Mr. Denison was succeeded by his assistant, William Raymond Jelliffe.
They had been close friends, Mr. Jelliffe leaving business and entering
the ministry while at Sea and Land. He was ordained June 7, 1900, having
been at the church since May, 1893. He left December 31, 1905, to join
Mr. Denison in Boston, and later came to the Madison Avenue Presbyterian
church as assistant. Mr. Jelliffe did fundamental work with the Young
People's Society, that has been a staunch support of the church ever
since.
Rev. Orrin Giddings Cocks next headed the church's work. In his time the
financial affairs of the church were further strengthened and Mr. Cocks
is still an officer of the church which he has served many years.
Following the custom, Mr. Cocks' assistant, Rev. Russell Stanley
Gregory, next directed the work, being ordained June 25, 1908, and
taking charge at the close of the year. He was at the church ten years.
[Illustration: Old 61 Henry Street]
In 1909 the old Consistory Building was torn down. It held precious
memories for many, for in spite of its limitations it had in its 66
years given a service that had included about everything one could
imagine connected with church work. It had sheltered Sunday school,
Lylians, innumerable clubs, a kindergarten, not to speak of the earlier
days when prayer-meetings, school, temperance and Young Men's Christian
Association meetings exerted an influence that went out far beyond its
narrow walls. Even the stoop that had been worn by many feet, some very
little, had caused a poet to sing. It all went.
The new building that took its place was splendidly planned by Cady &
Gregory. It houses every activity of a modern church. Club rooms for
girls, boys and men, gymnasium, showers, kitchens, kindergarten rooms,
first-aid rooms, and quarters for the ladies in residence. There is a
roof garden where on hot summer evenings services and other gatherings
may be held.
[Illustration: New 61 Henry Street]
The friends of the church came to its assistance in such munificent
manner that not a single contract was made until subscriptions covering
it were in the hands of the trustees, and in every instance the actual
cash was in the treasury before payments came due. When, on May 3, 1910,
the building was opened with appropriate exercises there was a balance
on hand more than sufficient for all claims. It cost $43,000.
[Illustration: Oakwood House Before Renovation]
Another important achievement comes in this time. For years the church
had been moving about in rented quarters for fresh air work, finally
landing on Staten Island for several years. An option had been secured
on a house with over eight acres of ground at Oakwood Heights, and after
a year's occupancy that proved its availability, it was bought December
30, 1912, and next year some additional land was acquired, including
ocean front. The funds collected were sufficient to pay for house and
land, as well as a new bungalow and thoro overhauling of the old but
substantial house. As in the case of the new Sixty One all moneys needed
were in hand before they were required. On every occasion the people of
the church themselves have contributed amounts that were sacrifices
considering their limited means.
[Illustration: Oakwood House]
The Fresh Air Fund is entirely separate from the General Fund of the
church, and each year the expenses are covered by special subscriptions,
in the collection of which Mr. George C. Fraser and Mrs. Stephen Baker
have greatly interested themselves for many years. In its early days
Miss Helen Gould was one of the good friends of the Fresh Air Fund.
Mr. Gregory left December 1, 1913, to go to East Aurora, N. Y., and was
succeeded by Rev. John Ewing Steen, who had been ordained at the church
on October 13, 1910.
In 1917 Mr. Steen left suddenly for France in company with Mr. Gregory
for Young Men's Christian Association work with the army, Mr. Denison
being there also.
On Mr. Steen's leaving a hurry call brought Mr. Alfred D. Moore back
once more, under whom the preparations for the church's centennial were
taken up in spite of stress of war and inadequate assistance.
[Illustration: Cooking School Kitchen]