The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-10-14
RECTOR GRAY's FAREWELL.
Marrying. and thea n Change In his Treat
meat BY his Congregation.

The Greenpoint Church of the Ascension
was disturbed three years ago by the reformed
church movement. The Rev. Mr.. Haskins then
rector OF the church. was bitterly opposed TO
this movement. He is an unyielding High
Churchman In the May walks. which
taken By the Brooklyn Sunday schools every
year. he refused to allow the children OF
his church TO march with those OF other
churches. Tho feeling between the two fac
tions ran so high that 1t was no longer plens-
ant for them to worship together. The Bishop
OF tho diocese was appealed to. and. after due
deliberatlon. he sided with the rector and ad-
vised those Of the so-caled evangelical opinions
to attend elsewhere
Many OF the dissenters were scattered among
the other Episcopal churches. but few desir-
Gus Of organizing new church which should
embody the Low Church forms and doctrines.
secured the use OF the Old Javn street Re.
called the Rev. James NJ. GRAY TO be their pas
tor, He was young man fresh from his theo-
study at the University OF tho City OF New York.
Pc % had prepared TO 1 enter ths Eplscopal The9, Thee
avenue. but a series Of interviews with the Dean
OF the seminary convinced him that he could
not conscientiously adopt tho rituaistc doc,
ths sfs Rev "qEJ BT j. HOW Howard smith * NewSpe % and
the Rev William 7. Sabine OF this city as tutors.
until one year ago in December last then he
was called 10 his charge IN Greenpoint and or
sn Hs rs IL bsow " medium height o pne
out through a pair Of high h-bowed spectaces.
his people. who had been attracted to him by
his opposition 70 Titualistic ceremonies They
gave him a cordial welcome. and Joined him in
me no easy task OF building up a church in a
region already well supplied with old-estab-
ished churches.
teen persons, three OF whom were from New
York. There were ten communicants repre-.
the young rectors sermons began to draw larger
numbers TO the sunday services. and his social
OF communicates. His reputation influenced
a eighboring church OF another denomination
to offer him salary three times in amount that
working people and well-to-do mechanics. This
OsI was pro%P{ desned 81 me- ana he became %
was fayorite with them all
Conspicuous among the active members OF
The church from It's yeX beginning were Mrs; p,
Java street. and her diiS; ;hteTr Susie. II. With
bright dark eyes and an abundance OF raven
mon sense She had graduated with honors at
the hisn school ana bmmealMseihy sho nesah ssa ner
is an accom- plshod musician.
Last spring the engagement OF the Rev. James
N. Gray To Susie Goodenough, was announced;
May by the Rev. VIM. r Sabine.
II Is an open secret that there were many dis
appointments IN tne parish. NcIldlH ID lndt
the congregation has not extended 10 Mr.. Gray
the same coo leration that IL did. Alter ygca-
ton among the mountains the rector returned
to Greenpoint. and rendered the following:
To n. T.byrnes qr d. REFORMED Episcopal Church
pEAa BRrHsIs. The condition Of my health and ne.
es1s fsgrei to e ndsr ny rs.gnaon Ss your pastor
and therefore sk that this shall take enect or Nov
Faithfully yours JAMES NJ GRAY
The pastor was informed that the thirty days
notice applied only 20 the first years agree
| ment. and he might shorten IL as much as no
desired. Accordingly, he announced that he
would make his farewell remarks yesterday.
After sermon by the Rev George +. Dana OF
In the ordinary course OF Providence. the
| time has come for pastor and people to sep
arate; Remember that all things work for good.
this separation Is the best Ing that can happen
% each and al OF us. Il Is for you TO remem.-
| ber that God never failed % raise up the right
| man al the right time for the guidance OF the
children Of Israel. You need have no fear that
| God will make hirelng OF your leader.
1t % Of no Importance whether so
| Tor support upon the same Almighty arm.
| | serve one master. Tho occasion calls
| for no sentiment but for sound practical action
| for the success Of this enterprise. Tomorrow
| night let every man, woman, and child who has
| the interest OF religion at heart attend our
| parish meeting. Allow mo 70 remind you ~
| our advance as church. Two years ago we
| were sixteen IN number. We are now large
congregation. free from debt. Do. as soon hs
you can. call q pastor; You need some one to
and. when you hayo called him. stand by him.
| Give him your full support; not only your
hands but your hearts"
4 few plainly dressed women, whose eyes
were red with weeping. remained In the middle
aslo 10 bio him good-by. but the majority OF
the congregation passed quickly out
aas ssy s S Il " the