New-York tribune., 1897-12-19
WILL WORK WITHOUT PAY.
THE REV. DR. FARRAR TO RESIGN HIS
PASTORATE.
HIS FIELD OF LABOR WILL BE AMONG THOSE
WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN \ PAID MINISTRY
HIS CONGREGATION SURPRISED.

WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN 4 PAID MINISTRY
HIS CONGREGATION SURPRISED.
The Rev DR. James NJ Farrar pastor OF tho
First Reformed Church. at Seventh-ave and Carr
roll-st has surprised his people by announcing
that he will resign to do church work in the coun-
try without salary Or. Farrar's is the Oldest
church organization in Brooklyn, and one OF the
richest. and IL pays its pastor 5000 salary
Or Farrar will resign because he thinks 1t is his
duty to do his work without a salary II he can
AFFORD 10 do so, and labor where he can accom-
psh the most for his religion. He thinks that
every man IN his calling should If possible, de-
vote a part OF his Nfework in such way that no
one could challenge his motives or suggest that
he was a minister OF the Gospel merely for his
salary Dr. Farrar does say when he will
resign but intlnates that he will do before long
He intends TO move TO his country home at Idle
wild, Chester County. Penn, 10 take a pastorate
in a community which does not believe in a paid
ministry and where he feels that his services will
be OF great value. He is thoroughly satisfied with
his present place. and IS the best Of terms with
his people but he does not think that his personal
comfort should stand IN the way OF the fulflment OF
MS whole duty.
At the annual meeting OF the church on Friday
evening he said Il have spent seven years OF my
life In building up anew this church. which has
grown strong and useful. and now desire 10 give
the OF my lie to building up souls. without
money and without price. have fully consecrated
my lie 10 the Master. and l am tran con-
WINGED that the step l shall take. as soon as the
IS completely open, is in the direction in which
more than year past the Lord has been leading
me-"
Brooklyn clergymen feel that DR.. Farrar's sin
cerity cannot for q moment be questioned He is
deeply spiritual man. and IS loved by AL the min
isters o. other denomina lions with whom he IS
acquainted. His congregation IS one OF the wealth
Test in the city. and tne churchs finances are in
fine condition. The members OF his congregation
much cast down over their pastors decision
and hase i'm 20 ider
The First Reformed Church was organized in
1854 and was for many years the only church in
Brooklyn. It's first sermon was preached on Sun
dag. April 6. 1886 and the minister at that time
Dominic Polhcmus. received a salary Of s4ls
large amount for those days. Until 1866 the con-
gregation worshipped IN barn. and in that year
a meeting was built on what is now Fulton
ST., between Lawrence and Bridge sts. The burial
ground was across the street the ground
occupied by Abraham & Strauss store. The second
building was erected during the pastorate o. Dom
inie Van sinderen. between 174s and 1884 The
building vas in Fulton-st. between Bridge and
Lawrence SITS. In this church and women
separately and II rarely happened that persons
OF the family sat together The church had
tree pew for justices and judges.
In 1906 property in Joralemon-st bought for
new church building, made necessary by the
rapid growth Of the congregation. The cornerstone
OF the building was laid on May lj 1896 The build
Ing Ing Vas on The south side Of Joralemon-st near
Island cha was formed and in ne following year ne
GGhurch was Incorporated under the tue OF the
reformed Dutch Church in the Town OF Brook
IN: Under the pastOrate OF the Rev. Maurice w
DMiBht, the church once more outgTeW It's home,
@ nau IN 1873 the fourth building was erected. The
tone oi this church was laid on May - 1851
an Sn he building was dedicated on Mey 4 1885. II
was Dulit on the site Of the old church. 1t was Of
OieCIdH style or architecture, with spacious
porch IN front adorned by eigh; Cornthian pillars
ninOns the more recent pastors OF the church were
a WlIletts, the Rev Joseph kimball the Rev.
Menry h Dickson and the Rev. David NJ. Wander
The building erected I'm 1886 was used until 1886
Waen IL was sold for S25G COO Benjamin - Silliman
presided at the meeting at which the building was
500; he said that he was then the oldest member
Tory Dy way OF showing the rapid development OF
brooklyn and the growth Of the church. For a
year or more there was some doubt whether tho
church would be continued under its old name. bu.
the members finally decided TO rebuild and the
pretent site a. Carro-st. ard Seyenth-ave. was
wss.ecies w Or Farrar was called 70 the church ia
sane year. lie was previously pastor Of a United
Prssoyter!an Church IN Philadelphia.
during the approaching week Of prayer in the
Reformed Church Dr Farrar Will hold evening ser
wees to explain the kesgick movement. % which
ne mas given much time and thought While In
England last summer be attended series of meet
thoroughly In accord with him ia his interest In the
movement, and they believe nc took the right step
ia Joining them.
DR. FarraF says that he can live comfortably and
support his family income OF 100 a year by
living In the country. and ne Will take up his new
wofk ss soon as he hes arranged bis private affairs
30 ihst ms sum will 3o practically assured
lie ls one or the most progressive pastors in
brooklyn, ana IN connection with his church work
some time ago organized social club called the
ali iiin IS. Asm nhefe % me yorng people and IN fact
hessi features OF modern club life.