Ada directory, 1877

Rev. Jesse Walker preached the first Protestant sermon in Chicago in the fall of 1830, to which work he had just been appointed by the Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first Protestant church organiza- tion was effected the same year, when a small Methodist class was formed in the room of Dr. Harmon, in the garri- Mitchell was appointed to the same field. In 1835 the church had become an independent and self-sustaining sta- tion and John T. Mitchell was re-appointed.

The first church building was erected in 1834 upon the North Side, but was subsequently removed to the southeast corner of Clark and Washington streets, which has ever since been the property of the First Methodist Society of Chicago. From this feeble beginning has sprung the strongest Protestant church organization in the city, having now over forty churches in the city and vicinity.

In the fall of 1851 a Sabbath-school was organized in a

school room on North Green street, and Samuel Polkey

nriram/«Ml and lots were purchased upon the corner of

Dealers in

Zephyr Worsteds,

Embroideries, Patterns,

And everything found in a Complete Worsted Stock.

. Madison St.

Painting and Caleimiriing,

345 Randolph Street, Cor. May,

church received its first pastor, appointed by the conference, Rev. S. Guyon, who remained two years and was succeeded in 1855 by Rev. C. French. The next year Rev. William Tasker was appointed to the church. In 1857 the church secured the services of Rev. Arza Brown, who remained during the ensuing three years. The name of the church was changed, as was that of the street, in 18GO, and was thereafter known as the Indiana Street Methodist Episco- pal Church, until it was removed from that locality. In I860 Rev. Jacob Hartman was appointed to the church. Rev. D. W. Couch supplied the ensuing year. In 1863 Rev. W. D. Skelton became the pastor, and remained three years. During his termrof service the old church gave place to a larger and more convenient one, now occupying the same site and used by the Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Robert Bently was appointed to Hartwell. In I*«J1) ISt-v. W. F. Stewart was appointed to the church. During his pastorate, the church building was sold to the society now occupying it, and our present church upon Ada street was erected. Since that time Un- church has been known by its present name. Rev. T. R. Strobridge entered upon the pastorate of the church in 1875, the present pastor received his appointment to this

We have made no comments upon the work of any of our predecessors. We are not sufficiently familiar with the history of the church to give an accurate account of its progress from year to year, and were we to do so it might seem to be m:ikin^ invidious distinctions, among brethren

Boots & Shoes

Boot and Shoe House,

Our goods are all marked in plain figures. Children can buy from us just as cheap as their parents. All goods guaranteed as represented or money will be refunded. In order to sell at One Price Only, we have reduced our profits - one-third - and by so doing no reduction is possible.

Wehe's ONE-PRICE Boot and Shoe House

equally devoted to their work. We have no doubt all these men have earnestly labored for the upbuilding of the church and the glory of God. Some have been more favored by circumstances, and have seen more apparent fruits, but in the last day, we trust all will receive the " well done " of the Master. Suffice it to say, that in spite of many serious obstacles, the care and sacrifice incident to the erection of three church buildings, the resulting debts, the unpleasantness engendered by removal from the original site, the embarrassments occasioned by the finan- cial panic \\liirli immediately succeeded the completion of our church edifice, and other and even more serious hin- drances, the church has gone on working for the good of souls and the glory of God, and is now a most peaceful and prosperous religious organization, with more than three hundred members harmoniously and efficiently co-operat- ing in every good work. Its recent rapid growth U apparent from the fact that nearly two-thirds of the present membership and three-fourths of the Sabbath-school have been added during the past year and a half. We are now in addition to the public Sabbath services and Sunday- school regularly sustaining two church prayer meetings and seven classes. We have an efficient organization of " Christian workers " among our young men, a Ladies' Aid Society, a Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, an Indus- trial Society and School. All these organizations are vital and efficient.

The prospect before Ada Street Church was never brighter. We have well grounded reasons for expecting this to become one of the most powerful religious organiza- tions in tli«> city. \\V intend by a firm but kind adminis- tration of discipline to keep a faithful membership and

"Wholesale andL Retail

(Cor. St. John's Place),

Coal Dealer,

Weight and Measure Guaranteed.

accurate church records. The earnest piety of our mem- bers, the peace prevailing within our borders, the earnestness with which our members are working, the con- stant additions to our numbers, the attendance upon the services of our church, the increasing surrounding popula- tion and the evident favor of God, all justify our most sanguine expectations. May God help us properly to use our opportunities and cultivate His vineyard!

The Oldest Firm on the Street - Dealers in

Staple & Fancy Dry Goods,

Notions, Trimmings,

Hosiery, Underwear,

visit each family once a year, and oftener when there is 1 occasion for it. The growing proportions of the church make more*fretjuent visits increasingly difficult, and .they can only !><- made at the expense of time and strength needed for ntiu-r duties. If you are habitually at the ser- vices of the rhmvli, yourself and pastor will become unit nally \v,-Il acquainted without more frequent calls.

