The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-10-04
ST. AIMS CHURCH.
REV. DIR, GAILAuDET ON THE HISTORY OF THE
CuITRcH

REV. DIR. GAILAUDET ON THE HISTORY OF TIE
CHURCH.
The Rev. DR.. Gallaudet gave yesterday interest
ing resume Of the history and condition St Ann's
from its beginning twenty three years ago down to
the present time Its first location was in a small
chapel in Washington square, whence IL moved in 1857
to hall belonging TO the Historical Society and in
1852 to its present quarters During all this time
has supported mission chapel, and various ways
mnstered to pilgrims and wayfarers through life 1t
has fallen to its lot to bear heavy pecuniary burdens
and it will happy day in the history of the church
when they are finally extnguished 81 may be par
doned, DIR. Gallaudet continued, "for saying that |
should like TO live to that day. 1t has been i'm
possible TO keep all statistics accurately, but the
gregation has generally comprised about $50 families
numbering 1000 persons With the important mis-
sons connected with it three clergymen are employed,
and we need some 5000 yearly sustain the church
in its usefulness plan projected
and is in operation whereby the members of the
congregation contribute according to their means.
Some pledge themselves to donate ten cents weekly
toward the support of the church, others twenty hy
81, 81 or So per week, they afford. Envelopes
distributed to those thus pledgng themselves for
these sums and the envelopes are then returned with
the amounts named upon them enclosed None but
the clergymen know the sums given by each member,
and the great advantage gained Is the education to
systematic giving Some OF the envelopes returned
contain more than the amounts pledged and these are
looked upon thank offerings from grateful hearts
The donations fall of during the summer and is to
be regretted that the autumn increase is not sufficiently
great TO the deficiency alluded existing dur
ing the heated term. Tho dimnuton of gifts ex-
lists on unpleasant Sundays and on the fair ones sue
ceeding the loss Is not quite made up There is
gage amounting to SIS 900 upon the church property
and there besides debt Of S. 000 the interest on
these sums having to be provided for.
Let those who have done all that they could thank
God for the opportunity allowed them, and let those
who have not given what they should repent The
priests and the people should know each other better
than they do One method for the pastors visit
the congregation in their homes and those who have
not been thus visited should mention this fact The
people also visit the pastors If they trouble
they wish for clergymen TO visit the sick There
six here nearly every Sunday and service
every day throughout the week These latter services
not SO well attended as they should be. How many
persons there in this great city who have duties
To perlormp Such persons should begin end their
daily walk at the church week days and participate
in the services conducted there We would also ask
assistance for home Tor aged and Inrm deaf mues
No 10 East Thirteenth street. and for encourage
and aid parish brotherhood and sisterhood
The latter have organized visiting Guild and have done
much good among the poor Much money is needed TO
continue work, but regard the time for discour-
agement having passed Donations will accrue and
legacies will be given which will greatly tighten our
load and above ALL should believe in the spirit of
prayer and a response from on hgh.n