The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-08-25
Presbyterianism in New Eng
land

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of organization in New England. When
the circumstances are explained and I'm.
derstood, we feel convinced that the
necessity of this action will be readily
admitted
New England has, within the last TWEEN
ty-fve years, undergone a marvellous
change, not only in her religious life, but
in the nationalities of those who now
constitute her population. Her own ma
tive children have largely emigrated to
the. West, while the rapid growth of her
manufacturing interests has attracted to
her towns people from the chief nations
of the civilized globe. A large number
of these are from the north of Ireland
and Scotland, and yet larger number
from British North America. Most of
these are our own religious kindred
Presbyterians by ancestry, birth and
choice. Their religious life, in chief
measure, depends on the presence among
them of their own church. This con-
dition can not be satisfied in any OF the
other existing communions In churches
not Presbyterian these people do not feel
at home, simply because by their tastes
and ii aiming their home is not there.
Other denominations long ago recog-
nlzed this fact; and lately our own
Church has awakened to realize its i'm
portance. Within the past eighteen
months eight churches have been or
ganized in New England, three are now
awaiting official enrolment, and these
begin with tar more hopeful prospects of
success than mark, in many instances
| he If IL
In our land To psrticularize each case
would be needless repetition but one
may be given as fair sample of them
all. October, 1884, in town within the
bounds of Boston Presbytery, church of
our denomination was organized for the
first time. No special revival, no extra
work, marked the enterprise. To-day,
however, that church has 120 members,
from $50 to 300 of congregation, with
l4O in its Sabbath School and it is a
most significant fact that of all its mem
bers only eight were received by letter
from churches In the neighborhood.
Nay more: this church has bought ard
paid for lot costing 81 800, bas collect.
ed and deposited in the bank 81 900 for
building fund, contributed $1,000 tor
current congregational expenses, made
collections for all the boards of the
Church, and promises, when relieved
from the rent OF the hall in which it now
meets, to be self.sustaining church.
Our youngest church-less than two
months old-has already so members
and nearly 200 of congregation. The
want of our young churches is church ed
ifces. New England calls not so much
for plows ard reapers, as for barns in
which to store her harvests and TOR lack
OF these the sheaves lie strewed upon the
ground unhoused and insecure.
Five of the new churches are now pre-
pairing to build. With houses of worship
which they can call their own, paid for,
and rent free, these churches will be
selt-sustaining. The people do much ;
but they can not do all. AS they are
mostly strangers IN the localities in which
they live, they look to us and to SYM
pathizers elsewhere for the needed assist
ance. This letter, authorized by the
Presbytery of Boston, is issued to avoid
the annoyance of multitude Of personal
solicitations from all these churches, as
each feeling the urgency of its own needs
would be likely to present. This appeal
duly attested, is to this end laid upon
your conscience in the hope that it may
evoke generous response. At present
these new churches are paying a sum of
So, 800 year for rent OF halls wherein to
worship a sum that would pay interest
on $4,000, while $4,000 would abund.
antly provide church homes for these
dear brethren.
Practical assistance has been offered
by friends Of New England birth and
church fellowship, who have perceived
the Importance Of this great movement
as meant, in God 9 plan Tor the spiritual
welfare OF this ancient region. Believing
that this appeal should come home alike
to the hearts of the sons OF New England
and those of the children of Scottish Pres
byterians, the Presbytery earnestly
solicits your gifts, and prayerfully ex-
poets your aid.
The churches recently organized are
these Quincy, Lonsdale, Portland, Fall
River, Manchester, Worcester and New
Haven. Boston Highlands and South
birmingham await the action of Presby-
terry to be enrolled. Of these, Eve are
now preparing to build, and look in their
peculiar necessity for assistance else
where. TIE Board of Church Erection,
No % Centre Street, New York, will re-
coive these special benefaotions. Let
them be marked " For Nav ENGLAND