USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 24
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March 17, V. Voted, That the Rt. Rev. Bishop Brown- ell, and the Rev. Dr. Wheaton, be requested to take charge of the Parish for the six months next ensuing, and that measures be taken to procure Mr. Vinton of the Theological Seminary to assist them.
Voted, That the Committee heretofore appointed to procure a Rector be authorized to carry the foregoing Vote into effect.
rage Burgers.
5
1
305
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
May 10, V. Voted, That S. Tudor, T. Belknap, and George Beach, be a committee to dispose of 30 feet of the west part of the Old Court House lot with the privilege of the west gangway, subject to the annual ground rent of sixty dollars.
Voted, That the same Committee be appointed to examine the present situation of the Blacksmith's Shop on said lot, and ascertain the expense of altering the same into a dwell- ing house.
July 27, 17. Voted, That Nathan Morgan be a Committee to proceed to Providence, to procure the services of the Rev. Mr. Burgess, as assistant Clergyman of the Parish, for a term not exceeding twelve months.
Oct. 27, P. Toted, Unanimously, That the Rev. George Burgess (with the approbation of the Bishop of this Diocese), is requested to accept of the Rectorship of this Parish.
l'oted, That a salary of One thousand Dollars per annum is hereby settled upon the Rev. George Burgess, to be paid to him in quarterly payments so long as he shall continue to be Rector of this Parish.
Voted, That the Rt. Rev. Bishop be respectfully requested to approve of the election of the Rev. George Burgess to be Rector of this Parish.
Voted, That it be referred to the Wardens and Vestry to carry into effect the Votes just passed.
Few men ever came into a parish and captured the hearts of the people so quickly as did Mr. Burgess. What was said of him after his first appearance, by one who went home and told the family "that this man was the one to be chosen as rector," was evidently the opinion of all
Mr. Burgess Accepts.
Hartford, Nov. 1, 1834. To the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Hartford.
Gentlemen: - Having received through your Committee, a copy of a vote passed at a meeting of the members of Christ Church Parish on the 27th ult. by which vote I am
20
306
CHRIST CHURCHI, HARTFORD.
requested to accept the Rectorship of that Parish, I hereby inform you of my acceptance of the charge.
With much respect, Yours obediently, GEORGE BURGESS.
1835.
Jan. 23, V. Voted, That S. Tudor, T. Belknap, and George Beach, be a Committee to dispose of 30 feet of the west part of the Old Court House lot and gangway with building thereon for $1200.
March 12, V. Voted, That the offer from Dr. James Beresford of sixty dollars per annum ground rent for thirty feet of the west part of the old Court House Lot be accepted. Said Beresford having the privilege of gangway in common with adjoining proprietor and also the privilege of drawing water by a pipe from the well on the part reserved by the Parish, the said Beresford building an arch over said well, and to have access thereto from his own premises through said arch.
This well was used until the introduction of water into the city, and like most of the old wells in town was supposed to be of special purity. The Chapel was built over it and its location was in the present gangway. It was filled up when the Chapel was taken down.
April 20, P. Voted, That the Treasurer of this Parish be, and hereby is, authorized to execute a lease, or convey- ance by deed or indenture, or otherwise, to Dr. James Beresford, of certain leasehold premises belonging to the Parish, said conveyance to be in accordance with the provis- ions of a written agreement entered into by the Wardens and Vestry, and Dr. Beresford, bearing date the 13th day of March, 1835.
April 25, V. Voted, That Wm. H. Imlay, Nathan Morgan, and Wm. T. Lee, be a Committee, to make an estimate of the expence of building a Lecture Room, and to solicit subscrip- tions therefor.
307
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
July I, V. Voted, That S. Tudor, Nathan Morgan, W. T. Lee, and Rev. Mr. Burgess, be a Committee, to erect a Chapel in the rear of the Church at an expence not exceed- ing $3000, and if there be a variation of the plan exhibited to the meeting this evening, the same be laid before the vestry.
Voted, That Thos. Belknap, Wm. H. Hoadley, Walter Phelps, F. J. Huntington, and Dudley Buck, be a Committee to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of building a Chapel.
Subscription for the Chapel.
We the subscribers agree to pay the sums set against our several names for the purpose of erecting a Chapel in the rear of Christ Church, on the lot owned by the Parish, to the Treasurer of said Parish, on or before the first of January, 1836.
Wm. H. Imlay, .
$250
Nathan Morgan,
100 Briek - 125. if of Stone.
M. A. Tuttle,
50
Wm. T. Lee,
100
25. additional if of Stone.
