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 28
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 28
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Dr. Weston is an impressive preacher. He discusses his subjeet with much thoroughness and force. His impulsiveness of manner, his quick and marked modulations of voice, are all peculiar with him, and add greatly to the effect of his delivery. Ile is fond of poetry, and sometimes reads long selections in his sermons with acceptable
619
REV. SULLIVAN H. WESTON, D. D.
taste. His voice is strong, while generally soft and pleasant to the ear. As he holds forth he has that appearance of intelligent and honest conviction, that outspokenness of mind and heart, and that just conception of individual duty and opportunity, that the hearer is drawn toward him by influences that are irresistible. He is want- ing in those delicate touches of sentiment and manner which so many of his profession display, for these are not so much found in the impulsive, fearless, independent nature. But in words less softly said, and in actions less gently performed, he exhibits so much man- liness, justice, and sincerity, that he as quickly wins the confidence and esteem. Brave for any duty, authoritative in speaking the com- mands of his Master, still he stands a coward in the paths of tempta- tion, and the humblest of the sowers of good seed in the dark places.
620
.
Crayon Wild
REV. JOSEPH WILD, D. D.,
PASTOR OF THE SEVENTH AVENUE METHO- DIST CHURCH, BROOKLYN.
EV. DR. JOSEPH WILD was born at Summit, near Rochdale, in Lancashire County, England, November 16th, 1834. His family is of the class of respectable small land owners of that section. He pursued his early studies at a school at Littleborough, and then at the academy at Carlisle City, and for two years at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. After this he served an apprenticeship of three years with a civil engineer in Rochdale. He made some preparation to study medicine, but wben twenty-one years of age embarked for the United States. Probably for a hundred years before no member of the family had left the country to reside. He reached New York on the 17th of December, 1855.
At sixteen he had entered the local ministry of the Primitive Methodists in England, and continued to preach up to the time of his departure, when he was a traveling preacher. Consequently he spent his first few years in the United States in traveling through the South, and other portions of the country, going as far west as Omaha, as a preacher and lecturer. His first regular settlement was over the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of Hamileca, On- tario, Canada, in 1857, where he remained one year. He then went to Concord, New Hampshire, and took a theological course of three years at the Biblical Institute, since removed to Boston. Returning to Canada, he was stationed for one year at Goderich, on Lake Huron, and then he traveled a year in Europe. When in England, he lectured frequently with much public approbation. In 1863 he settled at Orono, Canada, for two years, and next went to Belleville, Ontario, Canada, where he was occupied for seven years.
IIis work embraced not only the pastorship of the Methodist church, but the chair of Oriental Languages in the Albert University at that place. He has been justly spoken of as the " father, guide.
621
.
---
REV. JOSEPH WILD, D. D.
able defender and sustainer" of the University. He gave it the aid of commanding talents, of an energy in direction which was vital to its very existence, and contributed to its funds twenty-five thousand dollars out of the proceeds of his lectures for two years. Holding the three positions of professor, trustee, and treasurer, through his able efforts in each, the institution was advanced to a condition of prosperity from a very low ebb. When he was about to leave, one of his fellow-workers thus spoke at a meeting : " IIe (Dr. Wild) had so incorporated his efforts with the prosperity of the college, had so clearly presented, and so forcibly advocated his schemes, and had so vigorously led on, especially in her financial arrangements, that there is little wonder that some eagerly inquire, 'where shall we find a substitute as College Treasurer? '" His leaving Canada drew forth universal expressions of regret and esteem.
In May, 1872, he was a delegate to the General Conference, held in Brooklyn. During his sojourn in the city he preached once in the Seventh Avenue Methodist Church. On the election of the then pastor, Rev. Dr. Andrews, to the office of bishop, Dr. Wild was im- mediately invited to take the position. He accepted, and in the following June removed to Brooklyn. A public reception was ex- tended to him by the congregation, when he was warmly welcomed in an address. He preached his first sermon as pastor on Sunday, June 30th, 1872.
The Seventh Avenue Congregation grew out of the Hanson Place Church, and now consists of between four and five hundred members. They purchased property in the best part of the city, where a chapel has been erected. Eighty thousand dollars have already been ex- pended, and a large church will be built at au early day.
