I was asked for a statement to the people through the press.  From a scrap-book I copy this statement:—­

    “To the People—­

“By sudden calamity we are without a church.  The building associated with so much that is dear to us is in ashes.  In behalf of my stricken congregation I make appeal for help.  Our church has never confined its work to this locality.  Our church has never been sufficient either in size or appointments for the people who came.  We want to build something worthy of our city and worthy of the cause of God.

“We want $100,000, which, added to the insurance, will build what is needed.  I make appeal to all our friends throughout Christendom, to all denominations, to all creeds and to those of no creed at all, to come to our rescue.  I ask all readers of my sermons the world over to contribute as far as their means will allow.  What we do as a Church depends upon the immediate response made to this call.  I was on the eve of departure for a brief visit to the Holy Land that I might be better prepared for my work here, but that visit must be postponed.  I cannot leave until something is done to decide our future.

    “May the God who has our destiny as individuals and as churches in
    His hand appear for our deliverance!

    “Responses to this appeal to the people may be sent to me in
    Brooklyn, and I will with my own hand acknowledge the receipt
    thereof.

    “T.  Dewitt Talmage.”

I had planned to sail for the Holy Land on October 30, but the disaster that had come upon us seemed to make it impossible.  I had almost given it up.  There followed such an universal response to my appeal, such a remarkable current of sympathy, however, that completely overwhelmed me, so that by the grace of God I was able to sail.  To the trustees of the Tabernacle much of this was due.  They were the men who stood by me, my friends, my advisers.  I record their names as the Christian guardians of my destiny through danger and through safety.  They were Dr. Harrison A. Tucker, John Wood, Alexander McLean, E.H.  Lawrence, and Charles Darling.  In a note-book I find recorded also the names of some of the first subscribers to the new Tabernacle.  They were the real builders.  Wechsler and Abraham were among the first to contribute $100, “Texas Siftings” through J. Amory Knox sent $25, and “Judge” forwarded a cheque for the same amount, with the declaration that all other periodicals in the United States ought to go and do likewise.  A.E.  Coates sent $200, E.M.  Knox $200, A.J.  Nutting $100, Benjamin L. Fairchild $100, Joseph E. Carson $100, Haviland and Sons $25, Francis H. Stuart, M.D., $25, Giles F. Bushnell $25, and Pauline E. Martin $25.