USA > Illinois > Cook County > Oak Park > Thirty years of Grace Church, Oak Park : the same being a brief record of its life and work, illustrated with portraits and such historical views as were obtainable > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
WHEREAS, After a period of service upon the Vestry of Grace Church, Oak Park, Illinois, extending over many years, Herbert J. Ullmann has seen fit to tender his resignation as a member of said Vestry; and,
WHEREAS, The Vestry realizing that the purpose which has prompted Mr. Ullmann to take this step, as he expresses it, "for the best interests of the Par- ish" (looking towards rotation in office), and further realizing the value of his labors with them, reluctantly accepts the resignation; it is hereby
RESOLVED, That the Vestry extends to Mr. Ullmann
[82]
THE REVEREND LLEWELLYN B. HASTINGS Second Curate, 1905-1906
[83]
FRANK RANDALL BAGLEY Vestryman, 1906 to present time President Men's Club, 1899
[84]
its sincere thanks for all his self-sacrificing labors, and wise counsel in years gone by, and in token thereof places upon the Parish records this preamble and resolution as an evidence if its thorough appreciation.
F. W. Maynard was then elected to take his place and served steadfastly until 1908.
Upon October 21, 1903, the purchase of the League Hotel property was consummated, according to the previous proposition, and the Parish thereby acquired a house of twenty-two rooms and a piece of ground equal in size to that upon which the Church stands, giving a total area of 165 feet by 320 feet. The house was leased for $75 each month, said proceeds to be applied to indebtedness of $8,000 after necessary ex- penditures shall have been paid. This rental was in- creased later to $100 each month.
The question of right to exchange the Euclid Avenue lot in part payment had been settled by the following letter of consent from the Bishop :
"In accordance with Title 3, Canon 7, Section 2, of the Canons of the Diocese, and at the request of the Rector and Vestry of Grace Church, Oak Park, I here- by give my consent to the sale of the lot on the south- east corner of Euclid Avenue and Ontario Street, Oak Park (now held by 'Grace Church, Oak Park,' as an asset of the building fund of the Church on its Lake Street lot), the proceeds of such sale to be used in part purchase of the property known as the Ingalls property, adjoining the present Church on Lake Street.
"Provided, That 'Grace Church, Oak Park,' binds itself in proper mode to secure to its building fund, for the completion of its present Church on Lake Street, now in process of erection, an equity in the above mentionel 'Ingalls' property equal to the full value of the Euclid Avenue lot, viz., $7,500."
Again came the need for additional seating in the Church and although thirty new pews had been
[85]
purchased at the opening of the new Church, more were now necessary; and in March, 1904, four- teen additional pews were added, giving accommoda- tions to about one hundred more persons, James C. Rogers paying one-half the cost of the same.
An occasion of unusual interest in March was the ordination of the Curate, Reverend W. B. Stoskopf, to the Priesthood by Bishop Anderson.
The Lent of 1904 established a record in the order of services. The three offices of Holy Communion, Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer were daily used, and led up to a remarkable Easter, as is shown by the following :
"At six o'clock was the first celebration when about 500 persons made their Communions. The Church was beautifully decorated under the direction of Miss Margaret Knight, and the awe and joy of devout souls made it a scene long to be remembered. There was a second celebration when the Curate was celebrant, and at which about 100 persons received. Then followed the choral celebration and sermon. An immense con- gregation gathered within the Church. The choir sang 'Gounod's St. Cecilia Service' with great accuracy and effect.
"The Children's Festival was held in the afternoon. They gave $200 for missions. In the evening a large congregation filled the Church and the Curate preached the sermon."
Shortly after Easter came the resignation of the Curate, who was called to work in the Church of the Advent, Boston.
At the annual meeting of 1904, Henry O. Wilkinson was made a Vestryman. He had been the efficient Clerk for the two previous years and his labors and counsel had been of great value to the Parish. He continued to exercise with great fidelity the office of
[86]
ARTHUR N. FISK Vestryman, 1906 to present time
[87]
WALTER JOHN GUNTHORP Vestryman, 1906-1909 President Men's Club, 1908-1909
[88]
Vestryman for more than three years, resigning upon his removal to Seattle.
At Easter, 1904, William Ritchie endeavored to de- cline his election but as his splendid service as legal adviser, which had been so freely, wisely and gener- ously given in past years, were still likely to be needed, he was persuaded to still serve the Parish in the same capable way.
