USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > All Saints church, Worcester, Massachusetts ; a centennial history, 1835-1935 > Part 3
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A letter from Mr. Brinley written about this time may properly be inserted here:
"Hartford, May 13, 1844
"To Thomas Bottomly and Charles S. Ellis, Esquires
"GENTLEMEN:
"Your favor under of the 9th. inst. has just reached me.
"It is true that some years since I made a tender of my Hall to the Episcopal Society gratuitously, and a tender of further aid. As I could not find any co-operation, after several meetings, I withdrew my promises, and abandoned the object. The Hall is now leased to Mr. Warren for one year, and is beyond my control.
"My opinion is that if a proper energy is shown you will soon have a respectable Parish. My efforts and means are now directed to resuscitate an old Church much in need of aid and one in which I am much interested.
Very respectfully yours, GEORGE BRINLEY"
On March 1, 1844, the parish comprised 39 families and 35 communicants, with a membership of 33 in the Church School. At Easter, vigorous measures were taken by the Board of Missions to establish a church in Worcester; $1,000 per annum for three years was guaranteed by interested per- sons in Boston for the support of a permanent minister on the understanding that, in the meantime, the congregation would proceed with the erection of a church building.
For such a newly formed and struggling (almost strag- gling) parish, this undertaking was little short of heroic. To the Christian zeal, energy, and efficiency of the rector, Reverend Mr. Chapman, its success was in great measure due. Many years later he wrote to this effect: "Such was the feebleness of the Parish, when I went there, as to num- bers and wealth, that, although I have built up several
[19]
parishes, the difficulties to be overcome at Worcester were greater than elsewhere." This year All Saints gave $350 to the Board of Missions.
Bishop Eastburn's solicitude for All Saints at this time is evidenced by the following letter:
"Boston, Mass. April 28, 1844
"To the Wardens of All Saints Church, Worcester, Massachusetts
"GENTLEMEN :
"As Dr. Chapman returned to Worcester this afternoon I take the opportunity of conveying to you by him the expression of my trust that, through the ministration with which you are now supplied, will lead to your prosperous and permanent establishment.
"In the meantime I would respectfully suggest to you that, in order to excite the general attention of your com- munity more effectually to your Church, it is highly expe- dient that there should be regular Sunday Evening Services. Great numbers would then come to your hall who are now unwilling to leave their own places of worship because they think it is right to be seen in the daytime at home. Dr. Chap- man's past success in building up parishes has been always through the means of an Evening Service. In effecting this desirable change you will of course use as much economy as possible; but I will make myself responsible for what addi- tional expense you may thereby incur, should you not be able to meet it yourselves.
"Praying for the Divine blessing on the preaching of the gospel of our dear Lord and Saviour among you, by the mouth of him who now ministers to you, I am
Very sincerely yours, MANTON EASTBURN, Bishop"
That the rector was not idle in laying effective plans for a church building, the following document, drawn up less than three months after his taking charge of the Parish, will testify :
"Worcester, Mass. July Ist, 1844
"We, the subscribers, hereby agree to pay the sums ap- plied to our names for the purpose of purchasing a lot of land
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and building thereon a Protestant Episcopal Church in Wor- cester for the use of the Society now worshipping under the name and style of 'All Saints Church' provided a sufficient sum of money is raised within 12 months of this date.
"It is understood and agreed that a plan of the Church should be made and the Pews appraised, and the choice of the same sold at auction, and each subscriber should have the amounting of his subscription allowed him in case of his selecting a pew, or pews, in said Church.
Edward Denny
$500.
Thomas Bottomly
300.
Edward Conant
IOO.
C. B. Long
100.
Ira M. Barton
50.
Lemuel I. Fox
25.
Francis H. Dewey
25.
William Morgan
200.
Randall Holden 2nd.
100.
Edward F. Dixie
150.
Putnam W. Taft
IO0.
George T. Chapman
IO0.
Isaac N. Davis
50.
John McIntyre
50.
Henry K. Newcomb
100.
Bishop Eastburn
IOO.
George T. Rice
IO0.
Sumner Pratt
50.
Joshua O. Lewis
25.
Samuel F. Haven
75.
Samuel Davis
50.
Ichabod Washburn
IO0.
A Friend
IO0.
Samuel Jennison
50.
Levi A. Dowley
IO0.
John Green
25.
William N. Green
25.
S. Thompson
IO.
A Friend
IO0.
E. Eaton
25.
Jonathan Grout, Jr.
25.
Joseph Mead
IO0.
E. Eaton
87.50
J. M. Davis
IO0.
