USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > The parish of the Advent in the city of Boston, a history of one hundred years, 1844-1944 > Part 11
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The interests of the parish extended "without the par- ish"; among the objects listed were the Episcopal Fund,
Convention Fund, Society for the Relief of Widows and Orphans of Deceased Clergymen of the Diocese, St. Ste- phen's House, the Margaret Coffin Prayer Book Society, Church Home Society, Episcopal Church Association, theo- logical education, Church Institutions in Minnesota, and various other organizations and good causes. In that year the sum of $4,125.50 was given, in addition to the regular missionary contribution, which was to the amount of $1,663.64.
In the annual reports of the national organization called
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THE PARISH OF THE ADVENT
The Dakota League, which was founded in 1873 and was a forerunner of the Woman's Auxiliary to the Board of Missions, the Church of the Advent is listed with other parishes as giving money and clothing. Little groups of workers, such as those in the Parish Guild of the Advent, also banded together to carry forward the work for the Indians, for which the Bishop of Minnesota in an earlier visit to Boston had aroused such sympathetic interest.
In 1878 the Massachusetts Branch of the Woman's Aux- iliary to the Board of Missions was organized, and the Dakota League became a division of its work.
Since 1922 the Woman's Auxiliary of the Diocese of Massachusetts has been an active member of the Church Service League, whose purpose is "to put the whole strength of the Parish in the whole work of the whole Church." The principles of the League are: (1) The recognition of the Parish as a unit; (2) The maintenance of a Parish execu- tive group in charge of policies and plans for activities ; (3) The provision of a common program, covering the five fields of service; and (4) Cooperation.
About 1922, when the Advent Branch of the Church Service League was formed, the ground had been well prepared through the careful planning of laymen's work under the Mother Superior of St. Margaret's. The work of the several parish organizations was already well co- ordinated, with an annual meeting at which all the Guilds of the Parish were represented and their reports were ren- dered, so that the aim of the Church Service League to prevent overlapping of activities was well achieved. Al- though the Advent Branch is no longer existent, the various organizations of the parish still continue to send delegates to the annual meeting of the diocesan League, and the rec- tor calls together all leaders for counsel and for planning of the new year's program in the parish.
The present program of the Woman's Auxiliary follows
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
the lines of the plans made at General Convention, and through cooperation with the several departments carrying on the mission work of the Church and meeting in Diocesan Council, the Auxiliary plans its year's work, obtains speak- ers, and develops incentive for good works.
Although the attendance at the missionary meetings varies, the membership includes all women of the parish. There is an evening group of the Auxiliary (q.v.), and for a short time there was also a Junior Auxiliary.
The Woman's Auxiliary of the Advent is now in its sixty-seventh year, and its activities are closely woven into the fabric of the parish. The organization has always been dependable, meeting cheerfully every quota assigned to it and contributing many valuable workers to the mission field, and officers to the diocesan organizations.
The President of the Advent Woman's Auxiliary is Mrs. Walter W. Gaskill.
THE EVENING AUXILIARY
The Guild of St. Francis Xavier, after a noble record of service well done, did a brave thing. Meeting in January, 1941, the members voted to ask the rector to form a new Guild to be an evening branch of the Woman's Auxiliary to the National Council, geared to meet the need and chan- nel the devotions of business and professional women who could not attend meetings during the day, and, because of distances, found it difficult to come out at night.
Thus the devotion of the faithful members of the Guild of St. Francis Xavier was poured into this new mould and captured the interest of a new group, which met that same month, and because of a considerable number of younger women, divided into junior and senior divisions, meeting separately for work and study but together for business and prayer.
Mirabilis. eutin . Sanctis.
FLESH, IS MEAT IND:ED *ANY BRUGESDRINKINGIED
THE ALTAR, ALL SAINTS CHAPEL
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
From the beginning, the meetings began with supper and ended with compline in the Lady Chapel, thus developing a fine sort of fellowship.
The division of work has changed from time to time and the program has been elastic and adapted to changing conditions, but has included the five fields of service- parish, community, diocese, nation and world.
Thus the youngest of our parish organizations has laid a firm foundation on which to build for the future, and has already shown steadfastness in devotion to our Lord and His Church.
The President of the Evening Auxiliary is Miss Eliza- beth Morris.
