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. 2 > Part 17
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. 2 > Part 17
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
Dr. Rylance is of the medium height, with a solid, vigorous frame, and a large, intellectual head. On first acquaintance he is some- what reserved, but this soon wears away into a most genial and af- fable sociality. He is of a cheerful, frank, out-spoken nature, when once on terms of intimacy with you, and association with him be- comes characterized by that superior attractiveness belonging to culture and good nature combined. A man of deep learning and a thoroughly student life, he is also one of most practical observa- tion. Consequently, his opinions are always well-informed, valuable, and useful. In social life he exerts a powerful influence, for he is a ready talker, quick and keen in his statements and arguments, and so interesting and agreeable withal that he instantly obtains both attention and esteem. In his public duties he is equally marked for a force of character and far-reaching ability, which secure to him the highest results in all his labors.
He writes with great scope and beauty of thought. He has a fluent and easy command of the best English, and he is singularly happy in unfolding the treasures of scholarly research, in elaborating the details of arguments and facts, and in the glowing paintings of his fancy. These writings are always attractive reading, and when uttered by him as sermons or lectures have the added charm of an expressive and eloquent delivery.
A critical examination of the merits of Dr. Rylance as a preacher must necessarily place them beyond all dispute. In every particu- lar he is found capable of maintaining the reputation of the pulpit, for learning, eloquence and piety in their utmost degree. Showing a propriety in all things, as far as conduct is concerned, and having the power of commanding talents, he stands at once one of the shin- ing ornaments and earnest workers of his profession.
493
1 İ
REV. WM. T. SABINE, RECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE ATONE- MENT, NEW YORK.
EV. WILLIAM T. SABINE was born in New York, October 16th, 1838. He was graduated at Columbia College in 1859, and at the General Episcopal Theological Seminary in 1862. He was made deaeon in 1862, at the Church of the Transfiguration, by Bishop Potter, and priest in 1863, at the Church of the Ascension, by the same bishop. He was first settled as assistant to Rev. Dr. Tyng, at St. George's Church, where he remained nine months. In December, 1863, he was ealled to the Church of the Covenant, Philadelphia, where he remained until April, 1866, when he returned to New York, to un- dertake the rectorship of the Church of the Atonement, then a new parish.
A few Episcopal gentlemen having determined that another church . of their fast growing denomination was necessary in the upper portion of the city, religious serviees were commenced in the chapel of the Home of the Friendless, in Twenty-ninth street. Out of this effort grew the Church of the Atonement, which was organized in No- vember, 1865, having ten communicants. Mr. Sabine was called to the rectorship, and the church became exceedingly prosperous. The church property on the corner of Madison avenue and Twenty-eighth street, about to be vacated by Dr. Osgood's Unitarian congregation, and formerly owned by Dr. Montgomery's Episcopal congregation, was purchased by the Church of the Atonement for seventy thousand dollars, and duly occupied May 14th, 1867. The entire indebtedness has been paid, with the exception of about seventeen thousand dol- lars. The number of communicants is now two hundred, and the Sunday-school has one hundred and twenty children, and is increasing.
Mr. Sabine is of the medium height. His head is large and round in the upper portion, the brow being full and overhanging. His eyes are light and deep-set in their soekets. It is not to be doubted but
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REV. WILLIAM T SABINE.
that he has much strength of mental action, moral resolution, and physical energy. As a student at college and the seminary he was conspicuous for his application to his studies, and for his powerful, natural qualities of mind. In the lesser public duties of the rector, such as reading the services, etc., his performance is entirely satisfac- tory. As a preacher he is equally acceptable in point of matter. His sermons show thought and originality, and, in fact, nothing is more clear in his character than a desire, which amounts to a deter- mination, to be his own thinker. Hence he takes hold of his subjects of thought in a mode peculiarly his own; and while his language is terse and to some extent brilliant, his reasoning is taken from newly conceived standpoints, and is full of force. ITis hearers are compelled to treat his sermons with the profound respect and attention which intellectual thought is always entitled to receive. Mr. Sabine has gathered a large and attached congregation. His deeply religious and conscientious life is suggestive to all who observe it, while its measure of success in not less noticeable.
495
REV. PHILIP SCHAFF, PH. D., D. D.,
PROFESSOR OF TIIE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, NEW YORK.
