USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Hartford > Christ church, Hartford, Volume I > Part 36
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1884.
Jan. 14, P. Dr. Russell presented the following resolu- tions which were passed.
Resolved, That this Parish accepts with gratitude the gen- erous gift of the house and land, No. 6 Winthrop street, as a Rectory, thanking the donors for their generosity and ex- presses the confident belief that this and other sums which it has of late years received, will redound to its temporal and spiritual prosperity.
Resolved, That the names of the subscribers to the fund for the purchase of the Rectory, amounting to the sum of $11, 158.12, be entered upon the records of the Parish.
The chair was then taken by Dr. Russell at the request of the Rector, who presented the subject of the Church music to the Parish in a series of resolutions, and after a free and harmonious discussion, the following was-
Voted, That the Rector be permitted to arrange for a Choir of men and boy's voices, for afternoon and evening services, as he may deem proper, provided no extra expense is made to the Parish.
While there was some opposition to a vested choir, yet the general opinion was favorable to it, and after a short period the choir sang at the morning service also. Eleven hundred dollars had been appropriated for the music, at the annual meeting in March.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
The following are the names of the subscribers for the Rectory.
George Beach
Henry C. Beckwith Daniel S. Dewey
Lucy M. Goodwin
P. Smith, wf. and sister Mrs. F. A. Brown
Susan R. Northam
Mrs. J. N. Goodwin
Mrs. C. J. Russ
Walter Keney
Mrs. Har'it B. Whitmore Geo. W. Ellis
James J. Goodwin
Mr. & Mrs. E. S. Bartlett L. W. Clark
Gurdon W. Russell
John F. Tracy
George C. Jarvis
Wm. F. Tuttle
Charles Green
Mary I. Beresford
Stephen Terry
Geo. M. Bond
Charles J. Hoadly
Alice Taintor Mary Killam
Charles R. Hart
Mrs. George H. Clark
Ellen Brinley
Mrs. Chester Adams
P. F. Robbins
Thos. Skinner
Augustus H. Williams
W. L. Matson
John M. Taylor
Henry Corning
Elizabeth S. Stedman
W. F. Whittlesey
George Keller.
Edward A. Stedman Geo. W. Hubbard
March 1, V. Voted, That the Rector have leave of absence, during the coming summer, for three months, dating from about August Ist, his purpose being to accompany the Bishop of the Diocese to Europe as his Chaplain, the purpose of the visit being to attend the celebration of the Consecration of Bishop Seabury, at Aberdeen.
August 19, V. Voted, That the Wardens be empowered to sign an agreement, permitting N. G. Hinckley to erect a fire escape on the north wall of his building, and projecting over the land of Christ Church Parish ; provided that said Hinckley and his heirs and assigns shall not claim any right to or in the premises, or to maintain said fire escape so projecting over the land of Christ Church Parish, but shall remove the same whenever called upon to do so by the legal representa- tives of the Parish.
1885.
Feb. 7, V. Voted, That the music committee be authorized to notify the Organist, and members of the Choir, that their services will be dispensed with at the close of the Parish year; and that the committee be empowered to make an engage- ment with an Organist for the coming year who will carry out the plan of the Choral Choir, proposed by Mr. Clarke, and co-operate with the music committee in the selection of such a Choir.
30
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CHRIST CHURCHI, HARTFORD.
July II, V. The Bishop of the Diocese having requested the Rector to assist him in the class of Church History in the Berkley Divinity School, it was,
Voted, That the Vestry do hereby consent that the Rector have permission, provided that it does not seriously interfere with his regular parish duties.
Nov. 30, V. The Rector read a paper to the Vestry, stat- ing the general condition of the Parish ; its finances, growth, and prospects, giving his views and suggestions as to its present and future wants. After a very general discussion of the subject, the meeting adjourned.
1886.
Jan. 25, V. The Rector and Wardens were appointed to prepare some plan for a better arrangement at com- munion services.
The object of this was to prevent a gathering on the platform at the administration of the Holy Communion. Instead of a simultaneous leaving of the pews by the communicants, it was recommended (as the accommoda- tions were sufficient for twelve only at one time) that four only from each aisle should leave their seats, and should return from the north and south sides. The plan was thoroughly explained by Mr. Nichols, and worked well for a short time; but soon the platform was as badly crowded as ever. A second explanation after a few months, was followed by an improvement, but soon the communicants had their own way, and the dignity and solemnity of the sacrament remains much impaired to this day.
