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 19
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 19
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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
515
REV. GEORGE F. SEYMOUR, D. D.
originally collected were applied to the purchase of an organ and other church furniture. A school, designed for the education of young men preparing for holy orders, was established, in connection with the parish, which has since been incorporated under the title of St. Stephen's College. Mr. Bard has endowed it by the donation of property at Annandale valued at sixty thousand dollars. Mr. Sey- mour was the first warden of the institution. The following is an extract from his parochial report of 1861 :
" When I went to Annandale in 1855, there were five communicants. The people of the neighborhood, belonging, for the most part, to the humbler classes, were strangers to our church, and strongly prejudiced against it. During the six years of my sojourn at Annandale, through God's blessing, great changes were wrought for the better. The face of things in the rural parish was made to wear a new aspect. Through the instrumentality of the parish school and other appliances, all looking to the one end, the winning of souls to Christ, the people became interested, and in large numbers offered themselves and their little ones to God. A beautiful stone church was built, burnt down, and rebuilt. An educational scheme, for preparing young men designed for holy orders to enter on their theological studies, was matured into St. Stephen's College, chartered by the State, with twelve students and two instructors. One of my last official acts was to remove the first shovelful of earth for the foundation of the buildings of St. Stephen's College."
Dr. Seymour was ordained priest by Bishop Potter, in Zion Church, Greenburg, Westchester county, September 23d, 1855, Dr. John McVickar preaching the sermon. In November, 1861, he be- came rector of St. Mary's Church, Manhattanville. During 1862 he had four young men with him in course of preparation for the General Theological Seminary, to whom he devoted five hours each day. One of the largest classes ever presented in St. Mary's parish was confirmed by the bishop at his visitation in June of the same year. Dr. Seymour accepted the rectorship of Christ Church, Hudson, in October, 1862, where he remained one year. During the year a commodious chapel was erected at a cost of about four thousand dollars. Dr. Seymour continued, in connection with his onerous parochial duties, the instruction of two of the young men before mentioned. In October, 1863, he assumed charge of St. John's Church, Brooklyn, having also a call to St. Stephen's Church, Phila- delphia. St. John's congregation at the time was much divided, but under Dr. Seymour's ministry became united and more numerous.
Hle subsequently accepted his present position of Professor of Ec- clesiastical History in the Episcopal General Theological Seminary of New York. He was brought prominently before the Convention of the Diocese of Missouri, held at St. Louis, September 3d, 1868,
516
REV. GEORGE F. SEYMOUR, D. D.
as a candidate for bishop. He received a majority of the votes of both orders, clerical and lay, present in convention ; but the canon required a majority of all the parishes in the Diocese, and of all the clergy entitled to seats in Convention. He was five times chosen by the clergy, and was within three votes necessary to a choice by the laity on one ballot.
Dr. Seymour preaches frequently. He has edited various church publications, and written several able pamphlets.
He is under the medium height, of slender proportions, and altogether of a rather delicate organization. His face shows characteristics of the highest order of intellect and of a gentle, elevated nature. He looks as the studious, thoughtful man, absorbed in mental labor, and applying all his energies of mind and boly to the attainment of higher cultivation and the profoundest conceptions of logic and truth. Further examination of his face will show that it is the index, also, to a heart, from youth up, singularly pure, manly, and inspired of God. Nature has written in her own tracings on his imposing brow-scholar; and the smile which lingers about his mouth has its source of Christian brightness in the sunshine of the virtuous heart. His boyhood and his manhood have been alike illustrated by the same traits of character, these being a love of well- doing and a desire for knowledge, and to these his as yet brief but brilliant life has been sacredly and wholly devoted. And as the rays of light, falling upon the flower, give it color and beauty, in like manner the glory of the expanding mind and the triumphs of the upright heart have left their lines of lustre and of goodness to speak to men in his very countenance. His attire declares his religious calling; and no one can look at him and for a moment doubt that he is most faithful and energetic in the work set for him to do. His manners are courteous, though somewhat dignified and retiring. His conversational powers are excellent, and his language always choice ; when the occasion will justify it, is scholarly in the extreme. His greatest pleasure is taken in intellectual society, and particularly with those who, like himself, explore the less familiar paths of wis- dom. With keen perceptions of character, he unites a generous appreciation of merit and attachments the most sincere.
