USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 34
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We are indebted to his friend, Mr. Richard Burton, for the following sketch of him, which is exceedingly valuable and pleasing.
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[One is wont to view the personality and performance of a friend, beloved and vanished from mortal vision, through a haze of sweet remembrances and sacred associations. Hence arises that idealization of the dead, beautiful in its birth, but resulting sometimes in the perfunctory praise of tombstones or the lying glosses of conventional eulogy - that suppressio veri which works as much mischief often as out-and-out falsehood.
And yet when the eulogium is honest, spontaneous, and general, it represents the highest truth concerning its recip- ient. The good spoken of a man of genius and character after his removal from earth is a judgment in which head and heart have equal share-and this in itself is a certifi- cate of its authenticity. While he is among us he is too near to be seen as he is; removed from the blurr and puzzlement of o'er-close contact, we regard him in the round and with proper perspective. Called of a sudden to pronounce upon his qualities, we are put to our perspicacity and good faith at once, and express the underlying deep conviction unwitting- ly formulated as the dear one moved about the street or in our homes, playing off upon us the manifold manifestations of his essential nature.
And in Henry Wilson may be seen such a man, such a nature, which, when appraised either in respect of gift or of character, confirms the instinctive, tender affirmation of grief and love. To recall the annals of his life, to chronicle his influence and accomplishment, is an enheartening, an alluring thing; it notifies those still in the thick of the fight that talent consecrated by goodness is of the essences that may not die.
" Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in their dust."
The mere mention of the external facts of a life seldom conveys more than a partial sense of the real person; yet, for completeness' sake, it is well to run over dates and hap- penings. Born in the lovely Connecticut river town of Green- field, Mass., in 1828, he came of good New England stock - that stock which, rustic and simple-nurtured as it is, has
·
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proved in root and branch so potent in our native life. Wil- son had the plain, godly heritage and the common-school education granted to many another New Englander who has left the world richer for his being in it. His father was a man much considered in his town, a leading churchman, and constable of the place; his mother a noble woman of the old school. Early his love for music was announced, sending him to Boston before he was of age, to study the gentlest and divinest of the arts under the best teachers, while he worked at his trade of printer to insure a livelihood. Thence he re- turned home, giving music lessons in a seminary and begin- ning his definite profession as organist of St. James's Church. A wider opportunity was found in Dr. Ide's church at Spring- field, and after a brief sojourn there, came a year or more in Germany, that Mecca for musicians, natal land of song among modern nations. The time was spent at the Leipsic Con- servatory under masters like Plaidy, Moschelles, Richter, and Papperitz, who taught him in the sundry divisions which go to make a rounded culture. A richly fertile experience this, we may well believe, for the young enthusiast, con- firming and clarifying his taste, broadening his knowledge, laying a foundation upon which to build his critical and creative work in the years to be. At that period such train- ing and inspiration could alone be received from such-like European musical centers.
In the fall of 1855 we see Wilson, his studies concluded, making straight for Hartford to take charge of the Christ Church organ there - a church and a city which for a quar- ter-century he was to be associated with in ways of useful- ness and honor. Two years later he married Miss Eugenia J. Baldwin of Middletown, Conn., a lady who as his wife ful- fills one's ideal of that tie and relation, and, still surviving him, is in the hearts of a host of devoted friends a synonym for all that makes womanhood a benediction and a privilege. Wilson's connection with Christ Church for more than twenty years, as organist and choir director, made his name and that of his quartet famous throughout New England; he was long the favorite and foremost Hartford teacher in
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his profession, and as a social figure one of the most con- spicuous and welcome in the exceptionally gracious life of that city. On Easter of the year 1877 he became the organ- ist of the Park Church, whose pastor, Dr. Burton, was a dear and long-time friend; but not for long did he engage in this new work. A memorial service on December 30th was his last participation in his worshipful art, and in scarce more than a week's time, before he had rounded out fifty years of life, he was dead.
Henry Wilson's public funeral, fitly held at Christ Church, was a noteworthy occasion; the great concourse of mourners, the outpouring of loving testimonials from far and near, the comment of the public press, all went to show the man's value in the eyes of friends, of the community, and of the country. Even to the stricken hearts and blinded eyes of those bowed down with sorrow at the time, this recognition was an inexpressible solace.
