USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 31
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Voted, That the Germans who worship in the Chapel on the Sabbath be requested to have stated or regular collections, the same to be applied towards the expenses of holding such services.
Voted, That the Germans worshipping in the Chapel, have the use of the Communion service once in three or six months as the Rector may direct.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
1858.
May 7, V. H. K. Morgan, T. T. Fisher, and Wm. F. Tuttle were appointed a Committee to take such measures as they may deem expedient to increase the contributions to the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge, in order to make up the balance due from this Parish to said Society, previous to the next Annual Convention of the Diocese.
Elisha Johnson and Wm. F. Tuttle were appointed a committee to confer with the President and Faculty of Trinity College, in regard to the application for the use of the Church, for the next Annual Commencement exercises ; also with Miss Draper for the use of the Church for the Annual Exercises of the closing Term of her Seminary.
May 10, V. Voted, That the Wardens be requested to ascertain the indebtedness of St. Paul's Parish and to call a meeting of this Parish, whenever such information shall be obtained, at their discretion.
William H. Imlay was the son of William and Mary Imlay, and was born in 1780. He was engaged in busi- ness with Charles Seymour as early as 1800; and after- wards with Nichols & Tinker, and De Forest Manice, and Zephaniah Preston, and perhaps with others, at different periods. He was a large owner of real estate in Hartford, and also in New York, and Michigan. He first appears in our records in 1804, when he was chosen as a vestryman, and as Treasurer of the Parish which he held until 1813; he was Senior Warden in 1830. He was chairman of the committee for building the present church, and then, and at different times, was liberal in contributing for parish purposes. He held to pretty strict ideas of economy, and favored the completion of the tower partly in stone, and partly of wood. His report fortunately was not accepted, but he succeeded in cutting down a proposed further height, as Dr. Sumner told me, of fourteen feet, for which he is to be thanked. The proportions are now con-
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
sidered correct, and it stands a most grand and beautiful object in our city.
He had a very extensive knowledge of business, and was one of the most industrious of men. His judgment generally was good, but he was engaged in too many and diverse affairs to conduct them all successfully. He was supposed at one time to be the most wealthy man in town, and had he been content to rest with his gains, would have left a large fortune. He resided on Pearl street where the Congregational church is now located, and there was with the house a large garden, filled with trees and plants, which he probably enjoyed as much as his nature as an ambitious man of business would permit. He died September 4, 1858.
Dec" 8, V'. Elisha Johnson and Thomas T. Fisher were appointed a Committee to ascertain the financial condition of St. Paul's Parish and report to an adjourned meeting of the Wardens and Vestry of this Parish, to be held one week from this evening.
Dec' 15, V. The Committee appointed at the last meet- ing to ascertain the financial condition of St. Paul's Parish made their report, and the subject was referred to the joint Committee of the City Missionary Society.
Dec' 22, V. The Committee appointed at a previous meeting stated that they had no further report to make, and the subject was referred back to the same Committee to bring it before the meeting of the Church Missionary Society if they shall deem it expedient.
1859.
March 3, V. It was Voted, That Chester Adams and Z. Preston, be a Committee to confer with the Rector and pro- pose to him that he take a recess from his labors in the Parish, and that they be authorized to procure someone to supply his place during his absence.
It was Voted, That the ordinary funeral expenses of Mrs. Abercrombie be paid by the Parish.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
The following Preamble and Resolutions were passed unanimously.
Whereas, it has pleased an All Wise Providence to remove by death Mrs. R. M. Abercrombie, the wife of our esteemed Rector, Therefore,
Resolved, That we tender our warmest sympathies to our beloved Rector, and his family, in this hour of severe afflic- tion and trial ; and while we are fully sensible of the great loss which they have sustained, we feel that they may con- sole themselves with the fact, that their loss is her eternal gain, and that she has exchanged this world of suffering and trial for one where sorrow and affliction can never enter.
Resolved, That in this dispensation of Divine Providence, a husband has lost a most devoted and affectionate wife, his children an ever tender and gentle mother, the Church a consistent and faithful member, and this Parish one of its brightest ornaments and truest friends.
Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing Preamble and Resolutions be presented to the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie, and that a like copy be sent to the Calendar for publication.
April 19, V. Mr. Daniel Goodwin was chosen Auditor to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Miles A. Tuttle, Esq.
April 28, V. James Bolter, WVm. F. Tuttle, H. T. Brown- ell, and James M. B. McNary, were appointed a Committee to wait upon strangers and others to seats in the Church.
I860.
Feb. 28, V. Voted, That a meeting of the Parish be warned to be held in the Chapel on Tuesday the 6th day of March next at half past 7 o'clock P. M. to take into consider- ation the finances of the Parish, and for the transaction of any other business proper to be done at said meeting.
March 6, P. Messrs. C. Adams, Z. Preston, C. H. Northam, and Julius Young, were chosen a Committee to examine the property formerly owned by Dr. Beresford, adjoining the Chapel, with power to purchase the same if they shall deem it expedient.
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS. 401
George Beach was born in Litchfield, November 30, 1788, and came to Hartford when quite young. He was a clerk for John Pierce, and was afterwards a partner with him, under the firm name of Pierce & Beach. They were extensively engaged in the West India trade, which was seriously interrupted by the war with Great Britain in 1812. When the Phoenix Bank was chartered he was appointed as its cashier and after the resignation of Mr. Sigourney was chosen as its president, which position he held until his death, May 2, 1860. He is recorded in the list of tax-payers, as early as 1810, and was a member of the Vestry in 1818, and often subsequently ; he was Junior Warden 1826, 1845, and Senior Warden 1827. His appointment is often recorded upon committees, and he appears to have taken a hearty interest in the Parish. He attended at St. Paul's for a few years before his death, partly because his hearing was somewhat impaired, and partly also, it is supposed, because he disliked the style of the music and the ways of the musicians. He was fond of the old tunes and the old ways, and believed that the plain directions of rubrics should be strictly followed. He was a remarkably good looking man, very striking in his personal appearance, tall, broad shouldered, with a healthy, florid countenance, even in his old age ; his abundant white hair gave him a noble appearance. His responses in the service were loud and distinct ; whatever he under- took, he executed with energy. He was three times married, had a large family of children, some of whom are still living, who, with grandchildren, are all faithful mem- bers of the Episcopal Church.
Nov. 13, V. J. Watson Beach, and W. H. D. Callender, with such other members of the Parish as they may choose to call upon for assistance, were appointed a Committee to raise by subscription a sum sufficient to pay the debt and interest of St. Paul's Parish, due to the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company.
26
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
186I.
April I, P. Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry be and they are hereby directed to make enquiry in regard to the financial condition of the Parish, and report to an adjourned meeting.
April 6, 17. Voted, That Charles Benton, John S. Gray, and Z. Preston, be a Committee to advise with the Rector, in regard to the general affairs of the Parish.
April 12, V. The Committee appointed at the Annual Meeting of the Parish, consisting of the Wardens and Vestry, reported as follows. That the estimated expenses of the Parish for the present year are $4,Soo Dollars. The esti- mated income is $4,000, showing a deficiency for the year of $800 Dolls. The present debt of the Parish is $6,500. They would suggest that the deficiency for the year be raised if practicable by subscription.
April 15, P. A communication from the Rector request- ing leave of absence from the Parish for six weeks, was read, and the request was granted.
May 13, V. A Communication from Sam1 Nott, Senior Warden of St. Paul's Parish, was presented for consideration, and it was
Voted, That the Wardens of this Parish be a Committee to confer with the Wardens and Vestry of St. John's Parish on the subject of said communication.
June 4, V. A Communication from the Rev. R. M. Aber- crombie, resigning the Rectorship of the Parish, was pre- sented and read to the meeting, which was referred to a meeting of the Parish.
Sep" 10, P. HARTFORD, June 4, 1861.
To the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Hartford, Conn.
