ceived for such, were in many cases quite small, however, it was a means of some little income, which came in handy. The reader must not forget that my stamp collecting was largely done when I had leisure and was not busy working on our little farm, or working at my trade, or at printing.

I was, as the reader may imagine, a pretty busy young man, being a farmer, a carpenter, a printer and a stamp dealer. I worked nearly a year at the St. Johnland Institution, founded by Dr. Muhlenberg. The wages paid were $1.50 per day of 10 hours. Though busy, I was faithful to the church, not only attending the Sunday services, but also the weekly prayer meetings when held.

Chapter XII.

ANOTHER PREACHER CALLED HOME.
THE VACANCY FILLED BY REV. W. A.
LAYTON.

W

"Man goeth forth unto

his work, and to his labor,

until the evening."-Psa. 105, 25.

E must now take up some matters pertaining to the church again. Matters of great importance to me. Our Pastor, Rev. Chas. Sterns, with his wife, had occupied the parsonage at the Branch. He too was far from being strong and robust, and was soon to follow Mr. Redford. The end came Dec. 20th., 1879, and his remains were laid away at East Norwich, L. I. He was 69 years old. This was the second minister who had died while on the Smithtown charge. Mrs. Sterns remained at the parsonage after the death of her husband.

The next Conference would not be until April and so we were without a minister, and this being the case, the churches were without preaching until a supply could be obtained to fill the pulpit until conference time, when a new preacher or pastor would be sent us. We did not receive a supply at once, so services were held without a preacher for a short time. Prayer meetings and class meetings, as well as special meetings, were held in the Landing church.

These were largely conducted by the young church members, and were held nightly, for a time. I often led the meetings and they were still in progress Jan. 30th., 1880.

He

When the new supply arrived, he proved to be a young student from Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, N. J., about 2 years older than I was. was brought from the Branch railroad station by Capt. J. B. Conklin, arriving at the church about 8 p. m. A number were at the altar, engaged in prayer when they entered the church; I learned of their arrival, and of course turned the meeting over to the one who was to be our pastor, until April 1st. at least. His name was Wm. A. Layton, and though a young man, it was quite evident that he was a man of some experience, and showed his real interest in the church. The revival meetings which were in progress when he came, were soon closed, and the regular services went on as usual.

At the Annual Conference which soon took place, Rev. W. A. Layton, was appointed to the Smithtown charge as the regular minister, for the year 1880. He had not yet graduated from Drew, but had practically completed his required studies, and was anxious to begin his work on the charge. There was much to be done, including the repairing of the old Parsonage at the Branch, as well as the regular work in the three churches. So April 15th., Mr. Layton left Drew, and began active work on the charge.

Mrs. Sterns was still at the parsonage, but a little later moved away and Mr. Layton, with his