New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-29

OF Che Chamber Of Commerce and three OF the most
important societies for the improvement Of the city
protest with emphasis against the removal dis
hgrement OF the church Some Of the leading
rectors in the Episcopal Church headed by Bishop
Potter and prominent Baptist clergyman also
CRY out against the removal Of the church. as do
mon well known in various walks OF life
Henry c Potter Bishop OF the New-Yorx Diocese
Of the Episcopal Church, IN his letter to Dr. Duff
field says IN part:
To destroy such monument would be iconocIasu
among those to whom this historic churc fps ought i
its rare beauty, there viii be open hearted and open
handed men and women who Will provide the
means Tor It's permanent maintenance its present
position - 177---
Mayor McClellan's letter follows IN full
Of H beg to aon0T E,eE the receipt Of letter
town. U ~
I hope sincerely that the friends Of the church
will make It possible for it to remain where It is
The present building is OF the few old land
marks left; one Of the few architectural monuments
n the city More than this. your church is one OF
me very few restf spots in this busy city OF ours
and It's place taken by a skyscraper.
Speaking from the business mans standpoint
D. Willis James. IN long letter TO DR., Dufield
says in part:
No other Presbyterian church in New-York can
The First Church can be classed with old Trinity
ana Grace Church as one Of the trio OF beautiful
church building on such site would be calamity.
The rector OF old Trinity, the Rev Dr. Morgan
Dix. writes that he heard the rumor Of the re-
movaI OF the "OId First with feelings bordering
dsmay," and adds; II can only hope that
may not live TO see the execution OF such design
or the accomplishment OF such a change" He goes
10 say:
The. effort 70 secure an endowment ought not
body in this city represents. have no doubt vast
wealth; It includes many very rich men.
Artists like Maitland Armstrong and B. West
Clinedinst style the "Old First" AN oasis IN the
ctys ugliness' "one OF the purest types Of eccle-
siastical architecture in America" The trustees
of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation
Society in an official letter declare that the de
structlon OF the Old First Church would be dts
tinct the city, as the metropolis is in
good architecture
Norris K. Jerup. president of the Chamber of
Commerce. says:
do not think that there is in this city a church
that stands for so much as this Old First Church.
come to send out from this centre influence that
shall radiate and cover this vast city
The Rev. DR. Howard Dufield pastor OF the
church is engaged in earnest effort 20 raise an
endowment fund sufficiently large 10 maintain the
church on its present site. For this purpose at
least 100000 or 10000 is required and # IS thought
there should be little difficulty in obtaining such
In spite OF It's crippled financial condition. the
church has pushed along lines Of varied actrv-
ity Services are maintained throughout the year.
The church doors stand open every day, and all
day long. There are five meetings every Sunday.
There are clubs of young men for music. for ath-
letcs and for discussion OF current questions:
young womens club. with a physical culture class;
q meeting for mothers. kindergarten and
ing school Free organ recitdls and choral services
are frequently given. With sufficient means at It's
disposal practically no limit could be set TO the
beuehcent operations OF the Old First Church.
No subject saws DR.. Duftied, has more pressing
claims upon the attention OF the leaders of the pub
lie welfare. A substantial beginning has been al
ready achieved and ne hopes soon to record the
successful accomplishment OF the undertaking. All
interested should promptly get in touch with DR..
Duffield. His address is no. y West l2th-st