USA > Delaware > Early clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware > Part 13
USA > Pennsylvania > Early clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware > Part 13
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ยท TRINITY CHURCH, OXFORD (PHILADELPHIA).
May your present rector have still greater success as the years pass on, and when you reflect on the hard- ships and toils of those who ministered here in the poverty of carly days, in an unfloored church, may you be moved to do much to further the work of Christ about you in this growing region, and may this parish, as in times past, be the mother of churches, while she holds fast to that unfailing faith in Christ, whom the text declares to be "the same yesterday, and to-day and forever." May the passing years then bring us to that better land where his worship is a ceaseless occupation and a constant joy.
The Rev. Mr. Macbeth has put out an earnest pamphlet urging a large endowment for this old church. It would be a wise step, and may it be a great success.
St. Mark's strong and remarkably well organized parish in Frankford, is a daughter of Trinity Church. Rev. Dr. H. S. Spackman was the first rector. Rev. Dr. D. S. Miller and Rev. R. C. Booth, the following rectors gave its history, with Herbert Welsh, in a Jubilee volume, Rev. F. B. Avery is now rector.
St. Stephen's, Bridesburg, is a child of St. Mark's. The church was consecrated in A.D., 1870. Wm. Welsh largely furthered the work. The Rev. Messrs. Wm. Jarrett, Isaac Martin, M.D., George B. Pratt, J. H. Appleton, W. F. Watkins, Jr. and Walter Jordan were the successive rectors. Mr. Jordan is the present rector.
St. Paul's, Harrowgate, is a memorial to Wm. Welsh. The corner-stone was laid November Ist, ISSI, by Bishop Stevens, Rev. Dr. D. S. Miller and other clergy assisting. The rectors have been Rev. Henry E. Cooke and Rev. D. A. Bonner. Rev. E. J. Humes and Rev. H. A. F. Hoyt have had temporary charge, and Mr. Hoyt is now conducting the parish.
The parishes named on page 86, etc., were intended for this place. Rev. C. H. Kidder should be added to the list of Tacony rectors there.
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CHAPTER XVI.
THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY .*
"Arise, shine ; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."-Isaiah 60 : I.
T HIE diffusion of spiritual life has made this prophecy good with regard to the thousands on earth and in Paradise who have found salvation in this Church of the Epiphany, and the symbol of spreading light, encircling the initial letters of Christ's holy name, in your chancel well indicates the diffusiveness of Christianity.
In A.D., 1833 Rev. Dr. S. H. Tyng took charge of this infant parish ; in the cheerful and happy evening of a well-spent life he was grateful to God and man for what he had been permitted to enjoy and accomplish, looking for a glad morrow in the Paradise of God, Both he and his father were baptized by Bishop Bass at his birthplace, Newburyport, Mass. His affectionate father was a godly lawyer, the Hon. Dudley Atkins Tyng. The son lived to a greater age than the father, but in extreme age gladly performed his preaching and other duties while strength lasted. His mother died when he was a child, but a beloved grandmother and maiden aunt brightened his early days. He preached his first sermon after ordination in the church in which he had been baptized, and received his first communion.
* While the Epiphany is younger than the other parishes treated of, I have added a sketch of its clergy at the request of my friend the Rev. G. H. Kinsolving, the present rector.
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At six years of age, the lad went to boarding-school at Quincy, Mass., under Rev. Peter Whitney. He was afterward a lay-reader in that town. He was a pupil at Phillips Academy, Andover, where he received religious benefit from the effects of the young theological semin- ary, with its religious meetings, and from association with the pious students of the academy, two of whom, Daniel Temple and William Goodell, became foreign missionaries. At Brighton young Tyng studied under Dr. Benjamin Allen, an Episcopalian, who had been a professor in Union College, and the University of Penn- sylvania. He was a patient, sympathetic and stimulating teacher. The pupil passed through Harvard College. He played the organ in the church at Cambridge, where he was confirmed by Bishop Griswold. There was a determined will in this lad, and that is useful when it is rightly guided.