John Butler,
100
if of one story only in height.
Thomas Belknap.
100
George Beach,
50
if of Brick, 75. if of Stone.
Samuel Tudor, .
100
and if built according to Dr. Whea- ton's plan 25. more. and if of Stone according to Dr. Wheaton's plan 25. in addition.
Dudley Buck, 100 (Stone preferred.)
Robert Watkinson,
100
N. F. Humphrey,
100 if only one story in height.
C. A. Colton,
20 Stone or Brick. .
Eben" Flower,
50
(Stone.)
Phillip Ripley,
50
Geo. Burgess,
30
Haynes Lord, 30
F. J. Huntington,
100
Denison Morgan,
50
Thomas D. Gordon, 50 Stone preferred.
Geo. Sumner,
40
John W. Bull,
50
Samuel H. Huntington, 100
Griffin Stedman,
50
Asa Farwell, 25
Wm. H. Hoadley,
10
Walter Phelps, .
50
308
CHRIST CHURCHI, HARTFORD.
Wm. F. Tuttle, . $25
H. Huntington, .
I00
Charles Sigourney,
50
I. Toucey,
50
J. Goodwin, 25
J. M. Goodwin, 25
if of Stone, and if the other subscrib- ers pay in full.
Zephaniah Preston, IO
Chs. H. Northam,
15
Simeon Griswold,
20
Roswell B. Ward,
30
W. Woodbridge,
25
James Beresford,
30
Isaac M. Hall,
IO
G. C. Collins,
10
A. H. Pomroy,
IO
W. Phelps for Mrs.,
10
Lot Dean,
5
Geo. Beach, Jr.,
IO
Robert Buell,
5
if built within 1836.
P. F. Robbins,
IO
E. B. Pratt,
50
Horace Loveland,
5
Saml. Ledlie,
5
Asahel Saunders,
20
Charles Brainard, IO
Watson Adams,
5
T. Lloyd,
25
B. & C. Adams, .
10
Allyn S. Stillman, IO
William Humphrey,
2
Theodore Metcalf,
5
H. B. Chaffee,
5
H. Brainard, 5
Doct. J. S. Rogers,
IO
Danl. Goodwin, .
10
James Rose,
25
George Ripley, .
10
Sally J. Bartholomew, 15
Septenius Stocking,
5
George Stringer,
5
L. B. Hanks,
5
L. L. Cowdery,
5
Phillip Hewins, .
IO
$2,587
309
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Dec. 7, V. Voted, That the building Committee of the Chapel be also a Committee to make an arrangement with Dr. Bacon, for continuing the gangway to rear of the Chapel.
1836.
Feb. I, V. Voted, That contributions be taken monthly in the Church, in aid of the Missionary cause.
Voted, That the Rector, Rev. Mr. Wheaton, and Mr. Tudor, be a Committee to select a suitable Baptismal Font which shall be given to the Parish.
Feb. 16, V. Voted, That the sum of $150. for the year 1836, payable quarterly, be paid to Mr. Emerson for his services in leading the Choir on Sundays, and other occasions when there is public worship in the church, for practicing with the choir as heretofore, and for teaching a school of such persons as choose to attend, at least twenty-six evenings in the year.
Voted, That the salary of the Sexton be increased $30. per annum. [Previously $100.]
April 12, V. Voted, That the West 8 Seats in the South gallery be offered for sale, and that the Miss Draper's * have leave to take the same number of them as now stand to them in the North Gallery, and that the Rector be requested to make the same known to Dr. Wheaton, that the Students may not interfere.
Nov. 22, V. Voted, That Mr. T. Belknap, and Mr. N. Morgan, be a Committee to see that proper tythingmen be appointed by the Town for the ensuing year, who will perform their duties in the galleries.
Dec. 20, V. Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry be a committee to preserve order in the Church, Saturday even- ing, being Christmas Eve, and to seat strangers and others.
* Miss Julia Draper, with her sisters, came from Greenfield, Mass., and opened a school for young ladies in October, 1831. The house on Trumbull street, at the foot of Pratt street, was occupied by them, and here the school was conducted for thirty years or more, very successfully and very creditably. The teachers and many of the scholars attended Christ Church, and when seated in the gallery were in close proximity to the students of the college, who were seated just east of them. It is worthy of note, that at this moment, there is a movement to place a memorial Tablet on the walls of the Church by her former pupils, as a token of their affection and respect.
