The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-03-25

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trnst A. AM instrument in the hands Of Providence
for realy when look back, it seems that have done
nothing myself God has certainly opened the way
thus far, and trust Ina. MS I.esS%g VIII continue
| In 1850 in the providence Of God, assumed the
privileges and responsibilities OF minister of Christ,
and at that time the thought impressed itself upon
my mind that It was my duty to pay attention to
the education Of the deaf mutes in this city in addi
ton to the duties which ! discharged o
teacher in the Institution. For that purpose,
| looked round for a suitable room. and by
the kindness of the Rector of St. Stephens Church,
] used that vestry room for several weeks,
My meetings at that time were attended by only
four or five educated deaf mutes of this cty but still
they were present. and found that some little good
was done. When, however, this became noised
abroad, they dropped in, after another, until the
room could not contain them. We then held meet
ings In Bond street, on Friday evening, at which
ffty-nine deaf mutes attended. At these meetings
portions of the Scriptures expounded, and gene
raj information given with regard to historical
and other useful subjects. This was more OF
social gathering than an act Of solemn devotion
that is, public worship. The meetings have
gone on until the number of deaf mutes
have increased to sixty. Six or eight months
ago the idea occurred to me that it would be well
to gather these people around me- in the relation Of
people to their pastor Having received the unani-
nous consent of the rectors of the city churches
established service in this place on the first Sunday
in October, which has been continued up to this
time. am now endeavoring to form a parish and
build church. in which persons may be gathered
together who take an interest in deaf mutes, not
only for deaf mutes themselves, but for their chill
dren, parents, and friends, that they may not be
cut of distinct class from the rest Of society
Another reason is, that several are married
and have children who can hear and speak
and these children wish to gather into Sunday
they are interested in the same church that their
parents aid. If this city increases in population
twenty years will not roll by before there four
hundred of this class in the community and it seems
q ia nj U n 20 for
social worship. wish the church to be as central
as possible-at Twentieth or Thirtieth street, to-
wards the Sixth or Third avenues would answer this
purpose. would state, in this connection, that the
Vestry Of Trinity Church have granted me $500, for
the rent OF this room and the expenses here.
Many, perhaps, think that sign worship
is vague, but our sign language conveys ideas with
just as much precision spoken language does to
those who hear and speak. We have for every OBJ
ject definite sign, and aD-even abstract ideas
can be conveyed with as much precision as spoken
language. (Applause.)
After this address, the reverend gentleman much
to the qualification and amusement of the audience,
translated and explained the creed by means Of the
sign language. In answer to question put to him,
he said that the evening service given in the sign
language occupied about fifteen minutes more than
if delivered verbally.
Remarks were made by Gen. Wetmore, Mr. Gracy,
Gen. j. Watson Webb, Rev. DR.. Haght DR.. Peet,
Mr. Carlan, deaf mute who was interrupted by Mr..
Bartlett and Others expressive of entire satisfaction
in regard to the necessity of aiding Rev. Mr.. Gallau
dett0 accomplish his desire.
resolution
Resolved That the object brought before this meeting
by Rev Thomas Galaudet is calculated to call for
the cordial and support of this community
Which was seconded, and unanimously adopted
Rev. DR.. HAIGHT then rose and presented the fol
lowing, which was also adopted
Resolved, That st. AIMS Church for Deaf Mutas be
commended to the favorable consideration of the clergy
and aity of the city and vicinity with the earnest
taton that religious services may long, held in
appropriate edfce, consecrated to Almighty God.
Mr.. CRAZY proposed the following =
Resolved That a committee Of twelve be appointed
counsel and assist Rev Mr. Gaaudet in carrying out tn
| details OF his undertaking.
| The PRESIDENT then appointed Mr.. Gracy, Gen.
! Wetmore, Gen. Webb, Rev. Dr. Haight, Rev. Mr..
4 Bede Rev. DR.. Cutler, Rev. Cyrus Curtis, Robert
/ d. Weeks. Benjamin R. Winthrop, Rev. DR.. Vinton,
Rev. MIR. Greer, and Mr.. Weston, as the committee
to assist Mr.. Gallaudet.
On motion Bishop Wainwright, Dr. Peet, Presi-
dent of the Deaf and Dumb institution, and Mr..
Averell were added to the committee.
he meeting than