ADVENT PRODUCTION UNIT
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Soon after war was declared in 1917, and the American Red Cross appealed for volunteer groups, Sister Helen, S.S.M., who was on the staff of the parish, established a center for giving out surgical dressings and knitting. Until the Armistice in November, 1918, there was an evening meeting for instruction, and the work was taken to be done at home or in the guild groups.
Long before the United States entered the Second World War the American Red Cross appealed for expansion of organization and establishment of War Surgical Produc- tion Units to meet the request of the English army for dressings, and clothing for refugees. On June 12, 1940 the Church of the Advent Production Unit of the Metro- politan Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized. This group has met regularly once a week at the Parish House, and has used Croswell Hall and later Moseley Hall for an all-day meeting, open to parish and neighborhood. Over a four-year period the membership has averaged forty
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THE PARISH OF THE ADVENT
members per month, who have volunteered an average of four hundred and fifty hours a month. The Chairman and her two assistants have shared the responsibility of plan- ning, instructing, and inspecting the work.
One of five hundred and eighty production units of the Metropolitan Chapter, the Advent unit has accomplished its share of the national quota of surgical dressings and hospital supplies for our army and navy ; for soldiers, it has provided kits and knitted articles, and has assisted in meet- ing emergency requirements of our local hospitals. It has been commended for its high standard of workmanship and dependability, and will continue the work until the need has passed.
The Chairman of the Advent Unit is Mrs. Walter W. Gaskill.
THE ALTAR GUILD
Mention has already been made of the Parish Guild, which in 1874 included all activities of the women of the parish, and which was divided into four groups. One of these divisions was charged with "the providing of vest- ments and care of the Altar," and later began an independ- ent existence as the Altar Guild. In time the Altar Guild in its turn absorbed St. Mary's Embroidery Guild.
During all these years the work of the Altar Guild has gone on faithfully, and the "beauty of holiness" for which the Church of the Advent has long been widely known, owes much to the succession of women who have devoted time, talent, and money to its maintenance.
The present responsibilities of the Altar Guild include the provision of wine, wafers, incense, and candles; of vest- ments of linen for choir, acolytes, priests, and altars, and for the laundering of the same; the care of silk mass vest- ments and copes; the arrangement of flowers upon the altars, and assurance of their provision either as memorials
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
or by means of special funds ; and providing new vestments whenever it is possible, to replace those which are rapidly giving out after many years of use. A sewing committee meets weekly to repair the old and to provide new vestments and linens.
In the daily routine a Sacristan is employed, who pre- pares and cleanses the Sacred Vessels, lays out priests' vest- ments, cares for candles, keeps the three altars vested, orders supplies as needed, and sees that everything is. in readiness which is necessary for any service, whether it be a regular one or a special service such as a baptism, a wedding, or a funeral.
Guild membership is of two kinds: active members, who are admitted after a period of training and who assist in the manifold duties involved in the work of the Guild; and asso- ciate members, who make an annual contribution.
An annual meeting in the autumn and a corporate com- munion on Ascension Day are held regularly ; occasionally other meetings are called by the rector.
ST. VINCENT'S GUILD
The reverent and efficient character of the service ren- dered by the servers and acolytes at the Advent has long been recognized, and provides an example of high standard which has not been without influence in other parishes of the diocese.
For many years the servers and acolytes had been or- ganized under the name of St. Vincent's Guild; in increas- ing measure the quality of their work elicited inquiries from other parishes regarding the form of their organization and the details of its administration. On St. Vincent's Day (January 22) in 1915 the national Order of St. Vincent was founded, through the initiative and active interest of Robert T. Walker. For more than a decade Mr. Walker had directed the work of the Guild at the Advent,-now
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ST. VINCENT'S GUILD Admission of Candidates
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
Alpha Chapter of the national organization-and had su- pervised the work in the sanctuary. Today, as for many years past, candidates for admission to the Guild, when well prepared, are formally admitted in a public service, and undertake definite obligations befitting the solemn implica- tions of their office.
Until his death in 1931 Mr. Walker continued to act as Warden of St. Vincent's Guild and as Master of Cere- monies in the services of the Advent; training the new servers and acolytes, and maintaining an ever-watchful care for the perpetuation of the Guild's ideals. The beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother and Child, brought from Eng- land by Fr. Hamlin and placed over the tabernacle in the Lady Chapel, was given by the Guild in Mr. Walker's memory.
Despite the loss of many active members in the various chapters by reason of their enrollment in the country's service, the national Order now embraces more than one hundred and sixty active chapters, with a total membership of nearly two thousand.
