Congregational Church of Campbell
Chronological History

1884 Reverend C.W. Hill, pastor of the San Jose Congregational Church, began regular Wednesday evening services at the Hamilton Grammar School. In 1887 the meeting place changed to the Town Hall in Campbell.

1888

July ---- Rev. Dr. William Windsor came to California and bought a ranch in the Union District near Los Gatos, which he named "Boscobel."

Nov 4 ---- Dr. Windsor held the first Sunday morning service in the Town Hall.

1889

Rev. William Windsor, D. D.
1830-1908

Apr 28 ---- Twelve people assembled in "Campbell Hall" to organize a Congregational Church. Rev. Dr. William Windsor was called to serve as pastor.

May 18 ---- Election of officers held.

May 29 ---- Meeting held to discuss plans for raising needed funds.

Jun 16 ---- Committee appointed to consider the advisability of adopting a simple creed.

Aug 14 ---- New form of creed adopted.

Oct 22 ---- First wedding held. Miss Edith Duncan was married to Mr. Luther Willett.

1890 Dr. C. N. Cooper, brother-in-law of Dr. Windsor, brought his family to California. He was a very influential and active member of the church.

Feb 2 ---- Lost first member through death, Mrs. Mary P. J. Randall, mother of Rev. Janes.

Feb 20 ---- First session of Sabbath School held with 31 people present.

Apr 8-9 ---- Hosted the semi-annual meeting of the Santa Clara County Association.

May 11 ---- First annual meeting of church was held. There were 14 church members.

May 24 ---- Meeting held at home of Rev. E. Janes to discuss the matter of obtaining a lot for a church building.

July 6 ---- First infant, Maud Anna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Duncan, was baptized.

1891

Jan 27 ---- First board of trustees, composed of William F. Duncan, S. A. Moulton and R. P. McGlincey, was elected.

Apr 4 ---- Business meeting held to discuss matter of building a church.

Apr 18 ---- Articles of Incorporation were received and filed. It was voted to proceed with plans for a church.

Apr 22 ---- Second annual meeting held. An additional deacon, Dr. C. N. Cooper, was elected. A building committee was also appointed consisting of S. A. Moulton, Moses Wingate, Marshall Ross, R. P. McGlincey and Dr. C. N. Cooper. It was voted that the Board of Trustees enter into a contract with Dr. Windsor to pay him a definite salary. Finance committe reported that over $800 had been raised toward the new church building. The church now had 29 members. The youngest was eight years of age.

Apr/May ---- Building of the church began.

1892

Jan 13 ---- First service held in Lecture Room of new church. The main sanctuary was not yet ready for use.

Jan 27 ---- Committee appointed to draw up a set of by-laws, and the first Board of Trustees was elected, consisting of Mr. Moulton, Mr. McGlincey and Mr. Duncan. The Board was instructed to have the church property insured for $1500.

First Sanctuary (1892)

Mar 13 ---- First service held in new church sanctuary. Church dedicated.

Treasurer reported a debt of $400. Pledges covering this amount were raised, the Women's Guild assuming responsibility for the last $60.

Apr 28 ---- Third annual meeting held. New by-laws were adopted. Pastor was elected superintendent of the Sunday school. There were now 28 members in the congregation.

Oct ---- Women's Guild obtained a piano for the church.

1893

Apr ---- Annual meeting held.

Dec ---- There were 37 members in the congregation.

1894 The Sunday school grew. Pastor's salary was voted on to be $400 per year. The piano was paid for in full. The membership was now 47. Mr. Charles Cooper was elected the first usher.

1896

Mar 4 ---- Business meeting called to consider an addition to the church to be known as the Guild Room.

Apr 8 ---- Trustees were authorized to borrow money for the Guild Room.

1896 First deaconesses were appointed. They were Mrs. C. D. Cutting and Mrs. O. Bagwill. The membership at the end of the year was 66.

1897

Jan ---- Women's Guild gave a "Jubilee Tea and Social to raise funds to pay all the bills for the new Guild Room."

Feb 8 The bell was hung in the belfry.

1899

Apr 27 ---- Tenth anniversary observed at annual meeting. There were now over 80 members of the church.

1900

Apr ---- Membership was over 90. It was voted to purchase the lot adjoining the church property for not more than $300.

1902 Membership reached 100. Church was painted. Cement sidewalks were put down and electric lights were installed throughout the building.

Apr 24 ---- Town library, which was founded by the church, was kept in the lecture room and was under the supervision of Mr. Janes from its beginning.

Dec ---- There were 104 members in the congregation.

1903

Apr ---- At annual meeting, Dr. Windsor tendered his resignation as pastor of the church. He was 73 years old and had served more than 14 years as pastor.

May 18 ---- Rev. M. F. Greeley of Oakland invited to serve as a pastor until a replacement could be found.

Sept 13 ---- Rev. George E. Atkinson began his services as pastor. He was invited to serve for one year at a salary of $900.

The organ that had been used in the church parlor was presented by Dr. Windsor.

1904

Mar 6 ---- It was voted to purchase individual communion cups.

Apr 18 ---- Communion cups were used for the first time (original set is still in the archives of the church).

Apr 28 ---- Fifteenth anniversary of the church. Dr. Windsor acted as moderator in the absence of the pastor who was ill. The membership was now 131, with 27 joining in the previous year.

Rev. George E. Atkinson

Aug 15 ---- Unanimous decision to call Rev. Atkinson to serve as the regular pastor at the present salary until the next annual meeting.

Nov 22 ---- Rev. George Atkinson installed as the second pastor of the church since its founding.

1905

May ---- The addition of 14 feet on the north side of the church and an enlargement of the Lecture Room were approved.

Nov 8 ---- Special meeting held to discuss enlargement of the Guild Room. The horse shed was completed for a cost of $94.35. Mrs. Janes, who had been organist during the entire life of the church, resigned. It was voted to obtain opera chairs for seating in the church. $150 was pledged for these chairs.

1906

Mar 18 ---- Services to dedicate the new and consecrate the old were held at the church. At this time, a new addition gave the church 57 new seats. Rev. George Atkinson officiated giving a talk titled "A Forward Look," with Rev. William Windsor speaking on "A Glance Backward."

Apr 26 ---- Adopted system of weekly giving by envelopes. Voted to pay a salary to church organist.
The membership was now 153.

1907

Apr ---- Reported that Rev. Atkinson was elected alternate delegate to the Convention of the National Council to be held in Cleveland, Ohio.

1908

Apr ---- New officers were voted in. Pastor's salary was increased by $100 per year. The membership now stood at 157.

