The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1900-12-04
Cleared From Debt.

The members of the Presbyterian
Church had reason to feel especially
thankful the past week, having paid al
the debt on their church building Or
Sunday the services were especially ap
propriate to the occasion.
The church was filled, not only by mem
bers of the congregation, but by friends
from other churches, who Joined thei1
voices in the praise and thanksgiving
A programme had been prepared, the
first number of which was an organ pre-
lude by Ernest D. Holeman, followed by
singing the doxology and an invocation.
Rev. James Fl. Durham, pastor of the
church, read the scripture and Rev. DR..
Crowell offered prayer. After more music
by the choir, Mr. Durham read the fol-
| lowing historical statement:
| Under the direction of the Presbytery of
Philadelphia, the Presby terrain Church. Mount
Holly, N. j was organized In October. 1883,
| with membership OF six persons. A school
house on Brainard street furnished the first
home and place of worship tor the new church
until 1874. when the modest comfortable
building, known as the "Oid Church." was
erected on Garden street, being dedicated De-
| son of the distinguished Professor in Prince
| ton Seminary became the stated supply the
1875 Hs p ssa continued for
| years, and under his ministrations the church
| grew steadily in mem bership and influence.
Upon his resignation the Rev. H. X. Hoes
was called to the pastorate, and, having ac-
cepted, served the church for three years. He
was succeeded by the Rev. S. H. McKown,
who, however, was never Installed, but con-
tinued for eighteen months the stated supply.
In 1881 the Rev D. G. Porter accepted call to
the passionate, and remained in charge until
| removed by death August 10, 1887
1t was during his administration that
events shaped themselves In which we are
specially interested now. The OLD building
used by the church for over forty years had
long been considered inadequate to the needs
of the developing work. and it was at Mr..
Porter's suggestion and by his urgence that
the idea of new church ediice began to be
discussed: In May, 1888, at congregational
quire into the propriety of improving the
church property. A year from that date it
was decided alta similar meeting to begin The
erection of O. new building as soon as Ger
tain percentage of the estimated cost had
been pledged, and in the meantime to pro-
cure plans and appoint committee OF super
vision.
No definite action was proposed by the COM
mittee until November %, 1885, when legacy
of S., 900 from the estate of Mr.. Frederick
Voorhees,, who died October IA. 1885, was
ported to the congregation. This acted as
stimulus and new plans were prepared with
the expectation of beginning operations in
the spring of 1856. 1t was found necessary,
however, TO revise the plans in order to re-
duce the cost, and as result considerable
delay ensued. On February %, 1887, the con-
gregatiOn met and voted to begin building at
once. the old site on Garden street being
chosen as the position for the new structure.
On Sunday, March q, 1887, the people bade
farewell to The old ana beloved home, and
thereafter met tor worship in the Court House
until the new church should be finished The
cornerstone was laid on June 30, 1897, with
appropriate ceremonies, the Rev. Thomas ?.
Roberts participating. The dedication exer-
cises were held June 8, 1888. and at that time
sermons we're preached by the Rev. w M.
A. Mutchmore, ID. D., of Philadelphia. A
fund Tor the organ, started by the generous
soon completed ana the organ was installed
in its place in October of the saIae year.
The cost OF the church, including building,
furniture, carpet, memorial window and or
gan, was $20,475. Besides the general SUBJ
scriptions, which were liberal and cheerfully
given, the Ladies' Aid Society rendered time
ly service in providing carpet, cushions and
pulpit furniture, and in caring for the organ
fund. The session procured the money tor
company OF workers In the Sunday school
bought the Sunday school chairs and The col
lection plates. Much praise is due to all
members OF the congregation for their work
and labor of love.
At the annual meeting in April. 1889, the 1rsl
after the dedication OF the new church, IL was
found that the Indebtedness amounted to
S62l5. In September OF the same year, the
Rev. s. Harper Leeper became pastor, ana at
his suggestion the first movement toward the
payment OF this debt was made The Brain
ard Society was organized for the purpose
be devoted to this object This society has
raised q total sum OF $Sl275. Up to April l,
1893. the debt had been reduced by $l,2l5.75
leaving balance OF 5000. Since that time
payments have been made on the principal
as follows: $685. $780, 1894. 5000; 1885, 800; 1897,
500; 1885, 500; 1899, $500 The balance at the
400. bearing i've per cent. interest. The prop
osition to wipe out the entire remaining in
debtedneSs was warmly received by the con-
gregation, and the response was general. The
mortgage was paid on November IL, 1900. 1t
is interesting to note that the total amount OF
interest paid on the mortgage was 2,S7l so.
The total contributions of the church for
current expenses during the past ten years
have been $22,673. and for benevolences, ST.
764. The average per year for benevolences
is thus seen to be $776.40, as against average
OF $2S3. 20 per year tor the period from 1880 to
1890. In 1888, at the time OF the dedication of
the new church, the membership was 107. The
present membership is 1877. From 1888 to 1900
received by certificate or on profession Of
their faith. During the same period the roll
of the Sunday sch DOL increased from l55 to 30
scholars.
Congratulatory messages were read
from Rev. Edward B. Hodge and Rev. S.
Harper Leeper, former pastor. Mr.. Dun
ham said DR.. Crowell being present, could
deliver his congratulations personally.
The latter did so in his usual happy man
ner.
The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr..
Durham, who took for his subject THE
Glory of the Church.
The services were continued at the
evening session, and were enjoyed by a
large co aggregation. The church is to be
heartily congratulated at clearing off the
debt, and for the good work it has done
in this neighborhood.