va~».M 4. &. Zjt. afcOUYEHlg^ 5^ -or- Special Services, Sermons, Statistics, etc., in celebration of ten years AS PASTOR AND PEOPLE. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. F. W. E. PESCHAU, D D., Pastor. February 28th, March 2d, 1892. "Hitherto the L.ord hath helped us." MARCH 1ST, 1882, MARCH 1ST, 1892. WILMINGTON, N. C. or Special Services, Sermons, - Statistics, etc., in celebration of ten years AS PA5TOR AND PEOPLE. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Charch, Rev. F. W. E. PESCHAU, D D., Pastor. February 28th, March 2d, 1892. * 'Hitherto the Lord h*a,ih helped us." March 1st, 1 882, March 1st, 1892, wilmington, n. c. y........ . • ■r? y. ■«?;:. ;■>;■♦ ■'■■■■■ :■*.:& ■ ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH © o* ^^S^-S^jS^^eesey© &#Ov OOOSSfva0-g^?N St Of: 8. &U~*a Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/souvenirofspeciaOOstpa PASTOR AND PEOPLE FOR TEN YEARS. Sermon by Rev. Dr. F. W. E. Peschau, Pastor. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church has been admired by many who have visited it or worshipped in it, in years gone fcy, but since the grand fresco work was finished about a year ago, the elegant new chandeliers se- cured and other improvements made, it has become, indeed, a charming church. The fine decorations that were ar- ranged on Saturday around the altar and pulpit and side walls added addi- tional beauty and made it present an unusually fine appearance, everything haying been done in such good taste and in a manner suitable for church purposes. Despite the uncomfortable and threat- ening weather all the services on Sun- day were unusually well attended. The congregation that assembled in the German services in the morning was an unusually large German congrega- tion. The Sunday School quite filled the church in the afternoon, and at night the church was again filled by a large congregation. The sermons of Dr. Peschau, the zealous pastor, the singing-, and the services of the day were all made to conform to the idea of gratitude to God, for blessings received and success achieved in ien years of life and labors as pastor and people. The text of Dr.Peschau's evening dis- course was Psalm lxxviii, 4-7. After an appropriate introduction the three principal points referred to and dis- cussed were: I. The church work of the United States the last ten years and especially the work and growth of the Evangeli- cal Lutheran Church in our great coun- try. II. The church work and life of the various churches in Wilmington in the past ten years. III. The work of St. Paul's Evangel- ical Lutheran Church in its material interests, in its pastoral and congrega- tional efforts and its spiritual life and growth. In discussing these points Dr. Pes* chau brought out these thoughts: I. It is a grand and wonderful thought and fact that the lite, energy and inter- est manifested everywhere in the com-* mercial and industrial interests of oar great land are likewise manifested in the life, growth and work of the church, and that the church in her various branches is trying to force her way to keep up with the movements of 5 the age. Where towns spring up, churches are built, where colonies are settled ministers go, and so the church increases her number of congregation?, chu-ches, ministers and members, as fast as she can and as well as she can, to keep up with the age and to reach all she can. It is especially gratifying to every Lutheran to see how wonderfully rapid our great Lutheran Church is growing, I remember when a boy that she stood upon the list of American Churches seventh or eighth in the list, and now she has grown to be the third Protes- tant Church of America She numbers in her four general bodies and forty- nine synods regularly organized 5,052 ministers, 6,559 churches, 8,427 congre- gations (and some of the congregations number 2,000 members) and 1,199,514 communicant members. Besides this there are independent congregations that number 18,096 members. Now to this number we can justly add the large Western body known as the "United Synod, " and which represents what is known in German theological and Church circles the "Prussian Union or United Church," whose members are mostly Lutheran. [There is less difference of doctrine and customs between them and us, than there is between the Cumberland Pres- byterians and the Presbyterians, and yet they a e all included inthe same statis- tics.] This body numbers 1,150 min- isters, 1,900 coogregatioos, 250,- 000 members, which, with the above would put und r the Lutheran banner of America the grand number of 6,202 ministers, 10,327 congregations and 1,477,610 communicant members, and to tais number we can easily add thousands upon thousands of Luther- ans who are living in country districts or towns where there are no Lutheran churches, and can safely say we have one million and a half Lutherans in the United States. So we are the third Protestant church in Amer- ica, only the Baptists and Methodists being ahead. T he property belonging