This year the Baptist Church of West Chester will celebrate its 175th Anniversary. A History Team, formed two years ago when the church engaged in a Soup to Nuts internal study, has continued to meet each week to pore over materials toward the aim of creating a record of our community of faith. The group started with only a paper by Blake Edwards as an outline. Nothing was in any kind of order. A pile of random papers that had been stuffed (literally) in a bank deposit box finally came to us. We located cartons of minutes, pictures, certificates, and notes that Dot Bates had done for the 150th (those notes based, as well, on what Blake had prepared earlier. After about a year of getting what we could find in the church building, three or four of us started going to the Historical Society and began having copies made of anything we thought would be of interest. These are mostly clippings from the Daily Local News that have been glued onto cardboard and contain most of our history, because years ago, even the annual meetings of the church were printed in the paper, as well as the service each week.

For every Sunday’s program since March of 2009, the team has produced notes on the BCWC’s history. Enjoy!

In 1830, the census said there were 1,244 persons living in West Chester. In 1832, the Central Union Association was organized in Chester County, and in 1833, when Chicago was just becoming a city, the Great Valley, Windsor, Goshen, Vincent, and Brandywine Baptist churches sent representatives to hold evangelistic meetings in the Courthouse in West Chester.

Six pastors preached three sermons a day for 20 days.  As a result, 19 people were baptized.  These 19 met in December 1833 and unanimously resolved to constitute the First Baptist Church. By January 1834, there was a membership of 24. Rev. T. C. Teasdale, one of the six who preached, became the first pastor, and continued to preach every day until February 1834. Fourteen more people were baptized.

When Rev. George I. Miles, also one of the original preachers, became pastor on January 1835, his salary was $300 per year.

Worship meetings were held in the courthouse ouse until April of that year, when opposition from some local people to the name “Baptist” and the use of the courthouse for religious purposes forced them to move.

The Church bought a lot on South Church Street between Market and Miner and built a meeting house at the cost of $1,764. The basement (ground floor) was finished later for $400. The deed for the property says the lot measured 50' x 150'. The building was 40' x 50'.

No regular worship meetings were held between April 1, 1835 and January, 1836 when the first sermon was preached in the new building.  By 1842, there were 155 members. The church was debt free with a balance of $4.15. The sexton received 37 cents a week. (This was the year the first Colt gun was made and the first gaslight was installed in an American hotel in Boston.)

Last week we ended with the news of the first church building on Church Street being occupied in 1836. At that time, 155 persons made up the membership.

In those days, the rules of behavior were very strict.  The following offenses could result in reprimand or dismissal from membership: stealing money, sexual relations out of wedlock, slander of character, deliberate lying to gain money, dancing in public dance halls, drinking alcohol, no financial support of the church, nonattendance of worship without just cause, neglect or improper performance of the duties of the office of deacon, and so forth.

When viewed as necessary, a special meeting was held, the offending person was called upon to explain his or her “unchristian” conduct, and on that basis, he or she could be reprimanded or dismissed from membership. The record shows that the person could be reinstated by repenting and making a public confession of a renewed desire to live a Christian life that honored God.

Most of those who were dismissed never returned to the fellowship.

(This was recorded in 1836, the year in which Arkansas became a state and the Battle of the Alamo was fought.)

Very interesting things were happening in the world and in our church in 1854: Commodore Perry negotiated the treaty with Japan, and Abraham Lincoln delivered his “Peoria Speech”, his first public denunciation of slavery.

The First Baptist Church of West Chester had so many members that they decided to build a larger church building, and bought the lot that our present building stands on today for $986.25.  Construction started immediately.

The pastor from 1854 to 1858 was Robert Lowry, who went on to write many well- known hymns. Included among these: Nothing But the Blood; Christ Arose; I Need Thee Every Hour; All the Way My Savior Leads Me; and We’re Marching to Zion. It is for him that Lowry Hall is named.

On July 4, the cornerstone-laying ceremony was to take place, but it was so hot, and as there was no shade, those gathered removed to the Courthouse.  Without modern communication, quite a number missed it.  There were a “reasonable number, so the speakers were listened to intently.”  The actual laying of the stone was done later, anyway, because the brick layers were not ready.

In last week’s notes, we reported that Robert Lowry was called to pastor our church in 1854 after he’d finished his pastoral studies at Lewisburg University (now Bucknell).  He was here for four years, and the church grew considerably.  When you read his biography, you will see that he was a wonderful musician, studied music and edited songbooks but he considered writing hymns his hobby.  He was a very charismatic Christian speaker, "able to paint pictures in the imagination with vivid descriptions." 

In a mix-up of details in the old histories, a Robert Lowry was also named the contractor for the construction of the church building.  Cindy Layton Falk did extensive research into that and found no other person residing in West Chester by that name and it would have been unlikely that someone from another town would have been hired.  It may be that the pastor of the time would have signed the contract, just as the chair of the Board of Trustees would now.

Some years ago, a mission team from our church went to Romania. Pastor Zoltan Vekas led us on a visit to a Gypsy church in Acas and, at the end of the service, the congregation sang Christ Arose, by Robert Lowry, in full voice and in Hungarian.  The Gypsy church was founded by the Satu Mare church.  We will sing Christ Arose on Easter morning, but you won't be required to sing it in Hungarian.  It is number 216 in our hymnal.

