what will be done, since the extent of the storm damage to the organ assembly has not yet been fully determined, and because we want to seek architectural advice as to what front wall and window construction is best, we will seek to make Kingsley Church more beautiful than it was before the storm struck. It is evident now, from community comments that the beautiful windows were a source of inspiration to passersby, and we want to offer that inspiration again."
Two of the earliest contributions received for the rebuilding of the storm damaged Kingsley Church windows, came from the Catholic and Jewish faiths. In April of 1951 a benefit concert was given by one of the nation's foremost Negro choral groups, The Bethune-Cookman College Choral Ensemble, comprised of 23 students from the college in Daytona Beach, Florida. The sang a varied program of classical sacred music and traditional spirituals. Through the generous response, the window was restored as a large single window and other repairs made. The sanctuary was completely and beautifully redecorated in 1954 and the exterior walls painted.
In 1951 Dr. Frederick McClement came to Kingsley and served until his retirement in 1957. Dr. and Mrs. McClement were enthusiastic workers and much was accomplished during this time. The front window was restored, the sanctuary redecorated, the Sunday School was redecorated by the men's club, an altar scarf was given in memory of Mr. Alonzo Beebe by Mrs. Beebe; a communion table runner and Bible bookmark by Mr. Casper Schwing in memory of his wife, Pearl M. Schwing, and a lecturn matching one already on the dais, was given in memory of her husband, Alfred, by Mrs. Fickes.
While housecleaning the parsonage attic, members found the old silver communion service, which Mrs. Morrell and her family had restored. One of the church men made a glass case to protect it and it was on display at the left of the chancel. It is now displayed at Faith Church. A large brass cross was bought with some of the funds left by Mrs. Maude Baldwin.
In March of 1959 a new Allen organ was installed. On February 15th of the same year a communion table, pulpit, piano, and a set of flags were presented by the Eastern Star and dedicated to the memory of the Four Chaplains who had given their lives in the sinking of the Dorchester, a troop ship, in World War II. This was a very fine gift obtained by Mrs. Jessie Willshaw through her many connections with the Eastern Star. At this special service, Kenneth Stanton, recalls that Chaplain LeRoy Wright presented the communion altar which he had used for many years and which is still used by the pastor of Faith Church. A beautiful lighted picture of Christ was also presented that day.
Mr. Cummins came in June 1959 and left August 1960. The church was then without a minister at the time of year most difficult to obtain one. Dr. McClement returned as interim pastor, staying until 1961, when the Rev. Donald Kimmelman came to take over the pastorate. Dr. and Mrs. McClement should have some special mention of gratitude, as they were pleasantly settled in their home on the Jersey coast, enjoying their retirement, when they returned to help old Kingsley.
The Rev. Donald Kimmelman came as a bachelor, a recent graduate of Drew Theological School. In his time at Kingsley, he married and a son was born, Eric John. Protective glass was installed on the memorial windows at considerable expense. In 1964 the front vestibule doors were replaced and a hand railing installed on the steps.
Several young people have gone from Kingsley into the ministry; Herman Kramer, Annie Smith, evangelist and ordained minister, J.E. Washbaugh, who came as student pastor under the Rev. J. Clayton Howard and was later, in 1935 district superintendent of Newark District.
Many church families go back two and even three generations. The roster of names would read like "Who's Who of Staten Island".
Beginning with the close of World War I, Staten Island has seen many changes in the quality of life and population growth. Families from other areas were finding Staten Island's semi-rural environment attractive for family living. These changes brought a wide variety of cultural and ethnic groups who in turn brought their social mores with them. The church community slowly changed from a predominantly Protestant majority to a Protestant minority. Many local churches lost their congregations as their members either moved or passed on. There have been numerous mergers over a period of fifty years. Staten Island has seen its largest growth during these years and growth brings pains and change. It has been a period of stock-taking, which is good.
In 1963, the Policy Committee had been considering the possibility of merging with two other Methodist churches -- Grace and Trinity. This was given a great deal of thought and prayer and brought about considerable discussion.
When Pastor Kimmelman was transferred to Hartsdale in 1965, Dr. F. Roderick Dail came to the church. In January 1967, after a vote, the congregation, Kingsley merged with the aformentioned churches to become Faith Methodist Church. The merger was not an easy experience for the church to endure. It was not easy to give up the smaller close relationships and the building for which so many had worked so hard. Yet, one has to believe that one strong church is better than three weak ones. The population of Staten Island had shifted and changed.
Kingsley has been an important part of the merger of the three churches and has supported the effort to come together as they have supported change in the past 132 years. Kingsley has now shown generosity, dedication, and loyalty, and entered into the merger completely solvent. May the concern for missions continue to serve the cause of Jesus Christ and aid in bringing unity to the new Faith United Methodist Church. AMEN.
Chapter VI Trinity Church, 1900-19401 Mrs. Barbara Filmer
At the turn of the century the minister of Trinity Church was the Rev. Enoch Meachem, a distinguished gentleman sporting a square beard and an ear trumpet. He served as pastor from 1897 to 1902. According to the record, he received an annual salary of $1500. During his pastorate, improvements were made to the church building, including an entire new brick front, a new tower and roof. A new pipe organ was also purchased. The cost for these improvements was $4,206.81.