EV. DR. PHILIP SCHAFF was born in Chur, in the Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, January 1st, 1819. He was educated at the Universities of Tübingen, Halle, and Berlin, at the last of which he was graduated a doctor of philosphy, and lieentiate of divinity in 1841. After this a con- siderable period was given to travel, as the private tutor of a Prussian nobleman, through France, Switzerland and Italy. Return- ing to Berlin he beeame a lecturer on theology.
In October, 1843, the synod of the German Reformed Church, in session at Winchester, Virginia, invited him to aceept a professorship of theology at Mereersburg, Pennsylvania, and having been ordained at Elbertfeld, he came to America in 1844. A charge of heresy was brought against him before the synod which met at York, Pennsyl- vania, by reason of certain views expressed in a work published in Berlin, previous to his call to the United States, and also in his in- augural at Mercersburg, but he was honorably acquitted. He re- mained in this professorship for a number of years, teaching in con- nection with Dr. Nevin and Dr. Wolff. In 1854, he went to Europe as the representative of the German Reformed Church of America in two important religious assemblages of that date, and at Berlin and other places accepted invitations to lecture on America. He received the degree of D. D. from the University of Berlin in the same year. At length he removed to the city of New York, where he has found a field affording him the widest opportunities for his scholarly attain- ments and pious zeal. In 1869, he accepted his present professorship of Apologetics and Symbolics in the Union 'Theological Seminary. He made several visits to Europe in behalf of the American Braneh of the Evangelical Alliance, to arrange for the meeting in New York, first appointed for 1870, and then postponed, on account of the French and German war, to 1873. The Evangelical Alliance, consisting of
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REV. PHILIP SCHAFF, PH. D., D. D.
Christians of different nationalities and creeds, was founded in Lon- don, in 1846, for the express purpose of promoting religious liberty and Christian union on the basis of that liberty. When it was de- termined to memorialize the Emperor of Russia on the subject of the religious persecutions in that Empire, particularly in the Baltic prov- inces, a Commission of influential American citizens was appointed to join with similar deputations from the various foreign branches of the Alliance. This commission consisted of fourteen gentlemen, of whom Dr. Schaff was one of the most prominent and active. On the assembling and organizing of the delegations at Stuttgart, Dr. Schaff' was elected President, and at the interview with Prince Gortschakoff, the Russian Prime Minister, at Friedrichshafen, in Germany, July 14th, 1871, he presented the members of the deputation by name, and then stated on their behalf, the specific object of their mission. The interview lasted over an hour and a half, during which several of the delegates further advocated the subject, and the Prince entered fully and respectfully into the discussion. IIe declined to receive the European memorial, by reason of some objectionable language in it, and at his suggestion, the American memorial was finally with- drawn ; but the Emperor has since acted favorably upon some of the named grievances.
At the request of the British committee, for the revision of the Authorized English Version of the Scriptures, through the Dean of Westminister, Dr. Schaff extended an invitation to American schol- ars to co-operate with them in the work. A meeting was held in New York, December 7th, 1871, at which an American committee of twenty-two eminent theological scholars was appointed to aid in the revision, who are thus engaged. Dr. Schaff is at the head of the division of the committee in charge of the New Testament revision.
Two sections of the constitution adapted by the meeting provide as follows :-
" The British companies will submit to the American companies, from time to time, such portions of their work as have passed the first revision; and the American companies will transmit their criti- cisms and suggestions to the British companies before the second re- vision.
" A joint meeting of the American and British companies shall . be held, if possible, in London, before final action."
Dr. Schaff has written, translated, and edited a large number of
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REV. PHILIP SCHAFF, PH. D., D. D.
important works. He has published in German "The Sin against the Holy Ghost," (1844, Halle); " On James and the Brothers of Jesus," (Geneva and Chambersburg, Penn., 1851); " History of the Apostolic Church," (Mercersburg, 1851, second edition, Leipsic, 1854, translated into English by the Rev. E. D. Youmans, New York and Edinburgh, 1853 ; translated also into the Dutch and French) ; " Ger- man Hymn Book, with a Historical Introduction and Notes," (Phila- delphia and Berlin, 1859). His works in English are, " What is Church History, A Vindication of the Idea of Historical Develop- ment," (Philadelphia, 1846) ; "St. Augustine; His Life and Labors," (New York, 1853, German, Berlin, 1854); " America; its Political, Social, and Religious Character," (Lectures delivered by request in Berlin, 1850, and translated into English in 1855); "Germany; its Universities and Divines," (Philadelphia, 1857) ; "History of the Christian Church of the first three centuries," in four volumes, (New York and Edinburgh, 1858); "The Moral Character of Christ ; or, the Perfection of Christ's Humanity, a proof of his Divinity," (1860), and a Catechism for Sunday Schools," (1861). He published the Kirchenfeund, a theological monthly for the German Churches of America, from 1848 to 1853, and was co-editor of the Mercersburg Review for several years. He is now engaged in the translation and revision of the great work entitled, "A commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Devotional, and Homiletical, by Jolm Peter Lange, D. D., of which fifteen volumes have been published. In 1873, he edited and published in New York, " The Revision of the English Version of the New Testament," as discussed by the Rev. Doctors Lightfoot, Ellicott, and French, with an introduction by himself. He has also contributed largely to American and foreign periodicals. He preaches occasionally, but most of his appearances as a speaker re- late to special objects of public interest. At all such times he is fluent, learned, and interesting.