The introduction of a Vested Choir was not effected without considerable discussion of a friendly character, but all objections were quieted, if not removed, and soon a very general consent was given to the new arrangement.
Feb. 6, l'. Voted, unanimously by the Vestry, that the music for the ensuing year, for morning and evening services, be furnished by a Vested Choir, at a cost to the Parish not
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
to exceed one thousand dollars ; and the music committee are ordered to make necessary arrangements to carry the same into effect.
April 26, P. Mr. L. B. Goodman stated that he had in- sured the Memorial Paintings, or Decorations, which he had presented to the Church, in the name of the Parish, and delivered the policy into the Treasurer's hands. He trusted that in case of destruction by fire, the Parish would feel obligated to replace them.
These two memorial paintings on canvas, by Messrs. Heaton, Butler, & Bayne, London, are memorials of the wife and children of Mr. L. B. Goodman, long a valuable member and officer of the Parish. The subject of the painting on the south side of the chancel arch is "Christ healing the Blind," and is peculiarly fitting to the case of Mrs. Goodman. The subject for the north side is " Christ blessing little children." There are five shown in the group.
1887. Resignation of Mr. Nichols.
April II. The following communication was received from the Rector :
To the Parish of Christ Church in Annual Meeting Assembled :
GENTLEMEN, - It becomes my duty to make the formal announcement to you of my acceptance of a call which has come to me from another Parish, to take effect Trinity Sun- day, the fifth day of the coming month of June.
This announcement is the result of an anxious and pro- longed consideration of the many questions involved in the important matter upon which it bears, in all the perplexities of which it has been my constant aim and prayer to have it shown me, from a high and far-reaching outlook, how I could best serve God in my office, to the glory of His name, and the edification of His Church.
I know no words which could convey to you the ache of heart with which I am to sever the relations which I have
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
had with Christ Church as its Rector. The most impres- sionable decade of my life has been spent in this Rectorship, and its work and its warm attachments have moulded and shaped my ministry for all future years. The work has been blessed in a way which has abundantly justified the reliance upon the sufficiency of God's grace, which I expressed to you in my letter accepting the Rectorship ten years ago, and this in spite of infirmity, and imperfection in my ministry, for which, as I realize them, I earnestly pray God may not call me to account.
The warm attachment to this House of God, which you have beautified and enlarged, and helped me use for the daily worship and weekly communion of God's Church, to these rooms, and the devoted workers who have made them a busy workshop for good ; to your homes into the joys and sorrows of which, as well as into the welcome of which my Pastorate has carried me ; to the Rectory which you have provided, and around which you have built up so many associations of un- ceasing kindness and thoughtfulness ; to your Wardens and Vestry who have done so much for the trust you have com- mitted to them, and have been so helpful and considerate to me all these years, my attachment to all these has given me a happiness which has become a part of my being. It re- mains for me to add to the above announcement, that I hereby resign my Rectorship of Christ Church Parish, to take effect the first day of June next.
The Bishop of the Diocese, at my request, has authorized for use at the services, a prayer for right guidance in the selection of a fit person to take up this weighty charge. Praying that God will send such an one, and carry to still greater realization in the length and breadth of the Parish that resurrection life of our Lord which Eastertide teaches,
I am, very sincerely yours, WILLIAM F. NICHOLS.
Christ Church Rectory, Hartford.
Monday in Easter-week, Apr. 11, 1887.
Voted, That the resignation of the Rector be accepted, with regret, and that a committee of three, consisting of Dr.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
G. W. Russell, L. B. Goodman, and Charles J. Hoadly be ap- pointed to draft suitable resolutions to be presented to the Rector.
May 10, P. Voted, That the Wardens and Vestry be requested to select a person to be recommended as Rector, to the Parish, and report.
The committee appointed to draft resolutions, and present the same to the Rector, reported, and the resolu- tions were accepted and were ordered on record.
It having been stated that there were possible encroach- ments on the Parish property in the rear of the Chapel, and disturbances by various persons being often noticed, it was -
Voted, That the matter be referred to the Wardens and Vestry, and that they be requested to take such action as they may deem necessary to protect the property of the Parish, and preserve order and quiet about the Church.