Then again death took one of the ablest, best and wisest Vestrymen that Grace Church ever had, but we leave the adopted resolution to speak for itself.
[89]
In Memoriam 3. Derine Sharp. Born March 18, 1834. Died June 25, 1904.
One of our most faithful Vestrymen and Parishion- ers has passed to his rest, in the person of J. Perine Sharp, who has been identified with the work in Grace Church from its earlier days.
His unflagging interest, through all the years, was a constant source of gratification to his fellow workers in the Master's cause.
Mr. Sharp was a man of truly great character. He possessed one of the most enlightened consciences of his day, and in his every act that conscience was an unfailing guide to right conclusions. His voice was only raised when necessity demanded, but it was al- ways heard pleading the cause of right and in the interest of peace. His personal character was sancti- fied by sorrows, sorrows bravely borne and uncom- plainingly carried. Through them his life was puri- fied, even as the gold in the fire.
He was born of that staunch stock of Churchmen, which were to be found in Western New York three- quarters of a century ago, and provided with a love for, and loyalty to, the Church in his youth. That same steadfastness stood him in good purpose in the Dio- cese of Chicago and characterized his life and labors in our own Parish until the very close of his life. We miss him and mourn his loss, but we cherish his men- ory, and our belief in the Communion of Saints brings the conviction that he now enjoys the Everlasting Benediction of God.
[90]
V
STANFELL F. FORBES Vestryman, 1906 to present time
[91]
+
.
THE REVEREND JAY CLYDE HATHAWAY Third Curate, 1906-1908
[92]
Before the Parish had recovered from the shock occasioned by the death of J. P. Sharp, another of its valiant and indefatigable workers was stricken down. Whatever may be truly said of any other servant of God, in this Parish, this is true of Arthur Gustorf; no one ever excelled him in love, devotion, sacrifice and activity, and the following resolution emphasizes too faintly his sterling character.
[93]
In Memoriam Arthur Bustorf. Born 1843. Died October 26, 1904.
In the death of Arthur Gustorf, Grace Church and the Village of Oak Park have sustained a grievous loss. His untiring energy in every good cause in the interests of the Church and his fellowmen; his perfect willingness to sacrifice himself upon the altar of use- fulness; the thoroughness of execution of every task assumed by him, or imposed upon him, are some of the evidences of the sterling character of this devout Churchman and loyal Christian. We would pay a special tribute to the care and fidelity, the thoughtful and scrupulous conscientiousness with which (as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Parish) he fulfilled his duties unto the very end of his life.
It was with sadness that we noted his failing health and ebbing life, during the past months. He carried patiently and bravely the tremendous personal burdens of which none knew but God and himself. He bore the burdens with a fortitude and uncomplaining, which was in itself an inspiration to us all; and we heartily thank God for His gift to us in the person and life of our brother. May light perpetual ever shine upon him and may he possess the abundant reward which the world cannot give nor take away.
[94]
3
GRACE CHURCH INTERIOR
WILLIAM F. PELHAM Clerk, 1907-1908 President Men's Club, 1905-1906
[96]
Who would take the place of Arthur Gustorf? The lot seemed Providentially to fall upon Frank W. Thomas, for he was elected as his successor, who with a rare trustworthiness and efficiency holds office until this day (1909).
The development of the Parish during the past three years then seemed to warrant the third step in the process of building; and the Vestry then spent many anxious hours in preparing plans for that great effort. After due consideration the Building Committee, con- sisting of H. Coombs, T. S. Rattle, J. C. Rogers and F. W. Thomas, recommended this action in the follow- ing report :
"Your Building Committee feeling that the time has arrived to make some move towards the completion of our Church, requested our Architect to invite bids. He did so, with the result shown on the sheet next hereto attached, marked 'Exhibit A,' viz., $48,393 (we omit details of the bids as the statement sets it forth).
"Believing that this amount, $48,393, to be too great for our resources we, after careful consideration, have decided to ask propositions upon a modified plan -- that is to say, suspending for the time being the finish- ing of certain features, which can be done, without in any degree changing the design as originally de- termined upon. The new figures show that we can put on a roof, etc. (as set forth), for the sum of $35,956, Exhibit B .; and for an additional sum of $790 we can use oak lumber when southern pine is called for in the specification, an end very much to be desired.
"We append also a free hand sketch showing the Church as it will appear when completed, if completed under the reductions thought necessary, because of economical considerations.
