Memorial  Baptist Church

"To Know Christ and to Make Him Known"

• HISTORY OF THE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
   

• A TRAGIC CHRISTMAS
   

• ADDITIONAL CHURCH HISTORY
   

• PASTORS OF MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH

HISTORY OF THE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
INCLUDING THE FATAL CHRISTMAS NIGHT, DECEMBER 25, 1872

BY C. LEE BERRY

          The organization of the second Baptist (as it was then called) was effected through the influence of the proprietors of the Dodge Mills.  Jaysburg was at that time thickly populated with employees and to supply the demand for a school for the education of their children the Dodge Academy was built.  Not until E.B. Campbell removed from Pine Creek to become superintendent of the Dodge Mills; with his family and several employees, who had belonged to the Jersey Shore Baptist Church, was the need of a convenient place of worship felt.  Mr. Campbell was an unflagging worker in the Baptist cause and encouraged the movement to have a church established near the great industry over which he presided, so as to exercise a religious influence over the many people employed both on the mills and on the Susquehanna boom near by. 

          On July 30, 1869, eighteen members withdrew from the First Baptist Church of Williamsport for the purpose of organizing the Second Baptist Church, to be located in Newberry.  The building secured by the new organization was the two-storied frame structure located on the northeast corner of Boyd and Arch Streets, known as the Dodge Academy.  It was easily adapted to Church and Sunday School purposes.  Rev. T.O. Lincoln, D.D. having resigned the pastorate of the First Baptist Church April 25, 1869, and being without a charge, was sent to Newberry to build up the Baptist interest in that locality, by Peter Herdic, who was then the most enterprising and most public spirited of all our citizens.  He paid Dr. Lincoln $1,200.00 for his services for one year.  (It was Peter Herdic who in 1861 donated the lot on the northeast corner of Fourth and Elmira Streets on condition that it shall be used as the sight of a Baptist Church, otherwise it shall revert to his heirs.  On this plot the original First Baptist Church was built.  In 1892, the present chapel was erected.)

          On June 21, 1869, Rev. T.O. Lincoln asked for the letters of the following members of the First Baptist Church in order to organize a Baptist Church in the 7th Ward, known as the Second Baptist Church, such persons constituting the charter members of the new organization:  John G. Marvin, Sophia Marvin, William H. Russell, Elizabeth H. Russell, David Reed, Catherine Reed, Duncan Campbell, Marjorie Campbell, William E. Campbell, Sarah E. Campbell, Margaret Antes, Julia Holt, T.O. Lincoln, Jane B. Lincoln, U. Alice Lincoln, Mary Sutton, Catherine Baker, and Harriet Aurand.

          Although the new organization started under such favorable auspices, and prospered for awhile, yet the membership was comprised to such a large extent of a floating population who were financially weak, that they soon found themselves unable to support a pastor unaided, and Dr. Lincoln resigned July 26, 1871.  Rev. J.S. Miller, of Jersey Shore, was then called and served them for six months from December 10, 1871 when he resigned to take charge of the Washington Street Church in Williamsport.  Edward McMinn, then a theological student, and a brother of Mr. C.V.L. McMinn who was the Sunday School Superintendent for over twenty years, took charge of the pastorate from July 31, 1872, until October 12, of the same year, when he returned to his studies.  From that time until April 1, 1876, there was no permanent pastorate, the pulpit being occasionally supplies by theological students, visitors, and short-term probationers.

Re-dedication of the Church

          After the awful catastrophe which occurred on Christmas night 1872, which I will describe in another chapter, the Church was remodeled by Architect A.S. Wagner, and through the generosity and energy of F.B. Campbell, the new building became a model of beauty, symmetry, and comfort, admired by everyone of the many who visited it.  On June 29, 1873, it was re-dedicated as the “Memorial Baptist Church”, so called in honor of those who perished in the midst of their sacred work.

