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 4
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 4
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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
For twenty-seven years he was chaplain of the Maryland State Hospital for the Insane. He was several years Superintendent of the Public Schools of Baltimore while rector of St. Stephen's and St. James' Churches, and resigned the rectorship of the former to give his time more fully to the schools. He held the position of Su- perintendent for nineteen years. During the whole of this time he was chaplain of the Maryland Hospital, and rector of one or other of the churches. He officiated cach Sunday at St. Stephen's, once at St. James', and once at the Hospital.
He served two years as Diocese Missionary Agent of four eentral committees, ordered by the convention. He delivered the prayer at the laying of the corner-stone of the Smithsonian Institute in Wash- ington, and of the National Washington Monument in the same city, both of which prayers are published in the reports of the proceedings. IIe received the degree of M. D. fro:n a college of Kentucky, and D. D. from the Masonic University of Kentucky. He was Secretary of the Maryland branch of the Christian Commis- sion during the war. He visited the battle-fields and wrote appeals to the public, reports, etc. Four of these reports cover nearly eight hundred pages.
In the midst of his other work in Baltimore, his literary labors for the press were numerous. He was editor of a monthly publica- tion called the Baltimore Monument, and of the Baltimore Young Men's Paper, Baltimore Athencum, Maryland Temperance Herald, weekly periodicals. At a later period he edited the Baltimore Pa- triot, a daily commercial paper. He published a volume of poems of three hundred and sixty pages before he was ordained to the min- istry, and has published numerous volumes of Sunday school and other sketches. He has published by request, after delivering, twen-
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REV. JOHN N. MCJILTON, D. D.
ty-one sermons. IIis addresses and poems delivered at college commencements are numerous, and thirty-two of them have been published by the institutions before which they were delivered. Twenty years ago his nom de guerre of " Giles MeJuiqgin " was one of the best known of the day. His reports while Superintendent of the Public Schools are replete with practical suggestions on the sub- ject of education.
He was a prominent member of the Baltimore Young Men's Society, Young Men's Debating Society, Baltimore Lyceum, Mary- land Academy of the Fine Arts, and Society of the Baltimore Union Lyceum. He was conspicuous in founding the institution out of which grew the Maryland Institute, and delivered the first public address before the institution.
Some years since he was induced to withdraw from his exten- sive field of labor in Baltimore, and take up his residence in the city of New York. This was done for the purpose of joining with the late John Heeker in the various religious, charitable, and educa- tional enterprises which had been inaugurated by that gentleman. Dr. MeJilton became rector of the Madison Street Mission Chapel, and for several years labored with his usual efficiency. He then resigned, but continues to reside in New York.
The Mission Street Chapel was formally opened for divine service on Wednesday morning, June 17th, 1857. The services were of an imposing character. The Bishop of Mississippi, a number of other clergymen, and a large audience were present. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Morgan Dix. On this occasion the choral service was first introduced in this country. From that time to the present without intermission there has been a series of daily morning and evening prayer, with the litany on Wednesdays, held at this place. During the services of the opening, a communion service of solid gold, the gift of Mr. Hecker, was presented to the parish, and this is probably the only one of the kind to be found in the United States. Both this chapel and the one in Rutgers street are well at- tended at the daily and Sunday services. Many of those who at- tend are persons employed in the Hecker flour-mills and stores. The Rutgers Street Chapel is located in a portion of one of the buildings used as an immense bakery.
Mr. Hecker was well known as a baker and miller on a large scale. The mills of his late firm in New York are the most complete in the world. He was a self-taught and self-educated man. In fact, he may
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REV. JOHN N. MOJILTON, D. D.
be regarded as one of the most extraordinary men of the age. Ile gave daily attention to an immense business, but was also con- stantly carrying forward schemes of religious and moral duty. It was remarked by one who knew him intimately that in daily and exact attention to religious observances, he excelled any clergy - man in the land. His contributions for churches, schools, and dif- ferent charities amounted to nearly one hundred thousand dollars a year. He was the author of a work on the "Scientific Basis of Education," which shows most profound and original thought. Learning of the career of Dr. MeJilton in Baltimore, Mr. Hecker in- vited him to join him in New York. Another plan of Mr. Ilecker was the establishment of a Normal School, for the education of teach- ers upon a plan of classification according to the human faculties, of which he was the originator, and which he discusses in his book.