$3,197.50"
[ 2] ]
Edward Denny, who made the largest subscription to the fund, was a woolen manufacturer at Barre, and died in Wor- cester, September 17, 1874. Thomas Bottomly, whose subscription was next, has been mentioned previously.
From the Diocesan Journal of 1845 the following extract is taken:
"The effort to establish a Church in the Town of Wor- cester seems to be successful. The Rev. Dr. Chapman is still laboring there. A building lot has been purchased on Pearl Street and sufficient funds raised for the Church itself. The Board regards this as one of the most important sta- tions in the Diocese."
Dr. Chapman worked unceasingly for the Church, and in August, 1845, the records show that a contract was made between Samuel D. Harding and Amos R. Black, as follows:
"That the said Amos R. Black agrees on his part to do, or cause to be done, certain work as hereinafter described, for and on account of the said Samuel D. Harding, upon the Lot of Pearl Street, in Worcester, on which is to be erected a Church for the congregation now worshipping in Brinley Hall, and known as 'All Saints Church in Worcester,' to wit: "The said Amos R. Black agrees to furnish materials, dig trenches, make excavations, and lay on gravel where di- rected, on the Lot aforesaid, for the sum of 1212 cents per yard.
"He also agrees to lay down dry walls 18" thick, of good large blocks, one side faced, for one dollar per perch. The same with two sides faced for $1.50 per perch. He also agrees to lay mortar walls 18" thick for $2.25 per perch. 'The above all to be well faced on the outside and fairly laid on the inside, and to be made of large and good stone, and all to be 18" wide; and to be well bedded in good mortar- laid walls, and all to be done in a workmanlike manner, and to the acceptance of the said Harding who has the power of stopping or discontinuing said work, and ending the above contract at any time, when not satisfied with the manner in which the said Black is executing the same."
At a parish meeting held March 4, 1845, it was "voted that Messrs. Charles S. Ellis, Putnam W. Taft, and Thomas Bottomly be a committee to procure plans and proposals for
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the building of the Church, and report as soon as possible."
This Committee applied at once to Arthur Gilman, a Boston architect, who presently offered proposals (following a so-called "Dedham Plan") the cost not to exceed $5,000, including architect's fee, but of course exclusive of the site.
At another parish meeting, March 31, a Building Com- mittee was elected, comprising Messrs. Henry K. New- comb, Thomas Bottomly, Charles S. Ellis, Sumner Pratt, and Samuel F. Haven. They were instructed to build according to the Dedham plan, if practicable; to take into account the furnishing of the Church, and to appoint a sub- committee to raise money therefor.
A few weeks later Mr. Newcomb wrote to Bishop East- burn, expressing the fear that "the Church would cost too much for so small a seating capacity." Mr. Gilman, the architect, receiving a letter of similar purport, made no response beyond sending a bill of $69.00 for services ren- dered to date.
On May 6 the Building Committee voted to abandon Mr. Gilman and his Dedham plan, and to apply to Mr. Richard Upjohn, architect of Trinity, New York City "for a plan of a church suited to our means and conditions." Later the dimensions of the Pearl Street lot were supplied (102' x 65') together with the statement that $5,000 was the limit of funds in sight.
That this was not the first time Mr. Upjohn had been con- sulted as to plans for All Saints is proved by a much earlier letter, inserted here:
"Boston, Nov. 13, 1838
"(To Judge Barton)
"DEAR SIR:
"In April, 1836, the Rev. Dr. Wainwright called on me for plans of a Church then proposed to be built in Worcester. The plans and an estimate were made by myself and given to him, and he delivered them to some gentlemen in Wor- cester who, as I then understood, were either a Committee to build said Church, or at least were then interested in the project.
"As I knew no party in the matter but the Rev. Dr.
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Wainwright I presented my bill of $50.00 to him who said that having lost some $400.00 in consequence of the failure of the measures proposed it would seem hard for him to be obliged to pay my bill. Here the matter rests at the present time. Having learned that you had some knowledge of the plans I would thank you to inform me if there is any way by which the bill be paid.
RICHARD UPJOHN"
An organ of some sort being a necessity, Mr. P. W. Taft was drafted to head a committee to provide a suitable instru- ment. The architect was requested "to leave 10' of the 65' between the church and the next building."
Early in June, Mr. Newcomb wrote to the architect re- garding certain details of the new church, and adding: "You are probably aware that Worcester is a flourishing town of some 12,000 inhabitants, built quite compactly with some good dwellings, and handsome public buildings, but no church edifices that can be called specimens of good taste. Three are now in progress of building, and from circum- stances we much desire not to be outdone in any particular that our means will justify."