          An arrangement was made between the First Baptist Church of Williamsport and the General Association, whereby the two congregations, the Memorial and Washington Street, should be supplied by a permanent pastorate.  For this work, Rev. E.C. Houck, of Muncy, began April 1, 1876.  After Rev. Houck resigned, the church lapsed into irregular supplies for awhile and then preaching ceased altogether.  In 1886, L.B. Sprout, of Muncy, at a meeting of the Baptist Association, advised they ought to have a missionary whose business it would be to go around among the weak churches and aid them.  This was approved by the Association and Rev. S.G. Reading was offered this missionary work, which he accepted.  He was to take what the churches could give and the Association was to make up the balance.

          On April 1, 1887, Rev. Reading, acting under the control of the Association Missionary Committee, devoted three months of reviving an interest in this field.  He then became pastor of the Memorial and the Erie Avenue Church, jointly, for two years, when he was settled with the Erie Avenue Church alone.

          Rev. W.H. Clipman was called on September 25, 1888 to fill the pastorate on the Memorial Church.  On September 15, 1889, Rev. Clipman resigned his charge, but by a rising vote of the congregation his resignation was not accepted.  However, on December 1, 1889, he again presented his resignation which was finally accepted, when Rev. Clipman took charge of the Jersey Shore Baptist Church.

          On May 8, 1889, the following members presented a petition to the Courts of Lycoming County, praying for a charter:  Staunton George, I.T. Winner, C.V.L. McMinn, R.H. Bussler, F.B. Campbell, and W. Burkholder.  The charter was granted on June 2, 1890, signed by the following deacons:  Enoch Gamble, C.V.L. McMinn and William Harman.  During the month of December, the pulpit was supplied by students from Lewisburg University.

          On December 29, 1889, a call was given Rev. W.C.D. Bond, of the Big Sand Creek Church, West Virginia.  On January 28, 1890, he was received into the fellowship of the Memorial Church.  During the pastorate of Rev. Bond, the church was subject to great annoyance occasioned by the trains of the Reading Railroad, as every train seemed to be intent on making all possible noise with bell and whistle.  It was determined for the life of the church to have it removed to near the center of population and in a more quiet neighborhood, and since the majority of the new members lived north of the railroad.  On December 15, 1890, a meeting was called to take action on the purchase of a new site for the removal of the church.

          The church began to take on new life, therefore a lot was purchased from Mr. John J. Newcomer, on the corner of Depot and Elm Street (now West Third Street).  In 1891, a contract was made with H.E. Benedict to remove the old church from the site on Arch Street to the lot just purchased for the sum of $400.00, the Dodge Company allowing $500.00 for the original church lot.

          During this year, on November 1, 1891, Bond resigned the pastorate of the church.  On January 4, 1892, Rev. D.J. Williams accepted the pastorate of the church, and in April 1892 it was decided to have the building removed to the new site.

          When the time came for the moving of the building, which stood within a few feet of the railroad, the authorities refused to let the contractor cross.  They refused to let him touch their wires and threatened to run an engine through the church if it was put on the track.  Finally all other arguments failed, the contractor gave notice that he would run the church on the track and let it stand there until the company saw fit to let him pass the wires.  This brought about a compromise and trains were stopped at midnight one night for the short time it took to get the building across the track and restore the wires.  In those days, they regarded the moving of the church to its new location as a great feat.

          Soon after the location on the new site the membership increased and the preaching services became more regular.  Rev. Williams resigned August 29, 1893.  From this time and up to the time the members decided to build their new church the pulpit was supplied by the following ministers:  Rev. A.C. Cober, December 26, 1893 to July 28, 1896; Rev. T.C. Davis, August 19, 1896 to July 25, 1899; Rev. Francis Tuck, October 1, 1899 to October 5, 1902; Rev. S.G. Reading, October 5, 1902 to February 25, 1906; and Rev. Roger H. Williams, February 15, 1906 to September 29, 1914.

          During Rev. Williams’ pastorate, the old church became too cramped for the congregation and a new and more modern structure was contemplated.  Previous to this time, the church was discouraged under the burdens that had accumulated, but when summoned to do so the people arose to the call.  At a meeting of the church held April 28, 1908, it was decided to build a new church, therefore a committee was appointed to obtain plans and specifications for the new church, to be brought before the church at a future date subject to their approval. On June 3, 1908, the pastor appointed the following building committee:  H.G. Fessler, S.G. Reading, John E. Kiess, L. Burkholder, Sherman Hill, Edward Wolfe, and Rueben Bowers.  Several plans were submitted and finally on February 16, 1909 the plans of Architect Ritter were adopted.  In August 1909, the old church was again moved to the Kunkle (Herman Ault) property on Third Street.

