USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Lives of the clergy of New York and Brooklyn: embracing two hundred biographies of eminent living men in all denominations. Also, the history of each sect and congregation, Pt. 1 > Part 7
USA > New York > New York City > Lives of the clergy of New York and Brooklyn: embracing two hundred biographies of eminent living men in all denominations. Also, the history of each sect and congregation, Pt. 1 > Part 7
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In May, 1869, he became pastor of the Lee Avenue Reformed Church, Brooklyn. Here signal success crowned his ministry. The statistics of the church show, besides a phenomenal growth in the congregation, an addition of two hundred and forty-six to the roll of membership, and of these, one hundred and sixty-five united on con- fession of faith. During the two years of his pastorate, each year nearly doubled the accessions of any of the fifteen previous years of the church's history.
In 1871 he accepted a call to his present church, the East Re- formed, on Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, then in a very feeble condi- tion. The congregation numbered only thirty-seven persons, and the Sunday School seareely existed, save in name. Since the settlement of Dr. Carroll, one of the most elegant church edifices in Brooklyn has been ereeted. It will seat comfortably one thousand persons, and its spacious lecture rooms, Sunday school and conference rooms, its parlors and appliances are all most beautiful and convenient. The Sunday school, from forty pupils, has gone up to three hundred. The church, from thirty-seven members, to three hundred and seven, -an increase in one year and a half of three hundred per cent. in attendance, and four hundred per cent. in revenue. The parsonage which adjoins the church is commodious, containing thirteen rooms,
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while the illuminated steeple and clock make the church edifice the distinguishing attraction of the locality. The whole property cost one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The congregation com- pletely fills the house, and camp-stools are in requisition every Sun- day to accommodate the additional crowd of people.
Dr. Carroll received his degree of D. D. from Hampden Sidney College, in 1868. Occasionally he delivers public addresses out of the pulpit, in which it has been truthfully said, "he is at home, knowing exactly where and how to strike the popular heart." At an Irish Relief meeting in New Haven, for an hour or more he elec- trified an immense audience, who responded with cheer upon cheer. The Philadelphia Press speaks in these terms of an oration delivered by Dr. Carroll at the anniversary of the Athenaeum Literary Society of Delaware College, on the subject of " Men and Things Abroad." " The oration was masterly throughout, exhibiting great artistie ex- cellence and rare specimens of varied and genuine eloquence-elo- quenee of the intelleet, imagination, and the emotions. Judging from the effeet last evening, we would say that Dr. Carroll has few superiors in this country as an orator. His manner is in the highest sense dramatie, and he seems to sway his audience at will. At one time, by a dash of wit and humor, convulsing them with laughter; at another, by some passage or picture of surpassing pathos, melting them to tears."
Dr. Carroll has a well-proportioned and graceful figure. His head is large, with a face of striking intellectuality. He has warmth and sincerity in his manners, at the same time he displays a natural courtliness and dignity which are always agreeable to behold in a man of the clerical profession. In the pulpit his mastery over the mind and heart of the masses is perfect and irresistible; and in the social walks he leads all equally captive to the fascination of his personal character. His ministerial work has been successful in the extreme. Modestly bearing the fame which it has already brought to him, he is with every day's maturing powers giving larger talents and a bolder energy to the cause of Christ.
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REV. GAWN CAMPBELL,
LATE PASTOR OF THE FORTY-FOURTH STREET UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEW YORK.
EV. GAWN CAMPBELL was born in Down county, Ireland, about the year 1824. By reason of the loss of certain records he is himself in doubt as to the exact date of his birth, but thinks it to have been in the year we have named. His carly studies were at the common school of Barnamaghery, his native township. He then studied theology with the Rev. Archibald Lowry, who kept a classical school at Crossgar, in the same county. After this he went to the Belfast College, and after three years of study took the general certificate, as it is called, which is the same as the diploma of the American col- leges. He next entered upon his regular theological course, which continued for two years, until 1843. In 1844 he was licensed as a Presbyterian minister by the Presbytery of Down county, and preached for some time in different parts of Ireland.
He came to the United States in 1849, and landed at New York. He was first settled over the Associate Presbyterian Church at Greens- borough, Vermont, where he remained eleven years. In 1861 he was called to the congregation of United Presbyterians, over which he still presides.
