USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Springfield > Christ Church Parish : Springfield, Massachusetts, 1817-1927 > Part 3
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Two years later, Mr. Lee was called to Rochester, N. Y. This time, he deemed it wise to accept the call (Nov. 18, 1847), although he wrote of his feelings later.
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"Rochester, N. Y.
"Feb. 21, 1848.
It cost me many painful struggles to break away from the ties that bound me to my first parish, but there were considerations which made me willing to leave. Those considerations were not of a pecuniary nature."
Dr. Lee was rector of St. Luke's Church, Rochester, New York, for about eight years. In that church he was consecrated Bishop of Iowa, October 18, 1854. He died September 26, 1874. During Mr. Lee's rectorship of Christ Church, "144 were baptized, 84 confirmed, and the 20 communicants increased to 190."
THE REV. HENRY WRIGHT ADAMS 1848-1849
The Rev. Henry Wright Adams was born in Brookfield, Vermont, March 12, 1818. He was graduated at Wesleyan University in 1841, and became preacher in the New Hampshire Conference of the Methodist Church but withdrew from the Conference in 1847. He was ordained priest by Bishop East- burn, October 10, 1847, coming to Christ Church the following year and remaining about eighteen months.
At the beginning of his ministry, wishing to augment his small salary Mr. Adams purchased several acres of land in the vicinity of Pine Street and conducted a farm there. Un- fortunately it was suggested by a few persons that the parish suffered from the rector's divided interest. Although he was wholly exonerated from these unhappy charges, he thought it best to resign. In accepting his resignation, the wardens and vestry wrote to him that " we bear witness to your ability and piety as a clergyman of the church." Bishop East- burn also wrote at this time, "I feel a sincere regard for Mr. Adams."
Sometime in the fifties Mr. Adams left the ministry and became a very successful inventor, his home then being in Philadelphia. He died suddenly of apoplexy at Charlotte, North Carolina, September 21, 1881.
The Rt. Rev. Abram N. Littlejohn, D. D., LL. D.
THE REV. ABRAM NEWKIRK LITTLEJOHN 1850-1851
The Rev. Abram Newkirk Littlejohn followed Mr. Adams as rector on Jan. 20, 1850 and he, too, stayed only a short time, in all about nineteen months.
Dr. Manton Eastburn was Bishop of Massachusetts at that time. "The Bishop, it should be said, was a staunch defender of the principles of the Evangelical School." It is instructive to read what this Bishop wrote concerning Mr. Littlejohn, when he was a candidate for rector of Christ Church. He said he did not know the man personally, or ever heard aught against him, but, he went on to say, "I hope your parish are quite sure about Mr. Littlejohn's soundness of sentiments a good many of the Connecticut Clergy have been strong Trac- tarians, and others have leaned very much to ultra views We want sound scriptural and moderate views." Thus the great Tractarian Movement of far off England brushed ever so lightly Christ Church, Springfield.
Mr. Littlejohn was born in Florida, Montgomery County, New York, December 13, 1824. During his diaconate he was in charge of St. Ann's church, Amsterdam, New York, and of St. Anthony's church, Meridan, Connecticut. As priest, his first parish was Christ Church. In 1855, he received the degree of D. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1880, the degree of LL. D. from the University of Cambridge, England.
Mr. Littlejohn found that Christ Church was in a flourishing condition, and that the congregation had outgrown the seating capacity of the building. A Committee on Enlarging the Church was formed and reported, April 21, 1851, that during the year just closed the Parish treasury had $500.00 above
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expenses and plans had been made for enlarging the church fabric, and in other ways improving the property.
Mr. Littlejohn did not remain to see these changes completed, but accepted a call to St. Paul's Church, New Haven. He wrote, July 1, 1851: "Though I have not been long with you, yet many ties have been knit in that brief time, which it is painful for me to sever."
In 1860, he became rector of Holy Trinity, Brooklyn, New York, remaining there eight years. In 1868, he was elected Bishop of Central New York, but declined. In that year he was consecrated Bishop of Long Island. As a writer, he made many contributions to church and general literature. Bishop Littlejohn died in 1901.
In the Pre-Convention number of "The Church at Work," 1922, there is a composite picture of the House of Bishops of the General Convention, held in Boston in 1877. In this picture Bishop Littlejohn stands beside Bishop Alexander Burgess.
In 1926, his name appeared in the daily press. It was there recalled that Bishop Littlejohn with Bishop Potter and the Rev. Dr. John Welsey Brown officiated at the marriage of Miss Consuelo Vanderbilt and the Duke of Marlborough in St. Thomas's Church, New York City.
