The New York herald., 1873-12-15

stacles But the worst can come back. Christ
spoke words OF wonderful mercy 10 the woman OF
Samara. Men must know their own hearts. God
sent his own Son 10 save us sinners, ana he mas
done so much Tor us, and in answer 10 our suppl
cations send the advent OF the spirit Of prayer
among US. Let us pray"
TRIRTY- FOURTH STREET REFORMED CHURCH.
The Finieth Anniversary OF the Soci-
ety--Fntcrcsting Historical Sketch and
"Reminiscences by the Pastor-Ncw
York i'm 1899.
This organization, whose original church edidce
was erected on Broome street in 1925 celebrated
it's fitieth anniversary yesterday. In addition to
the present pastor, the Rev. Isaac Riley, there
were present and taking part In the services the
former pastors, Rev. Henry D. Voorhes and Rev.
DR.. Peter Stryker. Back of the pulpit was placed
large and beautiful wreath OF flowers, inclosng
the dates 1928 and lS73 while in front hung a
photograph OF the ola church. surrounded by au-
tumnal leaves. At the morning service the pastor
gave history OF the organization from it's incep-
ton, taking his text from josiah lxv., 22-"For as
the days Of tree are the days OF my people.n
THE SERMON.
After referring to the TACT that the objects in
nature are often taken as human ana divine SYM
bos, he contrasted the trials and sufIerings, the
happiness, prosperity and prospects Of Gods
ancient people with those which tins Church, a
branch OF what now constitutes Gods people on
earth, has gone through since its organization,
and having shown that there is abundant reason
for encouragement, he invoked the blessing OF God
on future labors lie then gave an interesting
historical sketch of New York In 1925 when the
houses on Broadway extended as far as the stone
bridge over the canal, now Canal street; when the
cite OF the city was gathered around Bowling
Green and the Battery was o favorte resort: when
The ladies OF the 6eGa-monde did their shopping
in Greenwich street; when Greenwich village
was composed of cluster Of houses near
the present Abingdon square; when the gentle
swains strolled arm IN arm with their Dulcineas
through Love lane, now Twenty-hrst street, and
never failed to exact the customory toll when
crossing Kissing Bridge at Seventy-second street;
when, In word New YORK was just donning its
metropolitan character, ana this sociely had its
origin il the necessity which existed to furnish ad
ditional places ofworship proportionate TO the IN
crease OF the popu latlon AT the time New YORK
had ten wards and
A POPULATION OF ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY
THOUSAND.
The original society was organized by the Rev:
Robert Mclean, OF London, under the auspices OF
the Mission Society OF the churcn. He was origl-
nally employed for three months, at a
ut the head Of it until 1926, when he re-
turned 10 England. After worsnipping at
various places tile organization purchased
three lots on the northeast corner OF BrOomc and
Greene streets, and commenced the erection OF
building, which was finished and the church con-
pastors were Dr. Broadhead, IRON 1926 to 1887 the
Rev. samuel Van yranken. from 1887 to 1si1; the
1854. The Rev. Henry i. VOORHEES, installed Janu-
ary 3, 1885, remained but q short time, and was
succeeded BY the Rev. Peter stryker who remained
III charge until 1865, when he resigned and was
followed by the present pastor. The records show
total membership slIce the organization OF 1872
names. The last service was held in the Broome
street church on the l4th OF April, 1860. The new
edice in Thrty-fourth street was dedicated in the
following December. SeDtemDer
membership OF the Livingston Dutch Reformed
church abandoned their distinctive organization
and became part OF this one.
The discourse Of the pastor was lengthy and OF
extreme interest to the members from its many in
cldentS and "reminiscences.
THE LIVINGSTON CHURCH.
At tie conclusion OF the sermon the Rev. Mr.
Zabrskie, the last pastor OF the Livingston church,
gave history OF that organizations It's trials and
the difficulties under whcn it lahored In It's Efforts
to maintain its Identity 1t was his first church, as
a young man, Just graduated from theological
school. and he had evidently made Herculean
eiorts to peTpetuate It. But the constant changes
OF the population, resulting from the encroach-
ments OF business and the lack of such assistance
as Ii was entitled to from the Older churches, had
compelled it TO succumb and seek an alliance with
the Ihirtyfourtn street church. The services
closed with prayer by Mr. Stryker.
THE EVENING SERVICES.
IN immense congregation gathered in the even
ing, not only the pews, but the asles being filled
with people. The exercises were especially devoted
TO the sunday school, which occupied the galleries
in body. The Rev. Mr.. Cant pastor OF the Madi-
son avenue Reformed church. the first
speaker, and having been a scholar in the original
Broome street school, nearly fifty years ago, he en-
tertaincd the audience with some very pleasing
"reminiscences connected with 1t and the old church
building. In closing he alluded to the
slaughts made upon Christianity in these latter
days by those who demanded scientific evidence or
its truth, referring especially TO John Stuart Mill,
and asked If any infde club could gather, on its
hiticth anniversary, such congregation as this,
demonstrating that this fact is founded on living
reality. The Rev. Dir. Stryker, formerly pastor or
scnool from its first organization, taking as his
text the words OF the RedeeIner, '.feed my lambsn
The school had been established While the church
was IN an embryo state, It's first record showing 33
scholars. II had grown with the church, and now
numbers some hundreds. His discourse was inter-
larded with sketches or Tue more prominent SUPER
intendents and teachers, and many incidents of
great interest TO the large number present, who
had received their carly religious training in the
school,