310
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Voted, That Staves be obtained for the tythingmen as a badge of office, and that the Clerk obtain them.
Nathan Morgan was born in the town of Groton, October 10, 1786. He came to Hartford from Hebron, where he had been established as a merchant for a short time, and probably was soon connected with Christ Church, as he is on the list of those assessed for taxes in 1810. He was a vestryman in 1820, and was repeatedly chosen afterwards; was Junior Warden in 1827 and 1830, and Senior Warden in 1831. He was zealous in all that pertained to the Parish and generous in its support. He was extensively engaged in mercantile business on Com- merce street, near the bridge. His residence was in Morgan street, where he and his brother Denison had built two houses in 1825. He was an intelligent, in- dustrious, and religious man, much respected and beloved for his amiable disposition and sound sense. He married Lydia Brewster, January 6, 1808, but left no family, and died January 21, 1837.
Denison Morgan came to Hartford several years after his brother, and was engaged with him in business near the river. He is found on the records as early as 1819, as a contributor to parish expenses. He was a member of the Vestry in 1825, and was chosen many times after- wards. In 1840 he was Junior Warden, and Senior Warden in 1841-43, 1851-54. He was much valued as a parish member, interested and influential in all its under- takings. It can be said of him and his brother Nathan, that they both were staunch churchmen, men of excellent sense, good judgment, and perfectly reliable. Mr. Morgan was born October 29, 1790, and died May 7, 1855. He was married to Ursula Brainard October 10, 1815.
1837.
March 18, V. Voted, That the Wardens, and Mr. S. H. Huntington, be a Committee to consider the subject of the Scrip which becomes due July 1837, and any other subject
311
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
connected with it, and to bring it in a suitable form before the next Parish meeting.
March 27, P. Voted, That Isaac Toucey, and Isaac Perkins, Esq". be added to a committee appointed by the Vestry, to take into consideration the renewal of the Scrip issued by the Parish.
V. Voted, That the Wardens be a Committee to confer with the Officers of the College, as to seating the Students so that their conduct in Church be not so objectionable in future.
April 8, V. Voted, That the Wardens be a Committee to see to the building in the rear of the Chapel, with full powers to fit it up, as they in their judgment may see fit, either for a dwelling or a schoolroom.
July 26. At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, held at the vestry room July 26, 1837, upon application of President Totten that the Junior class in College be permitted to occupy the Church the evening before Commencement, for their Exhibition, it was
Voted, That the subject be left with the Rector and War- dens to decide as they may think best.
About a Difference of Opinion.
Sept. 3. At a meeting of the Rector, Wardens, and Ves- try of the Parish of Christ Church, Hartford, Sept. 3, 1837, present, the Rector, Wardens, and Mess. Buck, Morgan, Beach, Preston, Belknap, Lee, Colton, and Hoadley, being all the members except Messrs. Tudor, Huntington, Wood- bridge, and Ripley (who was sick).
It having been represented to this meeting that applica- tion has been made to the Trustees of the Bishop's Fund for a Power of Attorney to vote on stock in the Phoenix Bank standing in the name of said Trustees, at the annual meet- ing for the choice of Directors, to be holden on Thursday next, the 7th instant, and that said Trustees have granted a
312
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
power of Attorney for the purpose aforesaid ; and whereas it is understood that there are two candidates for the Presi- dency of said Bank, both members of this Parish, and com- municants,
Resolved, unanimously, that we regret the granting of said Power of Attorney, as fraught with evil to the interest of the Episcopal Church in this State and tending to disturb that harmony which has so long prevailed in this Parish.
Resolved, unanimously, that the Person having said Power be and he hereby is requested not to use it at the said meet- ing of the Stockholders, and also, that the several Trustees of said Fund be respectfully and most strongly requested to annul and cancel said Power.
Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be furnished to the Trustees and to the Gentleman holding the said Power of Attorney.
Voted, That the Junior Warden be a Committee to com- municate the above to the person holding the Proxy, and also to the Trustees of the Bishop's Fund.
These resolutions have reference to the controversy which existed between Mr. Charles Sigourney and Mr. George Beach. Several pamphlets were published from both of them, which created considerable excitement in financial circles at the time. Mr. Sigourney intended to resign the presidency of the Phoenix Bank, which he had held for sixteen years, and desired that Mr. Samuel Tudor, who was a director in the bank, should be his succes- sor. Mr. Beach, who had been its cashier for twenty years, was a candidate for the place also, and on both sides most earnest endeavors were made to secure proxies for the election in September. A part of the securities of the Bishop's Fund was invested in the stock of the bank, and hence the statement that the " Trustees have granted a power of attorney " to one of the parties, and that the Trustees were requested to annul it. The story is suf- ficiently told in these resolutions and in this explanation.