Wilson's professional work as teacher, organist, conductor, and composer was varicd and of a high order. But it is in the latter capacity, as a creator of church music, that he will be longest remembered and brought the most reputation to himself and to the city of his election. Real creation in any of the arts - to be forever distinguished from spurious and bastard imitations thereof - is so rare and so precious as to set apart one whose work can be ranked in that august cate- gory. That of Wilson was so rated by the critical judgment of fellow-musicians, by trained specialists who regarded him from the vantage-point of unprejudiced impartiality. Stimu- lating and successful as he was in the teaching function, gifted and polidextrous as he showed himself as organist and conductor, it is by his church music most of all that his name survives his own earthly sojourn, lending its sweet savor to the Christian service of God. His music is played and sung by the best choirs of this country at the recurrent festivals of the Church, and his compositions will be heard more rather than less as it becomes the custom in our churches to make use of the choicest productions of native composers. At his best - in such things as his masterpiece,
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the Christmas cantata, "And there were Shepherds," the splendid hymn, " Alleluia," or in his unpublished setting for the grand and solemn "Dies Ira," in the opinion of compe- tent critics one of his most scholarly and noble composi- tions - his work displays a union of melodic invention, bold imagination, sound technique, and deep religious inspiration. It is music that illuminates the meaning of Lanier's phrase, " the holiness of beauty." It emanates not alone from the mind musically active, but from a spirit requiring an ex- pressional outlet for devotion. One feels that far more than virtuosity went to its making. It is, in a word, meet for its place and atmosphere, an example of the lovely marriage of art and religion. Those who knew Wilson are in danger of not fully realizing his importance and dignity as a creator in music; it commonly happens that personal familiarity blinds to the true significance of a man's work. It is, we repeat, in and through his cantatas, anthems, and hymns, and be- cause of his peerless " Book of Chants", that his name and fame are a permanent possession to American music. Hart- ford must set him among her worthies who reflect upon the home city, the proud little Connecticut Capital, the luster of their deeds.
When one comes to estimate the character, the private life and personal quality of Wilson, there is naught to ex- tenuate; all is open, fair, and praiseworthy. All who had his acquaintance have been quick to testify that he was a man most lovable in his walks and ways, endearing himself to his mates by a winsomeness that makes tenderness and admira- tion the natural words to convey the effect of him alike upon casual acquaintances and "bosom cronies." His social attri- butes were many; wit was his, so that he was a delightful vacation companion; the warm heart plucked the sting from the satire, and impulsiveness of speech and act lent the charm of spontaneity to both. The Ariel-like quality of his fun made it fascinating and unforgetable. His literary gift was marked, as is evidenced in the breezy letters which he wrote from abroad to the Springfield Republican, and by the impromptu rhymes and clever mots he threw off by the score
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upon occasion. He was a clever amateur actor, and those who once saw him assume the rôle of an old German fiddler will never drop out of mind the exquisite pathos of the im- personation. In truth, his genial, honest, loving nature blossomed forth in its favorable social environment by a hundred ways of innocent pleasantness; so that those closest to the man think of him first of all as the good fellow and dear friend; and, be it added, Earth can offer no epitaph so genuine and so much to be coveted. Yet under the exterior of quip and smile and social scintillation was the deep, sweet soul, the yearning desire of a God-called maker of the beautiful.
In ending this brief sketch, our first thought comes back again - how it is one of the sad things incident to the com- mon abuse of eulogy that words such as these here written may sound conventional to those who knew not Henry Wil- son; but this is a friend's tribute for friends, and they know there is nothing of exaggeration in what is herein recorded; that rather the testimony is lame and inadequate to express what Wilson was- nay, is to them, as they recall him through the mists of memory and draw him closer in all fond affection to their heart of hearts. And to many of them, as they muse upon his noble life and life-work, comes the felicity and the hope voiced in the lines of Shelley:
" Meanwhile, thy spirit lifts its pinions In music's most serene dominions." ]
Resolved, That the thanks of this Parish are hereby tendered to the Rev. John T. Huntington, for the satisfactory manner in which he has filled the pulpit, and performed the duties of the Parish.
