USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > All Saints church, Worcester, Massachusetts ; a centennial history, 1835-1935 > Part 7
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"No bells now disturb the morning service" strikes one as an odd bit from the Parish records, till he learns that the horse-car company had been invited to remove the bells on Sunday morning from their cars on Pleasant street, with the above beneficent result. If the present street-railway offi- cials could be persuaded similarly to eliminate the un- churchly din created by their rolling stock on the same thoroughfare, our congregation, too, would be equally grateful.
As a memorial offering to our Church's Centennial in this country, the Parish treasurer sent $700 as our contribution to a million-dollar fund for the general support of missionary enterprise. Over 150 givers are listed from All Saints.
Early in 1887 the Parish was called upon to mourn the loss
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THE SECOND CHURCH EDIFICE, 1884
of one of our staunchest churchmen, Sumner Pratt. A beautiful tribute was offered by the vestry. "Tenderly and keenly we feel his loss; gratefully we recognize the blessing to him who has gone before, and the consolation to us who wait." In memory of his sterling service the large alms- basin for receiving the offerings was presented at Epiphany of 1888.
On January 25, a memorial to the late Judge Francis H. Dewey was presented by Col. John D. Washburn: "He was closely associated with the growth of Worcester during its last half century of progress, touching its intellectual and material activities at many points. Judge Dewey was held in high esteem by the learned and eminent of the Com- monwealth. He was a vestryman for thirty-two years, and as consistent in his attention to the duties of his office as he was constant in his attendance at the services of his Church. He had a genial and kindly spirit, and made friends easily. His many charitable deeds were not made public. Children loved him. His constant admonition to the rectors of All Saints Church was always 'If you need more, let me know.' With deep and abiding love and gratitude the name of Judge Francis H. Dewey will be preserved in the memory of the Parish where he worshiped so long, and whose interests here these many years he served."
In his will, Judge Dewey gave to All Saints the sum of $2,000 to be specifically invested, and the interest used for "the needy ones of the Parish."
In midwinter a kermis was held in Mechanics Hall. Prac- tically the whole Parish took part, the total receipts being $2,268. The "scenery" later traveled to Bath, Maine, and thence back to Newburyport, and up again to Portland.
St. Mark's mission was organized October 23, 1887, and services for deaf mutes at All Saints had already been for some time in operation.
An example of Dr. Vinton's earnest diction may be read in his preface to the Year Book for 1887:
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"TO MY PARISHIONERS:
"Another year and another Year Book. Length of days granted means continued duty and increased sense of respon- sibility. The Church life must never grow old. As the heads whiten, the steps falter, and the wearied labourers are called home unto their rest, the youth must stand ready to give their strength and energy to the work that must go on, steadily, not spasmodically.
"Not only is the help of every member of the congrega- tion needed to sustain the present enterprises of the Parish, but much is waiting to be done, needing only the sober yet manful cry-'Here am I, send me' from the Christian volunteer.
"Read and study the pamphlet I am sending you. Note the weak places, discover the deficiencies, and do one's best to re-enforce the one, supply the other.
"And while the effort is made to keep this Parish always active in good works, do not forget the spiritual needs of all. Intensify the life of personal devotion, and the outcome must be the growth in deeds as in grace. Pray and labour.
Affectionately your Rector, ALEXANDER H. VINTON"
In 1888 the Kitchen Garden, composed of twenty-four little girls, and active for some years past, continued to hold its weekly meetings under direction of Miss Annie M. Lin- coln and Mrs. Charles A. Merrill.
Before the close of 1888 occurred the decease of a highly respected parishioner :
"In the death of Meltiah B. Green the Parish has lost a venerable presence, and has one more name enrolled at the diptychs of the faithful. Casting his lot with the Church in its early days, he lived to see the Parish grow to strength and prosperity. Its interests were always very near his heart. When he retired from the post of Warden the Vestry placed in its records high appreciation of the services ren- dered by their associate, and on the Sunday following his burial there was a Service of Commemoration held in the Church."
The Year Book issued for 1889 was the sixteenth, of which Dr. Vinton had been responsible for the last six, the first of all a tiny pamphlet of twenty-eight pages. "Vestry meet-
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ALEXANDER H. VINTON Rector 1884-1902
ings are not held at regular intervals, but are called as occa- sion may require during the year. By courtesy, the rector presides, although not included in the corporation." Not till 1890 does the roster of communicants, with 451 names, exceed the total reached by Dr. Huntington on laying down his ministry seven years before.