Dr. Seymour's sermons are argumentative and forcibly written. He never seems to care for display, but is always seeking the incul- cation of some important rule of doctrine or of morals. His words are evidently heartfelt; and where there is necessity for learned ex
517
.
REV. GEORGE F. SEYMOUR, D. D.
planation, it is given with much thoroughness and entirely without ostentation. He is very animated, and at times gesticulates freely.
Few clergymen have accomplished so much at an early period of life. When attending regularly to his parochial duties, he prepared fourteen young men for the theological seminary, and always had a class studying with the same view. He founded a parish, built a church, and has been rector in four parishes. He is esteemed by the learned and distinguished men of the Episcopal church as an earnest and accomplished co-laborer, and his associations with the lay masses, in all his fields of effort, have been of the happiest nature, and highly efficacious to the cause of religion. As a professor he has brought additional renown to the institution with which he is connected by his profound scholarship, and success in imparting instruction to those under his charge.
518
REV. WILLIAM G. T. SHEDD, D. D.,
PROFESSOR IN THE UNION THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, NEW YORK.
EV. DR. WILLIAM G. T. SHEDD was born at Acton, Massachusetts, June 21st, 1820. He was graduated at the University of Vermont in 1839, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1843. The following year he became pastor of the Congregational church at Brandon, Ver- mont, and in 1845 was appointed professor of English Literature in the University of Vermont. He accepted the chair of Sacred Rhetoric in Auburn Theological Seminary in 1852, but two years later went to Andover as professor of Church History. In 1862 he was installed as associate pastor with Dr. Gardiner Spring at the Brick Presbyterian Church, Fifth avenue, New York, where he re- mained several years. He edited and published a translation of Theremin's "Rhetoric," New York, 1850, and an edition with an introductory essay, Andover, 1859; also an edition of Coleridge's works, with an introductory essay, seven volumes, New York, 1853, beside "Discourses and Essays," Andover, 1856; "Lectures upon the Philosophy of History," Andover, 1856; a translation of Guericke's "Church History," two volumes, Andover, 1857-63 ; and Augustine's " Confessions," with an introductory essay, 1860. He has preached as a temporary supply of several of the city pulpits. A number of years since he accepted his present position of professor of Biblical Literature in the Union Theological Seminary, New York.
He is of the medium height, and has a thin, pale face. His brow is large and round, showing much intellectuality. All his move- ments are quick and nervous. IIe is a studious, learned, and deeply religious man.' As a professor he has won distinction in the different institutions with which he has been connected, and his published writings are greatly valued for both scholarship and literary taste. His sermons are thoroughly practical, sound in doctrines, and logical in argument.
519
REV. ROBERT SLOSS,
PASTOR OF THE FOURTEENTH STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCII, NEW YORK.
EV. ROBERT SLOSS was born in the city of New York, November 23d, 1838. He prepared for college at Media, Pa., and entered Princeton College in 1861. During the course he received the honor of Junior Orator, and delivered the second belles-lettres oration at com- mencement. In the fall of 1865 he entered Princeton Theo- logical Seminary. About May 1st, 1867, he was commissioned by the Secretary of the General Association of New Hampshire, to labor during a few months' vacation in a Congregational church at Canaan, New Hampshire, which he did with unusual success. In September, 1867, he was appointed tutor of Rhetoric in College, in which capacity he served to the end of his theological course. He became pastor of the Third Presbyterian church of Indianapolis, June 1st, 1868, where he remained until he came to the Fourteenth Street Presbyterian Church, New York, in June, 1872.
During the great religious revival in New York, from 1830 to 1835, a new Presbyterian church organization was made in the eastern section of the city. This was known as the Brainerd Church, and was organized February 9th, 1834, with sixteen members, and Rev. Dr. Asa D. Smith, then fresh from the Theological Seminary, but now President of Dartmouth College, was called to the pastorship. The first place of worship was an upper room at a noisy corner of Essex and Stanton streets, over a place of low traffic. "A lowly sanctuary it was," says Dr. Smith, in a farewell sermon to his congre- gation ; "but I am sure that no sculptured column or vaulted roof, no enamel or tracery of finely arched windows, no long-drawn aisle, or lofty tower, or spire piercing the skies, would have added to the charm with which, as seen through the vista of departed years, memory invests it."
