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 5
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In 1809, Thomas Elmes. James Poole. Hugh Monroe and David Urquhart were elected vestrymen; in 1810, Beverly Chew. John Taylor. Alfred Hennen and J. C. Bartlett; in 1811. R. Burn- side and A. Milne; in 1812, Nathaniel Cox, J. W. Smith, J. Mar- tin and Charles Patton; in 1813. N. Morse; in 1814, R. M. Welman. Abner L. Duncan and T. Urquhart; in 1815. Dr. Hunter.
Mr. Chase was lodged for awhile with Mr. Andrew Burk. Subsequently, a school being much desired, he hired a house a short distance below the town, borrowed money of his friends to commence housekeeping, and began to receive pupils. "The greatest difficulty," said he, "that presented itself, was the want of domestic servants. All were slaves, and no one would hire out good servants; and those of a different character were not worth having." Dr. Robert Dow, his family physician. came to Mr. Chase's relief with the advice to go to the bank, borrow more money and buy a boy. The advice was followed, Jack was pur- chased for $500-service was rendered for three months, and then. slipping aboard a ship. the domestic eloped beyond the sea.
The school increased and. "for greater facility in the attend- ance of pupils, proposals were made for moving into town." This was done, and to the very great advantage of the school. many from the country and towns up the river entering it. Of these pupils, Mr. Chase names the Dunbars and Giraults. of Natchez: the Sterlings and the Barrows, from Bayou Sara. and the Percys and Evanses, from Pinkneyville and Fort Adams-" all of the choicest and best."
Mr. Chase was resident on Dauphine street, and it is presumed that the school was kept under the shelter of the same building. It was here that he was attacked by yellow fever. He leaves a pre-
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scription, which he declares saved his life-not ordered by his physician-" fixed air" in the shape of porter. The faculty has not. it is believed. availed itself of the discovery !
The continued increase of the school caused Mr. Chase to hire the extensive buildings of Monsieur LaBranch. situated on Tchoupitoulas street. then on the levee, in the Faubourg St. Mary, for the rent of which he paid $1.000 per annum.
There has been a marked advance towards primitive practice in the matter of the frequency of the celebrations of the Holy Eucharist since the early days of the Church in Louisiana. Mr. C'hase did not. as he says, " establish a communion " until after he had been at least a year in New Orleans. Bishop Brownell. although in that city the whole winter of 1834-1835. celebrated only at Christmas and Easter. No wonder that the idea took very deep root. that the whole duty of man in the Church was to hear (and criticise) sermons.
Mr. Chase resigned in March, 1811.
During the three subsequent years. it does not appear that any services were held.
In the early part of 1814. the Rev. James F. Hull, a Presby- terian minister, arrived in New Orleans, and was invited by the Vestry to preach to the congregation.
On the 3d June, 1815, the corporation acquired from the city, partly by purchase and partly by donation, the ground form- ing the corner of Canal and Bourbon streets. in the square formed by those streets, and Customhouse and Royal streets.
Mr. Ilull. having examined the claims of the Church, and being satisfied of their justness, became a candidate for Holy Orders. and a committee of the Vestry. Messrs. Abner L. Duncan. Rich- ard Relf and G. W. Smith was appointed. January 14, 1816. to wait on him. and offer him the rectorship, should he be' or- dained. Mr. Hull then went to New York to seek Holy Orders.
The first Christ Church, neatly constructed of brick. was oe -. tagonal in shape. and of about sixty feet diameter. It cost some 88.000. The Vestry. April 17. 1816, appointed a committee to sell the pews. They were specially authorized to select a pew, in consequence of a liberal donation to the building of the church, for General Wade Hampton, commandant of the United States forees.
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Mr. Hull was made a deacon June 17. 1816. and subsequently a priest. both in New York. He then returned to New Orleans and became rector of Christ Church.
The congregation greatly prospered under Mr. Hull. The results were largely of a spiritual character; material figures can- not tell the story. The history of the parish during the seven- teen years of his rectorship, is that of solid growth. It is re- corded that " he worked with all his zeal, until he could no longer work." Note is also made of the fact that the first Presbyterian congregation worshipped in Christ Church during its infancy. under the Rev. Sylvester Larned, in 1818 and 1819.
In 1822. the rector had established a school of high order for young ladies. It may have existed previously, but in that year it is spoken of as situated at No. 2 Bourbon street, in a description of the city. He was succeeded in its charge by his accomplished daughter, and for many years, 'even down to about 1870, "Miss Hull's school " was in the front rank of educational institutions. and many of the most accomplished ladies of Louisiana owe their intellectual training to its skillful management.