Last Services in the Old Church

          On May 29, 1910, the last service was held in the Old Church, with Rev. Roger H. Williams, pastor, presiding.  It was a service of joy mixed with sadness, the severing of the ties which bound the congregation to the old building and the opening of a new, more modern and better equipped edifice.  The services to a few made events of which they had been a part pass before their eyes again, while to all they had a historical significance which made them most interesting.  The pastor said if it had been his intention to take a text for his final service in the old structure he would have chosen the 44th Psalm, first verse:  We have heard with our ears, O God, Our fathers have told us of the work thou hast done in days of old.  “Pioneer work,” he said, “is hard work.”  When the Pilgrim Fathers landed here and began their work, they were not working with any selfish purpose but for those who were to come after them, to build up a new nation.  They had the unselfish thought of future generations and we are that future generation for which they labored.  So those who did pioneer work in this city worked for the future just as we, in building the new church with more room, more modern equipment, and building for the future and for the future generations.  “This is the only church in the eleventh ward but it is the pioneer of the greater things that will come from it.”  It is not my purpose to speak longer because it is more fitting that in this our last service in the old church we should indulge in memories of the past and Mr. C.V.L. McMinn, who was superintendent of our Sunday School forty years ago, will tell of the early church, and Brother S.G. Reading, who formed the second organization, will tell you of the struggles of that day.  Mr. McMinn told how the project started in 1869, and of the calling of Rev. Lincoln, which I have told you of in the early part of this history.

The Sunday School

          In September 1869, the Sunday School was organized with William Russell as superintendent and seventeen teachers, among them Miss Marvin and Miss Imms.  The School grew and became a very interesting one.  I entered this school as an active worker in 1870 and shortly afterwards succeeded Mr. Russell as superintendent, remaining such for 21 years.  The school grew, although it was hard work and we met with many difficulties and made many sacrifices to keep it alive and make it a success.  But God took care of us, children came to know Him and parents came to love Him and His service.  God was with us and that is the secret of the success of the work.  He spoke of the fatal Christmas night and of the school closing but on Sunday after the accident.  At this time an offer was made by Washington Camp #222, P.O.S. of A. to have the use of their lodge rooms in the Ault building (now the Kunkle) for their Sunday School.  For their kindness in granting the use of their hall it was decided to give a gavel and gavel block as a memento.  The stone secured from the famous vein of black marble controlled by Hope Hepburn, a grandson of the first judge of Lycoming County.

          The next interesting event was the change of the school to a mission of the first church.  At our request, the First Church took us in charge and we were no longer an independent church.  When the school became a mission, George S. Bauges became its head and the officers and teachers came up here faithfully and the school was carried along successfully.  Its membership varied from 125 to 225 during my superintendency.

          Rev. S.G. Reading followed Mr. McMinn.  He told about coming here in 1887 as a missionary, and of the work that he had done.  He asked all those present who had helped to organize the church in 1887 to rise, and nine persons arose.  Among other things, Rev. Reading said that the greatest thing that has been accomplished in this church is that men and women have been to Christ.  These are the people who have made it possible for the church to go on.  “May God Bless you and make this a glorious church.”

Dedication of the New Church

          The first service in the new church was held Sunday, June 5, 1910.  This was also the beginning of a week of consecration, the program for which was as follows:

          The new Church is valued at $40,000.00 a large part of which was donated in the way of work on the structure by members and friends of the congregation.  At the dedication service, at which Rev. J.D. Harris, president of Bucknell University, officiated, about $13,000.00 was subscribed and nearly all of the balance needed to pay off the indebtedness was raised at the special services held during the week, in which the pastors of all the Newberry Churches had a part.  The Remarkable work performed by Rev. Roger H. Williams, the pastor, in building up the church and bringing it to its present prosperous condition is one of the interesting stories which have been brought out since the congregation moved into its new home.  Less than eight years ago, when a former pastor resigned, the congregation was badly disorganized, and the retiring pastor recommended its disbandment, Missionary aid was refused the little congregation, but the members clung together and went ahead with their work.  They pushed on with such enthusiasm and energy that the church took on new life, the congregation increased in membership, and a year ago the work of building the new church began.

