USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Trinity church in the city of Boston : an historical and descriptive account, with a guide to its windows and paintings > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Below, a Latin quotation -
" PARENTIBUS OPTIMIS FILIUS SUPERSTES,"
signifying, " A surviving son to the best of parents."
57
The North Transept.
Inscription. - In memory of THOMAS LINDALL WINTHROP, who died in 1841, aged 80 years, and ELIZABETH BOWDOIN TEMPLE, his wife, who died 1825, aged 55.
The Hon. ROBERT C. WINTHROP, for fifty-three years a Vestryman, has given this window as a memorial to his father and mother. The Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop was Lieutenant- Governor of Massachusetts from A. D. 1826 to A. D. 1833.
IV. The Amorp Mindom.
The Good Samaritan. Dorcas. - As the last two windows described signify Faith and Hope, so this window typifies Charity. In the left picture the Good Samaritan with his long staff is leading the ass, upon which he has placed the man who " fell among thieves."
" AND WHEN HE SAW HIM HE HAD COMPASSION ON HIM."
The right picture represents Dorcas turning from her work to throw a garment over a poor half-clothed youth who has knelt before her to beseech her aid.
" THIS WOMAN WAS FULL OF GOOD WORKS AND ALMS-DEEDS WHICH SHE DID."
Inscription. - In memory of THOMAS COFFIN AMORY, who died 1812, aged 45 years, and of HANNAH ROWE LINZEE, his wife, who died 1846, aged 70.
Mr. WILLIAM AMORY, formerly a Vestryman, presented this window as a memorial to his father and mother. The
58
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
Amorys and Linzees have been connected with the Parish almost from the beginning of its history.
The Derter Tablet.
Below the gallery upon the eastern wall of this transept near the eastern entrance to the church has been placed this tablet ; the inscription by the Hon. ROBERT C. WINTHROP. It preserves the memory of the same friend and servant of the Church as the window in the chancel alcove.
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE MINOT DEXTER.
FOR FORTY YEARS A FAITHFUL AND DEVOTED
MEMBER, VESTRYMAN, AND WARDEN OF THIS CHURCH :
A MAN OF EMINENT PURITY AND PIETY, OBLIGING, DISINTERESTED AND SELF-SACRIFICING : ENDEARED TO ALL WHO KNEW HIM BY COURTESY OF MANNER AND KINDNESS OF HEART :
ACTIVE TO TIIE LAST IN GOOD WORKS AND PARTICULARLY IN HIS TENDER CARE
FOR THE INTEREST OF THE LIVING AND THE REMAINS OF THE DEAD
DURING THE TRYING SCENES WHICH ATTENDED
THE BURNING OF OUR OLD HOUSE OF WORSHIP IN SUMMER ST : OF THIS NEW BUILDING HE ONLY LIVED LONG ENOUGHI
TO SELECT THE SITE AND APPROVE THE DESIGN :
BUT THE PROPRIETORS PLACE THIS TABLET ON ITS FINISHED WALLS AS A MEMORIAL OF THEIR GRATITUDE FOR HIS LONG SERVICES, OF THEIR AFFECTIONATE RESPECT FOR INIS VIRTUES, AND OF THEIR DEEP SORROW FOR HIS LOSS. BORN 15 NOVEMBER, IS02. DIED 26 NOVEMBER, 1872.
BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD.
59
The North Transept.
Painting.
Mr. LaFarge has placed one painting in this transept. High up on the eastern wall, under one of the arches, is a representation of SAINT JAMES.
The Hobing fioom Mindom.
Artists, BURLISON & GRILLS, London, England.
Ephphatha. - The picture is that of Jesus and the man of Galilee "that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech." At the left stands Jesus, his arm stretched out that his fingers may touch the lips of the man who has been brought to him. Around stand the Apostles and friends of the afflicted man, while in the background one sees the sail of a ship upon the sea of Galilee.
ΕΦΦΑΘΑ,
signifying, " Be opened."
