USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 32
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March 25, 1862, P. The Wardens and Vestry, in accord- ance with a Vote of the Parish, passed Sep" 10th, 1861, re- ported that having made diligent and careful enquiry they recommend that the Rev. Clement M. Butler, D.D., of Phila- delphia, be elected Rector of this Parish, and it was
Voted, That the Rev. Clement M. Butler, D.D., of Phila- delphia, having the approbation of the Bishop of this Dio- cese, be requested to accept the Rectorship of this Parish.
Voted, That the Rt. Rev. Bishop of this Diocese is re- spectfully requested to approve of the election of the Rev. Clement M. Butler, D.D., to be Rector of this Parish.
4II
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
April 21. An adjourned meeting of the Parish was held at the Chapel on Easter Monday, the 21st inst., Mr. Benton in the Chair.
The Committee appointed to confer with Dr. Butler re- ported that they had received a letter from him declining the invitation to accept the Rectorship of this Parish, and the Clerk was directed to enter the same upon the records.
PHILADELPHIA, April 14, 1862. Dr. Sir.
As I am conscious that a long delay in announcing my decision after it is made, may be injurious to the interests of your Parish, and as the question seemed at last [to] turn on a single point, which is now clear to my mind, I hasten to advise you that I feel constrained to decline the gratifying call which you and Mr. Beach have so kindly conveyed to me from Christ Church, Hartford.
My wife's former Physician in Washington and her pres- ent Physician here, emphatically give it as their decided opinion, that a residence in Hartford would be likely to de- velope her constitutional tendency - now aggravated, to bronchial and pulmonary disease.
Her health has been wretched for some time past, and if the state of the country permitted it, I should seek a settle- ment in a more southern climate. When you were here I was not conscious of the now evident change that has come over her ; but her recent feebleness, and the Physician's ex- amination of her lungs, have brought me to the decided conviction that if possible, I must avoid·a residence in a climate more rigorous than this.
Trusting that the great head of the Church may send you soon a Pastor with fresher energies, and higher powers to serve you than I could have brought,
I remain, very truly,
Your obedient servant,
C. M. BUTLER.
April 29, V. A committee was appointed "to make en- quiry for some suitable person to be the Rector of this Parish," and on the third of May they reported, and the Ves-
412
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
try Voted, that the Rev. George H. Clark, of Pittsfield, Mass be engaged to perform the duties of Rector in this Parish for the term of three months." He had been Rector of St. John's Church, Savannah, Georgia, but had been obliged to leave, and was at this time at Pittsfield. Before the above mentioned time had expired, he had made so favorable an impression that on June 17th he was chosen as Rector, at a salary of Twenty-five hundred dollars. To this he made the following reply.
June 28.
HARTFORD, June 21, 1862.
Gentlemen,
I have had the honor to receive the Resolutions passed at the Parish meeting of Christ Church, held on the 17th inst, and it gives me great pleasure to announce my acceptance of the Rectorship, so cordially and unanimously offered to me.
Trusting that the connection now formed will never be regretted, and that it will be followed by a divine blessing,
I am, Gentlemen,
Very respectfully and truly yours,
GEORGE H. CLARK.
To Messrs.
CHARLES BENTON, ZEPHANIAH PRESTON, and JAMES GOODWIN.
It was also
I. Voted, That his public address to the Parish on Sun- day the 22d instant be entered upon the records, which was as follows :
" I desire to annonce to you my acceptance yesterday of the Rectorship of the Parish. According to common usage I should wait longer before making my answer to your propo- sition public ; but wishing to meet you in the spirit in which you have met me, and having already received in view of your election, most cordial and kindly messages from your Rev. and beloved Bishop, I determined to make known my decision without delay.
Nearly a year has passed since in pain and sorrow, I left a parish with which my relations for eight years had been
Flo. black
e
413
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
pleasant, and around which clustered the tenderest and most sacred associations of my life. Since that time I have had no expectation of ever returning to my former position ; and my desire has been to identify myself with a Northern Parish. The hand of Providence directs me here.
Your sympathy - your kindly welcome leave not a doubt upon my mind. I trust-I pray-that God will bless us in our new relation. To me, this Chancel has peculiar in- terest, a brother whom I love has baptized at that Font, - has met with many of you in the sacred supper around this hallowed table, and has proclaimed the word of life from that pulpit. This place is therefore dear to me, but far more precious will it be, if I can rightly discharge my obligations, quicken you to duty, bring you near to your Saviour, and be permitted to see within these walls a united, an active, a charitable, and a loving people.
