USA > Delaware > Early clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware > Part 17
USA > Pennsylvania > Early clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware > Part 17
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a life now somewhat advanced, upon whom I look back with more kindly feelings or higher esteem."
REV. GEORGE BOYD, D.D.
The Rev. Dr. Richard B. Van Kleeck contributed a sketch of this worthy clergyman to Sprague's Annals. Dr. Boyd was the uncle of Dr. Van Kleeck on his mother's side. George Boyd, the son of Robert and Eleanor Boyd, was a native of New York City, where he was born in 1788. He was a graduate of Columbia College, and a law student of the Hon. James Emott, of Poughkeepsie. He married a daughter of Robert Livingston named Elizabeth, and settled in Ogdensburg as a lawyer. He afterwards studied theology under the Rev. Dr. Reed, the rector of Christ Church, Pough- keepsie. Bishop Hobart ordained him in 1814, and he became rector of St. John's Church, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, now in charge of the Rev. George A. Lati- mer. This was his only parish, and he performed a long and faithful work in it. He was greatly beloved, and was useful in his 'diocese, and in the church at large. He was president of the standing committee, a member of the Board of Missions, a trustee of the General Theo- logical Seminary and a delegate to the General Conven- tion. As secretary and general agent of the domestic committee of the Board of Missions, he labored zeal- ously to advance Christianity. The University of Penn- sylvania made him a Doctor in Divinity.
Dr. Boyd was honest and conscientious in his whole course of life. Reproaches and sacrifices moved him not, but with childlike simplicity he did his duty. He became convinced that the free church system was right, and with much trouble and many trials established
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it at St. John's. He lovingly looked for his Saviour's appearing, and strove to be ready to meet Him. His deep piety was seen in his walk with God, and his incessant prayer. `In private and public the peace and love of God were displayed as principles of life. His religion was his chief joy. In family life he was ever loving and instructive. His wife died about three years before him. In illness he preached when scarcely able to stand. As life ebbed away he was submissive to God, trusting in the merits of his Saviour. He received the Holy Eucharist, and, as bodily strength failed, was renewed in spirit. He comforted those about him. He died peacefully, falling asleep in Jesus, in the midst of his sorrowing family, on December 3rd, A.D., 1850, being sixty-two years old, and having been over thirty- five years in the sacred ministry.
Dr. Boyd was honored in life and lamented in death. The virtue and example of this faithful steward of God's mysteries were commemorated by a committee of the clergy. Asa preacher, Dr. Boyd was "earnest, instruct- ive, logical and often very effective. His voice was decidedly musical, and yet made great power and com- pass. He was said by his contemporaries to have been one of the best declaimers in Columbia College." Dr. Van Kleeck adds that he delivered his Divine message fearless of man, speaking the truth boldly and lovingty, whether men heard or forbore hearing, desiring by manifesting the truth to commend himself to the con- science of every man in God's sight. The narrative closes thus : "" His fine and manly form, his high intel-, lectual forehead, his open and beautiful countenance, his sweet and pleasant smile, are indelibly impressed upon my memory and shall never fade nor fail, until (as I hope and trust) I shall see him again 'in the resur- rection of the just,' raised and beautified and glorified
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in his Saviour's image, for a blessed immortality." Dr. Van Klecck has followed his beloved uncle to Paradise, and there we leave them together, resting peacefully after the close of life's struggles, and, perhaps, com- muning together of "the deep things of God " which they understood here in shadows, but now see more clearly, as they await the time when all the redeemed shall be gathered into the garner of God. The con- nection starts a thought on clerical families, two of Dr. Van Kleeck's sons are now serving at the altars of the church to which their father and his uncle devoted their lives.
REV. DR. GREGORY TOWNSEND BEDELL, D.D.
Few clergymen- have left so deep an impress on Philadelphia as the one whose name heads this sketch. He had an unction which made his words wondrously effective for good, and crowds were drawn to hear his preaching of the Gospel. His published sermons show a devout and earnest mind, and the feeling that glowed in them is especially evident in that discourse on the blessed martyr Polycarp which is enough to draw tears from eyes unused to weep. His son who continued his father's work in the higher sphere of a bishop, describes the trembling zeal with which he pleaded the cause of Greek independence, while he, as a boy, sat in the pulpit in the crowded state of the church. While this powerful preacher has been dead over a half a century, I find that those who were his parishioners in youth speak of him as vividly as if he were just departed, and so he lives on in this vivid memory of his life and teach- ings.