          Rev. Williams resigned the pastorate of the church September 29, 1914.  From that date to the present day the pulpit was filled by the following ministers:  Rev. D.E. Carman, December 2, 1914 to August 28, 1918; Rev. A.A. Cober, September 3, 1918 to June 6, 1923; Rev. E.R. Williams, November 28, 1923 to November 5, 1936, when he exchanged pulpits with our present minister, Rev. Noah Fehl, who preached his first sermon November 8, 1936.  -It will be noted that the church had been supplied with three ministers by the same name:  the Rev.’s D.J., R.H., and E.R. Williams.

Church Clerk

          The first church clerk was Mrs. Mary S. Caldwell, a charter member from May 18, 1887 to September 2, 1890;

R.H. Bussler, September 2, 1890 to September 1, 1891;

B.W. Saterlee, September 1, 1891 to May 30, 1893;

W.T. East, May 30, 1893 to June 13, 1893;

C.A. Fisher, November 28, 1893 to March 30, 1894;

H.A. Hetner, April 27, 1894 to September 3, 1895;

Katherine E. Mayers, September 3, 1895 to January 26, 1897;

Blanche F. Campbell, January 26, 1897 to September 5, 1899;

H.W. Waltz, September 5, 1899 to September 2, 1902;

Howard Fisher, September 2, 1902 to September 5, 1904;

W.A. Winner, September 5, 1904 to ---?

          The following list constitutes the charter members of the Memorial Baptist Church:

Mrs. Mary S. Caldwell; E.B. Campbell, Jr.; Mrs. E.B. Campbell; C.V.L. McMinn; Mrs. Clara V. McMinn; Fred S. Bushy; Mrs. R.A. Bushy; Mrs. Sally Reighard; Mrs. Sarah E. Campbell; B.W. Saterlee; Mrs. Edna Saterlee; Mrs. Mary A. Hartman; Mrs. Lizzie Gehret; Jac. Fenstermacher; Mrs. Isabel Huyck; Mrs. Nancy J. Bennett; Mrs. Anna Fessler; Mrs. Annie Rauck; Mrs. Emma Huyck; William Harman; Henry Hughes; Mrs. Henry Hughes, and Mrs. Ella Fox.

          My friends, I have given you a concise history of your church; I have endeavored to explain the hardships you have endured, and will close with these last four words.

          When Abraham Lincoln, worn with that terrible four-year struggle which he saw drawing to a close as he was inaugurated the second time for the presidency of the United States, turned his thoughts in almost his last public words towards the same light of international peace, he said in words of tenderness and pity:

“Let us strive on.”

 MEMO:

          Continuing the names of pastors who followed after Rev. Noah Fell were as follows:

Rev. Noah Fell, 1936 to 1948

Rev. Harold Peterson, 1948 to February 1964

Rev. Chas. H. Manning, April 1964 to ---?

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          Expanding the information as shown in the attached record of “A TRAGIC CHRISTMAS” the following pertinent information is shown indicating to what extent the relatives of George M. Dieffenbach were involved in the accident.

          I am thankful to state that, according to all accounts, none of the above was injured.  It will be further noted that George Dutt (of whom I was named after) has been previously mentioned as being one of a committee appointed to secure a Christmas tree for the occasion, he also served as a witness at the inquest.  Mr. Michael Dutt had just recently moved his family from Cammal, PA (Pine Creek Territory) to work Dodge Mills.

