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Rev. Arthur Polk Brown

1910

On February 2, 1910, a unanimous call was extended to the present pastor, Rev. Arthur Polk Brown, of Oakland, Cal. He had graduated from Franklin College, Indiana, studied at Rochester Theological Seminary, taken his B. D. Degree from the University of Southern California, and done special research work at the University of Chicago. Ordained at The Palms, where he was pastor and also chaplain at the Soldiers' Home at Sawtelle, he became pastor at Monrovia, in 1892. There he did a constructive work for seven years. There he was married and his two children were born. From 1899 to 1909 he was pastor of the First Church at Fresno, Cal., leading in the building of their new house of worship, witnessing more than one great historic revival, and helping in the great work of voting that city and Valley dry. From a church of less than 200 members it grew to over 500 in his pastorate, with a large Sunday School and two strong missions founded, one of which is now a fine church. Seven hundred and ninety- seven members were received by him during this pastorate, 349 of whom were baptized, and 198 couples were married.

In that year he was called to become associated with Dr. Homer J. Vosburg, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Oakland, in that great field, and while there helped to carry their Sunday School up to nearly 200 new scholars, and did much in adding to their efficiency.

He began his pastorate here March 6, 1910, and at once planned larger things for Sunday School and community work, securing many new scholars through the systematic canvasses of the city by volunteer visitors. With "Efficiency" as his goal, many more effective plans were adopted for the church, and the whole city was touched by the plans for cooperation with other churches in trying to reach and invite all the unchurched of the city, and to invite every child to the Sunday School.

In the fall of that year. a most helpful revival was held with Bruce Evans as Evangelist, and many new converts were added. F. H. Magoffin was elected Head Usher, a post which he still fills, giving a warm welcome to all in his own genial way.

The choir, under the able leadership of Prof. L. W. Everett, rendered most delightful and spiritual music, while officers and members vied with one another in lending a helping hand wherever needed. Needless to say, converts multiplied.

The year of 1911 was marked by a Union Revival meeting, held in the old Pavilion, under Dr. H. 0. Breeden, with Prof. W. F. Lintt and C. R. Travis assisting. Many were converted, and the Sunday Schools were especially built up by his efforts. To our church a special blessing came, as an effort was made under his direction to raise the long-standing debt of $8,000 on our church, and $8,416.00 was pledged on Sunday, April 23, to which the pastor's personal solicitations added about $1,000 during the next week, thus fully providing for all debts. As three years' time was given for the payment of the notes, the collection had to be slow. The Ladies' Aid Society, under the efficient leadership of Mrs. F. H. Magoffin, pledged $1,000, for which they worked hard, and paid up in full.

On May 11, the Ter-Centenary of the King James Version of the Bible was fittingly observed by sermon by the pastor.

In June a branch church was established in Rialto, and its members enrolled with us, while doing their local work there in union with the Disciples' church. This brought into our fellowship a choice lot of earnest workers.

In July, 1911, the pastor attended as a delegate the great International Sunday School Convention in San Francisco, bringing back most enthusiastic reports.

February 17, 1912, the old red-light district of vice and rioting was permanently closed by order of the Council, in compliance with a request from the churches and better citizens, thus marking one more great reform for our city. On March 30, the dearly beloved mother of our pastor, Mrs. Frances Brown Jones, died after an illness of eleven days. She was so unselfish and thoughtful for all, so tender in her sympathy, that the church was sadly broken up and grieved over her death.

At this time Rev. E. R. Hermiston and wife, with the Chapel Car, held revival meetings of great influence with the church. The sinking of the Titanic with its awful loss of life made a deep impression on the church, as eight were baptized the next Sunday night The Memorial service held in our church for the G. A. R. that year made a profound impression. In August of that year a quarantine against infantile paralysis closed the Sunday School except adult department, for over a month, but they soon rallied again when it was lifted.

During the autumn the pastor preached a series of sermons on "Beacon Lights of Early Bible History," followed by another series, on "Love, Marriage and the Home." These were very popular, packing the church and galleries with large audiences.

