USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Trinity church in the city of Boston, Massachusetts : 1733-1933 > Part 10
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"But it is, Sir, to that other figure which became plain to us during those first two years of the war that this assembly of Christian men, representing a great historic Communion, turns with a deeper regard and, if I may say it, with a more affec- tionate interest. Some of us had known before the war some- thing of the scholar and the theologian of the University of Louvain. But it is not in times of peace, it is in times of danger when the wolves are ravaging the flock, that the character of the shepherd stands out most clearly. The dauntless courage with which you as the good shepherd of the Belgian people dared to rebuke the brutal outrage of the invasion, a courage that refused to be cowed, the faith from which emanated that glorious Christmas pastoral of yours to the people of Belgium on Christmas Day, 1914, in which you bade them be of good courage and assured them that the God of truth and right- eousness and judgment still ruled this world, and that the out- come would be honor and peace, and then later on that most pathetic though at the time unavailing appeal of yours against
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the brutal deportation of the Belgian people, recalling to us the darkest days of pagan Rome, that appeal which, though it failed to impress or to change the policy of the conqueror, found a response in the heart and mind and conscience of every Chris- tian man throughout the world-it is for these reasons that we venture to greet you with an affectionate regard. It is because we see in you those inner characteristics of the true Shepherd of the flock, those marks of character that make it plain to us that you have drunk of His cup and been baptized with His baptism. It is, Sir, because the American people and this House of Christian men see in you and in your career something that corresponds to the print of the nails, that we greet you today and hail you for what you are, the worthy representative of a venerable Christian communion, a brave patriot, a great Churchman, and a great Christian!"
In 1908 Dr. Mann was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Washington but declined because he had been at Trinity for only three years. In 1915 the Diocese of Newark chose him as suffragan bishop and in 1917 the Diocese of Western New York elected him as bishop. The latter was an especially appealing call, as it meant a return to the scenes of boyhood, of college days, and of his early ministry. But the United States had just entered the War and Dr. Mann, among other reasons, felt that he could not leave his parish during such days of crisis. In 19 2 2 he accepted his election as Bishop of Pittsburgh, being conse- crated in Pittsburgh on January 25, 1922, with his brother as consecrator, Bishop Lawrence as preacher, and two former assistants as attending presbyters, in the presence of many Trinity friends and parishioners who had journeyed to Pitts- burgh for the occasion.
As one looks back there are certain pictures which stand out so clearly: Dr. Mann standing in the pulpit, holding his Bible in his left arm, discoursing upon one of his heroes, the great Apostle to the Gentiles; Mr. Kidner standing in the Claren-
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don Street vestibule affectionately punching one of his boys; Mr. Chester with black skull cap and gown flitting about the church, selecting vestrymen, in strict order of seniority, to take the offering. But lack of space prevents further remi- niscences.
At the end of ten years Dr. Mann wrote in the Year Book: "Ten years ago at the beginning of my ministry in this Parish, I closed the introduction to the Year Book with the prayer 'that the blessing of Him who is the author of peace and lover of concord might be upon us as we lived and worked together for the glory of His name and the good of His church.' Today as I look back, while I see there the record of many mistakes and failures on my part, I see also the blessed fulfillment of that prayer and I thank God with an ever deepening sense of grati- tude for the mutual confidence and affection which exist be- tween minister and people." These words are characteristic of the broad, humble, religious leadership of the rector. Those of us who followed after know the deep foundations which were laid and which will always affect the future life of the parish. We thank God for every remembrance of these years.
