A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 79

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 79

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Article three of the Society's Constitution reads :

"The funds of the Society shall be devoted to religious or charitable work."

With some of their money they earned the members added to the support of the church, and usually paid for any needed repairs, as well as the adorn- ment of the church. Added to these, there were regular contributions to mis- sionary work of various kinds.

From time to time, as years went on, bequests of various kinds have added either to the beauty of this little church's interior, or to its prosperity finan- cially.

In 1868, Miss Amy Clark, who had always been a staunch churchwoman, died, and left St. Paul's Parish a legacy of $600 which was invested in a bond.

In 1875, when quite extensive alterations took place inside the church, Mrs. Gilbert Osgood made a gift of red altar hangings, Mr. and Mrs. James Warner gave a Bible and prayer-book.

In 1877, Mrs. Oliver Sisson of New Jersey, whose father, Mr. Benjamin Perry, had been one of the founders of the parish and for many years senior warden, presented the church with a marble font, as a memorial to her parents.

639

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

In 1886, the arches were placed on either side of the chancel in memory of former communicants, and the altar rail was given by Mrs. George Lathrop, formerly Miss Sarah Bingham, who was organist of the church for nearly forty years. Mr. George Lathrop made and placed the old English text above the altar.

In 1887, the altar cross and vases were given by the Ladies' Society, the retable was given by Mr. Lathrop, and the prayer-desk by the late Dr. Beverley Warner.

In 1888, a brass book-rest was given by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Winchester. In 1888, many other alterations took place in the church building inside, tend- ing to modernize the same, and the vestry-room was redecorated. Mrs. Samuel Bingham donated inside blinds, and Mr. George Lathrop made the ornamental wooden cornices. George Bingham painted, Miss Josephine Bingham furnished the wall paper.

In 1889, a set of white altar hangings was given in memory of Mrs. Ermina Gertrude Smith. In the same year Miss Estelle Warner gave a red and white stole. In 1895, a green altar set was given by the Ladies' Society. In 1896, Mrs. Harlow Holmes gave material for a surplice, and Miss J. W. Bingham material for cassock, both of which were made up in the society. On Trinity Sunday a reredos representing a figure of St. Paul, painted on tapestry canvas was presented by a daughter of Mr. James Warner. On Christmas of this year two sets of altar books were given by the Misses Donnell and Miss Tomson of Philadelphia. In 1897, a violet altar set was presented by the Ladies' Society. In 1909, a vestment case was placed in the sacristy, a memorial from a sister of Miss Estelle Warner. In 1914, by the exertions of Miss Anna G. Claassen a sum of money was raised which enabled her to do over the Sacristy and add many practical conveniences to the same, bringing it up to its requirements.

THE ENDOWMENT FUNDS

The first sum of money left the church was that $600 which represented the savings of Miss Amy Clark who died in 1868, and is buried in North Wind- ham. A simple addition to her bequest makes it obligatory on the parish of St. Paul to keep her gravestone in order. The epitaph thereon reads as follows :

"Miss Abby Clark Died January 26th, 1868. Aged 79 years, six months. Her liberal bequest to the Church of St. Paul, Windham, Connecticut, entitles her to their grateful remembrance."

The next addition to the fund was by the will of the late Mrs. Sarah Bing- ham Lathrop, who left the sum of $1,000 thereto. Mrs. Lathrop also left a house which stands opposite the church, to be used for church purposes, but subject to a life tenure by her sister, Mrs. Luey Bingham Colcord. The house was only left to the church, however, so long as St. Paul's remained a corporate parish.

In 1903, Mrs. Colcord died, and left St. Paul's two bequests, one of $1,000 which belongs to the endowment proper, the other of $500 which it was defi-

640

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

nitely stated should be used for the upkeep of the rectory, and is known as the Rectory Repair Fund.

In 1913, during the rectorate of the Rev. Mr. Townsend, St. Paul's became the beneficiary of a rather quaint bequest. It was the sum of $500 which had been left in trust to Mr. Townsend by the late Mr. H. W. Purchase of New Jersey, for any parish of which Mr. Townsend should be the rector at the time of his son attaining his majority.

In 1915, the eastern half of the rectory being vacant, it was decided to retain its use for a parish house. Acordingly, by the outlay of approximately $100 three rooms were tastefully fitted up, and the church members have en- joyed the various privileges thereby.

The Endowment Fund on October 15, 1916, stood at $5,400.

