The New York herald., 1875-08-23
Its Manifestation in the City'and Grove,
By the River and Sea.
"LORD, IT is GOOD TO BE.HERE.' .
Services at Sing Sing and
Ocean Grove.
Tree Leaves Shivering in the Re-
sonance Of Psalmody.
FORTY YEARS A MINISTER.

ANNIVERSARY SERVICES AT THE REFORMED PRO-
Ia HISTORICAL DISCOURSE By REV. Dr.
JAMES BRowNLEE.
Within q few yards OF the ferry to New York at Port
Richmond Staten Island, is situated neat religious
edince over the main entrance which inscribed,
reformed Protestant Dutch Church. Founded l7l6
Destroyed in the Revolutionary Erected l7s6
Rebuilt and enlarged 1s44" This church is built sub
stantay brick and capable OF accommodating about
800 persons The pastor Rev DR.. James Brownlee,
venerable gentleman OF seventy years Yesterday this
pastor his flock faithfully for forty years
The date the anniversary of his entrance upon
sne responsible duties OF presiding tho spiritual
welfare OF this congregation.
Invitations had been distributed to members OF the
congregation and outside friends announcing the
act that special service would held in honor OF the
event Old and fond memories OF generations passed
away, and faces of relatives to be again
earth cluster around this ancient church Rev Dr.
Brownlce is associated less with these remns
ccnces He famliarly known and respected by the
fathers many OF the grandfathers of his present
congregation. The old graveyard which adjoins the
church in its bosom the ashes of numbers Of those
loved ones Wives husbands brothers and sisters who
departed half century ago repose peacefully in
this ancient graveyard The tombstones record their
names and date OF demise. Port Richmond and vicinity
many years ago inhabited by pure Holland stock.
The Van Praags Garrisons and many others Of Dutch
origin here buried.
In commemoration OF this anniversary and its pecu-
liar surroundings Rev. Or. Brownee's church
yesterday morning filed by highly respectable
Rregation. fine organ and choir discoursed choice
music The front OF the pulpit inscribed with flow
ers-he figures '1s35-ls75" emblematic Of the forty
years during which the reverend gentleman olcated
pastor The service commenced with prayer, the
thanks Of the clergyman being poured out for forty
years life OF religious usefulness. hymn then
sung which Rev DR.. Brownlee remarked that he
did propose TO deliver sermon on the occasion He
then proceeded read lengthy historical narrative Of
the efforts OF former ministers of his church Staten
Island and vicinity since the year 1880 In conclusion
be sketched the story of his own church, and came
down TO the day forty years ago, when he called
upon its pastor. Some Of the congregation
who then listened to him were present upon that
son while very many others had since sunk into their
graves During these forty various changes had
taken place or fseventy members who originally be-
longed 10 the congregation only nve now remain or
twelve members ofthe consistory only three remain He
the reverend gentleman had mnstcred TO three genera
tons baptized their children and their chldrens
children. He might feel that he old man, but in
bodily health he strong He had been in
ved 10 to other pupits but had not accepted the IN
vaton. He had received great Kindness at the hands
OF his congregation Nothing should terminate rela-
lions between a minister and his flock unless of
= very serious character He did desire a change,
and his only wish to rest at last among those with
whom and for whom he had Ininstered for so many
years The reverend pastor affected to this
period Of his remarks He then proceeded to give dates
and statistics as TO the progress OF his religious efforts
those OF his predecessors In July, 1905 the
ent cdihce had been built In 1915 colony from
the church had been established in Tompkinsve
Two years after another church established
a the latter place and independent congregation
ganizcd. Sabbath schools were commenced in his
church carly 1872 Soon after tho reverend gen-
tlcmans settlement in 1885 the old church repaired,
and in lS45 ciifcc built, and dedicated in
February 1876. The parsonage also enlarged and
piece OF ground purchased for cemetery. Through
the kindness and appreciation OF his congregation four
times had his salary been increased and twice had he
been permitted visit his land. During these
forty years he preached 534 sermons attended
300 funerals married 535 couples, baptized 79 children
and II adults and received into his congregation
6l5 members.
These the leading statistics OF the reverend pas
tors far related TO his forty years minis
try The reading of the narrative attentively
listened TO- and at the end OF the services he
rounded by a number OF his congregation who shook
him cordially by the hand