The year 1891 brought some negative but genuine good fortune to the Parish, from the fact that the rector declined a flattering invitation to return to that Philadelphia parish from which he had been called to Worcester. Strong pres- sure was brought to bear upon Dr. Vinton, but on St. Bar- nabas' Day the Parish received the good tidings of his deci- sion to remain. In the course of this year a beautiful, massive and costly gold-plated cross of special design and workmanship was presented by the late Miss Eugenia Tif- fany, and set up on the high altar. A new organ was also presented to the Infant School by the Bishop Huntington Class, taught by Miss Washburn. During November the Junior Auxiliary was organized by Mrs. Charles L. Nichols for mission study and sewing. The Wednesday Club now numbered fifty-six.
All Saints Branch of the Girls' Friendly Society was organ- ized in January, 1892, with nineteen girls present. The objectives were outlined by the rector and a special consti- tution adopted. The Kitchen Garden, organized several years ago, now comprised a membership of sixty girls, and included a cooking class of twelve. Now first appears the Young Men's Guild, to promote good fellowship and coopera- tion among youths of fifteen and upward.
The name of Phillips Brooks is a household word among all our churchpeople, but that of Bishop Brooks is rare. On March 2, 1892, he confirmed a class of twenty-six in All Saints, in the presence of a congregation of some nine hun- dred. He was a frequent and always welcome guest in Worcester, and often preached on Ash Wednesdays. His untimely death had to be chronicled in the January of the following year, the same which saw the name of the beloved and ever faithful Charles Lancaster Short first appearing on
our clergy-list. The annual budget had now risen to $11,370, with the rector's salary still modest at $3,000, and something over $2,000 spent for music.
The Church Temperance Society, founded in 1882, now with a membership of eighty, chronicled in 1893 the lamented decease of Charles F. Washburn, an original member, "who has always been heartily in sympathy with all the move- ments for the achievement of the temperance cause."
The Parish Library now subscribed to twenty-one maga- zines. A Boys' Club and Wood Carving class now first appear in the Parish records. In September, 1893, a provi- sional Parish House was rented for one year at 15 Irving Street, to take care of some of the most pressing overflow meetings, religious and social. On May 20, the tenth annual churchman's dinner was held at the Bay State House. The Girls' Friendly Society presented to the Parish House Build- ing Fund a check for $200, representing proceeds of a fair.
The communicant roll for 1894 makes the most surprising jump in its history-591 to 689; with 407 pupils in the Church School; 34 men and boys comprising the vested choir. The Wednesday Club (Miss Louisa T. Coggswell, president) now enrolled ninety-five members and held fifteen meetings, presenting also $100 in gold for the Altar Fund, in memory of Dr. Vinton's Decennial. Almost $1,000 was raised to defray expense at the new provisional Parish House. Charitable and missionary offerings this year totaled $6,052; for all parochial expenses $14,730.
In his introduction to the Parish Year Book for 1895, Dr. Vinton writes thus characteristically :
"Really, there is little to be said. The Year Book is related to the Parish as an old-time friend to the family. When the well-known presence appears, as usual, the elders give their guest that informal greeting, devoid of all expres- sion, save incipient boredom, which seems to betoken indif- ference or scant courtesy; but if he fail to come precisely at the habitual time, grumbling disquietude shows what a hold he has upon the affections. A dozen reminders of how good he was in consultation convince one of an actual dependence upon what he has to say; and inquiries concerning the absen-
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THE CHANCEL, SECOND CHURCH EDIFICE
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tee increase as duties are arrested from failure to receive his accurate information. Moreover, the true regard for this intimate of the household is shown by the word spoken to the younger generation upon meeting him-'My child, reach out your hand and give your parent's friend a welcome.'
"May the hand of old and young Parishioners now be extended in cordial grasp at the arrival of this annual! And may the close hold upon it not be relaxed until all that the visitor has to say be known. Of course, much will be told that long ago lost the savor of novelty, but not yet, it is hoped, that of goodness. And, if in the exercise of a benev- olent disposition, perhaps a sentence of rebuke, admonition or solicitous counsel to do better come from these pages, let it be taken by the idle and careless when reflecting upon the record as well as the words of this old parochial friend!"
