New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-12
DIR. DAVIES CONSIDERING A CALL.
WILL. RETURN TO PENNSYLVANIA UNLESS
THE FOURTH AVENUE CHURCH
FINANCES IMPROVE

The Rev Dr John r. Davies. pastor OF thc
Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church. IL now con-
sldcrng call recently extended to him by tho
members OF the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.
OF the leading Presbyterian churches in Phila-
dcphia.
The question az 10 whether DR. Davies will decide
to accept the call to Philadelphia or remain here
IL said good authority. to rest with the de-
cision that the congregation Of the Fourth Avenue
Presbyterian Church may be disposed to make in
order to put TINT church on a sound financial basis
II IL OF the bcst-known Presbyterian places
Of worship In this city, one OF It's former pastors
having been the late Rev. DIR. Howard Crosby
a prominent minister OF his time Recently how.
ever the church has not been financially self-sup-
porting. and many members Of the congregation
believe that It will soon be impossible TO maintain
II In iis present situation or the three chapels
founded by Or. Crosby two have been abandoned.
and three months ago a mission the East Side
long supported by the congregation. was given up
the building sold and the furniture removed to tho
church in Fourth-ave.
The question OF selling the present church came
before the congregation n few months ago. when
an Offer Of 10000 was made for the property. Or.
Davies was Il supporter OF the proposed
sale. the plan including the purchase OF another
site further downtown. on the East Side on which
church should be built nj cost OF about $2oN-
60 The question was fully discussed for soma
time and the circumstance that the church could
not any longer maintain Itself In It's present stua-
ton was pointed out The proposition made
10 build n church as far down as Fourth-st..
where Hope chapel. the only chapel belonging 10
the church which remains. Is placed 1t was con-
sdered impossible that the church could move up
town. II the new church were built. at cost Of
500 600 there would be balance remaining OF
$4,000. the income OF which would place II
permanently secure financial basis. Although.
has been said. DIR. Davies heartily supported this
scheme, and many members OF tho congregation
also favored f. the larger number avcrso
To giving up the old Site with all It's associations.
and the idea OF moving the church downtown and
into n poor nclghborhood also failed to find favor
with the majority.
Dr. Davies refuses to discuss the question while
II Is In allegiance. He said yesterday that he had
not made up his mind whether to 90 to Phlade-
phia or not and refused to say thing about his
Intentions until answer had been given to the
committee of the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.
Ii is thought. however, that he VIII elect to re-
main I'm Ncw-York II the congregation OF the
Fourth Avenue Church will adopt some plan By
which the present property may be sold. and pro-
vision made TO put the church on a sound
financial basis.
70 this country OF his work In the church has
been In Pennsylvania. He came To this city from
Tyrone, Penn He is now well-known man In the
Presbyterian Church. and Is frequently appointed
10 membership OF important committees In inc
Presbyterian General Assembly. and IN connection
with The Home Mission work OF the Church.