New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-13
NOT SURE OF DIR. HILLS.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH HAS MANI o''
srAcLEs TO OVERCOME.
. OFFERS MADE BY CHICAGO PEOPLE WHICH GIVE
i. THE PREACHER WIDE FIELD foR
woRK-HE DISCUSSES THE MAT
TER WITH DR.. ABBOTT.

TER WITH DR.. ABBOTT.
The R.v. Or. Newell Dwight Hills was enter
<atned Yesterday by various members OF fymou'n
Church who attempted 20 put before MIN :" wy
strongest possible light the ADVANTAGE OF o'''s
pastor OF the church Of Henry Ward Beecher anu
cf DR.. Abbott. and the opportunities LOT . a",n
good which are presented by the brookNn "e'o
M Hills had long talk with Or. ABBOTT ana
although II was Of a strictly conndenua' ns.u,e
=, in known that the field was gone over mihuleis
and that DR. Abbott did all that he couin 70 w
nuence the Chicago man 10 conc 10 brooh'sn
There is no doubt that Plymouth VIII EXTENT nv
only an unanimous but enthusiastic call 10 III
xsu,,s next Monday evening. But the church Is De-
ginning to fear that perhaps II VIII DO unap'e "
persuade Dr. Hills 10 leave Chicago. lie respect
fully declined yesterday TO say anything wnateVe'
on the possibility Of his accepting or dechnihs
the call which will be given
!. II Is known that since Dr. Hills has been In the
East he has received propositions from his trustees
which will make his departure from chicago
matter OF the most careful consideration. IL "as
understood that one OF DR.. Hls's objections 70
the work in which he is now engaged Is tnat III,
congregation has regular churcn Duiioihs anu
no organization for doing regular cnurch ana
charitable work. II is said that the trustees nave
offered. II Dr. Hills will stay in Chicago 70 ouio
a magnificent church or tho lake front. near ths
Art Building The argument is being used that ~
H,lIis In coming 10 Brooklyn would prevent rhe
city Of Chicago from acquiring hanosons -, ou NE
ing. which would not only be an ornamept 70 w
city. but would also DO much for the higher civil
In addition 10 this ii Is said that the trustees
who are among the -wealthiest men OF me cry,
have decided 70 give DIR. Hills any salary tnat ns
may desire, and to enable him to carry ou, si "a
idea which ne may have for the intellectual al
vancement OF the city. . -. h,a ,r
For some time the young preacher mas IS mao scane
mind plan which is almost limitiess IN i,s scoPe
II conteinpates the erection OF large puilu!s ~
the most thickly populated part OF the CITY ilolr
witch would radistc intellectual as well as lnol9
and spiritual influences on SUNDAY there wouto
he three sermons each by different men OF po"el
and influence over The class OF people 10 WHO" non
they would speak There would be music, naIi
where free concerts Of the bes, order w9u.d Ss
given and there would be lecture'rooms lot 'ht
education OF the masses. -, - ,.,-. rood
TO give up such an opportunity TOT DONG sooo
would be a hard decision 10 make, ana the Psopts
Of Plymouth Church although they know ana nav
been assured by Or Hills that he has been mos
favorab Div Impressed with the surroundinss nere
are fearing end hoping ~ the same tme. ono VI
rhe coneregation said yesterday: $3.50
.srhe man has been taken up on high pinnae y
IN that Western city, ana we will be fortunate y
we secure him in the face OF the almost impossole
offers made by that fsbulously wealthy, eongre
cation. He Is remarkable man, ara nehcN'
The spirit of the church has very favorany I'M
pressed him. and still believe that ne Will c'"''
10 Brooklyn.