New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-04-06

connection with the church comes from most pecu-
liar circumstance Mr. Blackburn born in
Greenville. Tenn. in 1864. When a small boy ne
went to Athens. where he brought up on
farm. After clerking in store he went to Len
anon Ohio. where he entered and graduated
from the National Normal University OF Ohio.
After graduation Mr. Blackburn travelled for three
years as a representative of an advertising mouse
in Chicago He then entered the Theological Sem
mary at Columbia. S. c.. where he took three
years course He received call to the pulpit of
the Westminster Presbyterian Church. OF Charles
ton S. c.. preaching there for sixteen months The
manner of his coming to NewYork as pastor of
the Church Of the Strangers was noteworthy. He
visit here. and in company with stranger
whom he had never met before went one evening TO
attend prayer-meeting he'd in the church. During
the evening he made some remarks which attracted
the attention of those present He was questioned.
and it learned that he was minister of the
Gospel. The church at that time was without a
pastor minister had been written 10 and invited
to preach in the church the following Sunday, but
In some way the letter never reached him and he
did not come. In this emergency the congregation
made special REQUEST that Mr. Blackburn preach
was decided that morning that he was the e man nan
p eut peermanenty V call was Extended him. but
he at first decl ned TO consider IT, He returned to
the South where he suddenly lost the Of his
voice temporarily, and was obliged to go to Florida.
While there he received telegram from the church
then sceepted. Yesterday marked the c.ose Of the
first year OF his pastorate OF the Church or the
Strangers.
Mr.. Blackburn said yesterday that he was more
than pleased and aratfed with ale results Of the
last year. One hundred and two members had
Joined the church during the year, and advancement
had been made in every department Of church work
He said that peculiar feature Of the congregation
was that there were members of almost every
known evangelical denomination working harmoni-
ously together II is a difficult matter TO manage
in successful financial manner a downtown church
without charging pew rent. But this is being done
by the Church OF the Strangers. and ast year the
church easily all its expenses without running
a dollar behind. Mr.. Blackburn said that he had
many as ten persons from as many different states
remain after morning service to speak with him.
People from all over the country came 10 him in
this way
Yesterday morning communion celebrated.
and an invitation extended TO AL who believe.
in the Lord Jesus Christ. irrespective Of creed to
partake thereof. go
Mr. Blackburn preached from Matthew xviii. 6:
"He Is not here. for He is risen. He said In part:
THE death Of Christ changed the date of the
worlds history. Not man writes !etter but
acknowledges that Christ lived died and was cruci-
fed. 1t has changed the lives Of countless thou
sands The Resurrection has changed the popular
notion Of death 1t has robbed death Of its sting.
and holds out those who believe in Christ the
sweet consolation Of life hereafter. Death is
longer dark and gloomy. but is met radiant
angel of light. The life Of Christ is link between