The National Order of St. Vincent is officially affiliated with the Scottish Guild of Servers, and enjoys an informal affiliation with the English organization, The Servants of the Sanctuary.
The present Warden of the Advent Chapter is Mr. Walter W. Gaskill, Assistant Treasurer of the Parish.
THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, a devo- tional society founded in England in 1867, and now co- existent with the Anglican Communion, is open to adult communicants, clerical and lay, to promote the following objects: (1) The Honor due to the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of His Body and
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3,00
THE ACOLYTES AND SERVERS, 1944
With the Clergy, the Verger and the Warden of St. Vincent's Guild
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
Blood. (2) Mutual and Special Intercession at the time of, and in union with, the Eucharistic Sacrifice. (3) To pro- mote the observance of the Catholic and primitive practice of receiving the Holy Communion fasting.
Since 1901 there has been an Advent Ward of the Con- fraternity. The rector is superior of the ward and the secretary-treasurer is Miss Eleanor M. Orton, who sends the monthly Interces- sion Paper to the members and receives the annual dues.
THE GUILD OF ALL SOULS
At the time of writing a Ward of the Guild of All Souls is in process of formation at the Advent. This Guild is a Devotional Society of the Anglican Communion founded in Eng- land in 1873, open to clergy and laity alike, for the purpose of promoting intercessory prayer for the dying and for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed; to provide accessories for Catholic burial; and for the distribution of pertinent literature.
Father Blynn is the Warden of the Advent branch; the Secretary-Treasurer is Miss Arlene E. Gault.
THE MEN'S GUILD
In 1914 an Ecclesiological Society was organized at the Advent, for the purpose of awakening an interest in the study of ecclesiology. In 1919 the name of the society was changed to The Men's Guild, and its object was broadened to include consideration of topics of interest and impor- tance in other fields as well.
Monthly meetings have been held, excepting during the summer, with addresses by the rector and members of the
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THE PARISH OF THE ADVENT 1
parish and by prominent guest speakers; usually, although not always, upon subjects related to the Church and religion.
In recent years an outstanding feature of the season's program was the annual pilgrimage, on the evening of Rogation Monday, to the private chapel of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, on the estate of the late Ralph Adams Cram in Sudbury. There the service consisted of the Litany sung in procession through the garden, followed by Vespers and Benediction in the chapel.
The President of the Guild is Mr. Milton C. Blackwood.
THE CHURCH PERIODICAL CLUB
The Advent Branch of the national society was founded before 1920. Its object is to supply magazines and other literature to clergy, churchmen, and churchwomen, many of whom are living in distant and often isolated parts of the country, and in missions at home and abroad; and to schools and institutions, particularly hospitals.
Contributions of books and periodicals received from parishioners are sent monthly to such destinations by the Secretary of the Society, who also uses gifts of money for additional purchases. Many periodicals are sent regularly, and the value to the recipients of any of these items is well attested by the grateful and appreciative letters received.
The Secretary of the Church Periodical Club is Miss Pauline Smith.
THE BURIAL GUILD
In May 1879, the rector, Fr. Grafton, recommended the provision of a parish burying-ground. In March of the following year a lot in Cedar Grove Cemetery was pur- chased, and a Burial Society was organized. In 1906 an additional lot was acquired, in Woodlawn Cemetery, and
ALL SOULS CHAPEL
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THE PARISH OF THE ADVENT
the name of the society was changed to The Burial Guild, the object of the Guild being "to ensure to its members reverent Christian burial in consecrated ground at reason- able cost."
Membership is open to any baptized person who is a regular worshipper in the Church of the Advent. Each member pays a small sum monthly for membership, such payments continuing until the total sum of $140 has been paid in. Completion of these payments entitles the mem- ber at his death to burial in one of the Advent lots, or even in some other location, with all burial expenses paid in accordance with the schedule of the Guild; or a part of the whole of the paid-up sum may be transferred by the member while living, either to defray the burial expenses of another baptized person, or to reduce the balance re- maining to be paid by another member.
The Guild has at all times been efficiently managed, and the assurance it affords is a source of comfort to all its living members, who now number forty-one. Since the foundation of the Guild there have been 142 interments in Cedar Grove, 39 at Woodlawn, and 14 at outside cemeteries.
