USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Springfield > Christ Church Parish : Springfield, Massachusetts, 1817-1927 > Part 4
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Rev. Alfred Evan Johnson, wrote September 6, 1922, "I have pleasant recollections of the Consecration of Dr. Burgess as Bishop of Quincy at Christ Church in May, 1878. He was a
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vigorous and successful administrator of the parish, a staunch churchman, a strong preacher, and a genial and sympathetic pastor. I was always made very welcome at the rectory where the home life was delightful. We can further recall Dr. Bur- gess's character and love for his people by quoting a part of a carefully preserved letter, written by himself.
From my old Parish, and its field of present age influences and very rich promise of the future, I part with great reluctance." It was a cherished hope of Dr. Burgess that Christ Church might some day be made a Cathedral.
"Bishop Burgess published a memoir of his brother, the first bishop of Maine (1869) ; also sermons, addresses, etc., with Sunday School question-books, carols and hymns, .
He was a contributor, also to periodical church literature.
Bishop Alexander Burgess died in Vermont, October 8, 1901.
The Rev. John C. Brooks
THE REV. JOHN COTTON BROOKS 1878-1907
It was characteristic of the Rev. John Cotton Brooks that when he wrote from Providence, Rhode Island, November 15, 1878, accepting the rectorship of Christ Church, he said that he would try to be in Springfield in time to help with the Christ- mas celebration. Those words express his attitude throughout his rare ministry of twenty-eight years. He gave unstintingly of his time, of his money, of his love, of himself, to whose need he knew. It is probably impossible to-day to find a group of persons regardless of color, race or creed, who lived in Spring- field, during Mr. Brooks' rectorship here, who cannot indi- vidually speak of repeated acts of heroic devotion to many known households. At the time of Mr. Brooks' death, stories were repeatedly told, showing how high a place he held in the hearts of persons in different walks of life. One parishioner calling at a home of limited means saw hanging on the wall a picture of Mr. Brooks cut from a newspaper, with a wreath hung around it, a humble token of sincere, loving reverence. A cabman told another Christ Church member, that there was not some hour of the day or night during which he had not been called to take Mr. Brooks to one or another house, where trouble or sickness had found an abiding place. One Roman Catholic woman to whom Mr. Brooks had often given food and fuel to supply her need, was asked if she attended Mr. Brooks' funeral. "Yes," she said, " and if it had been held in Boston, I would have gone, if I had had to walk," and those who knew her, knew she would have made the attempt. Many speak often of his love for children, and especially his delight in their Christmas parties, and how rarely a child came for-
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ward to receive a gift whose name and face were unknown to Mr. Brooks.
The Rev. John Cotton Brooks was born at 11 Chauncey St., Boston, August 29, 1848, a member of the famous Brooks fam- ily. He was named for the Rev. John Cotton of England, in whose church he was privileged to speak, when touring that land. He was graduated from Harvard University in 1872, and from the Episcopal Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Four of his five brothers became clergymen of the Episcopal Church. "He was Rector of St. James' Church at Bristol, Penn. but having contracted malaria there was obliged to re- sign from the Parish, and at the request of the Bishop of Rhode Island, took charge of St. Gabriel's mission at Providence, which needed building up at that time. He was there a year and set the mission on its feet, while waiting for sufficient strength to take a regular Parish, and from there he accepted a call to Christ Church." When he began his work in Spring- field, his health was far from robust, yet outside his church his interests and activities were many and varied. "He was Arch- deacon in the undivided Diocese under Bishop Lawrence, and a Dean of Convocation, Deputy to the General Convention, and President of the Standing Committee in the new Diocese." He was, at one time, President of the Union Relief Association, and he was one of the founders of the Springfield Hospital, which was dedicated in 1889. He was the directing genius that reclaimed Merrick Park from undesirable conditions and made of it one of the beauty spots of a fair city, a worthy cause for civic pride.