520
REV. ROBERT SLOSS.
A church was erected in Rivington street, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, which was dedicated on January 17th, 1836, and here the congregation worshiped until Sunday, May 11th, 1851. It was now found necessary to remove to a situation up town. A union was effected with the Sixth street Church, and a new organization was formed May 18th, 1851, under the title of the Fourteenth street Presbyterian Church, with a membership of two hundred and seventy-four, of whom one hundred and ninety-five were from the Brainerd Church, and seventy-nine from the Sixth street Church. A considerable portion of the members of the Brainerd Church, unable to remove, united with congregations near them. The old church was devoted to the gathering of a German congregation, a population which had become very numerous in the district.
The corner-stone of a new edifice, to be erected on the corner of Fourteenth street and Second avenue, was laid July 22d, 1850, and the building was dedicated January 22d, 1851, the lecture-room hav- ing been occupied since the previous spring. The cost of the whole property, including the church furniture, was about sixty thousand dollars. A moderate debt on it at first was soon extinguished. The congregation increased so rapidly that at one time the trustees had under serious consideration a plan for the enlargement of the accon- modations. In the twelve years and a half of Dr. Smith's ministry in Fourteenth street, 1,393 persons were admitted to the church, 627 of them on profession of their faith.
Dr. Smith preached his farewell sermon November 15th, 1863. The pulpit had temporary supplies until Mr. Hitchcock was installed in April 1866, who remained until early in the year 1872, and was succeeded by Mr. Sloss.
The congregation has now about four hundred and fifty-nine members, and in the regular and mission Sunday Schools there are five hundred and fifty children.
A well informed observer of Mr. Sloss and his career writes as follows :- " In the pulpit Mr. Sloss impresses you with the fact that he is deeply in earnest and fully alive to the magnitude of the work in which he is engaged. His prayers are brief, pointed, fervent; re- markably free from set forms of expression, comprising but few objects of desire, and these always appropriate to the time and the occasion, and usually referring to the subject of the coming discourse. His sermons give evidence of close study and careful preparation. Each discourse is complete in itself, contains but few divisions or 521
REV. ROBERT SLOSS.
heads, and these are so logically arranged, clearly presented, and fully illustrated that the hcarers are enabled, not only to understand, but also to remember them.
" As a writer, his style is clear, concise, vigorous-his illustrations being employed rather to add clearness and strength than for orna- ment. Possessing a thoroughly trained voice of remarkable flexibil- ity, power, and pathos, his elocution is characterized by great distinct- ness of enunciation and wonderful adaptedness of expression to the sentiments uttered.
" Mr. Sloss preaches the gospel in its purity, and therein, doubt- less, is the chief element of his success. Instead of wasting his cnergies in denunciation of this evil, that sin, or the other evil prac- tice ; or in commendation of this, that, or the other virtuc, he pro- claims, with all earnestness, the great doctrines of repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as the radical cure of all evil, and the grand incentive to all good."
Mr. Sloss is rather under the medium height, with a large body, and possesses a vigorous physical constitution. His head is large, having an excellent intellectual development. His expression is scrious, and his manners are composed and dignified. In the course of eleven months of his pastorate in Indianapolis seventy-nine per- sons were added to the church, fifty-eight of whom were on profession of faith. His ministry in New York is characterized by the same earnestness and fidelity to duty, and already gives evidence that it will be marked by like beneficial results to the church and society at large.
522
The bottom Smith
REV. JOHN COTTON SMITH, D. D.,
RECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, NEW YORK.
EV. DR. JOHN COTTON SMITH was born August 4th, 1826, at Andover, Mass. ITis family was one of the most distinguished in the early history of New England, and his Christian name, besides being borne by the cele- brated John Cotton, of Boston, in England, and afterward of Boston, in Mass., was derived more strictly from his uncle., the late John Cotton Smith, Governor of Connecticut. Dr. Smith's father was the late Thomas M. Smith, D. D., President of Kenyon College, and Professor of Theology in the Theological Sem- inary of the diocese of Ohio. His gratidfather, on his mother's side, was the distinguished theologian, Leonard Woods, of Andover. He was the nephew also of the Leonard Woods, Jr., lately President of Bowdoin College.