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VII REV. HENRY KNOX SHERRILL, D.D. Twelfth Rector of Trinity Church 1923-1930 BY REV. ARTHUR O. PHINNEY
Rector of St. Stephen's Memorial Church, Lynn, Mass. Assistant Minister of Trinity Church, 1923-1928
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Henry Knox Sherrill
T HE Rev. Henry Knox Sherrill, D.D., now Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts, was born in Brook- lyn, New York, November 6, 1890, the son of Henry Williams Sherrill and Maria Knox (Mills ). Prepared at Hotch- kiss, he graduated from Yale in 1911 with the degree of A.B., and received his theological training at the Episcopal Theo- logical School, graduating with the degree of B.D. in 1914. From 1914 to 1917 he was assistant to Dr. Mann at Trinity Church, where he was greatly beloved by all those with whom he came in contact. In the calendar, written on the occasion of the farewell service held at Trinity Church for Base Hospital Unit No. 6, A. E. F., of which Mr. Sherrill was chaplain for two years (1917-1919 ), Dr. Mann writes: "Trinity Church makes a real sacrifice for the country in letting Mr. Sherrill go. All of us have come to love him and to trust him. Modest, straightforward, clear-headed, and efficient, he is eminently fitted for the important work of chaplain of a Hospital Unit, but how sorely we shall miss him! May God bless and keep him wherever he goes, is the prayer alike of the people of Trinity, whom he has served so loyally, and the rector, who feels that in losing him he is losing a younger brother."
Such is the kind of man who after the War became rector of the Church of Our Saviour in Brookline for four years, and then, by unanimous vote of the vestry, was elected to be rector of Trinity Church on March 20, 1923, at the age of thirty-two. In September, 1921, while at the Brookline church, he had married Miss Barbara Harris, who, with a great deal of per- sonal charm and character, has aided him most effectually in his work since. Bishop Lawrence instituted the new rector on Trinity Sunday, May 27, 1923, and said in his charge: "My brother, you have, in a sense, come home. The people of this parish elected you because they recognize your worth. You have a people who are loyal. You may be sure you can count
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on their spiritual support. And you will lead the parish on to a larger field of influence and of higher idealism." This was indeed a true prophecy of what was to come, for a new era began in the life of Trinity Parish-an era marked by expan- sion and development along many lines, but especially in the field of religious education and in work with young people. It was characterized in sermon and teaching by an emphasis upon the need of the individual soul for renewed personal consecration to the living Christ and His kingdom. The per- sonality and charm and deep-hearted devotion of the rector played a tremendous part in making his ministry very effective.
In the introduction to his first Year Book, 1923, Dr. Sher- rill writes with a deep sense of gratitude of the cordial "wel- come home" given him by the people of the parish. "No parish could have been more responsive, more eager to help, than you have been in every way," he says. And that eager responsiveness on the part of parishioners and friends, which soon became energized by deep personal affection for the man, himself, continued throughout the seven years of his rector- ship. Hence, on October 12, 1930, two days before his conse- cration as Bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts, he writes in the preface of the Trinity Year Book, on invitation of Dr. Kin- solving, his successor: "It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I look back at the seven years of my Rectorship. No Rector was ever blessed with a more loyal and considerate Staff and people. I thank God and you all for the happy association of these years." While on the other side of the relationship, one might say that truly no parish was ever more completely blessed in having as rector a man who combined in himself the quali- ties of faithful, devoted pastor, eloquent preacher, and wise administrator, and at the same time was a most devout and self-sacrificing servant of his Master, JesusChrist. There is little wonder that the parish thrived under his administration, and the community was greatly enriched by the influence of his Christian friendliness. All who came in contact with him
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loved him, and his staff in particular appreciated him for his affectionate friendliness, sympathetic guidance, and keen sense of humor.
From the very start Dr. Sherrill showed a complete under- standing of the needs of the parish, gleaned to some extent perhaps from three years as an assistant minister and from his intimate friendship with Dr. Mann. He began at once to make plans for coordinating and expanding the work of the organ- izations, and for developing the work with young people.