An interesting bit of information culled from the minutes of an Official Board meeting back in 1901 reads as follows: "The Chairman stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of taking some definite action in procuring a new pastor. The Committee previously appointed for that purpose then reported that, after visiting several churches and hearing their pastors preach, they had decided to report in favor of Rev. F.J. Hubach of East Rutherford, New Jersey."
Though this appointment never took place, some 51 years later, as we all know, his son became our pastor, serving us for 15 years, and was instrumental in effecting the merger of Grace, Kingsley and Trinity Churches.
The next pastor of Trinity Church, the Rev. J.O. Sparnon, served from 1902 to 1906, followed by the Rev. R.I. Watkins who served from 1906 to 1909. During his short stay, improvements to the church were extensive and cost upwards of $7.000.
It is difficult to find many items of interest culled from the memories of Trinity members during the early part of the 1900's. One rather interesting one, however, concerned a former Sunday School teacher, Louise Holman, who sometime during 1908 or 1909 resigned from the church because she felt that the end of the world was coming and wanted to prepare.
In 1909 the Rev. W.E. Palmer came to Trinity. Rev. Palmer was the father of six children, Ray, Hoyt, Taft, Bill, Osma and Alice. When Rev. Palmer started serving our church he still resided in New Jersey. His first Sunday with our church was a memorable one, also unrecorded, when he was unfortunately late for the service. The congregation sat and waited past the usual hour until he and his wife and family arrived and marched majestically down the aisle, the pastor sporting a high silk hat and cane and his wife wearing a black coat and a hat with soft green plumes.
Though his stay with the church was short, terminating in 1910, it was a memorable time in the history of Trinity, at the time located on Richmond Terrace at the corner of Dongan Street, with the parsonage next door. It is an historical fact that early in the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 7, 1909, smoke was discovered issuing from the roof of the church edifice and that by the time the firemen arrived it was too late to save any part of the building or movable property.
There were many conflicting reports concerning this disaster. Newspaper reports varied. The local paper, The Richmond County Advance, a weekly, reported the fire in its Saturday, November 13th issue as follows:
TRINITY CHURCH IN RUINS
Burned Down Last Sunday--Firemen Imperilled by Falling Tower--Nearby Houses in Danger
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, at the corner of Richmond Terrace and Dongan Street, West Brighton, was destroyed by fire on Sunday afternoon last. About two o'clock a passerby saw smoke issuing and turned in a call for the firefighters. Others rushed inside and dragged out the piano, pulpit furniture and chairs. Thickening smoke and tongues of flame, however, soon forced them to desist. Two more alarms were quickly sent, but before the firemen arrived the flames were eating through the roof and leaping about the tower. Ten minutes after the first flicker it became evident that the building was doomed.
The news spread rapidly and thousands hurried to the scene and stood by with mingled feeling as "Old Trinity" went up in smoke. Trolley cars on the Shore Line were stalled for over two hours. The flame communicated with the roof of the parsonage and other houses in the vicinity, but streams were quickly turned on them and only slight damage resulted.
That several firemen were not hurt seemed fortunate. When a section of the tower fell with a crash a number of the men were at work downstairs, but they made hasty and safe exits through the windows. Another knocked from a ladder by a detached section of the roof, was pulled from the burning debris by comrades and escaped injury. It was after nightfall when the flames were finally extinguished. The fire is believed to have been caused by a defective wire in the vicinity of the grand organ.
The delay of the firemen in reaching the scene seems to be accounted for by the fact that only telephone calls were at first sent. The rules do not permit them to leave their headquarters until the regular alarm has been sounded, or until a message is received from fire headquarters in the Borough Hall.
The building was valued at about $30,000; insurance $16,500. The trustees about two years ago secured an option on a large plot of ground at the corner of Prospect and Elizabeth Streets, and the question of replacing the burned structure with a fine edifice in some central location is now under consideration.
So newsworthy was this sad occasion that it was carried in other papers. The Herald Tribune had this to say:
FIRE IN CHURCH
West New Brighton Structure Nearly Destroyed
Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of West New Brighton, Staten Island, at Bodine Street and Richmond Terrace, was practically destroyed by fire yesterday afternoon. The parsonage of the Church was at one time threatened with destruction, but was saved by the firemen. Five thousand persons came from all parts of Staten Island to see the blaze.
The fire was discovered by the Rev. William Palmer, who immediately turned in an alarm. When Battalion Chief Galvin arrived he turned in two general alarms, to which all companies on the North Shore responded.
It is believed that the fire was caused by defective insulation. There was no one in the Church when the fire broke out. The loss is estimated at $25,000. Trinity Church was built in 1883 at a cost of $75,000.
The New York World reported the following:
FIREMEN JUST DODGE BLAZING SPIRE'S FALL
Thousands Watch Old Trinity M.E. Church Burn on Staten Island
Trinity M.E. Church at West New Brighton, one of the historic landmarks of Staten Island, was burned to the ground yesterday afternoon. It was among the oldest churches on the Island, having been erected in 1853. It was of brick, with a shingle roof.
Ray, son of the Rev. William Palmer, pastor of the Church, was going out of the parsonage, which the edifice adjoined, about 2:30 o'clock and saw spirals of flame and smoke issuing from the roof.
Acting Battalion Chief McDonald and four companies found the Church burning like a kiln. The steeple made a flue for the flames, which roared through the belfry.