to our va- rious churches is worth $34,218,234. II. Church work in Wilmington Church life and Church work in this city has undergone many changes in the past ten years. Nearly every one of the Churches has changed pastors. Let us take a glance at these various interests. Rev. Dr. Mendelsohn, the gifted and scholarly man of so many noble traits of character and an honor- ed friend, is still in charge of a flock of that people to whom we are both di- rectly and indirectly, under God, in- debted for our holy religion to a large part, and we all honor him. His flock has made steady progress in these years. Following in historical order we come to the Roman Catholic Church, which has secured a pipe organ and erected an elegant parsonage for its priest. Father Gross was in charge ten years ago, and he was suceeded by Rev Father Moore, both good men and doing a good work in their flocks. I have met them and have heard of their being in the houses of the poor, in hospitals, etc, doing the Lord's work. Next in order would come our Church, the mother Church of Pro- testantism, but it will be considered later. St. James Episcopal church was led by Rev. Dr. Watson, a noble, consecrated man of God, who has since been honored with another position and office. His life and labors in this city for so many years have done all churches good, as the settled ministry ever mu3t give power and influence to the pulpit and the church. St. James' church has made some fine improve- ments and additions, in its old historic building. St. John's Episcopal church was served by Rev. Dr. Patterson, who left early in 1882 and has had several excellent rectors. It has erected re* cently a fine two-story school house for parochial purposes. 8 St. Paul's Episcopal church was served by that genial, kind and pleas- ant rector,Rev. Mr. Ambler. It has had several changes. It has been much im- proved in appearance, both internally and externally. Rev. Dr. Wilson was pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Dr. Wilton was a man. He was a man in every sense of the word, physically, mentally and in spiritual life. He was scholarly, liberally-minded and conservative. His departure was a loss, not only to his church, but to our city. This church has made very wise and beautiful improvements in its interior and has started a fine mission. The Second Presbyterian bad as its pastor that kind-hearted, genial man, Rev. Dr. Payne, whom many still honor and love to this day. He was conservative, careful and faithful in every department, and worthy of all honor. This church has erected a handsome house of worship. Genial, gentle, loving and lovable Rev. Dr. Taylor was in charge of the First Baptist Church, and many will remember him with pleasure. This church has been much improved, a large pipe organ secured, parsonage purchased and an elegant addition is being built to the rear of the church for Sunday School and other purposes, much to the credit of my kind neigh- bor and friend, its earnest and able 9 pastor, Rev. Dr. Pritchard. I believe they also started or assisted in starting the Brooklyn Baptist Church, Old Front Street Methodist Church, how well we can remember it, and how well the Disastrous fire on that fatal February Sunday that destroyed it. Kev. Mr. Wood, a kind-hearted, quiet, worthy and devoted minister, was in charge and shortly after my coming Rev. Dr. Yates, the most scholarly, most conservative and most able min- ister the Methodists have had here in these ten years, took charge. Very wisely this congregation changed location, and like the Luth- erans gave |ts church a name appro* priate for a church, and so lI Grace Church," graces one of our best streets. At the time of the fire we offered this congregation the use of our church or Luther Memorial Building, but our Jewish friends were one hour ahead of us. The minister that had charge of Fifth Street church, was that noble, energetic, popular friend Rev. Mr. Ricaud, whom our city honors and loves to this day, and whose son is our city mayor. The old frame church has given way to a beautiful new structure, which, with St. Mark's Lutheran church of Charlotte, we consider the two handsomest churches in North Carolina. Well do I remember the beginnings 10 of Bladen Street Church, and how I preached for Rev. Mr. Tuttle in a small one story grocery store to a little band of people, that now have a church of their own. Thus we see, dearly be- loved, that church work all over the city has gone forward, and surely this re-trospective view is eminently imer* esting. In closing this second view, I will not forget or overlook one, whose doctrines I do not understand, but who too has gone ahead in church work, and has made considerable improvements in his neat little church. I mean Elder King, I must express my admiration for him as a man, and for his pure Christian life. It affords me sincere pleasure to thus kindly refer to the various churches, pastors and people of our city and the good they are doing, for however, we may differ in