The United Presbyterian Church of North America is so called by reason of a union of the two bodies formerly known as the Asso- ciate and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Churches, which was consummated at Pittsburgh, May 26th, 1858. There are in the city of New York eight churches of this sect. They differ from the other branches of the Presbyterian faith in regard to the communion, psalmody, and instrumental music in the worship of God. On these points they hold to close communion, use only the book of Psalms contained in the Holy Scriptures, and will not allow the use of mu-
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sical instruments in their churches, as they were not found in the Jewish synagogue or the primitive churches of the New Testament.
The Forty-fourth Street congregation was originally a mission station of Associate Reformed Presbyterians, who commenced wor- ship at National Hall, in Forty-fourth street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. The enterprise commenced in April, 1855, and after about ten months, early in 1867, was organized as an Associate Church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. James B. Whitten. By the union at Pittsburgh the congregation became known as the United Presbyterian Church. The congregation removed to Eagle Hall, in Forty-fourth street, and thence to Morton Hall, in Forty- third street. In 1858 a new church edifice, which had been erected in Forty-fourth street, between Ninth and Tenth avenues, was oc- cupied. Mr. Whitten was succeeded by the present pastor.
Mr. Campbell is the author of two small works, entitled re- spectively " A Catechism on some of the Principles and Practices of the United Presbyterian Church," and "A Catechism on the Sacraments of the United Presbyterian Church."
He is about of the medium height, active, and erect. He has a round head, regular features, and a countenance of considerable in- telligence and very decided amiability Ilis manners are not only courteous, but extremely cordial and frank with all persons. He is a plain man, utterly devoid of pretension of any kind, and has all the popular qualities of character common to such persons. Ilis religious feelings, and, in fact, all his opinions, are earnestly and sincerely expressed, and his conversation on all topics is fluent and interesting.
Mr. Campbell's style of preaching is devout, and at the same time emphatic. He has a fine flow of language and a great deal of aptness of expression, and withal an earnestness of manner which shows his own deep convictions and ardent desire to make plain the truth which he is commissioned to proclaim. You see that he is intent upon this one thing, of unfolding religious truth and drawing sinners into the fold of his Master. He does not seek to advance the preacher into prominence by indulging in peculiarities of thought or manners which will attract attention to himself, but he speaks as any other man might speak instructed in the Scriptures and ordained to preach them. In fact, he hides within himself, he shrinks under the responsibility of his position, and stands with fear, and his sole reliance on divine power. This is spiritual preaching. It is always
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REV. GAWN CAMPBELL.
solemn ; it differs as much from the showy, sensational sort, as did the humble fishermen of Galilee from the preachers of the latter kind in this day, but is efficacious in the saving of souls.
Mr. Campbell toils early and late in his particular vineyard. He is a hard, unwearying worker in all places and under all circum- stances. He is looking for neither fame nor emoluments, but he is following the Crucified, who has called him to his mission. An upright character, a pious life, and a self-sacrificing regard for the spiritual and temporal well-being of all his flock, give him a pass- port to the confidence and affection of the old and young. His ministerial exertions may not succeed in placing him among "the few immortal names not born to die," but his career will fill the full measure of the requirements of the useful citizen, faithful pastor, and devoted friend.
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1
REV. ABRAM B. CARTER, D. D.,
PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SAVIOUR, (EPISCOPAL,) NEW YORK.
REV. DR. ABRAM B. CARTER was born at Trenton, New Jersey, May 8th, 1820. ITis grandfather was the Rev. Dr. Abram Beach, at one time assistant minister of Trinity Church, New York, and his father, the Rev. Abiel Carter, also a well-known and talented Episcopal clergy- man of his day. Ilis early studies were at the Institute at Flushing, Long Island, conducted by the Rev. William A. Muhlen- berg. He next entered Rutgers College, New Brunswick, where he took his degree in course, and then studied theology privately, under the direction of the Rev. Drs. Ogilby and Stubbs. He was made deacon in the Episcopal ministry in 1845, at Christ Church, New Brunswick, by Bishop Doane, and priest in 1846, at Trinity Church, Newark, by the same Bishop. He was first settled in 1846 as rector of St. John's Church, Troy, New York, where he remained two years. After this he went to St. Ann's, Morrisania, where he officiated four years, and then went to Christ Church, Savannah, Georgia, where his father had been rector before him. IIere the climate did not agree with him, and he was obliged to terminate his relations with the parish in less than a year. He next accepted a call to St. John's Church, Yonkers, New York, where he remained sixteen years. Having received a very pressing call to the Church of the Holy Saviour, New York city, he accepted it, and entered upon his duties in December, 1868. He received his degree of D. D. from Rutgers College in 1856.
