New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-11-08
DR. STORPS'S FIFTY YEARS.


BROOKLYN the celebration Of an anniversary the
like Of which has not been witnessed ny '"e
present generaton-if indeed. any semiceh-
tenna anniversary of the same character anu
equal Importance has ever taken place. AT that
time the Rev. DR.. Richard Salter Storrs VIII
complete pastorate extending over fifty years
Not only has he served the Church OF the III
grims this length Of time. but he has been its
only minister. and 1t has been the only ch''rch
TO which ne has mnstered. Pasorates or ms
length are very uncommon nowadays. although
rs is we'll known they were not so formerly
DR.. Storrs himself comes Of a stock in when
long pastorates have abounded. His father
served the Congregational Church in Braihtree
Mass. for sixty.two years, with single break
of five years when he was agent OF the home
Missionary Society. and the father Of the elder
Richard Saltrr Storrs had charge OF church
in I.ongmeadow. Mass, for third Of "A century
While extended pastOrates may thus he sau
TO run in the family. the distinction to which
the present DR. Sforrs has attained Is almost
uuiaue. With the single exception Of Mr.
Beecher. no minister In the metropolitan pulpit
has taken more commanding position than the
pastor of the Church Of the Pilgrims not ohi!
as a distinguished preacher. but as an eloquent
nest worker in behalf Of good causes. Dr.
Stor-s has been recuse. He has mingled
with men, and knows by personal contact with
them their feelings and ambitions. In moments
OF emergency in city, State or National affairs
he has not merely cast his influence" negatively
on the right side. bnt with voice and pen he
has made himself positive influence for the
right Within the last month he uttered ring
| In, ~ Nnt
campaign now so happily decided. SO thorough
going has been the citizenship OF This busy min
lister OF a large church that few years ago he
did not hesitate when called on 10 do so. 10 ac-
cept the office Of Park Commissioner. in which
he rendered service that will not soon he for
gotten by his admlrlng fellow-citlzens.
II Is aliogerhc- fitting and proper thar this
notable anniversary should be celebrated with
more than common fervor. The celebration VIII
begin mex, sunday when DR.. Siorrs will deliver
4 sermon reviewing the fifty years Of his life
in Brooklyn. and will continue through the
greater part Of the two succeeding weeks. In
IN, exercises that have been arranged his own
chcrcl and Sunday school will have a prom
lneat share and the ministers OF his own de-
nomination are eager 10 show their apprecia-
ton Of one who has thrown much lusre
upon the ministerial profession In genera! and
the Brooklyn pulpit in particular. But the
browning incident of the anniversary Will he the
tribute paid 10 DR.. Storrs by his feow-ciiizens
M n meeting 10 he held In the Academy OF
Music: and II Is safe 10 predict that no par. or
| the ceremonies marking the completion OF his
half century will touch the heart Of DR.. Storrs
more deeply This meeting Will recall 10 many
minds the not llssimIlar meeting held In the
same place. not many years ago in honor OF
the seventeen birthday Of Mr.. Beecher Brook
Ign has had good fortune In having two
such men as lis citizens during the major part
Of the last half Of the century now approaching
It's end.
Despite his seveniy-iive years. DR.. Storrs has
b. no means reached the limit OF his powers.
He Il still IN the active ministry. having no
need Of an assistant pastor. and seemingly has
| years Of usefulness still before him. When
| forty years Of his ministry had passed it was
confidently hoped and predicted that he would
| finish ont a full half-century. Now that that
| term has been practically completed, there Is no
| apparent MASON why n passionate rs long asthat
| OF his father IN Branrcc should not be his In
| Brooklyn. The passing years have only knit
| closer and closer the bonds that unite him to
| his people Of the Church Of the Pilgrims bonds
| that only death can terminate. even II after
| few years more DR.. Storrs should feel no longer
| cuuai To the excrtion Of active labor in the
place he has so long and acceptably filed.