This series was closed with the announcement of the pastor's purpose to take unto himself a wife. He was married in Oakland, January 1, 1913, to Miss Maybelle B. Babcock and brought to the church such a cheerful, happy helper and winsome social worker that all were delighted. A most enthusiastic reception was tendered them by the church on their return. In February a new Directory of the church was published, the second one during this pastorate, showing a large increase of membership, and incorporating the plan of districting the membership to be cared for by the officers more personally, and effectively. The churches united in revival meetings before the Easter season, with the pastors doing the preaching. Only the membership was reached, but they were largely edified. During November of this year, a Los Angeles pastor held special meetings for two week. without a conversion, but afterwards a new interest sprang up under the pastor's preaching.

January 31, 1914, the second special election was held to abolish the saloons, the vote standing 2501 for the saloons, and 2188 against, a wet majority of 313, cutting down their majority from 466 in a previous election where only half as many voted. The pastor, as always, took a most active part in this election and our church was in the forefront of the battle. In this same election, gambling was abolished by ordinance, with a majority of 640 votes. During the fall great work was done to get ready for a big union meeting, a large Tabernacle was built, and Evangelist John Brown and Prof. E. P. Curry held an intensely appealing revival, that moved hundreds to a better life, and brought scores into the churches. Their sweet spirit won universal commendation. About 25 were added to our church as a direct fruitage.

The State election held in November abolished the red-light districts of the State, but retained the saloons for awhile longer. 

Early in 1915 a striking series of sermons on "The Young Man's Outfit" drew large audiences and much good was done. During November of this year, John E. Brown and C. P. Curry returned for another union revival meeting in the Tabernacle and had even larger crowds and attention than the year before, with a large number of converts. The accessions were less than before.

Early in January of 1916, Dr. A. J. Frost, former pastor, visited and preached for the church with a large attendance, and much appreciation. Many old tender ties were renewed, and an honored servant of God was made glad with the warmth of a most cordial welcome. Rev. George E. Burlingame of the First Church, San Francisco, visited us in March and preached on Missions to a large audience. It was a worthy, masterful effort. Revival services were held by Nels Thompson that brought out large crowds, tho few were baptized as a result.

Early in the autumn a most excellent Sunday School Institute was held with us by Rev. D. C. Williams and a corps of able speakers, that inspired us with new zeal for Sunday School work. An Enlistment Campaign was inaugurated, which in two months of September and October added 145 to our Sunday School, with a large increase of interest. The pastor began the preaching of a series of sermons on TEN GREAT CRISES IN THE HISTORY OF THE HEBREW PEOPLE, that was most highly commended for historic insight, breadth of view, and Biblical exposition. He believes in bringing the Bible more closely to the people by these panoramic views of the great mountain peaks of its history. Among the great themes he has preached upon, and which developed the most interest have been the following: "The King's Highway"; "The Way to Have More Men in Our Churches"; "A New Vision Needed"; "An Efficient Life, Not Repression-Religion's Aim"; "The Ghosts of Lost Opportunities"; "The Glory of the Iron Cross"; "Eyes That Are Opening to the Glory of the Lord"; "The Secret of Training Great Men"; " A Prayer From Hades" ; "The Men Who Are to Rule the World"; "Man's Long Fight For Freedom"; "Reconciled Through Christ's Death"; "The Desolations of Unbelief"; "The Power of God to Keep His Children"; "The Man Who Has Ceased to Pray"; "The Four Great Incarnations of God"; "The Landmarks of A Vast Inheritance"; "The Message of the Bells"; "The Bridging of the Great Chasm"; "A Time for Decisive Action"; "The Recording Angel of Memory"; "The Companionships of the Soul"; "The Salvation That Lasts for Life"; "Heart Hungers Enlarging Life"; "The Repentance That Restores"; "Great Hearts Make Great Men"; "National Conservation of Manhood"; "The World's Present Need of the Christ"; "The Command of Our Resources for Life's Battles"; "The Age Movement Towards Unity"; "Fading Dreams"; "Pilgrim's Progress"; "The Miracles of Christ, and Upon the Parables of Christ," and " An Enthusiasm From On High."