The young man entered the East India House of Samuel G. Perkins & Co., of Boston. The wife of Mr. Perkins was his father's sister. Edward A. Newton, who married Dr. Tyng's sister, Susan, was a partner. Mr. Newton was living in Calcutta, and the plan was that in two years the new clerk should take his place there. We now find him worshiping in Trinity Church, under the rectorship of Dr. Gardiner. He prospered in bus- iness life, and looked forward with pleasure to his Indian sojourn; but one morning, before rising, he seemed to hear a voice, as if the Lord were calling him, and rebuking him for a wasted life. He at once respond- ed to the Divine call, in a prayer devoting himself to God's service, and, thus converted, started on a new life in the service of Christ. He was indeed a new man in Christ Jesus. His after life witnessed the reality of this conversion. A humble Christian woman helped to
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guide him to the truth. He left prospective wealth, and sought true and lasting riches, and a treasure "that fadeth not away in heaven." He determined to enter the sacred ministry, and Rev. James Morse, of New- buryport, encouraged his plans with Christian sympathy. He made the acquaintance of Dr. Dorr, who was entering on a preparation for the ministry. His father, to his great delight, arranged for him to study with the saintly Bishop Griswold, at Bristol, Rhode Island. So God wonderfully guided him. He married the lovely and pious daughter of the bishop, and his veneration and esteem for the Godly father continued through life, for he ever made him his guide and pattern, and he thought the time spent under his care at Bristol a golden spot in his career.
In a simple meeting at a farm-house, where the bishop led the service with his Bible and Prayer-book, and expounded the Scipture in the crowded rooms, the student was struck with the solemnity of the scene, as well as its sublimity. He learned pastoral work by accom- panying the bishop on his merciful errands to the poor. In the bishop's absence, with other students, he con- ducted social meetings, and spoke extemporancously, in which work the ruddy youth soon succeeded. These meetings soon fell entirely under his care, and he held service in a school-room. The story of Daniel Waldron, in "The Spencers," narrates the first fruits of his min- istry in that sailor boy. A revival demanded three daily services from the young student, and taught him how to do effective work in winning souls to Christ. The bishop was sick during much of this time, but, when he was able, Mr. Tyng brought nearly fifty con- verts to his house to receive instruction and encourage- ment. There was a large confirmation.
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This zealous worker was ordained deacon in A.D., 1821, in St. Michael's Church, Bristol, by Bishop Gris- wold, the Rev. Dr. Jarvis preaching the sermon.
The newly ordained clergyman visited New York City, where he found a good friend in his former college tutor, Rev. Dr. afterward Bishop, Wainwright, and received kindness from Bishop Hobart, and Dr. Milnor. His first rectorship was at St. John's, Georgetown, D. C. He took this position when he was only twenty-one years old. He married his devoted wife, and opened a private school. After a short and successful rectorship in this pleasant town, he went to Queen Anne parish, Prince George's County, Maryland, which covered an extensive country district, containing a church and a chapel at some distance from the church. Here warm southern hospitality was evinced, and the active rector preached on weck-day evenings at houses where families were collected, and the slaves were included in the con- gregation. He worked beyond the bounds of his wide parish, averaging one hundred miles of horseback-riding a week. Sometimes he would preach in the large rooms of taverns. At times he extended his missionary work to Lower Virginia. He preached boldly, without notes, and God gave him fruits of his labor. In winter he could study in his pleasant rectory, when he traveled less. He taught school during a part of the time in which he held this truly rural parish among southern plantations.
From this point Dr. Tyng came to his wondrously. successful work in St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia. Here for over two years there was a weekly prayer meeting at six o'clock in the morning. The church on Sundays was crowded, and the services were solemn and impressive, while the rector was strong in his
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personal appeals to duty. Some may yet remember the crowded aisles at the Sunday night services, when the power of God was present to give spiritual healing.
The wife of Dr. Tyng died in sublime faith, closing a holy life, at an early age, in 1832. He afterward married Miss Mitchell, the daughter of Thomas Mitchell, of Philadelphia, who proved an excellent consort.
When Dr. Tyng accepted this parish of the Epiphany the church had not been erected. He traveled south to enlist interest in a Manual Labor School, and he preached in a theatre in Charleston, where Rev. William Barnwell and his church undertook to have meetings, and the services did much good. Bishop Boone was drawn to Christ by Dr. Tyng's work at this theatre.
