USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Wethersfield > History of Saint Mark's Church, New Britain, Conn., and of its predecessor Christ Church, Wethersfield and Berlin : from the first Church of England service in America to nineteen hundred and seven > Part 31
USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Berlin > History of Saint Mark's Church, New Britain, Conn., and of its predecessor Christ Church, Wethersfield and Berlin : from the first Church of England service in America to nineteen hundred and seven > Part 31
USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > New Britain > History of Saint Mark's Church, New Britain, Conn., and of its predecessor Christ Church, Wethersfield and Berlin : from the first Church of England service in America to nineteen hundred and seven > Part 31
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He once revisited St. Mark's parish and preached here on Sunday, Nov. 14, 1875.
Letters from several parties were read by Dr. Hart at a vestry meeting Sept. 7, 1874, in regard to the vacant rector- ship. It was also voted "That the Rev. Mr. Eddy be requested to supply the Desk next Sunday" and that "the Wardens sup- ply the desk for the present."
A meeting of the vestry was held Sept. 15, 1874, at the house of Ira E. Hicks, at which letters were read from Bishop Williams relating to the Rev. Dr. Drumm of Bristol, Pa., after which it was "Voted, That Junior Warden Parker be author- ized to go to Bristol, Pa. for the purpose of listening to the Revd. Dr. Drumm and to ascertain whether he is desirous of a change, and if so, what salary he commands, and to obtain such other information as may be necessary in this connection." This vote was rescinded Oct. 9, 1874, and the wardens were then "authorized to invite Dr. Drumm to preach here on Sun- day, Oct. 25," but probably he did not accept.
At a vestry meeting at the house of G. C. Pettis, Oct. 26, 1874, the correspondence relating to the vacant rectorship was read, embracing letters from Bishop Williams and the Rev.
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Mr. Baldwin, in relation to Dr. Drumm, and one from Dr. Drumm. Also letters regarding Mr. Barrows. A committee, not exceeding the whole number of the vestry, (seven,) was authorized to visit Bristol, Pa. at the expense of the Church, and Messrs. Parker, Russell, Cooley, Post, and Pettis, expressed their willingness to go. The two wardens and six of the vestry agreed to share this expense equally and thus relieve the Church of the charge.
At the vestry meeting of Nov. 6, 1874, the chairman of the committee appointed to visit Dr. Drumm reported "having visited Bristol, Pa. and attended service at Dr. Drumm's Church in the morning, and Communion Service thereafter. That the sermon, an uncommonly fine one, was written expressly for Communion Sunday and betrayed an entire absence of ritualistic teaching. A conference with Dr. Drumm afterwards disclosed the fact that the salary which we could pay would be inadequate, and as we could not wish a Rector to come among us on a salary unsatisfactory to him, it is in the opinion of the committee inexpedient to give Dr. Drumm a call. This conclusion was made known to the Bishop, whom the committee met on the cars, and met his approval."
"Upon motion, the report was accepted and ordered placed on file, the committee to continue in power, and authorized to acquaint Dr. Drumm with the result."
"Letters were read from Rev. Francis Goodwin of Hartford, and Prof. Pynchon of Trinity College, recommending Rev. Mr. Goodrich."
At the next vestry meeting, Nov. 23, 1874, a letter "from Bishop Clarkson was read recommending Mr. Roberts."
It was also stated "that Dr. Drumm had written a letter in reply to one from Junior Warden Parker, advising him of the conclusion of the committee, stating that inasmuch as the action of the Vestry had disposed of the question of his coming to New Britain permanently, he would be glad to come east and form acquaintances, and would be glad to officiate a Sunday with us if we so desired."
He was invited to officiate next Sunday.
A letter from Professor Russell was read recommending the Rev. Mr. Goodrich.
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An informal ballot for a Rector was then taken by the vestry from those who had officiated as candidates, when "Mr. Good- rich had four votes, Mr. Barrows two, and Mr. Shinn one."
The next meeting of the vestry, Dec. 7, 1874, "Voted: That a parish meeting be called for Monday evening Dec. 14."
At the said parish meeting commendatory letters of the Rev. Messrs. Barrows, Drumm, Goodrich, and Shinn were read. An informal ballot of eighteen votes resulted in eight votes for Dr. Drumm, six for Mr. Barrows, three for Mr. Goodrich and one for Mr. Shinn.
Mr. Tolles inquired as to what salary the different candi- dates would demand ?
"Mr. Parker stated that Dr. Drumm is now receiving $1600 per annum and would probably expect as much here if called. Mr. Barrows and Mr. Goodrich it is understood, will accept $1500 and rectory."