June 3 ---- Voted to build an addition on the church.

June 18 ---- Dr. and Mrs. Windsor celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Yosemite.

Sept 8 ---- Dr. William Windsor died. Funeral services held the following Sunday, conducted by Rev. Atkinson.

1909

Apr 29 ---- Annual meeting held. Miss Mildred Duncan appointed to represent the church on a library committee, furthering the interest of a public library for Campbell.

1910

Apr 28 ---- "Coming of Age" of church as it observed its 21st birthday. Highlight of banquet was the unveiling of a portrait of Dr. Windsor, a gift to the church from his sons, Herbert and Henry.

It was voted to add $140 to the budget covering church and choir music and pianist.

1911

Mar 12 ---- Parsonage Committee recommended building a parsonage for the pastor and his family, the estimated cost of which would not exceed $2500, including the lot. The money was pledged at the meeting.

A budget of $1200 for operation of the church was voted. Mr. Frank H. Cutting was re-elected treasurer. Mr. Cutting joined the church in 1895 and was first elected treasurer in 1906. He served until 1918 when he declined the nomination for another term, and Roy Archibald was elected.

1913

Apr ---- There were 164 members.

Sept ---- Eight new members were received into the church. This was the tenth anniversary of Rev. Atkinson's pastorate.

1914

Apr 30 ---- Silver anniversary of the church was celebrated. The minister, Rev. Atkinson, officiated with Dr. C. N. Cooper giving a historical sketch, and former members Dr. E. C. Abbot, C. M. Doxie, and Rev. D. M. Marshman giving five-minute addresses.

Membership was 187. It was voted to purchase 120 Pilgrim Hymnals costing 85 cents each. Statement of Faith, adopted at the National Council of Congregational Churches the previous October, was read and adopted.

Date of the annual meeting, which since the church's beginning had been in the last week in April, was changed to the first Wednesday following January 1st of each year.

1915

Jan 6 ---- First annual meeting on new date. Adoption of a card system of records to be used in raising church funds made.

1916

July ---- Rev. Atkinson submitted his resignation, having served the church for 13 years.

Rev. William F. Eckles

Sep 16 ---- Rev. William. F. Eckles of Alturas, California, accepted the call to pastor of the church for one year at a salary of $1200.

1917

Aug 8 ---- Rev. Elijah Janes, one of the original 12 founders of the church, died after more than 28 years of faithful service to the church and community.

Sept 27 ---- "Service of Recognition" for Rev. William Eckles as permanent pastor was held.

Oct 30 ---- Ruth Duncan Cutting, one of the founders, died.

Nov 4 ---- Estey organ was installed and used for the first time.

Dec ---- The church had 191 members.

1918

May ---- Rev. Eckles offered his service to the Y.M.C.A. for work overseas during World War I, and he was accepted. He was granted a leave of absence for a year or the duration of the war.

May 26 ---- Rev. Eckles preached his farewell sermon.

July 21 ---- Rev. H. L. Preston began his pastorate.

Aug 17 ---- Church unanimously passed a resolution urging our representative in Congress to support the prohibition of the manufacture and use of all intoxicating liquors in the United States for the period of the war. A copy of the resolution was sent to our senators and congressmen.

Oct 13-Nov 10 ---- An influenza epidemic swept the entire country. All schools and churches in San Jose and neighboring communities were closed during this period.

Forty-one young men connected with the church were serving in the armed services, and a service flag honoring them was presented to the church by the Guild.

Nov 17 ---- Letter written by Rev. Eckles asking for an expression, now that the war had ended, as to the church's feeling regarding his remaining with the Y.M.C.A. or returning to his pastorate. Dr. Cooper was authorized by a unanimous vote to cable him, "Church says come."

1919

Mar ---- Rev. Eckles returned from France and preached his first sermon.

Apr 13 ---- Rev. Eckles resigned from church due to impaired health. He preached his farewell sermon on this date.

Rev. H. L. Preston accepted the call as pastor.

1920

Jan ---- There were 191 members on the roll. The Sunday school had an enrollment of 98, with 20 additional in the "Home Department." The Christian Endeavor Society and the Junior C.E. had a combined membership of 47 and were very active. The pastor's salary was increased from $1200 to $1500 per year.

May 12/13 ---- Hosted the District Association meeting.

1921

Apr 13 ---- Rev. Preston resigned from the church.

May 1 ---- Resignation accepted at meeting of church members.

Age limits for eligibility to vote on church matters were set as 21 for men and 18 for women.

Jun 19-Sept 4 ---- Church without a regular pastor, but guest pastors filled the pulpit at every service, including Rev. Atkinson, who now had a church at Ceres.

Sept 11 ---- Rev. William E. Eckles, the former pastor, accepted a call to be the pastor.

1922

Jan ---- Thirty-third annual meeting held. Expenditures for the year were $2712. A new furnace had been installed.

Sept 29 ---- Plans for the improvement of the church, as designed by Thaddeus Joy, a San Francisco architect, were presented to the church. The cost of the remodeling was estimated at about $6000. The proposal was approved unanimously.

Oct 29-Mar 18 ---- Remodeling was in progress. Services were held at the IOOF Hall, with the services upstairs and the Sunday school downstairs.

1923

Jan ---- Annual meeting held and $1919 more was requested to complete the church. This included the remodeling, installing new seats, and putting in new cement sidewalks. It was authorized. There were 159 members, an estimated average Sunday attendance of 75 and a Sunday School of 65.

Remodeled Church (1923)

Mar 18 ---- Services were resumed in the newly remodeled church. Window installed in memory of Dr. William Windsor. The window was donated by the Windsor family as a memorial to Dr. Windsor. The pastor also read the letters of recognition that were sent to all donors of gifts to the new church. The letters were sent to Mr. H. H. Windsor for the East Memorial Window, honoring Rev. William Windsor; the Joy family for the South Windows honoring Mr. and Mrs. Frank Savage; the Nelson family for the North Windows honoring Mr. and Mrs. S. G. Nelson; and Ellen R. Smith and family for the pulpit and chairs honoring Prof. J. Fred Smith.

July 17 ---- Formal dedication services were held (one in the morning and one at 3 p.m.).

Sept 12 ---- Trustees were authorized to apply to the Congregational Building Society for a loan of $4000 to pay off the debts that remained for the remodeling of the church. The loan was approved. It was to be repaid over a ten-year period at the rate of $400 a year, with interest at 2%.

Dec 14 ---- Large American flag presented to church by the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women's Relief Corps.

