USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 30
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April 5, P. Voted, That H. Huntington, D. Morgan, G. IV. Russell, James Bolter, Thomas J. Fales, and T. T. Fisher, be, and they are hereby, appointed a Committee to raise by Subscription the sum of Eighteen Thousand Dollars, payable in one, two, three, and four years, in equal annual install- ments, the same to be appropriated as recommended by the Wardens and Vestry.
No Subscription is to be binding unless the full amount of Eighteen Thousand Dollars is subscribed.
August 30, P. Mr. Dudley Buck was elected Treasurer for the current year (to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Cyprian Nichols, Esq.) to continue in office until his successor is chosen.
Cyprian Nichols, the son of George Nichols and Eunice (Lord) Nichols, was born in Hartford, May 4, 1773, and died August 13, 1853. He married Mary Sooter, born at
385
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
the Hague, December 26, 1777, and died September 23, 1848. Her father was John Sooter, born April 2, 1752. The ancestor of C. N. was Cyprian Nichols, born 1642, who came from Witham, County Essex, England, 1664. He bought the house of William Whiting, on Governor street, who was one of the early settlers of Hartford. The father of Eunice Lord was John Lord, a descendant of Thomas Lord, an early settler. In the war of IS12, Mr. Nichols was a partner in business with Wm. H. Imlay, after that with Thomas Tisdale, and subsequently with Lemuel Humphrey. He retired from business about 1836, but continued an active member of the Parish until the time of his death. Few men in it have been more honored or respected, or more devoted to its interests than Mr. Nichols. His name first appears when he was chosen Vestryman in 1809, and ever afterwards he did not fail to serve the Parish faithfully and diligently. He was a consistent Churchman, amiable, temperate, but decided, most charitable to the opinions of others, while holding fast to his own. He was liberal in his contributions for church purposes, and generous also in all measures for the public good. He was a useful and respected citizen, and was at times engaged in town and city affairs. For a further account of him reference is made to the Report of the Committee on the Funds, p. 98.
Sept. 22. HARTFORD,, Sept. 224, 1853.
To the Wardens and Vestry
of Christ Church Parish, Hartford.
Gentlemen, The Committee appointed by the Parish to solicit subscriptions, for the purpose of extinguishing the debt -building an Iron fence around the Church - Venti- lating and painting the same, have performed the duty assigned them, having obtained subscriptions to the amount of Eighteen thousand Dollars, the sum proposed to be raised for the above purpose ; and give you notice of the fact, that you may call a Parish meeting, or take such action as may
25
386
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
be thought necessary and proper to carry out the views and wishes of the members of the Parish.
In behalf of the Committee,
H. HUNTINGTON, Chairman.
Subscription for extinguishing the debt of the Parish.
We the subscribers agree to pay the sums affixed to our names respectively, in four annual installments, to raise the sum of Eighteen Thousand Dollars for the purpose of liqui- dating the debt of Christ Church Parish - building an Iron Fence around the Church, ventilating and painting the in- terior of the same, and making such other repairs as may be deemed necessary. No subscription to be binding unless the full amount is subscribed.
The first payment to be made on the 20th day of Septem- ber 1853, and the three following payments to be made on the 20th day of September of each succeeding year thereafter.
HARTFORD, April 8, 1853.
H. Huntington, $1,000 Daniel Goodwin, . $100
James Goodwin,
. 1,000
II. Tudor Brownell, 50
H. Brainard & Co ,
. 1,000
James M. B. McNary, 50
John W. Bull,
. 1,000 Charles R. Chapman, 50
Charles H. Northam, 800
George H. Clark, . 50
Dudley Buck, 600
Benjamin F. Ellis, 50
Thomas J. Fales, .
500
J. K. Southmayd, . 50
William Isham,
500
Isaac F. Smyth, 50
Walter Keney, 500 George Church, Jr., 50
S. Tuttle & Sons, . 500
C. C. Orcutt, . 50
Thomas T. Fisher,
500
A. G. Cooley,
50
D. Morgan & Co.,
500
George S. Green, .
50
H. B. Beach,
500
William Woodward, 50
Hetty B. Hart,
500
Edwin Crocker, 50
Isaac Toucey,
500
F. A. Brown, 50
50
James Bolter, for a member of the Parish,
500
William Conner, Mrs. John D. Russ, 50
H. D. Wells,
400
Thomas M. Day, . 50
C. Nichols,
300
Mrs. Harriet P. Thomas, 50
W. H. D. Callender, 250
Mrs. William Richmond, 50
Chester Adams,
250
Mary S. Merrills, . 50
S. B. Beresford,
250
George S. Burnham, 50
Z. Preston, . 200 Aaron Keney, 40
387
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
John B. Eldredge,
$200 A. S. Stillman,
$40
C. H. Sigourney, .
200
John Brocklesby, .
