Evening journal., 1889-11-18
RAISING A CHUCH DEBT.
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS SUB
sCRlBED AT WEST CHURCH.
A Determined and Successful Effort TO
Liquidate "a Heavy Mortgage--Generous
subscriptions Made Cor worthy object.
How it Was Done.

The members and congregation Of
West Presbyterian Church celebrated the
eleventh anniversary of Rev A. N. keig-
wins psstorate, yesterday by subserib
ing over $40 600 towards the liquidation
of the church debt. The face OF the
popular pastor of tue church was
wreathed in smiles all yesterday after
noon and last evening and his people
shared his happiness. There were mutual
congratulations on all sides and gen
eral air of elation pervaded the whole
church and congregation.
The debt on West Church has been 3
worrying bugbear to its members for
years. II interfered with the work of
the church. and it's existence has ham
pered all the spiritual and temporal ef
forts of the people. IL amounts TO
$4,000 OF this amount $4,000 is
a bonded bebt in the shape
Of a mortgage The remaining 81, 900
is an accumulation of deficiencies in the
payments OF interest on the mortgage.
and the cost of the repairs to the church,
made during the past summer. Over
So 600 was subscribed yesterday morn
ing and over 81, 900 last evening The
entire amount is expected TO be raised
within few months.
West Church was erected IN 1871,
being dedicated on December % Of that
year. 1t was organized by members from
Central and Hanover Churches in 1869
The young congregation first worshiped
in the Monroe Street chapel, now tho
Reformed Episcopal Church Of the Re
deemer The cost Of West Church was
about $67 600. This amount was nearly
oil oftt.apafhaA hrtN fItu nnrfn ~ 1kV1
caused such a stringency of money that
a large amount of it could not be col
lected. About ten years ago the debt
Rev A. n. Keigwin was installed pastor
of the church on November 10, 1878, and
celebrated his tenth anniversary and the
twentieth anniversary of the Sunday
school last November.
The movement to pay of the debt Of
the church took shape during the last
two or three months A committee Of
twenty three. with Charles Baird as
chairman, was appointed to formulate a
plan to pay of the debt. The plans an
nOunced yesterday morning were the
result of the deliberations of this com
mittee
The morning service was opened with
the hymn Awake My Soul to Joyful
Lays" The pastor read as scripture
lesson the thirty fifth chapter of Exodus,
the account Of the offerings for the taher
nacle. The second hymn was with My
Substance | Win Honor My Redeemer
and Ny Lord MIR Keigwin based the
few remarks he made Oh Psalm 122. 6
They shall prosper that love Thee
After statement of the debt Mr..
Keigwin said that the current expenses
of the church. were met by the income.
The committee had books prepared in
which all persons who wished to sub.
scribe could write their names to a
pledge. Autographed certificates would
be issued to persons subscribing over 50
if they desired it, as a memorial The
money subscribed was to be paiC
within year. Mr.. Humphreys
the treasurer of the committe,
would receive all monies at his store No.
302 Market street. Payments could be
made weekly or monthly, as most con.
venient. Mr. Keigwin appealed for thank
offerings from persons who had been near
to death and recovered.
Messrs. Frank Sheppard and Robert
Baird were appointed clerks and took
seats at table in front Of the pulpit
-aAs AANAk VIII tAASA AuAACA lbI lAlN lllol SUI
scription. Charles Baird, president
of the Board of Education, superintend.
ent OF the Sunday school ever since It's
organization, an elder of the church and
one of its organizers, arose ana after q
few remarks said he would subscribe
| 81 600. His wife would subscribe 500.
his son Robert 800 and his daughter
Grace 800. The last was paid in cash.
4 Tnfg rr,aA aAn nv
Springer said he would give 5000 and w.
w. Crawford, $50; VI. D. Cros
san also gave $50 and John
| $50 for his wife. All Of these gentlemen
made brief speeches saying that they had
never felt previous subscriptions and
speaking of their interest in the welfare
of the church. Thomas Wood
up and said that he and his brother vii
lie would each give So
''This is interesting" said Mr.. Keig-
win. as John r. Hudson subscribed SI0l
for himself and $2J for each Of his thre,
children. DIR. Springer said he was au-
/ thorized by a member whose modesty
was only exceeded by his generosity, t,
subscribe $100 L. A. Bower announce,
| $50 for himself, and the same amount foi
his wife; also $40 for each o
his daughters, Tillie j., and Grace L
Mr. Bower said that thu
good Lord had been exceedingl,
good to him. Organist L. t. Wilson wa
sure the debt could be raised and helpe,
it along by 800. J. Q Boyer, George S
Mckee and +. T. Clymer each put dow
his name for $100. Mr.. Clymer gave So
more for his wife Then there came
fusillade Of So, $40 and $25 subscriptions
A rustic of enthusiasm passed through
the congregation and John p. McLea
gave 800 for himself and $25 each 70
his wife and three children. Wardei
Humphreys said he could afford 800.
Charles Baird said he was gratified AM
little melted to say that a gentleman
who had been in the church but shor
time would give 81 900. His name il
Alvan R. Morrison This announcement
caused subdued ripple o
applause, which became very
audible when the names o
Mrs. Emma Quigley. $100.. Miss Alic
Griffith, $50, John r. Mari, 5000, wer
read out. ]. T. Clyner said the choi
would give collectively $3.50, whic
pleased the pastor immensely Eugen
Wyatt announced $100 for himself, "a
for his wife, and $40 for each Of his 81
children Mrs James Morrow gave 800
Enthusiasm was at its highest ebb, an
the members Of the committee. VIII
| vyerp natrnllinO the aielee called ont suh