1924

Jan ---- Annual meeting held where Mr. Guy Merriman was elected Sunday school superintendent. The budget presented by the trustees was $3700.

1925

Jan ---- Membership was now reported at 145, after a revision of membership roll. Twenty members were placed on the "inactive" list and four were listed as "absent." <

Office of "Honorary Deacon" was created for Mr. Stray, to continue for his lifetime, allowing him to remain active in spite of his frequent illness.

A change in the by-laws provided for two additional deaconesses whose duties are to prepare and provide the communion table and supplement the work of the deacons in visitation, particularly among the needy and sick.

Mar 22 ---- Rev. Eckles was granted a leave of absence beginning May 1 to care for personal

matters. Rev. George Marsh substituted for him.

July 12 ---- Rev. Eckles returned.

1926

Jan ---- Annual meeting held. The Sunday school had a membership of over 100. The Women's Guild bought and installed a carpet for the church. Expenditures for the year were $3535.50.

An additional deaconess was added and an additional trustee. There were now five members of the board, with terms of three years.

Apr 18 ---- Rev. Eckles presented a letter of resignation. He was in poor health and resigned for "personal reasons."

May 2 ---- Rev. Eckles's resignation was accepted with deep regret.

June 30 ---- Rev. Eckles left the church after six years of service.

Nov ---- Rev. J. Peterson, a student at Stanford University, was engaged as a temporary pastor.

1927

Jan ---- In January, Reverend Joseph Henry Bennett started the Cub Scout organization in the church, based on those in England. It was called Wolf Cub Pack Number One. It was the first in the area and the forerunner of the present Cub Scout Packs in the United States.

Jan 5 ---- The annual meeting was held. Membership was 141. Sunday school membership was 150. The Christian Endeavor Society had a membership of 20 with an average attendance of 16.

It was reported that the previous year had been difficult with the absence of a pastor, and spiritual growth seemed to have been at a standstill. All expenses had been met, but the pledges for 1927 had fallen short.

Rev. Peterson wrote that he would be unable to carry on the work at the church since he had to leave Stanford for family and business reasons.

Jan ---- Dr. Menchin, Superintendent of the Northern California Congregational Conference, sent a telegram recommending Rev. J. H. Bennett, recently from London, England. The church extended an invitation to Rev. Bennett to fill the pulpit for one month.

Rev. Joseph H. Bennett

Jan 23 ---- Rev. Bennett preached his first sermon in this country at the church.

Feb 6 ---- Rev. Bennett was asked to serve for one year at a salary of $2000.

Feb-Mar ---- Regular morning and evening services held. A children's service following Sunday school, as started by Rev. Bennett, was held during the worship service.

May ---- Rev. Bennett returned to England to fetch his wife and son Dennis.

June 11 ---- Rev. Bennett, Mrs. Bennett, and their son arrived at the Oakland railway station and were met by members of the congregation. Mrs. Bennett was crippled with arthritis and used a wheelchair. About a year later, Rev. Bennett's sister, Mrs. Nellie Mills, joined the family and helped in the care of the home and in assisting Mrs. Bennett.

Rev. Bennett and Scout

Sept 15 ---- Rev. Bennett received the commendation and recognition at the Council of Recognition. Rev. Bennett started a church Scout Troop, a Sea Scout Troop for the high school boys, and organized Cub Pack I, the first such organization in the United States. For years he served as Scout Master and was in constant contact with the Sea Scouts and Cub Packs.

1928

Feb ---- Fifty-five Boy Scouts were awarded honor badges at a morning service. There were 110 boys in the troop.

There was the largest number of young people in the various youth activities in the church history at this time. Since it was difficult in this rural community to get to the church for evening meetings, two women in the church organized pickup routes with their cars in the Cambrian, Hamilton, and Bascom areas. The youth participated in the junior high school, high school, and the college groups. By 1932, there were 95 enrolled in the three groups.

During this time, the young people were encouraged to participate in the county and state Christian Endeavor rallies and conventions. Also there were annual youth retreats for the high school and college-age groups at the Aptos conference grounds.

1929

June 3 ---- "Where Love is God is," a play by Tolstoy, was given by the young people of the church.

1930

Apr 21 ---- Fourty-first Anniversary of the Church celebrated. Membership was 150. This was a period of struggle. Finances were a struggle as the church was faced with a building debt from the earlier remodeling program which added to the burden of the depression years. The women's groups assumed responsibility for the building debt, the youth groups held fundraising activities, and Mr. Bennett initiated "Cent-a-Meal" boxes.

1932

Jan 6 ---- Annual meeting held. This was the middle of the depression years and things looked very gloomy. Smaller amounts were being pledged and there was a loss of some of the larger contributors. The survival of the church during this critical period was due to the boundless energy of Mr. Bennett and the work of many faithful members.

1934

Jan 3 ---- Fellowship supper held before the annual meeting to honor three couples who had passed their golden wedding anniversaries: Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Ross, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Hutton, and Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury.

Membership of the church was 170.

Marshall Ross, the first deacon of the church, was made honorary deacon for the rest of his life.

1936 This was the 47th year of the church. Money was donated to illuminate the large memorial window. The work was done by Philip Covey. The window was lighted, and this laid the foundation for our church to be known as the "Church of the Lighted Window."

Oct 19 ---- Fundraising operetta given by the young people of the church. It played to a full house at the Campbell Grammar School and was repeated a few months later as a combined benefit for the Parent Teacher Association and the church.

1938

Jan ---- Annual meeting was held. There was a report from a newly formed group called Sigma Sigma, which was composed of young working women and other young women who could not attend the afternoon groups.

1939

Apr 23 ---- Designated Reunion Sunday in recognition of the golden anniversary of the church. Invitations, engraved in gold, were sent to former members and friends of the church. The morning worship was conducted by Rev. George Atkinson of Sebastopol, former pastor. The next evening a banquet was held, presided over by charter member Deacon Ross.

1940

Jan ---- Annual meeting held. Membership in the Women's Guild was reported to be 60, while the Men's Club reported a membership of 53. A new organ was purchased this year as
well as new seating in the sanctuary. The new organ cost $1595, with an allowance of $150 for the old Estes organ.

1942 More improvements in the church were made. New heaters were installed in the church parlors and the pastor's study. Improved lighting was put in the choir loft.

During World War II, many of the young men and several young women who had been active in the youth groups were in the service. The church service flag continued to add names until 98 stars were on the flag. Rev. Bennett kept in touch with them through regular newsletters. Five gold stars, one for each killed in the war, were added.