Gentlemen, In view of my intention to enter upon another sphere of labor, where my duties will be less harassing and toilsome than those in which I am now laboring, I hereby tender to you my resignation of this Parish, to take effect next Easter, unless for good reasons I shall think best that
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
our connection be sooner terminated. This arrangement is made in justice to those who renewed their obligations to the Parish in view of the continuance of my ministrations, and also that you may be allowed ample time to elect a successor.
When after refusal, I was urged to accept your call, I came to labor and to teach, not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit. Of our mutual duties and work, God must be the Judge. "Our witness is in Heaven, our record is on high." In severing the sacred tie that has so long bound us, as Pastor and People, I cannot but recall the kind feelings and sympathies exchanged with you, and express the hope that God may overrule our separation to his glory and your welfare.
I am yours in Christian fellowship,
R. M. ABERCROMBIE.
After reading the above by the Clerk it was
Voted, That the resignation of the Rev. R. M. Abercrom- bie as Rector of Christ Church Parish be and the same is hereby accepted, as proposed in his Communication to the Wardens and Vestry, bearing date June 4, 1861.
Oct. 7, V. The following Resolution was passed unani- mously. Resolved, That in separating from our present Rector, we unitedly render to him our highest estimation of his worth as a Christian Pastor, and appreciate fully his faithful and devoted ministrations among us, during a period of nearly six years, and we pledge ourselves that these feel- ings of kindness shall follow him into whatever field of duty Divine Providence may hereafter call him. *
Voted, That the Clerk be directed to furnish the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie with a notice of the action of the Parish upon his letter of resignation, together with a copy of the above resolution.
Mr. Abercrombie was a most estimable man, and labored faithfully in the performance of his duties. He was con- scientious and kind, and had that proper conception of his pastoral obligations that endeared him to many, and should have brought to him the cordial support of all. It
404
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
was unfortunate for him that he followed a rector of supreme ability, most agreeable manners, and every way calculated to attract a crowd. It was a misfortune that had happened to some of his predecessors, and perhaps it may be said to some of his successors also. His long continuance in one parish afterwards showed that his sterling qualities were fully appreciated there. It is not pretended that he was driven away, for there was from all a kindly recognition of his many Christian qualifications, but no one knows better than a clergyman himself how a " gentle pressure " may be brought to bear upon him, which is quite as effectual as open opposition, and leads him to seek another sphere of labor. The parish may not always be at fault, but it should charitably consider that while few men are exactly alike either in mental qualifications, or in temper, or in following the same lines of duty, they may still be equally useful and deserving of equal esteem. The tattlers and busybodies in a parish, who are continually prating of the excellences of a former rector, saying to his successor that he did not do so and so, are only worthy of such a rebuke as was given to one of these complainers in our city some years since : " You please wait and see what Dr. Washburn will do."
The amount of injury, and of real injustice also, which is too often rendered to some of the clergy, calls for more forbearance and sympathy on the part of the people than they frequently are willing to accord. The system of " calling " a pastor over a congregation is as lightly re- garded by some as the choosing of a captain to a military company, or the election of a chairman to an ordinary business meeting. The sacred relation which he holds to the people, and the commission which he bears, are but lightly considered, or are not considered at all in this most important one, which concerns equally pastor and people. So superficial are the inquiries frequently, and so little regard is paid to sound but quiet worth, that one
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
is led to inquire if it would not be better that these minis- ters of God's word should be sent rather than called.
The Parish at this time was in debt over six thousand dollars, incurred mostly, if not wholly, by its spending annually more than it annually received. A system so vicious as this is sure to bring trouble in the future. The danger of it was recognized, but the true remedy was not applied. Notwithstanding the anxiety and annoyance which it occasioned, and which was felt, the system was pursued for some years further before retrenchinent was brought about and the debt was paid. Then the Parish resolved to live within its means in the future, and for a few years succeeded in doing so.
Dec". Ioth, V. Mr. Adams read a letter from Mr. S. Nott, Senior Warden of St. Paul's Parish, asking the aid of a Col- lection to enable St. Paul's Parish to pay the balance of salary due the Rector of said Parish. The communication was laid on the table.
I862.