The Rev. William S. Child, D. D.
THE REV. WILLIAM SPENCER CHILD, D. D. 1851-1859
Christ Church's next rector was the Rev. William Spencer Child. He came here, Sept. 29, 1851, from the Diocese of Rhode Island, to which he had been transferred by the Bishop of Virginia, soon after taking deacon's order. He had been assistant minister of Grace Church, Providence. Bishop Hen- shaw wrote of Mr. Child at that time, "His public ministrations have received such warm commendations as are rarely accord- ed to those of young clergymen." Mr. Child found the Church's improvements well under way, the congregation, meantime, worshipping in the Unitarian Church, whose cornerstone Dr. Titus Strong had laid so many years before.
The contemplated changes in the Church building on State Street were finished in the spring of 1853, one year after Springfield became a city. They had included an addition of thirty-one feet to the length of the church; thirty-two new "slips," a chancel with vestry and "library rooms." The loca- tion of some of the old "slips" had been changed, a new gallery erected, ribs on the ceiling, new plastering on side walls, and, as the Committee reported, "We believe we have made an entire new church, so far as the interior is concerned." The exterior was also painted.
Of the years of Mr. Child's rectorship, Dr. Slattery said ; "Names of great importance begin to appear more and more upon the record, such as John Bliss Stebbins, for thirty-six years Senior Warden, and constant benefactor; James D. Brewer, long time Junior Warden and leader in the building of our present Church; James A. Baldwin, who endowed the parish and with his wife left a large legacy toward the
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building of the tower; Nathan Adams, in whose memory his wife and son endowed a free bed in the Springfield Hospital for the benefit of parishioners of Christ Church. And there are other names,-George W. Winchester, William Connor, Clark W. Bryan, for example,-but it is difficult to find a place to stop when one begins to name those whose lives have made the parish. Perhaps those who in God's sight did most will not be named at all."
Mr. Child always took an active interest in the Mission at Chicopee. At the earnest request of Westfield churchmen, he occasionally drove over there, and conducted services in a parlor. This Mission had been in existence since about 1789.
Mr. Child's health failed while he was in Springfield, and he asked for a four months' leave of absence, hoping to regain strength with which to carry on his work. However he felt it necessary to resign, although he said, "After a term of ser- vice which has lasted for 71/2 years, I cannot contemplate such a step without great pain and grief of mind."
After leaving Christ Church, Dr. Child was rector, first, of a church in Brooklyn, N. Y., then of Zion's Church, Newport, Rhode Island. He resigned this charge, then founded and conducted a very successful school for boys, called "St. John's School," which became known for its high standard of scholar- ship. He continued this work until his death. A beautiful celtic cross in Pine Street cemetery, Springfield, marks his final resting-place.
The Rev. George H. McKnight, D. D.
THE REV. GEORGE H. McKNIGHT 1859-1869
The Rev. George H. Mcknight came to Springfield from Madison, Indiana, November 6, 1859. Bishop Manton East- burn instituted him rector of Christ Church, Bishop Henry W. Lee preaching the sermon at the service. Mr. McKnight was a very scholarly man. He was considered an authority on ques- tions pertaining to church creed or doctrine. He was one of those who changed vestments before preaching. It was a great mystery to certain interested children in the congregation just when and how he effected this change.
On April 26, 1861, Mr. Mcknight was called upon to perform a very unpleasant duty. A young man, Alexander Desmanteau, by name, while under the influence of liquor, committed a most brutal murder. ; He was imprisoned in the old jail on State Street and condemned to death, by hanging, sentence rarely pronounced in; Massachusetts. The case aroused a great deal of sympathy in the city, for the young man, while awaiting trial and sentence had devoted many hours to religious reading, and as a result his penitence and conversion seemed perfectly sincere.
Desmanteau showed decided leaning toward the Episcopal faith; so much so, that Mr. McKnight received a certain amount of publicity in connection with the affair, as noted in the Springfield Republican, April 15, 1861: "Some inquiry has been made as to why the chaplain of the jail did not ad- minister the sacrament to the prisoner, Desmanteau. It was simply because the prisoner desired to receive it at the hands of an Episcopal clergyman. To set the matter right, Rev. Mr McKnight has given Rev. Mr. Jordan a letter stating the fact,
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and also vouching for the general fitness of the latter for his position as chaplain." Later, at the execution, the public address was delivered by Mr. McKnight, this being the prisoner's request.