Above this picture are representations of three angels holding a scroll on which are the words, -
είς & επιθυμούσαν άγγελοι παρακύψαι,
signifying, "Which things the angels desire to look into."
At the bottom of the window two small pictures represent THE BAPTISM and THE SUPPER OF OUR LORD.
60
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
Left -
The Baptism .- John, upon the bank, is pouring the water upon the head of his Master, who stands in the stream ; while above, the dove is descending from the heavens.
Right -
The Lord's Supper. - Jesus is breaking bread at the table with His disciples. Saint John is leaning upon His shoulder.
P. B. 1883.
This window was presented to the Church by the present rector, as a memorial of a pleasant year's travel, enjoyed in 1882-1883, through the kindness and consideration of his vestry and people.
-
The Cherubs' Deads.
Upon the south wall of the robing-room hang two small paintings. Upon the back of each is this description : -
"These two Cherubs' Heads were part of a canvas said to have been painted by Smibert, which was over the chancel of the first Trinity Church in Summer Street, built in 1734, and taken down in 1828. They were restored to the church in 1878."
61
The Tower.
Section Fifth.
THE TOWER.
The windows of the tower are filled with colored glass of geometrical designs, made by SAMUEL WEST, Boston.
Paintings.
Artist, JOHN LAFARGE.
Over these windows, three upon each side, are painted twelve pictures, most of them Biblical scenes.
EAST WALL. Left JOURNEY INTO EGYPT.
Centre . MADONNA AND CHILD. Right . THE RESURRECTION.
SOUTH WALL. Left SAMSON AND THE LION.
Centre . THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
Right . . THE CASTING UP OF JONAH.
WEST WALL. Left ALLEGORICAL REPRESENTATION OF " MORNING."
Centre . . GEOMETRICAL DESIGN - CROSS IN CENTRE.
Right . .. ALLEGORICAL REPRESENTATION OF " EVENING."
62
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
NORTH WALL. Left . ADAM AND EVE - THE GARDEN OF EDEN. Centre . . THE PEACEABLE KINGDOM. Right . . . ABRAHAM AND ISAAC.
On either side of each group of three windows are paint- ings as follows : -
EAST WALL - Two crosses.
WEST WALL -
Left. Text. " I WILL GIVE THEM AN HEART TO KNOW ME, THAT I AM THE LORD AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD."
Right. Text. "GO YE THEREFORE AND TEACH ALL NA- TIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST."
SOUTH WALL -
Left Symbolical representation of Saint Matthew - THE ANGEL.
Right . Symbolical representation of Saint John- THE EAGLE.
NORTH WALL -
Left . Symbolical representation of Saint Luke - THE BULL.
Right .
Symbolical representation of Saint Mark -
THE LION.
63
The Tower.
Below the windows this text encircles the tower : -
"BLESSING AND HONOUR AND GLORY AND POWER BE UNTO HIM THAT SITTETH UPON THE THRONE AND UNTO THE LAMB FOR- EVER."
Below this text are six paintings of heroic size. They are as follows : -
EAST WALL -
Left. SAINT PETER.
Right. SAINT PAUL.
SOUTH WALL -
Left. ISAIAH.
Right. JEREMIAH.
NORTH WALL -
Left. DAVID.
Right. MOSES.
64
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
Section Sixth.
THE CHAPEL AND SURROUNDINGS OF THE CHURCH.
THE CHAPEL
Is situated at the northeast corner of the triangular lot, and is connected by cloisters with the church. Various parish-rooms occupy the lower story, the chapel proper being upon the second floor.
There are three stained-glass windows in the chapel. In the south wall is -
The harmon Window.
Artist, FREDERICK CROWNINSHIELD, Boston.
Charity. - There are pictured a woman and two half- clothed children in the centre, and a figure with bowed
65
The Chapel.
head at the left. Behind is the figure of Christ, with His hand extended over them. Above is the text -
"INASMUCH AS YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE, MY BRETHREN, YE HAVE DONE IT UNTO ME."