Dr. McJilton is under the average height, well-proportioned, erect, and active. He has a large head, with regular features. Ilis man- ners are entirely plain and unassuming. He is of cheerful, genial disposition ; and while his countenance is always pleasant and happy, his words and manners are warm and sincere. A man of vast ex- perience with all classes of persons, and of a critical and intelligent observation, his conversation is always interesting and instructive. As a preacher, he excels in practical, logical reasoning, and in tender and feeling appeals to the heart.
Our record of him is complete, and tells its own suggestive story. No man in public life has toiled harder or more successfully. Thoughtless of himself, but brave, carnest, and unwearying in every field of effort and duty, he has accomplished the work of not one man, but many men. His talents are varied, and his energies are only equaled by his fidelity to every cause in which he has been engaged.
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REV. JOHN NIEL MCLEOD, D. D.,* PASTOR OF THE FIRST REFORMED PRES- BYTERIAN CHURCH, NEW YORK.
EV. JOHN NIEL McLEOD was born in the city of New York, October 11th, 1806. He is the son of the late dis- tinguished Rev. Dr. Alexander McLeod, for a long period pastor of the First Reformed Church. He was graduated at Columbia College in 1826, and in theology at the The- ological Seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Phil- adelphia, in 1828. Accepting a call to the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Galway, Saratoga Co., N. Y., he was ordained and in- stalled December 28th, 1829, and remained as pastor for about two
years. In April, 1832, he was called to supply the pulpit of the First Church, New York, as an assistant to his father, and in Janu- ary following was made colleague, and on the death of Dr. Alexander McLeod, in February, he became and has since remained the pas- tor. Dr. McLeod thus speaks of the close of his father's ministra- tion and life: ".It was a matter of agreement between him and me that he would undertake the morning service, in whole or in part, and that, should he become exhausted, I must be prepared to take up and continue the exercise whenever he should lay it down. Sometimes he would be able to go through almost the entire morn- ing duty. Again, he would be found competent only to the brief exposition of the Psalm; and on other occasions he could proceed no further than the second prayer, and, breaking off abruptly, leave me the lecture which, in coming to the house of God, he had hoped to have exhibited himself. There were occasions, too, when on appear- ing in the sanctuary he would find himself unable to ascend the pulpit stairs, and the entire service would thus be devolved upon his assistant. But when he did appear, whether it was for the few
* Rev. Dr. McLeod departed this life, April 27th, 1874, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, and forty-sixth of his ministry.
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REV. JOHN NIEL MCLEOD, D. D.
moments or the hour, it was evident to all that it was the body, not the mind, that was enfeebled by disease ; and there were sometimes strokes of eloquence, and burstings forth of power, and utterances of a matured spirituality that told that the old fire was still burning within him, and that, if he was to preach no more, it was not because his mighty mind had failed him, but simply because his work was done. It was on one of these occasions that he preached his last sermon. ITis subject was 'Death.' It was the second of two, the first of which had been preached some time before. He had not fin- ished all he desired to say in the first, and resumed the subject when able to appear again."
The First Reformed Presbyterian Church in the city of New York was organized at the close of the year 1797, with twelve or fifteen members, being the fourth of the Presbyterian organizations in point of date. The first preaching was held in school-rooms, work- shops, and other humble places of the kind. As early as 1790 prayer meetings and preaching took place at the house of John Ag- new, No. 14 Peek slip. The records of the church furnish the fol- lowing statement under date of July 10th, 1799: " The following subscription is intended for each Sabbath that we have a sermon : John Agnew, 1 dollar; Andrew Gifford, 1-2; James Donaldson, 3 shillings ; Dunean Campbell, 1-4; James Nelson, 1-4; David Clark, 1-4; Samuel Radeliff, 1-4; John Thomson, 1-4; Mrs. Boggs, 1.4; Hugh Small, 1-4; James Smith, 1-4: William Tait, 1-4; Mrs. Fisher, 1-4; W. Acheson, 1-4 ; Betty, 6 penec ; Letty, 6 pence."
Rev. Dr. Alexander MeLeod was installed as first pastor on the 6th of July, 1801, and had attained to the thirty-fourth year of his ministry at the time of his death. As previously stated the Rev. Dr. John N. MeLeod became the colleague of his father, and suc- ceeded him.