On July 3, Mr. Newcomb received a dun from the ex- architect, Mr. Gilman, for his $69, to which the vestryman replied that "he did not consider the Church owed him anything inasmuch as he did not live up to his agreement with said Church."
Meantime our good friends in Boston continued zealous in our behalf, as Mr. Theodore Edson, one of the Commis- sioners on Church Extension wrote to inform our Parish that $3,000 had been collected for All Saints, and would be paid over as soon as the Parish collected an equal amount. This would complete the necessary $6,000 called for by the archi- tect's plans.
In the middle of July Mr. Samuel D. Harding, "an intel- ligent carpenter and master-builder," was employed to superintend the construction of the Church; at a vestry meeting ten days later the wardens certified that Wor- cester's full $3,000 had been subscribed. August 5 Mr. Up- john came to Worcester to lay out the grounds, on the same
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GEORGE H. CLARK Rector 1846-1849
day that the first shovel of earth was turned. Apparently the work on the project went briskly on, as Mr. Newcomb thus reported for the Building Committee on September 6:
"H. K. Newcomb in account with All Saints Church
Dr.
Amount received from subscriptions in Worcester $930.
165.
to purchase land 1000.
Boston and the Bishop 2976.
$5071
Cr.
Amount paid to Edward Denny
$131.53
' Richard Upjohn
300.
Interest at Worcester Bank
18.25
Amount paid S. D. Harding
3800.
Insurance on $3000.
42.
Thomas Bottomly on account
150.
Newcomb & Dixie Co.
200.
Charles S. Ellis
IO0.
Burgess, the mason
IOO.
Purchase of land
1000.
$5841.78"
In the early autumn thirty-two of the women of the Parish subscribed $103 "for the purpose of procuring the necessary trimming for the pulpit, desk, Communion table, chancel steps and organ loft." Interest in the new Church had now increased the number of communicants to fifty.
April 8, 1846, Reverend George H. Clark succeeded Dr. Chapman as rector, and at about this time the new Church was sufficiently ready for occupancy, though not yet in posi- tion for consecration, as a small debt had necessarily been incurred. It was opened for public worship about June 10, 1846 .* The delight of the devoted rector, of Mr. Newcomb, his hard working associates on the Building Committee, and every other member of Worcester's pioneer parish, we can
*The closest approximation of this date from the records is a vote of June 4: "Voted, that the meeting be adjourned to Wednesday, June 10, at the Church."
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hardly imagine. The seventy-five pews seated about three hundred persons.
We shall now bid good-by to Dr. Chapman, to whom All Saints owes much for his splendid and successful mis- sionary work at a most critical period, by quoting in full his reports to the Diocesan Conventions of June, 1845 and 1846:
"Baptisms, (adults, 4, children, II) 15. Confirmed, 10. Communicants added, 20; removed, 4; present number, 48. Burials, 6.
"I took charge of All Saints' Church, in the parish of Worcester, the first Sunday after Easter, in the month of April, 1844. The town is large and flourishing, with a popu- lation continually increasing, and supposed, at this time, to amount to about 12,000 souls. By the divine blessing, the Church is therefore in a fair way to become successfully and permanently established. The greatest obstacle to its growth has been the absence of a house consecrated to the worship of God. The hall, now used for this purpose, though large and commodious, is yet difficult of access, and still more objectionable from the fact of its being in secular time the scene of various amusements. To overcome this for- midable deficiency has been one of our leading objects during the recent ecclesiastical year, and I am happy to report that, after the greatest exertions, the sum of six thousand dollars has been secured to encourage our hopes and brighten the prospect before us. For three thousand dollars of this amount, we are principally indebted to the liberality of the churchmen of Boston. They have nobly responded to the personal call made upon them. To the Bishop, for his un- tiring efforts, to the clergy and laity, our warmest thanks are justly due. The remaining three thousand dollars has been subscribed within the parish itself. The result so far has been the purchase of a suitable site for the church in a cen- tral position, and Mr. Upjohn is preparing the plans to be followed in its erection. We hope to have every thing com- pleted, and the church consecrated before the next Christ- mas. It is intended to accommodate four hundred persons, and the determination is to build it without contracting any debt."
And for 1846:
"Baptisms, 6. Communicants added, 9; died or removed, 7; present number, 50. Marriages, I. Burials, 7.