Upon motion of Mr. Finch, it was "Voted: That a meeting of the legal members, communicants and pew holders of St. Mark's Church be called for a more general expression of the preference of the congregation who are regular in attendance, and that an informal vote be taken at such meeting for the choice of Clergyman."
This representative meeting was held Wednesday evening, Dec. 30, 1874. The Rev. Mr. Abbott was named as a candidate in addition to the four candidates before mentioned. The salary expected by each different candidate was announced by the chair, Junior Warden Parker. The third informal ballot showed fifty-four votes, of which Dr. Drumm had thirty-two, Mr. Barrows fifteen, Mr. Goodrich six and Mr. Bird one. On the first informal ballot Mr. Bird received six votes. This is the first mention of Mr. Bird in the record. "Dr. Drumm hav- ing a majority of all the votes cast, was declared the choice of the meeting."
This is the first instance of record in which the ladies of St. Mark's Church have had any direct vote in the choice of a Rector, or other management of the parish. As to one family, we are told that Mrs. H- voted for Dr. Drumm, while her husband voted for a different man.
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At a special meeting of the legal members of the parish Jan. 7, 1875, Dr. Drumm was unanimously elected Rector. The vestry met on the 9th, instructed the clerk to notify Dr. Drumm of the action of the parish and appointed a committee to perfect the necessary arrangements.
The New Britain "Record" of Jan. 15, 1875, announces the call to Dr. Drumm and adds that he "has preached in this city several times and is reputed to be a man of much worth and ability." The election of Dr. Drumm to the rectorship of St. Mark's, New Britain, was also announced in the "Churchman" of Jan. 30, 1875.
Senior Warden Hart reported to the vestry meeting of Oct. 26, 1874, "that the street committee had awarded the Church property $125.00 for damages resulting from widening West Main street, and upon discussion it was deemed best to accept the award."
Early in 1875 separate books were opened for recording the meetings of the parish, and vestry. The new book for the record of the parish meetings opens with the record of the special meeting which elected Dr. Drumm, Jan. 7, 1875, and the new book for the record of vestry meetings opens with the record of the vestry meeting of Jan. 30, 1875, when Dr. Drumm's letter of acceptance of his call was submitted.
There are three parish books other than the registers, before 1875. The first is marked "Records of St. Mark's Church." It begins Aug. 28, 1836, and extends to Nov. 26, 1848. The treasurer's account and other matters are contained in the back part of this book. The next book is marked "Minutes of St. Mark's Parish, New Britain, Connecticut. Commencing with the Act of Consecration of the New Church Edifice. Decem- ber Twenty-third A.D. 1848." The last record in it is that of a vestry meeting at the church, March 30, 1869. The third book is marked "St. Mark's . Minutes of Vestry and Parish Meetings . March 29, 1868, to Jan. 9, 1875."
There must have been many vestry meetings of which we have no record. In the first book, a vestry meeting is recorded for April 23, 1838, after which there is no record of any except parish meetings, until Nov. 26, 1848. There is no record of any other vestry meeting until Jan. 9, 1855. After 1855, vestry
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meetings are more frequently recorded, but it is not probable that all of the vestry meetings since that date appear of record. Since 1875. the record is thought to be complete.
While the parish records, before described, are nearly com- plete from 1836, the parish register begins with 1849. "Parish records" are only those kept by the clerk; the "register" is the record kept by the Rector, or, in the absence of a Rector, by the wardens. There are four registers consisting of specially pre- pared pages with printed headings in the following order :- History, Families, Baptisms, Confirmed, Communicants, Mar- riages, Burials, Index.
Register No. I was opened by the Rev. Mr. Capron 1849, and closed by the Rev. Mr. Middleton in November, 1870.
Register No. 2 was opened by the Rev. Mr. Middleton in November, 1870, and closed after the death of the Rev. Mr. Rogers in 1886.
Register No. 3 was opened by the Rev. Mr. Stoddard in April, 1886, and closed by the Rev. Mr. Bodley in June, 1901.
Register No. 4 was opened by the Rev. Mr. Bodley in 1901, and is the current register.
We regret to say that the pages headed "History" have been sadly neglected. The Rev. Messrs. Russell, Rogers, Stoddard and Bodley, are the only Rectors who have made entries on these pages.
