USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 35
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The Wardens and Mr. Davis were appointed a com- mittee to confer with W. W. Roberts, who owns part of the land, and has certain rights in the gangway.
Nov. IS. When Mr. Nichols, Nov. 2d, intimated that a member of the Parish had in contemplation the erection of a further building, in connection with the church, he had reference to the project which is stated in the follow- ing letter from the widow of the late Major James Good- win, which was read at a Parish meeting, November 18th. My dear Mr. NICHOLS :
It may be desirable for you to have a definite statement of what we wish to do, to lay before the parish meeting. I therefore send you the following.
Having long felt the need of better accommodations than the present Chapel affords for carrying out our parochial work, we will, with the consent and approval of the parish, erect a suitable and convenient building for such purposes.
The only conditions of the gift are, that such satisfactory provisions be made as will prevent its alienation, and that it shall always be kept in good repair and properly insured, so that in case of its destruction by fire, there may be the means for rebuilding it.
Yrs. very truly,
LUCY M. GOODWIN.
THURSDAY, NOV. 14, 1878.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Mr. Beach, in behalf of a committee appointed by the Vestry, November second, to confer with William W. Roberts as to the terms upon which the present gangway between the Church and Chapel could be closed, and a small piece of land at the south end of said gangway be purchased, made a verbal report.
Resolved, That this Parish approves and accepts the propo- sition of Mrs. James Goodwin (embodied in her letter to the Rector of Nov. 14th, and the accompanying draft,) to erect a parish building and recess chancel for the Church, recog- nizing the great advantage that will in many ways accrue to the Church through the gift, and expressing the sense of the large generosity the proposition carries with it.
Resolved, That Rev. W. F. Nichols, George Beach, David T. Lanman, and Dr. G. W. Russell, be a committee, with power to take all steps necessary on the part of the parish, to carry out the above proposition ; to make all necessary arrangements with William W. Roberts, and William H. Miller, as to right of way over the parish land, and that for all such steps said committee be and are hereby appointed the agents of this parish.
Messrs. Beach, Lanman, and Russell were appointed a committee to raise the funds necessary for the purchase of the land.
Dec. 14, V. The Rector, upon his request, was authorized to employ Rev. Wm. M. Chapin to assist him from January first until Easter next ; Mr. Chapin to be compensated from a collection to be taken upon the first Sunday of each month.
1879.
Feb. 8, P. Voted, That David T. Lanman and Gurdon W. Russell be and they are hereby authorized and empowered, for and on behalf of this Parish, to make, execute, and deliver to William W. Roberts and William M. Miller, good and sufficient deeds of the right of way from their respective buildings to Church Street, on the west end of the property owned by this Parish. Said right of way to be of such width
453
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
and dimensions as may be agreed upon between said David T. Lanman and Gurdon W. Russell, and the said Roberts and Miller.
April 14, P. David T. Lanman reported on behalf of the committee who were appointed to purchase a strip of land, and procure Quit Claim Deeds to right of way in Gangway west of Church, that said committee had purchased the land of W. W. Roberts, with Quit Claim Deed of said Roberts, Wm. W. Miller, and all other parties interested in right of way in gangway between Church and Chapel, on conditions stated in said deed, and made such other preliminary arrange- ments as were requisite by the Parish before the construction of the proposed new Chapel could be commenced, which report was accepted.
Dr. Russell offered the following Preamble and Resolution which were passed.
Whereas, The Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the conse- cration of this Church will occur on the twenty second day of December of this year, and as it is desirable that this should be noticed in a public and proper manner, therefore,
Resolved, That the Vestry be authorized and requested to make such appointments and arrangements as may be neces- sary, for the celebration of this Anniversary in December next.
The following resolutions were offered, and after some discussion were laid upon the table for future consideration.