In Dr. Sprague's Annals the Memoir by Dr. Tyng, and a letter from Bishop Mellvaine form the basis of a
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sketch which I will synopsize. The birthplace of Dr. Bedell was Staten Island, and 1793 was the year of his birth. Israel Bedell, his father, was an excellent man, of a lovely character ; and his mother was a sister of Bishop Moore of Virginia. She was attractive, intelli- gent and amiable, and a devout Christian. The only son Gregory was of a gentle disposition, and at the age of two years could accurately sing several tunes. IIc was delicate in health. The boy attended the Episcopal Academy at Cheshire, Connecticut, where he was be- loved by his fellows and improved his opportunities for acquiring knowledge. He graduated in Columbia College in 1811, and studied theology under Dr. How, an assistant minister of Trinity Church, New York. He became a friend of Bishop Hobart, whom he ever held in high esteem. The Bishop ordained him in 181.4. "The young preacher at once stirred an interest in his hearers by his elocution and style. He travelled through the South, and in 1815 became rector at Hudson, N. Y. He married the worthy Penelope Thurston of this place. In 1818 he entered on the rectorship of Fayetteville, N. C. This spiritually minded man had weekly meetings for prayer and Scripture exposition at his own house. He was a peacemaker, and strove to do good both within and without the lines of his parish obligations. He was interested in the American Bible Society. I have read in one of the old Annuals a beautiful account of one phase of the Doctor's experience which ought to be issued in a tract form, as a companion to that on Samuel Gunn, the lay-reader of Ohio, to encourage lay-readers. Dr. Bedell found an aged patriarch in the wilds of North Carolina, who for a generation had kept up lay services like those of the crew of the ship Bounty, and when the clergyman visited the rustic
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home he was received with great joy, and the children of two or three generations were given to God in Holy Baptism, and in time, after the delightful services which the aged patriarch was permitted to witness, a church rose up in the neighborhood to the delight of the lay-reader. Were every Western church emigrant as faithful as he in the use of our beautiful service we should not hear of so much faithless and needless wandering from the fold.
Considerations of health brought Dr. Bedell north- ward. The Rev. Benjamin Allen wished him to start a new church in Philadelphia. He established St. An- drew's Church, which has been a blessing to this city. The parish grew under his wise and faithful work. His health became impaired, and he with his wife and son went to Bedford Springs. Before leaving he adminis- tered the Holy Communion, and preached the sermon which proved to be his final one. He grew worse, after a little improvement, at Bedford, and started to return through Baltimore, where he was arrested by death, and, as Bonar expresses it, was
"Beyond the coming and the going."
He was joyful and serene and triumphant as death approached, though he was only in his forty-first year ; and would seem to have but begun a career of useful- ness. Dr. Bedell was buried in Philadelphia, and, the Sunday after the funeral, Bishop' Moore, of Virginia, preached a touching funeral sermon to the people of St. Andrew's on their affliction, and his own. Dr. Tyng preached a funeral sermon afterwards. Dr. Bedell was the author of a number of religious works.
Bishop Mellvaine, as the intimate friend of the subject of this sketch, describes him as an invalid in his latter
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years, and attenuated, as his portrait displays him. The amount of work this weak man performed was wonder- ful. In pulpit and lecture-room, in Sunday-shool and Bible Class duties, or in missionary work, or visitations from house to house, he did the full labor of a strong man. He had a good parish system which stimulated devotion and benevolence, and kept his people employed, and his personal influence was powerful. The shepherd toiled with a good spirit, making his cares his delights, as Bishop McIlvaine well observes, and adds that he served God as a son and servant, bearing an easy yoke. His orderly system enabled him to do much without wasting time. He was practical and direct in his Christian work, and had good judgment in action. His preaching was simple and clear and engaging. Crowded congregations filled St. Andrew's Church throughout his ministry. His own Christian experience was freely given in his discourses, and it touched other hearts. The Gospel was clearly stated in its doctrines, and the eloquence of truth prevailed. The eye of the preacher was impressive, and his countenance affectionate, indi- cating feeling, while the wasted countenance showed that the messenger was preaching from the border of the grave, and looking into the world he described. A clear voice, and a striking delivery added effect to the words spoken. To him the Gospel centered in Christ, and by setting forth his cross and glory, his sacrifice and intercession, he woke the conscience, and moved the heart. The work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification was ever presented.