In an 1899 Centennial souvenir book he found online, Andrew McKnight located the listing for the then-residents of their Biddle Street house. Then, Alan Blackburn found an even older West Chester directory from 1857. Thanks to these gifts from the internet, the History Team can now present a more complete account of our church building.

On page 117 of the souvenir book, published by the Daily Local News in 1899, is the following about our building: "The contractor was Robert Lowry, a carpenter residing in West Chester.  Ground was broken on June 3rd, the cornerstone being laid, as we have stated, on July 4th, 1854.  By a singular coincidence the church extended a call soon after to Rev. Robert Lowry, who became the pastor on Oct. 1, 1854, and remained until Sept. 1, 1858.” Thus two men of the same name had a hand in building the church: “one the temporal church and the other the spiritual church."

The History Team had seen this account before, but couldn't find a trace of the carpenter because he was not listed in the census. That was until a Google Books search unearthed an 1857 directory of West Chester that states that in that year there were three Lowrys living in West Chester: “Rev. Robert Lowry, r. 42 S. High Street; Robert Lowry, Carpt., living on Washington St. between High and Walnut, and Wm. Lowry, Carpt., living on Worthington St. between Miner and Market."

Alan also found that William Lowry stayed in West Chester only four years, so he could have easily been missed by the census. Go to GoogleBooks.com and see what you can find.

Last week, the team met on Thursday and Friday mornings to try to get some order to the volumes of things we have found and need to review. We found a very old book which says, “Covenant, Articles of Union, by Laws,Rules of Order ofthe First Baptist Church at West Chester. 1843. The covenant reads:
    We, the undersigned, having all due knowledge of one another, and having, as we trust, experienced the grace of God in our hearts, agree now solemnly to give ourselves to one another in the bands of an holy Covenant according to the will of the Lord;
     And we agree;
     First; That we will love one another, as the Master hath given commandment.  For it is written, “A new commandment give I unto you, That ye love one another.”  And again, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
     Secondly; We agree to watch over each other for good; to admonish and warn, to counsel and reprove, as occasion may require, in the spirit of meekness and Christian tenderness and also to comfort and console, encourage and animate each other under very trying circumstance and every scene of affliction; and, in fine, to do all that our obligations as Christians bind us to perform towards each other.”

In the 1843 Covenant document we find the following…
Communion: The church shall commune statedly [read as “set down explicitly”] on the first Lord’s Day in March, May, July, September, November and January; every two months.

On 11th April 1836, it reads:
Resolved, that communion be held once every month.

The officers are listed as the Pastor, Deacons, Clerk, Treasurer, and Sexton.  The job descriptions for the first four are similar to ours but the sexton’s job was a little different. It was his duty to open, warm, light and cleanse the house of worship as often as circumstances might require; [to seat people, and especially strangers, when they entered the sanctuary for worship;] and to preserve order during the time of service.  (The last bit leaves you wondering what they were doing!

In the old Covenant and By-Law book, the History Team has found the following information:
     Between 1834 --when the church was established with 19 members -- and February of 1848, there are 11 pastors listed; none stayed longer than a year save for a Rev. Miles, who led the church from January, 1835 to April, 1838, and  the Rev. Thomas S. Griffith, who came on November 19, 1844, and died on May 17, 1846.
      There were four deacons elected for one year.  There were three trustees. Clerks were elected for two year terms.  There were six treasurers between 1833 and 1842 and five men served one year terms on the Committee of Finance though they were often re-elected.
     Nine sextons are listed between 1835 and 1848.  Being paid only 37 cents a week may have had something to do with that.
     There were five choristers.
      Five standing committees were in place in these years: Pastor and Deacons; Discipline, Finance, Poor Fund, Sinking Fund, and Collectors.  The Collectors were responsible for collecting rent for the pews and appraising the members to determine at what level they should be contributing.  If an individual was late in payments, he or she could be suspended from the membership.

It was very nice of the founders to put so much in writing.

The “Church Debt” on April 1, 1843 reads:
The lot purchased of O. Stover Esq.
50 ft. front on Church Street                                                             $400.00

The Building Committee contracted with Sam. Bard
to build the Meeting House for                                                                 $1665.00

The Cupola was also erected by him for                                                                              $100.00

The Basement Story was finished for
a Lecture Room by John Keech (a member); it cost                                                                              387.13

The Tower & Steeple erected in 1842; cost                                                              $575.00

The Gallery                                                                           ?

The Bell                                                                     $170.00

This lines telling us what the building cost are separate from the debt page. Unfortunately, the documents do not note of what materials the church was built nor are these items dated.

Total liabilities as of April 1, 1843: $1797.29.

In the old Covenant/By-law book, there is a section with a number of things noted under Finances:

10 November 1834. Resolved; That hereafter a collection shall be taken once in each Lord’s day, when the church shall meet for public worship, towards defraying the incidental expenses of the church. (5th August 1842 was published last week about the Board of Managers of the Home Mission Society constituting the Finance Committee.)
10th July 1845. Resolved; that the Finance committee be abolished.  The following were adopted at the same time, for the direction of the collectors:
1. That any increase of the expenditures of the church be referred to “a special  committee”.
2. The treasurer be authorized to pay salaries and bills.
3. The Collectors of the Sinking Fund were directed to ascertain the names of all  holding pews in any manner; also who are responsible to the church and to what amount, and who are holding under others; and to designate the pews in which each claim and interest; and report at the next stated meeting.
4. The Collectors were directed to meet and divide the complete list of members among themselves and to ascertain the amount which each will subscribe over and above the
 pew rents for which they are bound and their contributions to the Sinking fund; and report at the next stated meeting, and so continue until the estimates for the current year are fully met.