1944

Feb ---- Special meeting held to discuss the enlargement of the church basement. It was approved.

1945 Early this year Mrs. Bennett, who had been confined to her bed for several months, died.

Apr 30 ---- Rev. Bennett read letter of resignation from the church. He had served for 18 years, and had carried the church through the trying days of the Depression and World War II.

Rev. Robert L. Carlson

July ---- Robert L. Carlson succeeded Rev. Bennett as minister.

1946

Feb 13 ---- Reverend Robert L. Carlson, affectionately called Bob, was ordained at the church. He was the youngest minister in our church's history, age 24. He had a great talent on the cornet which he shared with the church on many occasions.

An electric organ was presented to the church, and the chimes were given in memory of Mrs. Horn.

1947

Jan ---- Budget was $4751. Plans for the modernization of the church building were drawn but not executed.

1948 Reverend Carlson resigned to attend Yale Divinity School where he earned his master's degree. From there he entered upon a distinguished ministry as the first minister of Hillcrest Congregational Church in Pleasant Hill, California; then as minister of First Congregational Church in Boulder, Colorado and Pioneer Congregational Church in Sacramento, California.

Rev. Corwin H. Olds, L.H.D.

Sept 1 ---- Reverend Corwin H. Olds, L.H.D., began his ministry. His salary was $3000 per year, plus use of the parsonage and contributions to the annuity fund equal to 5% of his salary.

Mrs. Homer Hyde served as a part-time secretary for $20 per month. The custodial work was done by a cleaning woman who swept and dusted the sanctuary on Saturdays. Mr. Ben Ziegler was choir director and Miss Lorraine Wood was organist, each receiving $15 per month.

Church sold the old parsonage on North Central Street as it was no longer well suited to the purpose. A new three-bedroom house at 210 North Second Street, only three blocks from the old church, was purchased for $13,000.

Membership: 227 members, including some who were non-resident. Average attendance at Sunday worship at the end of 1948, four months after the arrival of the new minister, was 111.

1949

Couples Club

Jan ---- The church budget was $7620.

"The Church Board" of seven people met rather informally once a month, often at the home of one of the members. There were, and long had been, only three trustees.

Church organizations: Women's Association, high school youth group, Cub Scout Pack and Scout Troop, and a large choir. The Sunday school operated under severe limitations of classroom space and equipment.

Couples Club was organized with the arrival of more and more young couples in the community.

"The Dobie Club," a men's club, was organized. It was named in honor of Mr. George (Dobie) Jeffers, one of the lively members who long had been a key man in the men's activities of the church.

Church Planning Committee appointed to make studies into a new church. There were mixed feelings about moving. The older members of the church were reluctant to move and were cautious about the financial problems that would be involved. However, the younger parents were quite dissatisfied with the inadequate and unsuitable conditions for the church school and the overcrowded sanctuary. Because of the division of opinion, it was decided to drop the issue until the people were more ready for it. The Couples Club (then known as the "Foreseers") had started a "New Church Building Fund" sometime before with a contribution of $50. The Friendly Circle added $25. A contribution of $1000 was made in 1949 as a memorial to a member. At the end of the year, there was $1187 in the fund.

Apr 24 ---- Diamond Jubilee, sixtieth anniversary program. A worship service, officiated by Rev. Corwin H. Olds, was held followed by a picnic lunch. At 1:30 was an afternoon program which included community singing, the invocation, greeting, and historical sketches and reminiscences by half-century members and other older members of the church.

The Half-Century Club included: Mrs. T. A. Cutting (1891), Mrs. Emily Duncan (1893), Mrs. T. A. Robinson (1894), Mr. T. A. Cutting (1895), Mr. Frank H. Cutting (1895), Dr. James Cutting (1895), Mr. Edward C. Merrill (1896).

1950 The primary wing of the church was extended 28 feet, giving the church two more classrooms. An all-purpose hall, 27 x 32 feet, was added, opening on the choir and dining rooms. This remodeling was done by Oliver Jensen at a cost of $7171 and financed by money from the "Expansion Fund," augmented by special contributions and largely by contributions from friends of Gladys Merriman as a memorial to her. In view of the devoted Sunday school and youth leadership over the years by Miss Merriman and her sister, Dorothy Royce, and their father before them, the new hall was named "Merriman Hall."

With more people driving cars to church, it became necessary to cut down the old eucalyptus tree and pave the rear area for parking. When the old fence was removed, a couple of the deeply gnawed hitching rails set with iron rings for tying the horses were taken to the parsonage as mementos of the past.

1951 The bylaws of the church were revised to divide the various functions of the church among eight board members and a rotation of office.

1953 Demand for a new church became quite vocal. Dr. Olds and members of the planning committee scouted for suitable locations. After several options, the committee decided upon an agreement of sale for property along Campbell Avenue belonging to Mr. Dubcich. After the adjustment of a minor disagreement, the purchase price was settled upon for 400 feet, totaling 3.14 acres, at $6,000 per acre for a total cost of $19,146.

1954

Fall ---- A building fund canvass was conducted. In addition to fully subscribing the $12,000 budget for 1955, well over $91,000 was pledged for the new church building fund, to be paid over three years.

Mr. Gifford Sobey of Los Gatos was engaged as architect and directed to prepare plans. After considering many preliminary drawings, the architect was directed to follow the general plan of the early California missions, using some modern and progressive lines and adapting to our own needs. Loans were negotiated with the American Trust Company (now Wells Fargo) totalling $127,000, and the Church Building Department of the Congregational Board of Home Missions loaned a further $20,000.

1955

Feb ---- Mr. Delbert Hollenberg, who had recently graduated from Pacific School of Religion, was called as associate minister and director of Christian Education.

Aug 1 ---- The old church was sold to the city of Campbell for use as a city hall for $36,000, conditional to the passage of a bond election in October.

Oct 13 ---- Mr. Hollenberg was ordained in our church.

Nov ---- Construction began on the new church. The construction contract was given to the E.A. Hathaway Company of San Jose at a contract price of $168,000. This did not include cost of the land or architect's fees. Many things were cut from the original plans so as to be financially feasible. Since this was not a newly organized church, it was necessary to build as complete facilities as possible with the limited funds available.

Construction at 400 W. Campbell Avenue

1956

Apr 11 ---- Rev. Joseph Bennett, minister from 1927 to 1945, died

July 22 ---- The last service was held in the old church.

The prune orchard site was cleared by volunteer labor. The trees were cut into fireplace wood and sold. Shortly after construction began, severe rains brought a minor flood which carried away some of the lumber.