The parish of the Church of the Holy Saviour was founded by the late distinguished Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks, and was the last work of his remarkable and useful life. After leaving Baltimore, he took up his residence in New York, and his many friends urged him to establish a new parish. He was somewhat loth to do so, as his years were beginning to weigh upon him, and more particularly as
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REV. ABRAM B. CARTER, D. D.
events connected with him, growing out of the war with the South, had saddened, disappointed, and almost unfitted him for ministerial duties. A man of most varied and commanding abilities, and of great force and character, he was a Hercules in any work, but now he sought the retirement and associations of his study and private life, rather than further efforts in the publie arena. He yielded to the wishes of his friends, however, and commeneed religious services in one of the chapels of the University. His congregation grew, and at length it was determined to build a ehureh.
Mr. William Niblo, one of Dr. Hawks' most devoted friends, made a donation of some very valuable and eligible lots on Twenty - fifth street, between Madison and Fourth avenues, and here the cor- ner-stone of a church structure was laid in the early part of 1866. The ceremonies were conducted by Dr. Hawks, and were of a particularly impressive character. Not long after, he passed away from earth, not being permitted to see the fair structure rise to com- pletion. The church was opened in 1867. It is one of the most elaborate and beautiful buildings of the kind in the country, and cost over one hundred thousand dollars. The front is of yellow stone, ornamented with sculpture and other earvings, and the interior is also very rich and tasteful.
Dr. Carter is rather over the medium height, with a well-propor- tioned figure. IIis head shows intellectual development, and his face is full of intelligent and amiable expression. His manners are not only courteous, but unusually warm and kindly with all persons. He always meets you with a cheerful smile and a friendly grasp of the hand. He is a man who earrics sunshine wherever he goes. While he has all the proper dignity becoming one of his sacred pro- fession, and always maintains its properties to the utmost, still his nature is always buoyant with a charming animation, and his con- versation is not less sprightly than profitable. He is genial and lovable in his whole character. He is one of those who find a silver lining in every cloud, and who detect something good in almost every character. IIe looks on the bright side of life, and searches for the good rather than the evil in the human composition. Hence, no matter what may be his disappointments and his apprehensions, you find him cheerful with hope. In the family circle, in his public duties, in all the manifold offices of his ministerial life, he is the same man of sunny presence, of inspiring counsel, of noble, manly example. Men go to him to laugh, and they also go in
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REV. ABRAM B. CARTER, D. D.
sorrow, for he has in either case a nature which makes the hour beneficial in its teaching. He is a thoughtful man, and he is not a person given to levity. But he has this surprising and unusual calm, resolute, cheerful disposition, those soft, gentle, winning ways, and those pleasant, cheering, comforting tones and words, that alto- gether form a character such as is a blessing to himself and to all others.
A teacher of serious things, and a monitor over the actions of his fellow-men, still this godly man understands his duties and obliga- tions too well to forget that it is gentle counsels and cheering words which are, after all, most powerful in their influence upon the human heart. He makes principles, conseienee, and faith as eternal and immovable as the foundation of the throne of Omnipotence itself, but he does not allow any of these to darken the heart with religious gloom. IIe shows in himself the Christian man, with a heart light- some and joyous, and shows a life bereft of only its sorrows through sin.
The style of preaching adopted by Dr. Carter is a forcible and pleasing example of the purpose to make evident the efficiency and beauty of God's love. His whole seope of thought seeks this end, and his manner enforces it with a tenderness and affectionate interest which is irresistible. His voice is soft as it falls upon the ear, and his words reach the heart as gently and soothingly as the summer rain falls upon the thirsting flowers. It is a good, kind man speak- ing the undoubted promises of a loving Father in the skies.