Dr. Smith was graduated, with the first honors of his class, at Bowdoin College in 1847, after a preparatory course at Phillips' Academy, Andover. His theological course was pursued at the Theological Seminary, Gambier, Ohio. He was ordained deacon, by Bishop McIlvaine, of Ohio, in 1849, and priest, by Bishop Burgess, of Maine, in 1850. His first parish was that of St. John's, Bangor, Maine. In 1852 he became assistant minister of Trinity Church, Boston. He was invited to this position upon what is called the Greene Foundation. This Foundation is an endowment held by a Board of Trustees, the whole income of which is to be devoted to the support of an assistant minister of Trinity Church, with certain specified duties. In 1859 Dr. Smith was called to the rectorship of the Church of the Ascension, New York, upon the duties of which he entered January 1st, 1860. He was preceded in this office by the late Bishop Eastburn, of Mass., and Bishop Bedell, the present Bishop of Ohio.
During his rectorship in New York, Dr. Smith has devoted him-
523
REV. JOHN COTTON SMITH, D. D.
self very largely to the problem of Pauperism, especially in the city of his professional labors. Under his auspices the first successful attempt to establish Model Tenement Houses was made, and a block of such houses is now under the management of an association con- neeted with his parish. In connection with such efforts he has been instrumental in establishing several mission chapels, with large en- dowments, and various agencies for the moral and temporal welfare of the poor. The scholars in the various schools under his eharge number between two and three thousand. Ten candidates for the ministry are at present pursuing their studies under his direction, and are engaged in various departments of his missionary work. He has also four assistants in orders.
Dr. Smith has written and published extensively upon religious, scientifie, and literary suojeets. Among these publieations are the following : "Charity of Truth," " The Liturgy as a basis of Union," " The Church's Law of Development," " The Oxford Essays and Reviews," "The Homerie Age," "The Principle of Patriotism," " The United States a Nation," and one just now in press, entitled " Evolution and a Personal Creator." IIe is also the proprietor and editor-in-chief of the Church and State, to which his contributions are very numerous, and cover a wide variety of subjects.
Dr. Smith is an officer in a large number of missionary, religious, charitable, and literary societies, and spends a very considerable 'amount of time in attendance upon committee meetings. The life of a parish clergyman in New York renders necessary the performance of an immense amount of this kind of work, which is not strictly professional in its character. This faet enlarges, in one sense, the sphere of a pastor's influence, but almost inevitably withdraws him, to some extent, from labors more strictly appropriate to his office, and in which, if he were only permitted to do so, he might be even more usefully employed.
The Church of the Ascension, of which Dr. Smith is the rector, is one of the wealthiest and most influential in the country. Its con- tributions, during the reetorship of Dr. Smith-a period of about fif- teen years-have amounted to not far from a million of dollars. Some very important works have been carried on and entirely completed by the contributions of this church. Aspinwall Hall, at the Theo- logical Seminary at Alexandria, was erected by two of its members. .Ascension Hall and the Church of the Holy Spirit, at Gambier, Ohio, both of them very beautiful buildings, were gifts from the
524
REV. JOHN COTTON SMITH, D. D.
members of this parish. This is the case also with the Church of the Ascension at Ipswich, Mass., where Dr. Smith has a summer home, the building being one of the most attractive in that State. The charge of the church is assumed by Dr. Smith during his vaca- tion, and during the rest of the year it is under the care of one of his assistants.
Besides his ordinary pulpit duties, Dr. Smith has been accus- tomed, in the Advent season of each year, to deliver a course of ser- mons on Sunday evenings, upon the relations to Christianity of pre- valent views upon scientific, literary, and social questions. These sermons have always been largely attended by a class of thinking men, not usually seen in churches. The course for Advent, 1874, is already announced. The subject is to be " The Problem of Pau- perism."