5. The Collectors were directed to collect all outstanding dues of the last year, ending April 1st and also the one-fourth of the pew-rents and subscriptions ascertained or to be made for the present year, and, after paying the same to the Treasurer as collected, to report at the next stated meeting.
6. Ordered; That, in future, the collectors proceed to collect the quarterly dues, either by pew-rent or subscription, as above, as soon as possible after the beginning of each quarter, and pay into the hands of the Treasurer, and report to the church the names of the contributors and the amounts paid, and also the names of those in default and the amounts due; and that after they have been waited upon for three months, and still refuse to subscribe or pay their dues, that a committee of no less than two members shall be appointed to wait upon those in default and report the grounds of their neglect or refusal.
7. Resolved; That upon failure to give satisfactory reasons for such neglect of refusal such members may be suspended for three months as for the sin of covetousness, after due notice and citation to answer before the Church; and if after that period they still remain obstinate and perverse in their neglect and refusal they shall be suspended for a further period, or excluded, as to the church shall seem just and proper.
8. The collectors should proceed as directed to procure subscriptions equal to the estimates for the current year.

9. If any collector appears negligent in the duties of the office, auditors shall be appointed to examine and report upon the accounts of such collector; and if the same prove unworthy of the confidence supposed, another shall forthwith be appointed to receive the papers and accounts and proceed to the discharge of the duties of that office.

From the Daily Local News July 24, 1916

     The annual picnic of the First Baptist Church and Sunday School was held at Lenape Park on the Brandywine.  In the group of merry-makers were Rev. Edward C. Kunkle and wife, this being their first picnic with the local church.
     During the afternoon, there was a varied programme of considerable interest and attracted much attention.  Some of the events were:
    running races for Junior and Intermediate boys and girls,
    flag races for girls,
    hop race for Intermediate girls,
    hoop race for Junior girls,
    shoe race for boys – won by Ralph Watson (Ralph’s dad), and David Barrett (who became a police officer.  Ralph, Jr. and David, Jr. ended up in the same class in school with Shirley Joseph and Diane Heald).
    hoop race for boys, and one for men,
    clothes-hanging contest for men,
    throwing a baseball – won by MRS. Albert Humpton,
    a tug-of-war for men, and a singing contest.
Supper was served at several long tables, the classes assembling by groups, and then ice cream was furnished to all.  The picnickers reached home about eight o’clock greatly pleased with the day’s outing.

Elsewhere in the world, World War 1 has started in Europe.

From newspaper articles: they had trouble with their grammar back then in the papers!

May, 9, 1851: “The undersigned respectfully notifies and requests all who have subscribed towers the new church edifice about to be erected by the first Baptist Church of West Chester, to pay to him their subscriptions, on or before Saturday, the 13th inst. May 9, 1851, F. M. FRAME, Treasurer.

“PROTRACTED MEETINGS. –The Baptist Congregation of this place, have been holding a series of meetings for the last week past.  We understand their effort have not been unsuccessful, as a number have made a profession of religion.” (1/27/1852)

“The Annual Sermon to the Young will be preached in the Baptist Church in West Chester, by the Pastor, next Sabbath evening, January 2, 1853.”

“The new Baptist Church of West Chester is progressing towards completion, and will be soon under roof.  This building will be a handsome and spacious structure.”  (10/3/1854)

“Rev. Mr. Lowry of the Baptist Church of West Chester, will deliver an address before the Notional Guards, and citizens generally, in the Court House, on the evening of the 22d.  Washington’s Farewell Address will be read by J. M. M’Veagh, Esq.” (2/13/1855)

“MISS PRESTON’S LECTURES on Physiology, will be continued every evening this week, after tonight, in the Baptist Church.  Admittance to ladies and gentlemen, 12½ cents each.” (10/5/1852)

From the newspaper:

“BAPTIST CHURCH – The Lecture room of the new Baptist Church of West Chester, will be opened for Divine Service on Sunday morning next.  Sermons will be preached in the morning
at 10½ o’clock and in the evening at 7, by ministering brethren from abroad. Collections will be taken up during the day to help defray the Church debt. When completed it will be decidedly the handsomest church edifice in the borough.” (1/2/1855)

12/24/1861 –during the Civil War: “The scholars of the sabbath school connected with the First Baptist Church, design sending a Box of Provisions and Clothing to the Hospital of the 97th Regiment, under Col. Guss. They were thankfully received.”