He is effective in the highest degree, but it is without any special effort. He is modest, and totally without display in either matter or manner of delivery, but his face beams with goodness, and his lips have the impress of truth. None go away dissatisfied from his preaching. The old and the young, the pious and the worldly, can each and all accept its teachings, for they embrace truths of religion, morals, and everyday experience which cannot be disputed, and they are offered in a manner to win, and never to offend.
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REV. SAMUEL T. CARTER,
LATE PASTOR OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI, NEW YORK.
EV. SAMUEL T. CARTER was born in the City of New York, July 22d, 1840. He is the son of Robert Carter, the noted New York publisher of Presbyterian and and other religious publications, who has likewise another son in the ministry. He was graduated at the New York University in 1858, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1861. After graduation at the seminary he went to Europe, where he passed fifteen months in interesting travel. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New York, and ordained and in- stalled by the same Presbytery as pastor of the Westminster Presby- terian church, Yonkers, New York, in 1862 where he remained five years. In October, 1867, he commenced his duties as pastor of Eighty-sixth street Presbyterian Church, New York. He is now the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Huntington, Long Is- land.
Mr. Carter is above the average height, sparely made, erect, and active. His head is not large, and the features are small and deli- cately molded. His complexion is light, and his hair red. He has an exceedingly agreeable expression of face, and his manners are quiet and courteous. While he is not to be called diffident, he has a modesty which is not unbecoming in a young minister. His habits are sedate and student like. Still on the threshold of his profes- sional life, he has not as yet mingled much in the public duties to which the clergy are invited from time to time. He has not em- broiled himself in any of the questions of the hour, either of Church or State, and he has allowed nothing to disturb the "noiseless tenor" of his way in pursuing his still advancing studies, and looking to the spiritual condition of the people in his charge. Under these
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REV. SAMUEL T. CARTER.
circumstances, you find him with a calmness of temper, a simplicity of manners, and an earnest devotion which are not usual in the clergyman who is heated and eager in the race of professional ambi- tion. He is free, unrestrained, and sincere in all his intercourse; he is gentle, kindly, charitable, and full of Christian love in all his acts ; his nature has been clouded by no disappointment, and his hopes have received no shocks from the world's trials. In young man- hood, inexperienced as the world goes, still he has the culture of a well-trained student, and the strength of moral and religious princi- ples of the pure and brave young heart.
His sermons are composed with care. And here, too, the same caution and circumspection in thought, expression, and style are shown that mark his conduct in other respects. IIe expounds the doctrines of his church with intelligence, but he parades no conceited opinions of his own; he discusses the questions of morals, but he makes no assaults upon the people, as if he had obtained perfection himself. A poor sinner, but one instructed to teach the Scriptures, is the character which he bears in the public services. He launches no thunderbolts, he assumes no air and tone of authority, but he comes in all meekness and tenderness with the comforting words of his Master. His voice is soft and plaintive, but has sufficient vol- ume to give him full control over the largest audience.
The highest qualities of greatness are found in this young man. The modesty of his character, the propriety of his conduct, the ster- ling excellence of his principles, are a basis on which he can build a structure of manhood which in time to come may be a bulwark for morality and religion, for society and the church. Assumption, ar- rogance, and self-sufficiency may do for the hour, but those who are looking for an enduring reputation in the ministry, or any other pro- fession, must establish it by other and nobler elements of character. Mr. Carter is one of the few who are seeking it by the right path, and of these he seems the least likely to fail.
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1.
REV. JOHN WHITE CHADWICK. PASTOR OF THE SECOND UNITARIAN CHURCH, BROOKLYN.
EV. JOHN WHITE CHADWICK was born at Marble- head, Massachusetts, October 19th, 1840. He pursued an academie course at the Bridgewater State Normal School, one of the four schools of the kind in Massachu- setts, at the Phillips Academy, Exeter, and at a later period in private. He entered Harvard Divinity School in 1861, and was graduated with his class in 1864. After graduation he was called to the Unitarian Society at Haverhill, Massachusetts, but did not accept, having already agreed to supply the pulpit of the Second Society, Brooklyn, for the term of three months. He commenced his duties in Brooklyn September 11th, 1864, and soon after re- ceived a call as the regular pastor, which he accepted, and was or- dained December 21st, 1864.
