The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-11-05
NEw YoRK, October 22d, 1879.

New YORK, October 22d, 1879.
Messrs EditOrs-At the adjourned
meeting of the Presbytery of New York,
held on the 18th, the resignation Of Rev.
DR.. William ]. Tucker, from the pastor
ate of the Madison Square Presbyterian
church. was accepted, and the relation
dissolved. Dr. Tucker has been called
to Andoyer Theological Seminary as
Professor of Pastoral Theology. For so
young a man this is a high tribute to his
learning and ability. He was called to
Madison Square church in 1874, as its
second pastor, the successor Of Rev. DR.,
William Adams, who still fingers amongst
us-but not "superfuous' on the stage
of Christian work. Past seventy years,
his eye is undimmed-he fills the position
of President of Union Theological Semi
nary, and instructor to the students in
the construction of sermons DR.. Adams
has been before this community since the
wear 1884, as a minister of the gospel-lt
is something to live as a Christian man
for forty-fve years with an untarnished
private character; but when to this is
supplemented the bearing of the high Of
fee of the ministry of the gospel Of Christ
with the general testimony of the Church
that he has been true and faithful, We
may well praise the grace that makes him
what he is. Dr. Adams gifts have not
been neglected-those who have heard
him preach through these many years
know that his sermons are the product Of
unremitting study;-his character as a
preacher is one of rare symmetry, combin-
Ing digni6ed and engaging personal
presence, with the greatest decorum and
gravity in the pulpit, suggesting to his
hearers that he never forgets the high of
fee he bears. If he had not been a
preacher, literature would have been the
field into which his tastes would have
led him-his requirements as man Of
letters he is accustomed to use with un-
failing good taste in his discourses, and
with striking effect and ingenuity. a
man Of gentleness and peace, 1t appears
to be most in accord with his nature to
speak words Of kindness and regard for
others. Those who heard it, will never
forget his address of welcome at the open
ing of the Evangelical Alliance in 1873.
This beautiful grafton charmed and melt
ed the strangers who listened to it, and
brought all hearts into common Chris
tian affection and regard.
DR.. Adams was settled in 1884 as pas
tor of the Central Presbyterian church
in Brown street-this locality was then
uptown comparatively-now deserted
district as far as churches or residences
are concerned. The Central Church has
moved to 55th street and 8th avenue,
having been united with the Pearl Street
church, from the pastorate of which (the
latter Rev. DR.. G. H. Read resigned to 60
to Richmond. DR.. Adams resigned from
the Central church in 1858 to organize
the Madison Square church, with one
hundred and twenty members, mostly
from the Central church. The site for
the church building was chosen, corner Of
Madison avenue and 9th street, across
the square from the 9Th avenue hotel.
At that time this locality was, considered,
foohshly, far up town-but twenty-five
years times hasletit downtown church.
The 5th avenue church Or Hall's) has
swept by it, locating at 55th street and
9Th avenue, two miles higher up than
the Madison Square church-which was
finished in 1854, and has had a steady
growth from the start, the last returns to
Pr3sbytery give membership Of 1900
half the number being gathered and wOr
shipping in the Memorial Chapel (named
in memory of the union of the New and
Old SCHOOL, under the pastoral care Of
the Rev. Z. A. Elmore The chapel,
built by the parent church, (and entirely
paid forl is located in 3Oth street, east Of