The Children's Charity Foundation, inaugurated by Dr. Vinton at the opening of his rectorship, at Christmas Eve, 1884, in eleven years had swelled to the splendid total of $1,439.
The Wednesday Club was now rapidly increasing its membership, which counted 141 in 1896. This important organization was thus named in the belief that Wednesday is the keystone of the week. The pagan character of the god Woden apparently has proved no impediment to a long and useful history.
The files of the Christmas Holly, Easter Lily, and The Woodbine (publications of the Wednesday Club) preserve valuable Church history, otherwise liable to suffer oblivion. A local branch of the Church Periodical Club was established under this useful club's jurisdiction.
"The original Burial Lot situated in Hope Cemetery has become too small, and this year has been exchanged for a larger space in the new part of the Cemetery, having a six- foot path all around it, and giving it a distinct separation from adjoining territory.
"The original lot was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Livingston Davis, and 'the Rector wishes to record his per- sonal gratitude for the cheerful consent given by the donors to the exchange, and the helpful assistance of his senior warden in effecting the legal transfer of the property.'
"Dr. Vinton wrote that 'the congregation generally is
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affectionately asked to take a sympathetic interest in the resting place of the mortal remains of fellow Christians and personally to inspect the new Church Lot and monument.' "
On the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, September 29, 1896, the ordination of Henry Bradford Washburn to the priesthood took place in All Saints Church; the candidate was presented to the Bishop, Rt. Reverend William Law- rence, by Dr. Vinton. At this service a rare and beautiful altar book, presented by Hon. Edward L. Davis, senior warden, was used for the first time.
From the Rector's Year Book of 1897 we quote as follows: "The present All Saints Church was consecrated January 4, 1877. Twenty years have passed since that great day- and now the coming of age of building and congregation worshiping within its walls confronts us.
"First of all let us see to it that personal character is here developed and blessed by the power of the Holy Spirit according to the pattern of Jesus Christ in loyal and loving docility to the teaching of Holy Church and as illustrated by all saintly lives. May our children be brought up with a becoming sense of religious responsibility, and so trained that naturally and eagerly they will consecrate the splendid energy of youth to the discharge of parochial obligation devolving in due course upon them. Be it remembered that the Church stands for the exaltation of the community in the advancement of social righteousness and goodness. We should consider intelligently and with purposeful activity the call to mission work and church extension about us.
"Not only are we to do good in our life-time, but by testamentary disposition of property provision should be made whereby one being dead yet speaketh in good wrought through his agency.
"Dear people of All Saints, as you read the record of the year past, think on these things, and help the dreams of youth to be the facts of age, and visions of the ideal to take shape in the actual life of this parish and city of our love.
ALEXANDER H. VINTON "
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==
THE ALTAR AND REREDOS, SECOND CHURCH EDIFICE
This year the old St. Cecilia Club was reorganized and re- named the Church Musical Club. Miss Emma A. Pratt was chosen president. Active members were to pay annual dues of twenty-five cents, with a ten-cent fine for non- attendance at rehearsals or practice (under direction of Charles I. Rice). The objects of the club were "to provide music for week-day services, and to study sacred and secular works."
After many years of patient waiting, the beautiful Celtic Cross of pink Milford granite on the Memorial Burial Lot in Hope Cemetery was consecrated July 1, 1897, before a goodly congregation of parishioners, clergy, and full choir. The lot provides interment space for seventy-two persons, only six having been already buried there. Dr. Vinton performed the service of consecration.
This year of 1897 was memorable for the reconstruction of the chancel and the erection of the new memorial altar and reredos.
"In a Sermon preached at the end of the first five years of his charge the present Rector called the attention of his congregation to the great need of a proper Altar for All Saints Church. Though the building was noble in outline, the Chancel was bare, its furniture incongruous, and the Altar insignificant. In 1895 the Rector was informed that an unofficial and incomplete canvass of the Parish showed that a large number of worshipers were desirous of contributing to the enrichment of the Chancel. The Vestry gave its sanc- tion to the undertaking, but a prolonged illness of the Rector prevented further progress. Money meanwhile began accumulating, and early in 1897 the Wardens and Vestry accepted a plan for Altar and Reredos designed by Mr. Henry Vaughan, and gave the Rector authority to raise $10,000 with the proviso that no work should be begun until the entire sum was paid in to the Treasurer. Circulars were sent to all in which it said none would be solicited for a con- tribution, nor would the offering anyone might choose to make be known to anyone other than the Rector and the giver. The Altar and Reredos were to be 'a Memorial of persons and events associated with All Saints and dear to its Parishioners.' So great was the interest manifested gen- erally that within three months the sum was pledged, and
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shortly after paid in full. Sufficient was also given to include renovation of the entire Chancel.