On July 1, 1917, the Endowment Fund with accrued interest was raised to the sum of $5,561.95, by a gift of $150 from Mrs. Oliver Sisson. In June, 1920, another bequest of $500 from the estate of Mrs. Margaret Page raised the fund to a total of $6,061.95.

There is still in existence a receipted bill from one E. L. Holbrook of East Medway, dated August 14, 1857, for

"One Church Organ. $600.00

Cr. by old organ. 50.00"

and thereby hangs the story of how someone thought to raise money for this expenditure. For there is also in existence a small newspaper, which lived but one day; being born for a purpose, and that being accomplished, died. It is entitled, "The Organ," and bears the dateline:

"Social Gathering, Windham, February 19, 1855."

Contrary to custom, this newspaper clearly explains its reason for being in the following two articles, culled from its editorial :

"NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS AND PATRONS

"We heartily thank our kind contributors for their timely aid, in this our hour of need. Our readers, we doubt not, will duly appreciate their efforts. Gratitude is especially due to the patrons of our advertising columns. We trust they will lose nothing, but, in the increase of their business, gain much for their liberality. * But indeed, praise and blame will have little effect upon us-as with the morning's sun, like the dew, our office and editorial identity will have passed away."

“* * The purpose of this entertainment as given is indicated by the name of our ephemeral sheet. It is designed to procure funds toward the purchase of a new organ for St. Paul's Church. The old organ which has done faithful service, begins to show signs of feebleness. Symptoms of pulmonic affection have been of late apparent. Its chest is evidently impaired as there is at times difficulty of respiration, with irregular and feverish pulsations. All remedies have proved inefficacious. The case is decidedly bad, and the general opinion is that it is organically diseased. Under these circumstances it becomes necessary to remove it from office and supply its place with one of fewer years and more vigorous constitution. To effect an object so desir- able we must have means and we trust the efforts put forth tonight will be successful and furnish us with so large a sum as to make possible its accom- plishment."

641

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

A WORD ON THE CHURCH BEGINNINGS AT WILLIMANTIC

In these days, since the little mother church of Windham has been out- grown by her offspring in Willimantic, it is interesting to note in the follow- ing letter the news of that offspring's birth. Quotation from a letter written by the Rev. Henry Edwards, dated, New Haven, September 11, 1850:

"It is also necessary to state that I am informed by the bishop as an equiva- lent for that portion of my support which I shall receive from other sources than the parish, I shall be expected to devote a Sunday afternoon occasionally to the establishment of the church in the Village of Willimantic."

For some years past, the late J. Alden Weir, noted artist, made his summer home in Windham, and was a devout and generous member of the church, where he held the position of senior warden.

REV. ISAAC W. HALLAM

The Rev. Isaac W. Hallam was the first resident rector of St. Paul's Mission at Willimantic and also rector of St. Paul's at Windham, thus reversing the prior procedure when the rector of both parishes was resident at Windham Center. Mr. Hallam was a native of Stonington, born November 20, 1809; a graduate of Washington (now Trinity) College and of the Theological Sem- inary of Virginia at Alexandria; received deacon's orders from the Rt. Rev. Richard Channing ; priest's orders from the Rt. Rev. Thomas Church Brownell, December 18, 1833, at St. James' Church, New London; was deacon and then rector at St. James'; then in August, 1834, he became missionary to St. James' at Chicago, and then deacon and rector, remaining there until 1843. In 1846 he became rector of St. Stephen's at Lynn, Mass., for fourteen years; in 1860 went to St. Peter's, at Clarksboro, N. J .; and September 1, 1869, came to Willi- mantic and Windham, remaining here until Easter Sunday, 1875, then became rector of St. Mark's at New Canaan, Conn., until Easter, 1879, thus making nearly fifty years of continuous service in the ministry. Doctor Hallam was also a member of the general convention of the Episcopal Church at Chicago in 1838. In his later years he lived in retirement at Stonington, Conn., and died there October 21, 1888.

It is somewhat surprising to learn of some of Doctor Hallam's experiences in Chicago, where he went as Episcopal Missionary in 1834. It is hard to realize that conditions in the now great central western city were then so primitive, but of course that was eighty-six years ago. In an interview not long before his death, Doctor Hallam told something of his Chicago experiences. "I came to Chicago as a missionary in 1834," he said, "and soon after I organized St. James' Church. There were about a dozen communicants in all, but enough outsiders attended our services to make the congregation average about twenty-five persons. We met in a little unfinished building on South Water Street, in a room occupied during the week by an auction store. The walls were covered with plots of town lots, which we always turned face to the wall to prevent counter attraction during the service. We had nothing but barrels, boxes and champagne baskets for seats, for chairs were luxuries we could not afford, and I took my place in the stand where town lots were auc- tioned off during the week at $5 apiece !"