In cases of sicknts* or iiffli>-tivn inform your pastor, and he will most gladly visit you. Otherwise he probably will not be aware of your need of pastoral attention. \Vhrn unconverted persons are sick or desire religious con- versation, send promptly for your pastor and he will eagerly respond.

3. FUNEBALS. - We are always ready to attend funerals, whenever and for whomsoever called upon. For such services we desire no compensation, but think it reasonable to expect that those who ask our attention in their time of trouble, should attend our ministry when in health. Sun- day funerals should be avoided whenever practicable.

absent from the city, will prevent needless anxiety by informing the pastor or class leader. When permanently r«'m«.viii«r, always carry with you a church letter and immediately unite with an accessible church.

'». PEBIOPIOAIA. Kvery family should have a religious newspaper. Mi'tln»«liMs in ( 'liii-a_ir«» ou^lit to take the

Dealer in

Teas, Coffees, Spiees,

Dealer in All Kinds of

]LVol>le and Indiana, Streets,

All Orders Receive Prompt Attention,

Christian Advocate, published in our city and giving you needed information concerning the work of our church in our own part of the country especially, and the general progress of Methodism and Christianity throughout the world. Besides the Northwestern, we recommend the papers, the X<it!<m'il Depository for a magazine, and tjnl.l.n I/ours for the children.

»i. 1 Ym.ir WORSHIP. - Every church member should aim to attend his church twice every Sabbath, the Sunday- school, his class, and the general church prayer-meeting every week. This requires but seven hours' time weekly - certainly no less than a Christian owes himself and his church to give to the public worship of God. The habit of wandering about from church to church because of disaffec- tion at home, or in search of a sensation somewhere else, is always excessively injurious, resulting in a loss of mental stamina, clear convictions of truth, and healthful religious growth. In church members such a course is nothing less than criminal, because it involves the violation of most sacred vows, and the failure to discharge most solemn obli- gations. To have joined a church, like entering the mar- riage relation, indicates the deliberate and prayerful assump- tion of life-long obligations, which no honest man can ignore. A church member who suitably respects himself and his vows, will resent attempts to influence him to violate the pledges he has taken before his own church. Your pa-t.>r and brethren have a right to look for you always in your own place in your own church, and without very good reason you ought not to disappoint them. Let no ordinary occasion or temporary impulse keep you away from the ser- vices of the sanctuary. Your pastor can preach better when

Chicago Fence Works,

Simple and Strong in Construction!

Durable, Handsome, and Cheap !

Manufacturers of

Jll Ming® aiz$ Style® &f

Send for Price List and Circulars. Liberal Discount to the Trade. SCROLL SAWING and TURNING done.

\ns members are there to hear. The Sabbath-school needs you as a learner or teacher. Your class needs your presence and your leader wants to know your experience.

7. PRAYER MLI-IIN-;. - Come early. Take a front seat. Come from your closet prayerfully, trustfully, hopefully. Hring some one with you. Expect to let your voice be heard. Hold yourself responsible for every lost moment until you have contributed your testimony. At the close, tarry to greet your pastor, your brethren, and especially strangers and seekers of religion.

Speak to them at the close of our services. Learn their names and residence, and call yourself and inform your pas- tor. Don't wait for introductions.

'.'. WORK. - Work for Christ and the church as best you can, and in every possible way. In the social meetings, in house to house visiting, in the circulation of tracts, in social gatherings of the church, before and after meetings, in the exertion of a healthful Christian influence, and by a roii-'stent Christian life and godly conversation. "Be instant in season and out of season."

Faith in God, obedience to His laws, and work in His vine- yard, will make every man happy.

for reading the Scriptures and secret prayer. Wesley recommends one hour in the morning. Like David and Daniel, throe times a day, upon your knees, ask God's Mess- ing. Read the Bible systematically. Habitually meditate upon its teachings Know more of God day by day. He

pre-icm'.' and approval constantly. P.*. FAMILY WOI:SHII . - I.et CV.TY Christian household

PlumbingI Gas Fitting

Dealers in

Gas Fixtures and Plumbers' Goods.

( Near Corner Clark)

N. W. Cor. Washington, Opp. Field, Leiter & Co.

sustain a family altar. Also ask God's ble&ing upon each meal. Always take your children to church, after they .-in- old enough to attend school, that in childhood they may form the habit of church attendance, and receive the good impressions resulting from habitual presence in the sanctuary. Have your children sit with you.

taught to believe that God loves them, that Christ redeemed them, and they belong to God by creation and redemption - that -they may in early childhood become sincere Christians, and ever remain in the family of God. Till the church leads the children to Christ it will never conquer the world.