[ 26]
"The above statement comprises the official acts occurring during the period of ten calendar months, from the 8th of June, 1845, to the 8th of April, 1846, at which time my engagements with the Board of Missions terminated. The want of a church has been justly considered a great obstacle to the growth of our communion in this place, and I am happy to report that the privation no longer exists, and that divine service has, for several Sundays, been duly celebrated in the house of God, according to 'the beauty of holiness.' For this auspicious event, so long and ardently desired, we have abundant cause to be thankful to the merciful goodness of God. Under other circumstances, no permanently suc- cessful progress could have been made in enlarging the bounds of our Zion, in this important and populous town. But now, in this particular, a happy change has been effected, and we trust that the Divine blessing will crown every sub- sequent effort to build up the Redeemer's cause in this part of his fold. The church is Gothic in its architecture, after designs furnished by Mr. Upjohn, and it is but justice to say, that a more beautiful ecclesiastical structure does not adorn any of our country villages. With the exception of the base- ment story, not intended to be finished at present, the work is nearly or quite completed. Including the organ, carpet, cushions, and lamps, the whole expense, I understand, will be about $11,000. The number of pews is seventy-five, and these will accommodate 300 persons.
G. T. CHAPMAN"
The final report of the Building Committee is presented herewith :
"Sam. D. Harding, boss carpenter and supt. $5,351.87
Richard Upjohn, architect
300.00
Newcomb-Dixie Company 382.38
Litch 177.00
Putnam
26.75
Buffum
23.87
Townie
10.42
Glazing
67.50
Merrifield 91.50
Nichols 50.00
Painting
400.00
$6,881.29"
The completed Church, at last freed from the encumbrance of debt, after about a year and a half had elapsed since it was
[27]
opened for public worship, was consecrated by Bishop East- burn on October 1, 1847. On this eventful Friday morning (in the presence, we must believe, of a "capacity house") the Reverend Dr. Chapman, the Reverend Messrs. Babcock, Lee, Porter and Scott, Reverend Mr. Goodwin, rector of St. John's, Wilkinsonville, second oldest parish in Worcester County, and Reverend George H. Clark, the rector of the Parish, officiated at the service of dedication. The Instru- ment of Donation was read by Mr. Clark, and the Sentence of Consecration by Mr. Goodwin. The service of Morning Prayer was performed by Mr. Lee, and the sermon, of course, was preached by Bishop Eastburn, who also read the ante- Communion service. The Epistle was read by Mr. Babcock.
At the evening service, after prayers by Reverend Mr. Porter, the bishop preached again, and administered the rite of confirmation to seven persons. On Saturday morning he officiated at a special Service of Ordination, at which the Reverend George Porter, then in deacon's orders, was ad- mitted to the holy order of priests. Morning Prayer was read by the rector, and the sermon preached by Reverend Mr. Lee. The candidate was presented by Reverend Dr. Chapman, who, with the other presbyters present, united with the bishop in the Laying On of Hands. Holy Com- munion was administered by the bishop.
From Bishop Eastburn's address, published in The Wit- ness for October 8, 1847, the following extract is made: "All Saints Church has been occupied for more than a year by the congregation, but its previous consecration was prevented by the debt which encumbered the Parish. This hindrance having been removed so that the Parish, as such, is freed from the burden which rested upon it, the beautiful and impressive temple has been set apart from all common and wordly uses, and devoted to the worship and service of Almighty God. May the Divine Blessing rest upon this important undertaking, and may the Church grow and thrive in this enterprising and flourishing community."
Before the first fire (of Easter Tuesday, 1874) which, in a sense, proved a blessing in rough disguise, the Church was remodeled four times.
[28]
In 1860, after fourteen years of occupancy, the pews were rearranged, in order considerably to enlarge the seating capacity. Four years later a new wing was constructed at the east side; an extra row of pews put in, and a new organ provided. In 1868 a corresponding wing was added at the west, the whole church lengthened toward the south, and a small chapel attached. Three years afterward, a new and beautiful chancel was built and suitably furnished. The original seating capacity was thus more than doubled, to accommodate some 750 worshipers.
The Reverend George Henry Clark, rector, was a grad- uate of Yale (1843) and native of Newburyport; he pur- sued his theological studies at the Virginia Seminary, and was sent to All Saints as his first parochial charge. In Janu- ary, 1849, he found it necessary, on account of failing health, to seek a warmer climate, and consequently removed to Georgia, where he enjoyed a successful ministry at St. John's, in Savannah, from 1853 to 1861. He then came to Christ Church, in Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained until his retirement. In spite of feeble health, he lived on till 1906, having survived all of his ninety-five college class- mates. He was a brother of the Rt. Reverend Thomas March Clark, Bishop of Rhode Island.