The Rev. John Ridout, who had been minister-in-charge after Dr. Mann's consecration as Bishop of Pittsburgh, con- tinued on the staff to assist with the preaching and pastoral work among the adult members of the congregation. The Rev. Arthur Osgood Phinney, who for three years had been devoting his time to religious education and work with boys and young people at Grace Church, Lawrence, was invited by the rector, wardens, and vestry to take charge of that de- partment of the work at Trinity. He accepted the call and be- gan his work in July, 1923, by taking charge that summer of the Trinity camp for young people at Bow Lake, Strafford, New Hampshire. In September, the Rev. George Crocker Gibbs came from New York to assist in the pastoral and edu- cational work. Members of the staff continuing from Dr. Mann's rectorate were Deaconess Theodora Beard, who had charge of the work with students and young women; Miss Elizabeth L. Mitchell and Mrs. Frances M. Groves, parish visitors; Miss Elsie B. Gillies, parish secretary ; Mr. Francis W. Snow, organist and choir-master; and Mr. Harold Miller, sexton.
The wardens and vestry who called Mr. Sherrill were Messrs. Edward W. Hutchins and Robert Treat Paine, wardens ; ves- trymen: Messrs. Edward N. Fenno, Frank Merriam, William V. Kellen, William H. Lincoln, George H. Lyman, Charles E. Mason, Henry C. Everett, William Caleb Loring, Alexander Whiteside, Charles K. Cummings, Charles A. Coolidge, Wil-
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liam Jason Mixter, J. Harleston Parker. They had invited four parishioners, two men and two women, to assist them in a choice.
A loyal group of lay workers, wardens and vestry, heads of organizations, teachers of the Church School, and leaders of various groups, were inspired by the wise counsel, spiritual guidance, and effective leadership of the rector to help plan and carry on the tremendous work of Trinity Parish. For in- stance, there was Miss Heloise E. Hersey, noted leader and lecturer in literature, secretary of the Trinity Parish Library, much beloved teacher of the 12.20 Bible Class on Sundays, prominent in parish work in religious education, and inter- ested in work with women students. Miss Florence D. Snell- ing was parish librarian, organist, and choir-mistress for the Girls' Choir. Mr. Robert D. Reynolds was chief usher and pres- ident of the Ushers' Club.
Much is being said in these days about over-organization of parish work. But there is always a middle course. A large parish is quite ineffective in practicing Christian principles, un- less a goodly number of its members are directed and guided in congenial groups organized for service. If care is taken to see that activities do not overlap and that membership is not duplicated, many different persons can be interested in the work of a parish, and a great deal accomplished for the ad- vancement of the Kingdom through a well thought-out program involving information, inspiration, fellowship, and service. It was with this in mind that the reorganization of Trinity Parish begun under Dr. Mann was expanded and com- pleted under Dr. Sherrill in the formation of Trinity Parish Church Service League. Departments of Missions, Education, Social Service, Publicity, and Finance were formed. A program involving missionary information, instruction in Bible,Church history, Prayer Book, personal religion, and social relation- ships was outlined. A council of representatives from each or- ganization, meeting once a month under the chairmanship of
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the rector, administered the program. Thus every organiza- tion was encouraged to participate in a well-rounded program of Christian fellowshipand service. Plans for activities of each organization were submitted in the spring of the year, co- ordinated, and charted for the fall season.
Of particular interest were four meetings for the whole parish each year, one under the auspices of each department- Missions, Education, Social Service-and the other of a purely social nature. These meetings were presided over by the chairmen of the respective departments. The program some- times consisted of a speaker, or took the form of a demon- stration of some ofthe work being done in the parish. For ex- ample, the children of the Church School, or members of the young people's organizations put on a pageant and exhibition of work being done by them in the educational program of the parish. The parish meeting under the Missions Depart- ment was usually addressed by some person, lay or clerical, who had just returned from the mission field. The evening meeting of the Social Service Department was for the parish, but there was also a well set-up afternoon conference with a brief service and a supper for all professional and lay workers in Christian social service in the diocese. Perhaps the most unique of these parish meetings, and certainly the one which demonstrated the fine spirit of cooperation and Christian fel- lowship which obtained throughout the parish, was the Par- ish Supper held at Ford Hall each year sometime in December. This family gathering was inaugurated under Dr. Sherrill. The wardens and vestry and their wives were in the receiving line with the rector and Mrs. Sherrill at the reception which was held just before the supper. Four to five hundred persons of all walks in life sat down to eat together -true Christian fellowship. Dr. Sherrill prized these parish gatherings highly, and always presided over them. No man could have had a richer, more varied fund of appropriate stories for every oc- casion than he had. He possessed the ability and the knack
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of always saying the right thing at the right time, and in just the right way, so that all felt his generous, warm, friendly spirit.
