The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-06-23

CLosfNo OF GRACE CHuRcn.-The march Of i'm
'rovement spares in its course neither church, pri
gae dwelling, store all fall before its resissss
tide and the old buildings that for years have been
!ooked on the safe anchorages of settled occupa-
tons, are rapidly passing away. The changes that
take place in their occupants such as the orgi
nal founders of them would little have dreamed
n the day when the finishing stroke was put to
them and they stood in all the pride of the then ar
chitectural excellence. Could mirror represent
ing the uses to which they would come, have been
held up to their satisfied possessors, great would
have been the indignation vented on the degenerate
tastes of coming ages. But these alterations and
ranslatons are but type Of the American peoples
peculiar bent, ever on the alert to improve and beau
ify, unshackled by any Of the prejudces of older
nations who attach mystic importance TO things
that have had their day and become superannuated.
we are led to these reflections by the scene that
was Yesterday enacted in Grace Church. The
buildings and ground Of this church have, in
formed our readers last week, been sold to the pro-
pretor OF the Chinese Museum, and possession is to
DC gwen on the first proximo, when the alterations
VIII Iortnwlth be commenced, and in short time
inc whole style OF the building will be adapted to
suitable exhibition room for this splendid collection
Inc rev. Dr' Taylor, who has presided over this
words OF eleven years. delivered most feeling ad-
dress on this OCCASION being the last Sunday which
the church would be used for divine worship. The
reverend gentleman pointed out the fact that the
So ~~N.AA.SAy "oS HOt COIliuucu " OuC
spot, that It was neither at Jerusalem, or here or
there only that prayer was acceptable, but that in
the words OF his text, "God is spirit and they that
worship him must worship him in spirit and in
truth" He explained, that the outward forms Of
religion by no means constituted the end of attending
public service but thathe spirit of God being present
IN the midst OF the prayers of the OF men, con-
stltuted the sanctity ftheir character He remark
ed, that the act OF consecratng place Of public wor-
ship did not apply to the stones and earth forming
that building, but that when the place ceased to
be used tor such purpose, its sanctity also ceased;
no mystic spell hanging round its walls forever after.
lie remarked that far better and more spacious
temple being prepared for the reception Of the
congregation, and concluded his sermon by some
most touching and feeling notices regarding the
number Of years the same congregation had wor-
shipped together, the absence of controversy and i'll
will among them in these days of sectarian bitter
ness The illusions he made to the growing up of
families under the roof of this church, the losses of
many of their members, and the various changes
that had befallen them, were very affecting. and
many of the congregation were moved even to tears.
He concluded most solemnly, and we have rarely
seen more impressive scene than the whole of the
mornings ceremonies. lie announced that no
place had been provided for their accommodation at
present, as so many of the families were out of
town but that in the month of September some
suitable room would be found and occupied till their
new, church was ready, which, it was expected,
would be In the month OF December next.