New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-09
PRICE THREE CENTS.
FATHER BROWNS SUCCESSOR.
A wELLrKNOwN NEW w-ENGLAND PRIEST
DECIDED UPON.

THE REV. DIR. GEORGE MCCLELLAN FlSk0s
OF PROVIDENCE. NOW CONSIDERING
CALL TO THE CHURCH OF ST.
MARY THE VIRGIN.
1t Is likely that the next rector OF the Epis-
copai Church OF st. Mary the Virgin, In Forty
sixth-st. between Sixth and Seventh aves will
be the Rev. DR.. George Mcclellan Fiske now
rector Of st. stephens Church. Providence. r. I.
Although the trustees OF 81; Mary's Church
would not admit yesterday that Father Fisks
had been called to the rectorship made vacant
by the death on December 10 last OF Father
Thomas Mckee Brown. 1t was definitely ascer-
taned by Tribune reporter that 1t depends en-
tirely upon Father Fiske as to whether he VIII
take charge of the Church Of ST. Mary the vir-
gin. The statement may be safely made that
the actual call has been extended to Father
Fiske. and that he is considering the offer.
Several OF the more prominent members Of the
congregation who spoken to after yester-
day afternoons service expressed themselves az
extremely enxious that Father Fiske should be-
come their next rector. and more than one ex-
pressed the opinion that he would undoubtedly
be prevailed upon TO come to New-York The
trustees Of the church will hold meeting early
next week. and by that time. 1t is believed. some
assurance will have been received from Father
Fiske of his purpose either to accept or decline.
THE CHOICE LAY BETWEEN TWO PRIESTS.
Since Father Browns death 1t is understood
that the trustees have considered the names OF
many priests who are regarded the foremost
exemplars OF High Church doctrines and prac-
tlces in this country but the controlling body Of
the church ultimately narrowed the range Of Its
possible choice to Father Fiske. Of Providence.
and Father Alfred G. Mortimer. of ST. Marks
Church. Philadelphia. As between these two
priests the trustees finally leaned toward the
Providence clergyman. who. besides being one OF
the most prominent High Churchmen in the
United States. is a man OF great mental force
and character. brilliant pulpit orator and OF
high scholastic attainments, and is influential IN
the National councils of the Episcopal Church.
William B. Fletcher. one Of the trustees Of the
Church OF St Mary the Virgin. when seen by
Tribune reporter yesterday. good-humoredy
parried the inquiries put to him regarding Dr.
Fiske When he was directly asked. however.
whether the call had or had not been made. he
refused to commit himself either way, and add
ed: 1T seems to me that no matter how great
an effort is made TO keep matters quiet the
newspapers get ahead of us"
THE TRUSTEES NON -COMMrTTAL.
Beverly Chew. another member Of the Board Of
Trustees when a similar inquiry was made OF
him. hesitated for several seconds before an
swering. and then said: Il would prefer not say.
ing anything Just now. The trustees have de-
cided to say nothing until they hold a meeting
some time next week, when something Will prob
ably be prepared for publication"
"A repor. from Providence states that Father
Fiske has actually received call from the
trustees, and now has the matter under ao'
visement Is there any truth in that reportf
Mr. Chew was asked.
There is nothing to be said yet" was his re-
ply.
"Will you make denial that Father Fisks
has been called to succeed Father Brown"
mo. / will not" Mr.. Chew answered.
When a Tribune reporter called at the homo
of Bowen w. Pierson. another member or the
Board of Trustees. Mr. Pierson sent out woro
that he anticipated the reporters object In WISH
ing to see him. but that he had nothing to say.
THE CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN
The Church Of St. Mary the Virgin. which was
founded by the late Father Brown In lo'0 In
West Forty -hfth-st. between Seventh ana
Eighth ayes is famed throughout the country
for its ritualistic services. Until its foundation
the custom Of employing in the services candies'
elaborate vestments and incense was almost un-
known in this country. AT first the resulting
criticism was wide and distinctly unfriendly for
the most part. 1t is not too much to say that
the ornate services in the Church Of st. Mary
the Virgin gave rise to considerable bitterness
OF feeling among Low Churchmen. but OF late
years this feeling has, to great extent, died
out Such had been Father Browns prominence
among High Churchmen that he may be SAID
TO have been since the death OF the Rev. Dr.
James De Koven. warden of Racine College, In
iaah0 nf he
increment sometimes called the Catholic
restoration which, defined by its friends hes
had as its object the restoration in the teach.
ings and pra ctice Of the Episcopal Church OF
The Catholic faith as It was taught in the early
days Of Christianity and preserved In the Book
OF Common Prayer. and TO correct what were
held TO be Protestant neutrality-suspicious. on the
PRAYER Book The church building now occu-
pied by the parish Of st. Mary the Virgin was
erected in 1895. with funds supplied almost en-
tirely by one member OF the congregation