          On December 20, 1872, soon after the election of C.V.L. McMinn as superintendent of the Sunday School of the Second Baptist Church, located on Arch Street at the Reading Railroad, the officers and members of the school voted to hold a Christmas tree party, and a committee was appointed to secure a tree.  George Dutt, Jesse Kemply, Salvadore Sutton, and Elijah Campbell were sent out and the tree soon arrived at the church.  After some practice all was in readiness for the event and it was decided to have the exercises in the Sunday School room on the second floor of the building.  Wednesday night found the room crowded with men, women, and children, as no unusual event was being held in the town.  It was at 8:20 o’clock when all was enjoyment and everyone was apparently happy.

          Suddenly a hush; A Crackling was heard; In scarcely a moment the building was crushed and the vast audience precipitated into the wreckage on the floor below.

          The Gazette and Bulletin of that time gave this account of the tragedy;  “When the crash came there went up a wail of mangled humanity that caused the blood of all to fairly curdle.  Children wildly shrieking for their parents, groans of wounded and dying filling the air with lamentation and distress.  Hurry and confusion was everywhere as all persons available began to care for the wounded, and were using every possible effort to rescue the living from the mangled mass.  The news was sent broadcast and crowds collected.  The oil lamp of the edifice had kindled a fire that bid fair to destroy all in a general conflagration.  Several times the church was on fire, but providentially the flames could be reached and were speedily extinguished.  And here transpired a scene that neither tongue nor pen can portray.  Around the ruins was gathered an excited throng, and as the living and dead were dragged from the ruins, the piercing groans of the wounded, the heart rending exclamations of relatives and friends, went a thrill of horror to the very souls of those who had gathered around the living sepulcher.  Many within who were able to reach a window, burst the glass and leaped to the ground, a distance of fifteen feet.  An eye witness describing the crash stated that it came without a moments warning; there was a peculiar tremor – a quivering of the timbers – a fearful crash like the falling of trees and the breaking of limbs, and in a moment the entire audience were forced toward the center of the building, in a funnel shape, or rather a long open trough, and precipitated to the floor below, at once crushing or smothering those who were immediately in the center of the room or trough.

Sending for Aid

          As soon as possible, messengers were given the swiftest horses and were dispatched for aid, and it was not long until not only the physicians but hundreds of others arrived to minister to the needy, and render such aid and comfort as will not soon be forgotten by the suffering and bereaved.  Messengers were also urged to go in haste to Jersey Shore and the Pine Creek region to notify friends and kindred of the calamity, as so many had but recently removed from the Pine Creek Community to work on the Dodge Mill.  E.B. Campbell, superintendent of the company, put forth every effort to give aid and contributed largely in every manner.

          Farmers brought their teams to transport the dead and injured.

          While these kind friends were using every means to comfort and help, another class, few in number however, were also on hand, and the bodies of the dead, dying, and suffering were not all removed from the building, before these vandals began their work of carrying off such valuables as came within their reach.

          While the fire was in progress word was dispatched to the volunteer Washington Fire Company, located on West Street, where No. 2 now is, the Company was holding their annual Christmas dance, therefore they did not arrive on the scene for several hours; fortunately they did not have to go into service, due to the heroic work done by Jno. Courson, William Harper and George Foster, who lived near the church, in keeping down the fire.

The Dead

          Anna S. McMinn, aged two years, daughter of the superintendent; Grace Seaman; Mrs. Margery Campbell; William Campbell; Mary Fisher of Selinsgrove, PA; William Shuman, Lizzie Baskins; Tillie Reeder; William Huyck, and Sarah Moffet.  Boyd Mahaffey and John Richey were on the lower floor when the crash came.  Those who were first upon the scene and assisted in the removal of the wounded and dead, trampled over these two bodies for at least an hour before it was discovered that they were lying dead near the entrance.  Mrs. J.R. Wilson was so badly burned that death came to her relief the following morning.

          The organist was singing this song:  “Think of Me Mother, When I’m Gone.”
          In a moment the soul of the singer had flown,
          While Charming the hearts of the listening throng,
          She went down to death in the midst of the song.

          The above words brought sad memories to all those who were present on this fated night for day, yea, for years to come, as it was this song Sarah Moffet had been singing at the organ, and the music as it stood on the rack after the disaster seemed prophetic.