The completion of the twenty-fifth year of Dr. John N. McLeod's ministry was marked by the presentation of a piece of plate and six hundred dollars on the part of the congregation. The plate bore this inscription : "Presented to Rev. John Niel MeLeod, D. D., with six hundred dollars, by the First Reformed Presbyterian Con- gregation, as a testimonial of affeetion to their pastor, and commem. orative of the completion of the twenty-fifth year of his pastorate. New York, Jan. 14th, 1858."
In 1801 a frame church edifice was erected on Chambers street, which was rebuilt of brick in 1818. A prolonged litigation took
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REV. JOHN NIEL MCLEOD, D. D.
place in regard to this property. The place of worship was changed to other places ; and finally the Union Presbyterian Church in Prince street was purchased for twenty thousand dollars. The edifice in Twelfth street now used by the congregation was first occupied in 1849. The whole property cost forty thousand dollars. There is no debt. For more than twenty years the congregation paid one- third of the salary of Dr. Campbell, missionary in Northern India. At the termination of this arrangement the subscriptions were dou- bled, and in addition the salary of John Niel MeLeod, a converted Mohammedan missionary in India, was pledged. A plot of thirty- two lots is owned in Greenwood Cemetery. In 1848 the First Re- formed Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn was organized by mem- bers from Dr. McLeod's congregation; and in 1851 the Second Reformed Presbyterian Church of New York was organized by a colony from the First Church. In twenty-five years the number of members in the Reformed Presbyterian communion increased from one hundred and twenty-seven to one thousand five hundred and forty-five.
Dr. McLeod was elected Professor of Doctrinal Theology of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Phil- adelphia, in 1851, which position he resigned in 1853; was re-elected and declined in 1855, and again elected and accepted in 1858. He received the degree of D. D. from Dickinson College in 1846. IIe was one of the celebrated committee of fifteen of the American Tract Society, to which was referred the question as to the duty of the Society in regard to the issuing of publications on the subject of slavery. The committee reported that publications bearing upon this subject ought not to be issued. Dr. McLeod was also a mem- ber of the committee of nine appointed by the American Bible So- ciety to make a thorough revision of the Scriptures in reference to grammatical, typographical, and other errors. The burden of the work was accomplished by a sub-committee of three, of which Dr. McLeod was chairman. In August, 1855, he was a delegate in the Paris Conference to form an Evangelical Alliance for the world. He passed about six months in the field during the late war, as chap- lain of the Eighty-fourth regiment New York troops. He is editor of The Banner of the Cross, published in Philadelphia. His other publications are a variety of sermons, addresses, &c. A sermon, advocating capital punishment, caused quite a sensation at the time of its delivery, in 1842.
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REV. JOHN NIEL MCLEOD, D. D.
In 1873, after some forty years of service, an assistant was pro vided for Dr. McLeod.
He is about of the average height, of full, round person, erect and active for his years. His head is round, with small, regular features, well-marked intellectual characteristics, and a thoughtful, composed expression. He is not without a considerable amount of dignity, but his whole bearing is that of the utmost courtesy. He speaks with much deliberation, and readily imparts the impression of his large mental acquirements, earnest piety, and genial disposi- tion. There is a degree of cheerfulness about him, and a very deci- ded animation at times, but his clerical character is always thor- oughly maintained.
Dr. McLeod's style of speaking is of the old-fashioned stamp. The Reformed Presbyterians are an earnest and sincerely pious peo- ple, clinging to the strict letter of their faith in all things. Hence a popular minister among them must be a man learned in the Serip tures, and showing in his own life and character the truths which he reveals and the principles he inculcates. Dr. McLeod exhibits all this profundity in his discourses, and illustrates his faith in all his daily walks. As a writer he is clear, pointed, and argumenta- tive, and sometimes very emphatic, but never indulges in anything like ornate fancy or impassioned eloquence. He speaks in the same way. He has a tone of distinctness and authoritativeness, and a calm, sincere manner. In a word, he is a marked type of the class of religionists of whose doctrines he is so conspicuous an upholder.
357
REV. W. NEILSON MOVICKAR,
RECTOR OF THE HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, (HARLEM,) NEW YORK.
