The Presbyterians, whose activity and strength are at this time second to no Protestant body in New York, were long and bitterly opposed in establishing their system of worship. They met in private houses for a considerable period, and in 1716 organized their first society, connecting it with the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Having gained recognition from the authorities, they were allowed to worship in the City Hall until 1719, when they opened their first edifice in Wall street near Broadway. This first building was enlarged in 1748, rebuilt on an enlarged scale in 1810, destroyed by fire in 1834, and again rebuilt and occupied until 1844, when it was sold and taken down; the congregation erecting what has since been known as the First Presbyterian church, corner of Broadway and Eleventh street. Their second edifice, the "Brick church," on the corner of Beekman and Nassau streets, was dedicated January 1, 1768, and stood at that time in the open field. The next was the Rutgers-street church, opened for worship May 13, 1798, which was followed by the Duane, established in 1808, and the church of University place in 1845. Many of their churches are now located in the richest parts the city, with large Sunday schools and intelligent congregations. It is doubtful whether two more wealthy or liberal congregations can be found on this continent than that of the First Presbyterian church, Dr. Paxton, pastor, which last year contributed to benevolent enterprises over one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, and the Fifth avenue Presbyterian church, Dr. John Hall, pastor, which contributed over one hundred and eighteen thousand dollars. Of these sums nearly a quarter of a million went to outside charities. A collection of $20,000 is no unusual thing for a Sabbath morning. Many of these churches establish and support missions in less favored localities. The churches and mission chapels of the Presbyterians proper number seventy, those of the United Presbyterians eight, of the Reformed Presbyterians seven, and of the Congregationalists nine. Several magnificent institutions, which are elsewhere described in this work, have recently been projected by this denomination.