The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-03-13
AN OLD METHODIST CHURCH.
II Stiu Stands as a Landmark of Re
iGiOn In New York.


One Of the most interesting OF the older
church institutions Of Greater New York
IS that of the Old John Street Methodist
Episcopal Church whose present edifaa
stands on John Street. near Nassau. Man
haitian The church. as an orga niza.tion
celebrated its 132d anniversary on the 18th
Of last October.
The sketch of the church which was
published at the time, called attention to
the fact that it had the peculiar distinc-
ton of still occupying the spot on which
the first chapel in America was built. this
latter edilice having been dedicated eleven
years before John Wesley laid the corner
stone Of the City Road Chapel. Yet the
City Road Chapel has been literally aided
by English MethOdiSm. while the John
Street Society has from the first mad 10
struggle for existence and make its way
in the world with little or no outside
assistance
There have been critical moments,
continues the sketch. when accumulated
debts threatened TO close the old church:
at other times depleted congregations
have suggested a removal uptown with
the tide of population Once, when the
Bishops and trustees had declared TO sell
the church, a few faithful women. with
the spirit of Barbara Heck entered the
church and held possession of il day and
night in defiance OF trust eeS. sheriff. and
other officers Of the law until the danger
was passed and the ed church saved
from sale and the denomination from
shame The church IS now free from
debt and placed beyond the probability
Conference and its trustees are appointed
BY that body"
On the occasion of the anniversary of
the church many of the relics of the ear
lier DAYS of the society were display I'd.
The chair used by Bishop Asbury, the
great pioneer Bishop OF MethOdiSn. who
was associated with the church for sew
eral years-it was then known as Wesley
Chapel-is III good repair except for the
upholstery
The gate of the original church has also
.isll Frr.
eSting relic Even more Interesting. now
ever Is the Old Wesley CLOCK, which still
hangs over the altar in the basement 1t
gave the hour to Coke and ASburE, to
Whatcoat and Mckendree. and THEN sue
ceSSGrs, and is still reliable timekeeper
The altar rail, over which this Old clock
hangs. is also from the First Church OF
the other especially interesting and val
liable relies there are a historical eng~av-
ing of the "ConSecration Of Francis As
bury" with the authors picture and a
letter written by him, the old Circulating
Library, which Is now very valuable and
a pulpit desk from the First Church ON
the walls ar memorial tablets to Asbury
Barbara Heck. Philip EInbury. Summer
field, james. Harris, and others
Although il has 10 contend with the
handicap of being far down town and
rather out of the way. at that. the church
IS still "A very active institution One of
the evidences of its life and active inter
est in religious work Is the noon T3ravar
meeting, which has become d settled and
successful feature Of its midweek work
These noon meetings are conducted on
original and essentially practical lines
They are led 10y different members of the
church each day. the effort being 10 bring
to bear in an effective way the influence
of kind Of Christianity that is helpful
and inspiring in everyday life Many
persons who are not regular church at
tendants are seen at these meetings and
II is felt that much good has been done
by them
The present pastor Of the church is the
Rev. W G. Brakeman. an active and
earnest Christian worker, who has done
much to make the church a positive and
pervasive influence for good in the COM
nunity-