The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-12-29
Letter from Rochester, N. York.
ROCHESTER, Dec. 10, i
Presbyterianism in Rochester.

PIesbyterianism in Rochester.
In former letter from Rochester /
spoke of the natural and artificial beau
ties and attractions of the city-I dwelt
more particularly upon the elegances
and excellences of its material civilisa-
tron. In this letter it may interest your
readers to get view of the religious
agencies at work here. Brooklyn, by
common consent, is considered to be par
ercettence the "City of Churches -
Without the means before me of institu-
ting an accurate comparison, in my opin-
ion, Rochester stands ready to dispute
the title to this high distinction In a
population of about $4,000, there are
sixty-seven churches. OF these sixty
seven there are II Presbyterian, 10 Meth
odist, 9 Episcopalian, 6 Baptist, IL Ro-
man Catholic, Lutheran, and 16 of all
sorts, Friends, Reformed Evangelical,
&c, making all together one church
for every 1000 souls. Many of these
churches are large, and will COM
fortably seat one thousand persons; so
that, if every man, woman and child were
at church on any day very few would
have to leave for want of seats. Indeed
by packing Gas they know how to pack
here) there is room every Sabbath for
the entire population.
Church Parlors, their Utility, etc.
One feature in the better grade of
churches here is that in the construction
OF the church edifce, besides the Sabbath
School rooms, they have church parlors
attached. And these church parlors
prove valuable factors in the workings of
the church itself In these parlors, large
and small, the various church societies
ard committees have permanent abode,
and place where they can always meet
without any let or hindrance as to light.
heat, and service. They are always
open and ready for occupancy, when
needed. So that when a 'ssociety'' wish
es to hold meeting, it only has to notify
the sexton, and at the Appointed hour
everything in the way of comfort, order,
nice convenience in furniture and fxings,
even down to the details of wash basins
and towels, mirrors, brushes and combs.
&C., is at hand. Besides, this, they are
useful for holding the weekly or fort
nightly entertainments, the proceeds of
which aggregate up into the thousands
of dollars annually. Indeed there is no
telling how far these parlors are made by
their convenience and comfort to sub
serve the various interests Of the church.
The church parlor" is sort of reading
room or coffee house, (baring the read
ing and Coffee for the meetings of the
church members. They are always open
and read y for these meetings, and there
by aid In promoting and perpetuating a
social family feature Of the church.
will give you an illustration of the
manner in which the Church parlor" is
utilised in our church. Fortnightly the
Ladies Missionary Society" gives ere
cePtlon or soiree in the parlors. In the
smaller are tables spread with meats,
fruits, etc. Each person who takes sup
per pays 25 cents, and the supperless 10
cents. At each reception" delightful
music from the best sing gers, or readings,
or some entertainment is provided for the
delectation and enjoyment of all, old and
young. Before the performances" be-
gin the visitors entertain each other as
best they can, and think can truly saw
Il have never attended any parties
anywhere in which people seem to enioy
themselves more heartily. Everybody is
supposed to know everybody, and all
seem to have a "good time Ladies
dress as they please, either full or in
bonnets. The pastor is always present,
and IS the manager of the evening.
Lest be tedious / shorten my descrip-
ton by saying these fortnightly recep-
tions' aggregate several thousands of dol
lars annually From this source the an
nual clear profits are enough to support
/ four missionaries in the Far West" and
one in China, besides the bestowal OF
large benefactions elsewhere. Last year
they sent clothing, etc, to Memphis and
other places. 1t is proper to say that
each Of these sociables" is presided over
and under the direction Of committees Of
the society, so allotted that the labors
and responsibilities, so far from being
onerous or troublesome, are pleasant and
delightful. The whole arrangements are
so divided and subdivided that the duties
will not fall upon any one committee
oftener than once a year. Thus a pleas
ant competitive emulation is aroused as
to who will get up the incest and most
recherche entertainment.
Annually the gentlemen Of the church
and congregation, assume all the respon-
sibllities Of one entertainment. which is
usually a pretty "bip thing" and verv