"Mariner's Temple," New York Times, June 4, 1863
At the session of the New-York Baptist Association, now convened in this City, a very interesting letter was read by Rev. J.R. STEWARD, Pastor of the First Baptist Mariner's Church, in which it was stated that the place of worship previously occupied has been disposed of, on account of its ineligible location, and the commodious church edifice [at the] corner of Henry and Oliver streets had been purchased; that a debt of $13,000 had been incurred, which amount having been divided into one hundred and thirty parts, was already diminished by $4,000. An earnest desire was expressed that speedily the entire indebtedness might be canceled, and the valuable property secured forever to the cause of the sailor. A worthier object could scarcely be presented to the benevolence of the public, and it is hoped that such a response will be made at once to the call for funds as shall enable this working Church to prosecute still more extensively its mission of love.
Perhaps no religious organization, supported at so small a cost of money, can present such a table of results for one year as that furnished by this church:
Number of visits to seamen and others..... 6,941 Number of visits to vessels and boarding-houses.... 2,190 Number of persons induced to attend meetings.... 3,051 Number of prayer meetings and addresses.... 296 Number of hopeful conversions and backsliders reclaimed.... 42 Number of signers to temperance pledge... 54 Number of pages of tracts, books and religious papers distributed... 376,282 Number of Bibles furnished to the destitute... 1,723 Number of vessels supplied with religious reading... 237 Besides the above the church holds its regular meetings every day and evening during the year. The church, from all sources outside, has received in money only $356.56, while its benevolent contributions have amounted to $474.56. Can the merchants of this city do a better service to the cause of morality and religion than to help with their money such a church to free itself from debt.
A meeting to consider the claims of seamen will be held Thursday evening, at the Mariner's Temple, corner of Oliver and Henry-streets. Addresses will be made by sailors, Rev. Dr. T.D. ANDERSON, and others.