The steeple began to sway. The firemen, who were directly beneath, had barely been ordered to seek safer places when the spire crumbled and fell. Several firemen narrowly escaped being crushed. Part of the belfry crashed through the roof and the flames shot through the vents twice the height of the structure. Realizing that adjoining property was in danger, McDonald sent in a second and third alarm, which brought every engine and truck between St. George and Mariner's Harbor. Meantime the rectory had caught fire, but the blaze was soon extinguished. As the Church was doomed, the firemen concentrated their efforts on saving surrounding buildings.
Thousands thronged Richmond Terrace and Dongan Street where the Church stood, and nearby highways, watching the flames. Many of the spectators had been to service there in the morning. The Church had been built on land owned by Gov. Dongan, who drew up New York City's first charter, and who was one of the early Colonial Governors.
The fire loss was estimated between $30,000 and $40,000; the insurance will cover about two-thirds of it. The blaze, according to the Rev. William Palmer, probably started from an overheated or faulty furnace or an electric wire. The North Shore trolley lines were halted for more than two hours.
It was said that arrangements will be made to rebuild the Church at once. Meanwhile services will be held in some hall.
A further report from the New York American:
FIGHTS FOR BIBLE AS HIS CHURCH BURNS
Trinity Methodist at West
Brighton Destroyed--
Pastor Leads Fire Fighters
ORGAN STANDS AMID RUINS
Women Encourage Department Men
Congregation's Loss Estimated at $100,000
Trinity Methodist Church, West Brighton, Staten Island, was destroyed by fire yesterday, despite the fight made by its pastor and the men and women of its congregation to put out the flames. The Church cost $100,000, and practically all that was saved was the great organ, recently installed at a cost of $10,000.
The fire was discovered by Trustee William Crawford three hours after the Sunday School had been dismissed. He saw smoke at a window and sent in an alarm. But before the West Brighton fire department arrived, the Church members were on the spot. The pastor, Dr. William Palmer, rushed inside the edifice at the head of a dozen parishioners. He was driven back but made a second futile rush for the pulpit in the hope of saving the Bible.
WOMEN ENCOURAGE FIREMEN.
He was driven out a second time to find that sparks had fired the parsonage next door, and he ran into his home to get his family and library.
Meanwhile the firemen were breaking the windows and pouring in water. Church members helped them, the men holding nozzles against the flames and the women urging them to save the organ, which, nest to the Church, was the most valued possession of the congregation.
Other women hurried to the scene with coffee for the fire fighters, and the battle went on from 4 o'clock until long after dark.
COSTLY ORGAN SAVED.
Alarms sent for other firemen brought apparatus from all along the North Shore of Staten Island. Even Chief Croker started from Manhattan, but turned back at the ferry when told that the flames were under control.
So desperate was the fight to save the organ, which was at the extreme front of the Church, that it was still standing, water-soaked but intact, when the walls fell in about it.
The fire is supposed to have started in the furnace or from defective insulation or electric light wires. The Church, built in 1859, was renovated recently at a cost of $20,000.
It would be a difficult task to separate fact from fiction in these reports after so many years have passed. It is more likely that the truth reflected in the following remembrances kindly written for us by Morrell Gibson, a member of Trinity at the time of the fire and for many years thereafter, and now a resident of New Jersey. Mr. Gibson writes:
"Trinity Church burned in November, 1909, on a Sunday afternoon. Sunday School and service had been held that morning, and there was trouble with the organ motor, it seemed. At that time we were living on the northeast corner of Bodine and Cedar (now DeGroot Place). After dinner I went out on our back porch to dispose of some garbage, and looking down toward Trinity saw billows of smoke coming out of the Church roof. We hurried down to watch.
"Rev. Wm. E. Palmer was our Pastor at that time and his family, living in the parsonage right next door, had telephoned in to the Fire Department and were told reports of fires by telephone were not accepted. One of the pastor's sons went all the way around to Trinity Place and Taylor Street and had to get a key to the fire alarm box in order to report the fire. Of course, a lot of time was lost, and one of the Palmer boys dashed into the sanctuary and rescued the Bible and collection plates from the altar. (These were in the new Trinity for a time.) All that remained after the fire were the outside brick walls, which were roped off for safety of people passing.
"That same Sunday night my family went to the service in Grace Church and one of the hymns we sang was Day is Dying in the West."
Information is newspaper clippings mostly is not accurate--the organ was not "still standing"--roof fell in on it; dollar values were very much off, etc."
Of course, the most immediate need facing the members of Trinity Church was a place in which to hold services until such time as a new Church could be built. Quoting again from Mr. Gibson's memories:
"The first place offered to us for services was a dancing studio across the street from where the Church had been, and this was used for a few Sundays. The Ascension Episcopal Church offered us their Parish House for several services; this building was about three blocks east of where Trinity had been. We worshipped there until the Veteran Firemen's Hall at Elizabeth Street and Castleton Avenue was nearly completed, when this was offered to us for Sunday School, services, meetings, etc. Electricity was not yet in the building and we had to use oil lamps. We had a Church supper ther and when leaving saw Haley's Comet."
"Miss Mary Searl held Junior League on Wednesday afternoons at her home on Caroline Street after the fire. This often involved more than 100 people sitting on every available piece of furniture and inch of floor space. On a rainy day, there was some pile of rubbers and umbrellas in that house! The Rev. Scudder usually appeared and gave one of his "object" lessons. A temperance program was given monthly."