For several years Dr. Wild lectured throughout Canada, and to some extent in the United States. His series embraced highly original subjects, which were treated in a most scholarly and eloquent manner. Says an account of one of these lectures; "He held the attention of a large and intelligent audience enchained, as if by mesmeric spell, for fully an hour and a half, and when he intimated his intention of concluding his address, there arose from every part of the hall an eager shout 'go on.'" Ile prepared in all fourteen lectures, but lost eleven of them and his library by a fire in Belleville. He has since written three others, and has now six valuable lectures. The subjects are: "Babel." "What Will the World Come To?" "Porphyry Coffer," " 144," "Spiritology," and " Individuality."
622
REV. JOSEPH WILD, D. D.
He received the degree of A. M. from Genesee College about 1866, and that of D.D. from the Wesleyan University of Ohio, in 1870. He was married in 1858 in Canada to Miss Mary Victoria Hixon of Bronte, and has three children. His father and mother are dead, but he has still living in England two brothers. The family was com- posed of five children, three sons and two daughters, the Dr. being the youngest member. Both of the sisters are dead, and one of the brothers is the Rev. B. Wild, of the Primitive Methodist Church in England.
Dr. Wild is of the medium height, with a compact and erect figure. He has a large, finely molded head, with intelligent and amiable features. His eyes have a soft, kindly gaze, and a cheerful expression at all times pervades his countenance. He has a full and luxuriant dark brown beard, and long dark hair combed back of his ears. The clerical coat, which he always wears, is buttoned up tightly to the chin. In his manners he is exceedingly polite, and his address is easy and fascinating. ITis voice in ordinary conversation is mellow and pleasing, while in public speaking it has a scope from the most subdued articulation to the sonorous outbursts of cloquence which fill the largest building. He is a fluent talker, ever animated and cheerful, showing all who come about him that he is guided at once by the impulses of an able inind and a tender heart.
In the pulpit he is very effective. His personnel is striking, and he looks, in form and garb, to be a man suited for the sacred desk. Intelligence beams in his face; there is a magic power in every tone of his voice, and every word, thought, and gesture go to complete the fascination. His sermons are learned, argumentative, practical, and deeply religious. Study, experience in life, and above all, his interest in the salvation of his race, are the basis of his pulpit themes. It is his habit to write out at least one sermon each week. He uses notes in the pulpit, but he does not confine his remarks to them. He memorizes with much facility, particularly in his lectures. HIe is free and forcible in his gestures.
The power of learning, the gift of eloquence, the graces of per- sonal virtue and picty, are the qualities which justly belong to this eminent divinc. They have already made their mark in wide fields of intellectual and religious effort, and the promise of the future is still more brilliant. True to his faith, and inspired by the spirit of the progressive age in which he lives, the church and society at large will receive continued benefit from his talents and example.
623
REV. WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, D. D., LATE PASTOR OF THE AMITY STREET BAP- TIST CHURCH, NEW YORK.
-
EV. DR. WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS was born in New York, October 14th, 1804. His father, the Rev. John Williams, was pastor of the Oliver Street Baptist Church for a period of twenty-seven years. He was graduated at Columbia College with distinguished honor in 1823, and subsequently studied law in the office of the late Peter A. Jay, Esq. He became a member of the Oliver Street Church, then under the charge of Rev. Dr. Cone, and was ordained to the ministry at the constitution of the Ainity Street Baptist Church. This was De- cember 17th, 1832, and he continued with the same congregation for a number of years, though repeatedly solicited to accept profes- sorships in different colleges and seminaries. He is not now in the active ministry. He entered the field of religious authorship while still practicing law, by a biographical notice of his father, and a most elaborate address, entitled "Conservative Principles in our Literature." A volume of " Miscellanies," one on " Religious Pro- gress," a series of lectures on the "Lord's Prayer," and various ser- mons and addresses "have given him an undisputed rank among the first preachers and religious writers of the day."
Says another: "The leading characteristics of Dr. Williams are fervor and depth of piety, a liberal and catholic spirit ; unaffected modesty and humility ; simplicity and meckness, coupled with in- flexibility of principle ; studious and. retired habits ; profound and extensive crudition ; uncommon powers of analysis ; conscientious and mental abstraction ; the uniform and complete command of his intellectual resources, and a general harmony and consistency of character. He is not much seen in public gatherings, but no man's
624
REV. WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, D. D.
opinions have greater weight with his denomination. His library is his home. This is very extensive, and embraees a great variety of works in all the principal languages, most of which he reads with ease. The number of volumes is about nine thousand, many of which are exceedingly rare and valuable."
