been $65,000; and that a debt remained upon it, after all that had been paid, of $18,000. It was felt that the original design would never be completed, or the highest prosperity and energy of the Society be secured, until this was removed. Accordingly, in January 1848, measures were adopted for its liquidation; and before April of the same year, the whole amount was subscribed, within the Society, and the property released from every incumbrance. A secure basis was thus established for permanent pecuniary prosperity; the original design in regard to the enterprise, was in this respect completely realized; and the Society now shows year by year a regular balance in its treasury. It is also accumulating, gradually, a choice and ample Pastoral Library.

There are now connected with the Church more than four hundred members. The usual attendance on the Sabbath worship numbers a thousand. Two seasons of general religious inquiry and interest have been enjoyed during the last seven years; and few communions have passed without some persons presenting themselves for union with the Church on profession of their faith.

In view of all the progress of the Church thus far, of its present position and strength, and of the prospects for usefulness that are evidently opening before it, its members feel that they have abundant reason for gratitude and hope, though also for humility. Through many scenes, of expectation and disappointment, of confidence and of patience, the hand of God has led them up, to a point where their numbers are comparatively large, their means of usefulness ample, and their visible influence extensive and enlarging. To Him, they would render all the praise. Upon Him, they would rely for wisdom and for grace. And in His strength they would go joyfully forth, to the labors, the trials, and as they trust the Christian successes, of the inviting Future.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, ALBANY.

REV. RAY PALMER, D. D., PASTOR.

In the early part of the year 1850, an Association of gentlemen connected with different congregations in the city, purchased the house of worship then recently vacated by the First Presbyterian Church, with a view to the establishment of a new religious Society, together with a Church of the faith and order of the Pilgrim Fathers of New England. This step was taken from a conviction that there was need of another Church; and it was hoped, that one Congregational in its form, while it would meet the wishes and the sympathies of numerous families of New England origin already in the city, or removing into it from time to time, might also have a happy influence, as a new religious element in the general system of instrumentalities before established, for the advancement of the cause of Christ. The house thus secured, was opened for public worship on the first Sabbath in April.

On the 10th of July following, eighty-one persons, dismissed by letter from other communions, were duly organised by an ecclesiastical council assembled for the purpose, as the First Congregational Church in Albany. The services were deeply interesting, and an able and instructive sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Bacon, of New Haven.

In the course of the succeeding autumn, the Church and congregation invited the Rev. Dr. Palmer, then minister of the Third Congregational Church in Bath, Me., to become their Pastor. The call was accepted; and on the 10th of December Dr. Palmer was installed by council with the usual services, Rev. E. N. Kirk, of Boston, preaching the sermon. The organization of the enterprise was thus completed, and those who had enlisted in it, had the satisfaction of seeing their place of worship

occupied, almost at once, by a large congregation, and of believing, from many indications, that God was pleased to smile on their hunible efforts to do good.

During these first three years of its existence, one hundred and twenty-one have been added to the Church-a very large part of them on profession of their faith. Forty-three children have been offered for baptism. There are at present upwards of two hundred members of the Sabbath School and Bible Classes, and the weekly prayer meetings are well sustained. It is gratefully to be acknowledged, that the presence of the divine Spirit has been indicated almost from the beginning, by a succession of serious inquirers, and of hopeful conversions unto Christ. United and peaceful within itself, the Church has also the kindest relations to the sister churches of the city.

The history of the Church edifice is not without an interest. It has long been known as the " Old Brick," and has always been rather a favorite with the community. It was erected in 1769. The now venerable Dr. Nott, of Union College, was installed as Pastor in it in 1798. His successors have been, Dr. Romeyn, afterwards Pastor of the Cedar Street Church, New York, Dr. Wm. Neil, Rev. A. J. Stansbury, Rev. Henry R. Weed, and Dr. John N. Campbell, the present accomplished Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Its walls have echoed to a vast number of able and eloquent discourses, and within them many refreshing influences of the Spirit have been enjoyed; so that it is not strange that pleasant and almost sacred associations should be connected with the place in the minds of many, who have been familiar with it from their childhood.

During the last summer the Old Brick was closed eleven weeks for repairs. It has been very greatly improved both within and without. The old pulpit, with its appendages, has given place to one more modern and tasteful in its style. The fronts of the galleries have been lowered, and the entire interior newly painted and furnished, and on the whole, this fine old Church now ranks among the most pleasant, commodious, and cheerful looking places of worship in the city.