While the office has been an onerous and difficult one, we cannot forbear our thanks for the time and attention he has devoted to it, to the great interference with his other duties ; and we recognize the great aid and assistance he has rendered this Parish while without a Rector, and desire to place our appreciation of the same on record.
Voted, That a sum not exceeding four hundred dollars, be appropriated for music, during the coming year.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Mr. Nichols Accepts.
May I, V. The following letter from the Rev. William F. Nichols, wherein he accepts the Rectorship of the Parish, was read. It had been read to the congregation on Sunday, April 15th.
WEST HARTFORD, April 10, 1877.
Messrs. LANMAN, RUSSELL, and MATSON, Committee, etc. :
Gentlemen, My personal acknowledgments are due you, and Christ Church Parish for its action at the Special Meet- ing held Monday evening, March 26th, and further for the kindliness with which the notice of my election as Rector has been accompanied. It is fitting that I should now formally confirm that expression of my sense of all this, which I made at my interview the 27th ult.
As agreed when we met at that time, I have had oppor- tunity to weigh the matter you brought me to decide, and have consulted with the Bishop of the Diocese, and others, within as well as without the Parish itself ; and I now feel prepared to say that I will accept the Rectorship, my acceptance, if there be no objection, to date from Sunday, May 6th (V Sunday after Easter).
I might add much as to the estimate of the responsibility of the position, and much, too, as to what that estimate honestly involves touching myself, but you will understand these things as none the less real because I do not enlarge upon them. Suffice it to say that I shall, God helping me, bring to the work the fulness of a belief that the Holy Spirit blesses an honest purpose to be faithful, and that if people and pastor cling to such a purpose, and patiently abide the Lord's good time, looking for no gourd-like growths, but for the sureness and the slowness of the "blade, the ear, the full corn in the ear," God will surely give the increase.
Hoping to begin in the Parish the Sunday I have named, and again thanking you, I am, Gentlemen,
Very truly yours, WILLIAM F. NICHOLS.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
The following from Professor Huntington was read.
HARTFORD, April 9, 1877.
Mr. CHARLES J. HOADLY, Clerk of the Parish of Christ Church.
D' Sir, Allow me to acknowledge the receipt of your kind note, with the accompanying resolution, passed at the Parish meeting.
Constantly called off by the College bell, I am not con- scious of having done anything to deserve your recognition.
I only wish I could have accomplished some thing worthy of the dear old Church which we all love.
Sincerely, JOHN T. HUNTINGTON.
The following from Mr. Wilson was also read :
HARTFORD, April 4.
My Dear Mr. HOADLY :
I have received the copy of the resolutions of thanks, etc., tendered to myself, and to Messrs. Wander and Gundlach, etc., by the members of Christ Church Parish, at their late meet- ing, and in acknowledging the same, wish to add with how much pleasure it has been received by all, mingles with the sadness which is still in our hearts in breaking away from the "Mother Church " of Hartford, and all the pleasant and sad associations, after these long years in which we have been so closely connected with her and her people.
We desire to thank the members of the Parish for the very kind and flattering testimonial.
I am very sincerely yours,
HENRY WILSON.
After considerable discussion upon the subject of music, it was
Voted, That the Wardens with Mr. Brown be authorized to make temporary arrangements with Mr. I. Emerson, to supply the place of Organist, at a compensation not exceed- Ing the rate of $400 pr. an.
May 14, V. The Rector made some remarks upon changes which he wished to introduce into the services, and then with - drew.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
After a prolonged discussion upon the subject, it was
Voted, That Mr. Irving Emerson be employed to play the organ and furnish the music of the church, and especially to instruct the children of the parish in music, at a compensa- tion not exceeding four hundred dollars a year.