The corner-stone of Epiphany Church was laid by Bishop White, March 24th, 1834, and on the first Sun- day of the following August, the lecture room was used for Divine worship and on the 24th of October following, the Church was consecrated by Bishop White.
Dr. Tyng finished his very successful rectorship here in 1845. The Sunday-schools had grown to a wonder- ful size under his wise guidance. The Doctor visited Great Britain where he made many useful acquaintances among the English clergy. He afterward made several visits to Europe. When he went to St. George's, New York, to take the place of his lamented friend Dr. Milnor, he closed twenty-four years of faithful labor in Philadelphia to enter on a wondrous career of fruitful . work in a new city.
The son of Dr. Tyng, C. Rockland Tyng, has sent me an extract from a Memoir of his father, which he is about to publish, which states that the new Church of the Epiphany was in quite a suburban position when he felt it his duty to go from his beloved St. Paul's to found
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it. He speaks of the strong interest of the gentlemen engaged in the new work, and how the building was pushed along with rapidity.
Dr. Tyng's occasional sermons, to be seen at the Library of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, show some of the main objects which interested him. His' sermon on the Duty of Private Judgment pleads for the liberty wherewith Christ made His people free. His plea for union before the Diocesan Convention of 1844, sought " the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" among brethren in the household of faith, looking to Creeds, rather than scholastic definitions, as a basis of unity; which demands Christian life, and an ascription of salvation to Christ's merits. He sees a purpose among the Church Clergy to teach, as he expresses it, "that great salvation, which the Father hath offered, and which the Son hath perfected, and which the Holy Spirit applies to the souls of men." He asserts his faith in the Apostolic Constitution of our Church, and its character as the keeper and witness of the truth. There will be unity in the heavenly song before the throne of God and the Lamb, and this heavenly spirit should be found on earth. Then would the world honor us, and useful lives would end in happy deaths of those united here in the Holy Communion by the Spirit in peace and love. Thus did he exhort the Convention. His sermon on the connection between early religious training and mature religion showed his intense interest in Sunday-schools. He preached a special sermon to medical students, and one on the advantages of manual labor in education.
Dr. Tyng's earnest Christian faith was the secret of that marvellous success which everywhere attended his labors. His clear voice rang out with power, and his
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sentiments found echoes in many hearts, because he believed what he spoke, and the Holy Spirit blessed the faithful words of this magnetic man, who led thousands to glory. God help us all to imitate that faith.
The Rev. James H. Fowles was the next rector of this Church. His earnest and solemn face may be seen in a portrait in your vestry room. It represents a man who thought religion the business of his life. In 1855 his sermons were printed in a volume for the congrega- tion. The biography prefixed delincates a character which endeavored to reflect Christ, and not self, in modesty and humility.
Henry Fowles was a lieutenant in the English army, whose grandfather was an officer of some note. This English lieutenant married an Amarican girl, but died at the early age of twenty-two. Your rector was his son James Henry, who was born in Nassau, New Provi- dence, and left as an infant by his father's death. The child was given to God in Holy Baptism by an English clergyman, and found a heavenly Father to take the place of the earthly one. His military father was a . member of the Church of England. The mother lived in St. Mary's, Georgia, but died while her son was study- ing theology. The young man was educated at Yale College and was studious and respected. He graduated in 1831. He studied theology under Rev. Dr. Taylor, at New Haven, and was licensed to preach by the Presby- terians. At Beaufort, South Carolina, in a religious awak- ening in the Episcopal Church, he was drawn toward her peaceful fold and was ordained by Bishop Bowen. He took charge of a country parish in South Carolina known as St. John's, Berkeley, and was afterward in Edgefield district, where he did good work for Christ. He was after this at Wilton, where he married Miss
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Matilda Maxcy, of Beaufort, South Carolina. It was the custom of the devoted rector to preach to the Negroes on the plantations, which work cost him many fatiguing journeys. He was in St. Bart's parish, where his ministry was "greatly blessed." He loved the church liturgy as a standard elevating the feelings, and thought its effect increased by repetition. He deemed it full of spirituality
In A.D., 1845, this good man was called to the rec- torship of the Epiphany. Bishop Stephen Elliott, of Georgia, and Rev. Dr. J. R. Walker, of Beaufort, South Carolina, commended him to the vestry. He was sound in doctrine, clear in teaching, and of strong mental power, while a holy and transparent life made him a pattern for his flock. He was universally revered. His first sermon, before he had accepted the call, made a decided impression. The grace of Christ was his fav- orite theme, as he dwelt on the Redeemer's love to sinful man, ever seeking the Holy Spirit's aid to guide his work. He was bold and energetic in preaching, and in calling the sinful to the refuge in Christ. The purity and sovereignty of God, and the atonement of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit for sanctifications were his peculiar topics. This church was enlarged under his ministry, though it was the largest Episcopal Church in this city. The rector's health was weak, but he toiled in the pulpit and in private, by letter-writing and conversation.