"Without wishing to influence your decision we would suggest that the earlier in the season the work
[97]
is undertaken, the cheaper it can be carried on, as there is less building and more artisans available."
If this should be effected a loan of $25,000 would have to be made, and as there was still $8,000 indebted- ness upon the Church lot, only $2,500 having been paid. it would be necessary to have at least $18,000 in sight before the contract could be signed. The promise of the loan was secured and then the Rector, with the help of the Parish, attempted to raise $15,000 as the Easter offering. During Lent the Rector made per- sonal solicitations and on Easter Day the offering amounted to $16,300. It is interesting to note that the only refusal came from one who had such heavy taxes to pay upon property owned that nothing could be given for the new Church.
Just before Easter a remarkable incident occurred. Florence O. (Mrs. A. N.) Fisk was stricken down sud- denly by an illness, which culminated in death within a few hours. Upon her death bed she whispered to the Rector that in her will she would bequeath the sum of $1,000 to the new Church, and her name must ever be held in affectionate remembrance for this loving deed. This was the first legacy ever bequeathed to the Parish and is a splendid example set for every man and woman who loves the Church. Perhaps the Church could have been completed without it, but not then.
H. B. Richardson, whose father first suggested the name of Bishop Anderson as Rector of this Parish, was a new member of the Vestry during the year 1905.
In August of this year a baptismal ewer was given as a thank offering for the birth and baptism of Vir- ginia Elliott.
The contracts were let for the building and the work proceeded, but before this could be done a place for worship was again necessary, and again the Parish House was enlarged, at a cost of about $2,000. It
[98]
GEORGINE ELIZABETH CONKLIN Secretary and Parish Visitor, 1907 to present time
1
[66]
ERNEST J. H. WRIGHT Vestryman, 1907 to present time
[100]
would now seat about 400 persons and served its pur- pose well until the opening of the Church, since which time it has served as a meeting and working place for the various parochial societies.
A note of interest as the Church building progressed was the installation of the Consecration Cross, near the Baptistery. Underneath this Cross, imbedded in the walls is a copper box, containing all the names of subscribers to the Church building fund.
Sunday, December 3, 1905, was the day of dedication by Bishop Anderson, and the events of the day are herewith summed up:
At the early celebration nearly 400 persons re- ceived; the Rector was celebrant; the Rev. Jay C. Hath- away, of Evansville, Indiana, a classmate of the Rec- tor, was epistoller, and the Rev. Edward S. Doane, of Port Clinton, Ohio, gospeller. At the 10:30 service the Bishop set apart the building with special prayers and pronouncement. The choir boys, headed by crucifer and the national flag, preceded the men, while the Rev. Walter Sumner, as the Bishop's chaplain, carried the pastoral staff before the diocesan. A vast congrega- tion filled every inch of seating room, scores of people stood throughout the services, and hundreds were turned away for lack of room. The Bishop preached a powerful and eloquent sermon.
In the afternoon at 3:30, the children's festival, the Rev. J. H. Herendeen, of Youngstown, N. Y., read the lessons and the Rev. Mr. Doane and the Rev. Ernest Judson Craft, of Massillon, Ohio, made addresses.
At the close of this service, Charles Mapes Hall was baptized, and it is hoped that the first child bap- tized in the new Church may be set apart for the sacred ministry.
The great edifice was well filled in the evening. Mr. Hastings read the first lesson and the Rev. Charles Scadding, of La Grange, Ill., the second, and the Rector
[101]
preached the sermon, which was 'A message to the people of Oak Park.' The offerings of the day were devoted to Church extension in the Diocese of Chi- cago.
Thus the exterior of the building was completed, ex- cepting the tower.
Upon the evening of Friday, in the opening week, a choir of young ladies was inaugurated. Thirty mem- bers of the Girls' Friendly Society compose it, Miss Lillie T. Bitting as director and Miss Grace Crane as organist. This choir will sing on Friday evening and at the Lenten services. Later Miss Mary Raymond Brown became organist, for week day and Holy Day services, and still remains faithful.
When the new year 1905 was ushered in there en- tered upon service, as assistant to the Rector, Llewel- lyn B. Hastings, a candidate for Holy Orders. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Weller, of Fond du Lac, during his work in the Parish; and when he was called to other work by the Bishop in September, 1906, he left a splendid record, in the life of the Parish, and in the hearts of the people.