Dr. Smith was of the number of the Episcopal clergy who fa- vored the assembling of the Church Congress of that denomination, which was held in New York in October, 1874. He read an able paper before it, on the subject of "The Limits of Legislation as to Doctrine and Ritual."
Dr. Smith is in strong sympathy with the spirit of modern so- ciety, and labors to have that spirit recognized and consecrated by the Church. At the same time he is a strong adherent of the his- torical faith to which all ages bear witness, so that he is at once pro- gressive and conservative. While holding strong views of the claims of the church, of which he is a minister, and devotedly attached to its polity and worship, he is in deep sympathy with Christian life and work wherever found. He insists upon the necessity of main- taining the catholic and comprehensive character of the church, as a protest against certain tendencies, in it, to sectarianism. In carrying out this view he has frequently defended the ecclesiastical position of those with whose views he did not personally agree, so long as they could be regarded as at all within the limits of the comprehen- siveness of the church. In doctrine he is evangelical, in the sense of holding, with special emphasis, what are known as the Augus- tinian views of grace, and the Anselmian views of the atonement. He holds, however, higher views of the sacraments, and broader views of freedom in religious inquiry than have been customary among those who are called " evangelicals." His position, in short, is that of a catholicity, having its roots in the Christian past, but growing more broadly and freely in the atmosphere of the present age.
525
REV. JOHN COTTON SMITH, D. D.
As a preacher and writer, Dr. Smith is regarded as one of the strongest men of his denomination. There is nothing superficial or incomplete in his attainments, and, as a consequence, he is distin- guished at once for ability and influence in every branch of profes- sional effort. Ilis opinions are all sincere, and closely intermingled with his personal emotions, so that those who find it necessary to combat them, encounter in him an eager and vigilant opponent, while those who are in harmony with him, are constantly enlight- ened by his learning and encouraged by his confidence. Capable of a large amount of mental and physical labor, and having an immense talent for executive direction, he performs far more than the usual tasks and occupations of an ordinary clergyman ; but, after all, they seem, with him, merely a congenial activity in the line of conscien- tious duty. In preaching he is dignified and impressive in his deliv- ery, and choice and powerful in the language which he employs. As a writer, in every field of discussion, he has the skill which belongs to the combination of natural gifts, wide erudition, and long ex- perience.
In personal appearance Dr. Smith is of the medium height, erect, and dignified, and wears the clerical costume. His head is large, with refined features, and a strikingly intellectual development. While there is a natural reserve in both his manners and speech, he shows true warmth of feeling and congeniality in social companion-' ship. A close student and a deep thinker, he is thoroughly scholarly in his tastes, but he is not less a practical worker in the active spheres of duty. Giving to the church and to literature the impress of his talents and labors, he is widely esteemed and beloved in the private relations of life.
526
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REV. J. HYATT SMITH.
PASTOR OF THE LEE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH, BROOKLYN.
EV. J. HYATT SMITH was born in the State of New York, but removed early to Detroit, Michigan. He was licensed as a Baptist minister in 1848 in Albany, N. Y. After serving a pastorship in Poughkeepsie, he accepted a call to the Euclid Street Baptist Church, Cleveland, Ohio. In three years and a half he raised the membership from twelve to three hundred and fifty. He then went to the Washington Street Church, Buffalo, one of the largest of the denomination, where he remained five years. Here he also ministered with great success, and hundreds were brought into the church. The next seven years were spent as the pastor of the Eleventh Baptist Church, Philadelphia He was then called to his present position as pastor of the Lee Avenue Baptist Church, in the Eastern District of Brooklyn.
He is likewise an author, editor, and lecturer. His most noted work is entitled "The Open Door," in which he discusses his own peculiar views as a Baptist. He holds that there is no true baptism but immersion on profession of faith, and none but believers so baptized can become members of a Baptist church ; while there is nothing to show that baptism must precede the Lord's Supper, and, therefore, that believers, whether baptized or not, may join with him and he with them in the ordinance. The attitude thus taken in favor of open communion has caused him to be widely commented upon both in and out of his denomination; but he has maintained his views with much ability in the pulpit and in published writings. In the meantime a very great religious interest has been shown in his church, and, as in his other pastorships, many have been converted. The church doubled in membership within a few months. On several
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