“BAPTIST AID SOCIETY.- In the early part of the present season the First Baptist Church of West Chester organized an aid society, with Mrs. Kittleman, pres., and Mrs. Jesse Phillips Treasurer. Up to the present time this society has clothed no less than 22 children, the obligation on the part of the recipients being that they shall attend Sabbath School. Such an aid society is quite a commendable auxiliary to have to any church.” (1/8/1875)

“The Ladies’ Fair. – This enterprise, held in the Court House, in June last, yielded a clear profit to the ladies of $380.00, which will be increased to over a hundred dollars more when the business of all the tables is settled. This sum is retained by the Sewing Circle for the furnishing of the new Baptist church, and cannot be expended till all the preparatory work is finished. It is estimated that $2000 will be necessary to complete the edifice.” (9/15/1885)

From the newspaper, July 8, 1856:

On the Fourth of July, the Sunday School connected with the Baptist Church made an excursion to the Paoli Battle Ground.  The day was spent pleasantly, and terminated without accident.  Speeches were made in the course of the day by Rev. Mr. Lowry, Rev. J. Phillips and John S. Bowen.  The company numbered about 250.  At the close of the festivities, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
  Resolved, That we hail the return of the natal day of our Republic, with gratitude to God for civil and religious freedom, and the hope that no foreign foe nor domestic recreant shall ever take from us the purchase of so much blood.
  Resolved, That we honor the memory of the noble patriots, who, on the Paoli Massacre Ground, gave up their lives in the procurement of the liberties which we now enjoy.
  Resolved, That our thanks be given to the West Chester Railroad Company for the tender of their cars; to the Superintendent of the Motive Power for the use of an engine; and to the Conductor and State Agent for their kind and gentlemanly attention on this occasion.

West Chester Baptist Sunday School
Sept. 26, 1858. – At a meeting of the teachers of the Sabbath School of the First Baptist Church of West Chester, the following resolutions were unanimously passed:
     WHEREAS, Rev. Robert Lowry, our beloved Pastor and superintendent, having been in our midst during the past four years is about to leave us, be it
      Resolved That his residence with us a Superintendent of our Sabbath School has been one of most eminent success.  He has placed our school in a position of prosperity never before equaled within our remembrance.  He has led many by the grace of God to give themselves to Jesus, who will ever bless his instrumentality.  He has instilled into the hearts of both teachers and scholars a desire for doing good, and receiving instruction which we sincerely hope may add many “stars to his crown and rejoicing.”

From April 4, 1865
ENTERTAINMENT
AT THE BAPTIST CHURCH, WEST CHESTER

B. Frazer and his daughter will give an entertainment at the First Baptist Church West Chester, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHTS, the 6th and 7th, wherein they will be lecturing and demonstrating the existence of various principles, showing forth the great importance of understanding the various laws of nature and what marvelous results may be obtained upon natural principles, by even those who have only a limited acquaintance with the fixed principles of nature.   They will also perform and expose the Davenport untying performance, and many more of the so called spiritual manifestations. [Note: Ira and William Davenport claimed to be “spirit mediums.” They conducted public séances and did a rope tying and untying demonstration that appeared quite magical but was debunked in exposes of the kind conducted at our church.]   They will also distribute, impartially, many useful articles among the audience. Look out for programmes.

From December 21, 1867
Lecture.- Mrs. A. H. Danforth, a returning missionary who, with her husband, has labored many years in India, will deliver a lecture in the Baptist Meeting House, on Saturday evening, Dec. 28th at 7 ½ o’clock, on the Manners, Customs and Indoor life of these interesting people. All are invited to attend.

Note from Diane Heald: the History Committee has found very little concerning the 1860s, but the history books tell us about the Civil War, people going West, slavery being outlawed in D. C. in 1863, and Lincoln being shot in 1865. Congress also imposed a tax on state bank notes forcing 700 banks to become national banks, thus bringing about uniform currency.

WEST CHESTER, PA., January 1st, 1877.

To the Members of the First Baptist Church.-

    Having tried for one year our present system of finances for the current expenses of this Church, we find the receipts to be only about $1500, while our expenses are fully $2000.

    The deficit during the past year has been made up by receipts from former pew rents, &c., which will now cease to come in, and leave a balance of $500 unprovided for. 

      In order to meet this balance it will be necessary for every member to do all they possibly can, but, at least, increase their subscription one-third.

     The system has been working admirably, and the method is just and equitable.  The subscriptions have been paid promptly, but there is not enough of it.

     Are you ready to subscribe one-third more than you did last year?  We hope you are, then the course of Christ can go on untrammeled.

    Signify your interest in the work by filling out the following blank and sending it this week to the Treasurer of the Finance Committee, Bro. E. G. Griffith.
                                                                               TRUSTEES

Copied with this is a receipt for pew rent for July 1 to Oct. 1, 1860,
for $1.25 for Miss Carrie Hickman, signed by Lizzie P. Zell

From Blake Edwards’ paper:
      In 1874, a difference in belief arose between the pastor, Rev. Alfred Harris, the deacons, and some other members of the congregation.  he underlying reasons for the division are not made clear in the record, but over a period of two years, the schism came to a head and erupted. The church minutes of Feb. 1874 record a special meeting which was called to help heal the division and attempt for reconciliation. Charges of almost total lack of co-operation from the deacons were leveled by Rev. Harris.  No one seemed willing to account for his own actions, or do anything about it. Every effort was made to prevent a split. 
     It could well be that the dissenters did not believe the truth of the scriptures was being preached.  they accused Rev. Harris of preaching the “Worral-Campbellite” doctrine [the central claim of which was the necessity of water baptism by immersion for salvation],” “lack of discipline, having open communion, having bad and unchristian exhibits of feelings at the Sacrament table, insulting remarks towards some of the deacons; a disregard for the feeling and prayers.”
       The church record of April 1, 1874 tells that every demand made by the dissenters had been met by the church, but to no avail. Forty four people requested letters of dismissal which were finally granted, but only after the dissenters had dropped all charges against the Church.
     They left to form the Berean Church, and built what is now the beautiful brick Second Presbyterian Church on 114 S. Walnut Street.
     The Berean Church disbanded in 1885 because of the loss of some of its most influential members and the lack of funds to operate. Ironically, most of the people came back to First Baptist Church.
     The Rev. Harris was the first pastor to stay 10 years.