God in his mercy bless us and bring us near to Him !"
1863.
April 10th, 1863, V. James Bolter, H. T. Brownell, James M. B. McNary, Chester Adams, George D. Jewett, T. T. Fisher, and Julius Case, were appointed a Committee to wait upon strangers and others to seats in the Church, during the year.
Voted, That the Treasurer be and he is hereby author- ized to borrow a sum not to exceed Nine Thousand Dollars at 5 per cent. interest, and to issue a Parish note for the same.
May 18, P. Voted, That Whereas, this Parish is indebted to divers persons, in the Sum of Seven Thousand Dollars, and it is desired to consolidate the said debt into one. That Charles Benton, and William Mather, be and they are hereby appointed a Committee to borrow that sum in behalf of the Parish, and to execute a note in the name of the Parish therefor, payable on demand, with interest payable an- nually ; and to make, execute, and deliver a mortgage to secure the same upon the land and Church building of the Parish, situated on the corner of Main and Church Streets in the City of Hartford.
414
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
I. C. J. Hoadly, B. F. Ellis, and S. Towle, were ap- pointed a Committee to examine the Bell, and to make such alterations and repairs as they may deem necessary.
Oct. 19, V. An all wise Providence has seen fit to remove by death our esteemed and beloved brother William Mather of this Parish, and we desire to express our deep grief at this affliction, and tender our sympathies to his bereaved family. Mr. Mather has been for a long series of years a communicant in this Parish, and has always exhibited an earnest devotion to the welfare of the Church, and main- tained a consistent Christian character.
Resolved, That in further token of our respect for his memory we will attend his funeral in a body.
Resolved, That a copy of the above be sent to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That the above be published in the Calendar.
I864.
March 30, V. C. J. Hoadly, J. W. Beach, and J. M. B. Mc Nary, were appointed a Committee to make enquiries re- lative to recasting the bell now cracked, and also as to the cost etc. of procuring a chime of bells, and to report at a future meeting. They were also empowered to associate another member to the Committee.
April 25, V. The Committee appointed at the last meeting to make enquiries relative to Bells made a report which was read, and after some conversation upon the subject, it was,
Resolved, That it is expedient to procure a chime of bells provided a sufficient sum of money can be raised by subscrip- tion for the purpose.
Messrs. Bolter, Beach, and Case were appointed a com- mittee to obtain subscriptions, and they were authorized to add to their number at discretion.
July 22, V. The Committee appointed to procure sub- scriptions for the purchase of a chime of bells reported that $6,270 had been subscribed, and that the old bell at present prices might be expected to sell for about $1,000 -and that the sum of $1,500 additional had been promised when the
415
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
subscription should amount to $8,500 including the value of the old bell. Mr. Hoadly was added to the Committee on bells, in the room of Mr. Bolter removed to Trinity Parish.
This is the first mention that we have upon our records of the organization of Trinity Parish, though the formation of it was commenced in 1859. The need for Church ac- commodation in the western part of the city was certainly great, for the population in that section was rapidly in- creasing. This movement was never brought before our Parish officially but arose from the concerted action of individuals residing there. Though it took from Christ Church some of its oldest and most valued members, it was never seriously objected to, but was regarded as a wise and necessary movement. It was regarded as a measure which could not be stopped, or obstructed, and the result has proven it was well undertaken. The erection of new buildings and the increase of the population has been far beyond the anticipations of any one. The prospects of Trinity Parish in the future are very great, and it must become the most flourishing of the Episcopal parishes in the town. It seems very proper in recording the history of Christ Church, that these words should be said, and that further mention should be made of the very beginnings of this new Parish, which I have been permitted to copy from its Records.
Organization of Trinity Parish.
[We the undersigned, do hereby unite and form a religious Society, to be designated and known forever, by the name of the Parish of Trinity Church, Hartford, the same to be organized and conducted according to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States, and to be in connexion with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Connecticut.
HARTFORD, Sept. 12, 1859.
Saml. H. Huntington. Edward Goodman. James Dixon. Aaron Keney. H. Huntington. F. J. Huntington.
Elisha Johnson. W. T. Hallett. Geo. Affleck. John Hatfield.
Saml. Alexander.
H. K. Morgan.
416
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
These names are marked on the records with a pencil, as if they had been the original members; then there is recorded the following names, most of which were prob- ably added soon, or a very few years afterwards.
Henry Corning.
Julius A. Case.