In 1911 the Rev. Charles Scudder became the pastor of Trinity Church, remaining until 1915. During his stay the new Church was opened and dedicated and "it was largely due to the sound spiritual foundation he established that initiated the rapid growth of the Church in the late teens and twenties."
"Rev. Scudder was famous for his object lessons; i.e. a copper penny dropped into vinegar turned black showing that our associations and environment certainly made a difference in how we turned out; or--an ear of corn grew from just one tiny kernel; take advantage of the things we have in this bountiful world. Rev. Scudder had a wife and two sons, Russell and Elmer."
The sad task of tying up loose ends after the fire is reflected in minutes of Official Board meetings immediately after the fire. In December of 1909: "Committee appointed with power to dispose of the loose wreckage in and about the burned Church building and to take apart and store the heating plant." "Committee authorized to have all loose bricks in and about the burned building cleaned and piled in a convenient part of the Church property."
"On motion the Committee on care and use of the Church was instructed to notify the sexton that his services would not be required after December 31." "Music Committee reported that the services of the organist had been dispensed with dating from December 1 and recommended that she be reimbursed to the extent of $25 for her loss of music books in the Church fire." "On motion it was resolved that two tons of coal be donated to Mrs. Agramonte in appreciation of her kindness in allowing the use of her hall on a number of occasions." "On motion the Secretary was instructed to make a formal offering of the coal remaining in the bins to the Veteran Firemen's Association." "On motion the Pastor was authorized to purchase 50 small and 100 large hymnals at $.45 and $.55 respectively." "The Financial Secretary reported that the Thank Offering taken on November 21, 1909, amounted in cash and pledges to $1,227.28" "On motion, $13,500 was fixed as asking price of the entire real estate owned by the Church situated on Richmond Terrace."
There are various references in records concerning the acquistion of property on which to build a new Church, the gist of which is"After most careful consideration it was decided to build on the property owned by the Church, situated at the corner of Prospect (now Delafield Avenue) and Elizabeth Streets, West New Brighton."
Referring to Official Board minutes dating from February 17, 1910 and for several months thereafter, much time was spent considering the location and a number of pieces of property were discussed. A.L. Hilyer presented for consideration property on the corner of Post and Spring Street known as the Winiwill property--asking price--$19,500. A piece of property on the southwest corner of Castleton Avenue and Taylor Street was also offered for the sum of $22,000. Also suggested by a Mrs. Morris was the present property on which the Church had stood at Richmond Terrace and Dongan Street.
There was also property on Taylor and Cary Avenue considered. In March 1910 it was voted that "the choice of a new site for the Church edifice should be referred to the Annual Conference Board of Church Location and Erection, with the understanding that the site selected by said Board should be accepted". However, when the Board announced its unanimous choice of property at Cary Avenue and Taylor Street, the Official Board declared that their choice was Prospect and Elizabeth Streets. In April a meeting was held chaired by Bishop Anderson and after much discussion a vote was taken in favor of the Elizabeth Street property.
Some two years prior to the fire, the trustees of Trinity had purchased this property from P.J. Brown, grandfather of Clare Brown, a present member of Faith Church and lifelong member of Trinity. It was natural therefore to suppose that this would be the site of the new Church home. According to records the "considerable debate" must indeed have been just that, since it is written that some had a strong preference for a location on Manor Road and Forest Avenue. According to off-the-record recollections, Rev. Scudder had purchased the property at Manor and Forest, known as the "Raymond Place property", considering it a good site for a Church.
On July 11, 1911, ground was broken for the new building and the cornerstone was laid on November 12th.
Quoting a letter under the heading of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Subscription Committee, and dated March 12, 1912:
"The Building Committee appointed by the Quarterly Conference, which is the official body having authority in such matters, spent several months in studying plans, finally selecting and recommending the plan which was adopted and is now being followed. The work of construction is well advanced and is progressing favorably.
"The cost of the building completed and furnished is estimated at about $52,000, which is a fairly large undertaking for a congregation of our size and strength, but it was felt that we could not, with proper regard for our present and future needs, do with anything less.
"The Church when completed will be most pleasing in appearance, perfectly satisfactory from a utilitarian point of view, and will compare favorably with a large majority of church edifices on Staten Island.
"Our people generally have responded nobly to the call for subscriptions and we now have in cash, subscriptions and other assets about $35,000."
It might be interesting to list at this point the names of the Church Officials in 1912. To them must no doubt go much of the credit for the difficult task of planning a new Church building, raising the necessary funds, and carring these plans to successful fruition.
CHURCH OFFICIALS--1912
Pastor
Rev. C.E. Scudder, B.D.
Local Preacher
Robert G. Bancker
TRUSTEES STEWARDS
F.L. Hillyer, President H.V. Bamber Benedict Parker
Jas. A. Hillyer A.C. Hillyer E.W. Durkin Mark W. Allen
C.W. Kennedy John Crawford R.Y. Beach Ephrain Smith
W.A. Gibson A.S. Hillyer A.E. Gibson A. Burnside
B.F.Else Geo. W. Pero George Wade E.T. Bamber
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Fred L. Hillyer, Chairman
H.V. Bamber, Secretary
A.E. Gibson, Treasurer
B.E. Elms R.Y. Beach E.W.Durkin
A.S. Hillyer Wm. A. Gibson John Crawford
According to Leng and Davis, "Staten Island and It's People", special mention seems to be due to James Hillyer.
