New-York tribune., 1905-02-12

prior to the war 1t was used as armOry. Soon
after the the building was torn down. but he
exact date Is not certain
The first president Of the Brooklyn City Mission
and Tract Society the Rev. c. p McIlvaine,
who afterward became bishop. At that time
Brooklyn had a population Of only 15o0o. and only
seven Protestant churches, 1t not supposed
that the work would grow to such proportions
as to occupy the whole Of any ones time. Six
years later, however Mr.. Brown appointed 10
superintend the work at a salary OF $500 year.
In lS45 the contributions from the churches had
diminished to such q point the society resolved
that unless the churches do Immediately con-
tribute funds TO its support is operations will be
seriously embarrassed. IL not terminated" This
statement had required effect, and in 1880 the
income reached more than 5000. and four mission
aries employed in addition to the 40I volunteer
visitors.
In 1863 the Rev. Dr. r. S. Storrs. pastor OF the
Church of the Pilgrims was elected president. and
the work 1ourished. In one point the society was
stronger then than That is to say, there were
GOO volunteer workers from more than ffy churches
With the advent OF paid missionaries, however, the
volunteers have gradually dropped away. Regaio
Ing this a recent publication of the society says;
The population Of the city then 10000; with
only $50 evangelical churches II was urged tnat
half OF the population consisted of persons indlI5
their regular services. Hence it was the duty 81
f 70 90 "a af{9r 4e thss The sys
tenatizing Of this work was regarded as the mrs.
years ago. when Brooklyn was only one-fourth us
present size and the society had SIX SIX @ lines "a. a
many volunteers IL has II Is sun more u ue
to-day There has certainly been no o~iLnlhu.Ieh ~ ~
the responsibility and in the neeo OF "o'Ae4S
In 1855 the Rev Job Bass appointed mis-
sonary chaplain to the penal institutions. IN the
year the society Incorporated ano Quail-
fed to hold real estate and receive legaces' WIN
many discouragements. the work OF the soclety
continued but in 1892 most encouraging re-
port was rendered. Eight new missionaries had
been added to the forces in twenty months In
1890 the Helping Hand Mission and Home for GIFTS
was established the bridge. and the following
year a lodging house and restaurant for men were
opened at No; 256 Jay-st Two years later later me me
Industrial work was s{asd & and since 6d odgngs
and given siaS employment 10 2oOO5 destitute men
Each new year saw tne scope hge y, shG rn,ssioa
which Is moored Ia the harDor az Joralemon-sL
Greds Of saiIoTs have been aided In iS94-'s5
plOyment bureaus for men and women were starr
day prayer meetings were begun and arrangements
TSe PPehpont bfanch WAS etaFed in 1Ss and "
has grown into an Industrial settlement where
years ago the summer tent services were begun
at Broadway and Jefters9n-aye' sa9 & GIner r Ienrs
4s5 conversions have been made at these services
the s6andinavians were put into commission Four
OF the converts at these services are no" Ssuo5s @
to be missionaries among the Italians IN TINS couN-
try. -, . ~. uo.,o.
of services was held. The Gospel was preached TO
$4,000 persons, and as many as ZoO WotheTs tooh
series Of Sunday afternoon services in the theatres
has been maintained. each denomination in turn
taking service. The Rev. B. c, Cutler was the
second president Of the society. He was succeeded
by the Rev Dr. storrs who served for eleven years:
Mr. Wickes for six years. A. S. Barnes for el2ht
years and A H Porter for fourteen years. John
J. Tower is now president. The general secretary
is 6. lie Lacheur. The Rev. Donald Fraser is as
In all these years the society has had band u
devoted workers A II. Porter Of the presI
dents died lin the harness" the last thing ne dld
having been transact some business Tor the
society Mr. Sheridan. OF the missionaries
while climbing icecoated ladder on the SIDE OF
vessel TO carry the message or peace TO the
sailors. slipped. and, failing TO the wharf reeeiiyed
mortal Injuries. While preaching in the IlllaFy
Street Mission, Mr. Franks was stricken with heart
disease and died The seif-sacrihce of the mission
aries and officers OF the society past and present.
would be inspiration to any man. one-haIf
could be told.