New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-01-27
CHURCHES TALK OF UNITING
FOUR METHODIST ONES MAY CONSOLIDATE.

At LEAST THREE OF THEM LIKELY TO JOIN IN
BUILDING BIG EDIFICE IN BROADWAY.
An important piece of religious Intelligence is the
proposed consolidation OF three, ana possibly OF 1oar
Methodist Episcopal churches OF this CITY, Inc churches
concerned in this movement are St r"Ws > formerly
situated at Twenty second ST. ana fouruhaNc.' The
rorty-third Street Church st. Lukes Church, Forty
first st. and St. Johns, in Ffty-thrdst While negotla
lions are still pending and the plans are not yet fully
matured there seems TO be no reasonable doubt that
che project will be carried through at least on the part
~ the three churches first named. The societies Of
g Pauls and St. LukeS churches have had the subject
~ uniting under advisement for the last six
years
Within the last two weeks the project has assumed
. more definite shape. IT about in the form OF
. proposal IT. Paus society TO each OF the other
three societies to unite with it i'll building church for
, use of the combined congregations the situation OF
the proposed edifce TO be in broadway, somewhere be-
tween Fortieth and Fitieth SIS
The new is 10 be large and cOmmodious of
,uch imposing appearance TO conform with its i'm
ortance attractive without and within 1t Is to be
people's church and furnished with modern appoint
ments and appliances. Although the details not
snnfciently maIcd 70 be announced, the arrangement
will undoubtedly include lecture room, dining room
and other appointments for practical and aggressive
church work.
In short, it is aimed to make the new church the
eoesentatve Methodist Episcopal Church OF the city, OF
ucent strength numerically and financially TO carry on
an effective campaign and favOrably placed In com
handing situation. 1t is understood that those hav
Ing the subject In charge, already have an option on
one two sites. THE proposition of St Pauls Church
was submitted 10 the trustees Of the Forty third street
Church at their meeting on January IS. They unan-
imously voted In It's favor.
The authorities OF ST. Luke's Church also strongly
favored the project Certain legal steps will have to
be taken and some minor questions will have to be
settled before the plan be carried out.
II. Johns Church has not yet given expression TO
It's views the subject. The building OF the elevated
railroad, which passes directly in front of the
church. was blow TO its progress; and Is The
chief reason why the change proposed would be Dc
rable. The value OF the church property has greatly
fallen and many of the wealthy church members have
moved away from the nelghbOrhood. Neverthe-
less the church is able to maintain itself in fair con-
alon. The society is inclined to let the Others take
the initiative il the project OF consolidation. IL ulc
other three shall decide to unite and to build in the
vicinity Of Fiftieths then st. Johns Church is likely
to be lavornbly inclined TO the plan of union
The Forty-thid Church finds its present accom-
moaatons totally inadequate TO its needs The buiiu-
n,Iis old and entirely too small The membership
and attendance has gey increased of late and much
inconvenience has been felt in the present crowded
quarters. For some time its officers have mad under
consideration the building of new house Of worship
but the question of funds for the purpose has been the
great obstacle in the way Hence the proposal Oh ~
Paus Church. which has sufficient money for the pur-
pose is received welcome solution of the problem
st. Paus Church obtained 1904 900 from the sale OF
It's property at rourtave. and Twenty second st. This
amount, together with Other funds which mas makes
IL by far strongest society financially OF the Jour-
since It's former site has been disposed Of IFS officers
have been casting about for favorable site on which
to rebuild. several plots have been talked or NJ ohe
lime there seemed st,Ong likelihood that property IN
the Boulevard, near Eghtethst.. would be bought
The situation regards st. Lukes Church Is this;
The present building does not satisfy the requirements
OF the society. The Sunday work. for instance
Is much hampered by lack OF sufficient room lhe
membership Is small and the situation Is not 50 favor
able as Is desired. But the chief reason which III
duces St. Lube's society to the proposed move
ment is Inc fact that their bding stands upon leased
ground The lease expires In few years, and. al
though 1t Is said that IL can be renewed II the society
30 desires still there Is element OF uncertainty
about it and lack OF feeling OF proprietorshp It's
present building was intended to be the perma
nent home OF the congregation. A sermon preached
by its pastor, the Rev. +. ). Triple, on Noven-
Der 90 last, declares that Meuodism In thlS
city seems TO be not only at s'ahds'Ih
but TO be losing its hold upon the people
The following passage applies directly TO the subject
OF uniting churches
Tnere must be- some readjustment OF work. for at
,-oseot there j. waste OF energy In some lccate,
hs.dozen churches struggling along where one strong
church would do far Look for instance at
Methodism on the Wee SIDE. 1t is painful to co'idef
tbi, line Of churches, some Of them weak
anne stronger scarcely occupying commanding
position With number the oit-rep'aNd que ''U,
is Shall We cloe up, or shall we Keep open
The centre c. New-York for Yeas to come VIII not b lar
from broadway and Foy.s,codd-st church built some
where near this centp with the idea Of attempting n
way. to solve this problem Of city evangeiza;lon would
syrced and I'm It's success would influence on
all the churches. Something must be undertaken