The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-03
GREECE OF TEE STRANGERS.
E;rand Reopcning Exercises-The Great Rail-
way King ut His Dew otions.


Esrnnd Rc0penin@ Exercises-ihe GreR. Rnil-
way King ut His Dew oiions.
The Church OF the Strangers ever since It's first
organization has been worshipping in the chapel OF
HE Old University, IN University place, but 80 this
found to be entirely too small 10 accommodate
the immense congregations which every Sabbath
assembled 10 hear the popular and eloquent pastor
Dr. Deems, IL was determined 70 procure another
and better place. consequently DR.. Deems entered
into negotiations with proper parties for the pur
chase ofthe old Mercer street Presbyterian church,
situated in Nelson place Mercer street, between
Waverey place ana Clinton place. Fifty thousand
dollars was the amour asked Tor The structure and
this the Doctor agreed TO ply, and in the meantime
named day for the closing OF the agreement ana
the transfer Of the property But Imagine his sur
prise and qualification when, . snort rne before
this ausplclous day arrived, he was called upon by
Commodore Vanderbnt's private secretary, who
presented him with check FOR $4,000, remarking
II the same time that Mr.. Vanderbilt having heard
OF the proposed purchase, wished Dr. Deems To
accept the amount as u GIT from himself, 10
be PAID 10 the owners or the Mercer
street church whenever inc proper panelss
of the Strangers, should he made ont. Two on three
Bohemian sheets have, II speaking OF The traDsac-
ton done all the parties concerned great injustice
by stating tnat the TACT OF Ars. Vanderbilt having
been under obligations to Dr. Deems previous 20 her
marriage with the Commodore prompted the gTeag
railway king 10 perform this act or munincence,
when the facts In the case quite the reverse. ls
Is true that Mrs Vanderbilt is member OF Or.
Deems church. but it Is not true that she was ever
under any obligations to nm IN any way, shape or
manner, anu therefore, the giit OF her husband was
prompted by no other cause than personal regard
and friendship which has long existed between Dr..
Deems and himself.
AS soon as the purchase OF the property was made
repairs OF very extensive nature were at once
commenced, and what was once an Old fashioned,
sent not only different, but really handsome ap-
pearance. The whole Interior OF the church has
been handsomely painted and frescoed the seats
have been newly and very iasteully upholstered,
new and elegant carpets have been laid down ana
The old fashioned, uilapda,ed pulpit replaced by
modern and handsome platform stand. Yesterday
morning the edifce crowded 70 It's utmost capa-
city by congregation representing as much wealth,
beauty fashion and intellect as Is ever seen even
In the most high toned or the many fashionable aud
aristocrarlc up town churches, the occasion being
grand reopenlng. Among many other notabies III
The audience were noticed Tie venerable Commodore
Vanderbilt, accompanied by MS handsome young
wife; Daniel Drew, Thuriow Weed, Ex-Governor
seated, besides the pastor, The Rev. DR.. Darby Dr..
Moran, OF North Carolina Dr. De witt ana several
other distinguished dlvines. The platform vas also
handsomely decorated with large number OF most
beautiful and fragrant bowers, whose perfume filed
the whole cnurcn, which were presented by the
ladies OF the congregation With The inscription,
ALL IoR JEsusl
neatly written upon card which was placed ON a
table Immediately in ront OF The stand Or pupil.
me service was conducted by Inc Rev. Dr. DE Wit.
OF the Collegiate Reform Church. After going
through with the usual morning exercise hymn
and commencing with the following Verse:-
Come down, q Lord, and with Ms live
For here with tender, earnest CALI
The gospel lhon ddst freely give
We freely offer unto all
was sung to the or Old Hundred, at the con-
clusion OF which Rev. Dr. Moran, OF the Methodist
Episcopal Church south, preached q most ELOQUENT
and Impressive serman, taking MS text rom Epbe-
SLAMS l., 10.
At three O'Clock in the afternoon the Sacrament Of
the Lord's Supper was administered ny the pastor,
assisted by Thomas ii. skinner LII. D.: George l..
Prentis D. d., pastor 81 the hrch oi tie Covenant;
Robert 4. Booth, u. ~, pastor OF the University
Place Presby lerian eilIirch these three gentlemen
having been pastors u TIE Mercer street church;
Gardiner Spring LII. d.: " illtan T. Splague, d. d.,
John =. Durbm, one Of the secretaries of tie Mebo-
dist Missionary Society: A. G. Hedehind u. u. pas
Tor ST. James utheran); Rev. il. Aelig, Of Pestn,
Hungary AND other cieraymcu.
IN the evening sermon was preached by Iohn
Cotton Smith, ID. D., AMER which an address was
delivered by Marcus G. button, u. D., pastor Of The
Washington square Reformed tDutcnj church.
This evening q public meeting VIII be neld, over
which Rev. Chancellor Ferris wan preside ana 10
which all are most cordially invited