USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > North Haven > A chronicle of two hundred years of St. John's Church > Part 2
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The period of the Revolutionary War was a particu- larly difficult one for Episcopalians. The clergy, at their ordination in England, were obliged to take an oath of loyalty to the king. When the revolution developed a few joined in the revolt, but most of them felt bound to abide by their oath. Many left for Canada or England, but some stayed on to serve their missions as best they could, with the hope of using their influence on the side of the king. Hence their parishes became divided, some parishioners becoming Tories, some trying to remain neutral, and oth- ers joining the colonists in revolting.
It is truly remarkable that the Episcopal Church was able to survive in America. The Congregational had be- come the recognized, established Church, powerful in
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religion, education and politics. Reverting to the faith of their ancestors small groups became actively interested in the Church of England, holding services and organizing parishes. There were very few clergymen so a parish did not see a missionary priest more than once or twice a year, if at all. They had to brave not only the common dangers of the colonist, but also the depletion of their ranks by migrations from established communities into the wilderness, dangers of wars such as the French and Indian, and above all severe persecution at the hands of their neighbors in the Congregational Church.
The years of the Revolutionary War were more len- ient to St. John's than to many of the other Episcopal par- ishes. The internal dissensions were not so violent. The natural antagonism between the supporters of the revolu- tion and the loyalists or supposed tories was not as great, and the persecutions were lighter. The Rev. Mr. An- drews remained in the area and continued his work as best he could.
When the Treaty of Peace was finally signed in No- vember 1782, we find St. John's somewhat weakened by the war years, but still an active parish. With the colo- nies definitely separated from England, what was the pros- pect for the coming years ?
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1783-1833
The year 1783 dawned and found the affairs of the Episcopal Church in the colonies in a very precarious position.
With the separation from England, the Church lost the support of the SPG. This meant that the clergy were cut off from the stipend they had received - a matter of from £ 40 to £ 60 a year. A few parishes were able to raise enough more to make up this difference, but most were too poor to do so. Also the supply of new clergy, limited though it had been, was now completely cut off. There was no bishop in the colonies to ordain new clergy, and under existing laws the English bishops could no long- er ordain men from the colonies.
The financial situation was made more difficult due to the fact that there was no national government as yet, and that each state was therefore issuing its own curren- cy, paper, with no solid backing, which quickly depreciated.
In an attempt to ease the clergy problem, ten of the twelve missionaries still in Connecticut, met and selected The Rev. Samuel Seabury as the priest to go to England for consecration as a bishop. He accepted the call and sailed for England in June 1783. It was two years before he was able to complete his mission and return to America.
In the meantime some revisions were made in the English laws which made it possible for English bishops to ordain men from America. Very few men were able to take advantage of this.
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INSCRIPTION TO BE PUT UNDER THE CORNER-STONE.
In the name of the FATHER, and of the Son, and of the HOLY GHOST :-- Jonen.
THIS CORNER-STONE OF
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH,
WAS, (WITH RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES,)
Lard on the 12th day of June, A. D. 1834, BY CHARLES WILLIAM BRADLEY, Rector of the Parish.
The Right Rev. ThoMis CHURCH BROWNELL, D. D., LL. D., being Bishop of Connecticut.
ISAAC STILES,
EVELIN BLAKSLEE, Wardens of St. John's Church.
JAMES HEATON,
CEPHAS CLARK,
ISAAC STILES,
HORACE STILES,
Building Committee.
JARED MANSFIELD,
ALFORD THORP,
ABRAHAM BLAKSLEE,
EZRA STILES, Organist. SIDNEY M. STONE, Architect and Master Builder. MILES BARBER, Master Mason.
The year 1783 found St. John's in the uncertain posi- tion of the other Episcopal parishes in the country, yet in some ways not as badly affected. The bitterness and lo- cal persecution engendered by the Revolutionary War did not reach the extremes in North Haven that they did in many other communities, - neighboring Wallingford for instance. Mr. Thorpe speaks of The Rev. Mr. Andrews, - "He was not molested in North Haven, but for a while he was put under heavy bonds in Wallingford and not allowed to visit any of his people without the consent of the select- men. " The other advantage St. John's had was that their priest of many years was still with them to lead in the spiritual life of the parish.