It appears that Mr. Hallam had brought a little colored boy with him from Vol. 1-41

642

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

the East. After affairs had progressed far enough in St. James' parish so that a new church was erected, there was above the altar the usual inscription "I. H. S." The colored lad was asked one day what those letters meant, and after thinking it over a few moments, he replied, "Isaac Hallam's Seat."

Doctor Hallam is described during his later years as "a pleasant-spoken, neatly attired gentleman of medium height and slender build, with silvery white hair and beard, sharp black eyes, a very genial manner." This describes him as he looked when he came to Willimantic. He was of venerable appear- ance, and had a very impressive presence. A Willimantic lad who heard him read prayers at the services held in the Commercial Block in the early days of St. Paul's Mission, said that he could never forget the conviction of sin which would come over him when Rector Hallam, in tones of deep contrition, would utter those plaintive words of the collect, "God be merciful to us, mis- erable sinners." And yet a kindly spirit and personal interest in the welfare of his parishioners were the characteristics of Rector Hallam's service in Wil- limantic and Windham.

The evening services at the hall in the Commercial Block were attractive to many young people because of the good singing, led by a choir composed of the Burleson boys and the daughters of Rector Hallam. Berta Hallam, who was librarian of the mission, became the wife of Edward Burleson, and they are now resident in Jewett City. The wife of Rev. Isaac Hallam was Nancy Hallam of Richmond, Va., and she was married to Rector Hallam February 18, 1833. The Hallams remained in Willimantic six years and then removed to New Canaan, Conn. Mr. Hallam had two sons and five daughters: Isaac W. Hallam, died March 24, 1881; Giles R. Hallam in 1905; Mrs. Lucy W. Whitney in 1910. Mrs. William M. Taggert (Sarah Hallam) now resides in Washing- ton, D. C.

Giles R. Hallam was a graduate of Trinity, a teacher by profession; served three years in the Civil war with a Pennsylvania regiment, taking part in sev- eral battles; resumed teaching after the war, served on the faculty of Racine College, Wis., and for several years was principal of St. John's Church School in Stamford, Conn. The later years of his life were spent in retirement at Ston- ington, where he was highly esteemed and greatly beloved.

Of the three daughters who were active in Willimantic parish, two are now living. Miss Annie C. Hallam at New Canaan, and Mrs. E. F. Burleson at Jewett City as stated. Mrs. Hattie Hallam Raymond (Mrs. C. Theron Ray- mond), who was a leader in parish entertainments during her father's Willi- mantic pastorate, lived for many years at New Canaan and died there in 1915.

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, WILLIMANTIC By Ida Warner MacLean

The birth of the church in Willimantic is first mentioned in a letter written to a member of St. Paul's Church in the mother parish of Windham, dated New Haven, September 11, 1850:

"It is also necessary to state that I am informed by the bishop, as an equiv- alent for that portion of my support which I shall receive from other sources than the parish, I shall be expected to devote a Sunday afternoon occasionally to the establishment of the church in the Village of Willimantic-"

643

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

This was written by the Rev. Henry Edwards, who was then the first to hold service in Willimantic and from that time the same rector shared his services in Windham with Willimantic, where the young congregation met in Dunham Hall, the library of the American Thread Company. In the year 1884, how- ever, a small frame church building in Central Village was moved to the site of the present edifice, on the corner of Walnut and Valley streets. The men who were chiefly influential in accomplishing this were John L. Hunter, John Bow- man and A. R. Morrison.

With the building came also the altar, the old communion set, and vestments. And thus after thirty years St. Paul's, Willimantic, became a corporate parish, the first resident rector of which was the Rev. Isaac W. Hallam. From that time on the positions of the little mother church in Windham and her sturdy offspring in Willimantic were partially reversed; Willimantic becoming the resi- dence of their mutual rector and absorbing the greater part of his time.

