USA > Louisiana > The Diocese of Louisiana, some of its history, 1838-1888; also some of the history of its parishes and missions, 1805-1888 > Part 13
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When, in the early part of his rectorate. the Vestry found themselves embarrassed, the Bishop generously relinquished about one-half of the stipend which was his due. Indeed, it is believed that, during the five years of his administration of the parish. he expended all that he received, for the benefit of the parish, in paying his assistants, and in other ways. But his service to Trinity cannot be measured by what he gave, but rather by what he was and by what he did.
The Rev. Chauncey Colton, D. D., was the assistant minister in 1855 and 1856.
The Rev. John Fulton became the assistant May 27, 1857.
In 1858, the condition of the parish was reported as one of growing prosperity.
The Rev. Mr. Fulton resigned in 1858, and was succeeded the same year by the Rev. W. Duckett, D. D., and he resigned, as the assistant. in November. 1859.
Bishop Polk resigned as rector in March. 1860. He was succeeded, at once, by the Rev. Fletcher J. Hawley, D. D., who served as rector until August 30, 1862.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
In 1861, there were one hundred and sixty communicants. Subsequent to the resignation of Dr. Hawley, the Rev. L. Y. Jessup had charge of the parish from September, 1862, to April, 1864 ; the Rev. Anthony Vallas, from April to September. 1864, and the Rev. John Percival, from September, 1864, to July 1, 1865.
On the 1st July. 1865, the Rev. John W. Beekwith became rector. He found the condition of the parish lamentable-the Civil War had not only damaged the building, but had seattered and impoverished the flock. Besides all this, there was a debt of $17,000. The parish rallied rapidly, however, and all worked with their might. Indeed, this rally of Trinity is one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of the Diocese.
At Easter, an offering was made that extinguished the debt. There was raised, for a rectory fund, $4,425. A collection once a month was given to missions, and thus 850 each month was pledged to a clergyman laboring near the city. The Ladies' Benevolent Society became the Bishop Polk Society. The Sunday school, under the administration of C. L. C. Dupuy, became noted for its systematic work and large results.
The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Alabama March 5, 1866.
The Rev. Henry T. Lee had charge of the parish, in the absence of the rector, during the summer of 1866, and was the assistant in the fall of 1867, serving until January, 1868.
The church was extended, in 1867, by the removal of the chancel thirty-two feet to the rear. This improvement cost $25,000.
The Rev. Mr. Beckwith resigned March 24, 1868, to be con- secrated Bishop of Georgia. During the resuscitation of the parish, under him, there were two hundred and fifty-two bap- tisms; two hundred and ninety-one persons were confirmed ; the communicants rose in number to five hundred and thirty-one, and the pupils in the Sunday school to four hundred and seventy- eight.
The parish was in charge of the Rev. John E. C. Smedes. from April to December, 1868.
On the 6th January, 1869, the Rev. John N. Galleher became rector, and, in November of that year, the Rev. Alexander Marks assistant.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
In April, 1869, propositions were made for the purchase of St. Luke's church, which being consummated, it was remodeled and completed, and in April. 1870, the assistant was assigned to the congregation worshipping there, the church being then called "Trinity Chapel." There was paid $5,500 for the building, and as much for its completion. It is estimated that the cost to the parish up to 1882, for this chapel and its maintenance, was upwards of $16,000. The history of the chapel congregation is apart, to a large extent, from that of the parish, and is given separately. under the caption of St. Luke's and Trinity chapel.
In 1870, Trinity parish school was established, with Miss E. Claudia Wingate as principal.
The Rev. Mr. Galleher resigned in September, 1871. Said his Diocesan : "His ability as a preacher, his social virtues, his modest and prudent administration of the parish, all made his place a difficult one to fill."
On the 5th November, 1871, the Rev. Samnel S. Harris became rector. The Rev. Mr. Marks resigned about this time and his place was filled, December 24, 1871, by the Rev. C. B. Champlin. He resigned the next year.
In 1872, the Bishop Polk Society placed an appropriate altar, illuminated reredos, proper stalls and prie-dieu, an eagle lectern and new pulpit in the chancel. The old altar and altar cloths were given to St. John's Church, New Orleans.
In 1873, the front of the church was taken down, and rebuilt after designs by Hillyer. The whole exterior was cemented and completed, and the interior improved and placed in thorough repair. The cost of these improvements was $16,000. The Bishop thus spoke of this work and others of that day : " In this church has lately been manifested a discontented spirit-not towards the minister, who is growing in weight and influence
very day-nor the Vestry, who are rewarded by the faithful confidence of the congregation. The dissatisfaction arose in low murmurs against the church only ; that its style of architecture did not change with the progress of the parish. It was time that a people, whose liberality had its monument everywhere else, should worship in a church, and not within walls only. The result has been the beautiful building in which we are assembled."