In 1818. Commodore D. T. Patterson and Charles Harrod were elected vestrymen : in 1819. Thomas Hewes.
In 1818. the Vestry accepted charge of the " Protestant " burial ground.
In 1820, William Flower. P. K. Wagner. H. MeCall. W. Christy. R. Harrison. J. A. Fort and D. Talcott were elected ves- trymen : in 1821. Judge Dick : in 1822, Joseph B. Ewes ; in 1824, G. E. Rupell. Robert Layton and W. Alderson ; in 1825. John Oldham, JJ. Collins and S. W. Oakey : in 1827. Mathew Morgan. George Green. Mr. Strawbridge and James Hopkins; in 1828. James Foster. Jr .: in 1830. Mr. White and W. G. Hewes : in 1832. Lucins C. Duncan.
In 1825, a rectory was built adjoining the church.
On the 8th January. 1830, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Brownell. Bishop of Connectient. arrived in New Orleans, on the steamboat Tigress. An incident of that day is illustrative of the shimbering of patri- otism. even in that time when we count the fathers as most fervent in their political devotion. The wonder must grow when it is re- membered. also, that the hero of Chalmette was then President of the United States, and at the aeme of his fame. The incident can best be told by the Bishop himself. He says. "Arrived at New
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Orleans on the morning of the 8th January received an invitation from the Committee of Arrangements to attend the Mariner's Church. to hear an oration in honor of General Jackson and his victory, but found so few there that it is determined to abandon the celebration."
The next morning, the Bishop, who was lodged with Mr. Hull. was waited upon by the wardens and vestrymen, who presented a written address, requesting him to consecrate the church. "admin- ister the rite of confirmation. and perform such other offices" as might be deemed expedient.
On Sunday, January 10, 1830. the church was consecrated. The Rev. Mr. Hull said the prayers: the Rev. Wm. Richmond read the sentence of consecration. and there were present the Rev. Messrs. James A. Fox. Albert Muller. Spenser Wall and John T. Adderly. In the afternoon. there was a second service, and at night, as there was no provision for lighting Christ Church. the Bishop accepted an invitation from the Rev. Mr. Clapp and his session, to preach in the Presbyterian Church. "The large building contained a crowded congregation, who joined in the ser- vices and listened to the discourse with great decorum."
It may be a matter of interest to some to know that Dr. Clapp was at that time studying with a view to seeking Holy Orders.
On Sunday, January 17, 1830. confirmation was administered for the first time in Christ Church, to 64 persons. The collection, amounting to $212, was given to missions. The Bishop says that the parish appeared to be in a prosperous condition. All the ser- viees were well attended. He was very hospitably entertained by the leading Churchmen, and left the city January 30. 1830.
The Rev. Ulysses M. Wheeler was elected assistant minister. February 5. 1832: and the Rev. William Barlow. January 21. 1833. The Rev. Mr. Hull died in JJune, 1833.
At a meeting of the Vestry. May 24. 1833. it was resolved that in the event of the election of a Bishop of the proposed South Western Diocese. Christ Church would receive him as its rector. " provided he shall be approved by the congregation."
About this time, the Rev. Dr: Hawks was called to be rector. but declined. and in December, 1833, the Rev. James A. Fox took temporary charge of the parish.
On the 3d December. 1834. Bishop Brownell arrived in the ship Louisrille, from New York. He had for fellow passengers.
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the Rev. R. A. Henderson, coming to take charge of the French church, and Mr. Greer B. Duncan, of New Orleans.
The portion of his journal. material to the history of Christ Church. we quote entire :
" The wardens of the church. with others, met us with a cor- dial welcome, and conducted us to the house of Mr. Lucius C. Duncan, where we were received with great hospitality, and requested to consider it our home during our residence in New Orleans."
" After officiating at New Orleans five weeks, the Vestry re- quested that I go to Alabama. to attend the Convention and to promote measures for the organization of the South Western Diocese. * * * Having understood that there was to be a Special Convention of the Diocese of Mississippi, to be held at Natchez on the 23d February, in regard to the organization of the South Western Diocese. I was requested. by the Vestry of Christ Church. to attend it. * * *
"On Sunday, the 12th April, held a confirmation in Christ Church, when thirty-five received the imposition of hands. On the following day, I confirmed Mrs. Baldwin (a sick lady ), at her house. together with her son and nephew. making, in all. thirty- eight persons confirmed. On the Sunday following (Easter). I administered the Holy Communion to seventy-one persons.