Before the Church had been opened one month, John Carne was buried from within its walls. Mr. Carne had been one of the constant worshipers in Harleni Chapel and a Vestryman in the Forest Avenue Church, but had found residence in California for some years before his death.
The completion of the beautiful structure brought the question of insurance and it was then insured for $64,000 against loss by fire. This has been distributed with various companies for the sake of greater se- curity.
As many capable men had gradually entered into the Parish life, a great desire was manifested that more of them might have opportunity for official service. The question of rotation in the office of War-
[102]
EVELYN PIERREPONT SPERRY Vestryman, 1908 to present time President Men's Club, 1906-1907
[103]
COLONEL FREDERICK L. MORRELL Vestryman, 1907 to present time
[104]
dens and Vestrymen had been more or less discussed for several years, and some had declined elections merely upon that account. At a Parish meeting in 1905 resolutions were adopted arranging for a three years' term of office upon the Vestry and no one eli- gible for immediate re-election; thus adding three new men each year and leaving six of older service in office. This resolution was carried to the Diocesan convention and sought a place among the Canons, but was not deemed advisable as applying to the whole Diocese. However, the Parish decided to apply the principle, in its own case, at the annual meeting of 1906.
Thomas S. Rattle was elected Senior Warden and James C. Rogers, Junior Warden, and Walter J. Gun- thorp and Arthur N. Fisk were the new Vestrymen. For the value of their faithful experience the former Wardens, whose work had been so greatly appreciated, were elected as Vestrymen. Messrs. Giles and Sea- bury, after due consideration and much to the regret of all, later resigned as Vestrymen. These two retir- ing Wardens had been untiring in their efforts for the Church from the earliest days; constant in attendance at service; faithful in official duties, and ever trusted counsellors of the various Rectors. They carried with them into their private life in the Parish, the love and esteem of all.
Frank R. Bagley, who had turned the first sod for the Church building, been President of the Men's Club in the earlier days and long a member of the choir, was elected to one vacancy and Stanfell F. Forbes, formerly a Warden of a Chicago Parish, was elected to the other. And they both serve to-day with con- spicuous fidelity and ability.
With this regime came a change in parochial ac- counts and bookkeeping. George E. Allcock was made Parish Treasurer and inaugurated a new set of books, noted for simplicity and accuracy, and up-to-dateness.
[105]
This gave the Vestry a comprehensive glance at the situation every Vestry meeting, and the Parishioners greater satisfaction. Arthur N. Fisk had been Treas- urer of the building fund, and so continued.
The vacancy in the Curacy was filled by the election of the Rev. Jay C. Hathaway. "Mr. Hathaway resigned the Rectorate of Holy Innocents' Church, Evansville, Ind., to assist the Rector in the work of Grace Church Parish. Mr. Hathaway was graduated from the Di- vinity School of Kenyon College in the same class as the Rector, and hence they have known and loved one another for many years. He comes with some years of ripe experience; and thoroughly imbued with love of the work and of souls. His special sphere of activity will be among the Brotherhood, the young men and the boys in the Sunday School."
The Parish was not long to enjoy the services of the new Senior Warden, for through business reasons he was removed to Denver and was obliged to resign. The resignation was accepted with the deepest regret and formal resolutions, expressing that regret, signed by the Rector and every Vestryman, were sent to him in his new home. The following letter was forwarded to him :
DEAR MR. RATTLE :- The Rector and your associates upon the Vestry of Grace Church, Oak Park, Ill., ac- cept your resignation as Senior Warden of the Parish, but cannot do so without more than official notice. Notwithstanding the approaching transfer of yourself to Denver, your appreciative friends in the Parish elected you last May to the highest office in their gift, that of Senior Warden.
This action was beyond a doubt a genuine testimonial of your fidelity to the interests of Grace Church for nearly a quarter of a century upon its official board.
Not only was your service upon the Building Com- mittee in the erection of our beautiful Church fully ap-
[106]
Organized 1908 THE MILITARY SCHOOL
--
-
THE REVEREND HERBERT WILLIAM PRINCE Fourth Curate, 1909
[108]
preciated, but also your unflagging zeal, and continu- ous help in all the routine of Parish development. Your wise counsel which mingled conservatism with true aggressiveness along parochial lines you thought right, your never failing courage even in face of criti- cism on the part of those who could not see from every right point of view, were inspiration and help to us all; and a strong contribution to the common cause in the interests of Christ's Kingdom.