Mr. James H. Hurter is Treasurer of the Burial Guild.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
A complete list of the many organizations which have existed during the long period of the Advent's life could not be compiled without recourse to records which unfor- tunately are not available today. Some of these organiza- tions were active only for a comparatively short time; others enjoyed a longer span of life, only to be merged eventually into one or another of the societies which are functioning today, or in course of time also to be discon- tinued.
The several year-books published during the years from
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
1922 to 1931, however, afford definite information regard- ing some of these organizations, which in their time ren- dered valuable service in the parish. It is a matter of regret that the list certainly must be incomplete, as far as some of the earlier activities are concerned.
The Church Service League, of which the Advent Branch was founded about 1922, aimed "to federate all the Guilds of the Parish, and to give every member of the Parish an opportunity to enlist in one of the Five Fields of Service- the Parish, the Community, the Diocese, the Nation, the World-under the main departments of the Church's work : Missions, Social Service, Religious Education."
The Guild of St. Francis Xavier. In May, 1911, when all the churches in Boston collaborated to produce "The World in Boston," a group of men and women from the Church of the Advent acted as Stewards to the Japanese Court. They became so interested in Japanese missions that they continued to meet in the parish house for study. Or- ganizing as a Parish Guild in October, 1911, Dr. van Allen suggested that the Guild adopt the name of the first Chris- tian missionary to Japan: St. Francis Xavier. Accepting this suggestion, they continued to work as a missionary guild until 1941. Their activities included work in the five fields of service: educating Japanese and French orphans; contributing regularly to' a Leper Colony; sending three hundred volumes to a priest in the mountains of Kentucky as the nucleus of a travelling library; making and giving four sets of altar hangings (white, violet, red, and green) for the Chapel of The House of Mercy; entertaining for- eign students, and working for the hospitals. Sharing in parish work, they provided kitchen equipment, silver, glass- ware, linen, and dining-room dishes. At a time when there were no restaurants open Sundays on Charles Street, a committee of thirty-three was formed, three of whom, in turn, served breakfasts in Croswell Hall after the early
ACOLYTES IN THE SERVICE, 1944
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
masses on Sundays. In June, 1914 the Guild gave a large Bible for the lectern. A memorial gift of violet vestments followed some years later ; both of these gifts are being used by our clergy in the services today. An initial gift of twelve hundred dollars by the Guild formed the nucleus of the fund which provided the Parish House. The good works of the Guild benefited the parish in many ways, impossible to enumerate here. The members endeavored to cultivate Christian fellowship, having four corporate communions each year, with a service of preparation by one of the parish clergy.
The Guild of St. Francis Xavier was disbanded in 1941 in favor of the Woman's Evening Auxiliary.
St. Agnes Guild, one of the oldest Guilds in the Parish, supplied needy small children with clothing.
Girls' Friendly Society. A branch of the diocesan or- ganization, having for its aim "to unite women and girls in a fellowship of prayer and service for the upholding of the standards of Christian womanhood." Weekly meetings were held, with a service once each month; various good causes were assisted by gifts and personal interest.
Guild of St. Luke the Physician. Organized to help the work among lepers in Japan and elsewhere. No meetings were held, but the members undertook to pray for the work and to pledge regular payment of a sum of money.
The Mothers' Union, having for its object "friendliness' and encouragement among its members." Weekly meetings were held, providing opportunity for social enjoyment, reading, and prayer. From time to time parties were given, and flowers were sent to members and others who were ill.
The Parish Guild offered to women in the parish oppor- tunity to do sewing at home, the work and remuneration for it being provided by the Guild.
St. Helena's Guild cared for making albs and surplices for
ACOLYTES IN THE SERVICE, 1944 Other acolytes, of whom photographs are not available, are also in the service.
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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS
priests, acolytes and choir, together with mending and keep- ing in repair those already in use.
St. Mary's Embroidery Guild undertook the making and repair of silk mass vestments, and provided not a few of those in use today. In time the work of the organization was taken over by the Altar Guild.
Parish Workroom. Through the Supply Secretary of the Church Service League garments for men, women, and children were obtained from the Diocesan Supply Bureau and made up. Household and hospital supplies were also provided, the latter being sent to hospitals, schools, and missions.
Order of Sir Galahad. A diocesan organization pri- marily for boys of the Episcopal Church. The Advent Chapter was formed in 1924.
Staff and Officers of the Parish
1944
THE STAFF
The Reverend Whitney Hale, D.D.