doctrine, customs or opinions, we should ever recognize, honor and appreciate what is good in the lives and labors of others and bid them God speed in all that is good. And now, III. The work of our church. What has that been in these ten years? We shall consider material improvements, then the church and its work as a con- gregation, and lastly its spiritual life, which is the aim and the object of all congregational existence 11 We will see the marks of progress every where, and we find that we are one of the most compact, peaceful and har- monious, substantial and successful congregations not only in the city, but in the State. As we enter the vestibule we find a new matting, new ceiling, etc., as we enter the body of the church, we find a new carpet, new cushion coverings, finely and richly frescoed walls and ceiling, an elegant new regulator, thte gift of the confirmation class, of 1891, elegant new chandeliers, a baptismal font, the gift of Mr, and Mrs. A. D. Wessell, a new lecturn, a new altar ^ the gift of Mrs. F. W. Heyer and Mrs. H. Render, an altar Bible, the gift of Dr. and Mrs. Wright, a pulpit Bible, the gift of Messrs. C. and J. Schmidt, hymnal registers, the gift of Messrs. H. and L. Vollers, silver set for pulpit use, gift of Mrs. Laura Doescher, a new silk robe for the pastor, from the Dor- cas Society, plush mountings, gift of Mrs. A. Smith, hymnal board, gift of Mrs. H. Haar, Sr., an altar cloth, gift of Mrs. E. Schulken, etc. Then, too, we have our grand new organ, the handsomest in the city, and as sweet-toned as any in the State. Yea, we find that everything in the in- terior of the church is either new or has been made new, except the bell in the steeple. Tne Dorcas Society has 12 also kindly supplied our windows with wire screens. The parsonage interior has been much improved, rooms papered, gas jets put in, heater supplied, etc., and the outside painted. Elegant Luther Memorial Building has been erected and its interior sup- plied with a new organ, piano, chairs, etc., until it is ready for much and frequent use, and its rear rooms Equipped for school purposes. Our grand mission chapel has been erected and equipped and the lot on which it stands purchased. Besides this all we have furnished a room in the City Hospital, in quite an elegant manner. Surely, beloved, we have made progress, aod much progress by the help of God. In our church work too, we have gone forward. Our congregation num- bers now about 403 members. Our Sunday School 228, and our mission about 100. The societies of the church are each in good condition and doing a good work, and our parochial school is a success. The brethren who have served in the Council during these years are the following: Elders: H. B. filers, C. Schulken, Hx Haar, Sr., A. D, Wessell, H. Cron- enberg, J. Haar, Jr., L. Hansen. V6 Deacons — H. A. Glameyer, L. Vollers, M. Rathjen, J. D. H Klan- der, J. F. Rulfs, Sr„ J. D. Doescher, F, E Hashagen, M. Geo Tienken, F. W. Otmann, J. H. Render. Trustees— H. Vollers, C. F. Von Kampen, B H. J. Ahrens, J. W. Duls, A. Smith, W. H Strauss, M. J. Din gelhoef, E P. Bailey, Dr. S. P. \Vright. We have the same faithful sexton, Bro. J. Boecher, Sr. During the ten years, 171 have been, added by letter and 134 by confirma- tion to the communicant member- ship of the church or a total of 305. Besides this there have been added by baptism 190 children and 12 adults or 202, making the total additions number 507. I was surprised to find that we have a Lutheran population in this city of about 800 or about one-twelfth of the white population of Wilmington. Truly these facts are encouraging and gratifying. We have one young man studying for the ministry who will complete his course next year. Let all this bring us nearer to God, arouse us to holier lives, greater ac- tivity in the Master's cause, so that it can be said of St. Paul's, "She hath done what she could." MONDAY'S AND TUESDAY'S SERYICES. Dr. Peschau's services on Monday night were specially for the benefit of those who had been confirmed in this country, Germany, Scandinavia and other countries, by other ministers. The sermon was on the charming text I Samuel, xii, 7. "Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord, of the righteous acts of the Lord, which He did to you and to your fathers.' 