An able eritie says of Dr. Williams' writings : "They display everywhere an intelleet equally active and vigorous ; a mind that makes its own observations, that draws its own conclusions, and uses its large stores of information, not as substitutes, but as materials for thought. His mind never rests upon the surface of his facts, but pierees below to the principle which they embody ; and it is in il- lustration of that principle that they marshal themselves on his page. But along with a large fund of knowledge and power of thinking of a high rder, Dr. Williams' writings evince an uneommonly bril- liant and fervent imagination. This fuses and blends into harmony all his powers and acquisitions, imparts to his pages ever fresh life and interest, and eauses them to teem with the most striking and beautiful imagery. Indeed, Dr. Williams thinks in metaphor ; his figures are not after-thoughts, superinduced upon his style for illus- tration or embellishment; they are wrought into the very texture of thought; they are the form, the body which it naturally and almost necessarily assumes."
When Dr. Williams was preaching in Amity street, we gave the following description of him : "In the pulpit Dr. Williams appears a plain, unassuming, but not unattractive inan. Indeed, you are at onee struck with the gentle, meck, and almost sad expression of his face. He stands an image of one of those penitential Christians sighi- ing and sorrowing for the bright hereafter. His face has many furrows, his voice is feeble and tremulous, and his eyes are evidently not unused to tears. Then he is so thoroughly devotional, and as he reclines his head during the singing before the sermon, seemingly in prayer for strength to perform his pious task, the sensitive, devo- tional heart is drawn to him by an irresistible attraction. When the aged Christians of the congregation look upon this man, so given up to the work of salvation, so insignifieant and debased in his own sight, while so exalted in conseientious, carnest piety, they can but think how close he walks to the character and teachings of the suf- fering, uneomplaining Nazarene. IIe is certainly extraordinary In faithfulness of life, in a childlike simplicity of nature, and as an ex- ample of Christian hope and zeal. His long, patient, self-denying,
625
1
REV. WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, D. D.
God-adoring years have not only won him the highest place among his fellow Christians, but assuredly ' treasures in heaven, where nei- ther moth nor rust doth corrupt.' He is of the middle size, and his face is pale and thin. His cast of countenance is reflective and in- tellectual.
" The singing having concluded, he raises his head. 'The text is announced in almost a whisper,' correctly states another, ' the hands grasp the ends of the cushion where lies the open Bible, or are lifted ever and anon, as the warmth increases; the head is lowered toward the neatly-written manuscript; and thus, with a quiet case, in a low and feeble voice, the discourse goes forward in one unbroken thread of golden thought to its close.
" You must pay strict attention to follow the sermon, as at times the voice of the preacher is almost inaudible. There are moments when it rises into a rich-toned volume, but it is usually greatly sub- dued, and frequently falls to indistinctness. His shoulders sink down to a level with the Bible, one arm is stretched across his manu- script, and his eyes are brought into very close serntiny with it. Ile seldom changes this position during the delivery.
" The serinon is certainly worthy of all attention. It is the pro- duction of a scholar and the appeal of a true Christian. All along through it there are the traces of his extensive learning, not only giv- ing substance and vigor to the argument, but taking forms of rare eloquence. Then there is such solicitude apparent in his desire to interest, instruet, and convert, and such pathos in his tones, that the words seem as if they would be followed by tears. This tenderness, this thorough contrition of spirit, this zeal in the labor of regenera- tion, and this absorbing piety appear throughout, and are of the most affecting character.
" Fashiou, with its glitter, draws not near this altar ; pomp in re- ligious services takes no awe-inspiring part in these exercises ; showy oratory is allowed no display in these ministrations : but it is a gath- ering of humble Christians, a worship of the penitential heart, and the preaching of a man whose only ambition is to exert his talents and efforts in doing good. Among the clergy there are few, if any, of such devotedness to duty as Dr. Williams, as there are few of a life so void of offense and of ability so profound. Humble in his feelings, and keeping aloof from the conflicts of men, he is passing his peaceful days, careless of earthly fame, but hopeful of the celes- tial crown."
626
-
REV. JAMES D. WILSON,
PASTOR OF THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI, NEW YORK.