Looking up the Campbellite doctrine on the WEB brought some interesting questions to mind.

• 1876 was the date of Custer’s Last stand at Little Bighorn, and when Colorado became a state. 
• In 1876 – 77 the Sioux War ended with the defeat of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
• In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone.  

July 19, 1878

During a program of awards for regular attendance, the following were included: “Little Soldier” recited by Henry Haden, four years old, “Don’t’ Whip Little Ben”, sung by little Morgan Eachus, and duet, entitled, “In the Gloaming”, sung by Helen and Maris Frame.  “A Chalk Talk,” by the pastor, Rev. Wm. Needham was very interesting.  His ready use of the crayon and application of the sketches to familiar everyday life afforded much amusement.

June 6, 1887
The Bible School of the Baptist church will have the review of the quarter lesson on Sunday morning, the 26th, at 10 A.M.  A number of prominent speakers will address the school accompanied by good singing and cornet.  The church will be handsomely decorated for the occasion.  The Bible School is in good working order, and it is the desire that parents will attend the meeting of the Bible School on the coming First-day which will be instructive and pleasing.

June 30, 1887
About 225 passengers were hauled by the stages from West Chester to Birmingham Park yesterday for a picnic.  They were children and friends of the Baptist Sunday School.

Oct. 3, 1887
On Sunday the hour for holding Sabbath School at the First Baptist Church was changed from nine o’clock in the morning to two o’clock in the afternoon.  At the opening a few remarks of an appropriate character were made by Prof. George M. Philips and Rev. William E. Needham.

Every year in November the Sunday School Anniversary was celebrated.  In 1875 it was written:

     The most memorable event in the history of our Sabbath School for the past year has been the resignation of Dr. James as Superintendent.  Taking hold of the school 15 years ago, with but 90 names on its rolls, and an average attendance of 40 or 50, he threw into it his whole energies and the full force of his Christian character, and by his efforts the school has grown to its present large proportion.
     The actual membership of the school at the present time is 348, distributed as follows: Adult school 42; Intermediate school, 166; Infant school 140.  The average attendance for the past year has been 204.
     Among the largest contributors being the Infant school, $29.44, and the following classes: Incense, Mr. E. G. Griffith, $17.34; Love, Miss Mary Kettleman $16.68, Adult Class, Our Pastor, $13.50; Ripe Grapes, Miss Ella Whitford, $9.95.  We have expended for our organ, $75.00; upon our library $149.54; upon our last anniversary, $26.10; upon our summer picnic, $40.99; upon our S. S. music, $27.65; for destitute Western S. S. $30.00; for our aid society, $10.00; for Ministerial Education Society, $20.00; and we have a balance in hands of $75.15.  During the past year there have been added to our library, 200 volumes of Standard Sabbath School Literature, the library now containing 700 volumes, and being in an excellent condition and under efficient management.
    Although God has, during the year, been very good to us, graciously sparing most of us, as we trust, for lives of usefulness in his service, yet death has not spared us altogether, and by taking from the youngest lambs of our flock, reminds us afresh of what we have been so often, often reminded that he is no respecter of age.
     On March 26th died Horace Miles, a member of our infant school.  He had been a most regular attendant of the school since he was three years of age, and would let nothing keep him from his place.  He was a most mature child, having the character and thought of a mature Christian rather than a babe of five years.  On June 9th died Hannie M. Baker, one of the youngest members of our infant school, being at her death three years and seven months. She was always anxious to come to Sabbath School, and saved up all of her pennies for the missionary collection.  After her death quite a sum was sent into the school which she saved during her last illness.

June 4, 1868. Another Soap-Bubble Party was given Thursday evening at the residence of Charles Burns, teacher in the First Baptist Church, E. Barnard street. About $8 were realized, which sum will go toward the building fund of the church.

June 18, 1870
THE BAPTIST FAIR.- Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, of last week, the First West Chester Baptist Church held their Fair at the Horticultural Hall, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, it proved an entire success, being largely patronized by our citizens.  An exciting election for a silver fire horn took place, being voted for by the friends of our respective fire companies; about a thousand votes were polled for the horn, and it was awarded to the “West Chester Fire Company.”  Fine flowers, strawberries and cream and good suppers, were the order of the day.

Sept. 7, 1886
  Ice Cream Festival.-Several classes of the First Baptist Church will hold an ice cream, peach and watermelon festival on Thursday afternoon and evening next, August 12th, at the Church Street Rink, the proceeds for the building fund of the church.  The public are cordially invited to attend.

From the Daily Local News, May 20, 1904
   The class in the First Baptist Sabbath School, of which Miss Clara Eachus is teacher, have undertaken to put a stained glass window in the church building and with that end in view will hold an ice cream festival to-morrow, which they advertise in the News.  They are taking orders for ice cream, to be delivered at homes to-morrow afternoon and evening.

January 30, 1866
BAPTISM – A protracted meeting has been going on at the Baptist church in this Borough, for some time, and on Sunday evening last, thirty-five persons were baptized in the faith by immersion.  The house was crowded and many persons could not obtain admission.