In 1849 he went to Great Britain for his health, making Christian friends there. He was sympathetic in his affections.
In 1853 he was elected a delegate to the General Convention, but was detained by illness from attending it. He went south to die among Christian friends,
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saying at the last to his wife, "I am going to Jesus, you must meet me there," and laying his hand, chilling in death on her, he blessed her. He died on a Lord's day evening, the 5th of March, A.D., 1854, in his forty- second year. The Philadelphia clergy took action showing their appreciation of their brother. Dr. Stevens, (afterward bishop), in preaching concerning him to the congregation at St. Andrews', spoke of his theology as "eminently Biblical," and said his sermons "were fragrant with the outpoured ointment of the Saviour's name," and that his work was lasting " heart work." Bishop Alonzo Potter, at the funeral, spoke of his "unspotted life," and "resolute spirit." A friend de- scribed his great characteristic as "singleness," while his tenderness was likened to that of St. John, and his positiveness to that of St. Paul. Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard, in a sermon preached at his own Church of the Atonement, and at the Epiphany, traced the instructive pastor, and investigating Bible student, who taught the need of the Holy Spirit to comprehend Divine truth, and sought from God his own instruction in heavenly knowledge. Dr. Goddard said that his piety was best seen by those nearest him. He described him as dead to the world, and living in Christ's presence in constant prayer. It wasindeed the overshadowing of the mercy- scat which shed such a lustre on this servant of God. The Rev. J. Maxwell Pringle has called my attention to his letter describing the death of Mr. Fowles, to the church warden, Lewis R. Ashurst. It was written at the parsonage of Zion Church, Richland, South Caro- lina, where Mr. Pringle was rector, aad Mr. Fowles died in the house of this Christian brother. The faith and patience of the dying man were sublime. He was frequently quoting texts from the Word of God as to
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the right judgments of God, and the "light affliction " of his servant, who, as a joint heir with Christ, was ready to suffer with Him that he might be glorified with Him. He indeed made his refuge under the shadow of the Divine wings. In prayer he called to mind the Saviour's sympathy with his sufferings. A Psalm sung at his mother's funeral lingered in his memory :
" My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound ; Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, And in my Saviour's image rise."
He felt the chastening of the Lord to be blessed, and on his death-bed was zealous in calling others to a knowledge of Christ's salvation. The "weary pilgrim," as he often called himself, enjoyed the surrounding beauties of nature in his last illness. He wished to be buried among his flock at this church. As the body failed he desired sanctification rather than a restoration to health. He asked that the hymn "Rock of Ages" be sung, and wanted to die with the "blessed words," as he called them, in his mouth : "Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee." He submitted to God's will, and died in peace. On the Sunday morning of his death he said that it was the time for him to be shaking hands with his Sunday-school children, and he had previously sent love to the vestry and congregation of the Epiph- any. In the carly evening he crossed his hands on his breast, and gave up his spirit to God. This touching account is in the twentieth annual Pastoral Report of this parish for the year 1854. Bishop - McIlvaine wrote Mr. Pringle of his deep interest in the narrative. That southern death-scene brought sadness to many a north- ern household when this congregation learned of their
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great loss. The granite shaft which draws the notice of the passer in the busy street before your chuch contains the words of Scripture, "The Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth." They well befit this tomb, for the Sover- eignty of God was the great thought of him whom it commemorates, and in illness he wished his people to pray rather that God might be glorified than that he might be restored to health. The monument is inscribed : "Erected by a grateful and sorrowing con- gregation," and gives the date of Mr. Fowles's birth as November 27th, A.D., 1812, and that of his death as March 5th, A.D., 1854. His rectorship of this church is marked as lasting from A. D., 1845 to A.D., 1854.