The Rev. J. H. Stringfellow was the assistant from Decem- ber, 1873, to Angust, 1874.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
In 1874. the Bishop Polk Society placed in the east window a handsome piece of stained glass art, and also purchased a chancel rail. A lady gave the Church a rich altar cross.
The Rev. Stephen H. Granberry was the assistant from Sep- tember 7. 1874. to December 1. 1875.
The Rev. Mr. Harris resigned September 1, 1875. to go to Chicago, from whence he was elevated to the Episcopate of Mich- igan.
The Rev. Hugh Miller Thompson. D. D .. became rector in January, 1876. and on the 24th April, following. the Rev. M. M. Moore was made the assistant.
In 1876. an elegant residence. 63 Chestnut street. was pur- chased as a rectory, at a cost of $13.000.
The Rev. I. N. Marks was made second assistant, May 30. 1877. and the Rev. Frank Thompson third assistant. May 1. 1878 Mr. Moore resigned his position May 4, 1878: Mr. Thompson in 1881, and Mr. Marks April 12, 1883.
In the summer of 1878. the rector being absent and sick. the Rev. Caleb Dowe had charge of the parish.
The Rev. Dr. Thompson resigned February 24. 1883. to be consecrated Assistant Bishop of Mississippi.
The Rev. A. K. Hall had charge of the parish, from March 1st to October 1st, 1883.
The Rev. R. A. Holland. S. T. D .. became rector October 15. 1883. For a short time in the fall of 1883. the Rev. Arthur W. Chapman was the assistant.
In the summer of 1883. the ceiling of the church, of stucco. was replaced with wood. the cost being defrayed largely by the help of a bequest by Mrs. Sarah P. Laurason.
During Dr. Holland's rectorship. a mission was conducted in several of the New Orleans churches by the Rev. Messrs. Aitken and Stephens, of England. Great interest was aroused, result- ing in large accessions to the churches, and in a blessed quicken- ing of the religious life of the community. Not a few Jews and Romanists were gathered into our churches. In Trinity, shortly afterwards, one hundred and twenty-three persons were confirmed.
The Rev. Dr. Holland resigned October 1. 1886, and was sue- ceeded, November 25. 1886, by the Rev. Randolph H. McKim. D. D.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
On the 20th February, 1887, a Mission Sunday school for colored children was established at the corner of Philip and Liberty streets, and is proving a success.
In the summer of 1887. extensive alterations and improve- ments were undertaken, embracing the extension of the chancel ; the construction of an organ chamber next the chancel ; the addi- tion of a superb new organ ; the building of an infant schoolroom. ete .. at a total cost of $18,062.
The years of 1887 and 1888 were marked by a decided increase of the missionary spirit in the congregation, showing itself in greatly increased contributions to the various missionary objects. The "Woman's Auxiliary to the Board of Missions" was organ- ized in Trinity in Advent, 1836. At the same season the " Woman's Missionary Society of Trinity Church " was also organized, and in Lent following. the " Church Temperance Guild."
The parish has been represented in the Councils of the Dio- cese four or more times : by R. Y. Black, five times; George S. Lacey, seven times ; Richard S. Lloyd, seven times; A. P. Cleve- land, thirteen times; J. W. Champlin, six times; George S. Kansler, six times; Jules A. Blanc, twelve times ; George W. Race, twelve times ; H. V. Ogden, eleven times; William Flash. thirteen times; J. J. Irby, four times; F. N. Butler, thirteen times, and Jolm Chaffe. six times.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
GRACE CHURCH, MONROE.
IN September, 1847. the Rev. C. S. Hedges commenced his labors in Monroe as principal in the Onachita Female Seminary. He held services in the court house on alternate Sundays, which were well attended. The only Church people were Mrs. Warfield and family and Mrs. Sharpe. the wife of Judge C. C. Sharpe.
In 1848, a parish was organized under the name of Grace Church. Efforts were made to build a church.
Mr. Hedges resigned in October. 1849. He was succeeded. in 1850, by the Rev. R. H. Ranney.
In 1852, there was contributed $1.025 to build a "union church." It was afterwards destroyed by fire.
Mr. Ranney resigned in September, 1852.
On the 1st March. 1855. the Rev. F. R. Holeman became rector. There were then six communicants. Mrs. N. J. Wilson (now Baker) presented a lot for the church, but it was never utilized. Mr. Holeman resigned after a few months' residence.