40
Charles Sigourney,
200
Julius Young,
30
M. W. Chapin,
200 Lewis J. Young,
30
Newton Carter,
200
Thomas S. Root, .
25
William Mather, .
200
Alfred Watkinson,
25
Robert Watkinson,
200
E. Shattuck, .
25
James Bolter,
150
M. S. Roberts,
25
John S. Gray,
15C B. E. Mann, .
25
George Buck,
100 Joseph Davis,
25
J. W. Beachı,
100
Byron Adanıs,
25
Charles Benton,
100
M. L. S.,
25
Gurdon W. Russell,
100
N. Lyman, Jr.,
25
A. M. Gordon,
100
Waldo M. Johnson,
25
Thomas Skinner,
100
P. B. Goodsell,
25
P. F. Robbins,
100
George D. Jewett,
25
C. A. Taft,
100
T. J. Work, .
25
J. B. Powell, .
100
Geo. E. Hatch,
20
Charles Chapman,
100
Chas. P. Brown,
20
Henry Perkins,
100
S. C. Preston,
20
F. Curtis & Co.,
100
Miss E. Shields,
20
John C. Palmer,
100
Horace A. Hall,
20
George Sumner,
100
L. B. Goodman, S. P. Conner,
I6
Miss Draper, .
100
H. C. Fuller,
16
Lydia Morgan,
100
Sherman West,
12
Hannah Brainard,
100
Henry Britton,
12
Mrs. C. F. Pond, . 100
We the subscribers agree to pay the sums affixed to our respective names in addition to the amount heretofore sub- scribed by us, for liquidating the debt of Christ Church Parish, etc., subject to the conditions of the original sub- scriptions made by us.
Denison Morgan, .
$100 C. H. Northamı, $100
Dudley Buck,
100
Walter Keney, 50
Fales & Gray,
100
W. H. D. Callender,
50
Chester Adams,
25
E. L. Butler, .
100
16
$18,002
Oct' 31, P. Voted, That the Committee appointed to pro- cure plans and estimates for an Iron Fence be, and they are hereby appointed a Committee, with full power to contract for the erection as soon as practicable of an Iron Fence en-
388
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
closing Christ Church building, according to a plan to be ap- proved by the Wardens and Vestry, the whole expense not to exceed $2,000. Said Committee to furnish proper vouchers for the expenditure therefor to the said Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church Parish.
1854.
Jan. 23, 17. Voted, That the use of the Church be granted to the "Old Folks," for the purpose of holding a Sacred Con- cert, and that they also have the use of the Chapel for rehearsals.
Voted, That the Rector be requested to devise some mode of receiving the regular Charitable Contributions of the Church, which shall secure a larger amount than has hitherto been given, and one more in accordance with the measure of . Christian privileges that we enjoy.
April 8, V. Voted, That the Wardens be authorized to make such arrangements with the Faculty and Students of Trinity College in regard to the Slips in Church, for the en- suing year, as they may deem expedient.
Voted, That the Wardens be authorized to make such arrangements with Misses Draper to Slips in Church, for the Young Ladies in their Seminary, for the ensuing year, as shall be satisfactory to them.
April II, V. Voted, That Slip No. 92, North aisle, be reserved for Miss Sophia Tudor, Mrs. Murray, and others.
May 6, V. Voted, That the Iron Fence be extended to the line of Dr. Beresford.
July 5, V. The Committee on alterations and repairs were called upon to report. Mr. T. T. Fisher the Chairman of the Committee, introduced to the meeting Mr. Mills an Architect from New York, who presented several drawings of the proposed alterations, and improvements in the Church build- ing, and made explanations of the estimated cost of the same.
July II, P. Voted, That Charles H. Northam, James Good- win, and Chester Adams, be and they are hereby appointed a Committee with power to Paint and Ventilate the Church, as contemplated by the terms of a Subscription made for that purpose.
389
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
July 16, V. Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry direct that the Organ be set back into the Tower in such a manner and to such a degree as may hereafter be determined, pro- vided a sum sufficient to defray the expenses be raised by subscription in the Parish.
July 29, V. Voted, That Denison Morgan, T. T. Fisher, and John W. Bull, be, and they are hereby, appointed a Com- mittee with power to alter the seats in the Gallery, for the better accommodation of the Choir-also to examine the Furnaces, and if it is in their opinion deemed necessary, to obtain new ones,-they are to raise the Slips in the front part of the Church, put in new Slips where the Registers now are - cut doorways through from the North and South entrances under the Organ Gallery, and make such other repairs as may be necessary in consequence of said alterations.