July 29 ---- The first service was held in the new church. Folding chairs were arranged on the bare concrete floor since there was no money for floor coverings or pews. Membership at the time of the move stood at 452, with a church school enrollment of 250.

Rev. Delbert Hollenberg resigned due to ill health.

Sept 23 ---- The church was dedicated. Dual services could now be abandoned, which separated the congregation, and one service held at 10 a.m.

To represent the continuity of the old church into the new one, the church bell, the original communion set, the silver bowl, the pulpit bible, and the Windsor and Nelson memorial windows were carried over into the new structure.

1957

Jan 6 ---- Dedication of the Campbell City Hall in the old church held with Reverend Corwin Olds speaking on the history of the building and the church.

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Jan 16 ---- Ground was broken for Bennett Hall, a building that was not included in the original master plan. It was intended for all forms of scouting and youth activities for church and community, with the church given first priority. It was named after Rev. Joseph Bennett, who had been minister of the church from 1927 to 1945, and had been on the staff of the church as the minister of visitation for a very brief period before his death in 1956.

Groundbreaking for Bennett Hall

1957 The church joined the Santa Clara Valley Council of Churches.

1958 The parking areas were paved, the mall patio was surfaced, the front area was developed, and shrubs planted. Bennett Hall was completed.

1959

Jan 25 ---- Annual meeting of the church was held. Membership consists of 531 active resident members, 25 non-resident members, and 60 junior members. During the year, 68 covenant members and 15 junior members were added to the rolls.

Erecting Flag Pole

1960 A 40-foot flagpole was erected in the patio in memory of Howard Lillingston.

The name "The Church of the Lighted Window" was adopted for publicity purposes.

Apr ---- Dr. Olds announced his resignation on his 65th birthday, effective June 1.

Nov 13 ---- Retirement ceremony held for Dr. and Mrs. Olds at the church under the leadership of Mrs. W. R. Morgan. The Oldses offered to purchase the parsonage as their retirement home and the church agreed. The sale was made at a price of $14,000.

Membership at the end of the year was 616, with regular attendees coming from Los Altos, Mt. Umunhum, and San Jose's east foothills.

1961

Rev. Ed Cunnungham

Jan 1 ---- Reverend Ed Cunningham assumed duties as the eighth minister in the 71-year history of the church. He and his wife Peggy had a son Jerry and a daughter Connie.

Dr. Olds was made Minister Emeritus at the annual meeting.

Oct ---- The Congregational Church of Campbell officially became a member of the new national body, "The United Church of Christ."

Junior choir organized with Mrs. Jean Ketchel, church organist, as director.

1962 State-approved nursery school, held five days per week, was established at the church.

1963

Jan 27 ---- Annual meeting held. Membership consists of 728 members with 92 added to the rolls in 1962.

"New Curriculum" of United Church origin was installed as the standard curriculum of the church school. After a year's trial, it was pronounced as the finest material yet devised for a thoroughly Christian education program.

Rev. V. F. Deditius

Sept ---- Reverend V. F. (Dietz) Deditius began his ministry at our church as an associate minister.

1964

Apr 26 ---- Church celebrates the 75th anniversary of the church. Dr. Frank E. Carlson was the preacher and Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Corwin H. Olds were hosts for the day.

1965 The first organized library of the church was established by Beverly Booth, Jackie Brown and Evelyn Brooks.

Rev. Cunningham and Rev. Deditius resigned from the church. This was caused by some dissension in the church.

1966 Rev. Kenneth Peterson and Dr. Willis L. Goldsmith served as interim ministers.

Rev. A. Wayne Meyers

June 29 ---- Rev. Anthony Wayne Myers was called to serve as the ninth minister of the church. He and his wife Brix had two children, Kathy and Peter.

1968 ---- The church membership numbered 439.

1969

Jan 19 ---- "Burning of mortgage" on the original building took place. This loan was for $97, 500, granted in 1955.

1970 The congregation voted to borrow $85,000 from the United Church Board for Homeland Missions for construction of a fellowship hall, kitchen addition and classrooms.

Groundbreaking for fellowship hall

On September 14, English classes started for 30-40 foreign-born adults.

1971

July 23 ---- Original church building was demolished by the city to make room for a new city center

Authorization was received to borrow $85,000 from the United Church Board for Homeland Missions

May ---- The formal ground-breaking for the Fellowship Hall was held.

1972

Jan 23 ---- Fellowship center and two classrooms were dedicated. The kitchen was also enlarged.

1974

Apr 28 ---- Eighty-fifth anniversary service held followed by a jubilee dinner in the Fellowship Center.

1975

Jan 26 ---- Rev. Myers announced the collection of staple foods on the first Sunday of each month for Friends Outside for distribution to families of jail prisoners.

Apr 13 ---- Memorial dedicated in courtyard for Dr. Corwin H. Olds on his 80th birthday. Inscription reads "Faith — Prayer — Sacrifice. In this spirit and through his leadership, the congregation moved to this site in 1956."

A 7 1/2-ton native rock was put in the church mall on which the memorial plaque is placed.

1976

Feb 5 ---- Snow covered the church and grounds.

May ---- The church surprised Rev. Myers with a celebration in honor of his tenth anniversary at the church.

July 11 ---- The church choir under the direction of Colin Ford presented a bicentennial concert.

1979 Church celebrated the 90th anniversary of the church.

1980

March 9 ---- The final payment on the church mortgage was made, and a burning ceremony was held.

Sept. 21 ---- John P. Gardner, our youth minister, was ordained in Ohio.

Oct 12 ---- The new Frank C. Nelson Fellowship Hall was dedicated.

1981 New stained glass clerestory windows in the sanctuary, which depict old and new testament bible scenes, were dedicated.

Dec ---- termites were discovered in the tower base and were treated with heavy chemical insecticides.

1982

Feb 21 ---- The nativity clerestory window, the fifth bay of windows, was dedicated, completing the sunrise series of windows on the east side of the sanctuary.

Our new tailor-made sound system was near completion.

1983

Jan ---- The Pastor/Parish Relations Committee was established.

Feb ---- "The Church Bell" was chosen as the name for our monthly newsletter.

Work began to repair the leaking tower and narthex of the church.

The Young Couples Group was started.

Ron Sims became our new choir director.

Oct ---- a spinet organ for use in the Fireside Room was dedicated. It is a gift from Merle Wilhelm in memory of his wife, Mary.

1984

Apr 22 ---- The "Creation" bay of clerestory windows was dedicated.

July 22 ---- The "Windsor" windows were rededicated.