In 1856. the Bishop, assisted by the Revs. T. B. Lawson and Win. Miller, organized a new parish under the same name as the former organization. Of the new parish. George Purvis was chosen warden ; Hon. W. J. Q. Baker. Arthur H. Harris, Charles Delery, James D. McEnery and Thomas O. Benton, Vestrymen.
For several years the Rev. William Miller, of Oak Ridge. officiated at Monroe.
The Rev. T. B. Lawson, of Bastrop, held services occasionally during the Civil War. and in 1865, began a regular monthly service.
On the 7th May. 1866. the parish was admitted into union with the Convention, being represented by W. J. Q. Baker.
In 1867, MIr. Lawson moved to Monroe, increasing the ser- vices to twice a month. and taking charge of the Ouachita Female Academy. The parish was soon afterwards re-organized and a charter obtained.
In 1870. the congregation were worshipping in the court house. but subsequently the police jury refused the use of it.
On the 29th March, 1871, the corner stone of the new church was laid. About 85.000 in cash had then been collected. The
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
edifice afterwards erected was of brick, and has a substantial and ornate appearance. It cost over $10,000.
Dr. Lawson resigned December 1, 1871. He left the parish with forty-five communicants. When he took charge of it, five years previously, it had but seven.
The Rev. J. H. Weddell became rector Jannary 1, 1872. The indebtedness of the parish was $3,000.
The first service in the new church was held by the Bishop December 8, 1872.
The Rev. Mr. Weddell resigned December 31, 1872, and was succeeded, January 6, 1873. by the Rev. A. S. Clark. Eighteen stained glass memorial windows, of tasteful design, were placed in position this year, although ordered under rectorate of Dr. Lawson.
In 1874, it was reported that the band of workers among the ladies seemed never weary of good works, while the Vestry was very efficient in every particular.
The Rev. Mr. Clark resigned July 1, 1874.
In 1875, the Rt. Rev. William F. Adams. D. D., then a re- signed Bishop, had charge of the parish for a time.
In 1877, the ladies, by the most heroic and patient efforts, raised 81.500 towards the extinguishment of the church debt. This work was achieved, too, through the active agency, chiefly. of one of the most feminine and refined of her sex, seconded by the liberality of the congregation. Affecting incidents contributed to the result. Almost the last words of a saintly member of the con- gregation were addressed to her family to save the church.
On the 1st April, 1878, the Rev. Dr. Lawson resumed the rectorate. He resigned, however, soon afterwards.
The Rev. James Philson became rector June S, 1879, and re- signed December 13, 1880. On the 1st August, 1882, the Rev. R. H. Prosser became rector. in connection with Trinity, Tallulah. He resigned December 14. 1884.
The Rev. F. S. De Mattos was in charge of the parish from June to September, 1886. The Rev. J. W. Moore became rector in 1888.
The parish has been represented in the Councils of the Dio- cese by W. J. Q. Baker and L. D. MeLain.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
ST. PETER'S CHURCH, MORGANZA.
ON Wednesday and Thursday, June 3 and 4, 1847, the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. A. H. Lamon, held service at the house of Mrs. Charles Allen, on the Fordoche, and organized a parish under the name of "St. Peter's Church, Morganza." In this vicinity there were "many families already attached to the Church."
On the 19th, 20th and 21st May, 1848. the Bishop, in con- nection with the Rev. Messrs. Lewis, Lamon and Dean, held ser- vices. He then appointed the Rev. Frederick Dean to the cure. Services were held thenceforward every Sunday, and "a sufficient amount of means were proffered to erect an edifice." In Novem- ber. the rector began dividing his time with Williamsport.
The Rev. Mr. Dean resigned January 1, 1852, and the project of maintaining the services of the Church at Morganza was aban- doned, the majority of the congregation uniting with that at Wil- liamsport. Those who could not go so far, subsequently con- nected themselves with the Church at Livonia.
FALSE RIVER .- In 1849, the Rev. Frederick Dean was ap- pointed president of Poydras College, and soon after he estab- lished services in the court house at New Roads, on False River. This service was maintained by him until his resignation, 1st Jan- nary, 1852, but has not since been resumed. The mission at Cooley's occupied nearly the same ground. A new mission, at a different place on the river, was opened in 1888. by the Rev. W. T. Douglas.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, OAK RIDGE.
Otherwise, PRAIRIE JEFFERSON.
THE Rev. C. S. Hedges officiated on several occasions at Prai- rie Jefferson, now known as Oak Ridge, in 1848. On the 20th April, 1851, the Rev. R. HI. Ranney, of Monroe, established reg- ular services. He resigned in September, 1852.
