George Weir, Jr., to Frederick Douglass, February 14, 1857

For Frederick Douglass' Paper

DEDICATION OF THE EAST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BUFFALO.

BUFFALO, February 14th, 1857.

FRIEND DOUGLASS:—As a public journalist, I have thought perhaps it might be interesting to you, as well as some of your readers, to inform you of the Dedication of our new Church, which took place on the 5th inst.

The East Presbyterian Church, under the pastoral care of Rev. JACOB A. PRIME, has just completed a handsome and commodious house of worship. The site upon which it is situated, is eligible in every respect. The lot is 40 by 100 feet, situated in a somewhat retired and pleasant part of the city. The building is 34 by 70 feet—finished in modern style of architecture—heated by two furnaces, and lighted with gas. The windows are of beautiful stained glass, and the whole building we think, is one which reflects much credit upon us as a people, and particularly upon its worthy pastor, who has labored assiduously both day and night, and under whose especial supervision the building has been erected. Too much credit cannot be awarded to Mr. PRIME for his ardent and untiring labors in the great enterprize; for we speak not boasting when we say, that our of more than twenty churches in this city, none excels this in point of elegance and beauty.

The Consecration services took place on Thursday afternoon, and every thing passed off agreeably and satisfactorily. The following was observed as the Order of Exercises:

1. Voluntary singing, by the Choir, under the direction of MR. HENRY MOXLEY.

2. Invocation Prayer, by the Rev. MR. RANKIN.

3. Reading the Scriptures, by the Rev. Doctor THOMPSON.

4. General Prayer, by the Rev. Mr. ANDERSON.

5. Singing, by Choir.

6. Dedication Sermon, by the Rev. AMOS GERRY BEMAN, of New Haven, Conn. Text Psalms cxx, 1.

7. Dedication Prayer, by Rev. Dr. CHESTER.

8. Singing, by the Choir.

9. Benediction, by the Rev. Mr. DORRELL.

Thus closed the solemn and interesting services, I would add a word in relation to the Sermon by of our worthy friend, Mr. BEMAN; but perhaps any effort that I might make to eulogize it, would fall far short of doing anything like justice. Suffice it to say, that it was a production. In every way worthy of the noble head and heart from whence

it emanated.

Another word in relation to the services to be hereafter performed. While this temple has been solemnly dedicated and set apart for the worship of Almighty God, its altar has also been consecrated to the cause of Human Liberty. Within its sacred walls the cause of our oppressed and down-trodden brethren may at all times be plead; and from its sacred desk shall ascend prayers to the living God in their behalf. Would to God that our churches throughout the land would unite upon this one point! for when this is once faithfully and fearlessly done—when the voice of our clergy is no longer stifled, and the doors of our sanctuaries are no longer closed against the appeals of the salve—then may we, with propriety look for the ushering in of that blessed and millennial morn, when Freedom shall be proclaimed throughout the borders of our entire land. Hoping that this day may soon arrive.

I am yours, &c.,

GEORGE WEIR, JR.

P. S.—Brother BREMAN has again met with a sad bereavement. While in our city, he received a telegraphic dispatch, announcing the death of his daughter, FANNIE, a promising and intelligent girl of about fourteen years. May God sustain him in his sad misfortunes.

W.