The resolutions of July 16th and 29th, proposed very great and serious changes in the eastern part of the Church. The Rector was so popular that crowds were drawn to hear him, especially at the third service in the evening. The aisles were filled with chairs, and yet more room was wanted, and so some of the more enthusiastic members wished to increase the sittings, by moving back the organ into the tower, and taking down the stairs leading to the galleries ; according to the plan of the architect these were to be placed in an addition to the building in the east, on each side of the tower. The cost was admitted to be con- siderable, but the necessity for more accommodation was urgent, and the changes were supposed to be safely made; the architect said so. But the matter never came to a parish meeting, and the very decided opposition of some of the older and cooler heads effectually prevented the prosecution of the change. It was not needed, nor was it safe.
Shortly afterwards Dr. Clark was chosen as Bishop of the diocese of Rhode Island, and increased accommodations were not found to be necessary. It was a fortunate escape from plans which would have injured the fine proportions of the church.
390
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Aug1. 23, V. Voted, That the Painting over the Window in rear of the Chancel in the Church be removed.
This was the " Transparent painting of the Ascension," procured in London and presented to the Parish by Dr. Wheaton, Dec. 26, 1829. It was injured by the falling of a ladder against it, so seriously, that it was thought at the time that it could not be successfully repaired, and hence the preceding vote. As has been stated in a note in the Annals, it was sent to Dr. Wheaton, at Marbledale. The canvas was rolled, and securely packed, but accidentally, on the Shebaug railway, it was thrown out of place, and one end of it meeting some obstruction by the roadside, it was utterly ruined.
A stained glass window was put in its place, according to the vote of the Vestry of August 29th. It was a dazzling object to the eyesight, which several coats of lime-wash or paint on the weatherside did not wholly remove. A sketch of the window lying by me, enables me to give some of the subjects which composed it. The symbols in the upper part were not objectionable, but the lower ones never excited much admiration. In one panel were the " Head of Judas Iscariot, rope, and thirty pieces of Silver, Reed, Spear, Lanthorn, and the Sword." In the center panel, "Cross, Crown of Thorns, the Spear, Reed, and Sponge, Hammer, Nippers, Old and New Covenant." In the third panel were the "Seamless garment, three dice, and Pillar and Scourge." Its merits as an artistical production were commensurate with the cost. It was removed when the fine Memorial window was put in its place, and is now stored in the tower of the Church.
Augt. 29, V. The subject of a Stained Glass Window was again presented for the consideration of the meeting. Mr. Wm. Gibson from New York exhibited some drawings, and stated what the cost of a Stained Glass Window would be. Whereupon it was Voted, That the Committee on Alterations and repairs, consisting of Denison Morgan, T. T. Fisher, and
391
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
John W. Bull, be, and they are hereby, authorized to procure a Stained Glass Window to be placed in the West end of the Church, over the Chancel, at an expense not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars.
Sepr. 22, V. It was stated that the Rev. T. M. Clark has been elected to the Office of Bishop in the Diocese of Rhode Island. Whereupon it was Voted, That John Brocklesby, Isaac Toucey, Charles Chapman, and the Wardens, be a committee to prepare a circular expressive of the feelings of this Parish occasioned by said election, and procure the signatures of the members of the Parish thereto and present the same to Dr. Clark.
Nov. 3, V. A communication from the Rev. T. M. Clark resigning the Rectorship of the Parish was read. Whereupon it was
Voted, That the same be referred to a meeting of the Parish.
Nov. 9. The following communication from the Rev. Thomas M. Clark to the Wardens and Vestry, and by that body referred to a meeting of the Parish, was read and accepted :
HARTFORD, NOV. 34, 1854.
To the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Hartford.
Gentlemen, After patient and careful consideration I have felt myself constrained to accept the Office of Bishop in the Diocese of Rhode Island, and therefore I must now resign the Rectorship of the Church in which I have ministered with so much pleasure for the past few years. Nothing but an overpowering sense of obligation would lead me to sunder the relation which I hold to this congregation.
The perfect harmony which prevails amongst us, the devoted attachment and confidence which you have ever manifested towards me, and my warm affection for all this people, render this a severe and bitter trial.
May God in his goodness provide for this Church a Pastor who shall be more faithful than I have been, and bless you with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.
392
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
If agreeable to the Parish, I shall be happy to continue my services in this Church until the first of March next, unless, in the mean time some one shall be found to take the duties of the Rectorship.
