The colored American., 1900-02-10
Rev. Gibbons a Successful and
TirelesS Wor ker-An Interest.
Ing Drama-Israel Church Free
of Debt-Great Newspaper
Honored.
Albany, N. Y. Special.

Ot. Inls city, has succeeded IN llquIdat
ing the debt left upon the church by his
predecessor the Rev. D z. Brown, and
the church is now in fiourishiDg CON
dltion. Rev. Gibbons is thoroughge'
ing, conscientious ard honest man, and
has applied himself zealously to the
work OF discha! ging the great multitude
Of small bills against the church which
have been presented by its numerous
creditors to the trustee board and pastor
with annoying frequency and persis-
teEcy. Mr Gibbons has been greatly
assisted in the work Of lifting the
church debt by a kind hearted and
Christian gentleman, Mr.. George II.
knowltOn, retired Albany mer. hant,
who was greatly interested in the pros
perity, temporal and spiritual, of this
church. Through MIR KnowIton sum
Of money was raised ($645.75) with
which outstanding debts against the
church have been paid as far as pre-
sented, and the church is now for the
first time in many years entirely free
from debt except the small obligations
Incurred for necessary running expens'
es. 80 anxious was Mr.. Gibbons to
clear up these bills against the church,
that he did not insist upon the pay
ment Of his own salary which was ill
arrears to the amount Of over $500, 0,0U,
from this sum, raised through the
kindness of Mr.. KnowltoD, but relied
upon the graf tude and honor of his
trustee board and members for the
prompt and cheerful payment Of his
back salary in full, or 80 much thereof
as they could reasonably pay without
ninn RI tho N Nf ahf1Yoh
At q harmonious meeting Of the
trustee board of the church on January
%, 1900 he was voted and paid &191 90
leaving small balance due on salary.
This present board Of trustees of Hamil'
ton Street church, are Messrs. Joseph
Price, President, John Caldwell, secre-
tary, William II. Brent, treasurer; VIM,
Van Alstyne, Richard r. Johnson,
Henry Pinckney and Henry Hyson,
representative OF the progressive ele
ment among Albany's colored citizens,
whose administration begins ssunder
promising and encouraging auspices.
The exterior Of the church has recently
been beautifully repsinted through the
intelligent efforts Of a committee Of la
dies and gentlemen OF which Miss
Mary r. Hoyt was chairman; VIM. 81.
Brent 2nd vice president; Rev. Q. N.
Gibbons, secretary and Mrs. j. E.
Bruce, treasurer. This committee with
the co operation oflts members and the
generous and substantial encourage
ment of the public spirited citizens Of
Albany, raised within a few months
the sum Of $10s ID, and Hamilton st.
church now presents an attractive ap
pearsnce and is q source Of pride to the
residents Of the street as we'll as to Its
members and friends Of the congIega-
tion.
Following Ia q report Of the most sue
cessful fair ever held IN Hamilton st.
church. The fair began January Is
10 and was pronounced success pet
ting the church $23S 81 clear. Rev. G
N. Gibbons, the efficient pastor of the
church, comes in for no small share OF
praise for the success which has attend
ed the efforts of the trustees and the
various committees Of ladies and gen
tlemen who assisted with the fair. The
public attendance during each night
was very generous and all the various
booths were literally patroniZed. The
following named ladies had charge OF
booths: Mrs. G. N. Gibbons, Missee vi
Wan Jones and -- freeman; doll and
flower booth; Mrs. E B. Irving, china
booth; Miss Sylvia freeman, candy
booth; Misses Estella Leggett, Rita
Leggett, Rachael Van Dursen, quilt
booth; Mrs. VIM. Van Alstyne, soft
drinks; Misses Rachael Hardy, Carrie
Leggett and Grace Stanford, cake
booth; Mrs Mary Cross, ice cream; Mrs.
Julia Ten Eyck, fancy booth; Miss Mary
Hoyt, Mesdames Susie Freelsnd, Free.
mon and T r Rrupe Gashier Mr.