Whereas, Certain parishioners propose to erect upon land belonging to this Parish, a Parish building and other addi- tions to this Church, and Whereas in accepting this proposi- . tion the Parish agreed to protect such building from all danger of alienation, and Whereas, such generous gift, and other gifts that may be made to the Parish should be so pro- tected, therefore -
Resolved, That and be, and hereby are appointed a committee for and in behalf of this Parish to transfer to the Trustees of Donations and Bequests for Church Purposes, the following property described as follows : beginning at a point twelve feet from the north-
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
west corner of land owned by Christ Church Parish in the rear of Christ Church, thence running along the Church street line easterly to a line prolonging the western surface line of the Church to southwestern corner of Church, thence westerly on a line prolonging the southern surface line of the Church to a point of intersection with line drawn from origi- nal starting point parallel with western surface line of Church, thence northerly on said parallel line to starting point, being the property on which the proposed new Parish building and Chancel are to be built, said transfer to be in trust upon con- dition that the said property, and the proceeds thereof, if sold, shall be for the exclusive use of the Parish, and said committee are hereby authorized to make, execute, and deliver the necessary deeds to accomplish said purpose, the following specific limitations to be inserted in said deed ; to wit : said Trustees shall not sell, encumber, transfer, or otherwise dispose of such estate, unless upon the request made by two thirds of those present at any parish meeting duly warned for that purpose, and with the consent of the Bishop of the Diocese and the Convention of the Diocese.
2d. Said Trustees upon the request of three fourths of those present at any parish meeting duly warned for this purpose, and with the consent of the Bishop of the Diocese and of the Convention of the Diocese, shall reconvey said property to the Parish.
May 5, P. The resolutions which had been introduced at the annual meeting, and which were laid upon the table, were taken up and amended as follows, "Said Trustees shall have no power of direction or interference in the use of said Property by said Parish," and as amended were passed, and the blanks were filled with the names of G. W. Russell and D. T. Lanınan.
Gurdon W. Russell was chosen as Senior Warden in place of William F. Tuttle resigned.
May 10, V. Voted, That Dr. Russell be permitted to place a Reredos in rear of the Chancel, after plans exhibited.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
July 19, V.
HARTFORD, July 17, 1879. To the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Hart- ford.
At a meeting of the Vestry of St. John's Parish, held on the evening of July 16, 1879, it was unanimously
Voted, To extend a cordial invitation to the Parish of Christ Church to unite with us until the improvements on their Church shall be completed.
Attest, CHS. E. WILSON, Clerk.
Voted, That we accept with thanks, the invitation so kindly extended to us by St. John's Parish, to unite with them in worship during the time our Church is closed for improvements, and that all such arrangements as may be required be left with the Rector.
The contractors so arranged a partition that it was not necessary to leave the church, and so there was no inter- ruption in the services.
Sept. 13, V. Voted, That Mrs. Wilmerding, and Mrs. Daniel Goodwin, be permitted to place Memorial windows in the Church.
The Rector was requested to examine, and report at some future meeting a plan for adoption, if practicable, to govern persons who may wish to occupy for Memorial windows those not already taken.
Dec. 27. The celebration of the Semi-Centennial An- niversary of the Consecration of the present Church building on the 23d inst. was a solemn but joyful occasion ; the details are fully given in a pamphlet published soon afterwards.
V. Voted, That the thanks of the Vestry be tendered to Bishop Clark of Rhode Island, for the very able and interest- ing sermon delivered in Christ Church, on the 23d of December, being the occasion of the celebration of the Semi- Centennial Anniversary of the consecration of the Church, and that a copy of this vote be forwarded to him, with a request of a copy of his sermon for publication.
456
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Voted, That the thanks of the Vestry be tendered to the Rev. George H. Clark, for the sermon delivered in Christ Church, on Sunday morning, Dec. 2 Ist, being the Sunday pre- ceding the celebration of the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the consecration of the Church, and a copy of this vote be forwarded to him, with a request of a copy of his sermon for publication.
Voted, That the thanks of this Vestry be tendered to Mr. Charles J. Hoadly for the Historical Address delivered in the Church, at the Semi-Centennial celebration of its consecration, and a copy of this vote be forwarded to him, with a request of a copy of his address for publication.
Voted, That the thanks of the Vestry are due, and are hereby tendered to the Rector of this Parish for the success- ful manner in which the programme, and all the exercises pertaining to the Celebration were carried out, being in great measure due to his personal care, and supervision of all details.
