New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-17
THE PROTEST OF A CHURCH.
VIGOROUS WORDS FROM DIR. sHACKEU
FORD AND HIS vESTRY.
oBJEcTING TO TIE ACTION OF THE SINKING
FUND COMMISSION IN REGARD TO THE
CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER AND
THE CITy's LAND ON WHICH

THE CITY'S LAND ON WHICH
THE BUILDING STANDS.
The first meeting Of tho new board Of smk1ns
Fund Commissioners was held yesterday. There
were present Mayor Grant, Recorder smyth, Control
Ter Myers Commissioner of Public Works Smith and
Mr. Storm, chairman Of the Finance Committee Of
the Board Of Aldermen. Mayor Grant was elected
chairman, and Deputy Controller storrs was reelected
secretary. Controller Myers authorized to lease
offices for the Board Of Assessors in the Stewart
Building for Eve years at e., 500 year.
"A letter from the Rev. DIR. Shackelford, rector Of
the Church of tho Redeemer and the vestrymen of the
church. was received In relation 10 the recent action
Of the Commission, which fixed the prce OF the twelve
lots occupied by the church since 1864 but owned BY
tho city, at Park-ave. and Eighty hrstst., under
permit from the Common Council, at s87 500, but
with restriction preventing the church from putting
UP any structure which might obstruct light or alp
from St. Joseph's Industrial Home. This is Roman
Catholic institution the block and holds tho
land under lease from tho city of 81 year. Tho
letter objects the price and the restrictive
clause and makes some tart illusions to the alleged
fayorusm shown 10 the Catholics Who 1t Is said, do
sire to become possessos Of the property. Recorder
smyth characterized the letter "insolent1 and
on aron to the Board,' and objected to It's being
read, but Mayor Grant thought 1t ought to be read
and It was
The letter objects to the idea that tho permission
of the Common Council of 1854 allowing the church
to occupy the land temporary one" rs stated
on the record The permanent structures placed
thereon are referred TO as evidence 10 the contrary
After long review Of the circumstances under which
tho church took possession Of the property and tho
statement that under the opinion of the Corporation
Counsel Of that time they had felt safe TO and
erect building upon the premises, expanding over
$4,000, tho letter says:
IA ctr n az its resI q 4
certain Hebrew Society still continues to hold in directs
violation Of Its eeu large plot OF land OF city properly
In Seventy sevenths between Lexington and Third ayeS,
upon which erected buildings which used for pur
ject
Upon learning that license was questioned, We
ceased building the church ard no work has been
done thereon that tine The oner Of the church 70
purchase eight for the Of s2so4o was made ~
the suggestion Of the exMayor who stated that possibly
the Commissioners might favorsbly consider bid for
said lots Of the value in 1se4he time when
the license wss gyen-wt low rate Of interest to GATE
Of purchase.
IL ia hardship under the circumstances, and after
undputed possession for twsntyfour years. 70 be forced
purchase It price, more especially when ne BAL
anoe of the entire square, which 10 also owned By tho city
bounded By EiGhty-frstst Madisonsys and Eshy-seo-
ond-st Is occupied By Roman Catholic institution
which never paid cent 20 the city for It, which Is
nuisance 10 the neghbOrhood and which receives from tho
s,,te sl1o per capita Der annum for It's inmates sst
Roman Catholic institution licensed to occupy It's
premises shortly after granted eens' for per-
mission to occupy ours and instead OF trusting implicitly
In tho faith and fair dealing Of the city and Its OFFICIALS as
we aid they menphorcally speaking. took the city oy
the throat and forced sign lease for ninety pine
years NJ legal nothing vis 81 per rental They
remain encouraged and undsturbd I'm possession WINE
We at their insgaton, 70 DO evieted Id eraer tnas
they may enlarge their buildings over the ground we are
forced 10 yaeate
Such religious persecution TIE interest Of the Roman
Catholic Church should be tolerated In great city
like NevYcrk and In this enlightened age
Upon what basis Of law equity does the city naks
preyso In the proposed sale Of the property OF ths
Church OF the Redeemer that the deed from the city sna
provide against encroschment by sny obstruction OF shs
and air upon the space the church edhee ana
the ADJACENT buildings occupied by the Sisters OF mercy
as the St. Joseph's Industrial Homef
Has mot that institution sufficient light and afr on thres
sides OF threequarters Of entire city block. withous
placing embargo few feet OF adjacent land az
the northeast end their large budingi Why should
they bo protected than wes They are an expense
To the city and State We are not
1t is financially impossible for s57 500 for the
property IL is not worth t. with its surroundings bus
nasmuch the foundation Of the new church Is laid we
are willing 20 purchase the eight lots for 10000 sat
amount to remain upon bond and mortgage ss per cent
per annu years and without any RESTRICTING clause
In the deed Of sale This is all we are able 70 DO and
under the Is far Of the price thas
we should be forced TO pay.
Tho letter is signed By John w. shaokslford rector,
G Gs9Iss NJ Myr E nna rnsr George Dscrs shs
nr Jsiu /. Wits. Baker < sidney TOmhnson,
k. aIksR s s sssains Of he letter hIy days sad
tonal time was granted to tho church 70 ac'op' wv
The Commissioners viii meet at p. m. on Monday
to consider the question Of erecting muncipai oul,s
ng Recorder smyth expressed himself a desidealy
adverse to erecting the Criminal Court puiions ne@1