EV. JAMES D. WILSON was born at Spring Mills, Center county, Pennsylvania, April 3d, 1836. His early studies were at the district school, and at an academy in Juniata county, and another at Lewisburg. He was grad- uated at Amherst College in 1858, and at the Union Theo- logical Seminary, New York city, in 1862. Immediately after the close of his collegiate course he had accepted a position as a teacher in the academy at Lewiston, where he remained for one year. After leaving the seminary, his first position was as a stated supply for the pulpit of the Spring Street Presbyterian Church, New York. IIe thus remained from September, 1862, to July, 1863, when he was installed as the regular pastor of the congregation, and continued in its service until January, 1869. He went to the Spring Street church when its fortunes were at a low ebb. However, he not only saved the church from dissolution, but placed it on a strong basis for the future. A new congregation was drawn in, of which a large number were newly-converted young men. During Mr. Wilson's ministry more than four hundred persons united with the church. Revivals were frequent, and the history of the church at this period is full of most astonishing interest. Mr. Wilson's relations with this congregation were most happy. "Never," he says, "during my whole ministry with that people was one word said by man or woman that gave me anything but pleasure." However, he required rest from his excessive labors, and he accepted a call to the Central Presbyterian Church. He entered upon his new duties February 28th, 1863.
The Central Presbyterian Church was originally in Broome street. The congregation was organized with four members, January 8th, 1821, by the Rev. Dr. Patton. He resigned in 1839, and was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Dr. William Adams, in 1840. In 1853 Dr.
627
REV. JAMES D. WILSON.
Adams and a large portion of the congregation went out, and formed the Madison Square Church. At the same time a union was formed with the remaining members and the Pearl street congregation, under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Wood, who became settled over the new organization. The Pearl street congregation was a colony from the First Associate Reformed Church, in Cedar street, Rev. John M. Mason. A church edifice was erected on Magazine (now Pearl) street, in 1797. Dr. Mason officiated at both places. In 1804 the new church became independent, taking the title of the Second Associate Reformed Church, and the Rev. Robert Forrest was called as the first pastor. For a long period this congregation was one of the most flourishing and important in New York. The building of the Central congregation was destroyed by fire in August, 1854, and another edifice was erected at a cost of about thirty thousand dollars, and de- dicated in May, 1855. Dr. Wood resigned in 1860, and in 1862 the Rev. Mr. Dunn was called, who in turn was succeeded by Mr. Wilson in 1869. During Mr. Dunn's ministry, about 1865, it was determined to sell the property in Broome street, and remove up-town. A pur. chaser was found in the Merchants' Union Express Company, who wanted it for stables, and the sum of about sixty-five thousand dollars was obtained for the ground and building. A debt of eight thousand dollars on the property was paid, and the balance of the money was duly invested. Lots were bought up-town, which it was subsequently thought would not answer, and they were sold at an advance of some nine thousand dollars. A site was then secured of eighty feet on Fifty-seventh street and fifty feet on Fifty-ninth street, which is one of the finest localities near the Park for a church edifice. A chapel was put up on Fifty-seventh street at a cost of about twenty-thousand dollars, in which the services are now held. It will seat five hundred people. Previous to the erection of this building the services were held in a public hall. There are about two hundred and twenty members, and the congregation is gradually growing, as the new district occupied by them fills up with people.
Mr. Wilson is about of the medium height, well proportioned, and very active. His head is long, with a narrow chin, but is full and largely developed in the upper portion. The brow is both broad and high, and his intellectual capacity cannot be doubted for a mo- ment. His manners are attractive in the extreme. They are free and frank with all persons. You are placed on the most agreeable footing without delay, and are entertained with a genial, affable flow
628
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REV. JAMES D. WILSON.
of conversation. He has in his disposition all the requirements to make a popular man with all ages and classes. And still he does not sacrifice any of the circumspection which is necessary in a clergy- man.
Mr. Wilson is in the fullest sense a worker. Activity of mind and body with him is his most happy condition. He never requires any spur, but is up and doing at all times and in all places. His judgment is excellent in the ministerial labor, and hence his great success. He never seems to come in conflict with either the opinions or the interests of others, but either yields to others or they do to him. He has no vanity in anything personal to himself, is no quibbler on punctilio or dignity, but he shows all who come in contact with him that he wants to do the most possible work and the most good in the most effective way. Such a character as this makes other men ashamed of small things, of personal pride and ostentation, and it sets them to work with an earnest, unselfish spirit, which accomplishes the best results. Again, Mr. Wilson is a worker with practical as well as scholarly weapons. He regards scholarship and oratory in the exer- cise of the ministerial functions as very potent agencies, but they are the least of his reliances. He holds a closer relationship with his people than any of these mere pulpit attractions can give him. When he looks over his congregation he knows the faces, the disposition, and the circumstances of all those before him. He has been to their homes, he has joined in their joys and their sorrows, he has witnessed their abundance, and he has given to those who were humble and poor. In sickness he has been a watcher, and in death a mourner. In works of charity, in "going about doing good," in giving personal encouragement and advice in regard to social and religious affairs, and in seeking in every way that a pastor should to promote the welfare of his flock, and the increase of the church-in all of these he has made it his constant effort to do his part conscientiously and thoroughly.