Dr. Bedell was courageous in following the path of duty. His ill health warned him that the end might be near, and he lived for heaven .. He was humble and loving, and given to meditation. He was social and
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kind, though serious. Thus have we briefly given the points of a saintly character as sketched by Bishop McIlvaine, and they show that its outer strength lay in . its hidden life. His work still remains, and many in Philadelphia yet praise God for the grace that was in him, which led their steps heavenward in youth, and blesses their age with glorious hope. Would that many more like this devoted servant of Christ might arise to carry on his work in the city where he so effectively preached Christ crucified in his burning words and in his zealous life.
Sketches of the rectors of St. Andrew's may be found in Bishop Stevens's "Past and Present of St. Andrew's." Bishop Clark was the third rector succeeding Rev. Dr. J. A. Clark, and he is now the honored and faithful Bishop of Rhode Island .* Bishop Stevens followed him, and earned a good degree in his toilsome work here. Rev. Dr. Wilbur F. Paddock continues the good work, and has wisely striven to endow the parish. Some twenty thousand Sunday-school children have been taught in this parish, and a large number of clergy have gone out from it, The amount of money raised in Dr. Paddock's rectorship has exceeded a million dollars. The late Rev. Dr. John Cotton Smith thought in the time during which he had traced its work, the parish had a most striking history. A good foundation was laid by Dr. Bedell who built on the "corner-stone" Christ Jesus.
REV. JOHN ALONZO CLARK, D.D.
St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia, has been blessed with worthy rectors from the day of its founder, Dr. Bedell. Bishop Stevens, and Rev. Francis Peck, at the request of the indefatigable Dr. Sprague,
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combined to give a narrative of Dr. J. A. Clark. The fragrant character of this rector remained when he slept in dust. John and Chloe (Atwater) Clark were his parents, and his birthplace was Pittsfield, Mass. Born in 1801, he had a Revolutionary father and grandfather, and his ancestors were religious. His constitution was delicate. Two brothers, William Atwater Clark and Orin Clark were Episcopal clergymen. Dr. Clark was confirmed at the age of fifteen, by Bishop Hobart, in Manlius, N. Y., whither his parents had removed. He studied under his brothers, and afterward graduated at Union College, in 1823. His theological course of study was guided by Rev. Dr. McDonald, in Geneva, and he spent a short time at the General Theological Seminary, in New York City. In A.D., 1826, he was ordained deacon by Bishop Hobart, and entered on missionary work in Palmyra, N. Y: He afterwards became assistant rector in Christ Church, in the city of New York, under Rev. Dr. Lyell as rector. The young divine toiled with ardor here, and his sermons made deep and lasting impressions.
In 1832 he assumed the rectorship of Grace Church, in Providence, R. I., a parish then feeble, but by his energy strengthened in piety and influence. His zeal was regardless of health. He held meetings in private houses to propagate Christian truth. The Spirit of God blessed that work, and salvation came to these houses as to that of Zaccheus. In 1835 Dr. Clark was called to the rectorship of St. Andrew's, Philadelphia, after the death of Dr. Bedell. During his rectorship he was obliged to visit Europe in an effort to regain health, but in 1843 was compelled by weakness of body to resign his post. He submissively endured the trial which carried him from a field of active usefulness to sickness and death.
