The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1871-07-26
Fon THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.

Rev DR.. Broa0n
Dear Brother,-Knowing that you have felt
much interest in the mission | was intrusted with
by our Assembly at Huntsville, and having had
the pleasure to meet with number of your person
al friends, send you short notice eft my trip.
l reached Albany, N. Y, on the day after the
General Synod of the Reformed Church had
opened On entering the old North church, the
first man [ met was my old Professor Dr. Forsyth,
Of Newburg, The Committee or Foreign Cores
pondence Immediately communicated the fact Of
my arrival as delegate from the Presbyterian
Church South. 1t was at once ordered that my
formal reception take place on Saturday at IL A.
NJ. Dr. Todd was present at the meeting of the
Synod, though not delegate. He made his re
port antecedent to my appearing before the Synod
He was enthusiastic in giving his account Of his
reception by the General Assembly South. In
public and in private be seemed never to weary in
speaking of the kind and cordial welcome he re
ceived from the brethren at Huntsville, Alabama.
This of course prepared the way for me, and my
reception was all that Christian cordiahty, kind
ness, and love could make it. When | had deliv
cred my address. and Rev. Dr. Taylor had closed
his very beautiful and touching reply, DR.. Todd,
who happened to be near by, stepped forward on
the platform and grasped my hand expressing in
the most feeling manner his qualification that the
friendly and Christian alliance between the two
churches was now consummated. The large au-
dienco was touched with the scene Of the two del
egates from both churches in their warm congrat
uations All seemed grati6ed at the friendly and
cordial relations now formally established between
the churches. During my stay my intercourse
1 with the brethren was of the most pleasant and
agreeable character All were anxious to hear
about the South; how we were getting along in
our changed status. They were much pleased to
hear of our prosperity as Church. and were
amazed that we had accomplished so much in so
short a time. They rejoice in our open, candid,
aud fearless witness for the truth.
was quite astonished at being applauded seve
raj times during my address. [ had never heard
it before in an ecclesiastical assembly and seemed
quite strange to me. 1t is now the common Gus
tom in the Northern churches, and also in the
churches in Europe.
While at Albany was the guest of Gen. Robert
Pruyn, who has beautiful residence just opposite
the Capitol. Your friend, DR.. Porter and DR..
Forsyth, enjoyed the Generals liberal hospitality
with me- He is one of the leading men in the Re
formed Church. wise in counsel and a generous
supporter. May he be spared long to his Church
May the Lord bless him and his happy household
more and more!
During the evenings the General would often en-
terrain us with many intensely interesting Incl.
dents of his stay in Japan, when he was for four
years minister from the United States. His mis-
sion there was very popular one, aud very sue
cessful one. He has by far the largest collection
of japanese handy work, outside of Japan cost
ing him thousands of dollars.
The old North church in Albany where the
Synod was in session, has very interesting his
tory. 1t is the Oldest church in America. In the
autumn of 1909, Hendrick Hudson anchored his
little vessel in the river which now bears his name,
just opposite the present site of the city, eleven
year, before the landing of the MayAower. Rev,
Johannes Mega eotcnsis vas their first minister
In s5544zS5aars ths have-15df nilSs7a pastors. II
saw there the old pulpit, made at Amsterdam in
Holland and brought over in 1856. 1t is in shape
like wine glass made of oak, and most beauti-
fully carved, and on one side of it was the hour
glass" The finely bound Bible is also on the
desk, just as it was 100 years ago.
Albany is a beautiful city and rapidly improv
ing. The State of New York is putting up there
one of the finest State Houses in the world 1t
will cost twelve millions or more. After leaving
Albany went down to Newburg and spent few
days with Dr. Forsyth This is one of the most
beautiful places on the Hudson. 1t has so changed
however since the year | was there as a student,
that | scarcely knew the place. l made short
trip down to New York and West Point The
scenery along the Hudson is so beautiful, that it
seemed as if | was passing through an enchanted
land From Newburg | took the Erie Railroad
westward, Stopping day or so with my friend Gen
Niveu, at his beautiful and lovely home in Monte
cello. His noble son, who was lost on the Arctic,
was my class mate and dear friend. Taking the
day train l enjoyed the fine scenery along the
Delaware River. | stopped at the Falls, and of
course enjoyed my stay there. Passing through
Canada, came home by Chicago and st. Louis
At these large cities saw much to interest the
stranger; but my letter is becoming too long, and
| must close.
presume you have already announced that Rev.
DR.. Van Zandt was appointed Delegate to our next
Assembly in Richmond, Va.
Yours, &c., j. H. BRYsoN.
Shel6yulIe, Tenn, July Is, 1871.