West Forty-Eighth Street, New York

We began our existence as an organization in February 1870. In November of same year, the organization was completed by the Presbytery of New York, through the installation over us of Rev. James Kennedy, of Ireland.

At this time there was by a membership of sixty-two. Under his faithful ministry, the congregation grew into an active and vigorous organization. In consequence of this, with the Holy Spirit as our helper, a great deal of work was accomplished in the locality where we were situated.

Dr. Kennedy came to us in the full vigor of mental and physical power. Nothing could better characterize these years than to say that he was a man of growth. It was not long therefore, ere his attainments as a scholar along biblical and literary lines were recognized throughout our Church. Still, never would this have occurred had not Mr. Kennedy kept abreast of the times in every respect:

As a man, he was deeply spiritual in his every-day life. What seemed theory in the pulpit became experience here. On the street, as well as in the home, did he emulate the Christ "whose he was and whom he served." As far as our knowledge goes, he never lost an opportunity of endeavoring to do good with whomsoever he came in contact.

As a pastor, he was diligent and faithful in ministering to the people of his charge. It seemed to be a matter of conscience for him to follow the Christ law of service, "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." During his pastorate over us, he never failed to make a pastoral visit annually on every member of his congregation. He was also a frequent visitor as a counselor and friend, in time of trouble, sickness, bereavement. Thereby many were comforted and brought into closer relation with their Master.

As a preacher, he was great and powerful. As an expounder of Scripture, he was keen. As an illustrator of Divine Truth, he was a firm belieiver in using the natrual sciences and all phases of human life. In our church he had few equals in pulpit eloquence and heart-searching power.

As a Session, therefore, be it resolved:

1. That, in the death of Dr. Kennedy, we recognize the loss of postor, a counselor, a friend. We will livelong in our memory, and his name is already enshrined in our hearts.

2. That, to the members of his immediate family, we offer our warmest sympathy. We know they will recognize that for him "to live was Christ, and to die is gain." We commend them to our Saviour's care. May their hearthstone be one where He loves to dwell.

3. To the congregation we would recommend a most earnest endeavor to live Christ. Let none of the sheep or lambs be missing, so that both the undershepherd and flock may be reunited on the other shor, in the presence of our Shepherd King.

4. That a copy of this minute be sent to thge immediate family of the late Dr. Kennedy. Also that a copy be forwarded to the Olive Trees and Christian Nation of our Church.

Theodore Melville Carlisle, Moderator.

Robert McAfee, Clerk.

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at Walton, New York, May 1898

On Wednesday, January 26, 1898, passed away from earth Rev. James Kennedy, D.D.. At the time of his departure he had been in the Gospel ministry for over 55 years. The ability which attracted attention to his preaching in the North of Ireland, where he was engaged in pastoral work from 1843 to 1870, characterized his ministry in the United States. As pastor of the Fourth Congregation in New York, his preaching was uniformly clear and impressive, every truth that he presented having been evidently wrought out in his own experience before it fell from his lips in the pulpit. An unblemished character, united with a well cultivated mind, and a sanctified desire to excel, placed him, not only in the opinion of his own congregation, but of brethren in other parts of the Church, in the front rank of the ministers of this century. Like the witnesses in Reformation times, he held up before men, always and everywhere, the living Christ, in whose fellowship he found so much joy and strength. The great truths centering in the person of the Mediator were portrayed with a vividness and beauty of illustration that at once impressed and delighted his audiences.

James Kennedy never claimed for himself a prominent place in the Church courts; but, when he did speak, his views always commanded respect. He listened quietly to the debates, and often at an opportune moment would make a suggestion that carried conviction and served to harmonize conflicting opinions. His election in 1886 to a professorship in the Theological Seminary showed very clearly the esteem and confidence in which he was held by his brethren. A man of ripe scholarship, a close student of the Bible, a thoroughly devoted servant of Jesus Christ, he was well qualified to instruct and train young men for their life-work.

James Kennedy was indeed "a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work". As a Synod we record our appreciation of his character and services as an able minister of the New Testament, and for 27 years a loyal fellow-laborer. We think of him as having finished his course and as having received the crown of righteousness that the Lord gives to every one that loves His appearing.

R.M. Sommerville

F.M. Foster

T.M. Carlisle

A. Alexander,

Robert McAffee,

Committee