"The fire of 1909 was disastrous in many ways but out of it came the splendid new Church on Delafield Avenue, corner of Elizabeth Street, with perhaps the largest Methodist congregation on Staten Island. A contributor to its success was the late James A. Hillyer who served the Church as treasurer for fifty years and lived to be ninety-three years of age; his amiable character requires special mention."
Among the archives dealing with this very important period in the life of Trinity Church is a pamphlet with detailed drawings of the floor plan of the new building and a description, which follows:
"The auditorium will have a seating capacity of 362 (including 90 in two small galleries), but by raising a large partition or curtain separating it from the Sunday School Room, it can be expanded so as to accommodate about 700 people, all of whom will be within perfect hearing distance and vision of the speaker. By raising the sash between the main part of the Sunday School and the Primary Rooms and also opening the doors intervening between the main auditorium and the Prayer Meeting Room, the total capacity of the Auditorium can be brought up to about 940.
The Auditorium will be lighted by two large art glass windows fronting on Prospect Street and Elizabeth Street, and by a large art glass dome skylight over the centre. This skylight is situated within a beautiful lantern structure, which introduces the light and which is surmounted by a spire of suffient height to be seen from all directions for a considerable distance. When at night the Auditorium is lighted by artificial means, the light illuminates the lantern, which can be seen from all directions. A similar dome is over the Sunday School Room.
The most careful consideration has been given to the heating and ventilating system, which is expected to prove far superior to that existing in most churches.
The Sunday School Room will have a seating capacity of 425, so arranged that most of the classes will be separated by partitions or curtains and all thrown together when desired.
The Prayer Meeting Room, which will have a seating capacity of 75, adjoins the Primary Class Room of the Sunday School, and by opening the large accordion doors separating these two rooms, they may be used in conjunction, giving a seating capacity of about 170.
On the Gallery floor there will be a room for the Ladies' Aid Society, having a seating capacity of 80. This room is separated from the Sunday School gallery by sash, which can be raised, making this additional space available for Sunday School purposes if desired.
In the basement will be located a large Assembly Hall seating about 250 people, and Dining Room or Gymnasium, which will seat as many more. These two rooms will be separated by accordion doors which, when folded back, will make this space into one large room, which will accommodate about 500 people. Opening from the Dining Room will be a good-sized Kitchen with gas range, hot water heater, sinks, wash trays, china closets, etc.
There will also be in the basement a Wardrobe, a Check Room, a Ladies' Parlor, Pastor's Room, Choir Room, Boys' Club Room and modern Toilet Rooms.
The main entrance to the Auditorium will be on Prospect Street, and there will be a similar entrance on Elizabeth Street. From either of these entrances we will have access to the Sunday School Room as well as the main Auditorium. The Prayer Meeting Room will be entered from the Foyer on the Elizabeth Street side. The main entrance to the basement will be at the corner of Prospect and Elizabeth Streets, but there will be two other entrances, one on the west side of the buildingand one on the north side.
According to given estimates the cost of the completed building will be $47,000; furnishings, $5,000."
From July 11, 1911, when the ground was first broken for the new Church, to the week starting November 10, 1912, when week-long dedication services were held, there must have been a beehive of activity at the corner of Prospect and Elizabeth Streets. Quoting Morrell Gibson once again:
"During the latter part of the construction of the Church, we lived at 178 Elizabeth Street. Coming home from services in the Firemen's Hall, we would stop and look over the progress being made. On one occasion we found the large pipes of the organ lying on horses on the sanctuary floor, so we tried to blow through them and get a sound--too big for our blow."
Both Mr. Gibson and Miss Marion Hillyer recall the first wedding held in the new Church on October 23, 1912 before it was completely finished and before the pews were in, uniting Cornelius Vanderbilt and Beatrice Frances Barlow.
The sermon on the morning of the opening service on November 10th was delivered by Rev. Oliver S. Baketel, D.D., Editor of the Methodist Year Book. In the afternoon, a Bible School Rally was held with special music by the Bible School and orchestra. The Epworth League met at 7, followed by an evening service with addresses by Rev. Baketel and Rev. D.B.F. Randolph.
Meetings were also held Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, which included an address by Benjamin F. Edsall, Leader of Newark Conference Delegation to General Conference, addresses by former pastors and neighboring pastors, and a "service in the interest of labor", addressed by Rev. William H. Morgan.
Sunday, November 17th, was the culmination of this busy and no doubt exciting and inspiring week. Bishop Robert McIntyre, D.D. delivered the dedication sermon, with the presentation of the building for dedication by F.L. Hillyer.
Rev. Scudder was well known for his talent for writing poetry. He wrote the words for a hymn, "Trinity Temple Hymn". It is not surprising therefore, that he penned the following poem for such an important occasion as the dedication of the Church:
A Sonnet to New Trinity
New Trinity, thou church of God, all hail!
A loyal people look for thee to hold
Within thy bosom all the treasures old,
Of bards and prophets, making thee prevail
In noble visions that unveil
The mighty hopes that 'long the ages rolled.
Within thy heart triumphantly unfold
Eternal forces that shall never fail.