Dr. Schaff is of the medium height, and equally proportioned. He has a decidedly intellectual head, with a countenance usually composed and serious, but which in conversation lights up with ani- mation. ITis manners are courteous, and he is affable and kindly with all persons. He ranks with the ablest theological scholars, teach- crs, and writers of the brilliant period in which he lives. A man of profound crudition, unwearying application to study, and remarkable energy, he has, also, those popular personal characteristics, which . readily secure extended acquaintance and influence.
498
REV. NOAH H. SCHENCK, D. D.,
RECTOR OF ST. ANN'S ESPICOPAL CHURCH, BROOKLYN
EV. DR. NOAH H. SCHENCK was born in Mercer county, New Jersey, about eight miles from Trenton, June 30th, 1825. He was graduated at Princeton College in 1844, and, after due preparation, was admitted to the bar of New Jersey. He practiced at Trenton for one year, when, in 1848, he went to Cincinnati, where he continued his profession for three years longer. Having now determined upon a clerical career, he commenced a theological course at the Episcopal seminary of Gambier, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1853. In the same year he was made deacon at Grace Church, Brooklyn, by Bishop Mell- vaine, of Ohio, and priest in the following year, by the same bishop, at St. James' Church, Zanesville, Ohio. He was first settled over a parish at Hillsboro', in Ohio, where he remained from 1853 to the spring of 1856. During this time he was instrumental in the erec- tion of one of the most beautiful Gothic churches to be found in the whole State. HIe next went to the parish connected with the college at Gambier, where he labored from Easter, 1856, to August, 1857. A great revival marked his ministry in this period. Seventy-four persons united with the church at one time, of whom forty-eight were students of the college. In 1857 he went to Trinity Church, Chicago, where he officiated until 1859. He established and edited the Western Churchman, in Chicago, and also organized the Protes- tant Aid Society of Illinois. In 1859 he became the successor of the Rev. Dr. Johns at Emanuel Church, Baltimore, where he re- mained until May 1st, 1867, when he became rector of his present extensive parish, St. Ann's, of the city of Brooklyn. At one period Dr. Schenck owned and edited the Protestant Church- man, of New York. A volume of "Letters from Europe " will probably soon appear. He has published a large num- ber of occasional sermons and addresses. During the last year
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REV. NOAH H. SCHENCK, D. D
his sermons, addresses, and speeches have averaged one for each day. He received his degree of D. D. from Princeton College about 1865. Hle has visited Europe several times. On the 14th of July, 1871, he was present as one of the deputation of the American branch of the Evangelical Alliance appointed to memorialize the Emperor of Russia in behalf of religious liberty in that empire, at the interview with Prince Gortsehakoff, the Prime Minister, held at Friedrichshafen, in Germany.
Episcopal worship was held in Brooklyn at an early date. Says an account: "The introduction of the Episcopal service in this town was nearly co-equal with the entrance of the British army. Al- though it has been conjectured that it was some years antecedent to that event, there is no evidence of this fact. Before the revolution the settlement was very small, and all the inhabitants, it is believed, were connected with the Dutch congregation, which then constituted the only religious society. During the war, as it was natural to ex- peet, the British officers had divine services performed according to the forms of their own church. Where they usually met is not known, but, with a truly catholic spirit, the Dutch people kindly al- lowed them the use of their church, when not occupied by their own ministers This General Johnson recollects as a fact."