We gladly pen these words of genuine thankfulness, that you have helped us, and of regret that you have been called to another field of labor.
You leave Grace Church under great obligations to you, and carry with you the best wishes of us all.
Hiram Coombs succeeded to the post of Senior War den by election November 14, 1906. His election was a tribute to long years of valiant and productive service in the various ways of usefulness, both in official and private life, for he, like his predecessor, had served nearly continuously for twenty-five years. As Chair- man of the Building Committee, in every advancement of the new building, the value of his services can scarcely be estimated. Each successive Parish meet- ing since that election has re-elected him without ques- tion or opposition. The vacancy caused by his ad- vancement was filled by the unanimous election of Wil- liam Ritchie as Vestryman.
In passing, this history would not be at all satis- factory without special mention of the Junior Warden, James C. Rogers, who after a most valuable service as Vestryman for years, was elected to the office of Warden, coincident with Mr. Rattle's election as Senior Warden. He has been valuable upon the Building Committee in its various developments, largely guid- ing by his wise counsel the movements of the Vestry, keeping with watchful eye the care of the Parish prop- erty, faithful in season and out of season; yet with
[109]
-
GRACE CHURCH CHOIR 1909
genuine modesty, always shrinking from public notice and in many good works not letting his left hand know what his right has done.
But to return to our history. The structure is com- plete. The sixty-three windows, now filled with dia- mond-shaped panes of Cathedral glass, must in due season be worthy, in beauty and in teaching value, of a place in a beautiful temple. Scarcely can a modern Church be found but its glass produces a disturbing effect upon a soul that loves harmony and truth, e. g., one window by an English firm, another by an Ameri- can, another by a German, all of different qualities, designs, thought and treatment. This had to be avoided here, and the Vestry, in order to save the Church from freakish fancy, binds the corporate body by the fol- lowing resolution, unanimously adopted :
RESOLVED, That it is the sense of the Vestry that an agreement for purchasing stained glass windows for Grace Church, Oak Park, Ill., be made with Spaulding & Co., Chicago, agents for Heaton, Butler & Bayne, of London, England, said agreement to be submitted and approved at a future meeting of the Vestry.
After providing for glass of the same quality, the Rector then drew up the following sequential treat- ment, the whole thought being the Church of Christ, founded upon His Life, Death, Resurrection and As- cension, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pente- cost; these subjects covering all the nave windows. But the foundations were the Apostles and Prophets, if Christ were the chief corner stone, therefore the clerestory windows in the choir should consist of fig- ures of the Apostles, and those in the nave of the Prophets. The Church, however, continues in un- broken existence until now, therefore the large window over the Baptistery will set forth Church History from Pentecost until now, and the Altar window the Church in Glory, "All nations and kindreds and peoples and tongues before the throne of God and of the Lamb."
[111]
WINDOW SCHEME.
Nave and Transept Windows on the West Side: The Annunciation; The Nativity; Manifestation to the Gentiles; Our Lord's Confirmation; Our Lord's Min- istry ; One of the Parables; One of the Miracles ; Trans- figuration, transept; Gethsemane, transept.
Nave and Transept Windows on the East Side: The Crucifixion, transept; The Resurrection, transept; Our Lord's Appearing to the Disciples; On the Way to Emmaus; Thomas' Confession of Faith; St. Peter's Restoration; The Great Commission; The Ascension; Disciples in Upper Room (Expectation) ; Birthday of the Church, Pentecost.
Altar Window: The Church in Glory.
Window over Baptistery: Church History from Pentecost until to-day.
Clerestory Nave Windows: Saints of the Old Testa- ment.
Clerestory Chancel Windows: The Twelve Apostles.
Baptistery Windows: 1. Symbols of Baptism; 2. Presentation of Christ in the Temple; 3. Christ Bless- ing Little Children; 4. The Baptism of Our Lord; 5. Symbols of Baptism.
Vestibule Windows: West, The Gate of Heaven, Jacob's Dream; East, Tree of Life for the Healing of the Nations.
This plan has been officially adopted and while the choice of windows is allowed the donor, the subject must be the one here assigned.
The work of the Church has ever called for mis- sionary effort in our community, and for the benefit of those unacquainted with the history of the Church in America, the evening service of December 2, 1906, was held in the Warrington Opera House, instead of the Church.
The theater was crowded (some persons standing
[112]
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.