insure greater permanence.
Mr. Corning sold it for $25,000, which meant a gift of some $10,000 from
him, the church itself giving about $1,500. James Lenox contributed
$1,000.

The deed was a peculiar one, making the Church of the Sea and Land a
third party, and giving it the right of occupancy as long as it was in
ecclesiastical connection with the Presbytery, "or until in the judgment
and by vote of three-fourths of the members present at any regular
meeting of the Presbytery it shall be decided to be no longer expedient
to continue or sustain religious services or missionary work in that
church or locality."

It was also stated in the deed that all seats should be free, whereas in
the Dutch church the pews were private property except that one-tenth
of the pews were to "be free forever for the use of the poor and of
strangers," and such pews were marked on the doors as free.

This is why the new church boldly painted "seats free" over the doorway.

Mr. Corning was a member of the Brick Presbyterian church, to which he
gave considerable sums. He contributed liberally to many objects, but
not indiscriminately, and the mission fields in Brazil, the American
Bible Society and many other organizations were stronger for his
munificence and wise counsel. Mr. Corning died April 22, 1878. A gift
of Mr. Corning that the church still cherishes is its pulpit Bible.

Mr. Corning's interest in the church that practically was founded by
him has never ceased, for after his death his daughter and son again
became interested, and the third generation is still represented in the
officers of the church and among its givers.

Rev. S. F. Farmer supplied the pulpit for a little while till John Lyle
was installed June 25, 1867. Next January the session met almost
continuously for the reception of members. The records show that in 1867
and 1868 133 members were received after examination and 80 by letter.

In November, 1868, Mr. Lyle was deposed by Presbytery. He died in 1881.

Edward Hopper came in 1868 and on June 29, 1869, he was installed as
pastor.

[Illustration: Edward Hopper]

Mr. Hopper was born on February 17, 1816, graduating from Union Seminary
in 1842. He was pastor at Greenville, N. Y., eight years, at Sag Harbor,
L. I., eleven years. After a short time at Plainfield, N. J., he
accepted the call to New York. In 1871 Lafayette College conferred the
degree of Doctor of Divinity on him.

Dr. Hopper wrote a number of