HARTFORD, April 20th, 1887. To the REV. WILLIAM F. NICHOLS, Rector of Christ Church.
The Parish at its annual meeting on the evening of Easter Monday voted to receive your resignation, but with regret. This simple resolve but feebly expresses the true sentiment of its members. It was left, however, to its committee to state more formally the universal feeling of regret that you felt compelled to leave us when your services here for a period of ten years have been so very acceptable and have been productive of so much good. The energy with which you have prosecuted your work, and especially the very evident conscientiousness with which it has been entered upon, has not only endeared you to the people of our Parish, and the Church in our city, but to the community in general. That the work is not completed fully, is a source of regret to us ; that it has been a great labor to you is apparent enough.
We most heartily wish you a complete success in another field, in which every parishioner will join us, and trust that
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
God's goodness and mercy will give you many years of happiness, in striving for the good of your fellow men.
We can only hope that your personal relations will be as pleasant and profitable for them as they have been with all of us.
It is a cause of congratulation to us, and of great com- mendation to you and your family, that the ten years which you have spent in Hartford as our Rector have been years of mutual happiness and interest in Church work.
The harmony and good feeling existing in the Parish is mostly due to your own untiring and unselfish devotions.
With much esteem, we are for the Parish,
Respectfully, GURDON W. RUSSELL, LORENZO B. GOODMAN, CHARLES J. HOADLY, Committee.
May 11, I'. A committee of three, consisting of Dr. G. W. Russell, George Beach, and Charles J. Hoadly were appointed by ballot to select a candidate for Rector, and recommend to the Vestry.
Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Beeman be engaged for the present as Minister in charge, and the matter of compensa- tion be left with the Wardens, also the number of ser- vices on the Sabbath and during the week.
June 28, V'. Voted, That permission be given to the friends of the late Mrs. Lydia Huntley Sigourney, to erect a Tablet to her memory on the wall of the Church, under the supervision of the Vestry of the Parish.
A brief narration of the chief events in the history of the Parish, to the present time, is all that I feel called upon to undertake. This is rendered now the more 1in- necessary, because they are recently in our memory, and therefore are not properly matters of historical comment.
August 3. Rev. John S. Lindsay, D.D., of Georgetown, D. C., was chosen as Rector, but declined.
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
Nov. 6. Rev. Floyd W. Tomkins, of Calvary Church, N. Y., was chosen Rector, and entered upon his duties Jan- uary 1, 1888.
Dec. 30, V. The Rev. Allen E. Beeman was thanked for the faithful and able manner in which he had discharged the duties of Minister in Charge of the Parish.
1888.
Feb. 29, 1". Plans of Choir Stalls were submitted, the ex- pense of which was paid by Miss Alice Taintor.
April 2, P. The Rev. J. J. Burd, upon nomination of the Rector, was accepted as Assistant Minister.
The thanks of the Parish were tendered to Dr. G. W. Russell, for his services as Senior Warden.
Oct. 8, V. A proposal for placing a Reredos in the Chan- cel of the Chapel, in memory of Miss Mary Goodwin, was accepted.
1889.
Jan. 14, V. The Rector reported that the subscriptions to the Organ Fund, amounted to $2,200; requiring but six hundred dollars to be raised to complete the amount needed, Mr. James J. Goodwin having pledged the additional funds required to procure a six thousand dollar organ and any additional expense involved in placing the organ in the Church. The old organ was to be sold at not less than five hundred dollars.
V. Oct. 21. Voted, That the Vestry endorse the action of the Rector in appointing a Mission to be held in Christ Church, in Advent, and agree to assist him by all means in their power.
V. Nov. II. The Rector reported that the new Organ was entirely paid for, and the receipts were in the hands of the Treasurer.
I890.
