New-York tribune., 1889-12-31
THE YEAR IN THE CHURCHES.

The wear has been one OF progress IN the
churches 4 noteworthy feature has been the
growth in numbers and influence of such great
undenominational agencies as the Christian En-
deavor Society and the Kings Daughters Many
Of these organizations have been in existence
for some years, but during the last year they
have capcd forward into remarkable popularity
There have been many important ecclesiastical
gatherings during the past year. The fTeSDy-
terian General Assembly met in this city last
May and decided to ask all the PresbyterlanS OF
the United States if they desired any revision
Of the Standards of the Church. The question IS
one OF vast importance 10 the churches'
and the Presbyteries are now endeaVor-
ing to answer it, At the present IL
looks as though a majority OF tAe
Presbytcries will ask for moderate revision
The Protestant Episcopal General Convention was
held in this city in October. NUMBER Oh
changes. alterations and additions in the Prayer
Book were adopted, and it was decided to bring
the revision to an end in 1892, when Standard
Prayer-Book will be issued. 1t was shown that
the Episcopal Church is growing very fast, ana
its internal condition is one of peace and harmony
The Tooth anniversary of Archbishop Carrolls S
appointment TO the See of Baltimore was cele-
brated by the Roman Catholic Church IN Baltl-
more in November. There were mary august
cercmonials in the Cathedral, after which con-
gress of Catholic laymen was held At the same
time the Catholic University at Washington was
opened The Jubilee, the whole event was
called. brought together large number of Cath
olic dignitaries and laymen, and the event
marked an epoch in the history Of American
Catholicism. During the year the magnificent
new building ol the Methodist Book Concern IN
this city was finished. 1t is said to be one of the
most complete buildings of the kind in the world,
and in il all the many activities OF TINS great de-
nomination will find fitting centre. The Bap-
tst Church has been prosperous, and, unlike some
others has had 10 burning questions 10 settle.
II has prosecuted its domestic and foreign mis-
sOnary operations with cOmmendable vlgor and
success. and lis year book shows a large increase
in membership. Tie Unitarians and Universallsts
have held important conferences during the year.
In the former body a more aggressive policy has
beer forcshadowcd. and in the latter the question
of revising the Winchester Creed has been mOOted
but not settled The question Of probation after
death related as it Is 10 the sO-called New The
ology movement is still up in the Congregational
churches The annual meeting of the American
Board Of Commissioners for Foreign Missions
which was held in this city In October was dis
tinguishcd by spirit Of concession and cOmpro-
mise which may eventually lead to the solution of
this yeNed question.
The growth of all the local churches has been
steady, if not startling. Many new parishes have
been Organized and new churches erected. And
he Christian agencies and institutions of all kinds
for which Ncw-lork is famous, have been gen.
erously supported. Altogether. Christianity has
shown itself 10 be a vital and aggressive force in
the community