The vestry meeting of Jan. 30, 1875, appointed Messrs. Post and Pettis a committee to repair the rectory and ordered a check for $100 to be sent to Dr. Drumm to aid him in moving to New Britain. The New Britain "Record," of Jan. 29, 1875, says that Dr. Drumm "proposes to establish his residence here in March and to officiate on the Sunday before Easter." The issue of March 12, 1875, says "Rev. L. B. Baldwin formerly of this city will preach at St. Mark's Church next Sunday. Rev. Dr. Drumm, the pastor-elect, will arrive in New Britain in season to conduct service on the Sabbath following," and the "Record" of March 26, 1875, says that Dr. Drumm commenced his pastoral labors at St. Mark's Church last Sunday," showing that his first Sunday here as Rector was March 21, 1875. The "Churchman" of Hartford, for March 20, 1875, says that Dr. Drumm will enter upon the rectorship on Sunday, March 21st.
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The Rector, Dr. Drumm, presided at the annual parish meet- ing March 2, 1875.
On April 6, 1875, the vestry voted that "Dr. Drumm be asked to repeat the sermon that he preached last Sunday morn- ing at his earliest convenience."
The Bishop's address to the Convention of 1875 announces letters of dismission to Rev. John C. Middleton to the Diocese of Long Island, and the reception into this Diocese of Rev. John H. Drumm, D.D., Rector of St. Mark's, New Britain, from the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
A vestry meeting June 29, 1875, instructed the clerk to "request the Rector to write a suitable letter of acknowledge- ment to the widow of the late Ralph Dickinson of the bequest to the Parish of $100.00."
Ralph Dickinson here referred to was a son of Ralph Dickin- son one of the first vestrymen of St. Mark's Church, Aug. 28, 1836, and a grandson of Mrs. Lucy Dickinson whose name is in its first list of Communicants. His grandfather, Nathaniel, was probably one of the first members of the parish. Nathaniel and the senior Ralph were both prominent members of the parish of Christ Church. These three generations of Dickin- sons all lived successively in the same house. This Dickinson home is the one to which the old church building and all appur- tenances thereto were removed, and from which we have obtained some of the most important ties between the old Church and the present St. Mark's.
At the last named vestry meeting, it was voted to ask the Rector to confer with the clergy of the other churches in this place with a view to arranging a uniform hour for evening service that none may be annoyed by the ringing of bells during service.
On Dec. 8, 1875, at a vestry meeting, the Rector announced himself as not in favor of fairs or festivals for raising funds to meet expenses, and so we may presume that the ladies held no December fair during the years 1875 and 1876.
The Rector, Dr. Drumm, presided at the annual meeting in 1875, but does not appear to have been called to the chair at the annual meeting of April 17, 1876. The record shows that he spoke of the Rector's right to preside at vestry meetings, but
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he did not care to press his rights. In the absence of any State law to the contrary, the Church law holds good.
Dr. Hart in reply said that the action of the parish, which was taken some years ago, obliging the senior warden to preside at all meetings of the parish, was provoked by peculiar cir- cumstances which no longer exist and therefore he desired to return to the old custom of having the Rector preside at all parish meetings. No action was taken on the matter and the senior warden took the chair and proceeded with the regular business.
There was a State law that was contrary to the Church law as to the Rector's right to preside. It was passed in 1821, for the government of Town meetings and meetings of all societies "lawfully assembled" and gave them the "power to choose a moderator to preside, unless it be otherwise especially provided by law." There was no law of the State that provided other- wise as to Episcopal societies. The law relating to ecclesiasti- cal societies placed the general management of them in the hands of a "Society's committee," and in order that the wardens and vestry could legally exercise the general duties required by the Episcopal Church, a law was passed in 1842, providing that "Wardens and Vestrymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church shall be a Society's committee with all powers granted to committees of religious societies." No religious society was then known in law as a parish.
We find no record of any action of the parish requiring the senior warden to preside over all its meetings, and if there was such a vote it would have been illegal, because it would deprive the meetings of their power to choose a moderator. Part of the records merely state who presided without telling whether they were elected or presided as a matter of right. Many of the records, especially of the meetings prior to 1860, state that the presiding officer was chosen and the records show that the Rector has generally presided at all meetings when present. A State law approved March 23, 1877, provided that all Episcopal Societies that have been or may be organized in the State "shall be known in law as parishes as well as eccle- siastical societies" and also provided that the general manage- ment and meetings of these parishes "shall be such as are
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provided and prescribed by the constitution, canons and regula- tions of said Protestant Episcopal Church."
The Church Canons require the Rector to preside at all meetings of the parish when present, and this has been the general rule in St. Mark's Parish.
Dr. Drumm's parochial report of St. Mark's in the Journal of Convention, 1876, says-"The parish has suffered greatly from removal of communicants, and from general depression of business ; but there is good hope of improvement."
