The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1872-03-27
"Reminiscences at a Wedding.

A marriage was celebrated in New York, March
6, 1872, which was of peculiar interest to the
friends of foreign missions from the relation of the
parties to former hOnored Secretaries of the
American Board, and from the peculiar series OF
events connecting them with the inception Of the
mission to Japan. 1t was the marriage, at the
house of Jeremiah Evarts Tracy, Esq, by Rev.
DR.. Ellinwood, Secretary of the Presbyterian
Board of Foreign Missions, of Rev. Henry Loomis
to Miss Jane Il. Greene, daughter of the late Rev.
David Greene, and grand daughter of the late
Jeremiah Evarts, Esq, former Secretaries of the
American Board Of Commissioners for Foreign
Missions.
Mr.. and Mrs. LOOMS are under appointment as
missionaries of the Presbyterian Board Of Foreign
Missions to Yokohama, Japan
During the social interview that followed the
marriage ceremony gentleman present related a
Renaissance, which had interested him, and had
been brought afresh to his mind by this occasion.
Some forty-fve years ago VIM. Ropes, Esq. a
Christian merchant OF Boston, who had for years
been accustomed to attend the monthly concert OF
prayer for the conversion of the world, at Park
street church on the first Monday in the month,
changed his residence to the suburban village OF
Brookne. At that time there were no horSe-rail
road cars going in and out of the city day and
night every half-hOur, as at present Finding 1t
inconvenent to attend the concert at the usual
place, he invited his neighbOrS and friends, who
sympathized with him, to meet at his house, and
unite with his family in monthly concert service.
Two young cergymen were invited to assist in the
exercises at the first meeting.
la anticipation of a collection, a young lady
visiting in the family placed upon the table a
beautiful japanese basket to receive the offerings.
The meeting was one Of deep interest Mission
airy intelligence was given, earnest prayers were
offered, brief addresses were made, interspersed
with singing.
Before the collection Mr.. Ropes took up the lit
tie basket and remarked that it was brought from
Japan, where the people have no knowledge Of
the Christian religion. lie called attention to it
as beautiful specimen Of taste and skill and with
his glowing Christian faith anticipating the day
when the gospel would find Its way into that dark
land, lie suggested that the collection to be taken
should be appropriated TO the commencement Of
a mission to Japan, when God, in his providence,
should prepare the way. To this all gave their as
SENT aud it was so appropriated. The monthly
concert was continued, and was often attended by
the father OF the bride Soon a seWing-circle was
formed in connection with it, which was active for
many years, and many prayers were offered that
Japan might be opened to receive the gospel
The contributions to the treasury of the Board
from these sources amounted to more than six hun
dred dollars, to which, on establishing a mission
to Japan, in 1869, the American Board added an
equal amount, with the interest thereon.
Rev. d. Crosby Greene, who was the first mis-
sionary of the American Board to Japan. is a son
and grand son of the lamented Secretaries, who
were esteemed friends Of the merchant. He is
also brother of the bride, who is soon to embark
with her husband for lifework in that interesting
country.
1t was gratifying to the company at the wedding
to know that two persons who were at that first
monthly concert in BrOokhne, forty five years ago,
were now present, enjoying the pleasures of this
occasion One of them was the young lady who
placed the Japanese basket on the table, and the
other was one Of the young clergymen above re-
ferred to who related these interesting historical
acts.-IHuStrated Christian Weekly.