14. SAIIKATII OBSERVANCE. - The Lord's day should be devoted to public and private worship, the study of the Hi Me, cheerful religious conversation, and efforts to do good. Hence only works of necessity and mercy are justi- fiable. Social visiting, pleasure riding, buying Sunday papers, reading secular papers and books, ordinary letter writing, looking over accounts and business papers, house hunting, and frivolous or business conversation, are all vio- lations of God's command - " Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."

15. TI:MIM I:\XCE. - Church membership involves the strongest and most sacred temperance pledge. The largest and most powerful temperance society in America is the .Method ist Episcopal Church. Any member of our church who should use intoxicating drinks except in case of "extreme necessity,'' not only injures himself and other-, but breaks his covenant with God and the church, and proves himself untrue.

]-'.. AMUSBMKN re. - We expect our members to keep our

Gribben & Sexton

Sole Agents for the Celebrated

Having No equal! Made with and without the Low-down Oven! The only Parlor Oven that will Bake, Boil, and Heat the Base of Stove at the same time. It also contains the very latest improvements and the best mechanical devices for Con- suming- the Gases of Anthracite Coal. Heavy, Durable, Handsomely Ornamented, and in every respect the Finest and Most Complete Hard Coal Base Burner ever put upon the market. Every Stove warranted to give perfect satisfaction in every respect. The Crown Jewel Base Burners are sold by JOHN BUCKLEY, 3oS West Madison Street ; R. GARDNER, 1010 West Madison Street ; IT. S. PAULSEN & BRO., 152 West Indiana Street.

circuses, dances, billiards, card playing, games of chance, and such other diversions as are in themselves or thr-ir ten- dencies and associations of questionable propriety. Chris- tians not only want to avoid evil, but all appearance of evil. Whatever some may say of the innocence of any of these amusements in themselves, indulgence in them always wars against the soul, and leads to associations and habits that destroy piety and often character as well. Seek amuse- ments that have no misleading tendc

17. BENEVOLENCE. - God demanded of each Jew at least one-tenth of his income, for strictly religious purposes. Can a Christian give less and not be more selfish than were the Jews? God promises an earthly and heavenly reward for all we give Him. None are poorer for what is con- scientiously given to Christ and His cause. Though it require self-denial, cheaper rents, poorer clothes, less indul- gences, or smaller business investments, honor God with your substance, and aim conscientiously and systematically to come up to the Scriptural standard, giving one-tenth of your income to God, and receive the reward He has repeat- edly promised those who obey Him in this regard.

18. OUK Kiv \\I-IAL PLAN. - Give weekly, in envelopes prepared for the purpose, the proportion of your subscrip- tion due. Let every member of our church and congrega- tion aim to regularly contribute his share of our current tii>t day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him."1 It is Wesley's plan. It has worked more successfully in the Wesleyan Church of Knirland, than any other system of church finance ever

Meat Market

374 West Madison St.

Vegetables, Etc., Etc.

Respectfully tenders thanks to his many customers and friends

for past favors, and hopes to merit a continuance of

their patronage by keeping the

Best and Largest Assortment of Boots and Shoes on the West Side,

Please call and examine my stock.

prosperous churches of other denominations. It makes iriving easy and a regular means of grace, to all the people. It teaches children and encourages the poor to give. It enables us to have free seats, thus abolishing distinctions between the rich and poor, enabling each to do his part, and fairly distributing the burdens of the church.

I'1. II \I:M"\V. - Let our people remember that it is good for brethren to dwell together in unity. Frown upon every thing that savors of evil speaking, fault finding or com- plaining of the members, officers or work of the church. Correct what ermrs y«m can in a judicious, Christian man- mer, help forward every possible improvement; but under no circumstances, discouragement or disappointment will a judicious and earnest Christian seek to promote any object, however desirable in itself, by introducing disaffec- tion or discord into a church. He who would do this is unfit f<>r membership in any Christian society. As long as you can, speak hopeful, encouraging words, lend a helping hand, co-operate in every go >d \v..r!<, and assist your breth- ren to build up the church. When you can no longer do this, nor live in love an 1 charity with your brethren, the sooner you withdraw from your church the better for yourselves and all concerned. We rejoice that this hopeful,' charitable and earnest spirit now completely triumphs in our church. May it ever do so in the hearts of all our

*^0. HOUNKSS. - Iiemember that the mission of Methodism is to spread Scriptural holiness throughout the world. Let your motto be, holiness to the Lord. Let us ever seek pure hearts and holy lives. Lot us not rest content unless we are fully conse, -rated to <iod ami saved by grace. Mav bo a holy ehnrdi!

[Names ol Member* are printed In SMALL CAPITALS; names of Probationers

in Italics. The No. before name designates class.]

1 ADAMS, BETSEY M.. Ill N. Ashland Avc.

Highest Honors