Voted, That the thanks of the Vestry are tendered to the ladies of the Parish for their active supervision and personal labor, in arranging and carrying out the details of the work required for the reception given at Allyn Hall, on the evening of Dec. 23, 1879.
The Rector informed the Vestry, that the keys of the new Chapel buildings were formally delivered to the Parish, being placed in his hands on Tuesday, Dec. 23d, in the presence of one of the Wardens of the Church.
1880.
Feb. 7, V. Whereas, no appropriation having been made by this Parish for the music, during the past three years, ex- cept for the salary of the Organist, and as in the opinion of the Vestry a moderate appropriation for the Choir seems now desirable, therefore,
Resolved, That the Vestry recommend that at the next annual meeting of the Parish, the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars be appropriated for the music for the ensuing year, in addition to the sum of five hundred dollars for the salary of the Organist.
457
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Samuel H. Huntington is first recorded as being one of a committee for dressing the Church in 1821. He came from Suffield with his father, I suppose, and his brothers Hezekiah, Jr., and Francis J. They were classed among the Baptists, and attended at their meetings. Occasionally our subject strayed in the evening into Christ Church, where he was noticed by the observant eye of Mr. Chase. Meeting him on the street one day, he took him by the hand and said, "I saw you at my Church last Sunday evening. I shall be glad to see you at my house next Monday evening, where you will find a number of young men who are receiving Bible instructions ; come and see us." He went, and was so much pleased that he became a regular attendant at the Church. He was one of a number who were brought into the fold by the gracious ways of the Rector. He was made a Vestryman in 1823, and was chosen on many occasions afterwards; in 1832 he was Junior Warden. He was on many and important committees, was often a delegate to the Diocesan Conven- tion, and to the General Convention. He was quite active in the Parish, and in Church affairs generally. For some years he was Superintendent of the Sunday- school, and ever showed great interest in it. Perhaps he was as well informed about the Episcopal Church as any layman in the Parish, and was pleased to represent it in its different organizations. He was a ready speaker, fond of debate, and very useful; for he had a large fund of information, and an extensive acquaintance with men. He was a lawyer by profession, like his father, and politically was classed with the democrats; at one time he was Judge of the County Court. In later life he devel- oped a taste for agriculture, residing on an extensive farm a few miles from the city, on the Albany road. Notwithstanding the distance from the city he was prompt and regular in attendance at Church, nor did he fail in cold or heat, or storms. His family filled a large wagon,
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
and in the short days of winter it must have required both resolution and executive ability to see that all were pre- pared for an early start. When we remember that the Sunday-school opened at nine o'clock in the morning, and that frequently he was first among the teachers to appear, we can realize some of the difficulties he must have encountered. Occasionally he took opportunity to gently admonish some of the laggards among those who lived near by, and very naturally illustrated what could be done, and ought to have been done, by not unpleasantly referring to his own case. But unfortunately there are some who can never be brought into habits of punctuality, but continue to be a hindrance to business or pleasure, and an annoyance to all with whom they are engaged. After some years he returned to the city, residing on Sumner street, spending a part of his time in Washington as Clerk of the Court of Claims. He became one of the founders of Trinity Parish, and lived a devout and honorable life. He was born Dec. 14, 1793, and died Feb. 4, 1880.
His brother, Hesekiah Huntington, was made Clerk of the Parish in 1826. He was a member of the Vestry in 1830, and repeatedly for many times afterwards. In 1831 and '32, he was also Treasurer. He was active, generous in his nature, and strongly attached to the Church. He was extensively engaged in the book-selling and publish- ing business, with his brother Francis, under the firm name of H. & F. J. Huntington. Their store was near the present Phoenix Bank, where they remained for many years. Afterwards he was President of the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, which rapidly developed into a very successful institution. He was born Oct. 28, 1795, and married (1) June 12, 1826, Sarah, daughter of William Morgan. She died April 16, 1847. He married (2) Sept. 25, 1856, Catharine B., daughter of George Sumner, M.D. He died February 20, 1865, and was one of the original members of Trinity Parish.