On the 15th March, 1855, the Rev. F. R. Holeman, of Mon- roe, re-established the service. An effort was at once made to build a church. Mr. Holeman baptized three children. He re- signed in 1855.
The Rev. William Miller took the charge in 1856. The par- ish, "Church of the Redeemer," was soon afterwards organized. and the church edifice completed.
The efforts of Mr. Miller were seconded and supported mainly by two Church families, "whose love for those venerable forms in which the pious feelings of their childhood were moulded, woukl not allow them to rest until they had built a Temple to the God of their fathers." The architectural proportions of the church were good, and its appointments adequate.
In 1866, there were twelve white and twenty-five colored communicants.
On the 17th May, 1866, the parish was admitted to union with the Convention, being represented by Dr. T. P. Harrison.
The church was consecrated on Good Friday, April 19, 1867. The Bishop said of this church, that he was pleased to notice that "seience had been consulted in shaping its proportions, that a high religious reverence had secured it from the grasp of cheap economy, and, as every church ought to be, it stood the most beautiful structure in the parish."
The Rev. Mr. Miller died in 1877, after twenty years of faithful and loving service. He was greatly endeared to his people. Statisties cannot tell the tale of his labors; the lives of his people proclaim that while he is dead, yet he speaketh.
In 1882, the name of the town was changed to Oak Ridge.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
The Rev. Oliver Wilson, of Bastrop, took charge of the parish in 1882, resigning, however, after a brief rectorate.
The Rev. R. H. Prosser. also of Bastrop. gave occasional ser- vices from August, 1883, to February, 1886.
The Rev. R. S. Stuart. of Bastrop. took charge of the parish in 1886. In this year the parish united with that at Mer Rouge in giving the rector a horse. Mr. Stuart resigned July 1. 1887.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY, NEW IBERIA.
THE first record of Church work in New Iberia is that of Bishop Polk, Friday, April 17, 1844. when he baptized three adults and three children. Speaking of his visitation. the Bishop wrote : " In this place [St. Martinsville] and New Town [the name of New Iberia at that time], a village about nine miles fur- ther down the Teche, there is full employment for a clergyman, and I know of no field in the Diocese, of the same extent. where a clergyman could do more good."
On the 1st November, 1848, the Rev. William H. Burton came to New Iberia as the first settled clergyman.
In August. 1849, Mr. Burton went to Franklin, but in March, 1850, resumed services at New Iberia, on alternate Sundays. The congregation was reported as small, and the accessible sphere of ministerial labor very limited. Divine service was held in a house "built for the common use of Protestants."
The Rev. Mr. Burton resigned in 1851. There were then five communicants, three of whom had been added during the year. Mr. Burton removed to Bayou Salé, but continued to make occa- sional visits to New Iberia, and, in 1852, resumed the rectorate.
In 1852, the parish was organized under the name of the "Church of the Epiphany." and it was determined to build a house of worship.
In December, 1853, Mr. Burton resigned on account of feeble health. In May, 1854, he removed to Franklin, but continued to go once a month to New Iberia. The congregation had not at that time been able to secure the amount necessary to build a church, but had received from Mr. Harvey Hopkins a valuable lot for that purpose. During this year, thirteen communicants removed, leaving but two in the parish.
On the 17th March, 1855. the Bishop preached in a school house at Jeannerette.
In 1856, the Rev. John Woart, of Franklin, reported, "I have officiated once a month on week days at Jeannerette and New Iberia, which two places form a parish, now vacant. A meeting of the Western Convention was held at both places April 19th and 20th."
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
About the 15th November, 1856, the Rev. J. T. Hutcheson began work in New Iberia and parts adjacent. He found " no organization. no church, but very few communicants, no persons attached to the Church." But at Jeannerette, there were a num- ber of very earnest Church people, "who had come from the older States." They attended the services at New Iberia when conve- nient. There were two Sunday services a month at Jeannerette.
The place in which services were held, until the church was built. was a small Methodist Chapel, "a real shanty," quite dilapidated, which was kindly loaned every other Sunday. The services were well attended, and the Church evidently had the good will of the community.
On the 8th May, 1857, the parish was admitted to union with the Diocese.
On the 15th October, 1857, the corner stone of the church was laid, and the building was completed during the winter. It was a neat and commodious structure, costing over $6,000. The money was all raised in the parish, and chiefly by the people of the Church. The Rev. Mr. Hutcheson resigned in the spring of 1858, and on the 14th May, of that year, was succeeded by the Rev. W. K. Douglas.
