New-York tribune., 1919-04-28

was born in Norfolk. Va, on May
~, 1856. tle Is graduate Of the Uni
versity of Virginia, and of the Theo-
logical Seminary at Alexandria, Va.
- When ne came to this city St.
Thomas's Church had suffered because
OF the illness of the rector 1t cannot
truthfully be said that it was weak
or struggling parish. 1t enjoyed Won
derful advantages in location, even as
1T does to-day, and it was we'll sup
ported. But under DR.. Stres all Of
Its resources were organized. Four
years after his arrival in this city,
DR.. Stires found himself confronted
! by a mass of charred ruins where once
had stood church. 1t was the second
'time in the history of St. Thomas,s
that fire had destroyed the house of
worship.
10 some clergymen the fire would
have seemed disaster. To DR.. Stires
1t was an opportunity. He caused a
temporary wooden building to be
erected on the old site and then made
plans TOR the erection Of the new edi-
flce. While the money was being raised
San Francisco passed through its or
deal of earthquake and fire. St
Ihomas's at this time had about $500
900 toward its new building. DR.. Stires.
1T has been reported, wired to the
Bishop of San Francisco that this
whole amount would be available for
reconstruction work. He did ths, so
says report, without consulting his
vestry, being assured that they were
of the type that would follow this
lead.
Sacrifice Not in Vain
1t meant the sacrifice of all that his
money raising efforts had brought.
The yestry stood by him to man and
then held an informal meeting without
him. They finally decided that his
self sacrifice should not be in vain and
they pledged themselves to build him
a church costing $2,00000O, if neces-
sary, but embodying every plan of the
rector.
The new St. Thomas's is DR.. stires,a
monument. 1t is wrought in stone and
Will endure forever.
mat there was no reservation to the
vestry's pledge is best instanced from
the chronological history of the mar
lsh, which shows that the new church
was consecrated two and half years
after the first service was held. This
means, according to Protestant Epis-
copal Church usage, that the building
was debt free.
The new edihce, which seats nearly
two thousand comfortably, is frequent
~ taxed TO the limit of its capacity.
IT ls one Of the best attended churches
in the city.
The rector nearly always breaches
at the morning service and generally
IN the afternoon, In addition he is in
wide demand outside his parish church,
very frequently at the cathedral,
where many confidently expect him to
serve as bishop of the diocese
lie IS very attractive figure in the
pulpit '"'
His voice Is rich and round His
gestures are appropriate. His diction
is choice
Yet one feels that he is chafnc un.
DER some restraint. 1t may be that
ne ne mas cultivated repression, and that
ne achleves his effects deliberately. But
there Is such a tense carnestness that
Vnis seems almost impossible. Strang-
ers IN st. Thomas's often say: ooh. If
mat man would only let himself 20"
MS voice, his presence, his mental
qu!pment--all three combine to maks
or nm great orator, yet it seems
as II he rejects the opportunity, con
troliing his emotions by his will.
ms Illustrations are aps when thew
are interpolated They arc more than
tnat; they are compelling, when they
are drawn from his own experienc and
written with his own pen.
The war has broadcned his preach
ing but whose has it left untouched :?
ana thefe IN more of Erncnt Stires
IN his pulpit messages to-day than at
any time IN his career.
DR.. Stires, before tho war. was pre-
cise. polished. Now he cares much
moro Tor the matter than the manner.
His warmest admirers live in hobcs
that he will forget all about the man
ner and lot his emotions have full
play.
Attitude Is Fearless
lie is fearless in his attitude TOWARD
pubic questions, and does not hesitate
to run counter to the prcvniling onin-
ION OF his own people. His ardent
support of the Administration through
the early stages of Americas part in
the war occasioncd many show Of
disapproval. But he persisted az long
ns his own conscience would permit.
Now he is-wcll, let his own words
tell:
President Wilson possesses quail
tics Of which we arc proud, but / would
not speak the truth if cvaded the fact
that he frequently causes us great
anxiety.
I'VE regret the expression Of his
views in general terms when = crisis