EV. W. NEILSON McVICKAR is the son of Dr. J. A. McViekar, an old and esteemed physician of New York, and was born in that city October 19th, 1843. Hle was graduated at Columbia College in 1865, and in Theology at the General Episcopal Theological Seminary, New York, in 1868. Prior to his graduation at the seminary, he became an assistant of the Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Tyng, at St. George's Church, in which position he remained until September, 1868. At this date he accepted a call to his present parish, which had been re- cently organized in the section of New York known as Harlem.
The parish of the Holy Trinity Church was organized through the efforts of the Rev. Dr. Stephen II. Tyng, his son, Rev. Dr. Stephen H. Tyng, Jr., Rev. Dr. John Cotton Smith, and others, who desired to found in that portion of the city an Episcopal church to specially represent low church views. More than this, the ancient parish of St. Andrews had become very large, and a second church was much needed to meet the wants of the increased and increasing population. Hence, in September, 1867, religious services were appointed to be held at the Methodist Church, on One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street, near Sixth avenue, which were conducted by Dr. Tyng. After being conducted in this building for a period, they were held at the Baptist Church, and later at National HIall. In the summer of 1868 an organization of a new parish, under the title of the Holy Trinity Church, was accomplished with the most flattering prospects. A call was given to Mr. Mc Viekar in July, which he accepted in the following September, having in the meantime severed his connection with St. George's Church. The congregation increased with great rapidity, many persons of other denominations than the Episcopalian becoming indentified with it, and steps were soon taken for the erec- tion of a church edifice. A very fine site, embracing lots one hun- 358
REV. W. NEILSON MOVICKAR.
dred feet by one hundred and ten feet, was secured on the corner of Fifth avenue and One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street, where, on the 5th of May, 1869, the corner-stone of the new building was laid by Bishop Potter, of the diocese, assisted by Dr. Tyng, in the pre- sence of a numerous assemblage. The ground cost twenty-five thou- sand dollars, and the building which has been erected cost about six- ty thousand dollars. It is of yellow and red brick, and is an impos- ing and beautiful structure, with a seating capacity of about nine hundred. The interior is handsomely decorated, and presents many pleasing architectural and artistic effects. There is a fine organ, which cost seven thousand two hundred dollars. The opening ser- vices were held one year from the date of the laying of the corner- stone, May 5th, 1870. In 1873 Mr. MeVickar received a call to a church in Boston, at a salary of six thousand dollars a year, but he declined to go. A strong attachment exists between himself and his present people, and the growth and future prospects of the parish were such as to induce both to wish the relations between them to be continued. His summer vacation of 1873 was passed in Europe.
Mr. Mc Vickar is a tall, large person, standing, we should think, over six feet high. He is erect, and a splendid specimen of manly development and grace. His head is also large, with regular features, and he has light complexion and hair. You observe much of that intelligence and amiability in his face which not only prove the re- fined and genial man, but one of force and judgment as well. His bearing shows entire self-possession and no little dignity.
His religious views are liberal. Because he is an Episcopalian, he is not running a tilt with all other denominations, but is on the best possible terms with each of them. Ile desires to be an evangel- izer of all men in the fullest sense, and he welcomes all to his com- munion. In his congregation are those originally Methodists and Baptists, who all meet on the liberal Episcopalian footing which is to be maintained in Holy Trinity Church. In this he accomplished true Christian union, and gives his church a vitality and strength which are of the highest advantage to the welfare of the community at large.
Mr. Mc Vickar has excellent capabilities as a popular preacher. Although an Episcopalian, he has cultivated the habit of extempo- raneous speaking, and much of his sermon is delivered on the spur of the moment. He is naturally a good speaker, having an abundant flow of language, and a warm, earnest delivery. A close thinker,
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REV. W. NEILSON MCVICKAR.
and fertile in his imagination, he does not find it difficult either to argue or declaim, and his sermons lose nothing in force and brilliancy by being extemporaneous, but rather gain in both power and elo- quence.