Another advantage in the life of St. John's was its music. We have noted that in the building of the church a singers' gallery was installed, and that choristers were elected at the annual meetings to lead in the singing. From the beginning there was an effort made to provide the best music possible. At first there were three choristers elec- ted, but as interest grew, more names were added. In 1773 there were six. In 1775 a new name appeared among the list of choristers, that of Titus Frost. His proficiency in music became so apparent during the next few years that in 1783 we find the vote for "Mr. Titus Frost to manage the singing". He continued in charge of the music for many years and with such success that The Rev. Mr. Lusk says "his name, as the 'Father of Music' in the parish will ever be a memorable name. "
In 1784 a sweeping change took place in the business part of the parish life. We have mentioned that the tax- ing authority rested in the Congregational Church, and no collector was elected by the Episcopal Society with the exception of the year 1771 when we find that Amos Allen was elected collector of "slip rent. " Like all Episcopal Parishes, St. John's had its duly elected wardens, clerk and vestry. In this year of 1784, because of state law, the Congregational system of transacting business had to be adopted. "There came into existence what was called 'The Prudential Committee of the Episcopal Society of North Haven'. " The annual meeting of the parish chose
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a moderator and then elected an executive committee of usually three or four, and a clerk. This Prudential Com- mittee also hired the clergy and attended to all financial affairs. The parish officers, wardens and vestry of St. John's had little authority.
The meeting of 1784 also passed two votes of some significance. The first was a vote to tax themselves two pence on the pound. The second: That warnings of meet- ings should be in the form of and in conjunction with the other society in North Haven. This was the first time they had set their own tax rate, and the second vote sub- ordinated the meetings to the direction of the Congrega- tional Society. The procedure apparently satisfied the legal requirements, for it remained in operation a long time.
A receipt dated May 1, 1784 indicates the financial difficulties of the parish. It reads "Received of ---- my Ministerial Rate in full or to my full satisfaction for the whole period of my Ministry up to the year 1783 but not including said year ---. " This receipt was signed by Sam- uel Andrews. Another preserved record of a receipt signed by Mr. Andrews is dated April 2, 1786 and covers the "Ministerial Rate in full -- upon the list of 1783 pay - able in 1784". These receipts show something of the fi- nancial difficulties the parish was then undergoing.
The records indicate that Mr. Andrews was no long- er happy in his ministry in this area. Several of the cler- gy and many of their parishioners in New England and New York were moving to Canada. Within the clergy this movement was due in large part to their attempt to live up to the loyalty oath taken at their ordinations, although the loss of their stipends was a contributing motive. Mr. Andrews seems to have been moved by these considera- tions, and some authorities indicate his going to Canada in 1785.
Perhaps he took a trip to Canada in 1785, but when we look at the parish records we cannot think he moved there before 1786. For instance we find a special parish meeting August 24, 1785 that voted that the parish was "desirous of having Rev. Mr. Andrews continue with us if
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consistent with his interest and ours," A committee was appointed to "represent the society with delegates of Wal- lingford and Cheshire to treat with Rev. Mr. Andrews, "
The results could not have been satisfactory for anoth- er meeting on September 7th, 1785 voted to give him " £ 25 lawful money for his labors with us one fourth part of the time",- and appointed a committee of three "to treat with and agree and stipulate with Mr. Andrews", Again the re- sults are doubtful.
The annual meeting of December 6th, 1785 voted "We will support the Rev. Mr. Andrews for his service with us for one half the time provide the sum do not exceed Forty Pounds lawful money", - and appointed a committee to treat with him. But at a meeting on December 15th this committee reported no success, so the above vote was re- scinded and a new one passed that "we will assess our - selves 4 pence on the pound on the list of 1786 for the sup- port of the Rev. Mr. Andrews for the one half the time for said year. "
At a meeting held April 24th 1786 we find it was voted "the Thanks of the Society be given to The Rev, Mr. An- drews for his generous donation in giving an order upon the Collector of his tax in said Society for 7 pounds to be laid out in hiring a clergyman to supply the desk"; and at the annual meeting in December it was voted to rescind the 4 pence vote of the meeting of December 15th 1785. These votes would indicate that Mr. Andrews left the area in the spring of 1786. Perhaps he made a visit in 1787 for there is a receipt dated at North Haven, June 27, 1787, covering pay for 1785.
