The New York herald., 1873-11-03
FIFTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Twenty-dHh Anniversary OF the
PaatorAfe of the Rev. DIR. Armifags.

The Twcnty-6Hh Anniversary OF the
PastorAte of the Rev. DIR. Armitage.
The members OF, and congregation who worship
at, the Fith avenue Baptist church yesterday
celebrated, In an impressive manner, the ter
mination OF the FIRST quarter of century of the
pastoral settlement Of Rev. Dr. Armitage. The
morning services consisted OF .voluntaryn by the
choir; Introductory iemarks,r by Deacon G. A.
Hansel, chairman; "Reaaing OF the twentieth chap
ter OF Matthew" by the pastor; Prayer py
Deacon J. Q. Baxter; "Hymn,- commencing "Kin-
drcd In Christ for His dear sake ~ address to the
PASTOR" by Charles T. Goodwin, senior deacon; |;
1'Address to the church." by the pastor, and the
administration of the Holy Communion
Deacon Goodwin, In addressing the pastor on
behalf OF the congregation, cordially congratulated
him upon the eventful career OF Christian labor he
had performed In the last twent 1--we years. dwell
tng mnutely upon the early history Of the churcn,
when It was located In Norfolk street. He refer
red to the iabors OF the venerable pastor who had
preceded DR.. Arnitage, and the circumstances
under which Dr. Armitage in ls4s was called from
Albany to take charge OF the congregations the de.
voted interest that he has taken in the church. not
only when located in Norfolk street. but after the
erection OF the present building on the corner OF
F1fth avenue and Forty-sixth street, and dwet
npon the sentiment OF unity aud affection that had
existed between pastor and people for
TWENTY-FIVE years. The address was q full expo
Anu congregation In building up the church. At
Inc conclusion OF the deacon's address, DR.. Armi-
sage, VINO was visiby affected by the words Of love
hnu commence that pervsded IT, responded at
Icm9ui thanking the congregation for the generous
support tney hau gwen him In his arduous efforts
preacn the gospel OF salvation and the generous
IorDeH2nce they had extended to him when, with
an eneeD.ed constitution, he entered upon hie
lapofs. me pastor stated that the duty OF the
Church In the future was TO do what they could TO
make IL such ~ would be acceptable to the Lord
The most marvellous part OF the worlds history
TO every man. he said, was the one of which he had
formed part and the contributions he mad made
10 1t. The past, therefore, was not 40 i'm
portant as the future, and we must forget
the things that are behind and look To
those that are before. Whatever man sows that
shall he reap. What sort OF \ harvest he asked
shall we as church to-day SOW iorY lie beeved
a man could be whatever he asptred to be by nor
severance, and II this church was TO become a
powerful one. and instrumental In winning souls
70 Christ they could only do 1t by persistent cffert
They could form an idea OF the kind OF church
they should be II they remembered what Kind OF a
church is pleasing IN the eye OF our Lord Jesus
Christ; and, having all the appliances and talent
necessary, they should, IN the next twenty-five
years, make it such o church that Christ could
look down and say. 'Well done, thou good and
faithful servants The three p NJ. services, which
consisted OF addresses, prayer and singing, were
participated In by Rev. ID. II. Miller, Rev. r. II.
onapin Rev. j. H. Hodge, Rev >. II. Tying, ST.,
rev. W. \. Clapp, Mr. George II. Andrews and
heppers OF The chnrcb. Tina evsDIpn seruices