He is an ardent Christian, and a thorough-going worker. There is no holding back, no lukewarmness, but he throws his heart and mind into his work with their utmost zeal. Consequently when he rises to speak he is full of his theme, and strong for his labor. As far as he has written anything it is comprehensive and sincere: and when he enlarges upon it, as the fresh and vigorous thoughts crowd upon him, he becomes effective in a high degree. ITis audience is sure to be carried with him, for he fascinates from the beginning. Clothed in his pulpit habiliments there are few clergymen who present a more impressive presence. His fine stature, and his erect, com- manding attitude, are striking. When to this is added his eloquence and popular style, it will be seen that he is well fitted to make his mark as a preacher.
His career is before him. Thus far much has been preparation ; but now he has entered upon the real work of his life. The field is wide, and will yield an abundant harvest. Guided by judgment, devoted through faith, able in mind, and earnest in heart, pure and self-sacrificing in character and life, this young husbandman is one who will surely till it according to God's own command.
, 360
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REV. SYLVESTER MALONE,
PASTOR OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL'S CATHO- LIC CHURCH, BROOKLYN, (E. D.)
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EV. SYLVESTER MALONE was born in Meath, Ire- land, in 1821, and emigrated to the United States when seventeen years of age. He was graduated at St. John's College, Fordham, and ordained to the Catholic priest- hood in 1844. Sent to the Eastern District of Brooklyn, then known as Williamsburg, with a population of only ten thousand souls, he undertook the charge of the first Catholic congregation there. His energy and picty were very strikingly ex- hibited, and his flock increased greatly. In a short time he built the handsome and substantial edifice, known as Saints Peter and Paul's Church. He was the first priest to introduce the Gothic style of architecture into the building of Catholic churches, now so generally admired and followed. Twelve or more parishes have grown out of this single congregation in a period of twenty-nine years.
Says a statement, regarding Father Malone : " As a pulpit orator, he is eloquent and fervid; his sermons are all extempore, and of a pure elevated style. During the late civil war his patriot record will long be remembered by every lover of free institutions. * * When the great Fair for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission took place, he was one of its most active supporters. When his Ward was trying to raise their quota for the army, he, unsolicited, gener- ously gave onc-fourth of his salary for a year for that object. It may truly be said of him that he is more American than the Americans themselves. As a minister, he is distinguished for an intense desire to instill and disseminate the principles of Christian charity, avoiding all sectarian controversy, and illustrating the truths of his religion by a life replete with good deeds to his fellow-men."
In appearance, Father Malone shows both physical and intellectual powers. His head is large, with a broad face, which is highly ex- pressive of his talents, energy, and amiability. He is respected by all classes, and has accomplished a work in the ministry of great importance to his denomination. 361
1
REV. G. HENRY MANDEVILLE, D. D.,
PASTOR OF THE FIRST REFORMED CHURCH, (HARLEM) NEW YORK.
EV. DR. G. HENRY MANDEVILLE was born in the City of New York, December 12th, 1825. His parents removed to Morris County, New Jersey, when he was some two or three years old, and he was brought up in that section. He prepared for college at a school at Hack- ensack, under the care of the Rev. J. S. Mabon. He
was graduated at Rutger's College, New Brunswick, in 1848, and at the Theological Seminary at the same place in 1851. In the same year, immediately upon the close of his studies, he accepted a call to the Reformed Church at Flushing, Long Island, where he was duly ordained and installed. Hc remained with the Flushing congregation for a little over eight years, doing a most acceptable work both as a minister and a citizen. While there he delivered a lecture on Flushing in a course for the benefit of the village poor, which was subsequently published in a small volume, with illustra- tions, under the title of "Flushing Past and Present," and is the best historical sketch of the place extant. In 1859 he was called to the Reformed Church at Newburg, New York, where he remained for a period of more than ten years. On the 1st of November, 1869, he was installed as the pastor of the First Reformed Church of Harlem, and successor of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah S. Lord, who had departed this life in the previous Spring. Dr. Mandeville received his degree of D. D. from Rutger's College in 1870.
The venerable First Reformed Church has a very interesting history. With the exception of the Collegiate Reformed Church, the First Church of Harlem, or, more strictly speaking, located on the corner of Third avenue and 121st street, New York city, is the oldest church organization on Manhattan Island, having been founded more than one hundred and eighty years ago. It is difficult, if not quite impossible, according to the best authority on this subject, to ascertain with precision when a church organization was first effected in the district known as Harlem. Dutch settlers were there very
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