Rector
The Reverend Peter R. Blynn
Assistant
Frederick Johnson
Organist and Choirmaster
Sister Mildred, S.S.M.
Parish Visitor
Mrs. Margaret H. Lane
Secretary
Miss Erna Blaydow
Director of Religious Education
Miss Alice W. Clark
Librarian
Miss Alice M. Preston
Sacristan
Joseph H. Hunting
Verger
Walter M. Keith
Sexton
William Foskey
Assistant
OFFICERS OF THE PARISH
Senior Warden
William K. Richardson
Junior Warden
Paul M. Hubbard
Clerk
Lawrence Coolidge
Treasurer
Paul M. Hubbard
Assistant Treasurer
Walter W. Gaskill
Clerk pro tempore *
Edward A. Taft
PRESENT MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION (With Date of Election)
William K. Richardson 1890
Paul M. Hubbard 1912
Wallace Goodrich 1916
Walter W. Gaskill
1921
Edward Kennard Rand
1921
* During the absence of the Clerk in the National Service.
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STAFF AND OFFICERS OF THE PARISH
Herbert W. C. Browne
1926
Lawrence Coolidge
1927
Charles E. Bacon
1928
James H. Hurter
1930
Allyn B. McIntire
1932
Archibald F. Cheney
1933
Dr. W. Porter Pratt
1935
Vaughan Jealous
1936
John A. Mason
1937
Edward O. Proctor
1938
Harold Jefferson Coolidge, Jr.
1940
Edward A. Taft
1940
Milton C. Blackwood
1942
Samuel Eliot Morison
1942
John Daniel Wild
1944
MEMBERS OF THE VESTRY
William K. Richardson
(Senior Warden)
Paul M. Hubbard
(Junior Warden)
Edward Kennard Rand
James H. Hurter
Wallace Goodrich
Charles E. Bacon
Dr. W. Porter Pratt
Vaughan Jealous
Edward O. Proctor
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
On November 6, 1929, the following action was taken by the corporation and the wardens and vestry: "Whereas matters requiring prompt decision or advice on the part of the Corporation and Vestry sometimes arise between their stated meetings,-Resolved that a Committee, to be called the Parish Committee, be appointed consisting of the four officers of the Corporation and three members to be appointed by the Senior Warden, with full power to deal with such matters in behalf of the Corporation and Vestry. ." (Since 1929 the members of the committee other than
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THE PARISH OF THE ADVENT
the officers have been elected annually by the corporation. ) Harold Jefferson Coolidge, clerk of the parish, served as chairman of the committee until his death in 1934, when the rector, who ex officio had been made an additional mem- ber of the committee in 1931, was elected to that office by the corporation and vestry. In 1931 the membership of the committee, including the officers, had been increased to eight; in 1934 it was again raised to nine. In 1941 the title of the committee was changed to Executive Committee. Stated meetings are held monthly, except during the sum- mer, and all action is subsequently submitted to the corpora- tion and vestry for ratification.
Members of the corporation who have served on the Parish or Executive Committee :
George P. Gardner 1929-1939
Joseph Grafton Minot 1929-1930
Harold Jefferson Coolidge 1929-1934
* Paul M. Hubbard 1929-
George O. G. Coale
1929-1934
* William K. Richardson 1929-
* Walter W. Gaskill Lawrence Coolidge
1931-1941
* Wallace Goodrich
1931-
Dr. Walter Boyd Archibald F. Cheney 1934-1938
1934-1935
* Charles E. Bacon
1935-
James H. Hurter
1935-1936
Dr. W. Porter Pratt 1936-1937
Dr. Neil L. Crone
1937-1941
* Allyn B. McIntire
1938-
* John A. Mason
1940-
* Edward A. Taft 1940-
* Edward O. Proctor
1941-
* Present members.
1929-
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STAFF AND OFFICERS OF THE PARISH
1844-1944
RECTORS OF THE PARISH OF THE ADVENT
Rev. William Croswell, D.D.
1844- died in 1851
Rt. Rev. Horatio Southgate, D.D.
1852- resigned in 1858
Rev. James A. Bolles, D.D.
1859- resignation became effective in 1870
Rev. Charles C. Grafton, S.S.J.E.
1872- resigned in 1888
Rev. William B. Frisby
1888- died in 1902
Rev. William Harman van Allen, S.T.D.
1902- resigned in 1929
Rev. Julian D. Hamlin
1929- resigned in 1934
Rev. Benjamin I. Harrison
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