In the library of the General Theological Seminary, New York, there is an 8vo pamphlet of eight pages, entitled "Easter Decorations. A pastoral Letter to the Congregation of St. Mark's Church, New Britain, Conn." It is signed, "Affec- tionately your pastor John H. Drumm." Dr. Drumm was opposed to having the chancel profusedly decorated and in this letter set forth very clearly and forcibly his reasons therefor. After Dr. Drumm's successor came, viz: June 18, 1878, the vestry voted that it was their wish "that all floral decorations within the chancel be made by the Rector." Dr. Drumm was very strict in the observance of the laws of the Church and always faithfully and honestly followed the same as he under- stood them. As a preacher he is said to have had no superiors and few equals. We do not find his name in such reports of the Hartford County Convocations as we have examined, which no doubt may be accounted for by his poor health. He attended the Conventions of the Diocese during his rectorship of St. Mark's.
In the summer of 1876, the parish was again financially crippled and a special committee reported to the vestry Aug. 21, 1876, that in view of the financial conditions of the parish "we shall be unable" to retain our Rector beyond April 1, 1877, and that he be offered every reasonable opportunity of effecting a change.
The vestry on Sept. 4, 1876, fixed the hour for Evening Service at 3 P. M.
On Dec. II, 1876, a committee was appointed to solicit sub- scriptions for paying the Rector, and on Jan. 16, 1877, the vestry voted to apply to the Bishop for a license to Mr. Atwood as lay reader, upon the departure of Dr. Drumm.
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Being unable to perform the duties of a parish minister, by reason to recent and severe illness, the Rector presented his letter of resignation to the vestry, Jan. 20, 1877, to take effect on the last day of March, which resignation was accepted.
The "Churchman" of Feb. 3, 1877, says that "The Rev. John H. Drumm, D.D. who is slowly recovering from a severe illness, has resigned the rectorship of St. Mark's, New Britain." Dr. Drumm had long suffered from ill health and was thereby laboring under great difficulty. As early as 1861 he returned from Europe, where he had been to recuperate, and was very much improved in health.
In May, 1877, he was at San Saba, Texas, where he was the first missionary in that town and district, doing such duty as his strength would permit. He did not go there merely to be a missionary, but for his health, under medical advice. It was however too late, and in 1878 he returned to his former home at Bristol, Pa. where he died March 5, 1879, without ever hav- ing severed his Canonical connection with the Diocese of Con- necticut, into which he was called by this parish.
For three Sundays or more during Dr. Drumm's absence in the summer of 1876, the services here were conducted by the Rev. John D. McConkey, who was the first person from St. Mark's Parish to enter the ministry. The parochial reports for 1872 and 1876 each gave one person as "Studying for the Ministry." These refer to Mr. McConkey, who attended St. Stephen's College, Annandale, N. Y., 1872, until 1874; and the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Mass. in 1875 and 1876. He now resides at Lewiston, Idaho, where he had the charge, (which he has recently resigned,) of the Church of the Nativity for nineteen years. Only one other Minister of the Church has ever been produced from St. Mark's Parish, viz: the Rev. Nathan Tolles Pratt, who settled at Bridgeport and is now a practicing physician there. He is in the annual reports as "Studying for the Ministry" in 1894, 5 and 6. Another is reported for the years 1888, 89, and 90. This was Isaac D. Russell, who is now the Treasurer of the Russell & Erwin Mfg. Co.
At a vestry meeting March 26, 1877, the senior warden reported having received a number of letters recommending the
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Rev. William E. Snowden, of Walden, N. Y. for the vacant rectorship. After the regular business of the annual meeting of the parish, April 2, 1877, Mr. Snowden was recommended and letters concerning him from a former Rector, the Rev. Mr. Capron, were presented. Others desired to recall their former Rector, the Rev. Mr. Baldwin. The Rev. Mr. Applegate was also mentioned, but the meeting decided in favor of the Rev. Mr. Snowden.
On April 10, 1877, Mr. Parker stated to the vestry that he had tendered a call to the Rev. Mr. Snowden by telegraph and that Mr. Snowden had telegraphed his acceptance. There were special reasons for prompt action and the vestry approved the same and voted to make the call formal. The Rector's salary was fixed at $1200 per annum, after April 16, with use of the rectory. A special meeting of the parish was held April 16, 1877, and the call was ratified and confirmed. The following letter was sent to the Bishop.
"We the Church Wardens, do certify to the Right Rev. John Williams, that the Rev. Wm. E. Snowden of Walden, N. Y. has been chosen Rector of St. Mark's Parish, New Britain.
WILLIAM PARKER, Sen. Warden. H. E. RUSSELL 2ยช Jun. Warden.
New Britain, Ct. April 17, 1877."