"On my arrival in New Orleans, I found the parish much depressed and discouraged. Some members of the congregation were attending other churches, others were in the habitual neglect of public worship. There was also a deep-rooted difficulty in regard to the building of a new church, and especially in regard to its location. After I had officiated a week or two, the Vestry requested that I would address the congregation on the affairs of the parish. On the following Sunday. after sermon. I accordingly addressed to them some conciliatory and encouraging remarks. As either of the proposed locations of the church were sufficiently convenient. I endeavored to show that unanimity was much the more important than the choice between them. I inculcated the absolute necessity of building a new church. to give stimulus and animation to the parish, and to collect a congregation of sufficient ability to support a elergyman of the highest character. In con- nection with a new church. I urged the call of a permanent rector. who should command the confidence of the parish and the respect
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of the publie, and I suggested the expedieney of immediate meas- ures for the organization of the South Western Diocese, and the election of a Bishop, who should at the same time be the rector of the parish.
"Before my departure, I had the satisfaction of seeing all these measures in a fair way of accomplishment, through the blessing of Divine Providence. The congregation had been ral- lied together again. The Rev. Dr. Hawks had been unanimously elected Bishop of the South Western Diocese, and rector of the parish. The difficulties in regard to the location of the new church had been happily settled, and the pewholders had unani- mously voted to enter on the work. Forty thousand dollars, the sum required, had been raised, and a judicions plan of the edifice had been adopted by the building committee."
During his ministry at Christ Church, the Bishop baptized ten infants and two adults. le "attended only one funeral. that of Mr. William Bullitt."
A list of the teachers in the Sunday School, about this time. has been kindly furnished by the widow of the Rev. Mr. Fox. The superintendent was Mr. Lovell. and the teachers Messrs. Stinson, Conally. Payne, T. Morgan, G. Morgan and Sheldon : Misses Moore, Dow, Wehman and MeMurdo, Mrs. Stinson, Misses Taylor, Brand and Stringer.
The Rev. Mr. Fox resigned his position March 2, 1835.
The Rev. Dr. Hawks declined his election as Bishop and rector. In his address to his own Convention. Bishop Brownell says : "The non-acceptance of the Bishop elect, together with some other untoward events, has indeed spread a dark cloud over the dawning prospects of the Church in this interesting portion of our country."
In 1834, Isaac Ogden and Joseph Lovell were elected vestry- men ; in 1835. H. B. Cenas.
In the winter of 1835-1836, the Rev. J. T. Wheat came to New Orleans on sick leave. He was invited to take temporary charge of the parish, during the building of the new church. The unoccupied French Evangelical Church. corner of Rampart and Bienville streets, was first used for Sunday services, and afterwards, when the growth of the congregation required it, a very fine large publie hall on Lafayette square. "I had." says Dr. Wheat, in a recent letter. "a most delightful sojourn of about
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six months amongst a charming people, lavish of kindness to my family, that had soon joined me. I was in frequent requisition for private official duties, and formed many lasting friendships. Beside marriage and baptismal presents, much larger than I had ever heard of before, I received a very liberal salary from the Vestry. and, at parting, five hundred dollars for my parish at Marietta. The Church people of New Orleans, at that day, were certainly most generous and liberal. The Rev. Dr. Dorr, of Philadelphia. as a special agent of the Committee of Domestic Missions. came South on a begging errand. To his great surprise. we collected, in a short time, well on to $3.000."
In the autumn of 1836, Bishop Brownell made his third visit to New Orleans, and in the spring of 1837 consecrated the new church. It was built after the Grecian temple order of architeet- ure, with a colonnade in front. When the third church was built, this property was sold to the Israelites, and was used by them for some time as a house of worship. Subsequently. it was demolished. the columns being re-erected in front of the synagogue on Carondelet street. near Julia.
For use in the consecration service. Mrs. Sigourney wrote this hymn :
Behold the Temple ! God of grace ! From-each unhallowed purpose free, Which, trusting in our Saviour's name, We gladly consecrate to Thee.
Here bid our prayers accepted rise ; Bend to our praise Thy listening ear, And smile upon the vows that break From fervent lips and hearts sincere.
The pure baptismal water bless, Which here our infant race shall seal.
And with Thy presence cheer the flock That daily round this altar kneel.
Lift up your heads, xe holy gates, And hail the Gospel's peaceful sway, Yea, lift your heads exulting high, And give the King of Glory way.