Under the third successor of Mr. Hallam, the Rev. H. B. Jefferson, the shabby little church was repaired and renovated inside. Mr. W. H. P. Sweet, who is still a member of the vestry, made the pulpit, the altar-rail, prayer desk, lectern and sedalia, while a beautiful set of altar hangings were made by St. Agnes Guild, under the direction of its organizer, Miss Mabel Warner, a sum- mer resident of Windham. Later, during the rectorate of the Rev. E. L. San- ford, the panels of the altar were decorated with simple ecclesiastical designs by Mrs. I. W. MacLean of Windham.

Meantime, a fund known as the Isabella Tracy Eaton Fund, was left to the parish, and from this the Missionary Society purchased a plot of ground adjoin- ing the church property and erected a rectory thereon.

There were many memorial gifts beautifying the old church, altar cross in memory of Berneice Hunter, by John L. Hunter ; processional cross in memory of Miss Jennie Mitchell, by Daughters of the King; altar bookrest in memory of George S. Partridge, Jr .; brass lectern in memory of Mrs. M. L. Hunter, by John L. Hunter ; Bible in memory of Mrs. M. L. Hunter, by Daughters of the King; altar vases given by Miss Jennie Mitchell; litany book given by Miss Jennie Mitchell; candle sticks and new communion service by Rev. R. D. Hatch.

A movement was started during Mr. Hatch's incumbency to build a new church. A legacy of $20,000 had been left the parish by Mrs. Boardman of New Haven toward the erection of a new edifice for St. Paul's parish, Willi- mantic, with the proviso that the parish should raise the needed balance. Pledges were secured for the amount, but the actual cash had not been turned in and Trinity College, Hartford, another beneficiary under the will, raised the legal technicality that the letter of the proviso had not been met, and the courts allowed only $10,000 of Mrs. Boardman's estate to be applied to St. Paul's legacy. This proceeding was regarded by many as a new proof that law and justice are not as close as hand and glove. As a local paper stated warmly, "Pledges as good as the Bank of England were secured," but the law took its bland course and Trinity College was as triumphant as the cat that swallowed the canary.

However, the Missionary Society of the Diocese, deeming that the spirit of the will had been kept by the parish, added $9,500 to the $10,000 and the bal- ance of $22,000 was raised by the people, with the consequence that the new

644

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

church was built, and on September 24, 1913, was duly consecrated by Bishop Brewster.

The new structure is of gray stone, the interior finished in quartered oak. The old building was turned into a parish house, while the old chancel with its altar was enclosed and is used as a sacristy.

Many special gifts at this time were in the nature of memorials. From Mrs. Potter of Hartford came $500 toward the pews, in memory of her parents, Asa and Ann Jilson, former residents of Willimantic, Mr. Jilson having built the first thread mill in the city. The altar was from the Daughters of the King; the pulpit from the Woman's Guild; choir stalls from the Girls' Friendly Society ; the baptismal font from the Brotherhood of St. Andrew; sedalia given by R. E. Mitchell in memory of his father, Kim Mitchell, a long devoted worker and upholder of the church; a dossal by Mr. and Mrs. Moses; altar hanging by Daughters of the King; credance table in memoriam J. C. and Mary Smith by their granddaughter, Mary Smith. The bell was given by Mrs. Austin D. (Frances Hatheway) Boss.

Seven years after the new church building was completed, it was found necessary to partly rebuild the same as grave fundamental faults of construc- tion had grown more and more evident. During the year 1919-1920 the work was done at an outlay of some $15,000. At the same time the parish house was enlarged and renovated. A new kitchen was built, a G. F. S. room added and furnished by the members of that society, who for the most part have shown themselves enthusiastic and conscientious church workers. The rectory was also thoroughly repaired. On Easter Day, 1920, the church was re-dedicated by Bishop E. C. Acheson.

Various memorials adding to the beauty of the church's interior had also been placed; all of them in keeping with the Gothic lines of the building and designed in the Geissler Studios of New York. A fine, dignified Reredos in dark panelled oak is the gift of Mrs. Frances Martin in memory of her husband Frank Martin. The wainscoting on either side the altar was from Mrs. Thomas McGiff, in memory of her sister, Mrs. Mary Cheevers; a credance table from Mrs. Nye Moulton in memory of her son, Wm. F. Moulton. A bishop's chair was a memorial to Frank and Henry Henken and James and Martha Bramhall by Mr. and Mrs. N. Moulton and Mrs. Henken. The altar railing was presented by the vestry of St. George's Church, Newburgh, N. Y., in memory of Charles Borchert, father of St. Paul's present incumbent, Rev. W. F. Borchert.