Feb. 10, V. The committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions on the death of Mr. L. B. Goodman, reported - Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove our
472
CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
Junior Warden, Lorenzo B. Goodman, who has been identi- fied with the interests of this Parish for many years, and has held the office of Vestryman, or Warden, since the year 1868, it is
Resolved, That it is not meet that the death of our asso- ciate should be passed without proper notice by us who have been united with him in the responsibilities of this parish. Long connected with it, he has been a member loyal to its interests, as Vestryman faithful in his responsibilities, as a Christian sincere and devout in his worship. The many years in which he has served as one of our Wardens, have been years in which great changes have occurred in the Parish, both in loss of many of its members by removal and by death, and in those other changes which occur from the pressure of business relations, and the introduction of new elements in population. Through all these stages of growth and depression, Mr. Goodman has remained a faithful at- tendant at Christ Church, and more interested than ever, for there seemed to be a work for him to do. He remained among a few of the older members of the Parish, who still linger a little longer, who though proud of the past, are not unmindful of the future. His quiet ways, his unobtrusive manners, his genuine benevolence, his ready willingness to engage in any good work, his hearty sympathy, and his gen- erous aid in whatever promised for the furtherance of Christ's kingdom on earth, will long be remembered by us who have known him, and dutifully cherish his virtues. The Parish is much indebted to him, not alone for what he gave of his substance, but for the glorious example of a meek and quiet spirit, which is a large part of true godliness.
Resolved, That we desire in this manner to express and to leave upon record, a testimonial of our high appreciation of his character as a man, and a Christian.
March 20, V. An informal report of the Treasurer was read by Mr. S. B. Curtis, Assistant Treasurer, showing a very favorable condition of the finances, considering the extra necessary outlays for the current year.
P. April 7. Two thousand dollars was appropriated for
473
IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
the music and one thousand dollars for the salary of Rev. Robert Harris, Assistant Minister for the ensuing year.
V. The Rector read a letter from Mrs. Lucy M. Good- win, proposing to give $6,000, in trust, to the Parish, the in- terest to be paid to the Open Hearth Mission. The Trust was accepted, and Wm. L. Matson and Edward M. Bunce were appointed Trustees. See Report on Funds of the Parish, P. 140.
Sept. 21, V. At a special meeting the following minute was offered and passed.
It is with unfeigned sorrow that the Wardens and Vestry have learned of the death of Mrs. Lucy M. Goodwin, for over fifty years a faithful member of this Parish. During this long period she was constant in her attendance at Church, showing by example her love for its services, and how strongly she regarded her duties and obligations. She was not content to do the work which was appointed for her in the various organizations of the Parish and town, but supplemented them by personal counsels and gifts, which showed how sincere and heartfelt she was in all her under- takings; her sympathy went with her in all her works. Her kindness, her gentleness of speech and manner, her loving graciousness, her friendly converse and excellent sense, made her a true gentlewoman, and an earnest servant of God. What noble conceptions of duty had this woman all the days of her life! It was a fountain which flows steadily from season to season, from year to year, without interrup- tion.
The talents given her by her Heavenly Father, were faithfully employed; not merely because her hand was well filled, but because her heart was inclined towards the things which are good. This Parish has especial cause to remem- ber her for her generous gifts, and especially for her Chris- tian example, which was constantly set before us. Her attendance upon public worship was a religious duty, which was accompanied by a daily life of marked equanimity, and service of her Master, for nearly four score of years. We may well bless God that so faithful a servant has lived
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
amongst us. "She stretched out her hand to the poor, yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness."
Nov. 10, V. The Rector read the following letter :
October 1, 1890.
My Dear Mr. TOMKINS :
You will recollect our conversation about the end window in the south gallery of Christ Church.
It is our wish to place there a memorial of our mother, worthy of her, and the Church. To do this properly may require some new mullions, tracery, etc. : and I write there- fore to ask through you, permission of the Vestry, to make such alterations, and to put in such glass at our sole expense, to carry into effect this wish. At the same time we should be glad to know if we are at liberty to choose any subject for the window in keeping with the character of the edifice.
Yours sincerely,
JAMES J. GOODWIN.
Voted, That the Vestry thankfully accept the proposition submitted by James J. Goodwin, and the Rev. Francis Good- win, to erect a Memorial to their mother, Mrs. Lucy M. Goodwin ; and permission is hereby given them to place such Memorial in the west window of the Church, and to make such alterations therein, as may be necessary to the proper carrying out of their design and purpose.
Junius S. Morgan was born in West Springfield, Mass., April 13, 1814, and came to Hartford with his father, Joseph Morgan, in 1817. He was engaged here in exten- sive dry goods business from 1836 to 1851, when he removed to Boston, and was in the same business until 1854. He then went to England and was a partner with George Peabody for several years, and after Mr. Pea- body's death continued the banking business for the remainder of his life. He was married to Juliet, daughter of Rev. John Pierpont, May 2, 1836.