Rev. James Sayre officiated from 1778 to about the time of the evacuation, in 1783, and was followed by the Rev. George Wright. The place of meeting was a private house in what is now Fulton street. The barn of John Middagh, in the rear of his house, which was on the corner of Fulton and Henry streets, was next occupied, and then a building in the neighborhood, crected by the British dur- ing the war, was fitted up for the purpose. In 1785 a small frame house, which had been erected on what was subsequently the Epis- copal burial ground, on Fulton street, opposite Clark street, became the place of worship, and was consecrated by Bishop Provost in 1787. The society was incorporated April 23d, 1787, as the " Epis- copal Church of Brooklyn," and on a reorganization, June 22d, 1795, was incorporated as "St. Ann's Church," a name long given it in compliment to Mrs. Ann Sands, who with her husband, Joshua Sands, presented a valuable site for a church edifice. A new stone church was erected on the corner of Sands and Washington streets, and consecrated May 30th, 1805. The walls of this building were seriously damaged by the explosion of a powder mill in the vicinity, and the edifice at present on this site was erected in 1824. Rev. 500
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REV. NOAH H. SCHENCK, D. D.
Elijah D. Rettoone was the rector from 1789 to 1792; Rev. Samuel Nesbitt from 1793 to 1798; Rev. John Ireland from 1798 to 1807; Rev. Dr. Feltus from 1807 to 1814; Rev. Dr. Jolm T. K. Henshaw, afterward Bishop of Rhode Island, from 1814 to 1817; Rev. Dr. Hugh Smith from 1817 to 1819; Rev. Dr. Henry W. Onderdonk, afterward Bishop of Pennsylvania, from 1819 to 1827 ; Rev. Dr. Chas. T. McIlvainc, afterward Bishop of Ohio, from 1827 to 1833; Rev. Dr. Benjamin C. Cutler from 1833 to 1863 ; Rev. Laurence II. Mills from 1864 to 1867, when the Rev. Dr. Schenck became the incum- bent. It will thus be scen that some of the most eminent men in the Episcopal church have held the rectorship of this ancient church. It is largely endowed, owning valuable property in both Brooklyn and New York. A fine row of stores occupy the old burial ground, from which the dead were removed a few years since.
By reason of the growth of the city and the removal of many of the congregation from the neighborhood of the early church, it be- came necessary to provide for a building in some other section Accordingly very eligible lots were purchased on the corner of Clinton and Livingston streets, where a magnificent church and chapel have been erected. The chapel was first completed and at once occupied. The corner-stone of the main edifice was laid May 8th, 1867, and the completed structure was opened for public worship; with imposing services, October 20th, 1869. The entire cost of the chapel, church, and organ was three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Both the exterior and interior of this imposing church edifice have strongly marked characteristics, and command attention by novel and unique architectural features. The exterior is a cord- bination of Belleville brown stone and white stone from the Ohio quarries. The architecture is that known as decorated or middle pointed. The result of 'the use of the two kinds of stone in the manner it is employed, is to bring out strongly the contrast of the red and white. The uncommon height of the building, which is one hundred fect from the floor to the pitch of the roof, contributes largely to the effect both without and within. Towers rise above the ridge and cresting of the roof to the height of thirty-six feet. The caps of the columns of the central entrance doors are richly carved in leaves and grapes, mingled with cars of wheat, expressive and suggestive of the elements of the sacrament. The traceries of the windows are all of stone, and of an elaborate nature. The lines and figures are gcometrical, and have a strong and beautiful expres-
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H. SCHENCK, D. D.
sion, combining ideas typical and illustrative of different Christian principles, such as the interlacing of the triangle and trefoil, sug. gestive of the indivisibility and equality of the Godhead. The body of the edifice has five parallel aisles. The chancel is a most striking feature, being very rich and elaborate, and having a different arrangement from most Episcopal churches. The galleries are broad and spacious. The beautiful windows of stained glass have texts from Holy Writ, such as " I am the bread of life," "I am the light of the world," etc. The walls, ceiling, and arches are painted in different colors with much artistic taste. On the right side of the chancel are the robing, vestry, Bible class, infants' and music rooms, and rector's study. The basement is devoted to the Sunday school, and is a spacious and convenient apartment. The church is lighted in an ingenious manner by jets around the caps of the nave columns, and the heating and ventilation are all accomplished by the most approved plans. In architectural finish, in richness of ornamenta- tion, and in general completeness and convenience, this structure has no superior in the United States.
The old church, on Washington street, is still maintained, with a clergyman in charge. There are between five and six hundred com- municants attending the two churches, and about eight hundred children in the Sunday schools.