Samuel Tudor, son of Samuel and Naomi [Diggins] Tudor, was born in East Windsor, August 15, 1769 ; mar- ried June, 1800, Mary, daughter of John and Anna [Bliss] Watson. She was born in East Windsor, December 8, 1775 ; died December 22, 1847. He died January 29, 1862, having reached the ripe old age of over ninety-two years. For some time before his death he was unable to leave his house. His constitution was naturally so robust that he retained his interest in affairs until the latter part of his life. It is thought that he was in business in East Windsor, in the firm of Bissell, Tudor & Co., as adver- tisements are found September 30, 1793, and as late as June 13, 1798. His first advertisement in Hartford is dated July 27, 1801, " at the store lately occupied for the Bank." In 1803 he was in partnership with Ward Wood- bridge ; this was dissolved September 15, 1809. He then entered into partnership with Philo Hillyer October 10,
406
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
ISIO, and removed to the new brick building next north of the Episcopal Church, now No. 433 Main street. This partnership was dissolved March 7, 1821, and he con- ducted the business alone -the wholesale dry goods busi- ness - until he retired about 1830.
Few members of the Parish have been connected with it so long, and have filled so many of its offices, and have performed their duties as faithfully and lovingly as Mr. Tudor. Perhaps he was a churchman when he came to Hartford, and may have been led into the Episcopal com- munion by his acquaintance with the Episcopalians of his native town. These were scattered over the state, especially in the south and west, before the Revolution, though the disturbing conditions bore more heavily upon us than upon others throughout this war. However, the catholic faith had not died out, and there were to be found considerable bodies in a few places, and here and there individuals, whose love for the Prayer Book and the good old ways of their fathers in England was still living and strong. Some of them were in East Windsor. Dr. Elihu Tudor was one of them ; he was in the receipt of a pen- sion from the British government for his services in the war with France, and more especially for those in the ill- fated expedition to The Havana. A suspicion that his loyalty to the mother country was greater than his loyalty for his native land led to his being closely watched and sometimes threatened. Perhaps from his uncle, Mr. Tudor received his knowledge of the church and love for her ways. Dr. Tudor must have had a kind and benevolent disposition, when such a man as Rev. Thomas Robbins would participate in the cheer of his Christmas board and show to him his neighborly affection. It is very likely there were not a few such instances as this of Dr. Tudor, centers of faith and loving remembrance, whose light was obscured for a time, but burst again into flame upon returning peace.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Mr. Tudor seems to have had no desire for " political preferment," as it is now termed. Though his opinions were very decided, and he had no hesitation in expressing them whenever necessary, yet he had a proper sense of propriety in not making them a chief topic of conversa- tion. His attachment to the old Federal party might nat- urally be expected, and to its later numerous appellations and modifications, but I doubt if he was ever worried or disturbed in a night's sleep by any defeats which it expe- rienced. The very fact that he had no strong political desires, but attended to his own business, is proof enough of this. He was, and continued to be successful as a mer- chant, buying largely at home and abroad, just before and immediately after the declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812. This foresight was very profitable to him, and is said to have greatly increased his fortune. With a laudable ambition and perseverance, he pursued his mercantile career without a failure, and retired from business having secured a competency sufficient for the remainder of his life. But he did not hoard what he had gained ; he spent liberally both in his family, his parish, and as a good citizen. I do not think it was spent grudg- ingly, or of necessity, but as a cheerful giver. A friend, speaking of him within a few days, said, "I do not think that his income was ever more than six or seven thousand dollars a year, but he lived like a prince ; no one would think of living now as he did, unless he had an income of three times this amount." His life was a success ; he had two children, and a most intelligent, amiable, and loving wife. Her influence upon him modified or di- verted whatever of irritability there might have been in his original temper. It strengthened and confirmed his naturally good instincts, and added greatly to a grand conception of an artistic sense, which made life beautiful and home a happy place.
