The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-12-09


 On the platform were Dr, MeLane, Dr, Strong, Deacons Swift, Henry Peek Dr, Virgil M. Dow, Hoggson, stephen Cooke, Asher Sheldon, and Edward Bryan, representing the period before the College street church was built, those who had been members since childhood, those who were instrument tai in building the church and those who came in 1860 or thereabouts repre- sentlng the development of the last quarter century.
 After the singing of hymn by the congregation Rev. pr. McLane offered prayer MT. MeLane then made a few introductory remarks before introduce ing the speakers of the afternoon and read from the third chapter of Ezra which records the beginning of the re- building of the temple after the Baby lonian captivity.
 Rev. Dr. Edward Strong was then introduced by Dr. McLane as having been pastor of the church for twenty years and valedictorlan of his class in Yale.
 Dr. Strong began by stating the cir
 
 the church and said that he was tutor in college and the church was situated on Church street. near where the postotiice now is when he was asked to supply the pulpit for short time. He preached for two Sabbaths and did not expect to preach any longer, but he was finally asked to fill the pastorate of the church and fortytWo years ago he was ordained and installed pastor. Rev. Dr, Hawes of Hartford preached the ordination sermon and of the ministers who were then present none to Dr. Srong's knowledge are now alive. In those days there was a lecture every Tues day evening besides a prayer meeting on Friday evening. In the second year of his pastorate the parish was divided into ten districts and volunteers called on all the families in each district who were not church members at least four times year and made reports at the Friday evening prayer meeting. This was carried on for four years. During Dr. Stroag's absence in Europe on tour for his health President Porter of Yale supplied his pulpit and at this same time the new church on Collegs street was being built. When it was completed Dr. Strong was in southern Italy. He, however, at once returned and assumed his duties again in the new edf1ce. When the plans were be- | ing considered the congregation of the Howe street church wished Dr. Strongs l congregation to build on the corner of York and Chapel streets and said they would would unite with them if they | did so. But as the old church had a membership scattered over the entire city and it was feared ttat incorporating with themselves a new congregation would disturb their own membership | the proposition was rejected The next year after the dedication of the new church 80 persons united with it and an unusual revival continued until 1S5S when 131 were united in one year and of these 106 on a profession of faith. In closing Dr. Strong mentioned the room in the house in which Shakespeare was | born, of which the walls and ceiling are covered with the names of dramat- | ists, authors and other followers of the great Shakespeare and said that l so the walls of the old church seem to him to be covered with names of dear | friends and sacred to their memories. When he heard that the church was | sold it was with feelings of sadness, | but when he heard that it was not to I be desecrated but was to be remodeled as a temple of music he was reconciled | and rejoiced.
 | IL. z1o TnT hot at present instead of the membership scattered over the entire city there are scarcely any members east of York street. He then introduced Deacon 1 Asher Sheldon who has been mem- Der of the church for fifty-one years and whose brother, with Deacon Town send, organized the first Sunday school in New Haven.
 MT. Sheldon spoke of some of his eX- periences and long connection with the church, mentioned certain incidents of that connection which had particularly impressed him. Deacon Swift next spoke and said that the last gathering of the congregation in the old church was suggestive of the last gathering in the Fathers house. He also said that it was a beautiful thought to think that the spirits of departed members would go with them to the new church and that when the end comes We will be ministering spirits to those on earth. Stephen Crabbe sang a fine solo.
 Deacon Dow spoke reminiscently of the old church on Church street and | told of the old fashioned appearance of the building and its interior, to- gether with some Of the quaint customs then prevailing. He also said that for a time the congregation of Center church worshipped with them, while then our church was being repaired. | Deacons Stephen Cooke and Peck also spoke in an interesting vein and told of their recolections of the former days of the church.
 The service concluded with q bencdic- ton by Rev. pr. Strong.
 THE FINAL SERVICES IN THE OLD
 CHURCH.
 The final services in the old church building were held last evening, and were attended by large number. Rev. Dr. Munger was unable to be present but g. letter of regret from him was read by Judge Simeon F. Baldwin, rep resenting United church. Judge Bald win said that he was happy to be the medium through which the congratula-