1985

Mar 17 ---- Our new Allen 5000 organ was dedicated, and special recognition was made of all memorial gifts for the organ.

1986

Jan ---- the last two bays of clerestory windows were dedicated. This was possible because of gifts from our Memorial Committee, completing the project begun in 1982.

Apr 4 ---- Dr. Wayne Myers' letter of resignation was received, to be effective July 31, 1986.

June 29 ---- Rev. Anthony Wayne Myers officiated for the last time as pastor. He and his wife Brix retired to the Auburn area.

Sept ---- The west doors of the narthex were installed. The doors on both east and west sides were made by Mr. Robert Culp and were a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Culp.

Oct ---- Rev. Jack Smith began service as interim minister.

1988

Rev. Oliver Thomas

Jan 25 ---- Reverend Oliver Thomas came to the church as the tenth minister in the church history. He and his wife Carol moved here from Dickinson, North Dakota.

1989

Apr 22 ---- The Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a banquet and special services.

Rev. Susan M. King, who attended our church during her youth, was ordained at Wea Community Church, Wea Beach, Hawaii.

1990 Mr. Frank C. Nelson, a member of our church since childhood, passed away in

January at the age of 99.

Dr. Corwin Olds, pastor of the church from 1948 to 1960, passed away on October 16.

1991 The Frank Nelson Scholarship Fund was reinstituted as the Helen and Frank Nelson Scholarship Fund to assist church high school graduates with further education.

A three-year campaign, "Focus on the Future," was begun to raise funds to remove the tower which had become unsafe due to damage by termites and dry rot, remodel the front entrance to the church and make other needed improvements.

1992

Mar 28 ---- The City of Campbell celebrated its 40th birthday as a city.

July ---- Rev. Oliver Thomas, our minister since 1987, retired, and he and his wife Carol moved to Bloomington, Minnesota.

Rev. Meg Self

Nov 8 ---- Rev. Meg Self was installed as our minister.

Tower removal

Nov (cont.) The tower was removed and the remodeled front entrance was added.

A memorial garden, was completed in front of the church under the large stained glass window. The garden included the re-mounted cross from the tower and maple trees and shrubs. A new garden with a maple tree was also added in front of the office area.

1993 A new musical synthesizer was dedicated, a gift of the Field family in memory of Carl and Roberta Field, long-time members.

1994 Judith Rinehart-Nelson, Minister in Training and student at Pacific School of Religion, served the church during the summer of 1994 and school year 1994-1995.

July ---- Prayer Group began meeting.

1995 Began Thursday night dinner and bible study.

March ---- Twelve hanging light fixtures and directed lights were ordered to improve lighting in the sanctuary.

New Century Hymnals were ordered for use in the worship service.

1996

June ---- Policy of Mutual Respect was published.

Trudy Fiskdal became official office administrator.

1997 New hymnals were dedicated; also pew bibles were ordered and dedicated.

July ---- Church boards and council voted to meet on the second Sunday of the month.

1998

May-Aug ---- Pastor Meg's sabbatical.
Church painted.

Sept ---- Farewell to Lee Loots, Interim Minister, who served during Pastor Meg's sabbatical.

Moira Finley joined us as a minister-in-training

Oct 24 ---- Rev. Dr. Anthony Wayne Meyers, Pastor Emeritus, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination by preaching at the Foothill Methodist Church in Rescue, California.

1999 All church doors were rekeyed with a master key system.

Nov ---- Pastor Meg Self suffered a stroke.

Dec ---- Kim Smith Nelson was our interim pastor while Meg was recuperating.

Review of the Ten Years, 1889 ---- 1899

By Rev. Dr. William Windsor

Rev. William Windsor, D. D.
1830-1908

I cannot very well gather up the events of the past ten years which constitute the history of this church without being somewhat personal. So in this you will have to excuse me.

In July 1888 your pastor set foot in this Santa Clara Valley. As most of you, perhaps all of you know, he came here by the advice of his physicians, after 30 years of active service in the ministry: his physical condition such that he was charged never again to take a pastorate, and not to attempt to preach for at least two years.

In August, we moved on to the little ranch where today we are, and set about making it a home for the future, working as strength was given day by day to accomplish this, and thinking that the work of the ministry was done.

Sometime in the last week in October, 1888, Mrs. Moulton of Campbell came over to the ranch to see who the new minister was (that had come to make it home here).

Her chief errand was to induce him to come over to Campbell Station, (as it was then called), and hold a Sabbath morning service in the Town Hall. I was informed there was no morning service there, and only an occasional service held by the M. E. pastor of Los Gatos — and no church. Rev. ?? Hill of the Congregational Church in San Jose had held service occasionally in the Hamilton School house; but he wished to retire from it.

After thinking the matter over, I at length consented to try a morning service, with the understanding that I was not to be held reponsible for pastoral work. For this I did not feel competent, and did not feel justified in assuming. For this is what constitutes the real wear and tear of the ministerís life. Experience had taught me at what point the drain on vitality comes. The demands of the pulpit are not to be compared in the matter of draft upon nerve life, with the incessant, pursuing sense of pastoral responsibility of the pastor to be a man of sympathetic nature and surrendered to its unyielding claim, as he must be if he is voluntarily and solemnly committed to it.

Knowing this, I said in response to the invitation "I am willing to try a morning service, but I cannot assume pastoral responsibility."

And so on Sabbath morning Nov 4 1888, I held the first service asked of me in the Town Hall, knowing little of what might come of it, and planning nothing. My only purpose was to deliver God's message to the people, and leave it with Him to see to it that His word should not return unto Him void.

At that time, as I remember, the only other buildings on what is now the site of Campbell were the residences of Mr. Snope, Mr. Bery Campbell, Mr. Henry Campbell, and what little there was of the Drier Plant.

At that first service there was a goodly number present, and those who were there seemed interested. From that morning to the present time that service has suffered no intermission save for hindering storms.

Sabbath by Sabbath the interest in the service seemed to widen so that in the April following the question of organizing a Congregtional Church was considered, with the result that on the 28th of April 1889 such an organization was effected, the service being held in the Hall. To aid in the organization, and in recognition of it, there were present Rev C. W. Hill of San Jose, and Rev. W. H. Cross of Saratoga. Rev. Mr. Hill preached the sermon, his subject being "Not Despising the Day of Small Things." Rev. Mr. Cross said kindly words by way of fellowship. Communion of the Lords supper was observed. Rev. Mr. Newell pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Santa Clara sharing in the administration and the congregation was dismissed by Rev. Geo. Beattie of the M. E. Church of Los Gatos.