One of the most interesting and worthwhile aspects of the work done under Dr. Sherrill's leadership was that with young people. Very early in his rectorship it was quite evident that such work needed redirection and coördination. There were numerous clubs which had sprung up to meet the needs of the various groups among the boys, and a similar situation obtained with the girls. The men of college age were not being looked after at all. The committee of religious educa- tion of the parish undertook to remedy the situation by a well thought-out plan. Deaconess Theodora Beard and Miss Heloise E. Hersey were indefatigable workers on this com- mittee. This program included an organization which em- braced all the boys of the parish, assigning them to age group- ings or degrees to meet the needs and interests of the boy at various stages of his development. An organization was found ready at hand for this purpose in the Order of Sir Galahad, which had been established by Archdeacon Ernest J. Dennen some twenty years before, and which had proved its merit in a number of parishes in the diocese. A companion organiza- tion built up along the same lines as the Order of Sir Galahad was selected for the girls, called the Order of the Fleur de Lis. Both of these organizations proved their worth. Under capable leadership and a well-rounded program an attempt was made, and to a notable extent carried out, to develop each young- ster on the physical, social, intellectual, and devotional sides of his nature. These orders also provided the expressional activity for the Church School classes, which met for instruc- tion on Sunday. The various existing clubs and societies by common consent were merged into these larger, comprehen- sive groups.
For some time, effective and devoted work for college girls had been carried on in the parish by Deaconess Beard. In her
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quiet, sympathetic, and consecrated way she gave ofher friend- liness and inspiration to the young women who came to her for advice, and drew them into a religious organization which met every other week, called St. Hilda's Guild. But there was nothing provided for the men students-the old students' club having dropped out of existence. On Sunday morn- ings Dr. Sherrill was preaching to a crowded church, and these congregations were largely composed of students. It was noticed that many students came again and again and seemed interested in making Trinity their Church home. When questioned, it appeared that a majority of them needed something more than the religious service to tie to. They needed social and recreational activities under good auspices and among congenial, high-minded companions. The needs and interests of this group were discussed by the educational committee, and it was decided to form a young people's organ- ization along the lines of the Young People's Fellowship, and to merge the St. Hilda's Guild with it. At first young people residing in the parish banded together, and acting as a nu- cleus drew in and interested many students from among the hundreds who attended the services every Sunday. The first president was a Trinity boy, Nelson W. Bryant, who was at the time a student in the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, and at the present writing is rector of St. George's Church, Newport, Rhode Island. Under his efficient leadership and the guidance of members of the staff and the educational committee, students from the many schools and colleges in and round about Boston were drawn into the active life of the parish.
In the belief that in this day of youth movements it would be well for the young people to learn to govern themselves, a Young People's Council was formed. This consisted of rep- resentatives from each of the young people's organizations, who met to correlate programs and to legislate for young peo- ple, especially in their recreational and expressional activities.
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Along the line of study, in addition to the usual Church School curriculum of the Christian Nurture Series, courses were offered by the Educational Department for young peo- ple of college age and for adults. A Home Department was also established to reach those persons, young and old, unable to come to the church or parish house. Later, an attempt was made to carry on a program of week-day religious education in cooperation with the churches and private schools of the Back Bay.
