e of about $1,500,000, and
they pay out in charities about $5,000,000 more. The Roman Catholics
have forty churches, each with a large and rapidly increasing
congregation. Their church property is estimated at about $4,000,000,
and their other property used for religious and educational purposes is
exceedingly valuable. The Greek Church has one congregation, now
worshipping in a temporary chapel. The Jews have twenty-seven
synagogues, some of which are very handsome. In all, there are nearly
500 edifices in New York used for the public worship of God.

The first churches built in the city were those of the Dutch. Their
church records are uninterrupted as far back as the year 1639. Their
successors are now known as the Reformed Dutch, and are now in possession
of twenty-five churches and chapels in the city. Some of these are very
handsome. The new Collegiate Church, at the northwest corner of the
Fifth avenue and Forty-eighth street, is to be built of brown stone, with
light stone trimmings. It is nearly completed, and when finished will be
one of the most massive and imposing church edifices in America.

The Protestant Episcopal Church was introduced into the city at the
advent of the English. The conquerors seized and appropriated to their
own use the old Dutch Church in the fort, and introduced the service of
the Church of England, which was continued there until the completion of
the first Trinity Church in 1697. This denomination now possesses
ninety-four churches and chapels in the city, and a number of benevolent
and charitable institutions. Its churches outnumber those of any other
denomination, and its membership is the wealthiest. The General
Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church is located in New
York. Trinity, mentioned elsewhere in this work, is the principal
church. Grace, St. Thomas's, St. George's, Ascension, Calvary, the new
St. Bartholomew's, St. John's, Trinity Chapel, St. Paul's, St. Peter's,
the Transfiguration, and the Heavenly Rest, are among the most beautiful
in the city.

The Lutherans were the third in the order of their appearance in New
York. They were to be found here before the capture of the city by the
English, but their first church was not erected until 1702. It was a
small stone edifice, and was located at the corner of Broadway and Rector
street. They have now fifteen flourishing churches, and are very strong
in members and wealth.

The Presby