Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1893-03-22
"OLD PASTORS DAY.o

A Number of the Former Pastors of
the Old St. John street M. Il. Church
Gather at the New EpWorth Church
"Reminiscences Interchanged.
Yesterday was "Old Pastors Day" at
the new Epworth NJ E. church. The
| meeting opened at $3.50 o'clock, Rev.
Charles q. Buck, D. D. of Brooklyn, pre-
siding. Rev. Moses G. White of Yale
university was the first speaker. He was
pastor of the church for short time and
was later for many years interested in the
medical mission work in China. He is
the Oldest living ex-pastor of the church.
OF the Rev. Heman Bangs, who was the
first pastor of the church, he said: Brother
Bangs was the founder and builder of St.
John Street church, and was one of the
strongest and most useful men of his
| times. Besides being an eminently practi-
cal man, he was wonderful preacher.
Rsv. Mr.. Cooper. pastor IF Epworth
church, then spoke of Rev. Morris Hill of
this city, another beloved former pastor.
he spoke of his zeal as pastor and his
great financial ability. He also spoke of
the Rev. Thomas g. Osborn, one of the de-
ceased pastors, in glowing terms. Rev.
Charles E. Glover, who died few years
ago, was also very kindly spoken of by the
pastor. Mr.. Gloyer's memory is warmly
cherished by many New Haven friends as
that of an able and devoted pastor and
speaker.
Rev. Or. Buck then made a few remarks
concerning the eloquent Rev. DR.. George
W. Woodruff, especially abiding to his
geniality and good nature Mr.. Woodruff
was for years secretary of the New York
East conference, and his memory is warm
y cherished by many here. both in the
Fret N. E. and Epworth churches.
Letters were then read from Mrs. N. E.
Searles of Brooklyn, widow of the Rev.
John e. Searles, a former pastor, and
from Mrs. Hill of New Britain, widow of
Rev. ARA Hill, who was also a pastor
much beloved.
Rev. Spencer q. Bray of New York, who
was pastor of this church for three years,
then made few very interesting remarks.
He said he had been sand wiched in, SO to
speak, between two great men, Rev. Messrs.
cellent chorus choir there was for years ia
the old St. John street church, and ex-
pressed his regret that the church had not
been called st. Johns II. E. church. Rev.
DR.. Charles s. Wing, now presiding elder
of the New York conference, east district,
then gave few "reminiscences of his pss-
torate here.
A letter was then read from the Rev. G.
y. Harris of Stafford Springs and Rev. Mr..
Markwiek, now of the Congregational
church at Ansonis, followed with few
remarks concerning the future of the
church. He also said 1t had been his duty
to sell the old church on st. John street
and to buy the lot whore the present
church stands. A letter was then read
from Mrs. q. g. Smith of Newburp. N. v.
widow of Rev. Mr.. Smith, who was pastor
of this congregation during the years '52
and '53 A letter was also read from Rev.
W. @. Brakeman of Orient, L. L Mr.. Van
Alstyne read the letters from the former
clergymen and their widows. Mr.. Cooper
then said that the debt of Epworth church
had been reduced to $12, 800, aud that he
had until the singing of the dolology next
Sunday evening to raise 81, 300 Of this
amount, which, If raised, would make the
debt only SO, 600. The Sunday school is
pledged to pay interest on that amount if
the debt IL reduced toit by that time. One
hundred dollars was subscribed and then
the meeting adjourned to the dining room,
where the ladies served an elegant cola
ton for twenty-five cents. The visiting
pastors and their families were entertained
free. There were about $50 present at the
meeting.
Rev. DR.. Wing preached In the evening.
he IL an eloquent speaker and his old con-
gregation listened to him with great deal
Of interest.
The following is to-day's program:
"DENoaINATToNAL DAY."
$50 p. m.-Presidinx officer, Rev A. D. Vail
D. D., pastor Of the Trinity Methodist Episcopai
church, New Haven, Conn. Addresses by proini-
nent Methodist dfvines.
8 p. m. to p Meditation furnished and
served by the united Ladies' Aid societies OF Che
Methodist Episcopal church Of New Haven and |
vicinity.
1850 p m-Addresses By Rows J. o. Peck D. |
d., and James o. Wilson, d. D., OF Brooklyn