7 The sermon Tuesday night was based on Galatians IV, 18, and was intended specially for those confirmed by Kev. Dr. Peschau in the last ten years. Thhsre are 134 of them and a good many were present. The sermon urged fidelity in keeping the holy promises made in confirma- tion's holy hour at the ahar of God's church. Earnest,active service for God, for the Church and for immortal souls was emphasized. Fidelity not of a spasmodic nature but constant un- swerving self-sacrificing and Christ-* like should characterize every member of Christ's flock. Willingness without coercion was what was wanted. Strength of character was needed mo^t when no pastor or parent could be near, many were good whilst their surround- ings were good, but alas when father or mother or pastor were not at hand they yielded to temptation. Be strong amidst and against temptations. This is done by firm adherence to principles 15 and active zeal for God and the Church,. In conclusion he related some touching incidents from his pastoral labors in the South and West. The anthems by the choir were unusually fine. Messrs. Unas. Biomme and Wm. Render, Misses E. Bissinger, Mamie Schulken and Mamie Stelljes sang with special earnestness and skill, "Come Holy Spirit." The Misses Stolter sang touchingly and superbly, u My Ran- somed Soul." At 4 o'clock this afternoon the previ- ously announced memorial services will be held in the Lutheran church. The services will be in English. The bright decorations have given way to the emblems of mourning, and as this is Ash Wednesday it is a doubly ap- propriate and significant service. An appropriate sermon will be preached, appropriate anthems sung and other interesting exercises held during the services. THE MEMORIAL SERVICES. Last of the Special Services by Br. Pesctiau. As was announced in Wednesday morning's Messenger the decorations around the altar of St. Pauls Evan- gelical Lutheran church had been changed from the bright cheerful colors of flowers, bouquets, etc., into the sombre shades that are expressive of mourning, The plan carried out was, per- haps, something new in the history of our city in this line. The pulpit was surmounted by a handsome and richly painted placard bearing the words "In Memorian," and from either end of this there was suspended a wreath of matchless beauty in memory of the dead members of the Church Council who died in active service, namely Mr. John Wm. Strauss and Mr. H. A. Glameyer. These elegant and rich looking gifts were presented by mem- bers of the Council and congregation and will this morning together with other wreaths be laid on the respec- tive graves of the dead. Underneath and to either side of this superb arrangement, other wreaths of pure white flowers with dark green mountings were placed or suspended so as to make the most systematic, strik- ing and suitable appearance. Pour of these were presented by the Sunday 17 School, in honor a^d memory of the scholars who had died, Leonora Wes- sell, Josephine Hohn, August Mohr and J. Louis Adrian. One was also presented in memorvof Mr. Matthews, a worker in the Mi; sion Sunday School, and still another in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Rusco, (nee Schaefer), ooce a faithful teacher in St. Paul's Sunday School. Besides these superb floral tributes, from members of the council, congregation, Sunday School and mis- sion, others had been sent in by friends, as a beautiful bouquet in memorv ofMr. P. W. Heyer, a star of violets in mem- ory of Mr. H. C. Prempt rt, a hand- some bouquet of mixed flowers, with tasty celluloid clasp and pendants, bearing emblems of immortality, in memory of Mr. E. Schulken, Sr , and a charming- pillow of violets in memory of the late beloved chief of the Mes- senger, Julius A. Bonitz, Across the altar front, as finishing piece, the finely pointed words u Our Dead," completed this charming picture of eight wreaths, with appropriate sur- roundings. It was one of the very finest arrangements of the kind we have ever seen, and reflects much credit on Mr. Jno. Haar, Jr., and Mr. Wm. Ren- der, whose work it was. The services were opened by an an- them, after which "I would not live alway," a hymn composed by Muhlen- berg, son of a once famous Lutheran minister, was sung. Rev. Dr. Peschau preached on Genesis, xxiii. J 9, giving an out- line of the history of the burial 18 and burial places of the dead, from the time of this remarkable and touching episode of the buying of the first burial place recorded in the world's history by Abraham for his wife Sarah. He preached of the sacredness of car- ing properly for the dead, who are out of our hands and beyond our control when God has called or taken the soul from the body. He spoke of the history and cus- tom of having places of burial, which become sacred because of their use, and by some churches are eyen consecrated, that their dead on whom they look with reverence may rest in holy ground, as for instance, the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Mora- vian, etc. The Germans beautifully called a grave yard "Gottes Acker, " i. e., God's Acre, and their idea is that the land thus set aside is for holy purposes only. The sacred regard, in cherishing the memory of the dead, was also referred to, as an old time and beautiful custom, and as one likely to follow the history of the world to the end of time. But all these views emphasize and give expression to the heart and souPs longings and desires, to see again these sainted ones, inherit the glory that charms them, and to look from the helplessness of the living who, too, shall rest in the grave, to the triumphs of the resurrection, and life immortal, in the world where there is no death and where there are no graves. The history of