Twelve individuals that day entered into covenant with God and with each other to constitute the Congregational Church of Campbell.

Their names are as follows:

Mrs. Lydia Moulton, Mrs. Anna Lisa Duncan,
Mr. Wm. Duncan, Miss Edith Duncan,
Miss Ruth Duncan, Mr. Hamilton,
Rev. E. Janes, Mrs E. Janes,
Mr. Marshall Ross, Mrs Marshall Ross
W. Windsor, Mrs W. Windsor.

And so the Church was launched on its career, to continue as we may hope in the coming years to be a light and a blessing to all who shall ever feel its influence.

Of the original twelve, one has gone on: Mrs Ann E. Duncan, whose genuine and pure and unostentatious Christian life made all who knew her love her.

About one of them our thoughts must needs gather in sadness today. Mrs. Hamilton in the day when her reason had not known the shadow that now rests on it, was a very bright and sweet Christian spirit. Our hearts are pained as we think of the tangle and darkness and weary more in the midst of which her path must seem to lie till her change come, and the rending of these earthly fetters shall return the soul over more and forever to its liberty.

But now the little church moves on, and begins to exert itself. On the 9th of Feb, 1890 it was decided to organize a Sabbath school. At the first session there were 31 present.

In the fall of 1890, as the interest still seemed to grow, the possibility of securing a house of worship began to be agitated, and on Nov 24th a meeting was held at the residence of Rev. E. Janes to discuss the matter of obtaining a lot for a church building. The outcome of this movement was the very generous gift to the Church by Mr. S. A. Moulton of the lot on which the this edifice (original building) now stands.

With this as a starting point, more talk and discussion followed till on April 4, 1891 a business meeting was called to discuss the subject of building a house of worship; and a committee of three was appointed to solicit subscriptions.

The following week an act of incorporation was effected, and the Church found itself on a legal footing.

The work of building was now entered on. Mr. Francis Reid, of San Jose, an architect kindly furnished the plan and draft of building, with the needed estimates. The managing builder was Mr. Nykirk of San Jose, and under his direction and supervision the building rose, all the male members of the Church (and congregation) who could wield saw or hammer contributing liberally of service as well as of means, to erect this Sanctuary of our God — "for the people had a mind to worship.."

We neither asked for, nor had, any help from our Church Building Society. A friend in Elgin Ill. Mr. McGlivey, sent us $200. Another lady in New London Conn., Mrs. Chappell, a f riend of the pastor, sent us $100. Another friend of the pastor in Peoria Ill, Mr. O. Bailey sent us $25. Another friend, Mr. W. Bemis of Davenport, Iowa sent us $10. Mr. Newcomb of New London Conn. and Mr. Homes, mother of the pastor's wife gave $10 each to buy the first set of shades for the windows. A friend of the pastor, Rev. Mr. Mone of Clinton, Iowa, sent $15 to buy the pulpit chairs. The ladies guild of the 2nd Congregational Church, New London, Conn., gave us the pulpit. The Communion service was the gift of the New England Church of Aurora, Ill., the pastor's recent charge. Mr. Leur's of San Jose gave us the pulpit Bible. These gifts I believe covered the help from outsiders.

The sons and daughters of Mrs. Anna E . Duncan furnished the communion table as a memorial of their departed mother.

During the planning for, and building of this house, the Women's Guild of this Church had been busy as bees gathering funds. They furnished $200 towards the needs from time to time, and helped largely towards buying the chairs with which the house is seated, and in the general furnishing.

The bell which was mounted 2 years ago in 1896, became ours through a gift by Mrs. McElevy of Elgin of $35, and a gift by Mrs. Chappell of New London Conn of $25. To this the Church added $25, and the bell was put in place.

On January 3, 1892 we held the first service in the new Lecture room, the main room not being ready for use.

On March 13, '92 the work being completed we held the service in which we dedicated to God this house which He had inspired us, and so wonderfully helped us to build. It was to us a joyful day.

Rev Mr. Tenny preached the dedication sermon from the text "The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" — a very timely utterance.

Rev. W. H. Crass spoke words of fellowship and congratulation for the sister churches of this Association, and Rev. J. H. Windsor, brother of the pastor being present from Ill., gave a greeting for the Churches of our fellowship at large.

At the close of this part of the service a statement was made by the financial committe of what had been raised and expended, closing with the announcment that $400 was still needed to liquidate all debts.

Pledges covering the amount were soon taken, the Womans Guild offering to be responsible for the last $60.

When the amount was declared raised, the Sanctuary, free of debt, was presented to the Lord in the dedicatory prayer offered by the pastor as the gift of this His people for the uses of His Kingdom.

Not long after the cancelling of these claims the Womans Guild moved in the direction of procuring the piano which now leads our service on Song. And it was bought and paid for under their endeavors.

Then when necessity grew, and there was obvious need of another room for the social and other uses of the Church, they moved to secure the erection of the Guild Room. There it is, the fruit of their confidence and courage. In this however, as in building the house, the brethren were ready with saw and hammer and trowel, each man according to his ability. And it ought to be said that through all the 10 years of the Church, there upon when burdens of service have been placed have faithfully met the responsilitities they have accepted.

At the organization of the Church, Mr. Marshall Ross was elected deacon, and he has held that office continuously to this day (April 1899).

In a year or two after his election, Dr C. N. Cooper was chosen to the same office and still holds it. At our last Annual Meeting (1898), Judge B. G. Hurlburt was chosen an additional deacon.

The pastor was the first Sabbath School Supt. followed by Mrs. Wm Duncan; and then for a brief period the pastor again, when Mrs. E. W. Mute was chosen Supt. to be followed by Mrs. C. D. Cutting who has held the office for 3 successive years.

Rev. E. Janes was the first Clerk of the church, then Mr. Gilmore Duncan, followed by Mr. Moses Wingate. Our present clerk, Mr A. G. Williams, has held the office several years very efficiently and still holds it.

There are two offices in the Church which call especially for continued attention, and involve not a little of patience and fidelity in meeting their obligations. It is worthy therefore of special mention that from the beginning Mrs. Janes has carried so acceptably the responsibility for the leadership of our service on Song in the house of the Lord. For ten years she has without stint done this herself, or secured for us the service. To see that this need is met every Sabbath calls often for not a little of personal self-sacrifice, and it certainly does for patient fidelity, and is deserving therfore today of our grateful mentioning.