The Injured

          Mrs. Thos. Ames, Mrs. Jno. Wilkinson, Miss Sechrist, Mrs. Maffit, Alice Fessler, Daniel Newcomer, Mrs. Abraham Berry (Mother of the writer), Reber Maffit, Howard Reeder, Lewis Reeder, Miss Baskin, Mrs. Jonathan Fisher, Mrs. E.B. Campbell, John Antes, Miss Thomas, Miss Tozer, Andrew Wentzel, Sadie Ramsey, Gertie Ramsey, James Toner, P. Mac. Fessler – scalp torn loose, George Snook, Carrie Bushy, Alice Newcomer, Emma Brown, Lew Hartman, William Houck, Miss Jacoby, Annie Shaw, Alice McBride, Sarah Waltz, Amanda Waltz, William Waltz, Lewis Cupp, Mr. And Mrs. C.V.L. McMinn, A.B. Case and R.S.Caldwell.

          There were many others who were slightly injured.

Coroner’s Inquest

          Thursday, December 27, 1872, Dr. William Goehrig, Coroner of Lycoming County, held an inquest on the bodies of those killed by the falling of the church.  The following jurors were empaneled:  J.L. Rauch, Foreman; George Reighard; Thomas Tozier; Stephen Ault; J. D. Huber; and R.H. Younkin. 

          After hearing the evidence of the following witnesses:  A.W. Hartman, George Tozier, and George Dutt, they gave the following verdict:  That death was caused by the floor and ceiling of the Baptist Church breaking down on the night of December 25, while holding a Christmas festival in the church.

A Coincidence

          At this time, my parents resided opposite the church.  A cousin, Rose Barnhart, was keeping company with my grandmother, while my mother and brother, Jeremiah, aged two years, were attending the exercises.  When the crash came, my cousin who was one of the first to hear it, immediately went to the church.  As I have stated, the rescuers were passing women and children through the windows.  When my brother was located, he was passed out a window and into the arms of my cousin who was directly in front of the window.  It was several minutes before she recognized who she had.

          My father was one of the first to summon aid.  He secured a horse from Jno. Gouldy and started for Williamsport.  Upon arriving at the office of Dr. Detwiler, he hurried in and stated his mission to the Doctor who had his team hitched to a sleigh and tied outside.  They ran out hurriedly and got in the sleigh and drove off.  In my father’s excitement, he forgot about his horse.  She roamed around town for a couple of days when she was finally restored to her owner.

          The following poem dedicated to those who “Answered the Trumpet Call” on this fated Christmas night is by the late Professor John Edward Williams.

ADDITIONAL HISTORY OF THE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH

          In 1922, the property on the northeast corner of West Third and Depot Streets was purchased as a parsonage.  When Rev. Noah Fehl’s children moved away, the large house was not needed and it was sold.  A parsonage on Funston Avenue was bought. 

          During the ministry of Rev. Harold I. Peterson, the “Faith Promise Program” for missions was instituted.  Many thousands of dollars have been given for the spread of the Gospel around the world through the sacrificial giving of the people of Memorial Baptist Church.

          A building fund for a new Christian Education Building was started in 1962.  Two years later on October 18, 1964, a groundbreaking ceremony was held.  Rev. Charles H. Manning led the people in planning and constructing the building.  The dedication service was held on April 17, 1966.  The Lord answered the prayers of His people.

          Pastor Manning, being called to a Church in Passaic, N.J., terminated his ministry at Memorial on Easter Sunday in 1969.  The Church called Rev. Richard C. Bailey who began his ministry on September 1, 1969.  A strong emphasis on the preaching of God’s Word and visitation evangelism has strengthened the Church.  After much prayer and teaching from God’s Word, the congregation voted on January 6, 1971 to withdraw from the American Baptist Convention.

          The mortgage on the new building was reduced to approximately $22,000 as of November 1972.  The evaluation of all the Church properties according to a 1972 insurance appraisal is $850,000.  In 1972, $40,000 was given toward the support of over forty missionaries around the world.  Also, in 1972, the Church had a membership of 705 persons striving for the salvation of souls, the training of Christian character and the extension of Christ’s Kingdom throughout the world.

PASTORS OF MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
SINCE THE MINISTRY BEGAN IN 1869