So, may the gates of Heaven unfold, With music's everlasting strain,
To many a soul who, 'neath this dome, Salvation's priceless soul shall gain.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
Upon the departure of Bishop Brownell. the Vestry voted to present him a pair of handsome silver pitchers, with appropriate devices and inscriptions, in token of gratitude for his unselfish and devoted services on behalf of the church and congregation.
On the 13th February, 1837. the Rev. Nathaniel S. Wheaton, D. D., was elected rector. He came to New Orleans in Novem- ber, but did not formally accept the rectorship until April, 1838.
On the 28th April, 1838, the Convention met in Christ Church. which organized the Diocese. The parish was represented by Messrs. Richard Relf and Lucius C. Duncan.
In 1838, Ambrose Lanfear. H Henderson. John Whitehead, J. Minturn, J. B. Grayson and George Payne were elected Ves- trymen : in 1840, Samuel Mathews and Dr. Thomas Meux; in 1841. William Freret ; in 1844. J. M. Norman. C. M. Emmerson, B. Lowndes and E. Chapman.
On the 5th May. 1839. Bishop Polk held his first service in Christ Church.
In that year. the rector reported all the pews disposed of, with the exception of a few reserved for strangers, and the assem- blies for public worship generally full.
In 1840, the parish gave $700 to the Missionary Society, $500 towards erecting a church at Matagorda, and $170 for a church at Key West.
In 1841. the number of communicants was one hundred and fifty.
After a faithful service of six and a half years. Dr. Wheaton was compelled, on account of failing health, to tender his resig- nation. It was accepted May 30. 1844.
The Rev. R. H. Raney took temporary charge of the parish. August 17, 1844.
On the 20th November. 1844. the Vestry called the Rev. Fran- cis L. Hawks. D. D. He accepted the rectorship in January fol- lowing.
On the 15th May. 1346, the property of the Church was ex- changed with Mr. Judah Touro for the lots at the northwest corner of Canal and Dauphine streets, and a contraet was made with James Gallier for the erection of the church on the new site. to be delivered. completely finished, by November 1, 1847. at a cost of $50,000. While this church was building. the congregation worshipped again in the French Church.
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HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF LOUISIANA.
On the 17th April, 1847. Bishop Polk consecrated the new church. assisted by Bishops Otey and Freeman. Thereupon. it was resolved by the clergy of the city to maintain a daily service at Christ Church, and each filled his appointed time.
On the 7th December. 1847. Mr. James Grimshaw. many years a member of the Vestry, presented to the Church a font of stat- uary marble, which has served, and still serves, as a memorial of his connection with the parish and of his "earnest desire for its prosperity and usefulness."
During the Lententide of 1848. the Rev. G. B. Mansur as- sisted the rector.
Dr. Hawks resigned April 13. 1849. The number of commu- nicants was then still one hundred and fifty.
During the vacancy that ensued. the parish was alternately in charge of the Rev. Thomas D. Ozanne. Rev. N. W. Camp. D. D .. and the Rev. Charles W. Whitall.
On the 12th September. 1849, the rectorship was tendered to the Rev. Edmund Neville. D. D .. and accepted by him. In 1850. he reported a Bible class of thirty members, taught by himself and a Sunday school of one hundred and fifty-nine pupils.
In 1851. the parish gave $3,500 to the support and extension of the Church in New Orleans.
Dr. Neville resigned November 20. 1851. During the ensuing vacaney. the Rev. Elijah Gnion had charge of the parish.
The Vestry elected the Rev. William T. Leacock. D. D., ree- for. June 29. 1852. and he entered on his duties October 1. 1852. In 1855. the bell. still in use. was purchased.
In 1860. there were two hundred and forty-six white and one hundred and six colored pupils in the Sunday school.
The war cloud covered the fair face of the Crescent City. and it fell into the hands of the Federal forces in April. 1862. On the 31st October. 1862. General B. F. Butler, a major general of the United States volunteers, and not an ecclesiastical officer, as might be supposed. usurped the authority of the Church, and ordered the wardens to deliver the keys of the building to the Rev. F. E. Chubbnek. a deacon, whom he had appointed to condnet the services, and simultaneously he ordered the rector removed beyond the lines. for alleged disloyalty, which disloyalty lay in his unwill- ingness to break his vow of obedience to his Bishop, who had
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issued directions of a mandatory character for the conduet of divine service.
The Rev. Mr. Chubbuck seized upon all the property of the corporation, deposed the Vestry and appointed a . Provisional Vestry." This committee held until December 20. 1864. when there was an election held under the charter.