As a preacher Mr. Wilson is very effective. He has' natural powers as an orator, speaking with fluency at all times. He writes in good plain English, to which he gives most emphasis in his earnest and oftentimes impassioned delivery. While he is sufficiently argu- mentative to suit the most logical, he has a great deal of imagination and pathos. His feelings are always in his subject, and he shows it in the most vivid manner. He has an agreeable, well-modulated voice, and his gestures are all appropriate and graceful.
629
APPENDIX.
Professor R. D. Hitchcock, in his work, " Analysis of the Holy Bible," states that in the whole world there are about three thousand different lan- uages, and about one thousand different religions and sects. In the United States there are more than fifty religious denominations, five of which may be found in all the States. The Episcopalians date from 1607, in Virginia; Roman Catholics from 1633, in Maryland; Baptists from 1639, in Rhode Island; Presbyterians from 1634, in Maryland; and Methodists from 1766, in New York. The most numerous are the Methodists, Baptists, and Presby- terians.
A census table, showing the condition of the various religious denom- inations in the United States, during twenty years :-
Years.
Membership.
Churches.
Property.
Aggregate of all the churches-
1850.
14,234,825
38,061
$87,328,801
1860
19,128,751
51,009
171,397,932
1870.
21,665,062
€3,082
354,483,581
Regular Baptists-
1850
3,217,069
9,376
11,020,855
1860
3,749,551
11,221
19,799,378
1870
3,997,116
12,857
39,229,221
Other Baptists -
1850
60,142
187
153,115
1860
294,667
929
1,279,736
1870
363,019
1,105
2,378,977
Christian-
1850
303,780
875
853,386
1860.
681,016
2,067
2,518,045
1870
865,602
2,822
6,425,137
Congregational-
1850
807,335
1,725
8,001,995
1860
956,351
2,231
13,327,511
1870
1 117,212
2,715
25,069,698
Protestant Episcopal-
1850
613,598
1,459
11,375,010
1860.
847,296
2,145
21,665,098
1870
991,051
2,601
36,514,549
Evangelical Association-
1870
193.796
641
2,301,650
631
APPENDIX.
Years.
Membership.
Churches.
Property.
Friends-
1850
286,323
726
1,713,767
1860.
269,084
726
2,544,507
1870.
221,664
662
3,939,560
Jewish-
1850
18,371
36
418,600
1860.
34,412
77
1,135,300
1870
73,265
152
5,155,234
Lutheran
1850
539,701
1,231
2,909,711
1860
757,637
2,128
5,385,179
1870.
977,432
2,776
14,917,747
Methodists-
1850
4,345,519
13,302
14,825,070
1860
6,259,799
19,883
33,093,371
1870
6,528,209
21,337
69,854,121
Moravians-
1850.
114,988
344
444,167
1860.
20,316
49
227,450
1870 ..
25,700
67
709,100
Mormons --
1850.
10,880
16
87,780
1860.
13,000
24
891,100
1870
87,838
171
656,750
Swedenborgians-
1850
5,600
21
115,100
1860
15,395
58
321,200
1870
18,755
61
869,700
Presbyterians (regular)-
1850.
2,079,765
4,826
14,543,789
1860
2,088,838
5,061
24,227,359
1870.
2,198,900
5,683
47,828,732
Presbyterians (other)-
1850. .
10,189
32
27,500
1860
477,111
1,345
2,613,166
1870.
499,344
1,388
5,436,524
Dutch Reformed-
1850
182,686
335
4,116,270
1860. ..
211,C68
440
4,453,850
1870
227,228
468
10,359,255
German Reformed-
1850.
160,932
341
993,780
1860
273,697
676
2,422,670
1870
431,700
1,145
5,775,215
632
-
APPENDIX.
Years.
Membership.
Churches.
Property.
Catholic-
1850
667,863
1,222
9,256,758
1860
1,404,437
2,550
26,744,119
1870
1,990,514
3,806
60,985,566
Second Advent-
1850
5,250
25
11,100
1860.