There have been added to the church under Pastor A. P. Brown's shepherding, 355 members, of whom 134 were baptized, and 144 came by letter. One hundred and twenty-six couples have been married by him, and 80 funerals conducted. The recent Sunday School Enlistment campaign has added 145 to the Sunday School, making a present enrollment of 470. The present church enrollment is 440. The church some time since took steps to celebrate its semi-centennial, to commemorate its fifty years of history , and as a result, the present Anniversary fitly presents the record and achievements of that long half century. The program is to be as follows:

Program

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2:30 p.m. Commemoration Meeting of Women‘s Missionary Society, presided over by Mrs. Thomas B. Phillips.
7:30 p.m. Address. "Jubilee Memories and Meanings," Rev. H. L. Boardman, D. D.
Music by the Choir.

Friday, Nov. 10 2:30 p.m. Home Coming Day for all Former Members of the Church.
Addresses and recollections of old times, by many.
A History of 50 years of the Church - Pastor Arthur P. Brown.
6:00 p.m. Pioneers' Supper, in honor of the Founders. Toasts.
7:30 p.m. Former Pastors' Night, with addresses by Rev. Thomas Phillips, Rev. Mark B. Shaw, Rev. A. J. Frost, D. D., recalling former days and achievements. Choir music.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2:30 p.m. Pioneers' Day. Pioneer Society and all the pioneers invited to renew old memories and recollections of the early days. Judge W. J. Curtis and others talking over old times.

Sunday, Nov. 12, 11:00 a.m. Congratulatory sermon on our Semi-Centennial, Rev. J. F. Watson, Superintendent of Missions for Southern California.
7:30 p.m. Sermon by Rev. A. J. Frost, D. D., pastor for over 10 years.

All former members, in town and out, are cordially invited to all of these commemorative services.

Roll of Pastors and Acting Pastors

Officers for 1916

Sunday School Officers

Roll of Members

Dates of Admission and Dismission

Ackerman, Jessie '93-96		Bailey, G. S. 85-85
Adamson, Nannie '91-94		Bailey, Sarah E '85-85
Agee, Etta, '14-15		Bailey, Will C '85-85
Allam, Mrs. Orpha '08-10		Bailey, Lottie C. '85-85
Allam, Orrin '.09-10		Baker, Mrs. Hattie '97
Allen, Lucius G '91-10		Baker, C. L. '06-08
Allen, Fay '02-05		Baker, Mrs. Millie '06~03
Allen, Lucius G '91		Baker, Elizabeth '96-08
Allen, Hannah D '87-01		Baker, Lewis '07-08
Allen, Legare '85		Baker, Lester H '09-11
Allen, Emma '96-0,0		Baker, Mrs. L. H. '09-11
Allen, R F '97-05		Bangle, Mrs. Mary '87-92
Allen, Mrs. Ella '01-		Bangle, T. M. '87-92
Allen, Jacob '75-76		Barnum, J Harold '90
Allen, Abigail '75-76		Barnum, Emma '90
Allen, Mrs. W. D. F.		Barnum, A. W. '83-13
Allen, Mrs. Ora Nelson		Barnum, Mrs. A. L. '83
Alexander, Wm J '08-11		Barnum, Mrs. J. H. '00
Alleman, Frank '87-		Barrett, ,Chas. '84-
Allinder, Lillian '95-99		Barrett, Mrs. Nora '84-06
Allinder, Mrs. L B. '95-99		Barton, Wm '86-
Ames, Mrs. Blanche '01-12		Barton, Mattie '86-
Ames, Mabel '01-12		Barton, John '89-99
Annable, S C '88-93		Barth, Mrs. Lydia '88"-00
Annable, Mrs. Ella '88-93		Barton, Mrs. Mary '89-10
Annable, W. '88-93		Barton, Miss Mary '89
Annable, Fred '88-93		Barton, Dr Benj. '66-98
Anderson, Mrs. W. D. '04		Bates, Bertha '08-13
Anderson, William '99		Bassell, Burr '91-92
Anderson, Louis '06-07		Bassell, Mrs. Bell '91-92
Anderson, Mrs. W. D. '99		Bassell, Guy '91-93
Annable, Herbert '97		Barnes, Mrs. Ida 93-10
Annable, Mrs. Lizzie '98		Barnes, Pearl '92-95
Annable, Mildred '10		Barnes, Walter '08-09
Annable, Edwin '15		Barnes, Mrs. W '08.09
Armstrong, Mrs. C '94-95		Barnes, Ida '10-10
Ashley, Chas. E. ‘97-97		Barnes, Mol lie A '92-95
Atkins, Jennie H '84-84		Barrows, Joe -
Atklns, Lizzie B '84-84		Barrows, Marjarie -
Atkins, Geo. R. '83-~4		Barrows, Mrs. G. L. -
Atkins, Emerette '83-84		Barrows, C. P. '81-
Ayers, Mary '85-86		Barrows, Mrs. A. F. '81
Bailey, Mrs. C. S. '04		Barrows, Bertha '05
Ballard, Ellen '77-06		Barrows, Mrs. Maggie '09