On the 25th January. 1865. Messrs. Charles Harrod and Am- brose Lanfear, wardens of the deposed Vestry. addressed General C'anby. department commander. asking a restoration of the prop- erty to its owners. The communication was referred to W. P. Wright. member of the acting Vestry, and on the 20th March. 1865. he reported, recommending the surrender of the property by the acting Vestry to the military anthorities, and that it be ten- dered by that authority to the old congregation. on condition that a " loyal" Churchman be provided to administer the rites and ordinances of the Church. The Rev. S. C. Thrall and others were unsuccessfully called.
On August 17. 1865. the rectorship was tendered to the Rev. Dr. Lewis. In November, he replied, declining it, but expressing a willingness to take temporary charge. On the 18th November. the acting Vestry, on motion of Mr. Wright, tendered the rector- ship to Dr. Leacock, requesting him to resume his relations to the congregation. His reply was. " I accept frankly the invitation given me to resume my functions as rector."
At the ensuing Easter election, a Vestry. largely of the old regime, was unanimously elected. Charles Harrod and Ambrose Lanfear. wardens: James Grimshaw. Dr. Wm. N. Mercer, G. Carrie Duncan. Robert Mott, Judge J. A. Campbell. W. P. Wright. William Moult. H. W. Palfrey. Thomas I. Dix, J. P. Sullivan. J. M. Huger. Robert Geddes and H. Kendall Carter. vestrymen.
In 1867-1869. the Rev. M. R. St. James Dillon-Lee was assist - ant minister; and January 1. 1870. the Rev. Charles Hilton as- sumed the duties of that office.
In 1870. there was established a mission school. 296 Poydras street. St. George Murison being assistant superintendent; and a parochial school of one hundred and sixty pupils, corner of Ram- part and Bienville streets, in the building once the French Church.
On the 3d April, 1871. the Rev. Campbell Fair became first assistant. Mr. Hilton being the second assistant minister. There
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were at this time five hundred and forty-seven pupils in the Sun- day school.
In 1872, Mr. Hilton resigned. In that year the parish was reported wholly free from debt. The daily service was maintained. The mission was transferred to Liberty street.
In 1873, and again in 1874 and 1875, the Rev. A. J. Tardy was an assistant minister.
In 1873, Mrs. Cora A. Slocomb presented two handsome windows of stained glass, one to the memory of the Rev. Mr. Hull. many years rector of the parish. and the other to the memory of Bishop Polk.
Mr. Fair resigned January 28. 1875, and was succeeded in 1875 by the Rev. William Mumford. who resigned in 1876. During the summer of 1876, in the absence of both the rector and his assistant, the Rev. Herman C. Duncan had charge of the parish.
The Rev. Charles JJ. Wingate became the assistant, June 4, 1876. He resigned in 1877. In that latter year, the Rev. William P. Kramer became the assistant, and was placed in charge of the parish. He died May 22, 1881. In the epidemic of 1878, the Rev. R. C. Cleburne was an assistant. On the 22d July, 1879, the Rev. S. M. Wiggins became second assistant minister, continuing in his office until 1881.
In 1879, the Ladies' Aid Society of the parish erected a memo- rial window of stained glass to the memory of Bishop Wilmer.
In October, 1881, the Bishop of the Diocese took charge of the parish, and placed, December 3d. in immediate administra- tion of the parochial work, the Rev. Francis A. Shoup. D. D. On the 8th October, 1882. the Bishop withdrew from the personal charge of the parish, and at the same time Dr. Shoup was relieved. at his own regnest.
On the 25th November, 1882, the Rev. Dr. Leacock tendered his resignation, asking to retire from service by reason of the infirmities of age. Action was deferred by the Vestry until the 27th, when the resignation was accepted. with expressions of great reverence for his character and gratitude for his faithful ministry. during a period of thirty years. Dr. Leacock died. December 28. 1884.
On the 1st December, 1882, the Rev. Alexander I. Drysdale was called to the rectorship. He accepted it, to take effect Jan-
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uary 1. 1883. His term of faithful service was ended by his death. August 30. 1886.
The church property was sold in April. 1884. and the ground was broken on the site of the new church, corner of St. Charles avenue and Sixth street, in February, 1885, the corner stone being laid June 10. 1885. The architect of the beautiful new church, was Lawrence B. Valk. of New York : the building committee. James G. Clark. James A. Renshaw and G. R. West- feldt : the supervising architect was B. M. Harrod, of New Or- leans.
Great credit is due the chairman of this committee. He kept the construction under his immediate supervision, making de- tailed contracts for each separate portion of the work. which resulted in an actual saving to the congregation, over and above bids which were made for the total construction. as shown by the report of the chairman of the Finance Committee, of $58, 112.
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