Mr. Andrews revisited the area late in 1792, and at the annual meeting held on December 17th of that year the parish voted "That we will give the Rev. Mr. Andrews twenty-four shillings the Sunday for one third of the time from this date until Easter next, to preach with us". A receipt dated March 26, 1793 closes this agreement, and Mr. Andrews returned to Canada where he served with much success until his death in 1820.
With the departure of the Rev. Mr. Andrews, the par- ish was again forced to return to services conducted by
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Lay Readers, until other arrangements could be made. We find that a dual purpose special parish meeting was held on February 5th 1788. Before this date Bishop Sea- bury had been consecrated and had become the bishop for the Diocese of Connecticut. It was necessary that the diocese take some action regarding his support. So at the special meeting we find the first vote appointing Sam- uel Mix as "delegate to represent said society at Water- bury the 13th instant February on account of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Seabury's support". The meeting then passed the following votes:
"We give Edward Blakeslee a call to officiate among us in the ministry".
"That we will have Edward Blakeslee one third of the time for one year from Easter next".
Until this time Edward Blakeslee had not been or- dained to the priesthood. This led to the next vote:
"That the Prudential Committee pay unto Mr. Ed- ward Blakeslee three dollars to deliver to the Bishop provided he go to New London for orders. "
Edward Blakeslee did go to New London and was or- dained Deacon, and Priest in 1793. In spite of eight meet- ings in 1788 and five in 1789, called for unusual hours from seven A. M. to three P. M. at which various com- mittees were appointed; in spite of conferences between these committees and neighboring parishes, and between these committees and Edward Blakeslee, it was not until 1790 that a satisfactory agreement could be reached, and The Rev. Edward Blakeslee finally agreed to come to North Haven. He came from Branford where he had been officiating since his ordination. The agreement was for him to serve in North Haven, Hamden and Northford for one year from Easter 1790. At the annual meeting in 1790, it was voted to hire Mr. Blakeslee for one year from Eas- ter next (1791) one half the time for same sum as pres- ent year. This did not suit Mr. Blakeslee, and from the
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various proposals propounded at numerous meetings be- tween July 1791 and the end of the year, it would appear that he left soon after his first year's contract expired. There was no regular clergy until Mr. Andrews' return in December 1792.
During the time from 1784 to 1804 the parish annual- ly taxed themselves from two to four pence on the pound on their grand list valuation. This tax was for their op- erating expenses. In May 1792 The Rev. Solomon Blakes- lee, who had been acting as a supply priest, gave a receipt for "five dollars, it being, with what I have already re- ceived, in full of all demands". This calls attention to the use of a dual system of money, - pounds and dollars. The urgent need for collecting these assessed taxes is shown by a writ issued in 1792, and still in existence, whereby the collector is instructed to collect the tax or assessment and turn the sum collected over to a commit- tee of the society by a certain date; - "and if any person or persons shall neglect or refuse to make payment- to distrain goods or chattels of such person -- and the same dispose of as law directs returning overplus, if any, to owner. And for want of goods and chattels ------- you are to take body or bodies of person or persons so re- fusing or neglecting and -commit with keeper of the Gaol of sd. County --- said person (keeper) who is here- by commanded to receive and safely keep him until he -- pay and satisfy said sum ---- together with your fees ---. "
In 1788 in addition to the regular assessment there was voted an additional "one farthing on the pound for support of Rt. Rev. Bishop Seabury". Samuel Mix, Jr., was appointed collector of taxes, but was excused on pay- ment of one pound six shillings; and two other men ap- pointed in his place, - one for North Haven and one for Hamden. A delegate was appointed to represent the Socie- ty at the May convention in Wallingford. Similar action was taken at a meeting in April 1789. There is no further action in diocesan affairs until 1795, when a delegate to the convention was again elected.
There are two other items which should be included in this period; from Beardsley's Life and Correspondence
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of Bishop Seabury "the Bishop arrived in New Haven in the afternoon of October 2d 1786, stayed one night, and set out the next morning for New London, by way of North Haven, where the rite of confirmation was administered the same day". Some authorities state that this is the oldest preserved exact date of any confirmation in the United States. The other item is that the Convocation of the clergy met in St. John's Church, North Haven, on Wed- nesday, October 22, 1788. At this convocation the Rev. Samuel Nisbett and Rev. David Foot were advanced to the priesthood.