17,123
70
101,170
1870
34,555
140
306,240
Shakers
1850
5,150
11
39,500
1860
5,200
12
41,000
1870
8,850
18
86,900
Spiritualists- -
1860.
6,275
17
7,500
1870
6,970
22
100,150
Unitarians-
1850
138,067
245
3,280,822
1860.
138,213
264
4,338,316
1870.
155,471
310
6,282,675
United Brethren in Christ ---
1850
4,650
14
18,600
1870
265,025
937
1,819,810
Universalists-
1850
215,115
530
1,778,316
1860
235,219
664
2,856,095
1870.
210,884
602
5,692,325
Since 1830 the four leading Protestant denominations of the city of New York compare as follows :-
Years.
Presbyterian.
Episcopal.
Baptist.
Methodist.
1830
8,926
2,806
2,931
3,955
1840.
9,412
3,299
4,936
6,175
1850.
10,815
7,374
8,127
7,562
1860
14,342
8,416
9,211
9,832
1870
15,842
11,209
11,203
10,621
1872.
15,772
14,163
11,252
10,322
The following table shows the proportion of the leading denominations to the population of New York City, at periods embracing an interval of forty years :-
Years.
Presbyterian .- Episcopal.
Baptist.
Methodist.
1830.
1 in 23
1 in 70
1 in 67
1 in 49
1870
1 in 53
1 in 84
1 in 84
1 in 89
633
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APPENDIX.
The contributions of the leading denominations in Now York for 1872, were as follows :-
Presbyterians, $863,000; Episcopalians, $747,000; Baptists, $190,000; Methodists, $212,000.
A table, exhibiting the progress of church building and extension, in the city of New York, during thirty-two years :-
1840.
1850.
1860.
1872.
Baptist.
15
28
32
30
Congregational
2
10
5
5
Dutch Reformed
8
15
21
18
Episcopalian
26
42
49
71
Friends
5
4
3
3
Lutheran
3
5
7
14
Methodist Episcopal
5
31
32
40
Methodist (African) ..
2
4
5
4
Presbyterian.
19
32
43
40
Roman Catholic.
7
18
29
41
Reformed Presbyterian.
6
2
5
4
Synagogues
3
10
17
26
Unitarian.
1
2
2
3
Universalist
1
3
1
5
United Presbyterian.
1
4
4
7
Miscellaneous
9
12
20
11
Total.
113
222
278
332
Statistics of the four leading denominations in Brooklyn :-
Years.
Membership.
Churches.
Ratio to Population.
Presbyterians-
1865.
4,937
16
1 in 62
1870.
5,972
22
1 in 52
Episcopal-
1865
6,211
23
1 in 50
1870.
7,127
34
1 in 55
Baptist-
1865.
4,613
17
1 in 67
1870.
6,812
20
1 in 59
Methodist-
1865.
7,535
26
1 in 47
1870
9,035
34
1 in 42
Interesting statistics in regard to Missions :-
The American Board of Missions has been established about sixty-three years. During the first sixty-two years it has received a grand total of $14,183,248 65, or an average per year of $229,084 65. Up to the year 1868 634
APPENDIX.
.
the number of converts was 325,580. The cost of each convert was there. fore $467 56. The total number of laborers in the mission field was 1,278. The number of missionaries was 538; of missionary churches, 173, which gave an average of 57 members and 7 laborers to each church. During six- ty-one years there was an annual average gain of 388 members. By statistics taken from the Encyclopedia Britannica to 1857, and from statistics furnished by Dr. Lowry and Dr. Anderson, from that year to 1858, the total amount spent on missions by the supporters of the Protestant faith was $17, 276,339. .The expenses of the missions for the eleven years show that the cost of each convert was $1,311. The cost to the Missionary Union (American Baptist) per convert baptized is $55; the cost to the Long Island Association is $111; to the New York Association, $572; to the Black River Association, $278; an average of $130. The largest Asiatic mission costs $43 per convert bap- tized; to the largest church in Brooklyn the cost was $1,045; to the largest church in New York $810; to the largest church in the Black River Associa- tion, $400; an average of $760. The Asiatic Mission that baptized the largest number cost $24 per convert baptized; to the church in Brooklyn that baptized the largest number the cost was $154; to the church in New York, $110; to the church in the Black River Association, $101; an aver- age of $115. These figures refer solely to Baptist associations and churches at home and abroad.
635
APR
75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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