The history of this parish has been wisely preserved by annual printed pastoral reports. Those made by Mr. Fowles show a strong desire for the salvation of the young and old in his flock, and that Christ might be born in them "as the hope of glory." In the report of 1847 the rector pays a loving tribute to Rev. E. J. P. Messinger, who had been brought to Christ by means of Dr. Bedell, but was a devoted and useful member of. Epiphany Church, and the teacher of an infant Sunday- school. He died in Africa a few weeks after entering on mission work, testifying to his Saviour's love with his dying breath. A printing-press called the " Messin- ger Press " was sent to Africa by your Sunday-school, and catechisms and tracts printed by it continued the good work among the heathen, distributing "the words of this life." A tribute to Mrs. Sarah A. Newbold, a female Bible-class teacher who had died in the Lord, closes with the hope of a reunion in Paradise, which hope is now accomplished. Milton Smith, a teacher of an infant class, is also lovingly remembered at his death. The last report of Mr. Fowles was glowing with hope for future parish work.
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James H. Fowles, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, the son of your former rector, has sent me additional partic- ulars. The Epiphany sent Mrs. Fowles ten thousand dollars after her husband's death, as a noble gift. She died in Newbury Court House, South Carolina, in 1880, having suffered in Christian patience. There were eight children, but three of whom are now living, one daughter, Miss Eliza Fowles having died while this discourse was preparing. Her's was a triumphant death. The family of Mr. Fowles were all members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Fowles left a deep impression on the southern parishes under his care which is not yet effaced. He wrote a small volume on Baptism, and a preface to Goode's Better Covenant.
The Rev. W. O. Prentiss writes me that Bishop Stephen Elliott, and Rev. Dr. Pinckney were ordained with Mr. Fowles. Bishop Howe, of South Carolina, and Rev. J. H. Tillinghast of his Diocese have guided me to information in tracing the life of the Rev. Mr. Fowles. In the offering of the Church of the Crucifi- tion, published in 1850 by Willis P. Hazard, and pre- served at the Library of the Historical Society of Penn- sylvania I find an interesting missionary sketch by Mr. Fowles of a colored nurse who lived a Christian life, and died in the faith.
In 1854 Rev. Dudley A. Tyng entered on the rector- ship of this church. A book entitled "Stand up for Jesus," in allusion to his dying words, gives an account of his valuable life. This rallying cry that survived him displayed the character of his earthly work. After leaving the Epiphany the Church of the Covenant was organized by his zeal, though the building was not erected until after his lamented death.
This rector was a true man, firm and courageous and honest. He honored his Divine Master in life, and
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glorified him in death. He was injured by an accident at his place in the country, near Conshohocken, on April 13th, A.D., 1858, and died on the 19th, giving up his spirit to the Saviour whom he served. Prayers had ascended for him in the churches of this city, and there was great grief at his death. The Young Men's Chris- tian Association took proper action at his death, and asked the Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard to preach a funeral sermon. They showed deep sorrow at his departure.
The funeral was held in Concert Hall, where Mr. Tyng had officiated in the services of his infant church. A vast number of clergy and people assembled at the funeral. Bishop McIlvaine, and Rev. Dr. Charles D. Cooper, and Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard officiated. The great congregation sobbed aloud in their grief. The Bishop, who valued the deceased clergyman "as a dear son," made a touching address commending his character. His first parish was in his Diocese, at Columbus, Ohio, and his second at Cincinnati. He was a devoted workman, anointed with the Spirit of God, and showing forth His grace, and souls were touched and drawn to God by him. He was blessed in dying in the Lord, and resting in Christ. The Bishop in giving this testimony exhorted the clergy to point men to Christ, as their dead friend and co-laborer had done. Dr. Newton testified to the dying grace that came to Mr. Tyng in his dying hour. Bishop Odenheimer and Dr. (afterward Bishop) Howe assisted in the funeral services. The burial was at South Bergen, New Jersey, where Rev. Dr. Dyer officiated. At Christ Church, Cincinnati, Dr. Butler made an address concerning the death of its former rector. At the noon-day prayer- meeting in Jayne's ITall, Philadelphia, which had been
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