February 6, 1866
FIFTY-SIX persons were received into the Baptist Church of this Borough on Sunday morning last, by the Pastor, Rev. James Tricket.  The revival is still in progress.

February 13, 1866
THE PROGRESSIVE MEETING, at the Baptist Church, West Chester is still in progress.  Eleven were baptized on Sunday morning last.

February 27, 1866
BAPTISM - Seventeen persons were baptized in the Baptist church, West Chester, on Sunday morning last.  The protracted meeting still continues.

November 9, 1869
Mrs. Sarah A. Shepard, of Rockford, Ill. will Lecture on Temperance, in the Baptist Church, West Chester, on FRIDAY and SATURDAY EVENINGS, Nov. 12th and 13th, at 7½ o’clock.   Also, in M. E. Church on Sabbath afternoon, at 3½ o’clock.  The public is cordially invited to attend.

Feb.23, 1869
Rev. L. B. HUGHS, of the Grove Methodist Church, will Lecture on Temperance, in the Baptist Church, West Chester, on Tuesday evening, March 30, 1869.

August 25, 1869
TEMPERANCE MEETING - Rev. James A. Davidson, of Erie, will lecture on Temperance in the Baptist Church, West Chester, on Tuesday evening, September 28th, 1869 at 7 ½ o’clock.  All are cordially invited to attend.

In August 28, 1869 paper:

The Baptist Church of West Chester have recently erected an addition to their house of worship, in order to meet the increasing wants of their Sabbath School. The new room is beautifully and tastefully fitted up. It was erected especially for the use of the infant department, and all its arrangements are admirably adapted to the wants of the little ones. The lecture room of the church has been enlarged and remodeled, new and elegant seats with revolving backs have taken the place of the old ones.  The backs of the new seats are of ash and have been oiled, and present a very neat and attractive appearance. The school, which had been meeting in the main audience room of the church while the improvements were being made, last Sabbath afternoon reoccupied the lecture room. We were very much pleased with the light, cheerful and airy appearance of the room, and highly gratified with the order and system with which everything was conducted. The Superintendent, Dr. J. E. Jones is evidently the right man in the right place. The singing was spirited and excellent. Impressive dedicatory remarks were made by Rev. Mr. Trickett, Mr. Beckley, of Baltimore and the Superintendent.

In 1869 Nathan Bedford Forrest, Grand Wizard, ordered the Ku-
     Klux Klan to disband. 
Wyoming passes the first women’s suffrage law.
George Westinghouse patented the air brake.
The first intercollegiate football game was played between
     Rutgers and Princeton.

June 28, 1887 Daily Local News
     An Interesting Wedding -- Rev. Wm. E. Needham, pastor of the First Baptist Church of West Chester, was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Mansfield, of Brooklyn, on Thursday evening, 23rd inst. The Rev. Dr. Mason Gallagher, assisted by the groom’s Brother, Rev. Geo. C. Needham, performed the ceremony. The wedding was a very quiet affair, managed, however, with exquisite taste, and revealed the good taste of the groom and bride in their freedom from indulging in display and meaningless vanities. About fifty guests, relatives and friends of the lady and gentleman, met at the bride’s home in Marcy avenue. Your correspondent was also a privileged guest. The lady was given away by her cousin, the affable and princely merchant of Murray street, New York, Mr. John  Young, who fairly beamed with exquisite pleasure, and whose every smile bespoke the prayer of his honest heart, “Bless you, my children.” That Mr. And Mrs. Needham are deservedly popular with their friends was fully demonstrated in the magnificent display of beautiful and appropriate presents. Mrs. Needham is a tall, handsome brunette, of pure Celtic blood, in her 21st year. She is a lady of many accomplishments, chiefest of all her consecration to Christian work, thereby qualifying her as a meet companion to the worthy and zealous pastor. After the mystic ceremony ended, which made the devoted lovers man and wife, the hours were spent in hearty congratulations and social converse. The young friends gathered around the piano, while venerable sires and smiling matrons exchanged reminiscences of other days.
     Then the wedding supper and distribution of the wedding cake, after which bags of rice were showered upon the worshippers at Hymen’s altar, who, departing from there under such favorable auspices started on their honeymoon. Rev. and Mrs. Needham will spend some weeks between Lake George, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Old Point Comfort.  On their arrival at their home they will, no doubt, receive a generous welcome from the citizens of our borough, where Pastor Needham’s gifts, faithfulness in the ministry, modesty and self-abnegation are duly appreciated.

Note from History committee:
We included this because there are very few records of marriages in the articles we have read, and Rev. Mr. Needham was very popular, a dynamic speaker, did chalk talks, had the auto that the ladies sold rides in to raise money. Also, Rev. Needham was one of four brothers who came from Wales and all served the Lord as pastors and preachers. He was pastor here from Sept. 1885 to March 1889 and May 1900 to May 1907 – the only pastor to be called back.