Soon after this comprehensive program got under way, it was quite evident that the increased impetus given tothe work with young people would seriously overtax the facilities of Trinity House. It was not surprising in the next year, there- fore, to hear the rector's announcement that the wardens and vestry had agreed to sell Trinity House and to devote the pro- ceeds to enlarge the facilities of the parish house by putting in a third floor, for use of young people, building an up-to- date stage in the assembly hall, and a dining room in the base- ment. Dr. Sherrill comments on this change in his preface to the Trinity Year Book of 1924: "The outstanding event in the past year has been the remodeling of the Parish House. The changes which have been made have aided us greatly. The offices for the staff, the new dining room, the beautiful li- brary,the improved St. Andrew's Hall, named for St. Andrew's Church, and the new floor for young people-all are in con- stant use. It means a great deal to have everything concen- trated under one roof. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Wardens and Vestry for making this improvement possible, especially to our architect Vestryman, Mr. Charles A. Cool- idge. The sale of Trinity House was necessary, but it was with genuine regret that many of us saw 93 St. James Avenue pass into other uses. For thirteen years Trinity House has been in- valuable to the Parish. There are hundreds who can look back to happy and profitable hours spent there." Mrs. Harry Hunter continued her splendid work in the parish house for a time,
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and was succeeded by Mrs. Ethel M. Lockwood, who be- came the capable dietitian at Trinity Camp as well.
Another aid in strengthening the hold of Trinity Church upon the young people was the "Camp" at Bow Lake, New Hampshire. This camp site of sixty-five acres was a gift of the senior warden, Mr. Edward W. Hutchins, in 1920, and it has proved of inestimable value in the development of Christian character in the boys and girls. The original idea seems to have been to provide a camping place for the boys and girls of the parish-a place where they could "tent out" for a few weeks each summer. But a larger idea gradually took shape, and the camp became a character training ground in the num- berless different ways that a camp can when under the right conditions. It became a part of the educational plan of the par- ish, with gradually acquired equipment necessary to carry out an up-to-date camp program second to none for a camp of its size. To the original shack built in 1922 were added in the course of the next few years permanent, screened-in sleeping shacks, a hospital building, a director's cottage, a counsellors' lodge, a workshop, and, perhaps the most important factor in the life of the camper, a chapel given anonymously as a memorial by a member of the parish deeply interested in the cause of young people. Added to this equipment was a man . of sterling qualities, and with wide experience in boys' work, in the person of Mr. Thomas A. Gibson, who came to the staff in 1926. Hence there was surrounding the lives of Trinity young people a steadily increasing power for the building-up of character.
Not only was Dr. Sherrill a wise and capable administrator, as the organization of the parish showed, but he was an inde- fatigable pastor and an effective preacher. No person in need in the parish or community was too lowly in station to receive the full and undivided attention of the rector himself. Again and again he was called upon to minister to someone only slightly connected with the parish. He might readily and with
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justice have turned the case over to one of his assistants to handle, but that was not his way. He was in and out of the hospitals day after day, and hundreds of sick can attest to his loyal ministrations to them in their need. This love of souls which was his to a peculiarly exceptional degree was carried into every phase of the parish life. Particularly was he anxious that the individual should find a spiritual home in Trinity Church. He writes of the spiritual life of the parish in the preface to the 1926 Year Book and reiterates it in subsequent issues: "The inner life of a Parish can never be revealed by statistics or reports. The spirit of worship, consecrated lives, the devotion of the members of the staff, sacrifices and service on the part of many-all these are impossible to describe -- yet the strength of the Parish rests upon our relation to God. May we be given the vision to place first things first."
Again in his sermon on the Sunday following his declin- ation of the bishopric of Pennsylvania, Dr. Sherrill further demonstrated his zeal for souls in speaking of the opportu- nities of further service at Trinity. "More and more I hope that the people of this community will observe that the doors of this place are open, and if they are going by on business, here is a place into which they may come for a few moments' practice in silence of the presence of the Living God. Here in the heart of the city is a place where man can find God in peace and quietness. I would not dare be satisfied, even if this church were filled five times in the day, when I think of the hun- dreds and thousands of people who are outside of any Chris- tian Church, yet are children of God and who are religious at heart."
Perhaps the greatest concern of Dr. Sherrill among all the varied responsibilities of the office of rector of a great city parish lay in the services themselves. His aim was to carry on the tradition of Phillips Brooks in making Trinity a great preaching and teaching center. Sunday after Sunday Dr. Sher- rill himself preached to a full church with a congregation sel-
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