In his oft-mentioned historical sermon, "Seventy Years," Dr. Slattery speaks thus of the conspicuous achievements of Mr. Brooks, as rector:
John Cotton Brooks found a brave people facing still a debt of $40,000. For four years there was a struggle to pay the interest and to make ends meet. But ends would not meet, and one night in 1883 the Rector and certain parishioners came together to devise a plan for abolishing a
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debt which had grown to be $43,000. The old property, sold at auction, brought $15,000. Another $15,000 was given by members of the parish, and the remaining $13,000 was provided by the assurance of a generous legacy. In 1885 the new organ was given In 1887, while the parish was making ready to build the much-needed parish house, there was immi- nent danger of an unsightly building to the south of the Church. The parish house plans were pushed aside, and parishioners, high-minded citizens outside the parish, and the city govern- ment co-operated to buy Merrick Park and give it to the city
forever. . . In 1888 the parish house was finished with a debt of $14,000 which was paid at length by the gift of an invalid, William Jones. . ... In 1891, $10,000 was given to build a suitable chapel for St. Peter's . .. In 1900 there was
still a debt of $14,000 on Christ Church, but with another heroic effort, it was paid. On October 10, 1900, Bish- op Lawrence came to consecrate the Church and to preach one of the notable sermons of Western Massachusetts; for with con- viction and charity he explained to representatives of the con- gregation, of officers of the city, and of other Christian organi- zations the place which the old church of the founder of Spring- field, William Pynchon, had for the New England of our day. People who recall the services of Christ Church for many years, recall this service as the climax of joy and praise; and so it should have been, for in it our Church was offered as a glad gift for all who will use it in all 'the days to come."
Mr. Brooks knew two other conspicuously happy events. On December 1, 1888 was celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Parish. In 1903, the members of Christ Church joyously celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Mr. Brooks' coming as rector.
In 1886 the first assistant minister under Mr. Brooks was elected, Rev. Daniel Dulany Addison. His successors were the Rev. Messrs. Newton Black, William Edward Hayes, Edward Lincoln Atkinson, James De Wolfe Perry, Jr., James Clement Sharp, Edmund Janes Cleveland, Donald Nelson Alexander.
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Mention should also be made of the Rev. John McGrath, a man of most courtly bearing and of a gracious, benign per- sonality, who endeared himself to Christ Church members while, for a short period, he assumed charge of the parish during an illness of Mr. Brooks.
There were great laymen whose last days were during Mr. Brooks' rectorship, men who had lived through the almost overwhelmingly discouraging days of church building; men who, as each signed the mortgage on the present edifice "knew that he became liable for the whole amount;" men, who under the leadership of public-spirited rectors had identified them- selves with movements for Springfield's progress and achieve- ments. It is unfortunate that, save in official lists, so few written words have come to light telling specifically what was the work of these faithful churchmen of a former generation. We find the name of Mr. George N. Parsons at the head of the list of those who pledged money to build the new church. Mr. Daniel P. Crocker gave the first contribution toward the building of the Parish House. Mr. John D. Brewer the "working member" of the building committee, with the added burden of uncertain funds, gave unreservedly of his time, of his labor, of his thought, until he had carried to completion his monumental task. Mr. Theodore Chapin Beebe is remembered as one of those, who, when business reverses came, led his family in acts of heroic self-sacrifice until he had "paid the uttermost farthing" of his pledge. Of Mr. John B. Stebbins a Boston periodical wrote in 1899:
"In the death of Mr. John B. Stebbins the venerable and beloved warden of Christ Church, Springfield, at the ripe age of eighty-two years, on Jan. 20, the church at large, and more particularly the Diocese of Massachusetts and the parish of which he was for so many years a warden and an officer, have suffered a peculiarly heavy loss and bereavement. His was a life which furnished the highest example of the pious and de- voted laymen, drawing all his power and inspiration from his association with the church, and consecrating in return all his
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abilities and zeal in commercial life to her. . His fine face, so full of the blended dignity and sweetness of the soul within, has been a familiar sight at our Diocesan Conventions since 1846, and he has represented us with honor in the General Convention of the Church His memory will be enshrined with loving gratitude in the past history of the parish for all time to come "
During Mr. Brooks' rectorate, for the second time in Christ Church history, parochial life was overshadowed by a greater interest when the Cuban war broke out in the spring of 1898. Call for troops came to Springfield and the first boys marched away April 16 of that year. "The detail marched to the Union Station at about 8:30 a. m., and took the 9 o'clock train for New York receiving an ovation as it passed through Main Street, and again at the station as the train pulled out." Springfield is justly proud of the fact that as far as known the old Company K was the first in the country to be mustered into the United Sates service. The general opinion seemed to be that the war would amount to very little. Some even believed the companies would never reach Cuba.