Your obedient servant in Christ,
THOMAS M. CLARK.
The following Preamble and Resolutions were then pre- sented by Prof. J. Brocklesby, and adopted unanimously:
That whereas, the Rev. Thomas M. Clark, D.D., having been elected to the Episcopate of Rhode Island, has officially resigned the charge of this Parish ; Resolved, That we receive with feelings of deepest sorrow, the resignation of Dr. Clark, who has been to us a faithful spiritual Guide and Instructor, and whose ministry has been so acceptable to all, whose labors under God have strengthened the walls of our Zion, and whose influence for good has been extensively felt throughout the community around us. That while we grieve for the necessity which has severed the sacred bond that existed between us, we are yet thankful for the blessings we have received.
We bow to the cross thus laid upon us, remembering that it is the "Lord that gave and the Lord that takes away."
Resolved, That as we part from our beloved Pastor, in sorrow of spirit, we pray that he may be endued with wisdom and strength from on high, to meet the solemn responsibilities of the holy office to which he has been called. - That in the new field, which he is about to enter, his labors may be more abundantly blessed, that wherever he plants, God may give the increase, and the cause of our Redeemer flourish and extend. - And that the time may be far distant, when after a life "full of good works," he shall be summoned to a still nobler sphere of action in the realms above.
Resolved, That this Parish accept with much satisfaction the offer of Dr. Clark to remain with us for a limited period, upon the conditions mentioned in his letter of resignation.
Voted, That a copy of the foregoing Preamble and Resolu- tions, signed by the Chairman and Clerk, be presented to the Rev. Dr. Clark.
393
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Dr. George Sumner came to Hartford, in 1819, from Windham county, and soon connected himself with Christ Church. He was always a valuable member of the Parish, and was much interested in all its concerns. For many years he was a member of the Vestry, acting upon committees, and quietly, but effectually, exercising much influence. His acquaintance with the clergy was exten- sive and his hospitable doors were ever open for their reception. The rectors ever found him a firm friend and supporter, and the Parish a safe and judicious counselor. What was said of him in " Physicians in Hartford in 1837," was very true and may be repeated here. "He was emi- nently an intellectual man, well educated, fond of reading, hospitable, kind hearted, pleasant in manner and conver- sation, and very careful never to give offense." " He spent his money liberally, was a kind husband, a loving and in- dulgent father, and a good citizen: his efforts were in favor of good objects." While he was a sound church- man, he was not offensively so, nor disposed to unjust criticism or ill-natured remarks about others who differed from him. " And this was not because he had no opinions or was fearful of acknowledging them, but from a gentle- ness of nature which led him into paths of peace." He is deserving of special remembrance in our Parish. He was the son of George and Mary (Tyler) Sumner, and was born in Abington, in the town of Pomfret, Dec. 13, 1793, and died Feb. 20, 1855. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Catharine (Hutchinson) Putnam of Brook- lyn. She was born Sept. 24, 1794, and died Dec. 29, 1844.
1855.
Feb. 12, V. Voted, That the Rev. Alexander H. Mercer of Philadelphia, be invited to preach in Christ Church for six months.
Voted, That the Wardens be directed to communicate the doings of this meeting to Bishop Clark, and request him to
394
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
address Bishop Potter of Phila. on the subject of procuring the services of the Rev. Mr. Mercer to supply the Pulpit of Christ Church for six months, commencing on the first of March next.
April 4. The Wardens and Vestry having been instruct- ed by the Parish to make diligent enquiries for some suitable person to be their future Rector, present the following Re- port :
To the Parish of Christ Church,
The Wardens and Vestry in accordance with a vote of the Parish Nov" 9, 1854, would respectfully report, That hav- ing made diligent and careful enquiry, they recommend that the Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D.D., of New York, be elected Rector of this Parish at a yearly salary of Twenty-five Hun- dred dollars.
The Parish on the 11th appointed "a committee to proceed to New York and inform Dr. Hawks of his elec- tion." On the 19th they "reported verbally that they had attended to the duties assigned them, and that he declined the invitation to accept the Rectorship of the Parish." This was in accordance with the belief of most of the members, but they were over-persuaded by the positive- ness and sanguine opinions of a few.
June 26, V. Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry do recommend that the Rev. George Leeds of Salem, Mass., be elected Rector of Christ Church Parish at a yearly salary of Two Thousand Dollars, and that a meeting of the Parish be warned to be held in the Chapel on Monday the 2ª day of July next at 8 o'ck P. M.
