The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-12-19
A Rich Church.

Wealth is perplexing thing to
handle, even for those who do not grip
much of it for their own. The con-
gregation of Grace church contains
more riches than does any other in
America. Now, what is the pastor
going to do in the matter of expound-
ING the biblical declaration that no
man can serve God and Mammonp
A new minister has just been tried.
The selection was made with exceed
ing care. 1t was desirable that the
choice should fall upon q handsome
man of distinguished department, for
he would be one of the central social
figures of the metropolis. 1t was
found that Rev. DR.. Huntington
would answer all the requirements.
He is now in the exalted position. The
first thing he did on getting there was
to preach a sermon on the ticklish
subject which l have mentioned. He
boldly said at the outset that he in
tended to make clear the bible doc
trines as to riches. He told his
hearers that they could not take one
of their dollars beyond the grave; that
they were in danger of overrating
themselves because they were Cre-
suses; that the duty of benevolence
consisted in nothing less than helpingj
their fellow-men to the last cent in
their own purses; and that their wealth,
greatly endangered their prospects for
happy eternity. Having thus satisfied
his conscience DR.. Huntington will,
/ suppose. settle down to luxury in the
finest New York parsonage, draw the
largest New York ministerial salary
for the rest of his life, and serve as
an ornament in his parishioners' par
lcrs as well their pulpit. His income
is estimated at $4,000 a year, made
up of salary, rent-free residence, and
personal gifts. The pulpit is considered
the biggest prize in the ministry, aside
from those which can only be gained
by great ability. Grace church is
singularly situated. 1t has site I'M
busy Broadway, and succeeds nearly
in separating itself, rs scene, from
the surrounding press of traffic. LII
stands so at Il bend in the great
thorougAfare that, from any point
southwark as far as the eye can see 1t,
the marble spire closes the vista OF
mercantile buildings. The editice has
a parsonage alongside, in correspond
ing architecture, and is exceedingly
picturesque. A wall in a style to-
match is carried up to the top of the
adjoining store so that nothing un-l
ecclesiastic would make a sharp con-
trast-were it not that the merchant
neighbor has raised hugh sign board
above the churchly facade, which con-,
sequently looks as though grandlyl
supporting his very secular announce
ment. AS he could lift the sign above
the greatest height to which the wall
could possible be built, the Grace
trustees are compelled to let him dis
figure their premises. Another novelty
in the environment of Grace is that
while it fronts conspicuously on
Broadway it backs on the Bowery, and
can therefore handily keep a rear
door open to the poor. Charity Isl
here dispensed in new and beautiful
marble structure. The children of
poverty are fed, clothed, and religious
" instructed. Through this distinctiveI
portal only can they enter the church
itself during such services as they are
admitted to. In the same manner.
whenever congregation of Grace
chapel-a mission supported by
Graces wealth-are invited to visit
the parent temple, they are invariably
taken in through the Bowery door.
This arrangement gives to carping sim
ners a chance to fling epithets at the
pride of the benefactors.-NeU forS
Cor. Albany Journal.