August 27, 1886, Daily Local News
Hurried Glances at the Great Change Effected
by Hammer, Saw and Trowel
     The announcement that services will be held in the main room of the First Baptist church, of this place, on Sunday next is evidence that the extensive improvements there recently inaugurated are about completed.
     Thursday evening busy men and women were engaged therein pushing ahead the final work and the scene was an energetic one, in which the pastor, Rev. Mr. Needham, conspicuously figured. Carpenters were engaged in placing the handsome perforated chairs in amphitheatre position upon the main floor, which work as it progressed shaped the handsome room and made it grow in coziness and attractiveness as if some magic hand was employed in the undertaking.
     The pulpit, a neat and prettily designed one, is placed upon a slight semicircular elevation and the pastor is thereby brought in the midst of his people while teaching them the spirit of the Divine Word. A handsome chair for his comfort adorns the stand and the whole effect is very pretty.  We expect that heavy curtains are to be tastefully arranged back of the pulpit and across the lower part of the pool recess, which will greatly add to the beauty and home-like surroundings of the room. Unless this is done there will be a feature wanting which will be very apparent to the congregation. Over where the pulpit formerly stood a tastefully constructed gallery has been erected capable of comfortably seating 175 persons, while the one on the west side has been remodeled to conform to the general fine appearance of the room and will seat nearly 100 more.
     The whole floor of the main room is handsomely covered with Brussels carpet of a very pretty and serviceable pattern, while upon it are placed the easy chairs in such a manner as to impart a decidedly cheerful effect to the whole interior. The galleries are also carpeted in fine style, and in the building on the north and south sides, small windows for ventilating purposes have been made. The walls have been artistically painted, and nicely conform to the decorations of the ceiling and the profuse display of electric light jets renders the whole still more inviting. There are many additional means of ingress and egress, and in every feature the improvement is a credit not only to the people of that church but to the town.

     This hastily prepared description falls far short of doing justice to the great change now about to be completed to the structure, and what we have failed to notice we trust our readers will see and enjoy for themselves.

February 6, 1886, Daily Local News
The Architect.-The architect for the proposed new addition to the First Baptist of West Chester is Rev. Clarence Larkin, pastor of the Kennett Square Baptist Church, who was originally an architect by profession.

March 4, 1886, Daily Local News
Church to be Enlarged.-At the Wednesday evening meeting of the First Baptist Church of West Chester, plans were submitted for the proposed enlargement of the building.  The following is a brief detail of the change: there will be an addition built on the south side, extending about half the depth of the building. In this addition, on the second floor, it is proposed to place the pulpit, the baptistry and rooms for candidates to prepare for baptism and change their apparel after the ordinance has been administered, while on the first floor there will be a large parlor, which will be used for society meetings, and a studio for the pastor. The main auditorium will be plain but neat in finish, with individual seats. In the space now occupied by the pulpit and baptistery, a gallery will be erected in order to give balance to the one now in the front part of the church. There will be a pavement laid along the north side of the building to an entrance to be made on that side. The present stairways will also be made wider. The contemplated improvements will cost about $4000 and, when finished, will make the interior of the building very comfortable, with a seating capacity of 800. It is expected that the work will be begun in a very short time.

March 8, 1886, Daily Local News
Twenty-three hundred dollars have been subscribed for the enlargement of the First Baptist Church of West Chester.

June 24, 1886, Daily Local News
Progressing - The amount of the contributions for the improvement of the First Baptist Church of this borough has been swelled to the sum of $3200 and, on next Sunday, the Sunday school will add $500 more, thus making the total sum raised $3700.  The work is certainly progressing.

July 5, 1886
Church to be Dedicated - It has been definitely settled when the First Baptist Church of this borough will be opened and dedicated.  The opening will take place on Sunday, August 29, and the dedication will occur on the following Sunday, September 5th.  There will be number of prominent Baptist ministers present on these occations [sic] to address the congregations gathered at the time.

Excerpt from August 27, 1886
The following statement was made by Geo. W. Harian, of the Finance Committee:

A collection was taken up and that together with the Sunday School’s subscription Sunday and another collection taken on Sunday evening netted about $300.

History notes: From Daily Local News 1/6/1962
    This month, scenes are being shot “on location” in West Chester and Exton for “Too Rough to Go Slow”, a filmstrip being produced by the American Baptist Publication Society.  All actors in the story are people from the Baptist Church of West Chester, Exton Community Baptist and some help from the Rev. and Mrs. Anderson Porter and other members of the Second Presbyterian Church.  This is to promote nationally a new evening study and fellowship program, and is being shot entirely on location, choosing the cast from local churches.
    Some shots were taken in the lounge (the pastor’s office now), the sanctuary, some exterior scenes of the building, the home of Ralph Watson, Jr. and the Paper Box Company (Dan Facciolli’s company).
    “Too Rough to Go Slow” is scheduled for distribution in the spring.  It will be handled at the new American Baptist National Headquarters which opened officially this week at Valley Forge.  It will be used in American Baptist Churches in thirty seven states, including Hawaii and Alaska, and well as Puerto Rico.
    Actors from our Church were: 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eisenbise, the leads, Chester MacTavish, Diane Heald, Mary Loomis, Dan and Betty Facciolli, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Spiker, Marian Henry, Ernest Black, Mr. and Mrs. James Weeks, Janet Speer, Frank Thompson, Mrs. Irvin Allott, Robert Shrader, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Weaver, Dorothy Bates, Richard Hetherington, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Porter, and Rev. Ernest B. Bailey.   
    Some of the young people who were in the film were: Barbara Speer, Lee & Neal Spiker, Becky Pyle, Pam Weaver, Charles Keslick, Sally Hetherington, Sandy Rowe, Shelley Weeks, and Dick Baldwin.