We have mentioned that Titus Frost was elected to "manage the music" in 1783. He continued in charge un- til 1805. Under his direction the musical reputation of St. John's rose to new heights, and became a great help in carrying St. John's through the transition years, and the years when no clergyman was available. In 1789 he was directing a choir of twelve male choristers, and twelve lady "Singers on the Treble". He made a chair which be- came the first piece of chancel furniture owned by St. John's. Tradition says he invited a few friends to accom- pany him to the church, where he took the chair up the aisle and placed it in the chancel. Then, being lame, he limped back down the aisle at the head of the little group, singing the hymn "Praise God, from Whom all Blessings flow", to the tune of Old Hundred. This was the first pro- cessional hymn in the history of St. John's. "
There is no record of an early appointment of a sex- ton. The duties were performed by the Senior Warden, Samuel Pierpont, until 1793 when he received "ten shil- lings for sweeping the church House." In 1794 Isaac C. Stiles became the sexton, and on April 28th of that year there was a vote "that the committee shall settle with Isaac C. Stiles for taking care of the Church House and boarding the clergy. " Mr. Lusk says that Mr. Stiles "'faithfully acted in that capacity, and when the old dilap- idated church of 1760 allowed the snow to drift into the attic, he regularly shoveled it out that it might not melt and drip on the worshipers".
In the meeting of December 17th 1792 there is the
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following: "As it appears that Mr. Samuel Mix has a de- sire to confer with a committee and negotiate matters respecting some difficulties that has happened: Voted: That Messrs. Richard Brocket, Oliver Blakeslee and Wil- liam Crane be a committee for that purpose. " The com- mittee reported back to a special parish meeting of Feb. 11th 1793, where it was voted: "That we as a Society do agree and confirm the doings of the Committee appointed to confer with Mr. Samuel Mix the report of which by said committee is as follows, Viz: North
Haven, January 15th 1793.
At a meeting of the subscribers at the house of Mr. Samuel Mix of said town, who are a committee appointed by the Episcopal Society in the town above, to confer with said Mix and hear his causes of uneasiness with said So- ciety or any member of it. After hearing distinctly said causes - We are of opinion that a number of young men in said Church in time of Divine Service have very great- ly misused said Mix in particular and the Society at large. We therefore declare in the name of our constituents that we are really hurt for the abuse said Mix has received. That we will take all proper care to prevent and suppress all such misconduct towards Mr. Mix or any other person by any member of the Society. And we will use our inter- est with the youth above refered to, to signify to Mr. Mix their disapprobation of their former conduct. We further declare in the name of the Society that we should be glad of Mr. Mix's return to the Church, and will use him with the same friendship and respect as if no former misun- derstanding had taken place.
The committee.
The date above
"The subscriber declares he is satisfied with the above declaration of the committee and only expects they will use their endeavours that the youth above refered to shall say to the subscriber they are sorry for what is past and will be careful to give no just cause of offence in future. "
Mr. Mix had been an important man in the parish,
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serving in several positions, Whatever the difficulty may have been the breach between Mr. Mix and the parish was not healed and in December 1794 another committee was appointed "to inquire into the reports that Mr. Mix has spread abroad". From this point on his name no long- er appears in the records.
In 1793 the first votes relative to making repairs to the church building were taken.
From March 1793 until late 1794 or possibly early 1795, there was no regular clergyman, but occasionally a priest was found to take a service. Three names are no- ted: Rev. Samuel Blakeslee, Rev. Edward Blakeslee and David Butler. In June 1794 it was voted: "That we will give Mr. Hart a call to preach with us one third part of the time": and a committee was appointed "to agree with Wallingford on account of Mr. Hart". This parish meet- ing was adjourned to September 1st and on that date we find this note: "Then the Society Clerk met, and by the *grate sickness the people could not attend". The next meeting was the annual meeting in December. No record shows that Mr. Hart officiated here in 1794, but receipts for money paid him do determine that he did serve in 1795-96, and up to March 20 in 1797.
There is no definite record of further service by Mr. Hart, but on April 17th, 1798 a committee was appointed to "inquire into the report spread abroad against Mr. Hart". This committee made report to a meeting on May 1st, 1798, and their report was followed by a vote instruc- ting the Prudential Committee to agree with a clergyman to preach this summer".