On the 16th May, 1858, the church was consecrated, and twelve persons were confirmed, "among whom were some of the most prominent people in the town and neighborhood." Writing at that time, the incumbent said, "the prosperity of the parish is due, under God, to the zealous labors and prudent counsels of its former rectors, Rev. Wm. H. Burton and Rev. J. T. Hutcheson."
In 1858, the senior warden, Mr. Harvey Hopkins, gave a suf- ficiently large plat of ground for a cemetery, which was then enclosed for that purpose.
The Rev. Mr. Douglas resigned January 1, 1861. The num- ber of communicants was then about thirty.
During the days of war, the church was much abused, hav- ing been converted into a guard-house. The seats were taken out, some of them burnt ; the windows mutilated ; the walls covered with unbecoming charcoal and pencil sketches and inscriptions.
On the 14th May, 1865, the Rev. Charles W. Hilton, rector at Franklin, began to hold semi-monthly services at New Iberia, and during the summer at Jeannerette.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
In 1867. the Rev. Caleb Dowe became rector, but remained only a few months. On the 9th August, 1868, the Rev. Ballard S. Dunn assumed the position and retained it about a year. Faithful instruction in matters pertaining to the Church bore large results, and forty-four persons were confirmed. The cemetery was also re-fenced this year.
On the 28th November, 1869. the Rev. L. Y. Jessup became rector.
In 1870, Mrs. Jane Hopkins gave ground for a rectory, valued at $400. It was her intention to build the rectory also, but she was hindered. To this lady and her husband the parish is indebted for many substantial gifts.
At this time, the Ladies' Aid Society was formed, an auxili- ary that has been of very material service to the parish.
The rector, reporting in 1870, said, "I gladly record my hearty appreciation of the cordial weleome and the manifoldl kindness extended to me by this people since my advent amongst them. Their willingness to work for Christ and His Church seems equalled only by their ability."
The Rev. Mr. Jessup resigned in 1873.
In April, 1875. the Rev. R. S. Stuart took charge of the parish, but January 1, 1876, he was transferred to other work.
The church was remodeled about this time and much beau- tified, making it one of the most attractive churches of the Diocese. For these improvements the parish was chiefly indebted to Mrs. Hopkins. The Morgan Railroad Company generously transferred, free of cost, timber and other materials for the church.
In January, 1876, the Rev. George R. Upton, of Franklin. took charge of the parish. He resigned during the year. The Rev. Mr. Stuart resumed the care of the parish in November. 1877, relinquishing it in July, 1878. In the fall of that year. the Rev. R. C. Cleburne assumed the charge. He resigned in 1881. and was succeeded JJuly 1, 1881, by the Rev. J. Emmart Brown.
In 1882, Mrs. Paul B. Leeds reorganized the Ladies' Aid Society. She served as president for five years.
In 1884, the church was much improved by frescoing and other decorative work, making it a gem.
The Rev. Mr. Brown resigned in January, 1886, and was sue- ceeded by the Rev. C. C. Kramer, February 1, 1886, as the tenth rector.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
In 1887. the long deferred project of a rectory was revived. For it a bequest was received of $500, and soon a sufficient sum was collected to justify the commencement of the work. The rectory. as completed, is a handsome construction. costing $2.000.
On the 29th May. 1887, mission work was resumed at Jean- nerette. under the name of .. St. Timothy's Mission."
The parish has been represented in the Councils of the Dio- cese by John Moore, Harvey Hopkins. David Ker. John M. Valcourt, John B. Marsh, William Robertson. John J. Taylor. John M. Avery. twice : M. H. Lewis, George M. Robertson, D. D. Avery. J. C. Haskell. John Peters and W. G. Weeks.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, WILLIAMSPORT.
IN November. 1848, the Rev. Frederick Dean. of Morganza. began in this neighborhood semi-monthly services. They were held in a shell of a frame building, withont sash, on the Hopkins' land, built by the neighbors and used for a school. Mr. Dean usually started from Morganza on Friday evenings, the distance to Williamsport being twenty-five miles. He would tie a small melodeon on the back of his buggy, and take two of his boys inside-Fred. Farrar, killed in battle during the Civil War, and Edwin Jewell, now of New Orleans. They wonkl visit along the road, stay at night with one and dine with another. Arrived at the school house, a box would be put on a table for a desk. the melodeon brought in and placed near it. the benches arrranged. At the hour of service, Mr. Dean would vest and read from the box, or play the melodeon, as the service would require. The mis- sionary and the boys were the choir-the first " boy choir " in Louisiana-and "they sang delightfully," writes one who heard them.
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