Daily Local News, June 30, 1909
At the annual Sunday School picnic at Lenape Park there was
a good time had by all.  One of the things is listed is:
THE BASEBALL GAME
    For the first time in a good many years the single men’s baseball team was able to defeat the married men, but the youngsters put up a fast game, and ran away from the older fellows, whose joints are getting stiff, and they did not get limbered up until near the close of the contest, giving the victors a bad scare, for the latter were beginning to tire in the strife.  Evans pitched for the married men, while John Speer did the twirling for the youngsters.  Hipple secured a home run, as did also Sharpe, who tapped the ball when there were three runners on bases.  Altogether the game was an exciting and interesting one, and the many fine plays by both teams were liberally applauded by the girls who rooted for their favorites.

    A glance at the score below will tell how they did: Married men – 0, Singles – 14.
    There is also a picture on 10/10/1956 saying, “Tom Loomis, president of the Baptist Men’s Assn., West Chester, presented a trophy to Ed Lewis, manager of the church’s Church Softball League entry at banquet last night as the Rev. Robert G. Gordon looked on.
    On Feb. 5, 1958, there is a picture of Willie Jones, Phillie’s third baseman, signing a baseball for David Malick at the Baptist Church of West Chester Men’s Assn. Father and Son Night.  Looking on is David Ashton and his father, Ed, the program chairman; and “Zibe” Draper, president of the association.

Daily Local News, Feb. 23, 1957

Baptist members gathered in the church social room Saturday night to greet Dr. and Mrs. Lee M. Howard, recently returned from South India where Dr. Howard is a medical missionary.  In the receiving line were Rev. Robert Gordon, pastor of the church, and Mrs. Horace A. Pyle, who introduced the guests of honor.  The social was sponsored by the Forum Class.

The Howards are the recipients of a jeep station wagon, the gift of the Baptist Church of West Chester.  The Woman’s Association (nine circles) took the lead in the project.  Church school classes and other groups assisted.

Regan, son of Dr. and Mrs. Howard is pictured with the jeep, which will go first to Baltimore while the Howards are in this country for R & R, then be shipped to the Phillipines.

Daily Local News 11/10/1960
The semi-annual business meeting of the Baptist Church of West Chester was held Wednesday evening preceded by a congregational dinner arranged by Mrs. Harry Amsler’s circle of the Baptist Woman’s Association.

The meeting opened with a brief devotional service by the pastor, Rev. Ernest B. Bailey who chose as his topic, “God’s Call to Abraham.”  Rev. Harry L. Clouser offered prayer.

Howard W. Busch, church moderator presided at the business meeting and Mrs. Aaron Rhine was on duty as church clerk. 
As the chief item of business it was unanimously voted that the Board of Trustees of which Thomas C. Loomis is chairman, be authorized to purchase a new parsonage and to make necessary renovations to the present parsonage so that it may be completely usable as a Christian Education building.

As explained by Mr. Loomis, a fire escape will be added as required by law and the building may be used for added class rooms, church office, library, meetings for small groups, scouts, etc.  Mr. Loomis spoke of various repairs to the church property during the year, of the trustees’ visitation team under the leadership of Mrs. W. W. Menhennett, a member of the board, of the election of Richard I. Speer to fill the unexpired term of James W. Kearns who had asked to be relieved, and of the proposed every member canvass in the spring of 1961. 
Ralph B. Smith, Jr. was commended for his generosity in moving the furniture of Rev. and Mrs. (Faith) Bailey.  Earle B. Ashton chairman of the Board of Deacons spoke of the increased attendance at church, of a strong current of hope
and enthusiasm and of the complete approval of the board
for the proposed building program.

Mr. Busch expressed great pleasure in the increased attendance and in the warmth and friendliness of the membership.

Daily Local News 3/25/1950
The annual banquet of the Philathea Class of The Baptist Church was held, last evening, in the auditorium of the Y.M. C.A.  Forty members and guests were in attendance.

A delicious fried chicken supper was served by the auxiliary of the Y.M.C.A. under the direction of Mrs. Raymond A. Elliott. Members of the Tri-Hi-Y served in the dining room.

Mrs. Josephine Shaw, vice president of the class, presided.  Fair Gilchrist opened the exercises with singing “The Lord’s Prayer.”

After the dinner a duet was sung by Mary and Mabel Carpenter, accompanied by Virginia English.  A quartet, consisting of Grady Wann, Eddie Granite, Richard Hurlbrink and Fair Gilchrist, sang four numbers: “Memories”, “Salutation”, “Climb Up the Mountain”, Pass by Your Window” and a an encore, “Southern Memories”.

Daily Local News 4/13/1950
A silver wedding anniversary and the annual nomination of officers highlighted the April meeting of the Sunshine Class of the Baptist Church, Tuesday evening at the home of Mrs. Howard S. Wood, 315 Boot road, Mrs. Lucas was co-hostess.

As a token of esteem, the guest of honor, Mrs. Harry B. Dunn, was presented with some beautiful pieces of silver to add to her set.  She responded graciously and invited all present to celebrate with her and Mr. Dunn on Sunday afternoon at their home on Price street.

After the nominations were presented and reports were given, a motion was passed to contribute to Red Cross, Salvation Army, Cancer Fund and Camp Unami.

The class will serve a banquet on April 189 to one of the other classes, and on May 9 will hold its own banquet.

During the social hour delicious and colorful refreshments were served.  The dining room table was exquisitely arranged with tall lighted candles of blue and gold, flanking a center-piece of Easter bunnies in traditional poses on glistening green grass, which called forth exclamations of administration from all.