Into a New Century  

During the National Financial Crisis of 1890 to 1892, both the nation and Hanover Church faced financial difficulties. At Hanover, the congregation borrowed to cover expenses. In 1894, as part of cost-saving measures, the congregation was forced to reduce the yearly salary of the pastor, Dr. Marks, from $1,500 to $1,200. To compensate, the congregation provided the parsonage rent free to the Marks family. One means Hanover used to raise revenue during the late 1890s and early 1900s was to rent sidewalk space to merchants who sold goods from market stands on 6th and King Streets. That Hanover took more than a financial interest in the merchants was illustrated in 1906 whenn one of the merchants became ill. According to the minutes of the Board of Trustees, "The colored woman who has lease for a market stand on King Street pavement in front of the church was reported to be in such poor health she has been unable to attend market." In response, a resolution was passed by the Trustees to release her from paying rent until she was able to occupy her stand.

Mission activities at Hanover prevailed despite the church deficit. The women of Hanover used the lecture room to hold annual Thanksgiving dinners for the "poor children of the city." In 1897, the Female Harmony Society donated $200 toward the pastor's salary, financed new carpet for the Sabbath School rooms, and arranged for a thorough cleaning of the main audience room. The Society of the King's Daughters of Hanover Church was also active with fund-raising projects.

In 1898, Dr. Marks, who had served Hanover for 29 years, died suddenly from a stroke. Known as a forceful speaker, he was highly respected in the community. His community leadership was recognized in letter of condolence from Grace Methodist Episcopal Church that read, "For nearly 30 years he has been a commanding figure in our community, active and honored in all good works. His influence has not been confined to his own parish but has reached a larger constituency than that of his immediate church or denomination." After Dr. Marks' death, the congregation, expressing both appreciation of his ministry and affection for his family, offered to rent the parsonage to Mrs. Elizabeth Marks for $15 per month. Under the agreement, Mrs. Marks could rent the parsonage indefinitely or until the residence was needed for a new pastor. Mrs. Marks resided at the parsonage until February 1905, when Hanover sold the building for $3,600 to help reduce the church deficit. In September 1898, Rev. F. Cornwall Jennings was called to Hanover's pulpit from Morrisville, N.J. Rev. Jennings was said to be a fluent and incisive speaker and thoroughly indoctrinated with the spirit of Presbyterianism. During his brief ministry, attendance increased sharply. He left Hanover in July 1900, when he accepted a call to Wakefield Church in Germantown, Pa.

Rev. William L. Freund of Princeton, N.J., replaced Rev. Jennings in 1901. Rev. Freund served the congregation until 1905, when he resigned because of failing health. Although his pastorate was short, Mr. Freund was remembered by the Hanover congregation for his kindness and ability to teach and preach.

A Merger Offer Declined