John S. Gray.
Chas. E. Meech.
James Bolter.
C. B. Ingraham.
Geo. B. Barnes.
H. W. Goodwin.
Thos. T. Fisher.
Fredk. P. Shepard.
A. B. Redfield.
H. S. Emerson.
H. A. Welton.
Chas. H. Larsing.
Thomas B. Cheney.
Henry Ocorr.
Geo. E. Hatch.
James Willis.
W. L. Hubbell.
Salem Jepson.
Jas. F. Burns.
W. D. Shipman.
Francis Goodwin.
Joseph A. Terry.
Edwin E. Johnson.
George T. Wiley.
E. B. Huntington.
John H. Turner.
Edwin Crocker.
Walter Keney, 3d.
A. C. Goodman.
H. C. Fuller.
Jacob L. Greene.
George Buck.
G. Pierpont Davis. William B. May.
Then follows a list of members, admitted at different dates, beginning April 14, 1879, and this entry.
HARTFORD, Sept. 12, 1859.
We the undersigned hereby express our consent to the formation, or organization of a religious society in the Western section of the City of Hartford, the same to be es- tablished and conducted according to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, and when formed, to be united as soon as may be with the Convention of Protestant Episcopal Churches in the Dio- cese of Connecticut.
R. M. ABERCROMBIE, Rector of Christ Church,
Hartford.
E. A. WASHBURNE, Rector of St. Johns, T. C. BROWNELL, Bp. Connecticut.]
417
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Nov. 12, V. Mr. Ellis was authorized to have the crack sawed out of the bell, provided that upon examination it was thought that the bell could be restored to use.
Consent was given that there should be a collection for the Hartford Soldiers' Aid Association taken in the Church on Thanksgiving Day.
1865.
Jan. 13, V. Mr. Northam remarked that the object of calling the meeting was to take action upon the death of Bishop Brownell, and after some conversation, the Wardens, the Clerk, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Ellis were appointed a Com- mittee to see the Church draped in mourning, and to make such other arrangements respecting the funeral as may be necessary.
The Rector, the Junior Warden, and the Clerk were re- quested to draft some resolutions, who reported the following which were unanimously adopted, viz .:
Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to take to himself in a good old age, our late Diocesan, the Right Reverend Thomas Church Brownell, D.D., LL.D., Presiding Bishop of the Church in the United States, sometime Rector of this Parish.
Resolved, That we tender to the family of the deceased our heartfelt sympathy in this bereavement, which they suffer only more immediately than the Church at large.
Resolved, That we shall ever cherish the memory of those untiring labors and wise counsels of the late Bishop, through which the Church in this Diocese has so largely increased, and has enjoyed so much harmony during his Episcopate, and by which he has fully redeemed the promise made by him to the Convention of the Diocese at the time of his con- secration, more than forty-five years ago, that he would " en- deavor to imitate that prudence and zeal which characterized the earliest Bishop of this Diocese, and of this country ; and to cultivate those virtues which distinguished his immediate successor."
Resolved, That we will attend his funeral in a body, with the usual badge of mourning.
27
418
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Resolved, That these Resolutions be entered upon the records, and that a copy of them be transmitted to the family of the late Prelate.
March 17. The Wardens, the Clerk, Mr. Beach, and Mr. McNary were appointed a committee with power to sell the old bell and procure a new one.
March 21st. Messrs. Beach and Case were appointed a Committee to endeavor to raise by subscription the sum of $2,500 to pay the floating debt of the Parish.
Nov. 25, V. It was proposed by some of the friends of the late Rev. Dr. N. S. Wheaton, to place a tablet to his memory in the church, but nothing came from it. How- ever, a few years later, he was remembered by the fine window in the chancel.
At this same meeting "C. H. Northam and Z. Preston were appointed a committee to ascertain the probable cost of a suitable tablet to the memory of the late Bishop Brownell." This led to an enquiry and some correspond- ence, but the matter was finally dropped.
1866.
March 31, V. "There was some conversation upon the financial and other general interests of the Parish, and the committee who purchased the bell were desired to have the tolling apparatus improved."
Record of a subscription to raise $2,500 for paying the floating debt of the Parish, and for procuring a new bell. The subscription was afterwards increased to $3,000, in order to make a present of $500 to the rector.
We the subscribers agree to pay J. W. Beach, Treasurer of the Parish of Christ Church, the sums affixed to our respective names, for the purpose of paying the floating debt of the said Parish, and procuring a new bell, provided the sum of $2,500 be raised.