the graves in Mach- pelah are most eminently full of inter- 19 est, for it is claimed they are kept up to this day. Toe Prince of Wales once vieited them, but it is to us more pre- cious to know that the Prince of Peace, Prince of Life, Our Lord Jesus Christ, is interested in all the dear dead for whom he died oo the cross. This memorial service is a fitting close of our various gatherings. It is a picture of the closing of all the church's services on earth, as one by ooe we fall from out the membership into the grave to leave only our rame on the church records and friends to think and speak of us, and oh! how well when they can justly say 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.' Then, after referring to the dead of the past ten years, and how the graves of these dear ooes would ever bind *.he bereaved families to our city, where their dead are buried, the sermon was closed with the following lines: WHERE THERE ARE NO GRAVES. [By Roaa Evangeline Angel,] RECITATION. No death, no deatn, no graves to kneel and kiss, O heart, be still, and think awhil° on this; If thou stnlt gain that country ; thou shirt find No tears to dry, no broken hearts to bind. Thine ears shall never hear a sob nor sigh, Thy ]ip« shall soon forget the word "good-bv;" Thy h?tnd8 shall never feel the hand grow cold, Which, ah how vainly, thou didst strive to hold ! Thy feet which here have weary grown and slow, Shall gladly walk as ne'er they walked below; Thine eye* that here have grown so used to tears, Shall shine u^dimmed through all the long bright years. 20 Thy troubled heart that bore thy whole world's woe, And its own weakness mourned, i-hall never know One pang of sorrow; not one breath of care Shall scorch thy brow, nor sin oppress thee there. For hear, my heart, 'tis written— Oh, be glad, Ye sin*sick souls, ye sore-distreesed and sad — 'Tis written, thirst nor hunger shall they feel No pain nor sickness e'er again shall steal. Their perfect strength; the sun may never smite With deadly stroke, nor the black frost of night Fall on them, sleeping; they shall saMy dwell, And fear no evil; and oh, strange to tell, Oh, strange, sweet wonder, "God shall wipe away All tears, all tears." Oh heart, attend and say If ever in thy searching thou ha^t found Aught like to this, in all life's dreary round? No death, no death, no graves to kneel and kiss, — And what is heaven if it be not this? Notes About the Services, Etc. The services throughout the four days have been well attended. The choir has aided materially with its fine church music In the services. Miss Maggie W. Peschau, organist of the church, was kindly assisted in several instances by Miss Eliza Adrian, Letters of congratulation, compli- menting and congratulating both the pastor and the congregation on the event have come from various sources, among others from Rev. Dr. Horn of Charleston, President of the General Lutheran body of the South, who wrote that it was "honorable to both pastor and congregation." 21 Many of oar citizens, ministers and professional and business men, etc., have also offered kind congratulations. The Young People's Association of St. Pauls church not only presented its compliments but also gave its pastor a purse, a complete surprise. Members of the council also very much surprised Dr. Peschau, on Wed- nesday night, by presenting him a handsome ebony s:old headed cane. It was one of the most complete and un- expected surprises of his life. The officers of the church now are: Vice President- John Haar, Jr. . Secretary — H. Vollers. Treasurer — E, P. Bailey, The Council, as now composed, con- sists as follows: Elders— J. Haar, Jr , L. Hansen. Deacons— Jno. H. Render, P. W. Ortmann, F E. Hashagen, L. Vollers. Trustees— H. Vollers, A. Smith, J. D, H. Klander, E. P. Bailey, Dr. S. P. Wright, W. H. Strauss. Sunday School Superintendent— W. H. Strauss. The superintendent of St. Matthews Mission is Mr. C. W. Polvogt. With , next Sunday's services the eleventh year begins, A beautiful episode in the memorial services, was the bringing of a small bouquet of flowers by an orphan child, with the request that it be laid on the 22 grave of one of the dead Sunday School scholars together with the wreath given by the Sunday SchooL It was t ? ie child's own idea and work and tribute. Mrs. J. G. Voss, who died re- cently and whose funeral Rev. Dr, Peschau could not attend on account of sickness, was kindly referred to and spoken of in the course of the services, as having: been a quiet, humble and good Christian woman— a just tribute to a just person. Last night's services coaclude the special services as announced and Dr. Peschau enters upon his eleventh year with the best wiso of not only his con- gregation but of hosts of friends out* side, and particularly the Messenger. : "Come to the help of the Lord, against the mighty," we enter joyfully, hope- fully and prayerfully upon the duties of the promising future, with a kind heart and love for all. " Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love."