New-York tribune., 1902-06-18

the General Theological Seminary, and was gradu-
sted in 1851 being ordained deacon shortly after
ward by Bishop Doaue, Of New-Jersey- AFTER Two
years CT active mission work in E!izaoethpoFl'
he became rector Of Christ Church. Elizabeth,
y ! Eere he established one Of the earliest and
most successful free churches in America, and did
q good work in the parish, nestces erecchg
churches e. MiIlburn and Woodbridge, N j., ana
raising I'd self-supporting and fourishing congre-
cations there. In 1868 he accepted the rectorship
OF ST Ma-y's Church Burlington, n. ], then
heavily encu!nbered with debt. With characteristic
energy and financial ability he was able in less
than twelve months to pay of this ceot ana 10
raise enough money 10 place peal Of bells in the
tower
In 1864 he was appointed rector of Grace Church.
Brooklyn Heights. where he passed five years OF
successful ministry resgning in 1863 On account OF
III health induced by the strong air OF Brooklyn
In this year he became rector of St Marks Church'
Philadelphia, and continued there ten years, q
tine OF unttring labor with him he developed the
real power and resources Of the parish, established
the first Workingmen's Club in this country, and
made many Improvements in the fine parish church.
During his rectorship the number Of communicates
increased from four hundred to thousand. while
the annual amounts Of the offerings averaged
$4,000
In 1873. after twice refusing to allow himself to
be nominated, he was elected dean Of the General
theological Seminary. The institution was then
langushng for lack Of funds. the remuneration OF
the professors vas inadequate, the buildings were
unsanitary and insufficient 1t was felt that only
a strong head could save the seminary from de-
cline, and the selection OF Dr. Hoffman for TINS
oeace was hailed as a wise How wise II was
the event has proved after he assumed the relns
o. Office g marvellous change was wrought by MS
administrative ability, his devotion and energy, the
nunihcence Of himself and his family. and the as
sist2nce Of Others whose active syrnpathies he had
Teen able to enlist. New and spacious buildings
sprung up in Chelsea Square. which at the date Of
MS election dean occupied only by two old
graystone houses The buildings cover the
Naole OF the Ninth-ave. front and extend along
I"enty-Hrst-st- half way TO Tenth-ave., and in
dooe spacious deanery, freproof library, lect-
Ure rooms for the different departments, FIVE sets
OF cormitories for students professors houses and
beautiful chapel. the gift Of the DEANS mother. in
memory OF her husband, Samuel V Hoffman
The grounds OF the seminary were improved.
graded, turfed and planted with shade trees. the
'olloings are covered almost TO the roofs with
vines and already assume a venerable appearance
elsea Square, under its present conditions. is one
y the most beautiful parks or squares IN NewYork.
D1rihg Ser Dean HoTman's tenure Of Office also two
bis 1sz61I2 Slps We're amply endowed by himself and
cona - were 4Iso the ONCE or dean. the M
corI orsLt o. the institution, while funds been
4nNTuuct2rs In elocrton and church music.
rrro oan norman was a member Of the boards Of
numerous religious and Charitable ORGANIZATIONS
was Chairman Of the building COMMITTEES OF the
TeItneoral OF St John the Divine and president OF
new-York in tho last seven general Conventions,
of N as q HeInber OF most OF the learned societies
~ Newc ORR, was president OF the New-Y0rk His
seBE eTacaa I ISeSiety snd fellow Of the American Mu-
varabe aaaI TrnI, history 70 which he presented
VI AIner,ca- He was member Of the c,enfIiTv as
siy South sce. sportsmer's and Ridt6g enhs the
Sn5eiiean geographical and St Niebnlas sncieties
clubs he received the deares of a n geky istsno
hao'hs College. the General Theologi-