Thy cry be not the ills of ancient days,
Thy villainy of nations long since dead,
But "inhumanity" in modern ways,
The greed and gayety in passion bred.
Thy creed to serve humanity, and bring
To unity in Christhood everything.
It is difficult when writing a history and depending so greatly on written records, to feel the pulse beat of the Church and its day to day existence. Records of meetings are impersonal and one must attempt to read between the lines and also attempt to tap the memories of those who may have been actually on the scene at the time.
Once Trinity was settled into its fine new home, it is natural to wonder how things went. Evidence in Official Board meetings point to a tight financial situation, with loans made quite frequently to pay bills, meet mortgage payments, furnish the new Church, etc.
In 1900 the pastor's salary was $133.30 per month. In 1906 it went up to $141.69 and in 1907 $166.67, a figure that continued for many years and into World War I.
In October 1914 a special celebration was held denoting the 75th anniversary of Trinity Church. Records of this occasion are sketchy, other than mention of the fact that there was a month-long celebration, during which time speakers included Dr. Jesse Hurlburt and Rev. Donohugh of the Conference in India. Of the joy of celebrating this anniversary in their new Church home, of the many plans and much work that went into this celebration, we can only guess.
Official Board minutes of March 17, 1915 read:
"Mr. Scudder stated that he had received a call to the pastorate of the Englewood Church and was strongly inclined to accept the same. After lengthy discussion the following resolution was adopted--Resolved--that a committee of five be appointed to represent to the District Superintendent that unless this Board can have reasonable assurance that we would be supplied with a suitable and satisfactory man in case of a change, this Board will make a decided protest against Mr. Scudder's removal.
Little more is included in minutes on this subject. Minutes of the May, 1915 meeting include as one of those present, Dr. R.M. Aylsworth, pastor. Rev. Robert Aylsworth, whose association with Trinity lasted only one year, was a white-haired widower, a snappy dresser and carried a swinging cane. "His head was bald and he had to wear a skull cap to protect his head from the cool air coming from the pipe organ." "I, Robert Marshall Aylsworth and my loving wife" was always liberally sprinkled in his sermons. He often talked over the heads of the congregation and had pet names for each of the Epworth Leaguers. Margaret (Perfetty) Gibson was called 'true Blue'. When they were packing to leave, the Epworth League arrived one night unexpectedly to help them pack books. He answered the door in overalls and was mortified!! It took him a good few minutes of joking to overcome his embarrassment." His sister kept house for him.
Reading through musty record books can be a dull pastime, but occasionally small items of interest pop up that are worthy of mention. In October of 1915, for instance, this small paragraph: "The Pastor stated that the Anti-Saloon League had requested permission to take charge of one of the Church services and retain the collection for their work. Moved and carried that the Board reply officially to the request that, while we are in full sympathy with the movement, our financial situation is such that we feel obliged to refuse the request at the present time."
In March of 1916 there was an item to bring tears to the eyes of the budget-conscious housewife of 1976: "The committee appointed to confer with the ladies with reference to the banquet, reported that the ladies were willing to give the Banquet at $.50 per plate."
In April 1917, Rev. W.E. Neff became Pastor of Trinity. On the first morning of his pastorate, he met in the Prayer Room with the Sunday School and said, "I suppose you are wondering whether you are going to like me and whether I am going to like you." There began a truly fine relationship. His wife was a dear person and very helpful to him. They had a son, Herbert.
Up to this time, the parsonage was still located on Richmond Terrace. Considering the location to be inconvenient, a search was instituted for a more conveniently located home for the Pastor and his family. However, it wasn't until two years later, during which time the Richmond Terrace property was sold, that a new parsonage was found and purchased. Referred to in minutes as the Koch property, it was located immediately next door to the present parsonage on Delafield Avenue and purchased for the sum of $5,700. Here again is an instance where minutes of meetings are all too sketchy. The sale of the Richmond Terrace property and purchase of the Koch property must certainly have been of consuming interest to not only the Church Officials but also the general membership. We can only guess at the work that went into these projests and the variety of feelings and opinions that must inevitably have engendered in the resolution of this large undertaking.
In the meantime, World War I had started. The very first reference to the fact that a Men's Bible Class was in existence at Trinity appeared in records from February, 1917, when this Class stated their desire to erect a flag pole on the Church property and "have our country's flag flying every day."
In a public-spirited attempt to help the war effort and its attendant food shortage, at an Official Board Meeting a motion wass carried that "a night letter be sent to M. Hoover at Washington protesting against the use of food for products in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages."
One of the more insistent problems directly concerning the Church was the coal shortage. Many references are made to the difficulty in finding enough coal to heat the Church. At one point it was reported that "the Coal Administrator had stated that Churches would have to be served with coal after families, hospitals, etc. had been served." Through the efforts of Mr. Anthony Gilmour, a faithful church member and happily in the coal business, the Church managed to obtain a small but adequate supply of coal. A concerted effort was made to conserve fuel, including holding prayer meetings on Friday instead of Wednesday during the winter months.
Indicative of how greatly times have changed in a scant sixty years, in January of 1919, the Official Board sent a letter to our Senator in Albany voicing protest against bills legalizing Sunday baseball and Sunday moving pictures.