The Second Unitarian Society was organized in South Brooklyn about 1853. Rev. Mr. Longfellow, brother of the poet Longfellow, was called as the first pastor in the following year, who resigned after laboring ten years, by reason of ill-health. He was followed by Rev. Mr. Staples, who remained until his death, in February, 1864, being succeeded by Mr. Chadwick. In 1857 a tasteful chapel was erected, on leased ground, on the corner of Clinton and Congress streets, at a cost of twenty-nine thousand dollars. The building is in the form of a cross, with a low roof, tower, and three entrances, hav- ing interior screens of wood work and stained glass. The pulpit is a semi-circular recess, having a background of red upholstery. On one side of the pulpit, and entered from it, is a small room used by the minister ; and on the other side, and also entered from it, is the organ and choir gallery, hung with red curtains, and richly painted and ornamented. There are places for four singers, whose heads, when standing, appear at four square openings, producing the effect
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REV. JOHN WHITE CHADWICK.
of as many framed pictures. The exterior and interior, in style, painting, and ornamentation, are strikingly unique.
The branch of faith held by the society is of the rationalistic, philosophical school. Mr. Longfellow introduced into his church a very beautiful vesper service, which, in a somewhat different form, is now used in several of the churches of the denomination.
Mr. Chadwick is under the average height, and of a slight figure. His face is pale and youthful. His usual expression is one of seri- ousness ; the eyes are almost mournful, and his smiles are like quick flashcs of light fading away into deeper gloom. His nature approaches to womanly gentleness, and in all respects is pervaded with the most delicate and thorough spiritual sensibility. At an age when dignity is commonly the merest affectation, and eccentricity unthought of, still there is much of the former in his self-evident strength of character, and something of the latter in his half-dreamy thoughtfulness and modes of action and speech. It is certain that he is very little influenced by surrounding circumstances, following the bent of strong natural impulses with a child-like impetuosity and simplicity. He seems like one whose pure, innocent nature had re- ceived no shocks from the world's rudeness, and was still in child- hood's innocency. There is also great self-reliance. Not that he really feels an over-confidence in himself, for, put to the point, he would declare that he had not the least. But he has a wide-awake irresistible conscience, and it is this which will never suffer him to depart from the rule which brings everything to its judgment and test. He is a genial person, and always enters largely into the spirit of the social hour. In conversation he never speaks without reflection, and generally has frequent pauses for the better digesting of his thoughts.
He is not without peculiarities in the pulpit. Here he shows a serious dignity, which is striking. In prayer he crosses his hands over the Bible, and, inclining his head upon his breast, speaks in low, broken, and pathetic utterances. He preaches with the same deliberation that he talks. Every sentiment has been held before the mirror of conscience and sanctioned by it, and he utters it with his heart's utmost sincerity. His voice has a flat, peculiar tone, but it is very tender and emotional.
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REV. TALBOT W. CHAMBERS, D. D.,
ONE OF THE PASTORS OF TIIE COLLEGIATE REFORMED CHURCH, NEW YORK.
EV. DR. TALBOT W. CHAMBERS was born at Car- lisle, Pennsylvania, February, 1819. He was graduated at Rutgers College, New Brunswick, and studied theology at the Seminary of the Dutch Church in New Jersey, and at Princeton. Having been licensed to preach in Mississippi, in 1838, he settled at Somerville, New Jersey, in the following year. In 1849 he was called to New York, to become one of the associate pastors of the Reformed Protestant Duteh Collegiate Church, in which position he still continues. The ministers of the Collegiate Church are the Rev. Dr. De Witt, settled in 1827 (not now in active service) ; Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Vemilye, settled in 1839; Rev. Dr. Tal- bot W. Chambers, settled in 1849; Rev. Dr. James M. Ludlow, settled in 1868, and Rev. Dr. Ormiston, settled in 1870. The old plan of the regular alternating of these ministers, in the Sunday serviees of the different churches, has been somewhat modified. The rule is followed with most of them in the morning service, but each active minister preaches in his own pulpit at least onee each Sun- day.
Dr. Chambers received the degree of D. D. from Columbia Col- lege in 1853. He edited the " Memoirs of Rev. John Henry Livings- ton, D. D.," and is the author of the history of the "Noon Prayer Meeting of the North Dutch Church," and the "Life of Theodore Frelinghuysen."
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