The story of the war is too recent and too well told by Mr. Walter W. Ward to be dwelt on at length, at this time. Too well remembered is the return of those gallant soldiers who suffered so much more from the ravages of climate and fevers, than from shot and shell. Among the Cuban War veterans, who, as boys, were connected with Christ Church were Lieut. Edward W. Sawtelle, brother of Mrs. Walter S. Clark and Miss Cynthia Sawtelle, loyal Christ Church members, Lieut. Paul Hawkins, Corporal John B. Fulton, Corporal Bert F. Nichols, Arthur H. Strong, John Bryson, William Ferrier, James Ferrier, Clarence B. Ross, George Hillyer, Frank P. Jones, Harry J. Symonds and D. Harris Brewer. Miss Jose- phine Brooks, daughter of Mr. John Cotton Brooks, writing of those days makes very real for us Mr. Brooks' human sym- pathy, resolute energy and constructive activity during those tense months. She writes: "Father went twice to meet the
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Hospital Ship as it came into Boston with some of his boys on board, following them up the next day at the Hospitals to which they had been taken. Having been with him when the 'Bay State' came in from her first trip, I shall never forget the terrible emaciation of the men or my first sight of our good Governor Wolcott who stood at the gang plank and was the first to personally welcome each one back. My father had pre- viously been to Boston to ask the Governor to use his influence in having one or two of the boys sent home, as there was some contagious disease in their camp in Cuba and their families thought it unjust that they should be detained with those who already were ill with it." Later, in Springfield, he did all he could to comfort and help these sick soldiers and their families.
Mr. Brooks saw many changes in the city of Springfield. The population in 1875 was 31,043. It had more than doubled in 1907. The north end bridge was finished one year before his coming, the south end bridge the year after. The city's first telephone rang in 1879. The first Music Festival was held in 1889 and electric cars came in 1890. The Art Museum was built in 1895, the Central High School in 1898, and the Museum of Natural History in 1899. The Post Office, the Railroad sta- tion and Arch were finished in 1890. Perhaps the greatest change of all was brought about by the coming of the automo- bile, about 1895. It was in great part due to his well directed efforts that Christ Church became during his rectorship, one of the largest churches in New England. Mr. Brooks was rector of Christ Church when the Diocese of Western Massachusetts was formed in 1902. He believed in, and worked for this great change.
In spite of failing health, as the years went by, Mr. Brooks felt he could not yield to his friends' earnest requests that he take a much needed rest. He worked day by day far beyond his strength until very reluctantly he was compelled to stop. Trusting that an ocean voyage, rest among other scenes and the ministrations of skilled physicians might make him well again,
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accompanied by his younger daughter, he sailed for France, in the fall of 1906, and there underwent a surgical operation, from the effects of which he never rallied. He died, in Paris, January 3, 1907. The funeral services were held in Christ Church, January 23. He was laid at rest in Mount Auburn Cemetery, beside the mother, whose religious fervor he inher- ited, his father, and his four brothers.
Mrs. John Cotton Brooks and her two daughters, Miss Jose- phine Brooks and Mrs. Harriet Brooks Hawkins, are now liv- ing in Worcester.
THE REV. CHARLES LEWIS SLATTERY, D. D.
1907-1910
Dr. Charles Lewis Slattery, born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the son of the Rev. George Sidney Slattery, rector of St. James' Church, Pittsburgh, and Emma Mclellan Hall Slattery. He was graduated from Harvard in 1891 with the degree of A. B., and from the Episcopal Theological School in 1894 with the degree of B. D. He had the honor of receiving in 1907 the first degree of D. D. ever conferred by the latter school. He has also received this degree from the University of the South, 1918, from Trinity College, 1922, and from Harvard Univers- ity, 1923. He was ordained priest by Bishop Lawrence, June 20, 1905. He began his life work as Master of the Groton School with the added duty of minister-in-charge of the Mis- sion-school at Ayer, Mass. He then became the beloved Dean of the Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior at Faribault, Minn. Before coming to Christ Church, Dr. Slattery was known to the church at large as a writer of acknowledged ability. Up to that time he had published among other books, "The Master of the World," "Life of Felix Brunot," "Life of Edward Atkin- son" and "Life beyond Life." Dr. Slattery was Lecturer in Seabury Divinity School 1905-1907, in Berkley Divinity School, 1909-1910, Paddock Lecturer in the General Theological Semi- nary, 1911-1912, and West lecturer in Stamford University, 1915, General Chairman of the Church Congress in the United States, Overseer, Harvard University, and Trustee of Welles- ley College.