In May of 1919 Rev. H.E. Curts became Pastor and served for one year. He was not particularly well liked, but instituted a program to help clear up the mortgage on the Church. He visited many businesses to get help and got very good pledges from local merchants who did not even belong to the Church. His wife was a flashy dresser who seldom spoke without first getting approval from the Pastor. She was very sweet and friendly and Rev. Curts liked her to dress well. He was a real hustler: a man's man. The Bible Class liked him very much. He was in his forties and had no children.
In May of 1920 a group of twenty-one men, accompanied by Benjamin Elms, President of the Bible Class, took a trip to Mt. Vernon where there was an active Bible Class, with the view of a general reorganization. This was the beginning of the military system and the formation of the Red, White and Blue Armies, and most certainly the beginning of a great change in the life of Trinity. Men flocked to the Bible Class each Sunday morning. According to one recollection: "If a man was on the street nine to nine-thirty on a Sunday morning, he was in danger of being shanghaied." Speakers included such famous men as William Jennings Bryan, Dr. S. Parks Cadman, Tom Noonan, Billy Sunday, Fiorello LaGuardia, H.V. Kaltenborn, Edwin Markham, Rev. Dan Poling, Borough President John Lynch, Sgt. Alvin York, to mention just a few. They marched in Flag Day Parades, formed their own orchestra, had a Minstrel show, held banquets, visited other Bible classes.
Attendance figures soared as there were turn-away crowds at some of their events. Figures show a Sunday School membership in 1922 of 1876, a figure including the Bible School membership, with an average attendance of 540. Figures stayed pretty much in that area, in 1928 reaching a high of 2,005 members and an average attendance of 775. Church membership in 1922 was 506 and in 1928 it was 761.
The figures are glowing, as are written and recollected reports of the activities of this Bible Class. Just when problems began to arise, is not evident in any written record. Some say there was concern about fire laws in overcrowding on Sunday mornings. Some seem to feet that the trend of the Class was away from its original intent as a Bible Class. There are probably as many different views on the problem as there are people who were there at the time. It was possible that it's very bigness constituted a "tiger-by-the-tail" type of situation. At any rate, in 1936, at which time Dr. G.W. Roesch was the pastor, the situation came to a head and the Class left the Church, to continue their activities at the Veteran Firemen's Hall on Castleton Avenue under the name of Everyman's Bible Class.
Found only recently in the effects of H.V. Bamber is a copy of a letter written at this time and detailing the grievances, part of which letter is as follows:
"Whereas, we have learned that certain individuals, formerly officers of the Trinity Men's Bible Class of this Church, have failed and refused to serve in their several capacities as such officials; have failed to perform the duties of their several offices, have actually abandoned their offices and official duties, have become organizers and officers of a new men's Bible Class, claiming the right to organize and operate same under the name and style of Trinity Men's Bible Class or Trinity Men's Bible Class of Staten Island, have organized and are actually operating such an organization under said name and serve as its officials and have expressly declared it to be their intention to continue so to do.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That we declare our deep regret for all of such occurrences and further expressly state that it is our sincere wish and desire that said officials abandon their said undertakings, immediately return to their places as officers and members of the Trinity Men's Bible Class of this Church and that they work together in harmony with the officers and members of this Church in advancing the cause of the Master and of the Church; and
That we protest against the use by the said individuals of the name Trinity Men's Bible Class or Trinity Men's Bible Class of Staten Island, or any like name, similar to the name of the bible class or this Church, said use of said name by said individuals tending to mislead and confuse the public, the members of this Church and its class as to the identity of the said new organization, that we declare said use of such name or names to be unauthorized, illegal and damaging, and we hereby make formal demand that said use be immediately discontinued; and
That we authorize and direct the continuance, without interruption of the work and services of the Trinity Men's Bible Class of this Church, according to the customs and practices of this Church and as heretofore followed and as the officials of the Church and class may determine and advise"
Rev. O.M. West served Trinity from 1921 to 1924. There is little of record for this particular period in the Church, and probing the memories of those who were there at the time has also proved unsuccessful.
In 1924 Rev. J.F. Bindenberger became pastor and stayed until 1928. Here we found a bit more in personal recollections. His household consisted of his wife, two sisters-in-law and a daughter, all of whom influenced him greatly. He was a very fine preacher. Rev. Bindenberger also served as pastor at Dickinson Church at a later date. It was at this time that the existing mortgage amounting to $650 was paid off, "made possible by gifts of Miss Alice Bodine and Benedict Parker, and a canvas of the membership." The ceremonial burning of the mortgage must have been a happy moment for Trinity Church.
