New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-17
WARDENS COMMENDED.
THE CALL OF DR.. MCCONNELL TO HOLY
TRINITY HIGHLY PRAISED.
on. BOWLING CONGRATULATFls THE NEW RECTOR
AND THE CHURCH on THE ACCEPTANCE
OF THE CALL BY THE PHILA-
DELPHlA MINISTER.

DELPIiIA MINISTER.
The principal topic of discussion yesterday at
Trinity Church and in the homes Of the men,
bers Of the late Dr. Halls parish the ac-
ceptance by the Rev. DR.. 5. d. Mcconnell. CT
Philadelphia Of he vacant pastorate of Holy
Trinity. The judgment of the wardens was
warmly commended, and the belief seemed T.
b. general that there would be no disappoint-
ment over the new rector. Dr. McConnelrs only
reason for severing his connection with St
Stephens Church in Philadelphia Of which he
has been rector for the last fourteen years, is
that the work necessary TO keep the church up
10 its present standard has steadily become
harder in each of the last five years. He be-
,ieves that Holy Trinity offers better oppor-
tunity for his capabilities. especially along the
line Of evangelistic work st. Stephens in
Philadelphia is located right in the business
centre Of the city. and the congregation for the
most part has removed from the neighborhood Of
the church. On account Of this. the labor and
the time required in visitations has become
great strain upon Or. Mcconnell and more than
he cared to undergo any longer. He expects to
leave his Philadelphia parish Immediately after
Easter but the exact time at which he Will be-
gin his duties at Holy Trinity has not been de-
cded upon.
The Philadelphia Press" In speaking of his
retirement from ST. Stephens in its issue Of yes
terday. said:
His work has been as valuable as It has been re-
moved from the communion in which he is to-day
the first homilist in lis pulpit. No clergyman in
those who are without church walls to attract them
to harch or to them 0i Inc an
practice OF the Christian religion Bigotry has been
5eachns and 1 he entire round Of public reform
has had from him sane and rational support stm-
ulstng. conserving and steddynS
Holy Trinity Church is one of the most beauti-
full and best-appointed religious structures on
Long Island 1t was built through the mu-
nlhcence OF Mr.. and Mrs. Edgar ]. Barlow. Mr..
Barlow not only supervised the design, but hired
much of the labor by the day. After seyera-
years spent in construction and the expenditure
Of about O00 the chapel was opened on June
:. 1S46, and the church on April %, 1s4t. by the
Rev DR.. W II. Lewis who was Invited 70 take
charge of the church by Mr.. Barlow The parish
was organized on November o. 1851. and DR..
Lewis was called to the rectorship, with the Rev.
T. Stafford browne assistant. In 1896 the
congregation purchased the church when ndo Was
Rev A ~ Littlejohn now bishop, succeeded to
the rectorship in 1860 and upon his being conse n
Grated Bishop of Long Island on January q, 1869
was succeeded on March l. 1859, by DR.. Hail. who
continued as rector until his death last year.
The church is said 20 have about 1000 communi-
cants
In 1871 a mission was established in Myrtleave.
In 1875 this transferred TO the old ST. AIMS
Church in NdShlngtOn-St., ana WNtl lllls was
demolished by the Bridge company in 1873 the
church of the First Reform Presbyterian Society,
in Duffield-st between Myrtle and WillOughby
ayes was purchased and reftted at an expense
of s25 900 The parish Of Holy Trinity numbers
among its members many Of the wealthiest fami-
lies on the Heights.
The Rev. Dr. George Thomas Bowling In his
remarks on the acceptance Of the call by Or.
Mcconnell in Holy Trinity yesterday said:
am sure that no who is acquainted with the
recent literature Of Church VIII need any In
PRODUCTION TO DR.. Mcconnell. But as the vestry
has requested say word very Willingly
repeat the exclamation which came spontaneously
TO my lips when yesterday | heard mat this call
Rad been accepted. that Holy Trinity church Is 10
have as its rector. not only one Of the greatest
preachers In the Episcopal Church, but one OF the
greatest preachers in the United States.
our day for successful church rector. First. mas
culinity Of mind. presume DR.. Mcconnell ad-
dresses every Sunday than any other
preacher in the Episcopal Church. Secondly.
spirituality OF character. and the large numbers
who have been helped into a stronger Christian life
will best testify the possession Of this quality
on the part OF your coming rector. And. finally.
adaptability in parish work. The success OF such
work in Dr. McCOnneHs field Is seen in the fact
that not seat is to be had in the church when he
breaches. and that every sunday he addresses sub
stantially two different congregations filling all
available space.
With all my heart congratulate DR. Mcconnell
on the acceptance OF such parish as Holy Trinity.
and with all my heart ! congratulate Holy Trinity
on the calling Of such a rector as DR.. Mcconnell