Inscription. - In memory of CORDELIA HARMON, the friend of the poor and friendless. Died May 25-1883.
Miss Harmon was the Almoner of Trinity Church for many years, and through her good deeds was well known by all the poor in any way connected with the Parish. The win- dow was the gift of members of the Parish.
In the north wall is -
The Gertrude Parker Window.
Artist, JOHN LAFARGE, New York City.
Purity. - Filling the centre of the window is the figure of a young girl holding a lamp. By her side is a pot of lilies.
" BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD."
Inscription. - In Memoriam - GERTRUDE PARKER. Born July XXII. MDCCCLXV .- Died Nov. XVII. MDCCCLXXXIII.
This window was presented by the senior Warden, Mr. CHARLES HENRY PARKER, and his wife, as a memorial of their daughter, a scholar of the Sunday-school.
5
66
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
In the west wall over the organ are -
The Sunday School Windows.
Artists, CLAYTON & BELL, London, England.
Left window -
Presentation of Jesus. - At the right, the aged Simeon stands with the Babe in his arms, while Mary and Joseph are at the left.
Right window -
Jesus in the Temple. - The doctors sit at the left. Before them the Boy stands, both hearing and asking questions, with two little children beside Him. Mary and Joseph are enter- ing in the rear.
Under each window -
" The gift of the Children of Trinity Sunday School. A. D. 1874."
Paintings.
Encircling the wall of the chapel are the texts -
"JESUS SAITH, I AM THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE." "YOUNG MEN AND MAID- ENS, OLD MEN AND CHILDREN, PRAISE THE NAME OF THE LORD."
67
The Chapel.
In the centre of the walls over the four main groups of windows, are representations of the symbols of the four Evangelists.
THE ANGEL. THE LION. THE BULL. THE EAGLE.
The Chapel Organ
Was built by Hook & Hastings, Boston. The case was de- signed by Mr. Richardson ; and that the organist may face the Sunday-school while playing, the key-desk is detached and reversed, the mechanical connections passing under the platform. The organ is supported on the wall, thus occupy- ing no floor-room. The manual has five registers, and the pedal organ, one.
A plate fastened upon the front reads -
PRESENTED TO TRINITY CHAPEL BY ALEXANDER STRONG AND MARY E. STRONG FEBRUARY 7, 1880.
68
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
The Saint Botolph Tracerp,
Placed in the side of the cloister leading from the eastern entrance of the church to Clarendon Street, is the oldest work connected with the building. The inscription at the right reads : -
PART OF THE ORIGINAL TRACERY FROM A WINDOW OF THE ANCIENT CHURCH OF ST. BOTOLPH, BOSTON, LINCOLN- SHIRE, ENGLAND, OF WHICH JOHN COTTON WAS RECTOR FOR XXI YEARS UNTIL HE CAME TO NEW ENGLAND IN MDCXXXIII. PRESENTED TO TRINITY CHURCH BY THE REV. C. B. BLENKIN, VICAR OF ST. BOTOLPH'S, AND PLACED HERE AS A PRECIOUS MEMORIAL OF THE CHURCH OF OUR FATHERS, OCTOBER MDCCCLXXIX.
Rosette from Old Trinity.
Directly opposite this tracery, embedded in the wall of the church, is a single carved granite stone, - a rosette. Were there an inscription beside it, it might read -
One of the carved stones removed from the front of the stone tower of the Gothic Church in Summer Street, burned in the Fire of 1872. It has been placed here, a connecting link of the past with the present, the only remaining relic of the exterior of that edifice.
The Parker Tablet.
N the Summer Street Church there was another tablet similar to the GARDINER TABLET, described in Section I. of this book, but surmounted by a mitre in token of the Bishop's office. It was in memory of BISHOP PARKER (see pages 11 and 26). While the GARDINER TABLET was saved from the fire, and afterward placed in the new church, this Memorial was destroyed; but for preservation a copy of its inscription is placed here.