When the Nation began its great Civil war, the current of Christ Church life was diverted from its accustomed channel, for Springfield became, at once, the scene of military activities. "The Tenth Massachusetts Volunteers," was one of the first enlisted. It encamped on Hampden Park and was reviewed by Governor Andrew and staff July 10, 1861. There was also Camp Reed, situated about a mile east of the Armory.
Mrs. James Barnes, wife of General Barnes, was the leader of the women organized to perform the war duties that always fall to their lot,-making hospital supplies, meeting the trains with a bit of cheering refreshment for the passing soldiers, and caring for the sick and wounded when the boys came home. The ladies of Springfield at the time of Governor Andrew's visit, presented the regiment with an unusually beautiful stand of colors national and regimental, Mrs. Barnes making the presentation speech.
At the beginning of the war the ladies of Springfield met at the City Hall, and "each church, in turn selected from its number those who served as an executive committee." Christ Church elected the following committee: Mrs. Elisha Gunn, Mrs. Connor, Miss Sophia Clary, Mrs. J. D. Brewer.
There is no available list of Christ Church boys who fought as privates during the Civil War, but the names of some of her members who paid the supreme sacrifice are, no doubt, in- scribed on that splendid monument on Court Square, presented by the late Mr. Gurdon Bill. Let us speak of three brave officers.
General Robert E. Clary fought in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. A brother of General Clary was with Commodore Perry, when he opened Japan. A grand-niece married the English poet, Alfred Noyes. General Clary was not a com- municant, but he attended Christ Church, and his family, espec-
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ially his sisters, the Misses Sophia, Isabel and Ellen Clary, were enthusiastic, active members.
General James Barnes enlisted while living in Springfield, at the age of 55. He was in active service throughout the War, receiving a serious wound at the battle of Gettysburg. He died in 1869 as a result of this wound, of exposure, and of disease contracted in southern camps. His, funeral services were held in Christ Church a few months after the happy marriage of his daughter in the same building.
Major Homer G. Gilmore was one of the Christ Church boys who fought in the Civil War. As a private in the old Springfield City guard, he was the first to answer "I" when in 1861 the call came for volunteers for the National Army. His war record is a most honorable and active one. He fought in many battles, among them St. Mary's Heights, Battle of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House. At the latter engagement, he received a severe wound that necessitated a stay of some length in a hospital. He was mustered out, July, 1864. His promotion from private to Major was inevitable. Following the war, he was a member of the Peabody Guard, in which he was gradually promoted from Lieutenant to Colonel. It was characteristic of this good soldier, that he preferred the title "Major" because he had been so breveted "for meritorious service," in the battles of the war.
During the Civil War, Springfield, having the United States Armory within its borders, attracted many workmen and, "the city limits had scarcely room to contain all the newcomers, -had not food and shelter sufficient for the proper accommo- dations for all the workmen who had so suddenly gathered Every house in the city was stored full of humanity from basement to attic, and prosperity reigned on all hands."
We are indebted for the most part to the files of "The Spring- field Republican" for a reflection of Springfield church and secular life throughout those trying years. We find an occasional item referring to Christ Church that accents her feeling of re- sponsibility under the new conditions. We read for instance,
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April 23, 1861: "Rev. Mr. Mcknight of the Episcopal Church preached a sermon on Sunday upon the duty of the citizen to the government, which gave great satisfaction to his patriotic hearers."
A great "Soldiers' Fair", at which $25,000 was raised for a "Soldiers' Rest," at Springfield was held at the City Hall, Christmas week in 1864. Mrs. James Barnes was the chairman of the committee of ladies appointed to make arrangements for this fair. Associated with her, were Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Gunn, Mrs. Brewer, Mrs. Connor, Mrs. Stebbins, the Misses Clary and many other Christ Church members. The Fair engaged the attention of the entire city during the weeks of preparation, and was a subject of pleasant conversation for weeks following, and in many instances, even to the present day. The culminating event was the auction of an autograph letter from President Lincoln to the ladies of Springfield expressing regret that he was unable to accept their invitation to attend this Fair. It was struck down for $22, to Mr. James D. Brewer, and is still in the possession of the family. A similar letter written by Mrs. Lincoln, was received too late, for auc- tion, and became the property of Miss Bella Clary Saxton of Washington, D. C.
