New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-03
CONGREGATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS.

MR. BEECHER AND THE NEW oSE-w WHY 1T WAS
FORMED-yEcEssMY FOR T-wHAr If HAS TO
DO WITH PLYMOUTH CHURCH.
To ne Bditor or The Tribune.
SIR: The recent organization of a new asso-
citation Of, Congregational ministers in NcwYork has
become known to the public by simple and fair notice
Of the fact In your paper and several others But one OF
the NewYOrk papers contained various comments which
are calculated do harm by deceving the uniformed
The obvious design was make the public believe that
the only motive which led 20 the formation OF the new
association was an unwilinness to have airy friendly
connection with Mr. Beechcr or hs clerical friends.
The Ncw-York aud Brooklyn Association the
largest In the StatetOO large, indeed for convenience
greatest usefulness Nearly all its semisnnaal meet
ngs held IN Brooklyn. The most OF the ostimable
brethren in HcwYors abe only seldom TO be pres
eut especially the laborous secretaries Of the bBevo
lent societies To down and the ferry and then
proceed two three miles, frequently necessary.
the place OF meeting seemed to them Ike days jour
ncy and they could not spare the time II s the pres
sure OF duty and dislike TO meet brother with
whom they could not sympathize, that kept them at
their Offices They doubtless felt at association was
much needed In the great metropolitan city, ana that IL
was high time organized. Can the pubic DC
made 10 believe that such men az Drs Palmer, Clapp
COe ard Gilman, whose praise is In all the churches,
were favor of the association and became mem
CHRISTIAN motives which have been insinuatedf
with united voice In decentralization the writer Will
volunteer their 10 say few words Tor
the information Of tile public and as token OF esteem
and goodwill 90 Young sister association, only ASK
ing be Informed Of any mistake that It may be cor,
rect d. We must be permitted 10 boast te ks ram
old when siadercd. Orr number OF members IS sum-
GENTLY large and is about double that OF the new organ
izatOu. Some recent acccssiODs have been made,
which regarded Of greater value than the
number that has withdrawn from this SIDE;
We confident Of being happily united and prepared
as truly conversational brotherhood TO discuss any
question with mutual respect and courtesy, having no
fear OF a dominecriDg disturbance from the prouied
presence In future of eminent member whose ntner-
engagements the past have deprived us OF ms
society ana services.
Yes We are heartily glad the association has
been formed 1t has not and Will not harm We IN The
fully approve their preamble, constitution ana n.y.
laws. They essentially i'll harmony Win our OWL
We most sincerely bid them GOd-spced only regreting
their tack OF IN their membership Whose large
hearted good humor chiId4ke simplicity, unrcstraued
franknrss, quick and penetrating common sense, and
power to inspire enthusiasm might greatly enhance their
usefulness aud happness-Henry Ward Beecher-and we
have dOdbt lie wOuld receive most cordial welcome
by nearly ali their members, were we willnSto spare
him ana he willing 10 leave u.s. W. II. W..
Member Of the ~ Y. and b. Association.
Brooklyn, Jan 49, 1877.