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The Doctorate in Divinity was conferred on this faith- ful man by Kenyon College. Dr. Clark's death occurred on November 27th, A.D., 1843. Bishop Stevens says: " He offered himself a living sacrifice unto God. He was consumed by the fire which the love of Christ had kindled, and the love of souls had fanned into a devouring flame." This could now be · said of the Bishop's own work. Dr. Clark's brief time of labor for Christ was well spent, and his death was deeply lamented. He was the author of several books, and his "Walk about Zion " was a loving delineation of the Episcopal Church as a road heavenward. A volume of sermons was issued after his death. The wife of Dr. Clark was Sarah Buell. Six of his nine children died before their father. ·
In character this clergyman was delicate and refined, and emotional, and large-hearted, and firm, though gentle. His sermons were earnest and instructive, and full of Gospel truth, and were delivered with a serious- ness and unction that had a thrilling effect on the hearers. Affliction had solemnized him, and fitted him to console those in distress. He was a prayerful man, and his faith and zeal and wisdom were apparent to all. With conscientious fidelity, and sound judgment, and a single heart, he performed his ministry in the church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Mr. Peck vividly describes his first meeting with Mr. Clark in a village on the Narragansett at a Clerical Convocation. His figure was slight, but he walked erect, and his bearing indicated decision. His greeting was marked with "Christian cordiality," and this visit to Mr. Peck's parish was the beginning of a friendship which lasted through his life. Mr. Clark's appearance forced respect for his holy office as he
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His countenance dis- Though serious, at
seemed to feel its responsibility. played his Christian character. times his pleasant laugh would ring out on proper occasions. His disease may have kept the last hour, and the judgment of God, and eternal life ever before him, and the worth of the soul, and human responsi- bility, seemed always in his mind. He husbanded his time, and was glad when the day was crowded full of beneficence. As his assistant, when souls were being harvested in a revival, and as a member of his family, Mr. Peck observed that ministerial success comes through industry, as does temporal wealthi. Dawn found this man of God at prayer, and the morning brought study, while physical exercise was not forgotten. He studied what would be useful in dealing with his fellow-men. Passing events furnished seeds of contemplation, and the mercies or calamities of Providence would some- times furnish themes for the sermon of the Lord's Day. A live sermon produced interest in the hearers, while - earnest conviction in the preacher gave it a power which eternity will disclose. He preached with plainness and directness, stating Divine truth with clearness and force. He first alarmed the sluggish, and then pointed them to the Lamb of God, as a refuge from sin. He knew his people spiritually, and so adapted his sermons to their needs, and private conversations often inspired a sermon. If he saw a hearer interested in a sermon on a Sunday, he would soon call on him to give instructive counsel. His printed writings were simple, natural and affection- ate. He indeed made a "full proof" of his ministry. He faithfully continued his work in illness. His energy and devotion to his work exhausted his frail frame, but he condensed into a few years the labor of many years. Mr. Peck thus describes his final interview with this
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good man, a month or two before he died. "My name was announced, and soon I heard a slow and feeble step descending the staircase. I rose and grasped the ema- ciated hand of my friend. Consumption had been silently but irresistibly doing its work. It was to myself a painful greeting, but I saw upon his countenance a a smile that seemed to betoken the clustered blessings of a well-spent life-peace with himself, with the world and with God. He felt that his work was done-most imperfectly indeed, in his own conception, but still acceptably, for the Redeemer's sake. Thus he passed away, leaving blessed fruits of his labors here on earth, to enter upon the glorious rewards reserved for those who 'turn many to righteousness.'"
REV. JAMES MONTGOMERY, D.D.
The Rev. William White Montgomery, the son of Dr. Montgomery, contributed a manuscript to Sprague's Annals, which gave an account of his father's life, while " The Missionary," in 1834, and a touching letter from Bishop Doane, completed the narrative.
Philadelphia was the birthplace of the future rector of St. Stephen's Church, and 1787 was the year of his birth. His ancestor William Montgomerie came from Ayrshire, Scotland, to East Jersey. His father was John Montgomery, a Philadelphia merchant, and a Revolutionary soldier. His mother was Mary Crathorne "of a West Indian family."
James Montgomery was educated at Dr. Hall's School, in Harford County, Maryland, and the Grammar School and College at Princeton, N. J., graduating in 1805. He studied law with Judge Hopkinson, of Philadelphia. After several years spent as a lawyer he was ordained
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by Bishop White in 1816, and became rector of St. Michael's Church, Trenton, N. J. Bishop Croes ordained him to the priesthood. In 1818 he assumed the rector- ship of Grace Church, New York City, but in 1823 he entered on his duties as rector of the new St. Stephen's Church, in Philadelphia, having resigned Grace Church in 1820, and employed himself in temporary duties in vacant churches about this city in the interim. Bishop Hobart preached the consecration sermon at St. Steph- en's on the 27th February, A.D., 1823.
