New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-24
DR.. LEIGHTON PARKS.
Hoe Coming Rector of st. BarthOlo-
mezC'S Succeeded IN Boston.

Boston, Jan. . (Spec.aD.-when Emmanuel
Church. in Newbury-st.. loses its pastor. the Rev.
DR.. Leighton Parks. who will shortly take up the
extensive work al st. Bartholomew's, New-York. 1t
viii create a gap In the church affairs OF the Hub
that with difficulty Will be filled.
DR.. Parks is about ffty-hve years old. and Is a
man OF most striking personality. His career at
Emmanuel Church has been one Of signal success
and the parish has been built up in manner testi-
flying 10 the executive ability OF the rector.
Emmanuel Church is by all odds the most fash
ionable church. regardless Of denomination in Bos-
ton. For years the avistocracy OF the Hub have
patronzed H. and. while Trinity may be said to
have enrolled In its membership the oldest fami-
lies yet Fmmanuels wealth is Incompatible IN
extent. With such patronage Dr. Parks has had
4 most successful career.
The doctor has a brusque way about him that Is
liable to give casual observer false impression
Of hrn-a manner that may even be said to be cold;
but those who know him authOritat!vely say that
underneath all this lies large and sympathetic
nature that has found vent in countless expressions
of charity. Yet demonstration has ever found
public vent. for DIT. Parks is n who works
silently. without unnecessary pomp and ceremony,
and his charities not openly evident.
In person DR.. Parks is about five feet six
inches % robust figure though not inclined TO
stoutucss. His Boston residence is at No. 25 Brim
ruer-st. a fashionable but transformations neighbour
hood. near Bcacon-st and in the vicinity of Com
monwcalth ave. The house Is ordinary. and the
rooms are small. totally lacking IN magnlfcence.
sion that the doctor Is man Of mind. rather than
material acquisition. In fact, DR.. Parks's house
would impress the domice OF a most ord-
nary in the most ordin iry walk OF life, de-
void is II OF luxurious adornment useless bric-a-
brac Every article is designed for use. and every
article receives use The front hall is oouspcuously
bare OF furnishings, and While all IS comfortable.
nothing is elaborate
He has Il hearty grip strong and high BARITONE
voice which is most effective and carrying in quail
ity. and his delivery abrupt. He is pre-enlinenty
a man Of business. transacting his affairs with
certainty of purpose that is unmist taxable. When
he is through with a thing, that thing is completed
Dr. Parks is rated one Of the strongest preach
in the diocese. He early acquired insight
into human character from his travels previous to
taking up his duties at Emmanuel. He was born in
the South. and acquired his education at the Gen
eIal Theological Seminary. New-York. After this
he travelled extensively in Europe. one time
having charge Of small parish in Germany. and
also officiating one of the curates at the Ameri-
Church in Paris
Twenty-Five years ago he took up his duties at
Emmanuel. and his career there has been Pie
uomernl Last fall at the completion Of his twer-
ty-ffth year, the parish made the occasion memo
rable by presenting him with gift Of $4,000 to be
used he cav fit. The doctor Immediately placed
this in trust that it eventually reverts back
the parish.
Or. Parks is a wealthy man in his own right He
is Enthusiastically aristocrat. moving in the best
circles. hut with democratic Ideas He established
Sunday afternoon services solely 10 offer oppor-
tunities 70 non-membtrs TO meet him. become IN
torcstcd il the church work and join his parish.
These proved success. and made an entering
wedge 10 enc Of the most select congregations in
this country. These meetings have been in prog
ress for years and have been erauiated elsewhere
About a year ago DR.. Parks was instrumental in
the rcmodellins of Emmanuel Church Extensive
plans were carried out. and at an expense OF
about $4,000 the improvements were put in. To-
day it possesses the handsomest interior Of any
Episcopal church in Massachusetts. and is the goal
OF thousands of curious sightseers.
Decided changes were made In these alterations
changes that laid the open TO some criticism
on the part OF the ever-ready. This criticism was
due 70 the erection of very elaborate chanccl.
with costly fittings of the reredos, altar. etc Be-