313
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Nov. 4, A letter from W. J. Babcock was read asking to have his wages raised from three hundred dollars, to four hundred, and it was,
V. Voted, That Messrs. Nichols and Tudor be a com- mittee to confer with Mr. Babcock respecting his communi- cation, and to inform him, that the Vestry having before increased his salary to $300 under the express understand- ing on their part, that he would remain in his present situation, with his present salary, through his whole collegi- ate course, and that they cannot with propriety accede to his request. [Afterwards the Vestry "voted, that they will not insist upon the fulfilment of the contract if he considers it disadvantageous to himself."]
1838.
April 16, P. Voted, That W. H. Imlay, Phillip Ripley, Sam1. Tudor, Geº. Beach, and Samuel H. Huntington, be a committee to make an estimate of the expense of complet- ing the Church with Stone, also with wood or other materials, to comport with the original plan, also, to devise a plan for creating a sinking fund, for the gradual liquidation of the Parish debt, and report at the adjourned Parish meeting.
April 30, P. The committee appointed at the last parish meeting reported a plan for the gradual liquidation of the parish debt, which now amounted to about $23,500.
The plan of the committee contemplated the formation of a sinking fund by the payment of twenty-four hun- dred dollars annually, which, with the accruing interest would, it was expected, pay the indebtedness by April 1, 1854. The Parish voted the above sum, and the " War- dens and Treasurer were appointed a committee to carry it into effect." No more was heard about it after this.
They also reported that,
The committee who were appointed at a Parish meeting on the 16th instant to procure a plan and estimate of the ex- pense of completing the tower of the church of stone, wood,
314
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
or other materials, beg leave to report that they have in pur- suance of their appointment procured from Messrs. Rath- bone & Wheaton an estimate of the cost of completing the tower of the church according to the plan herewith submit- ted, which is $9,290 for the stone and wood-work.
An important reduction in the cost of completing it ac- cording to the plan submitted, may be made by reducing the height about 14 feet, and by simplifying the style of the work, without, in the opinion of your committee, any perceptible injury to its appearance or proportion, say of $1,400, leaving the cost to the Parish $7,890, in place of the first named sum.
The cost of the balustrade and pinnacles upon the main body of the church, to complete it according to the original plan, is not estimated or included in either of the above sums ; these estimates refer exclusively to the tower.
The labor, time, and difficulty of procuring a plan of the Church and tower, rendered it impossible for your committee to obtain estimates in season for this meeting -of the cost of completing the tower of any other material except stone ; the estimate has been carefully made, and Messrs. Rathbone and Wheaton are here present to answer any questions which any member of the Parish wish to propound to them for the purpose of obtaining more particular information.
All of which is respectfully submitted by
WM. H. IMLAY, in behalf of the Committee.
The report was recommitted with instructions to make further estimates and report to a future meeting, and Dr. Sumner was added to the committee.
Voted, That whenever the sum of $4,000 is subscribed for completing the Tower of the Church, this Parish will pro- ceed to raise the balance by a loan or otherways and com- plete the tower, as soon as the necessary funds can be raised.
Voted, That a committee of five be appointed to solicit subscriptions to the amount of $4,000, to be expended in completing the tower of the church, to report to a future meeting of the Parish, and J. B. Eldredge, J. S. Morgan,
315
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Hezekiah Brainard, Chas. A. Colton, P. F. Robbins were ap- pointed as said committee.
Nov 17, V. Voted, That the Wardens be authorized to permit Mr. E. R. Johnston to use the Chapel for the purpose of teaching sacred music at such times as it is not wanted for the purposes of the Parish, provided, that he furnish his own fuel, lights, &c. &c., pay the expenses of keeping the room in order, and make good all damages by any member or members of his schools.
Dec. 22, V. Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry be a Committee to preserve order in the Church on Monday even- ing, being Christmas Eve.
1839.
Feb. 9, V. Voted, That the Senior Warden and Mr. Tudor be a committee to fix the south-east window on the south side of the Church in some suitable manner to protect the Church from risk of damage by fire.
When Dr. Bacon's barn, which was near the Church, was burned there was considerable danger from the fire, and Dr. Wheaton did not improve matters much when he dashed cold water upon the heated glass. Large spikes were afterwards driven into the walls near the top of the windows on which it was proposed to hang carpets, or protection of some kind, which might be kept wet, in case such an incident should happen again. . The building near the southeast window was but a few feet distant, and was equally dangerous, and needed like protection.