While reading through volume after volume of minutes, one name appears so often that it seems not too unwise to deviate from a self-imposed rule and include in this history a eulogy found in the Board of Trustees minutes at the death of James A. Hillyer, dated May 5, 1925: Whereas, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, has removed from among us our beloved brother, James A. Hillyer, in the 94th year of his age, whose sacred memory we all revere; and while we bow in humble submission to the divine will, nonetheless we severely mourn the loss of a tried and true friend and faithful co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord; and Whereas his intimate and loving association with the members of this Board, and the wisdom and ability displayed by him in the promotion of all good caused, by counsel, service and material aid, will be held in grateful remembrance and sincere veneration; and Whereas it is meet and proper that we, the members of this Board of Trustees, should place on record an expression of our profound appreciation of his many admirable qualities of mind and heart, his uniform courtesy, charity and forbearance toward those with whom he labored in furthering the best interests of the Church and the community; and Whereas we deem it a privilege as well as a duty to recount some of the outstanding incidents in his career, to wit: he was a charter member of Trinity Church, which affiliation continued for 77 years, up to the time of his death; he served as Trustee for 66 years, and held the office of Church Treasurer for 61 years; he also took an active interest in Sunday School work as a teacher for nearly half a century, and held other positions of honor and trust, in all of which capacities he served with distinction and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned; and
Whereas, being of a retiring disposition, he never sought preferment, but was always ready to respond to the call of duty with becoming modesty, in whatever sphere of action his services were required; in all the relations of life he exemplified a spirit of genuine Christian stewardship and intense devotion to the cause he loved; and Whereas his chief desire, during his exceptionally long and useful life, was the promotion and extension of God's kingdom on earth, with an unwavering faith in his Lord and Master, supplemented by conscientious service which won for him the respect and confidence of those who knew him best; and Whereas it is most gratifying to know that, notwithstanding his extreme age, which exceeded the Biblical allotted span by almost a quarter-century, he retained his faculties to a remarkable degree until the end; it can be truthfully said of him that he was true to his Maker, true to his neighbor, and true to himself; his religion circled beautifully around the passage in the Sermon on the Mount known as the Golden Rule; in the language of the Great Apostle to the Gentiles he "had fought the good fight, he had finished the course, and had kept the faith."
Now therefore, be it resolved that this testimonial in commemoration of the noble life and character of a valiant Soldier of the Cross, whom we all delight to honor, and whose fragrant memory we shall ever cherish, be entered in the minutes of this meeting as an expression of our profound appreciation of his unfailing loyalty and zealous devotion to the greatest of all causes."
In 1928 when Rev. Knight and his small family, consisting of his wife and one daughter, came to Trinity, the parsonage on Delafield Avenue was considered too large and expensive and a house on West Raleigh Avenue at Broadway was purchased. Rev. Knight served Trinity two years and is remembered as being especially fine with young people.
Rev. C.C. Cain took the helm in 1930, serving three years. Rev. Cain, who died recently in his 90's, had five daughters. He loved children and initiated a children's sermon during Sunday Service.
When Dr. G.W. Roesch arrived in 1933 with his large family, it was necessary to purchase a larger home to accommodate them. At this time the Jenkins house at 582 Delafield Avenue was purchased and still serves as parsonage.
In 1937 Dr. Joseph M. Blessing became pastor of Trinity Church and enjoyed the longest tenure in Trinity's history, serving until 1952. It was during his pastorate, that Trinity celebrated its Centennial in November of 1939. This was marked by a week-long celebration which included a centennial dinner and reception for old and new members and former pastors. Rev. Neff was in attendance and also Rev. O.M. West. Rev. Russell Scudder, son of a former pastor was in attendance, as were Mrs. Mildred Knight, widow of a former pastor and Miss Ruth Cain, daughter of a former pastor. Also Rev. Everett Hallok, a former member of Trinity who subsequently became a District Superintendent.
A history such as this must lean heavily on whatever records are available. More important, however, is talking to people who were there, who remember bits and pieces of Trinity's past, people to whom their Church was the center of their lives. Our thanks must go to Margaret and Morrell Gibson, Abon and Carl Anderson, Marion Hillyer, Anna Grapes, Lila Allen, Tillie Bancker, Larry Hendrickson. It's futile to try to name all of those who were of help. There is such a danger of leaving someone out. So many names run through both the written history and the recollections of so many people. There were many societies in the Church, all of whom had their loyal workers. Besides the many committees concerned in the business of Ladies Aid Society, Epworth League, Junior League, Women's Foreign Missionary Society, Women's Christian Temperance Union, Young Women's Missionary Society, The Women's Home Missionary Society, Queen Esther-Standard Bearer Society, King's Heralds and the Men's Bible Class. Trying to list those whose names appear time and again would be a Herculean task, and the danger of inadvertently omitting even one dedicated worker is a very real one.
One very obvious fact emerges all through the written records. It's also there strongly between the lines and it's evident in talking to people who were there. Trinity Church was a Church of people--not a building, not dusty minutes, not just a case of "after considerable discussion". It was God's people working for something they loved and believed in, not always agreeing with each other, but caring enough about their Church and God's work to consume themselves in its daily life. It would indeed have been a bland existence had they all cared less. But they did care--enough to show a great diversity of opinion on a great variety of activities, to make of their Church a definite working part of God's world, a fine balance of work and play, agreement and disagreement, of making a strong Church of God's people, dedicated to a life of Christianity.
To quote from a sermon delivered by Dr. Blessing on the occasion of Trinity's centennial celebration: "We stand between the centuries. Behind us lies a century of life and work. There is a light that will guide us through the dark of the future. This light is an invincible faith.
"Faith is the force that empowers men to face the future with the will to win in the conquest of their ideals. Faith that is justified in factis grounded in historyand its realization is our destinySomething within tells the living Church that it will live on; that its achievements of yester-year are but preliminary works. The end is not yet. This is just the beginning.
"How different the Church is that possesses such a faithIf our faith is as great as our sense of need, we don't ask questions, we go to work. We forge ahead. We trust in God and we succeed. No man ever trusted God in vain. No Church ever trusted God in vain and God has never let his people down. As we stand on the threshold of another century, may it be with this faith."
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