HARTFORD, March, 1865.
419
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
C. H. Northam,
$300
J. A. Case, .
$50
Walter Keney,
200
Mrs. William Mather,
50
Geo. Beach, Jr.,
200
Gurdon W. Russell,
50
Eben' Flower,
200 Mrs. Henry Perkins,
50
Wm. F. Tuttle,
200
M. W. Chapin,
50
Saml. I. Tuttle,
200 S. B. Beresford,
50
Newton Carter,
200
E. M. Watkinson, 50
J. W. Beach, .
200
G. Brinley,
40
Isaac Toucey,
100
F. A. Brown,
25
Chester Adams,
100 C. C. Kimball,
25
Danl. Goodwin,
100 E. S. Butler, .
25
Charles Benton,
100
J. M. B. McNary, .
25
Cash,
100
H. Tudor Brownell,
25
S. G. Farnham, Jr.,
100
Geo. E. Hatch,
25
George D. Jewett,
50 Dr. C. A. Taft,
25
Dudley Buck,
50 T. Holland,
25
N. Rice,
10
$3,000
April 2, P. The Wardens and Vestry were authorized, if in their judgment deemed expedient, to employ an Assistant to the Rector, at a salary not exceeding $800.
A reference to the votes of December, 1819, will show that Rev. Mr. Wainwright had resigned as rector, and that Bishop Brownell had accepted the rectorship of the Parish, upon the promise of an assistant. Rev. N. S. Wheaton was chosen, and continued as " Assistant Rector " until the Bishop resigned, Nov. 11, 1820, in consequence of the Diocese requiring his exclusive services. The ap- pointment of Mr. Wheaton was due to temporary causes, but he may be considered as the first assistant which the Parish ever had, a precedent which was not followed until after the passage of the vote of April 2, 1866. In June, the 19th, the Vestry Voted, that "the Wardens and Mr. Preston be appointed a committee with power to engage Rev. Robert Meech as an assistant minister of this Parish," who thus became a necessary official in the extended and useful work deemed important.
May 21, V. The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.
420
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Whereas, it has pleased the great head of the Church in His infinite wisdom, to remove from his earthly sphere the Rt. Rev. George Burgess, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Maine, and whereas Bishop Burgess was elected to his sacred office while exercising the Rectorship of this Parish, which he had holden for thirteen years, endearing himself by his devotion and consistent Christian example not only to the members of this Parish but to the community around us - Therefore,
Resolved, That while we bow with submission to this decree of Divine Providence, we cannot but mourn the loss of one so deeply beloved, not only by this Parish and com- munity, but by the Church at large.
Resolved, That we tender to the family and friends of the deceased, our heartfelt sympathy in this hour of their bereavement, and hope they may receive such consolation as cometh from faith and trust in Him who doeth all things well.
The above was ordered to be entered on the records, and a copy to be sent to the widow of the deceased Bishop, and Bishop Clark was requested to deliver in the Church a commemorative discourse of the late Bishop.
Ebeneser Flower, the son of Timothy Flower, was born at Feeding Hills, West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 3, 1787, but his name first appears on our records in 1829, when he was chosen as one of the Vestry. He followed the occu- pation of a navigator, and soon became well known as the Captain of the schooner Ann, named for his wife. He was chiefly engaged in coasting, but made several voyages to the West Indies, as nearly as can be ascertained. In those early days, when the Connecticut river was the great line for our traffic, the captains of our sloops and schooners were men of importance, and were often employed in making purchases and in the selling of products. A mere knowledge of navigation was not considered as an only and sufficient qualification, but a man must be the possessor of good sense, prudence, and a
421
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
general acquaintance with business. These were found in Captain Flower, whose reputation as an honest and careful man was well established. In his trips to New York, Boston, and other places, he was intrusted with the purchase of sugar, molasses, rum, and other goods, as willingly and confidently as if he had been a partner in the business.
A friend who made a trip with him to Boston in the schooner Ann has given me some of the details of the voyage, and especially the points which characterized him, and mark his excessive prudence. After leaving the river, there were some indications of a storm, and he put into New London ; starting the next day, but fearing the strong winds, he found a safe shelter at Newport. Putting out once more the troublesome sea drove him into Buzzards Bay. There was no further stoppage until his arrival at Boston, where the sea-rig was laid aside and Captain Flower appeared as a well-dressed gentleman, and went ashore, ready to transact business.