Feb. 16, P. The committee who were appointed at an adjourned meeting of the Parish of Christ Church, held in the Chapel in this city on the 30th of April, 1838, to solicit subscriptions for completing the tower of the Church, beg leave respectfully to Report,
That they have devoted much time to the performance of the duty, by no means a pleasant one, which the Parish assigned them, and have now the satisfaction of stating that
316
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
they have succeeded in obtaining a subscription of over $4,000, although a large number of wealthy members of the Parish have not yet been called upon and have not subscribed ; and therefore that they suppose the vote of the Parish passed at the meeting above mentioned, which declares that "when- ever said sum of $4,000 is subscribed this Parish will proceed to raise the balance by loan or otherways and complete the tower of the Church," is now binding upon the Parish, inas- much as the conditions of the vote have been complied with.
The committee would also beg leave to inform the Parish that in accordance with the suggestions of several influential friends of the undertaking, the conditions of the subscrip- tions were so arranged as to make them payable in three an- nual installments, the first being'due April 1, 1839,-the sec- ond April 1, 1840,- the third April 1, 1841. This condition of the subscriptions was acceded to by the committee be- cause it was believed that two or three years' time would be required to complete the tower, and also because many gen- tlemen assured them that they would give more liberally upon such terms, all of which is respectfully submitted,
JOHN B. ELDREDGE, Chairman.
The report was accepted, and this vote was passed.
Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry be empowered to ap- point a committee to superintend the completion of the tower, and make contracts for the same, and that they be re- quested to procure a plan or plans, and an estimate of the expense of said tower, and present the same to a meeting of the Parish, to be called for that purpose.
The younger and ambitious element had pushed this matter vigorously, and had succeeded in committing the Parish to its ultimate success.
The Parish meeting had also been called to consider "the subject of erecting a New Church," which was pre- sented as follows :
Whereas, The Parish of Christ Church under the divine blessing has so much increased, that, in order to its further
-
317
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
increase, further accommodations are necessary; and Whereas the progress of the town and the general prosperity of the Episcopal Church, justify the belief that under the same Supreme blessing great additions may still be made to the number of the members of that Church in this place; and Whereas every other object must be regarded as subordinate to those which directly furnish the means of Grace, and enlarge the Church of God, therefore Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when it is expedient to attempt, in reliance on the favor of Divine Providence, the establishment of another Parish of the Episcopal Church in this city.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the cost of any new Church which may be at this time erected, should not exceed the sum of $10,000.
Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting, such a con- nection between a new Parish and the present would be desirable, as would unite the pecuniary interest of both, at least for a time, while it should leave the Spiritual charge of each to its own peculiar Pastor.
Resolved, That the Gentlemen who have subscribed for the completion of the Tower of the Church, be invited to give their consent to the relinquishment of that object for the present, and to the appropriation of the sums respectively subscribed by them, with such additions as they may be prepared to offer, for the erection of another Church.
After "a lengthy discussion," the preamble and resolutions " were ordered to be laid on the table ;" the majority were of the opinion that the tower should first be finished.
The report of the committee to solicit subscriptions to complete the tower was ordered to be taken up, and was accepted, and it was
Voted, That Thomas Belknap, Lemuel Humphrey, Dudley Buck, William T. Lee, and Walter Phelps, be appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for the erection of a new church in this city.
318
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
The committee, whose report had been recommitted, reported at length on March 9th, that they had obtained " proposals for the completion of the Tower of the church, agreeably to Mr. Wheaton's plan, as drawn by Mr. Austen, to be completed all of stone," or part wood and part stone, and then proceed to state the difficulties of procuring it to be done with stone, and argue in favor of the plan by wood and stone. However, they concluded their report by recommending "that the Wardens and Vestry, or the Committee be authorized to use either stone or wood, in the construction of the Tower, at their discretion."
The following vote was then passed:
Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry be and hereby are authorized to proceed to make contracts, and to take other measures necessary to complete the Tower in accordance with the report of the committee made this evening, and accepted.
Mr. Imlay resigned his position as chairman of the committee, and the Vestry appointed James M. Goodwin and Wm. T. Lee additional members, and left it with the committee to appoint their own chairman. As a result the tower was built wholly of stone, and its beautiful proportions have been admired by all. The church is now complete with the exception of the pinnacles and battlement, contemplated in the original plan.
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