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE RIGHT REVEREND SAMUEL PARKER, D.D. WHO WAS BORN IN PORTSMOUTH N. H. AUG. 17. 1745. AND DIED IN THIS CITY DEC. 6. 1804. HE BECAME ASSISTANT MINISTER OF THIS CHURCH IN 1774. WAS CHOSEN AND INDUCTED RECTOR IN 1779. AND CONSECRATED BISHOP OF MASSACHUSETTS SEPT. 14. 1804.
A CHRISTIAN SCHOLAR AND A CHRISTIAN GENTLEMAN, HE SUSTAINED BY HIS LEARNING, WHILE HE ADORNED BY HIS COURTESY, THE OFFICE OF A CHRISTIAN PASTOR. A CHURCHMAN OF THE PRIMITIVE STAMP, HE CLUNG MORE CLOSELY TO THE CHURCH, AS HER AFFLICTIONS MULTIPLIED, AND, AT THE TRYING PERIOD OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, REMAINED IN THIS CITY ALONE, TO SERVE AT HER ALTARS AND FEED THE FLOCK; NEVER INATTENTIVE TO HIS OWN PAROCHIAL CHARGE, HE WAS INSTANT IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON IN HIS VISITS TO THE SMALL AND SCATTERED FOLDS
70
Trinity Church in the City of Boston.
OF HER COMMUNION IN THIS STATE. THE AIM OF HIS LIFE WAS USEFULNESS; BENEVOLENCE AND HOSPITALITY, ITS CHIEF ENJOYMENTS. IN THE DOMESTIC CIRCLE, LOVING AND BELOVED ; HE WAS ATTENDED, IN HIS PUBLIC WALKS, BY UNIVERSAL AFFECTION AND RESPECT. IT PLEASED HIM,
BY WHOM HE WAS CALLED TO THE HIGHEST OFFICE OF THE CHURCH, TO TAKE HIM HOME BEFORE HE ENTERED ON ITS DUTIES : BUT TO ONE, WHO HAD SO BLENDED THE ACTIVE MISSIONARY WITH THE FAITHFUL PARISH PRIEST, THERE NEEDED BUT THE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY, TO COMPLETE THE CHARACTER OF THE CHRISTIAN BISHOP.
Trinity Church Memorial Calindows.
ADDRESS
TO
THE PROPRIETORS OF THE CHURCH IN 1875.
PREPARED
BY THOMAS C. AMORY.
As the new church approached completion, the Vestry appointed, on May 4, 1875, a Memorial Window Committee, consisting of Messrs. THOMAS C. AMORY, CHARLES R. CODMAN, BENJAMIN F. NOURSE, ROBERT TREAT PAINE, Jr., and JOHN BROOKS FENNO. Of this Committee Mr. AMORY was made Chairman ; and he has continued to hold that position to the present day. The following Address, prepared by him in the interests of this Committee, was accepted by the Vestry on June 9, 1875, and was by them submitted in circular form to the Proprietors.
TRINITY CHURCH MEMORIAL WINDOWS.
"T is naturally the wish of all of us, in erecting for the purposes of public worship a costly structure which we hope will endure for ages, to render it as perfect as we can, not only for its special use, but also as a work of art. In all times and countries, grateful acknowledgment of de- pendence upon God has consecrated to His service what- ever was most precious. Temples and churches of noble form and rich in decoration have proved enduring monu- ments of the devotional spirit of the race. While not for- getting that the Creator dwelleth not in temples made with hands, we are rearing an edifice which, by its beauty of proportion and appropriate ornament, we have reason to believe will duly express the sentiments of religious obli- gation characteristic at all times of our ancient Parish.