Dr. Schenck is a person of large physical proportions and most impressive presence. He is tall, round, and erect. Equally propor- tioned, he is casy and graceful in all his movements. His head is made to match this commanding and finely proportioned stature. It is large and noble in its every aspect, and rests well poised, with its evident wealth of mental power, as the crown of perfection to the whole physical man. The features are regular and highly intel- lectual. His eyes are soft, but have a direct and observing glance. The whole expression of his face is amiable in the extreme, but it is an amiability that has mingled with it none of the elements of a mere passive weak character. On the contrary, Dr. Schenck is decided and forcible, and has great individuality in all his proceed- ings. His is a nature gentle, forbearing, and good, and yet one of ever-present firmness and dignity in action. All the high-toned qualities and finished graces of the born and educated gentleman appear in his intercourse with all classes. He is entirely approach- able, as his manners and address are most courteous and bland, but still he has a natural dignity that greatly impresses you. In the dif
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REV. NOAH H. SCHENCK, D. D.
ferent circles of society, whether it be the unrestrained and genial, or the learned and sedate, he is equally admired. Cheerful and fascin. ating in the one, he is instructive and eireumspect in the other. Frank, generous, and lofty-minded in all his impulses, he is a man who quickens the heart with its most sineere attachments, and inspires the mind to its most virtuous aspirations.
He is a preacher of eloquence and power. As soon as you look at him in the pulpit you become convineed of his ability. His massive head, and his face beaming in every line with intellectuality, tell the eye of the observer that here is a man of force, of will, and brain. When he speaks, this opinion is fully confirmed. His voice is firm, full, and smooth. His language is choice, terse, and elo- quent. He is argumentative, but has passages of fine imagery throughout. All that he says shows the thoughtful and scholarly man-one full of love for his fellow-creatures- one whose every impulse and hope is allied to virtue and religion-and one who, while he feels the holy comfort of an abiding faith, is fully alive to the responsibilities of his pastoral office. All his talents, all his zeal, and all his nerve are devoted to his work. He begrudges nothing, but rather concentrates and intensifies everything to secure the more fruitful success. In his sermons, filling the measure of oratory and scholarship, he is in no wise lacking in religious fervor and solemnity.
Dr. Schenck is one of the strong men of the day. He moves in the path of duty and labor with no uncertainty of purpose or hesitation of action. Endowed with natural talents of a high order, his learning has attained to the most profound scholarship. A theologian, but also a practical and wide observer in regard to every department of human interest, he is thoroughly informed for the work of a leader and teacher among men. His efforts, not less than his talents, are worthy of the intelligent age in which he lives. A servant of the church, he is at the same time its hero. Humble and obedient in doing the will of the Master, he is a bold aggressive champion of the faith. Beautiful in character, and pure in life, he is unwearying in professional energy, and devout and self-sacrificing in all his duties.
503
REV. WILLIAM A. SCOTT, D.D., LL. D.,
LATE PASTOR OF THE FORTY-SECOND STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, NEW YORK.
EV. DR. WILLIAM A. SCOTT was born near Nash- ville, Tennessee, January 30th, 1813. He was graduated at Cumberland University in 1833, and in theology at Princeton Seminary in 1834. Before going to Cumberland College in 1829, he was licensed at Cumberland University ; in 1829 he was licensed as a Presbyterian minister by the Presby- tery of Hopewell, West Tennessee, and for the period of one year was a missionary in the then wilds of Tennessee and Kentucky. He traveled on horseback among the Indian tribes and white settlements, pioneering out his own roads, lying out at night, and preaching in the cabins, forest, or anywhere that hearers could be obtained. On one occasion he had an appointment at a log building, but a storm kept away all save one man, to whom the sermon was preached, as a large fire crackled on the dirt floor in the centre of the apartment. He served as a volunteer chaplain during the Black Hawk war, passing most of the time at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien. At the close of the Black Hawk war he descended the Mississippi river, whose banks were then without white inhabitants, to Keokuk in a small canoe with no other campanion than a small half-breed Sioux boy ; and returning to the University he recommenced his studies, and was enabled to graduate with his class in 1833. In 1834, leaving Prince- ton Seminary, he entered the Presbytery of Louisiana and labored as a missionary in that State, being ordained in 1835, at Alexandria, on Red River. ITis health failing him, he accepted a call to the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, at Winchester, Tennessee, where he remained from 1836 until 1838. In the latter year he became Presi- dent of the Nashville Female Academy, and also preached at the Hermitage Church, on the estate of General Andrew Jackson. It may be stated that Dr. Scott's relations with the immortal Jackson were of the most intimate character, and he possesses many autograph
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