Dr. Montgomery was a member of the Standing Com- mittee, and a delegate to General Convention, and a Director of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, being on the Executive Committee of that body. He was also a Trustee of the General Theolog- ical Seminary. Hobart College, honored him with a Doctorate in Divinity. When illness attacked this faithful pastor, he worked on beyond his strength. On the closing Sunday of the year 1833, he preached with noticeable earnestness, and his solemnity was striking. The following week he suffered an attack of hemorrhage of the lungs, but was resigned to God's will, and showed that he felt the force of truths which he had taught to others. He died on the 17th of March, A.D., 1834.
The first wife of Dr. Montgomery was Eliza Dennis Teackle, of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and his second wife was Mary Harrison White, whose father was Thomas H. White, Esq., a son of the Bishop. The Rev. Wm. White Montgomery, and Thos. H. Montgom- ery are the children of this lady.
Bishop George W. Doane's letter contains a beautiful account of the life and death of his dear friend, the rector of St. Stephen's. He describes him as a ripe 17
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scholar, and practically wise in the observation of men, coupled with reflection. He was both contemplative and active. His early companions revered him in his ministry, which was successful to the last in winning souls to Christ. He was a good citizen, neighbor and friend, being cheerful, accessible, and even playful with those he loved, which indicated a peaceful mind. He was ready to serve all with counsel and purse. To the suffering in mind or body he was gentle and prudently helpful. His delicate candor gave him wide influence; and he almost made himself one with those in temptation that he might extricate them. The sick and sorrowful looked to him for comfort and sympathy, and did not look in vain. As a minister of Christ's Church, his love for souls was visible to all. He.strove to impart to others with ardor the religious faith which had blessed his own life. He had felt the sinful load of the natural man, and had found relief from it in the atoning blood of Christ ; and justification by faith, and sanctification by the Spirit were to him the great points of the Gospel, and he looked rightly on the church as a part of the plan of salvation instituted by Christ. He called "the sacred triad of principles," Gospel truth, in the Gospel church, producing Gospel fruits.
As a peacemaker Dr. Montgomery deserves remem- brance. As a parish minister he was useful in word and doctrine; and he wore out his life in earnest and devoted labors for Christ ; his forcible preaching strained a feeble body almost bursting with its Divine message. He felt the great responsibility of having a congregation upon his heart and conscience, and he strove in the spirit of his Divine Master to lure them heavenward by his teaching and example.
Bishop Doane was sent for when his friend was dying, and saw a scene which may have delighted angels, as
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the man of God lay on his death bed, holding his beloved prayer-book. His countenance was peaceful and joyful as he welcomed the Bishop, and declared himself "perfectly happy." His wife and family were present, and prayers and hymns were brightening the sick room with a heavenly glow. As the wife, trembling with emotion, at her husband's request, read " Welcome sweet day of rest," the dying man replied, "Yes, welcome, welcome, welcome, blessed day, day of peace and rest, and holy joy !" He continued to comment on each line, as he thought of Christ rising from the tomb to be the light and glory of the world, and to revive the hearts of the faithful with hope, and rejoice their .eyes. He prayed to the "Blessed Jesus," that He would bring all who did not know him "into the splen- did circle of Thy glory." His pathetic fervor surpassed description. "Another six days' work is done" was read and thus commented on. He then read it himself, and sang it low, but clearly, asking the Bishop to join him in the Doxology, and to give the blessing, to which he responded, "Amen, Amen." He called on the Bishop to bear witness that he died " in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ," putting his "trust for pardon " in His merits and death. He acknowledged his sinful- ness, but declared that he was set upon the " Rock of Ages, the Lord Jesus Christ," to whom all must come for salvation. He asked to receive the Holy Communion, which was administered that day to him by Bishop Onderdonk. He fervently received the broken Body and shed Blood of Christ, saying that he then "discerned the Lord's body," as never before, and confided as truly in his Saviour as if he "saw Him in His glory." As he grew weaker, he continued singing Hymns, until the faltering tongue refused its duty here,
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waiting to resume it in Paradise. At last the moans ceased, and painlessly he closed his earthly journey. A prayer arose in the chamber of death for comfort to the toilers left in this world of disappointment and separation. The sacred Sunday had just passed into the morning of the following day when the relief came, but the freed spirit was learning that "There remaineth therefore a rest (literally a Sabbath-keeping) to the people of God." Heb. 4: 9.
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