It is especially with Mr. Tudor's connection with Christ Church that we have to speak. His name is first
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
found when he was chosen vestryman in 1803; and he was a continuous member of the vestry, either as warden or vestryman-except in 1840-until 1850, a period of forty-seven years. He was extremely devoted to the interests of the Parish, serving often and faithfully upon many committees, contributing generously of his sub- stance, and showing in many and diverse ways how much love he had for the Church. He was prompt and constant in attendance upon her services, requiring his children and grandchildren to be present with him also. Nor did he neglect those family devotions which are incum- bent upon all of us, but it is feared are neglected by too many. He seemed never to tire with his religious duties, but believed in them, and lived up to them with a constancy which was unfailing.
He was early and for a long time a director in the Phonix Bank, a trustee of Trinity College, in which he early took much interest ; often he was sent as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention : in whatever he was engaged he was in earnest. His early education, I suppose, was not extensive, but his natural abilities were good, and he had that wise perception not given to all men, in know- ing that he was firm only on ground with which he was acquainted. He had an excellent knowledge and great love of music, and his judgment was not often questioned. After the introduction of some new tunes and chants, a parishioner one day said to him, " I don't understand this new music which you are giving us, Mr. Tudor." " You are not up to it, Mr. - ," he replied, " not up to it ; " and that was the end of the interrogation. If there was any subject upon which he would not bear contradiction, it was this one.
The Parish owes him a debt of gratitude for his ser- vices on the committee for building the present church. Here he was indefatigable; here his fine taste, his correct judgment, his acquaintance with what was becoming and orderly, and his knowledge of honest work, were invalua-
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
ble. Mr. Wheaton found in him a sympathetic sup- porter.
He had an extensive acquaintance with the clergy, and his hospitable doors were ever open to them; here they found a kindly greeting and a cheerful board. Mr. Wain- wright, the Rector, lived with him for some time, and when his sermons were finished, not often before eleven o'clock on Saturday night, Mrs. Tudor would be prepared with something refreshing for his comfort, before retir- ing. His social disposition made him fond of company, and led to an extensive acquaintance. Perhaps there has been no one in the Parish who was better known, more prominent and useful, than Mr. Tudor. In its early history John Morgan was a foremost leader, capable and willing. He was engaged extensively in trade, and had that pecuniary ability which is said to enforce one's opinions ; if he had any prejudices he did not attempt to conceal them; he was bold and bluff, but warm at heart. He was a Churchman, because he believed in the Church, and possibly also because he did not believe in Congregationalism. He was ardent as a supporter, generous, dogmatic, well-fitted to command. But Mr. Tudor possessed more gracefulness, more persuasiveness, more command of himself, and equal independence ; he was well-fitted to direct.
There was connected with his home, No. 471, Main street, quite an amount of land, much beyond that usually found in the center of an old city ; it extended in the rear even to Church street. Here he had a fine vegetable garden, an icehouse, a greenhouse, and an ornamental garden filled with trees and shrubs and flowering plants. It is reported that he was the first person in the city who owned a private greenhouse. His fine taste here displayed itself in the cultivation of beautiful plants and desirable fruits ; the grounds were so extensive that they gave full play to his aesthetic sense. In his later years he could be
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
found on every fair morning enjoying the fresh air, the perfume of his flowers, the growth and beauty of his trees, and the abundance of his fruits. He was pleased often to repeat what had been told him by the elder Dr. Beresford, " These, Mr. Tudor, are adding to the number of your days." So celebrated was his garden that it was considered one of the show places of the city, and he was very willing that it should be opened to the public, but grumbled occasionally, as was very proper, when the visitors did not refrain from picking his flowers or plucking his fruit. If we did not take our country friends to visit it, in connec- tion with the Charter Oak, the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, and Mr. Sigourney's residence, it was considered that we had failed in our duty.
He was always a good looking man, and must have been handsome when young ; he dressed well and neatly, even in his old age, which cannot always be said of those who have come to four score years or more. My neighborly acquaintance with him for a long time may have led to the length of this sketch of one who was a true friend of our Parish, whose conceptions of duty were strong, who had so much Christian faith and so much human philoso- phy that he endeavored to enjoy with thankfulness the blessings of this life, and bear with resignation those trials and afflictions which come to all of us.
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