"The entire floor of Choir and Sanctuary was constructed of white marble and green slate tiles. The Choir was ap- proached by three steps of Knoxville marble, and the Sanc- tuary by one. Elaborately carved paneling (Gothic) of quartered oak, unusually beautiful in color, surrounds the Sanctuary, and handsome Choir Stalls of the same material were installed. A Credence of Caen Stone and oaken kneel- ing-rail complete the equipment.
Messrs. Norcross Brothers of Worcester, and John Evans and Company of Boston, were the contractors. At the Consecration on November fourth, the Rectors and vested choirs of the other Episcopal Churches of the city took part.
"The Baptismal Font was at this time removed from the left front of the Chancel to a Baptistery prepared for it. "The Rector, Hon. Edward L. Davis, Mr. Charles M. Bent, Mr. Josiah H. Clarke and Mr. Frederick S. Pratt were the members of the Committee in charge.
"Immediately above the Altar is a representation of the Last Supper, carved in bas-relief and surmounted by rich and elaborate canopy work. On either side are canopied niches containing the figures of the four Evangelists with their symbols-the man, lion, ox and eagle. To the right and left are four small niches containing the figures of Angels holding in their hands shields on which are carved the instru- ments of the Passion. On the right side of the Altar, cut in the base of the Reredos, is the Credence.
"The entire amount expended for the new Memorial Altar and the Reredos and Chancel improvements was $13,440.
"The acquisition of a new and enriched Chancel, Altar and Reredos has made necessary the proper arrangements for their care. It has seemed fitting that this sacred and beautiful duty should fall to the lot of the wives of the Vestry, or other near relatives as their representatives, to whom should be committed the charge of ordering and keep- ing intact the equipment of the Sanctuary. Accordingly the Chancel Committee, appointed by the Rector, was formed, and all cheerfully accepted their positions."
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In the course of 1898, our Parish was again fortunate in the declination, on Dr. Vinton's part, of a tempting call to Christ Church, Detroit.
Mingling the bitter with the sweet, we sustained next year a sad loss in the sudden death of Reverend Philip M. Washburn at Denver on October 6, 1899. He had taken a leave of absence on account of his health, from St. Stephen's Church, Colorado Springs. He died at the early age of thirty-eight, and was mourned by Parishioners of All Saints, who bore him living remembrance of the time when he was assistant minister in this Church. He was born August 2, 1861; was ordained a deacon in 1885; a priest in 1886; was assistant at All Saints from 1885 to 1887; rector of St. John's Church in Northampton from 1887 to 1893; and of St. Stephen's Church, Colorado Springs, from 1893 to 1898.
The last year of the old century, 1900, was memorable for raising the roll of communicants to an even 600, with 37 baptisms, 25 confirmations, 12 marriages, 35 burials, 524 families, and 1873 individuals recorded.
Likewise at about this time that accomplished and meticulous artist, Charles Seabury Hale, designed and presented to the Parish Library the tasteful bookplate ever since in use.
On July 30, 1900, the following letter was received by the wardens and vestry:
"GENTLEMEN :
"It was the purpose some years ago to place in the open space east of the Chapel a Sun-Dial, and in this plan my mother was much interested. I now request that I may be permitted to erect, and that when completed you will accept, a Sun-Dial of bronze, with base and pedestal of pink granite, from a design drawn by Stephen C. Earle, and in accordance with the plans under consideration many years ago, and to be suitably inscribed in memory of my mother.
Respectfully yours, DWIGHT F. DUNN"
This beautiful and unique gift was accepted, set up on the Church lawn, and dedicated on Easter Day, 1901. This
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memorial fortunately survived the great fire of 1932, and has generously been re rected by Miss Harriet E. Clarke (cousin of Mr. Dunn) near its former position in the "front yard" of the Church. The octagonal inscription reads: "In loving memory of Mary Stiles Foster Dunn."