He remained rector of Grace Church until his consecration as Bishop Coadjutor of Massachusetts on Oct. 31, 1922. He was consecrated in Trinity Church, Boston, by Bishop Law-
The Rt. Rev. Charles L. Slattery, D. D.
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rence, assisted "by Suffragan Bishop Babcock, and the Bishops of Southern Virginia, Newark, New York, Hankow, Vermont, Connecticut, and several others. Christ Church was represented by the Rector and several members of the Vestry." The Bos- ton Post voiced the sentiment of all whose lives had touched Bishop Slattery's at any point, when it said-
"A preacher of power; a strong executive in matters eccle- siastical; a man of charming personality and high intellectual attainments, Dr. Slattery will surely take his rightful place in the long line of noted churchmen of his faith here in Massa- chusetts."
Bishop Slattery and Miss Sarah Lawrence, daughter of Bishop Lawrence, were united in marriage in St. Paul's Cathe- dral, Boston, November 19, 1923.
In April, 1925, Bishop Lawrence, at the age of seventy-five, transferred to Bishop Slattery the administration of the diocese. Bishop Lawrence reserved the title, "Bishop of Massachusetts," and remained president of the church pension fund.
Dr. Slattery came to Christ Church the first Sunday in Ad- vent, 1907. He entered upon his duties with an enthusiasm and devotion which never failed throughout the three short years of his ministry here. Where a need existed he urged the form- ation of a new organization. He infused new life into the existing ones. Himself a man of definite achievements, and a hard worker, he made very clear the importance of immediate, sustained action. Best of all, his parishioners were always in- dividuals whom he loved, and who loved him in return. An augmented Clerical staff was one of the first changes made. First a Junior Assistant, the Rev. Alfred DeForest Snively, was chosen, whose chief duty it was to revive and conduct the North End Mission. Miss Eunice Peabody, the first deaconess, came in April 1908, having been head of the Deaconess' School in St. Paul, Minn., and teacher of Psychology in the University of Minnesota. She was able to remain here but a short time and her place was taken by Miss Ann Waite Lovell, a grad- uate of the New York Deaconess School. Miss Josephine Black-
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fan began her duties as Parish Visitor at this time. Through- out the summer of 1912 Mis's Ethel Spencer while on a leave of absence from the mission field of Japan, with "fine tact and devotion," filled the office of Parish Visitor. Another real need was met by the publishing of a monthly parish paper, the "Christ Church Chronicle." This paper, with the exception of a short period during the war, has had a continuous existence to the present day.
By an interesting coincidence, Dr. Slattery assumed charge of Christ Church sixty-nine years to a day after Bishop Lee had organized the Parish. The following year, in November, 1908, the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the church was celebrated. On Sunday, November 29, 1908, a thank-offering of over $19,000 was given. An augmented choir of over ninety voices led the music of the service and Dr. Slattery preached an inspiring sermon entitled "Seventy Years," making very real the unselfish love, work, and zeal of former members of Christ Church, and expressed faith in an even more glorious future. A glad note of praise and thanksgiving was sustained through- out the week of prayer that followed.
The thank-offering made possible the cancelling of the church debt, payment in full for the building of a new rectory, and the renovation of the interior of the church, which work was done, in the summer of 1909, when the congregation worship- ped in the Chapel. The old frescoed, bordered walls were covered with paint of a neutral tint, which brought out in pleasing relief the decorative exposed beams of side walls and ceiling, and the exquisite coloring of the stained glass windows. The carpeted floors of the pews were replaced with those of oak, with marble aisles. The chandeliers and side-lights of the seventies were taken out. Modern wrought-iron lanterns of artistic design and fine workmanship were hung by strong chains from the hammer beams, and harmonizing in design and color with them, new fixtures replaced the older side- lights. These were the gifts of Mr. Henry H. Skinner.
Two other adornments were added to the church building
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about this time. A painting, brought from London, was presented to Christ Church by Mr. Horatio W. Southworth in memory of Bishop Alexander Burgess. This picture-"Christ and the Woman of Samaria"-was painted by Nicholas Poussin. It hangs at the rear of the vestibule between the long, narrow, stained-glass windows. Resting on a shelf directly under this picture is a large, old-fashioned Bible, presented by its former owner, Mr. Theodore Chapin Beebe. Later the crowning glory was added, the exquisitely carved pulpit, erected as a memorial to the Rev. John Cotton Brooks.