The other office, that of Treasurer, has been filled most of these years by Mrs. Hurlburt. This is one of the trying functions in Church work, to be a successful treasurer, without vexing or harassing the people. That Mrs. Hurlburt has done this work so well and so long is not to be forgotten when mention is made of service rendered the Church. Success in this deparment has much to do with the comfort of the pastors home and more with the smooth running of Church affairs than many stop to think.

There are other and numerous lines of service the rendering of which has much to do with the successful movement of Church life and work, that I may not stop to allude to in detail, but which are deserving of regard as so necessary to the sum total of comfortable and helpful and efficient doing. To such as have lent their ready help along there various lines the Church today may fitly return the cordial and appreciative acknowledgements.

I do not recall just when our Christian Endeavor society began. I remember that the impulse which gave it life originated with Bro. Morer Wingate. It has proved a valuable adjunct to our Church life, and we cannot but hope will be the channel of rich blessings yet to come.

Mention should be made of the Young Ladies Missionary Society that has grown up under the interest and leadership of Mr. A. G. Willams, and whose work includes the partial care of a girl in one of our Missionary schools in India, as well as the providing clothing and other needful comforts for some of our home missionary families in this state.

The Ladies Missionary Society of the Church has helped much in sustaining the Missionary interest and spirit in the Church, and in addition to it, money contribution has been instrumental in sending from time to time helpful supplies by box and barrel to several of our home missionary households in California.

So friends you see how from that simple service that Sabbath morning Nov 4, 1888, has come about the result. And I am the more interested in contemplating it, when I recall that every forward movement has come from the Church itself, and has not originated with the pastor or been pushed by him against an unwilling people. Led in the matter of organizing a Church., I followed willingly, led in the movement for the house of worship, and I followed willingly. The initiative in these significant steps has been with the Church and not with the pastor.

But friends, how much there is to rejoice over today in the history of this little rural Church. Beyond all my own forcastings or anticipations, the work has gone on, till begining with nothing ten years ago, we find ouselves with a membership today of about 80, with a house of worship, tasteful and adquate to all present demand, without a cent of debt upon it, and I believe an unmarred reputation as a Church. More than this, the Missionary spirit in the Church has come to be such as to have acquired the cordial praise of the Secretaries of our Societies, and the recognition of our sister Churches as worthy of commendation. (See the addition to this record.)

There have been added to the Church since the organization 91, an average of 9 per year.

There have been dismissed to other Churches 11.

There have been dropped from the roll 4.

There have been removed to the Church above 7.

They lived with us in the "bonds that unite all the children of peace, and now though out of sight of eye and touch of hand they are not and cannot be beyond the love and the longings of kindred hearts."

"One family, we dwell in Him the Church above, beneath."

They belonged to us, in this little Church on earth, as they do now to the whole Church above,

"That innumerable throng round the Savior, night and day hymning one triumphant song."

Let me set their names in order for our remembrance. I will not trust myself to dilate on each.

In the order of their going they are

Mrs. Mary Perkins Randal, Feb 2, 1890;

Mrs. Anna Elisa Duncan May 24, 1890;

Mrs. Elisabeth Denny, Aug 3, 1894;

Mr. Morer Wingate, Aug 13, 1894;

Mr Rinaldo Shaw, Aug 6, 1895;

Mr. Edmund W. White, Aug 9, 1895;

Mrs. Mary Cooper, Jan 1, 1899.

Such is the hallowed list. We thank God they were ever with us; we rejoice that they are safely home.

And now to some matters of minuter interest, and yet germane to this anniversary occasion.

As the preacher in this pulpit, I have through all these ten years, as through all my ministry sought first of all to be loyal to the word of God.

No minister can be truly loyal to the interests of his hearers unless he is first loyal to the word of God. He cannot put man in his right place till he first put God in His place. I can call you to testify that this pulpit has not occupied itself with curious theories and philosophisings, or things simply sensational.

I have sought to present the truth to every man's conscience in the sight of God. I have proceeded on the principle that the one effective remedy of all departures from righteousness, whether in the individual or the community, is the new heart.

Divine regeneration is the one adequate solution of all individual and social ills that consititute the moral problems of this day or any day.

I have drawn from the word of God at large in finding themes for spiritual instruction. The Old Testament has furnished me 295 themes; the New Testament, 314. I have not gone outside the Bible to find themes.

I am glad to say that this Church has never drawn upon our Home Missionary Society for aid. For myself, I never would have consented to it. What salary has been paid your pastor has come entirely from yourselves; at your own suggestion. I have never set figures for this Church.

And it is a fact not very common in the history of a Church, that as pastor I have never had any financial contract with this Church.

You have agreed among yourselves what salary you thought you could pay your pastor, from year to year, and I have been content to take, and thankfully, whatever you have so concluded. That has satisfied me.

I have not done the full work of the pastor. I do not feel competent to do it. So that I have not only not asked, but would not think of asking the recompense from you which you would be expected to furnish one whose whole time and service were rendered you.

I find on examining my records that the pastoral work of the Church has been done at a financial cost to the Chruch of an average of $387.50 per year for the ten years.

But what has been accomplished in this first decade of our Church history could never have been accomplished, had it not been for the ready and effective cooperation of the membership.

Yet, as is always the case in such times of review, the reflection must come to us, that more might have been done than has been. The years have not yielded all they might, had we been more diligent and prayerful and consecrated.

But when we look at the steadily molding influence of the Church for good; at the prevailing harmony in it; at the growing interest in the Sabbath School; at the young Christian life coming on, nurtured to usefulness and beauty and strength in our Christian Endeavor; while we can discover, as I think we can, the silent but steady advance in intelligent Christian life in our memebership; and especially when I note the constancy of the missionary spirit showing itself in planning and giving for the needs of the Master's servants at home and abroad. When I note all this, it seems to me it were ungrateful in us not to recognize what God has given us to be, and helped us to do; and we should certainly feel the inspiration this hour brings us to look forward into the coming years of service with more sense of holy responsibility, a keener sense of the blessed privilege of being coworkers with God.

We ought to be ready like Samuel to set up here a memorial stone and write upon it, saying "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us," and then with the Apostle "Thank God and take courage," and move on.

Perhaps record should be made of the fact that the North Side people persuaded me to hold an afternoon service with them, which I began Aug, 4, 1889, and continued till Dec. 29, 1895, travelling in that service about 6500 miles. At length it grew to be a burden, and as you wished an evening service, I ceased work there, and began evening service here. This was continued till Nov. 1897, when at your suggestion the Christian Endeavor and the Evening preaching service were merged in one. This still continues as the most satisfactory method for our Evening Service.

Ministers