Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-12-03
FINE THANKSGIVING GIFT
MIR. and Mrs. Joseph Pyle's
Valuable Present
TO SlLVERBROOK M. E. CHURCH
The Weccacoe Also Receives
a Present
From the Volunteer Firemen's Associa-
tIon of Philadolphia--A banquet Follows
--hIr. and Mrs. Pyle's Gift.

Despite the bad weather the debt
raising Of Silverbrook M. E. Church on
Thursday, was well attended. The pretty
building was almost filled. The object
the membership had in being present
on such q stormy night was 10 relieve
the church OF its entire Indebtedness,
amounting to $500. The efforts of the
congregation to lift this debt were sue
ccssful, and after this had been done
the gathering was treated 10 a most
agreeable surprise-the presentation of
u valuable gift to the young and ener-
getic church.
Following the singing of the hymn
40 For Thousand Tongues" prayer
was offered by Charles Sholl. Next the
choir, led by Joseph w. Coley, sang the
anthem MAKE Joyful Noise" Sub
sequently there were appropriate ad-
dresses by the Rev. w. G.. Koons, S. III.
Baynard and Joseph Pyle, interspersed
with anthems.
At the conclusion of the last address
the lifting Of the debt began. w. H..
Connell served as secretary and the ap-
peal for contributions was made by
Mr.. Pyle. He stated that for certain
reasons he would not contribute him
self, but he earnestly asked the congre-
CATION to give. Subscriptions from
nearly every section of the city were
reported, and in short time announce
was made that $525.45 had been raised.
BY this time the assembly could
scarcely refrain from shouting and a
few minutes later the effort to maintain
silence was far more difficult. Mr.. Pyle
began to tell why lie had not given and
just as he was about to state his second
reason he asked to be excused min
ute and went outside. On his return he
passed to the secretary a legal document
"A deed from himself and Mrs. Pyle for
the beautiful building lot at the north
east corner of Lancaster and Woodlawn
avenues, 75x256 feet and extending back
to Second street, worth not less than
$3,500.
A condition named in the deed is that
the church 10 be erected thereon shall
be built 100 feet back from the building
line on Lancaster avenue. If the re-
clpients can satisfactorily explain to the
donors or their heirs why the prospec-
tive building shall be built farther front
such reasons will be accepted.
After this presentation Mr.. Pyle sug-
gested that the present church bnilding
and the lot at the corner of Woodlawn
avenue and Second street, which the
church,owns, be sold and that the pro.
ceeds, which will amount to at least
$4,000, be used as the nucleus of build.
ing fund at the new site.
The lot presented by Mr.. and Mrs
Pyle is terraced and is about four feet
above the grade of the street. 1t is
located on the leading thoroughfare in
the neighborhood and is a most desirable
site. The lot at Woodlawn avenue and
Second street was sold by Mr.. Pyle to
the church for $3.50. Subsequently the
seller threw off 5000 and now both
properties are clear of encumbranccs
If the church is governed by the wishes
of Mr.. Pyle it will erect on the lot which
he and his wife have so generously
donated building at cost of abou
$4,000. When the proposed structure
is completed it most likely will have en-
frances on both avenues.
After the presentation of the valuable
gift the doxology was sung severa
times. Next Messrs. Baynard ant
Koons, the Rev. Mark Il. Bowman
Il FTuHClS w Gil anu OlnerS spoke III com
plimentary terms of the goodness anG
liberality of Mr.. Pyle. Mr.. Baynart
said he was surprised and he was no
surprised-he knew nothing until ther
Of the gift but he was never surprised a
Mr.. Pyle doing some good act In con
clusion he spoke of MIR. Pyle's friend
ship and of his kindness and liberallty
in business matters.
Again was the doxology sung, and
after the singing of an anthem Mr.
Koons pronounced the bcnediction
After dismissal Mr.. Pyle was sur
rounded by members OF the church
who personally thanked him for hi:
generosity.
Mr.. Bowman has been pastor o.
Silyerbrook Church year and during
his pastorate has rendered excellent ser
vice. The revival now in progress has
resulted i'll "a conversions, all heads of
families and valuable acquisitions tc
the church. The membership is increas
ing fast and the Sundy-school is grow.
ing. The present building is inadequate
to the demands of the congregation anG
it is probable that an ornate and largel
structure will be erected soon.