In this edifice the openings for light are many and various, some of them of great size. Everywhere in view, much of the beauty of the interior will depend upon their judicious treatment. If of plain glass the light would be excessive, and at seasons painful to the eye. The " dim religious light " is carried too far, in sacred places, when reading becomes difficult ; but with openings so numerous and broad there is more likelihood of glare than that our church will prove too dark. Both common usage and
74
Trinity Church Memorial Windows.
good taste requiring that the windows shall be filled with stained glass, their tint and tone should be in distinct har- mony with its architectural character and mural decoration, bringing out in due relief the vaulting of the roof, so that wherever the eye turns it may rest with pleasure. It is to be hoped that the glass selected, instead of a brilliant kaleidoscope of prismatic colors, will present a series of Scriptural designs. Our faith resting on the incidents of revelation, these designs should consist of the prominent events of sacred history, or of its principal personages in single figures or groups. Could some systematic selection of such subjects be distributed throughout the sacred pile, the general effect would be much more pleasing and har- monious, and yet that latitude be left for the preference of contributors, which the variety of Scriptural illustration admits.
We are not prepared to prescribe or designate definitely the subjects which we consider most appropriate for each part of the building. The seven large windows of the apse, from their conspicuous position and the peculiar in- terest attaching to the chancel, should be treated with especial care, and, avoiding monotony, should form con- sistent parts of the whole. The leading events of the life of the Saviour have been proposed as suitable themes.
Our attention was called to this subject of memorial windows by an application for leave to place one in the apse. In reminding the Proprietors of the opportunity now afforded by the construction of a new church for a parish of so many venerable associations as their own to
75
Trinity Church Memorial Windows.
transmit these sacred memories of the past to coming generations, we would not be misunderstood. We submit the subject to their consideration, not only that embellish- ment may be added to the work, but also that a privilege generally valued may be improved. The disposition in our country and abroad, now and ever since churches were erected, so to commemorate lives and services that should not be forgotten, proves the strength of the sentiment, as well as its propriety. No more grateful link between generations as they pass, can be devised than these mon- uments in sacred places, always present and in view, and especially enduring.
In parish churches in our mother-land, brasses and mural tablets have decayed, while some emblem, legend, or name on the more fragile material has preserved the trace of pro- genitors, and, if transmitting little else than this vestige of their existence, indicates at least the sacred association that bound them to their church. No reflecting mind can be insensible to the advantage of thus keeping fresh to de- scendants the precious memories of the past. We should be glad to see thus commemorated the venerable prelates of the Church and its revered pastors, individuals who have been conspicuous for good service in public or private life, families that for successive generations have been members of the Parish, and have derived from their connection with it much of their happiness. We trust that the opportunity which is now offered, and which is not likely to recur, may be improved by all who love their Church and are willing to help in its embellishment, and thus transmit to those who are to follow them this recognition of their faith.
76
Trinity Church Memorial Windows.
Whoever are disposed to avail themselves of this oppor- tunity are invited to give an early intimation of their inten- tion, for little time remains to select designs and have them executed. Information can be obtained from the Wardens and Vestry ; and communications may be addressed to the Senior Warden, and to him should be sent as speedily as practicable the designs proposed to be adopted, for ap- proval by the Vestry, to whom this charge has been com- mitted by the Proprietors. To prevent repetitions and secure correspondence of tone and treatment, and due regard to the requirements of the building for light and air, there should be no more delay than the various points to be considered render unavoidable.
By order of the Wardens and Vestry,
STEPHEN G. DEBLOIS, Clerk.
Names of the Wardens and Vestry are appended.
WARDENS. CHARLES HENRY PARKER. CHARLES R. CODMAN.
VESTRY.
ROBERT C. WINTHROP. STEPHEN G. DEBLOIS.
JOHN BROOKS FENNO.
CHARLES J. MORRILL.
THOMAS C. AMORY.
BENJAMIN F. NOURSE.
JOHN CODMAN.
WILLIAM S. EATON.
JOHN H. BUTLER. EDWARD D. PETERS.
JOHN C. ROPES. ROBERT T. PAINE, JR.
WILLIAM AMORY, JR.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.