July 10, P. The Committee appointed to visit Salem made a very favorable report of the qualifications and ability of Rev. Mr. Leeds, and it was
Voted, unanimously, That the Rev. George Leeds of Salem, Mass., be, and he is hereby, invited to accept the Rec- torship of this Parish, at a yearly salary of Two Thousand Dollars.
C
395
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
August 7, V. A Communication from the Rev. George Leeds, declining the invitation to become the Rector of this Parish, was read and ordered placed on file.
Mr. Leeds, after his call, came to Hartford and preached on one Sunday. He gave very general satis- faction, and it was hoped that he would remain as Rector. Perhaps he recognized the danger of following a very able man. He was, however, of such ability that he was fully competent to take care of himself.
Nov. 23, P. The report of the Wardens and Vestry recommending that the Rev. R. M. Abercrombie of Clifton, N. Y., be elected Rector of this Parish having been read, it was - Voted, unanimously, that the Rev. R. M. Abercrombie be invited to accept the Rectorship of this Parish, at a yearly salary of Two thousand dollars. Messrs. Charles Chapman, Hezekiah Huntington, and James Bolter, were appointed a Committee to inform Mr. Abercrombie of the doings of this meeting, and request his acceptance of the Rectorship of this Parish.
Dec. 21, V. Voted, That hereafter upon the occasion of a Wedding, the consent of the Wardens be previously obtained before the Church will be opened, and that they have power to call in any assistance deemed necessary to keep order.
The occasion of this vote was the conduct of the miscellaneous assemblage which sometimes was gathered on these occasions, which regarded neither the sacredness of the edifice, or the solemnity of the ceremony, or of the ordinary rules of behavior, which most of them would never have tolerated in their own dwellings. The license and rudeness were timely checked, and it is believed have not since occurred.
Voted, That the letter from Mr. Abercrombie to the Wardens and Vestry, accepting the Rectorship, be entered upon records of the Parish.
396
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Dec. 21. CLIFTON, Dec. 12, 1855. To the Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church,
Hartford, Ct.
Gentlemen, Your official and friendly communication tendering an invitation to the Rectorship of your Parish, has been received, and I beg leave to reiterate the reasons offered to a member of your body in apology for a temporary delay in sending a reply. The unexpected call to a new sphere of such magnitude and importance in view of the sacred ties which knit me to my own parish, required as it has received, the consultation of every proper source of counsel in the questions involved in severing those ties, and assuming the responsibilities of a new position.
Guided as I trust by the Great Head of the Church, for whose direction I have earnestly appealed, and after mature consideration, I have resolved to comply with your kind wishes, and offer to you and through you to the Congregation of Christ Church, my acceptance of the Office of Pastor in your important and distinguished parish. As varied enterprises and circumstances require my personal supervis- ion in this place, it will not be convenient to enter upon my duties in your midst, until the third day of February ensuing. Feeling deeply unworthy of the frank confidence you have manifested towards me, and regarding the important relations which will bind us together, I solicit earnestly your Chris- tian sympathy and prayers, that God may guide, guard, and bless me, in the execution of His will, and promotion of your welfare, in the favored portion of the Vineyard which you occupy.
I come to you with expectations of unbounded trust, that the affectionate interest you have shown towards those who have labored among you in the past, may be extended to their successor, that he may with a single eye to God's glory, and the salvation of souls, make full proof of his ministry, and accomplish the work of an evangelist. In humble prayer that our connection may redound to the glory of God, and our mutual interests, I am, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully in bonds of extreme love,
R. M. ABERCROMBIE.
397
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
1856.
Feb. 26, V. Voted, That C. Adams, C. H. Northam, and T. T. Fisher be a Committee to procure a house for the Rector, at a rent not exceeding five hundred dollars, and tender him the use of it, in behalf of the Parish, and also to make enquiries for a house that can be purchased for that purpose, and report to a future meeting of the Vestry.
March 24, P. It was voted that the salary of the Rector be Twenty-five Hundred Dollars per annum from the first day of April next.
The above vote was in lieu of a vote passed in Vestry meeting Feb. 26, 1856, authorizing a Committee to procure a house for the Rector, at a rent not exceed- ing five hundred dollars per annum.
May 27, V'. Voted, That the free use of the Chapel be granted to the Germans for the purpose of holding religious exercises on the Sabbath.
1857.
April 13, P. Voted, That the thanks of this Parish be pre- sented to Dudley Buck, Esq., for the very able and satisfactory manner in which he has discharged the responsible duties of Treasurer of this Parish.
April 28, V. Voted, That the Organist, and other persons that are paid for singing in the Choir on the Sabbath be requested to be present and assist in the Music at the usual Wednesday evening Lectures.
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