PAGE THIRTY-NINE

Bates, John S. '02-05		Brayton, Henrietta '07
Bates, Mrs. John S. '02-05		Brayton, Effie '12-12
Bates, Ashly '02-05		Bressler, Emmet '02-12
Bates, Myrtle '07-08		Bressler, F. M. '02-10
Bates, Mrs. Bertha '08-13		Bressler, Mrs. F. M. '02-12
Barton, Willie '94-07		Brown, Arthur P. ’10
Barton, Mrs. Naomi '06		Brown, Mrs. A. P.
Beck, Viola '85-97		Brown, Mrs. Maybelle '13
Bell, Lockard Edw. '13		Brown, Merlin M.
Binkley, Sarah '12-13		Brown, Evelyn Frances
Birch, Mrs. Estelle '94-99		Brown, Edith
Bixler, Gilman '00-02		Brown, Barbara
Black, Elmer '98-03		Brown, Mrs. Ella B.
Blake, Mrs. Allie '07		Brummett, Mrs. L. '94
Blake, Jas. H. '08-12		Brummett, Mary '05-15
Blanchard, Mrs. M. '94-~7		Brummett, Grace '05-15
Bohant, George '97-03		Brummett, Ada '05-15
Boley, Mrs. Sarah 'O8		Briggs, Mrs. Maggie '99
Boley, James '13-16		Briggs, Mrs. Betsy '03-12
Bond, Frank C. '87 -		Brink, Nicholas B. '83
Bonser, Mrs. Nellie '15-15		Brink, Mrs. A. E. '76-88
Boree, Ruth '10-13		Britt, D. W. C. '75-75
Botts, Jas. R.		Brison, Carrie '07-13
Botts, Mrs. Jas. R.		Brison, Hilda '07
Bovee, George '05-13		Brown, Mrs. J. H.
Bovee, Mrs. Geo. '05-13		Brownlee, Mrs. May ‘02-02
Bovee, Ruth '12-13		Brummett, Daniel '92-00
Bowling, Mrs. J. P. '13-14		Boelick, Anna '80-87
Bradley, Bessie '94-12		Brantley, Blanche '10
Bradshaw, Chas. '06-09		Bridges, Mrs. Agnes '88
Bradshaw, Mrs. Ch. '06-09		Brady, Mrs. Rose '15
Bradley, Robt. E. '88-12		Bressie, Mrs. Clara, '15
Bradley, Mrs. M. E. '87-07		Brown, Herbert '94-96
Bradley, R. M. '10		Brown, Mrs. Kate '94-96
Bradley, Mrs. R. M. '10		Brown, Rev A. P. '10
Bradley, Melville 93-10		Brown, Merlin '10
Brainard, Harry '94-95		Brown, Evalyn '10
Brainard. Mrs. H. '94-95		Brown, Edith '12
Brandt, Mrs. N. P. '99-00		Bryant, Jason '94-97
Brantley, Blanche -		Bryant, Mrs. J. '94-98
Brantley, Helen -		Buck, Mrs. S. A. '89-97
Braswel1, Elizabeth -		Buford, Della
Braswell, Faith -		Buck , Mrs. Sarah 04-09
Breck, Charles C. '83-		Burcham, Roy '05

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