459
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Francis J. Huntington was a younger brother, whose name first appears in a subscription in 1829, for building the Church. Though not so personally engaged in its affairs as his seniors, he was not less devoted to its interests, or attachment to it; he was a pronounced Churchman. All three of them were devout Episco- palians, honorable and just, perfectly satisfied with their own views, and content to live in peace and charity with those who differed from them in opinion. Frank was fond of rural life, and developed his inclinations in the fine farm and buildings on Prospect Hill, or Scarborough Hill, as he insisted on calling it. Here he resided for many years, though for a part of the time he was engaged in the book publishing business in New York. He was born December 3, 1802, and was married to Stella B. Bull of Hartford.
He died February 5, 1876 ; was one of the original mem- bers of St. John's Parish, and also one of the original members of Trinity Parish, in 1859. All three of these brothers left children, who are consistent and devoted in their attachment to the Protestant Episcopal Church. Truly, Mr. Chase did a good work here in Hartford, as well as elsewhere.
There are a few other families, descendants of ancient Churchmen, even to the third or fourth generation, who still remain as representatives in our Parish; but not many. Death and removals have taken them away, and no one is left, even in the female line. Most of the old families in Hartford have entirely disappeared, and to many of them hardly a memory remains. But the new- comers have brought with them from the country towns the godly faith of their forefathers, their New England integrity, and their indomitable New England persever- ance ; their thrift and energy, love and respect for labor, and for whatever is of good report. Their sturdy virtues still exist in their sons and daughters, and no New
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Englander need feel ashamed to claim that he is a descendant of those who were loyal to God and the State.
1881.
Jan. 22, V. The Rector was invited to give notice, that at the proposed Sunday evening services, the sittings in the Church be considered free to all persons.
March 29, P. Voted, That learning with regret that our Junior Warden, Mr. Lanman, is about to remove from the city, and that we must therefore be deprived of his judicious counsels and efficient services ; we therefore desire to express our appreciation of all that he has done since his connection with this Parish, and trust that his residence elsewhere may be as pleasant and profitable to others as it has been to us.
Messrs. Chas. J. Hoadly and Wm. L. Matson, were ap- pointed a committee to draft suitable resolutions with refer- ence to the late improvements in the Church by the addition of the new Chapel, Chancel, and Furniture of same.
Resolved, That, provided it be without cost to the Parish, Messrs. Heaton, Butler, & Bayne of London, be requested to suggest a treatment in stained glass, for the windows of the Church not yet assigned, the subjects to be scenes in the life of Christ; and that future assignment of window spaces be accompanied with the recommendation of the treatment so submitted.
April 8, P. A letter from Mrs. Lucy M., J. J., and Francis Goodwin, addressed to the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of Christ Church Parish, with accompanying documents, giving $5,000, in trust to this Parish, as a Fund, the interest of which might be applied towards the expense of heating and clean- ing the Parish rooms, and keeping them at all times in proper order for occupancy and use, was presented to the meeting, the subject having been referred to the annual meeting of the Parish, by a vote of the Vestry, April 2d, 1881.
Voted, That this Parish accept the generous gift, and that the Rector and Wardens be appointed a committee to pre- pare a suitable letter of acknowledgment.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
For an account of this Fund see p. 136 of Report on the Funds of the Parish.
August 4, V. Voted, That the Wardens are authorized to procure the pointing of the [stonework] of the Church, and the painting of the [outside] woodwork, provided the funds necessary for the same are pledged beforehand.
Charles H. Northam commences his " Recollections of business men in Hartford, and their locations," by say- ing, "I came to reside in Hartford on 22nd of October, 1812, as a clerk in the grocery store of Mr. Nathan Mor- gan, in Ferry street, two months less than 15 years old ; salary for the first year $20, with board and washing." He was, at different times, in the wholesale grocery busi- ness with Nathan Morgan, M. W. Chapin, George Roberts, and then was alone for a few years. In 1844 he was in partnership with James Bolter, which was con- tinued for seventeen years. In retiring from mercantile pursuits he was chosen as president of the Mercantile Bank, which position he occupied till the time of his death, November 21, 1881.