Zephaniah Preston was born in the town of Ashford, Eastford parish, February 14, 1795. He came to Hart- ford early in life, and was clerk for N. and D. Morgan, from whom, probably, he received his knowledge of the Episcopal Church. He was a partner in business with William H. Imlay for a time, and afterwards with Horatio Alden. He married Ann Canfield January 3, 1821. She was born Nov. 8, 1797, died Feb. 22, 1873. He was a subscriber to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowl- edge, in 1818. In 1826 he " was requested to take charge of the orchestra, to select proper tunes, and to lead the singers." In November of the same year he was " thanked for his faithful care and superintendence of the Sunday-school." He was Vestryman in 1835, '36, '39, '40, 48, '49, '61-'72 : Senior Warden, 1859, '60; Junior Warden, 1850-1859; Treasurer, 1837, '38, '57, '58.
Mr. Preston was much interested in Parish matters, especially in the Sunday-school and in singing. His dis- position was mild, his manners quiet, his temper gentle and sympathetic. He attended strictly to his business, and was not specially interested in public affairs. He was a decidedly religious man, and devoted to the Episcopal Church; a thorough churchman, as he understood its character, pretty well fixed in his own beliefs, not approv- ing of flowers in the church, nor wishing for changes in the Liturgy, or innovations in the services. He was probably better pleased with the phrase, "administration of the holy communion," than the "celebration" of the same. If he was an Evangelican, or Low Churchman, he was a man honest in his opinions, and not afraid or ashamed to express them. He certainly had no leaning
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towards Romish practices or beliefs, which cannot be said of some of his descendants. As the differences in some families are very marked between great saints and great sinners, so there is often in the same families a marked difference among the saints themselves. In addition to other recognitions of his worth and esteem, it may be mentioned that he was often a delegate to the Diocesan Convention. He died May 19, 1877.
1878.
Jan. 12, V. Mr. Nichols having made some remarks in relation to the consolidation with this Parish of the Parish of St. Paul's,
Voted, That the Rector be authorized to assign pews to members of the congregation of St. Paul's until Easter.
l'oted, That the Sunday School of St. Paul's may be held in the south gallery of the Church. The Rector was after- wards empowered to hold this Sunday School at St. Paul's.
Fan. 19, V. Mr. Emerson resigned as Organist, and thanks were voted him for his faithful service.
March 9, V. A vote of St. Paul's Parish relative to the conveyance of their real and personal estate to this Parish, upon certain conditions, was read, and the matter was referred to a committee.
James Goodwin was born in Hartford, March 2, 1803, and died March 15, 1878. He was married to Lucy Morgan, July 30, 1832. For many years he was engaged in the management of lines of stages, which business he conducted with wonderful energy and success. After- wards he was connected with various corporations of the city, all of which received the benefit of his wise counsel. He was courageous and self-reliant, and his judgment was seldom at fault. The first notice of his connection with the Parish is the vote of the Vestry, December 10, 1825, appointing him, with others, "to dress the Church for the approaching Christmas." He was a Vestryman
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1830-34 ; 1839-57; 1859, '60, '63, '64. He was often appointed upon committees, and brought to the affairs of the Parish that energy and prudence which characterized his own business. He was generous in his offerings, satisfied with the doctrines and usages of the Church, and by no means friendly to innovations. A certain style of music which prevailed for a short time was exceedingly disagreeable to him, and to others also, and led to a report which was especially pleasant to him and to Mr. George Beach. But in all diversities of opinion he stood by the Parish .; he did not desert it because he could not have his own way. He had very decided opinions about incurring an annual indebtedness beyond the ability or willingness of the Parish to pay at once, and thus set us an example for our serious consideration.
April 22, P. The committee on the proposition from St. Paul's reported the following resolution, which was adopted.
Resolved, That it is not expedient for this Parish to accept the property of St. Paul's Parish, upon the conditions and reservations proposed to be inserted in the conveyance thereof, by the vote of St. Paul's Parish passed Feb. 4th, 1878.
The Parish had just ideas of economy, and voted that a sum not exceeding four hundred dollars be appropriated for music for the coming year.