His name is entered as a member of the Parish in 1839. He was a member of the Vestry from 1845 to 1849, was
L.N Saltinstall
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
frequently appointed upon committees, and ever mani- fested much interest in parochial matters. He was a business man in the strictest sense, quick in his percep- tions, honorable in his dealings, and pleasant in his manners. Ile was frank, considerate, and direct, and possessed that factor of greatness which enables a man to express his ideas without a superfluity of words. Few men have gone out from this town who have borne a better character for uprightness and ability in his special calling than our friend, who is pleasantly remembered by many now living. He died at Monte Carlo, April 8, 1890, and was laid at rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery, in this town, where other members of his family are buried.
Voted, That the Rector, and Messrs. Ellis and Tracy be appointed a committee, to locate a suitable place for the new Font to be put in, with power to act.
1891.
March 12, V. A letter was read from the Rector, re- signing his charge of the Parish, to take effect May Ist.
The treasurer reported that he had received two hundred dollars from the executor of the estate of the late L. B. Goodman, the income of the same to be used for insuring the pictures placed in the Church by him.
March 23, P. The letter of Mr. Tomkins containing his resignation was read; it was accepted, and flattering testi- monials were given " of his zeal, industry, and ability."
The Wardens and Vestry were requested to select a person to be recommended to the Parish as Rector.
Sept. 16, V. Rev. Mr. Hensell was requested to remain in the performance of his present duties, at a salary of $1,500 per annum.
Oct. 28. P. The Vestry had recommended the Rev. Lindall Winthrop Salstonstall as Rector, and upon ballot he was chosen.
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CHRIST CHURCH, HARTFORD.
1892.
March 2, V. Mr. Hensell resigned his position as Assist- ant Minister.
Voted, That Mrs. Mary I. B. Russell be permitted to place a Memorial Tablet upon such part of the north wall of the Church, as she may select for that purpose, as a memorial of her father, Dr. Samuel Barwick Beresford, and her mother, Mary Stuart Beresford.
April 18, P. The selection of the Rev. James P. Faucon, as Assistant Minister, was agreed to.
1893.
April 3. A letter was received from Mr. James J. Good- win notifying the Parish that he held in trust the sum of $30,000, the gift of the late Mary Jennette Keney, the income to be used for the benefit of the Parish. Reference to this Fund, with the letter of Mr. Goodwin, is made in the report of the committee on the Funds of the Parish, p. 141. Thanks were voted for the gift of this Fund, and the letter of Mr. Goodwin was ordered to be entered on the records of the Parish.
May 2, V. After considerable discussion on the Trust Funds now held by this Parish, on motion of Mr. Goodwin it was
Voted, That a committee of four members of the Vestry be appointed, with power to index the parish minutes, to extract all the votes of importance, and to make an abstract of the Trusts of this Parish, from the Records.
Dr. G. W. Russell, W. L. Matson, J. M. Taylor, and H. H. Hollister were appointed.
July II, V. Voted, That the Wardens and Treasurer be requested to present to the Vestry a detailed report of all the trust funds of the Parish, now in their hands, with a list of the securities in which they are invested.
1894.
Jan. 9, V. Five hundred and fifty dollars were presented to the Parish to complete the Chauncey Fund. Mr. J. Pier-
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IMPORTANT VOTES AND COMMENTS.
pont Morgan of New York, presented a large copy of the Revised Book of Common Prayer.
Voted, That Dr. Russell be requested to superintend the work of completing the historical record of the Church from the date it was left by Dr. Hoadly.
April 2, P. The votes passed by the Vestry, to be found in the Report on the Trust Funds of the Parish, p. 151, were ordered to be incorporated in the minutes of the meeting.
1895.
April 15. There only remains to be mentioned a brief sketch of the proceedings at the annual meeting of the Parish. The usual officers were chosen. Mr. Matson had previously resigned as Treasurer, and Mr. S. B. Curtis was chosen in his place. The Rector read his report of the Benevolent offerings. A letter from Mr. Parsons, President of the Security Company, was read, and also a statement concerning the two Northam Funds. The reports of the Trustees of the Adams Fund, of the Chauncey Fund, and of the Lucy M. Goodwin Fund were presented and accepted. The resignation of E. M. Bunce, as one of the Trustees of the latter Fund, was accepted, and the usual appropriations were made.
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