At present the active societies in the church are, the Daughters of the King, organized in 1895, and one of its charter members, Mrs. W. H. P. Sweet, still holds the office of secretary-treasurer; the Girls' Friendly Society, organized 1910; the Young People's Society, organized in 1915; last, but far from least in practical results, the Woman's Guild has been and still continues to be the ready answer to that ever-recurrent question of parish life, "How shall we raise the money for this, that and the other?" When the men shake hopeless and helpless heads, the Woman's Guild gets quietly to work-and the money is forthcoming.

Under the rectorate of Rev. R. D. Hatch, a branch of St. Andrew's Brother- hood flourished, but lapsed into inactivity with his withdrawal. In earlier days St. Agnes' Guild, also now extinct, did good work under Miss Warner.

645

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY THE HISTORY OF SAINT PHILIPS' MISSION AT PUTNAM,

IN THE DIOCESE OF CONNECTICUT

By Emma Atwell Merriam

In a volume of the "Parish Register" is recorded the first service ever held in Putnam, according to the use of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. About the year 1830, A. D., the Rev. Father Kel- logg conducted this service in a schoolhouse which stood back of where the block, known as Wagner's block, now stands. At this service, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism was administered. It was not until June, 1851, that the next service was held. On this occasion, the Rev. Dr. Parker, then rector of the church at Pomfret, was the officiating priest. In the Journal of the Diocese, dated 1861, the following notation was made by the Rev. H. C. Randall, who was then the rector at Pomfret: "With the assistance of the Rev. John H. Gilliat I have held a full service every alternate Sunday evening in a hall in the Village of Putnam. It is a very desirable point for the church to oc- cupy, not only on account of the locality itself, which is a flourishing manu- facturing village, but by its being a point from which the church's influence in the future may radiate through a vast region in the northeastern part of the Diocese peculiarily destitute of religious privileges." Father Randall also reported an offering of $100 for a church building at Putnam.

After this, services were held more or less regularly for two or three years by the Rev. J. H. Gilliat and his successors.

On Advent Sunday, in the year 1868, the Rev. J. W. Clarke began work under the direction of the bishop. He held services in Browne's Hall. During the following summer, a lot (one of the best in the village) was secured for a church building, but the site was afterwards abandoned for one more centrally located.

On this spot, in Elm Street, on the Feast of Saint Luke (evangelist), October 18, 1870, the Right Rev. John Williams, D. D., bishop of the diocese, laid the cornerstone. The church was to be known as Saint Philips'. Morning prayer was said, and was followed by a celebration of the holy communion. Imme- diately afterwards, a procession, composed of the bishop, the visiting clergy, and members of the mission, was formed opposite the church lot and sang the One Hundred and Twenty-second Psalm. A short historical sketch of the mission was read by Father Clarke, and the bishop made an address.

But it was only after a number of delays, occasioned by the changing of plans to the site for building, and the collecting of needed funds, that the church was completed and consecrated. This was done on the Feast of Saint Matthias the Apostle, February 24, 1874, by the Right Rev. John Williams, bishop of Connecticut. He was assisted by the bishop of Massachusets and other clergy. The bishop of the diocese also confirmed, one of the candidates being a daughter of a Congregational clergyman. The church building was largely a memorial gift from the Missionary Society of Connecticut.

Among other memorials given were three beautiful windows by members of the Gilliat family. A granite front was presented by the Rev. Robert A. Hallam, and a fine carved lecturn, an Easter gift, by an unknown donor." On January 15, 1875, a bell weighing 1,013 pounds was dedicated at a special

646

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

service after evening prayer had been said. This service was conducted by the Right Rev. Philips Brooks and the bell was blessed by him.

On November 26th of the following year, the Rev. Father Clarke, who was the first missionary of St. Philips', terminated his connection with the mission. The Rev. Emerson Zessuf succeeded Father Clarke. He remained about one year.

In June of 1877, the Rev. P. H. Whaley took charge of the mission and held the same until 1878. The Rev. W. F. Bielby who followed him resigned in July of 1881. Services were then taken by the Rev. S. A. W. Pray without remuneration.

On March 21, 1882, the bishop appointed the Rev. A. R. Chapman to be priest-in-charge. He remained a number of years. During his time a number of improvements were made in the basement of the church building. A room for the Woman's Guild was made attractive with kitchen adjoining. There was also a reading room and a small library. On account of great difficulty in heating the church during the winter months, the church services were held in the Guild Room.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 79

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930