But although our churches in Manhattan are declining in numbers while
those of the other boroughs are growing, Manhattan still holds the key
to the city. For generations it will be the community in which the most
serious problems of church and society will have to be studied and
solved. Manhattan has strategical value not merely for Greater New York
but for every city in the land where similar problems must be solved.
If our churches run away from such a field, we shall never gain a
victory else where. If we win here, we shall be entitled to a place in
the legion of honor.

Four higher schools connected with the churches of New York have
endeared themselves to the hearts of their friends and are giving
promise of growing usefulness.

Concordia College originated in St. Matthew's Academy, in 1881. After
years of struggle and sacrifice it was moved to Bronxville in 1908,
where it occupies a valuable property. It has 110 students.

Wagner College was called into being in 1883 in Rochester. It belongs to
the New York Ministerium. Numerous pastors in this city are alumni of
Wagner College. In 1916 it was decided to move the college to New York.
A splendid property of 38 acres was purchased on Grymes Hill near
Stapleton, Staten Island, and in the Fall of 1918 it will take up its
work within the precincts of Greater New York.

Upsala College began as an academy in Brooklyn in 1893. It belongs to
the Swedish Augustana Synod. It was moved to Kenilworth, N. J., in 1898,
and became a college in 1904. Within ten years it has contributed more
than forty pastors, missionaries and teachers to the work of the church.