The New York herald., 1870-02-07
ST. PAuls METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

-. FaJl VT ihuuSl eFStUfSL Cnuhbh.
The Fashionable Uptown Charch Of the
Methodisis--Sermon by Rev. Henry sslicer,
ID. D.-rhe Relations of Christians to Each
Other and to the Unconverfed Around Them.
THIS Is the largest and most fashionable Methodist
church In New York, or PROBABLY within the bounds
OF the conference. The congregation formerly wor-
shipped IN PLAIN, unpretentous building In Null
berry street, near Bleecker then better known as
wesley place. now occupied by ST. Philips colored
congregation. The Rev. Dr. John McClmtock-a
man OF commanding presence in the pulpit aud Of
massive inteilect--was then its pastor. The uptown
movement had then commenced, and the Church, TO
save itself from dissolution was obliged to follow.
Ihe trustees purchased lots on the corner Of Fourth
avenue anu Twentysecond street and erected there
on magnihcent temple, chapel adjoining and a
parsonage NJ cost OF about quarter OF million
dollars. The congregation into this building
about twelve years ago, and shortly afterwards Dr.
McClntocK was called to the pastor ate or the Ameri
chapel In Paris where renamed three or four
years. He now fills u professorship in the Drew
Theological Seminary, near Morristown, n. J.
ST. Paul's can accommodate about 1000 persons
II Is admirably adapted TO seeing and hearing The
glare Of sunlight that enters Is greatly sofened by
passing through stained glass windows ana falling
upon sombre-hued walls and black walnut pews.
with Its spre pointing heavenward, and its
superb internal appointments were con-
sidered innovations on the established sim
pie styles and customs OF Methodism. And
op the day of It's dedication blunt old gentleman,
who had not learned OF Christ In marbled temples
and cushioned seats, remarked that at was capt
tai place to o to perdition fromn-meaning thereby
that fashionable Christianity - a curse rather than
blessing to the world. Although the church IS
pretty well flied with worshippers every Sabbath,
it's communicates do not number more than three
hundred and hfty or four hundred souls, ana the
average attendance of teachers and scholars the
Sunday school is scarcely one hundred. Neverthe.
less, II pays for the best ministerial talent In the
annual conference and subscriDes berally to all the
connecting institutions Of the Methodist Church.
Its pastors receive an annual salary Of
$4,000 and house nee; and on sunday,
January 80, It's Iberallty toward the Mis-
sionary Society Of the Methodist Episcopal Church
was SHOWN by subscription OF s1O,o0o-about fifty
per cent on its previous subscriptions for this
But st. Pau's can better afford 10 give thousands
than other Methodist churches can give hundreds;
and indeed, 1t Is the opinion OF some OF It's former
pastors that II the church should lose dozen or
more OF its rich men 10 would be spiritually bene
fitted. Its choir has fine alto voice and tenor and
there Is also very fine organ To accompany them.
Among the wealthy men OF the church may be
named Daniel Drew. the millionaire; A. r. Corbin.
the brotherin.law OF President Grant; Police Com
missioner Il. f. Manierre and Others equally promi-
nent. besides some Of lesser prominence apd wealth,
including r. X. McBurney. Secretary OF inc Young
y. ".
Colgate, Wood Pray, Cushman Stephenson, Dickin-
son. Bangs Chamoerlin.' Hall, Foster St0ris Reed,
Lane and their families and others
stranger entering the church Yesterday would
first be struck with the number Of carriages that line
the streets In front or It's doors, and secondly with
Inc apparent simplicity of the wOrshjppers within.
With the evident knowledge or a competence OF this
worlds goods ana OF an abiding treasure above
there Is not so much showlness Of dress and gaudl
ness OF attire among them as appear among some
other religious congregations. There was also
greater apparent heed given to the ser, ices than
ma hat Artl1 frafti
the fact that the church ~ now holding revival SER
vices four evenings IN the week and the PASTOR Rev.
by Rev. Henry Sheer. u. d., Of Baltimore, who
Is IN the city as member OF tho Book
committee now investigating the alleged ir.
Concern. He is q man Of large frame. fine inteliec
tual face ana head, and his white locks and svery
voice and earnest manner must command the atten-
uon or an audience. His sermon yesterday morn
ing was an ample exposition or the relations OF
Christians TO eacn other and the uncovered around
them; the duties and obligations imposed upon
them, and the denunciations and punishments that
must result from an unfathtu performance or
neglect OIL those duties. His text Psalm cXlil
4-'.So man cared for my sou.n Selfshness he
copsidered the great crime or lile We all too
Or @0nreNcerning our brothers. welfare, to answer
~ A. did CAIN Am ! my brothers keeperYn Chris.
tns princpe % Of % sessness and 70 o,D'er ,eacS rs
the fullest and pnrest seli-denial and self-ab-
negat'on that IT IS possible for humanity to
learn Or 70 initiate. The duty OF caring for sOnls
he said involves due appreciation Of the value OF
tue soul and earnest desire and effort for Its sal
vation. And this duty devOlves upon heads OF fam
ilies, upon church members and upon ministers. In
Its application 10 heads OF families the DOCTOR
touched upon the marriage relation which, he said
he was glad TO perceive had recently been pretty
thoroughly discussed in the pulpit and the press.
Marriage is not said he, matter Of romance but or
solid, solemn prose; though OF late i5 mas become
as mercenary as the sale OF horse the transfer
OF n plantation. And many an innocent and unso-
phis girl Is welded TO an unwashed villain
who has nothing TO recommend MIN but pleasing
exterior or money
AL the close Of the sermon the sacrament OF the
Lords supper was administered and the pastor was
assisted IN this service by the Rev. Or. Slicer ana Dy
sionary Society, and LaDaaan book agent here who
are also members OF ST. Paul's. Tne communion
services were interspersed with brief ana pointed
addresses 10 the worshippers, urging iner conse-
cratIon and greater diligence doing the work Of
God. The pastor, DR.. Rdgaway, is a Mar ylander
and at the outbreak OF the rebellion his 6vnpatfies
were strongly with the South, but from the day that
the nag was Hred on ~ Sumter he became pro-
nOunccd Union man. HIS defence OF the Union
made him inmica 10 the people OF Virginia and
Maryland with whom he labored. His talents beng
this section Of country, joined the New York Con-
ference and has spent pastoral term with the peo.
pie OF Washington square Methodist Episcopal
church, sing sing, and 81. Paufs, where he now
ministers. lie is yet young man. small of stature
but very eloquent aud with the best OF The land st
before him. The Doctor also preached in the evening
CgUaCA or ST. FRANCIS XAVIER.
Rich Music, Genuine pie;y and the --latest,
Fashi0ns-Eev0u. Sermon by Father