The New York herald., 1875-08-30

sstory urging the introduction of English preaching
At a strong and violent opposition from
considerable number of the older members and all
efforts Of the Consistory, who in favor Of the
change TO bring about accommodation proved
availng STILL In 1863, large majority of the Consis-
tory called Rev. Archibald Laidley, minister Of the
Scotch Reformed church, in Flushing, Holland.
He reached New York in 1894 when some
of the opponents Of English preaching commenced
q suit in the civil courts, which decided against
them. Dr. Laidley native of Scotland, and thor
oughly educated there. lie oalcated time the
Netherlands. and thus became acquainted with the
Dutch language The Middle church designated to
be occupied part OF each Sunday for English
vices by the newly arrived minister Material changes
were now made In the interior Of the building Tho
pulpit was removed to the north end galleries were
erected the other three sides, and the entrances
we're formed on the north and south sides.
PRISON RIDING SCHOOL.
When the city evacuated by the American troops
in 1870, and occupied by the British army under Howe
with almost solitary exceptions the Dutch congrega
ons strongly united In the cause OF independence
and scattered around DIR. Ladley retired Red
Hook where he died In ITS The Middle church and
others were seized upon and turned into prisons for
the American patriots. The pews torn down and
used fuel which ut the time The glass
taken from the windows and the shutters left
hung Those acquainted with the annals Of our Revo-
lutionary history vvidy recall to mind the atrocities
and cruelties committed by the British forces while in
the possession of the city OF New York 1t is now said
that many prisoners were poisoned by the nhuman
tendants for the sake Of their watches and silver
buckles When the building was no longer required as
prison II was converted into a riding school for
British cavalry. The oor taken up and the ground
covered with tan bark and pole placed in
sdo for horses leap The whole Of the Interior
galleries and ALL destroyed, leaving the bare walls
and roof II may here be mentioned that prior this
period Benjamin Franklin used the steope OF the church
Nassau street. being then considered the highest in
the city, his philosophical researches. He was en-
gagged then In making experiments in electricity.
AFTER REVOLUTION.
mass cad aftp fhp nno of tba
city by the British troops before the Middle church
opened again for divine service In 1888 the Consstory
adopted measures TO repair and place IL in complete
order This was accomplished at considerable ex-
pense. On the 4th OF july l7V0 when the edince was
fully restored 70 its primitive condition, sermon was
preached by Rev. DR.. Livingston The following IS
extracted from the discourse ITO these great pur
poses this building formerly devoted and for these
Important ends raised from its ruins. But the
mention Of ruins calls back our thoughts TO past
and presents dsagreeable ideas 70 our minds
When destruction Is caused by the immediate hand OF
heaven by earthquakes storms or IRE, We are silent
before God and dare not reply But when men have
been the instruments Is dilfcut although proper to
look up the overrung Power and forget The nterpo
sition Of the means dare not speak OF the wanton
cruelty of those who destroyed this temple repeat
the various ndgnes which have been perpetrated IL
would be easy 10 mention facts which would chill your
blood A recollection OF the groans of dying prisoners
which pierced this ceiling or the sacriegous sports
and rough feats of horsemanship exhibited within these
walls might raise sentiments In your minds that would
perhaps not harmonizc with those religious anections
which | wish at present 70 promote and always TO
cherish The Lord has sufficiently vindicated our
cause and avenged those who up against u.s.
Heaven directed cOunsels and wrought delivcrance
Our enemies themselves acknowledged an interposng
Providence. Who could have predicted that
from such ndigested materials with such short ex.
perience and within so few years, efficient liberal
and pervadng government would have been lormcdy
A nation where all the rights Of man are perfectly