In so far as the record shows, the first clerk of the parish to take the proper oath of office was Mr. F. G. Guion, who was duly elected at the parish meeting of April 2, 1877, and whose oath is recorded as follows :-
"I solemnly swear, that I will faithfully discharge, according to law, my duties as Clerk of St. Mark's Parish, New Britain, Conn. to the best of my ability ; so help me God.
F. G. GUION.
Subscribed and sworn before me this Ioth. day of April, A.D. 1877.
MARTIN S. WIARD. Notary Public."
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It has been the regular practice since 1877 to have the clerk sworn and to place the oath on record according to canon.
The Rev. Mr. Snowden was present at the Convention of the Diocese, June II and 12, 1877, and the Bishop's address men- tions the reception into the Diocese of the Rev. William E. Snowden, Rector of St. Mark's Church, New Britain, from the Diocese of New York.
On Nov. 26, 1877, the vestry gave permission to St. Mark's Guild to make certain alterations in the interior of the chapel without calling on the vestry for any portion of the expense.
The Guild herein referred to was a Brotherhood of male members of the Church, who met to organize on Oct. 26, 1877. It was formally organized Nov. 1, 1877, with twenty charter members under the name of St. Mark's Guild. The Rev. Wil- liam E. Snowden was President, Mr. J. C. Atwood, Vice Presi- dent, and F. G. Guion was the Secretary and Treasurer.
Article 2 of the constitution was as follows :-
"The objects of the Guild shall be to assist the Rector in the Parochial work of the Church, to promote and increase a spirit of Missionary zeal and brotherly love among its members, to bring others, especially young men, under its influence; to show courtesy and hospitality to strangers, to stimulate an interest in the Church and its services, to cultivate a spirit of social intercourse and literary improvement, and in general to pray and work for the best interests of the Church and Parish."
The meetings at first were every Friday evening, but after- wards they were monthly. The last meeting on record was May 9, 1879, shortly after the retirement of the Rev. Mr. Snow- den from New Britain.
In the Journal of Convention, June, 1879, the name of Wil- liam L. Bostwick of New Britain appears in the list of clergy. He had been Rector of Trinity Church, Northfield, Conn. but resigned on account of ill health before the Convention of 1877. He resided at Hartford in 1878 and removed from there to New Britain, so that we then had two clergymen residing in this parish. He continued to reside here until 1885, when he removed to Fair Haven. He officiated, when health would per- mit, in various parishes and often assisted the Rector of St. Mark's and sometimes supplied his place when the Rector was
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absent. For a season, while residing in New Britain, he officiated at Canaan, Conn. for our present Rector, the Rev. Harry I. Bodley, during his absence abroad. Mr. Bostwick died at Stamford, Conn., March 13, 1895.
At the annual meeting of the parish, April 14, 1879, it was ordered that the reports of the Rector and treasurer be printed and placed in the pews.
At a vestry meeting Sept. 29, 1879, the matter of providing means for paying the Rector's salary was taken up and a few days later the Rector resigned. On Oct. 13, 1879, the vestry voted to call a special meeting of the parish to consider the Rector's resignation. The special meeting was held Oct. 27, 1879, and the following letter was presented.
"St. Mark's Rectory, New Britain, Ct. Oct. 2, 1879. J. C. Atwood Esqr.
Dear Sir,-Permit me to acknowledge receipt of the action of a Vestry meeting held last Monday.
I desire hereby through you as Sr. Warden, to tender my resignation of the Rectorship of St. Mark's Parish to the Wardens and Vestry, and to the members of St. Mark's Parish, said Resignation to take effect on the first day of May, 1880.
Respectfully and Sincerely Your friend and Pastor, WILLIAM E. SNOWDEN."
With a preamble referring to the financial condition of the parish and expressing regrets as to "a severance of the ties which have bound us together as Pastor and People for nearly three years," it was-
"Resolved: That the resignation of the Rev. Wm. E. Snow- den, as Rector of St. Mark's Parish, to take effect May I, 1880, be and is hereby accepted by the parish."
It was stated that the parish expenses exceeded the receipts by about $267.00 and the vestry were ordered to prepare a notice of the financial situation to be submitted by the Rector to the congregation and ask for an increase in the offerings for the remainder of the year.
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At the annual meeting of the parish March 29, 1880, the number of legal members on the roll was thirty-four.
A special meeting of the parish was held June 1, 1880, to elect a treasurer in place of Mr. Hicks who had resigned and to consider the matter of a new Rector.
The Rev. John H. Rogers was not a candidate, but the wardens, Messrs. Atwood and Tolles, were appointed to go to Schenectady to see and hear Mr. Rogers on Sunday next, and ascertain if he will consider a call should one be tendered him.
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