In 1865, came the thrilling news of the fall of Richmond and later the great, glad news of Lee's surrender. On both historic days, Springfield witnessed a "hearty spontaneous manifestation of joy." Flags were displayed, bells rung, cannon fired, steam whistles blown, and small boys added to the awful noise with horns, drums and fireworks. The tower of the City Hall was racked with the continued ringing of its bell, the tongue of Old First Church bell was broken. Then came the awful tragedy of Lincoln's assassination. On the days follow- ing that unparalleled event, on buildings along the principal streets were seen portraits of Lincoln with the National colors, flowers, and yards of draped black cloth. On the Sunday following, the churches were decorated with the same sad em- blems and "the Easter Service of rejoicing was blended with
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deepest mourning at the President's death. Rev. Mr. McKnight preached from Colossians III, and during his discourse, alluded with touching solemnity to the sad event of the hour." A public funeral was later held in City Hall. Dr. J. G. Holland preached the sermon to a crowd that overflowed the building. Added to this, "all the churches were open at noon, and the attendance was uniformly large. In most cases the drapery was the same which was put up for last Sunday, but at the Episcopal and one or two other churches a much more elaborate and elegant display was made."
After the war, Springfield continued to grow in numbers and prosperity. Many who had come here to work in the Armory, found our city so desirable, that they decided to make it their permanent abiding place, and church attendance grew apace.
Dr. Mcknight remained in Christ Church and contributed to its spiritual and material growth until 1869, when he ac- cepted a call to become the rector of Trinity Church-the largest Episcopal Church in Elmira, New York. Three res- olutions adopted by Christ Church at the time of his leaving, speak of the esteem in which he was held. Resolution II sums up so well the tangible results of his ministry it deserves quoting in full.
"Resolved: That in looking upon the past we cannot fail to recognize his successful ministry, especially in the extinguish- ment of our large parish debt, in the prosperity of our Sunday School, in the addition of a pleasant and commodious Sunday School and lecture room, in the increased offerings of the church for missionary and benevolent purposes, and in short, in all the labors which tend to promote the spiritual and temporal prosperity of the church; and in this separation we feel we have sustained a great loss not only in this church but in the Diocese and Community at large."
THE REV. ALEXANDER BURGESS, D. D., LL. D. 1869-1878
The illustrious family of which Dr. Alexander Burgess was a member numbered at least three generations of clergymen. This family gave the church three bishops, Bishop George Burgess, D. D. of Maine, Bishop Frederic Burgess, D. D., LL. D., late Bishop of Long Island, and the one-time rector of Christ Church, Bishop Alexander Burgess, D. D., LL. D., who gave the church faithful service as first Bishop of Quincy, Illinois. The Rev. Thomas Burgess Jr., now at the Church Missions House is a grandson, and the Rev. Frederic Burgess Jr., of Zion and St. Timothy Parish New York City and the Rev. George Burgess, one time rector of Grace Church, Chico- pee are grandnephews of Bishop Alexander Burgess. His only son the Rev. Thomas Burgess was ordained in Christ Church, and as priest, preached his first sermon there.
Alexander Burgess was born in Providence, Rhode Island, October 31, 1819. He was graduated at Brown University in 1838, at the age of nineteen, and at the General Theological Seminary in 1841. He was made deacon in Providence, Nov- ember 3, 1842 by Bishop Griswold, and ordained priest November 1, 1843, by Bishop Henshaw. While in deacon's orders he had charge of St. Stephen's Church, East Haddam, Connecticut. In 1843 he became rector of St. Mark's Church, Augusta, Maine, which office held until Easter 1854, when he removed to Portland, Maine, where he was rector of St. Luke's Church until 1867. From 1867 to 1869 he was rector of St. John's Church, Brooklyn, New York.
"Dr. Burgess was a deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church from 1844 to 1877 and represented the
The Rt. Rev. Alexander Burgess, D. D., LL. D.
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diocese of Maine, Long Island and Massachusetts during that time. In 1877 he was president of the house of deputies." In 1866, he was elected to succeed his brother, the first bishop of Maine, but declined.
When Dr. Burgess came to Christ Church, he found one of the most inspiring, if not one of the most difficult problems con- fronting him that a rector ever has to face. The seating capac- ity of the church was fast becoming too small for the number of persons to whom he must minister. The need of a new building was imperative. So Dr. Burgess' great work in Springfield was the building of the present Christ Church.