April 28th 1799 the parish voted: "That we will hire The Rev. Mr. Ives for one fourth part of the year"; and a committee was appointed "to acquaint Mr. Ives of the
* Footnote pg. 185 -- "Three Centuries of New Haven" Rollin G.Osterweis, Yale Univ. press, New Haven, Ct.
"In addition to a few cases of smallpox and the already mentioned yellow fever epidemic, New Haven experienced another frightful epidemic of scarlet fever during the year 1794. "
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doings of the meeting. " The Rev. Reuben Ives was in charge of St. Peter's Church in Cheshire, but an agree- ment was made with him, and he regularly officiated in St. John's on this part time basis (changed to one third part of the time in 1803) until January 1807.
As we come to the turn of the century, we find a few interesting figures in Dr. Trumbull's centennial sermon. Dr. Trumbull had not been particularly friendly towards the Episcopalians. He had anticipated acquiring their "church for a barn", and is credited with occasionally driving his oxen back and forth by their church in an at- tempt to disrupt their services. In his sermon he gives "the size of certain Episcopal families as the reason for the continuance of Episcopacy". Mr. Thorpe's Annals lists five families; each of which consisted of either 10 or 11 members, and five others, of either seven or eight, making a total of eighty-three persons in ten families. Dr. Trumbull mentioned that there then were forty-one Episcopal families. Mr. Thorpe gives their Grand List as 4,548 pounds.
Mr. Lusk intimates that between 1800 and 1820 (par- ticularly 1810-1820) the affairs of the parish were at a very low point. To an extent this might have been true. In almost everything there are periods of advancement, perhaps great advancement, periods of normalcy, which might include slight gains or losses, and even periods of recession. Looking back from 140 years, it would seem that this period was rather one of preparation for things to come. Under the existing system, membership in the parish was attained just by a man putting his name on the roll; - and it was discontinued by his taking his name off the roll. Anyone who became discontented could with- draw, and perhaps two or three years later enroll again.
The parish was poor. The Grand List in 1795 was 1,829 pounds; in 1813, $3010; and between 1813 and 1820, $3010 to $4145.
It was difficult for the parish to obtain the regular services of a clergyman. There is nothing remarkable about that when you consider that in 1809 "The whole num- ber of clergy in the Diocese, including the Principal of the
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Academy at Cheshire, was twenty-six, and to them was committed the care of souls scattered through seventy- three parishes and mission stations". Moreover the par- ish did not have funds sufficient to pay a large salary, (a clergyman secured for a single Sunday received from $5.00 to $8.00 up to 1813, and from 1813 to 1820, fron $6.00 to $10.00. ) Receipts show that during the period from 1807 to 1820 nine different clergymen officiated at St. John's. They were "hired" on a Sunday on a time ba- sis as the committee were able to get them, and only two served with any continuity; - The Rev. Smith Niles 1810- 1813 and The Rev. Elijah G. Plum 1815 to 1818.
However, at the second confirmation that took place in 1795, there were twenty confirmed, but at the third con- firmation in 1811, there were thirty-seven.
Mr. Lusk tells us that in 1805 Zophar Jacobs suc- ceeded Titus Frost as director of the music. There were only 27 authorized hymns dating from 1789 and half of these were designated for special occasions. (This num- ber was augmented by 30 more in 1808. ) With this limi- ted repertoire the high quality of the music continued to attract town interest. In 1817 a general subscription was taken up, and a free public singing school established. The teachers came from Hamden, East Haven and Wallingford, but after three or four seasons, this school was discon- tinued. In place of it there was a Congregational school under Isaac Tibbals which met in the tavern ball-room, and an Episcopal school, directed by Zophar Jacobs, which met at the house of Isaac C. Stiles. Boards were put on chairs to accommodate the singers.
From the time the church was built, heat was a mis- sing luxury. To be sure there were the "foot stoves", but these provided only a minimum of warmth. In December 1817 a committee was appointed to purchase a stove. They secured a little box stove, two and a half feet long and one and a half wide, which was placed in the middle of the aisle, with the pipe running out of an east window under the gallery. This small stove was a major advance- ment over the unheated church of the past fifty-seven years. These facts would confirm the idea that the
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