His name first appears in the Parish records among the young men, who, in 1822, subscribed one hundred dollars for the purchase of new lamps for the Church. He was a vestryman 1830, '31, '38, '39, '40, '47-'59, and senior warden 1865-1868. At all times he was much in- terested in everything which concerned the Parish, and was a frequent and generous contributor, remembering it especially in his last will, as will be seen by reference to the " Report." But he was not unmindful of his obliga- . tions elsewhere; for as God had blessed him, he was always generous and charitably disposed. His donations to Trinity College were large, as were those to the Hart- ford Hospital, in which enterprise he was an earnest sup- porter from the beginning, and a willing contributor until his death. He was a man whose natural impulses
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
were good, and when to these were added good common sense, an equable temper, a generous and charitable dis- position, a thorough knowledge of business, a desire to conduct it honorably, and to live in love and peace with his fellows, we have a picture of a citizen who becomes valuable in any community, and who is a gain to any in- terest in which he may be engaged. A friend who knew him well said to me that "he was eminently practical, mathematically honest, systematic, and very liberal." That phrase, "mathematically honest," is about as high praise as can be given to anyone. The boy who came to Hartford from Colchester at fifteen years of age, and was content to serve at first "for twenty dollars a year and his board and washing," was honest, prudent, diligent in business, kind and charitable, accumulated a large for- tune, which he shared liberally with others during his life, and was not forgetful of the precepts of his Master at last.
I882.
Feb. 6. The Rector presented a request from Mrs. Nor- tham for permission to occupy one of the windows on the south side of the Church, as a Memorial window, which re- quest was granted by the Vestry, with the proviso that in its construction a ventilator should be placed in it.
March II, V. The Rector presented a request by letter from Miss Taintor, for permission to occupy the window next south of the Chancel, as a Memorial window, which was granted, with the usual conditions.
A desire having been expressed for a continuance of the history of the Parish from the year 1829, where it was left by Mr. Hoadly, and Mr. James J. Goodwin hav- ing promised to pay any necessary expense in procuring it, it was Voted, that Mr. Charles J. Hoadly be requested to complete the history of the Parish to the present time, and that the rector be authorized to confer with Mr.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Hoadly and make the necessary arrangements to complete the work.
It is to be regretted that Mr. Hoadly did not undertake the completion of his history, in consequence of his numerous other engagements, for it may safely be said that no other person in the Parish was as well qualified as himself, both on account of his learning and natural talents for research, and his extensive and minute knowl- edge of the affairs of the Parish. The writer is fully sensible how feeble his own efforts have been in compari- son with those of Mr. Hoadly, and heartily wishes that he had undertaken the work himself.
The Parish was now in a prosperous condition. Its indebtedness was all paid, the attendance upon the ser- vices was increasing, and all felt a confidence and satis- faction in the ambitious and industrious young rector. Cordial support was given to all his suggestions. Though a large number of the old and influential members had been lost, it was believed that the Parish might regain some of its former standing and influence. The income was now sufficient for its reasonable expenses, and it was Voted, that the rector's salary be increased five hundred dollars for the ensuing year.
Proper recognition was made of the death of Col. Northam, which occurred on March 26th, for the valuable and long-continued services in the Parish, and for the great generosity which had always been bestowed upon it ; and especially for the kind remembrance of it in his will. Reference is further made to him and to this his last bequest, in the Report on the Funds of the Parish, p. 132.
Dec". 23, V. Voted, That the generous offer from a Parish- ioner to provide the funds for an Assistant Minister until Easter be accepted with thanks, and that the Rector be re- quested to correspond with Rev. Robert Hudson, to fill the position.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
1883.
March 10, V. Voted, That the Senior Warden be requested to prepare the usual Parish Circular relative to the continu- ance of the present system of raising the revenue of the Parish, by the weekly offerings, and envelopes.
The Rector presented the request of Mr. M. B. Copeland, for permission to occupy one of the window spaces on the north side of the Church, as a Memorial window of the late Henry Wilson, which was granted, provided the usual regula- tion was complied with.
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