It having been brought to the notice of the meeting that about three thousand dollars had been raised by the ladies of the Parish, organized as a Wheaton Memorial Association, for the purpose of placing a window in the chancel of the Church, as a memorial of Rev. Nathaniel S. Wheaton, D.D., a former Rector of this Parish, and that they had requested Mr. George Beach, Rev. Mr. Nichols, and Dr. Gurdon W. Russell to procure a design for said window, which design was shown to the meeting ; after discussion, it was-
Voted, That Mr. George Beach, Rev. Mr. Nichols, and Dr. Gurdon W. Russell, be a committee further to consider a
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design for the window, and that the same be presented to the ladies, and the Vestry, and if the latter should consent to the same, that it be put in place.
The Treasurer reported that the small balance of indebtedness mentioned in his report had been subscribed by several gentlemen, and that the Parish was now free from debt.
An account of the painting originally in the chancel window and the subsequent one of glass has been given. A history of the present window is furnished by Mrs. Henry Wilson, the treasurer of the Wheaton Memorial Association. The movement was exceedingly creditable to those engaged in it, and the window adds much to the religious character of the Church building. The ground work of the glass does not sufficiently temper the light and is a trial to the eyes on a bright Sunday after- noon ; this has been remedied in part by a temporary shading on the outside. The makers of the window in London did not fully appreciate our bright and clear atmosphere ; no such criticism, however, is to be made with the memorial windows afterwards constructed by them.
[" The ladies of Christ Church Parish held a Fair at Reilly's Hall, on December 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 1872 ; and on the 9th of December, the Choir of the Church gave a Concert at the same place. The proceeds were to be used for starting a fund to place a Memorial Window in the chancel of the Church, to the memory of the late Rev. Dr. Wheaton.
"The net proceeds of the Fair and Concert amounted to two thousand two hundred and seventy-eight dollars ($2,278).
"In November, 1879, when the window was put in place this fund had increased to three thousand two hundred and sixty three dollars ($3,263)."
"The subject chosen was the Transfiguration of our blessed Lord, and the stone work of the chancel window was accordingly designed with especial reference to it. It is a window of three lights, with perpendicular stone tracery in
29
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the head, divided by a transom. The execution of this glass was entrusted to the well known artists, Messrs. Heaton, Butler, & Bayne of London, and they have succeeded in making a most glorious and enduring work of art, of which the church may well be proud. In the center light above the transom is a figure of our blessed Lord with His hand up- lifted in the act of blessing, on the right is Moses with the stone tablets, and on the left Elias holding a book. The three disciples, Peter, James, and John, with awe-struck faces, fill the lower lights. In the borders surrounding the figures are numberless angels. The color of the whole window is rich and harmonious, and will repay a careful study."]
Although it is anticipating somewhat the regular course of events, yet it is proper, as furnishing a history of this window, and of the additions and changes sub- sequently made, that this statement by the Rev. Francis Goodwin should be recorded here.
" At the time that Mrs. Goodwin and her daughter, Miss Mary Goodwin, first proposed to build a Memorial Chapel and Parish building, in connection with Christ Church, no alteration of the Church itself was contemplated. The Rev. Mr. Nichols, the Rector of the Parish, however, urged that un- less some provision was made for the enlargement and im- provement of the Chancel, it could never be made afterwards. He suggested that the Wheaton Memorial Fund would provide for the stonework and glass of the window ; and that other memorials were contemplated, which would go far towards furnishing the necessary fittings.
"Mr. and Miss Goodwin however, provided everything but the Window, the Reredos, the Chancel rail, and the Credence. The Pulpit, Prayer Desk, and Stalls, were designed by Mr. F. C. Withers, and executed by Ellin & Kidston of New York. The brass Lectern was made by John. Hardman & Co. of Birmingham, England.
"The stones of the Chancel arch were set in rough block, and the moulding cut after they were in position. Much of this work, together with that of setting the stone steps, was
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
done at night, in order that everything might be completed in time for the Semi-Centennial services. The total cost was $30,106.19.
" The Reredos was given by Dr. Russell, the Chancel rail by Miss Brinley, and the Credence by the Misses Watrous, as a memorial of their father."
Nov. 2, V. Mr. Nichols intimated that a member of the Parish had in contemplation the erection of a Parish build- ing, to contain a Chapel and other accomodations ; and that in order to properly connect it with the church, it was desirable to obtain complete control over the land between the church and the present chapel, and that the gangway be removed further west.
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