The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-11-10
"A Liberal Christian Appeal.

Most worthy of attention are the efforts made
by the several denominations throughout the
country.to aid and assist their churches de-
stroyed at Chicago, for upon the success of the
churches and schools largely depends public
advancement. Already the Methodists have
made a noble beginning, Rev. Mr.. Parkhurst
in Boston, Portland and elsewhere addressing
his brethren and obtaining large sums Here
the goodly amount of $500 was easily obtain
ed. The other denominations are also at work
Or about to commence. We hope they viii be
eminently successful.
The American Unitarian Association (head.
quarters at Boston) by Assistant Secretary
Rev. Rush r. Shippin, has issued its appeal
for the annual contribution towards It's usual
missionary work, asking for 500 900, OF which
$4,000 is to go towords the rebuilding of Unity
church, Chicago-the church OF the noble
Christian preacher and man, Rev. Robert Coll
yer. The object is most worthy and desira-
BILE one, in which many friends outside the de-
nomination are ready, NE have good reason to
believe, to render assistance.
REV. ROBERT CoLLYER's CHURCH. CHICAGO.
The Unity Church, of which Rev. Robert
Collyer is pastor, was, as is generally known,
destroyed in the terrible fire at Chicago. Iu
his appeal, he says:
when we had foueh the fire fairly as it
came on us from below and beaten the imperi-
al beast so that it would never have burned US
up but then found that it had set its fiery tee tn
away up in the road out of our reach and l
knew that all was over, crept up stairs alone
to my pulpit where had stood the night be-
fore and spoken to nearly thousand men and
women. / took one long, last look at 1.-THE
church, and the dear, sweet, noble organ, then
| took the Bible as it lay where had LETT it,
got out at last aud locked the door, put the hey
in my pocket and went away, for by that time
| the root was ablaze and thought my ht art
| was broken. That unity bas gone up ike Eli
| iah, in chariot of fire: she is not d. ad to me
she never could be dead-or to those who
| loved her as did; my hope and Joy and crown
of rejoicing, for held her for God and Christ
| God knows" M
MIR. Collyer desires plain, spacious, conven-
lent church, beautiful if it can be, but not too
ornamental. He also declares he will not
preach in church if there be dollar of debt
| upon it. The old church matters must take
| care of themselves. He advocates its inaugu
ration as free church. Says he in conclu-
| sion: ,-s-- .-
"My first object of course will be to build
| up true Christian church out of those that
are left TO us and those that may come mean
| to do that at any cost. SO do we all. Ard
then if there is some special gilt By which tens
of thousands we can only see now and then are
blessed 10 our dear Unity, as in great deselts
| pilgrims are blessed at the wells, Tor their sake
| let US cry, whatsoever will let him come and
take of the waters of life freely"
! CONTRIBUTION FROM PORTLAND.
| Rev. b. II. Bailey, pastor CT the LIST Parish
Church, last Sunday morning referred to the
association appeal and read Collyer's letter,
making some appropriate and earnest remarks,
eu'ogizing the noble Collyer and the objects o.
the annual collection, including the speci.
needs of Chicago at this time.
He announced that the annual collection for
the Association, an also for the Collyer $780,
600 fund would take place on sunday morning
next, Nov. 18th. 1t is hoped that large sun
will be realized. Many friends and " ell wish
ers of Robert Collyer, belonging to other &c
nominations, may desire to contribute to hil
aid, and these special sums will be SO assigned
|