His sincerely moving letter of resignation, together with the reply of the vestry is given herewith:
"Worcester, Jan. 20, 1849
"To the Wardens and Vestry of All Saints Church
"GENTLEMEN :
"The disability under which I have been so unexpectedly brought by a wise Providence, and which for an indefinite period must interrupt my professional labors, constrains me to offer you the resignation of my office as minister of All Saints. You will appreciate, I trust, the sincere regret I feel at this necessity of separation from a parish strongly endeared to me by the harmonious and happy connection which we have enjoyed. Nothing but the regard, which is due to our mutual welfare, under these unexpected circum- stances, induces me to take the present course, the best
[29]
doubtless for your prosperity and my own recovery. I must therefore request your acceptance of my resignation in the same spirit in which it is offered.
"I am compelled to omit the expressions of feelings which are natural at such a moment and of parting counsels and wishes, which I would fain utter, not to you only, but to all those for whom, as my own flock, I feel the deepest affection and solicitude. Sincerely do I commend you in all your future interests to the care and blessing of our common Father and Redeemer. May the great Head of the Church defend and bless you; and giving to you severally an interest in his great salvation may He bring you all at last to the rest that remaineth for the people of God.
Faithfully & affectionately yours,
GEORGE H. CLARK"
"Worcester, Jany. 22d. 1849 "REV. AND DEAR SIR:
"The Vestry of All Saints have received your letter of resignation of the 20th inst. While we do not feel at liberty to dissent from your views of duty in these unexpected cir- cumstances, we would reciprocate most sincerely your own regret at this proposed separation and would express our deep sympathy with you in the occasion of it. We beg to assure you, dear Sir, of the affectionate regard which we all entertain for you as a faithful, able and amiable Pastor. Your efficient and acceptable Ministry in All Saints has laid the parish under lasting obligations to you, and will always be held in grateful and pleasant remembrance. You will leave us with sincere prayers on our part, that your health may be speedily restored and that your future career may be one of prosperity and happiness.
"With these feelings and in submission to the Providence which seems to require it, we accept your resignation of All Saints Church.
Your friends &c.
THOMAS BOTTOMLY
CHARLES S. ELLIS
Wardens
HENRY K. NEWCOMB
EDW. F. DIXIE WILLIAM C. BARBOUR { Vestry" JAMES M. BARKER
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NATHANIEL T. BENT Rector 1849-1852
Mr. Clark was at once succeeded by Reverend Nathaniel T. Bent, who should be endeared in memory to us of the present generation as the father of the late Charles M. Bent, one of the sturdiest pillars of our Church.
Nathaniel Tucker Bent was born in Milton, Massachu- setts, July 30, 1810, and died in Worcester, November 4, 1856. He attended Milton Academy and then later, for one year, Phillips Academy, Andover, where "the jacket was too straight for a boy of fifteen." After studying with his brother, Reverend Josiah Bent, he entered Harvard College and graduated with honors in 1831, standing fifth in a class that included such men as Wendell Phillips, John Lothrop Motley and Thomas Gold Appleton. He prepared for the ministry at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, and finished his course of study with Bishop Griswold. He was ordained deacon at the age of twenty-two, and went directly to his first parish, in New Bedford. His later par- ishes were at St. John's, Charlestown, Massachusetts; St. Paul's, Philadelphia; St. Thomas's, Taunton; and All Saints, Worcester (1849-1852). He resigned his charge here on account of ill health, but at once established an educational institution for girls. This was the Salisbury Mansion School, in Worcester, and two years later he built Herbert Hall (on Salisbury Street above Park Avenue) named in honor of Reverend George Herbert, poet and divine. He moved his school of sixty pupils there, where he died soon afterwards, at the age of forty-six.
He had married June 18, 1834, Catherine Eliza Donaldson Metcalf, eldest daughter of Col. Eliab W. and Lydia Metcalf of Cambridge. She died in Taunton, February 28, 1892. He left three children besides two others who did not survive him.
Several of his sermons and addresses have been published. He had a passion for music and often both sang and played the organ for his own services.
In 1848, under Reverend Mr. Clark's rectorship, Messrs. Bottomly and Ellis were still wardens, and James M. Barker, clerk of the parish; 44 communicants were enrolled; 12 bap-
[3] ]
tisms and 7 confirmations recorded, with 51 pupils in the Church School; the latter raised $20 for books and other equipment. The diocesan apportionment for missions was $300. A "juvenile society" was formed to support one child for a year at some African mission.
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