It is interesting to note, in passing, that many who had attended services for so many years in the old church thought that it required a certain amount of courage to "climb that grade to the new church on the hill." To digress even further let us recall an evidence of Springfield's growth that of necessity influenced Christ Church, especially its attendance. In 1869, the city's first horse car jangled a successful trip over its iron rails from Hooker to Oak Street. "The car was filled with passengers and thousands of people stopped on the side- walks to stare after the new fangled coach." It was put on runners in winter until 1876.
To return to the church's problem. Everything pointed to its happy solution for the church was sound financially, and "there was a great deal of vigorous life in the Parish."
Furthermore interest was not wholly parochial for parish- ioners today who were here in those days remember that they thought little of walking over to the "Church of the Good Shep- herd" in West Springfield and helping with the afternoon service ; for those who did not care to walk, a three-seated wagon left the Rectory each Sunday afternoon. It was a happy custom to teach in the Sunday School and to help with the music and the service in the other missions, where often there was only a Lay Reader. Two lovers, during the days of their en- gagement, were among these workers, and it was noted with sympathetic interest that with the joy of service was mingled
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the joy of loitering along the highway, and lingering in the friendly shadows of the old toll bridge.
Miss Mary Burgess, daughter of Dr. Burgess, helping recon- struct those by-gone days tells us: "At Christmas and Easter, all these Missions united in the service in the Mother Church My strongest memory is of a very united, happy parish and very many true friends. My sisters have the same pleasant memories." Christ Church and each of her Missions had a banner, each Sunday School Class an emblem. On the days of the Union meetings all met in the old Church, formed in line, and with proudly carried emblems, and waving banners, they marched to Service in the new church.
Christ Church's first assistant ministers were called at this time, having for their especial work the charge of these mis- sions. Those who served under Dr. Burgess were the Rev. John L. Egbert, the Rev. Alfred E. Johnson, and the Rev. Messrs. Benedict, Parker, Capers and Gregson.
The warden and vestrymen list tells the story of the kind of workers the Parish had, and a press notice of the day pays further tribute to "James H. Norton, Col. James G. Benton, Lieut. Henry Metcalfe, Thomas Warren, Jr., R. F. Hawkins, C. O. Chapin, Dr. Adams, William Gunn, Elisha Gunn, Wm. G. Chamberlain, Geo. W. Winchester, J. A. Baldwin, William Patton, Sheldon Webster."
The lot upon which the present Christ Church stands was duly purchased and the building of the new church begun; the fine old colonial mansion that stood on the lot was moved to the rear, and became the rectory. But the financial panic of the early seventies affected business conditions to such an extent that many conscientious church members sustained such severe losses that they were unable to pay the money which they had pledged. Consequently when the church was finished, the parish faced a debt of nearly $70,000. When this fact was realized, Dr. Burgess fearing that he had influenced the vestry to their harm, made a special gift of $10,000. The members, too, rallied to the emergency, and unitedly, cheerfully, enthus-
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iastically, by Herculean efforts, reduced the debt to $40,000.
In spite of all obstacles, the building was finally completed and occupied, although the Sunday School, week day services, and other parochial meetings were held for years in the base- ment of the old church, or at the new rectory. The Press, May 22, 1876, thus described the first service: "The people of Christ Church, took possession of their new edifice yesterday, in the most informal way, although the service inevitably acquired dignity and impressiveness from the vaster surroundings. The choir of boys was led by a quartet consisting of Mrs. Mattoon and Mrs. Fowler, Mr. Safford and Mr. Fisher, and the music was spirited, effective and appropriate." The preceding eve- ning, "The Episcopalians had their last look and service in the old church building and the large audience, impres- sive ritual, and sacred associations made the occasion notable.". Dr. Burgess preached an historical sermon, paying high tribute to those to whom the Church owed its existence. He said also, that, "the total number of persons baptized into the church has been 952, confirmed 701, married 528, buried 618, added to the communion 1316."
Dr. Burgess was rector of the new church four years. He was there consecrated first Bishop of Quincy, Illinois, May 15, 1878. To this service came Bishop Smith as presiding Bishop. Bishop Huntington preached the sermon and with Bishop Wil- liams assumed the duties of consecrator. Bishop Clark, Bishop Littlejohn and Bishop Paddock were also present. Bishop Smith of Kentucky, the presiding bishop was over eighty-five years old, and leaned on the arm of Bishop Williams. His voice was very weak, and his step very feeble but his mind was clear and vigorous. Bishop Burgess's Episcopal robes were presented to him by the parish. A tent was erected at the side of the church for a robing room, near the entrance of which a lawn sign found its way, clearly marked "No crossing."
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