Dr. Vinton having expressed his interest in the formation of a class for the promotion of a knowledge of the history of missions, past and present, a Mission Study Class for women was accordingly organized.
With the new century, the old Wednesday Club declared themselves as follows:
"The officers for this year felt on assuming their positions that the time had come when the Club should look upon itself from a somewhat different standpoint from that of the years previous. Then, the necessity of earning money seemed to be of the first importance; now it has come to be recognized more and more that a Society like the Wednes- day Club-composed of a large number of young women- should be a force in the Parish life in many ways and its value should not be judged merely by a money standard."
"Thus the division of the Club into five equal parts, each to devise methods of useful activity, has been a means of interesting many."
"At a Primary Convention of the Diocese, November 19th, in Christ Church, Springfield, it turned out that this meeting was destined to be the first session of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts. It was called by Bishop Lawrence. Thirty-seven clergymen and eighty-four lay delegates were present. The name of the new Diocese was decided upon. The name 'Worcester Diocese' had been seriously con- sidered. That of 'Western Massachusetts,' however, was finally adopted. (During the recess a Worcester lay delegate was noticed with an architect's tape measuring off Christ Church Chapel, which proved to be five feet wider than All Saints, and one foot longer !)
"The Reverend David Hummel Greer, Rector of St. Bartholomew's Church, New York, was placed in nomina- tion for the new Bishopric by the Reverend John Cotton Brooks, of Springfield. His motion was seconded by the Rector of All Saints. Reverend Mr. Greer was, after the voting, declared unanimously elected. When informed of the choice of the Convention, Mr. Greer declined the nom- ination."
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At a Special Convention of the new Diocese of Western Massachusetts, held in Springfield, January 22, 1902, the Reverend Alexander H. Vinton, Rector of All Saints Church, Worcester, was elected as bishop on the first ballot. Dr. J. C. Tebbitts, of North Adams, placed in nomination the name of Dr. Vinton, and Matthew J. Whittall, of Wor- cester, seconded the nomination.
The Diocese of Western Massachusetts contains "all the state west of and including Worcester County, except the Town of Southborough. It contains forty-nine parishes, thirty of which are self-supporting, and has 8,245 Communi- cants. Two Archdeaconries fall within the new Diocese (Worcester and Springfield) which starts with a Fund of $100,000. It is neither strong nor rich, but it is full of promise."
The wardens and vestrymen of All Saints Church, in accepting Dr. Vinton's resignation, said, in part: "Never in its history has this Parish been so effectively organized, so systematically administered, and so wisely guided towards the enrichment of our Services, and the development of the beauty of our ritual. The influence of Dr. Vinton has been strongly felt in the Archdeaconry of Worcester, where the same kindly spirit and ready helping hand have always been offered by him to those needing counsel and sympathy, and he is today looked upon as the man whose sound advice and ripe judgment are instinctively sought on all oc- casions.
"In the future as our Diocesan, Dr. Vinton will have our heartfelt sympathy and love, and the same bonds will draw us to him which have held us during the past years, of close intimacy as our Rector. He will go to his post of larger responsibility and wider influence with the earnest prayers and loyal affection of each one of us to whom his departure from our midst means so much of sorrow and personal loss."
Early in March the wardens and vestry invited Mr. Short to become minister in charge. He remained in charge of the Church during April, but on May I he began
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his duties as rector of St. Andrew's Church, North Grafton.
Dr. Vinton was consecrated bishop on April 22, 1902, in All Saints Church. Ten bishops took part in the service. The sermon was preached by Bishop Henry Codman Potter, of New York. He spoke of his acquaintance and friendship for Dr. Vinton's uncle, for whom he was named-the Reverend Alexander Hamilton Vinton, D.D., once rector of Trinity Church, New York City.
The consecrator was the Rt. Reverend Thomas Frederick Davies, D.D., Bishop of Michigan, who was rector of a Philadelphia church when Dr. Vinton had his first rectorate there. The co-consecrators were the Rt. Reverend Frederick Dan Huntington, D.D., the Bishop of Central New York (who was largely influential in William Reed Huntington's entering the ministry), and the Rt. Reverend Chauncey Bunce Brewster, D.D., Bishop of Connecticut. (Bishop Huntington, now a very elderly man, had laid the corner- stone of All Saints Church twenty-seven years before.)
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