Dr. Slattery contributed, in inestimable measure, to the intellectual and religious life of the Church and the city during his rectorate here. Christ Church was privileged to hear often great men of exceptional intellectual calibre, among them Dr. H. E. W. Fosbroke, Dean Henry S. Nash, Dean George Hodges, who were Dr. Slattery's personal friends. One evidence that Dr. Slattery desired to further worthy work outside his own parish is the fact that he officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the Y. W. C. A. building on Howard Street, June 23, 1909. Incidentally one room of this building was furnished by Christ Church Guild, as a plate on the door testifies.
Among the parishioners who died during Dr. Slattery's rec- torship were four who for many years had been closely identi- fied with the church's work. To each in turn Dr. Slattery paid the following tribute :-
"Jan., 1908 .- Mrs. Nathan Adams and Mrs. Elisha Gunn were friends and co-workers in Christ Church from the begin- ning of its history; and rich in character, they have passed to the other world. . . Their lives have been built into Christ Church, and Christ Church records its thanksgiving to God for all their deeds of generosity and mercy done in Christ's Name."
"Major Homer Grannis Gilmore, for many years a vestry- man of Christ Church, finished his earthly task October 14, 1908. His honorable war record, his frank love for the
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church of our Master, his simple, consistent life, sum up the qualities for which we value him-patriotism, religion, char- acter."
"Sunday morning, Jan. 16, 1910, Mrs. Charles A. Beach was in her place in church. Monday night, after a happy and busy day, she finished her earthly life. For more than thirty years Mrs. Beach has been a devoted parishioner of Christ Church to which she gave enthusiasm and constant and generous service. She lived bravely and gladly."
In 1910, Dr. Slattery accepted a call to become rector of Grace Church, New York City. Here, too, in spite of the manifold cares of a great parish, his publications from time to time kept him in the front ranks as an author.
Bishop Lawrence retired from his office as Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts on April 30. The responsibilities of the diocese will fall automatically upon Bishop Slattery. Bish- op Lawrence recently forwarded his resignation, because of advancing years, to the Presiding Bishop. He will continue his duties at the cathedral in Boston.
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The Rev. William A. Smith, D. D.
THE REV. WILLIAM AUSTIN SMITH, D. D. 1911-1915
The wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church first heard the Rev. William Austin Smith preach at Trinity Church, Hartford, Connecticut. They at once paid him the deserved compliment of extending to him a call to become their rector. Mr. Smith had never preached in Springfield although he was a personal friend of Dr. Slattery and had visited him at the rectory, here. In fact, it was Mr. Smith who, a few years before, suggested that Dr. Slattery be called as rector of Christ Church.
Mr. Smith was graduated from Harvard University with the degree of A. B. in the class of 1895, and from Seabury Divinity School with the degree of B. D. in 1898. He was made deacon by Bishop Gilbert and ordained priest by Bishop McVicker in 1899. For three years (1899-1903) he served as assistant minister of St. John's Church, Providence, Rhode Island; and then for eight years was rector of the largest Episcopal Church of Wisconsin-St. Paul's, Milwaukee, Wis- consin. Among his other duties he was elected president of the Standing Committee of the Milwaukee diocese, a position he filled to everyone's satisfaction. Ill health compelled him to resign, and he and his family spent one restful year abroad. He returned invigorated and strengthened for the new work to which he was called in Springfield.
During Mr. Smith's rectorship a secretary was added to the clerical staff. Mrs. Annie H. Brown assumed this position.
Mr. Smith found Christ Church in a very flourishing con- dition. During Dr. Slattery's rectorship the church buildings had been either renovated or rebuilt. The church was free from debt, the membership increasing, the activities of the
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different organizations enthusiastic and wide-spread. Like his predecessor, Mr. Smith loved Christ Church, and her tradi- tions, and worked unceasingly to strengthen and sustain her spiritual interests and development. The World War broke out in all its awfulness the summer preceding Mr. Smith's resignation, and his sensitive, understanding soul and virile pen met the problems of those bewildering months with rare insight and feeling. His sermons were always masterpieces of exceptional literary value, and breathed a deep, fervent, reli- gious spirit. He brought to the sick, unfortunate, and shut-ins, a cheery presence, an optimistic outlook, a calm strength for which he will always be remembered,-and he loved so to minister.
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