He possessed in an eminent degree good solid sense ; was kind, good natured, and not inclined to talk more than was necessary. He was a sincere Christian, recognizing his duties and discharging his obligations faithfully. He was liberal in his contributions for church purposes, and for those also which so frequently occur in any town. He was extremely methodical, made an inventory of his estate every year, as I have been told, and kept an exact account of his expenditures also. From these it is now seen what sums were frequently given in charity, the charge being simply " for charity " one dollar, or three, or five dollars, or whatever it might be. Copies of some of the letters which he addressed to his friends, who were neglectful of their duties, or had fallen into bad habits, show what solicitude he had for their welfare, and the tender manner he had of expressing it.
During the latter part of his life he was in the coal
422
CHIRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
business, under the firm name of H. Brainard & Co. He was a member of the Vestry, 1829, '30, '31, '42, '43, '44, '45, '56 ; and Junior Warden, 1846, '47, '48, '49. He was married to Ann Granger of Feeding Hills, who survived him until April 15, 1867 ; it was especially noted with what affection he always regarded her. He was Mayor of the City for two terms, 1851 and 1852. He died September 4, 1866.
1867. Resignation of Dr. Clark.
March 11, HARTFORD, March 1, 1867. To the Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church.
Gentlemen, I tender to you my resignation of the rector- ship of Christ Church Parish.
After a ministry of nearly five years among a people who have given to me their confidence, and to whom my attach- ments are strong, it is painful to take this step ; but both my body and mind require such recuperation as cannot be secured while I am in the discharge of duty in so large a Parish.
My connection with Christ Church has been exceedingly pleasant, and only for the reason stated should I propose to withdraw from it.
If agreeable to you this resignation shall take effect on the first of June.
I am, Gentlemen, Very truly yours, GEORGE H. CLARK.
March 22, P. The resignation of the Rector was read, and upon the motion of Mr. Preston, the following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, the Rev. George H. Clark, D.D., through the Wardens and Vestry, has tendered his resignation of the Rectorship of this Parish, to take effect on the first day of June next, on account of his ill health, and great nervous debility, and the Wardens and Vestry by a committee having requested Dr. Clark to withdraw his resignation, which he
Poft. Med
423
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
has declined to do. Therefore Resolved, That while we regret the necessity which induces the severance of the connection between himself and this Parish, which has so happily existed for the last five years, we reluctantly acknowledge the Providential issue, and accept his resignation.
Resolved, That we tender to the Rev. Dr. Clark our affectionate regard and sincere wishes for his personal wel- fare, and trust the relaxation he seeks may be the means of restoring him to perfect health.
Resolved, That we shall ever hold in grateful remem- brance the acceptable manner in which he has performed his duties while Rector of the Parish.
May 16, P. It was Voted unanimously, that with the con- sent and approbation of the Bishop of this Diocese, the Rev. Robert Meech be invited to accept the Rectorship of this Parish, to succeed the Rev. Dr. Clark.
The Wardens were appointed to wait upon Mr. Meech, and request his acceptance of the Rectorship, and they were also authorized to employ, at the request of Mr. Meech, such assistance as may be necessary.
June 15, V. The following letter from Mr. Meech was read, -
To the Wardens of Christ Church, Hartford, Conn.
Gentlemen, I acknowledge the recpt. of an attested copy of a vote and resolutions adopted at the recent Parish meet- ing of May 16, by wh. I was declared to be unanimously chosen as Rector to succeed the Rev. Dr. Clark. I also acknowledge the recpt. at your hands of invitation to accept such position, made by you in pursuance of the vote and resolutions of the aforesaid Parish meeting. Allow me through you, to express to the members of the Parish my grateful acknowledgments of kindness and consideration shown towards me, not only in this very complimentary action, but also in numberless other ways, during the period of my connection with the Parish. I should greatly desire to retain my connection with a congregation in wh. I seem to
424
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
have found so many friends, if I were well persuaded that my stay wd. be of advantage both to them and me in carrying forward the work of our blessed Lord.
After a somewhat careful consideration of the whole matter however, I have decided to ask you to allow me to postpone any absolute and final action. I am willing, if it be agreeable to the Parish, to take charge as temporary Rector, for a period of several months, to the next Advent, or Christ- mas season, if desired. At that time, if I have proven my- self equal to the task imposed upon me, both in the opinion of the Parish and in my own, I may be disposed to render a formal and absolute acceptance. The experience of the in- tervening months will demonstrate whether such will be the wisest and best action, both for you and me, and my notions of duty will be clearer and more decided than they now are.
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