USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > A record of Christ church, New Brunswick, Diocese of New Jersey > Part 2
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* See Note IX., page 27.
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has mainly contributed, with the blessing of Almighty God, to the preservation and prosperity of the Church during so long a period; whilst they have witnessed, with deep anxiety, his severe and protracted illness, and would cheerfully contribute to the repose of his declin- ing years; yet they cannot but think that the with- drawal, by the Rector, of his resignation tendered to them would subserve the interests of that Church which he has so long loved, and so faithfully served : therefore, Resolved, That the Right Rev. Rector be re- spectfully requested to withdraw his said resignation." To this earnest request, " the Rector, in his reply, cheer- fully acceded."
The good old man's days, however, were drawing to a close, and in July, of this same year, he was removed from all earthly cares, and entered into his rest.
Agreeably to the wishes of the family, "the Vestry had his body interred" beneath the chancel, in the church; they desired "to defray the funeral expenses ; and in further testimony of their respect for the memory of their late Rector, they resolved to take measures to erect a Marble Tablet, to record and perpetuate his great zeal for the Church generally, and especially for Christ Church, New-Brunswick, over which he presided for so many years as Rector."* A Tablet was accord- ingly placed in the east end of the church, with this appropriate inscription, composed by his son :
* See Note X., page 28.
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Beneath the Chancel are deposited the remains of the RIGHT REVEREND JOHN CROES, D. D., first Bishop Of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this Diocese, Born in New-Jersey, he held the office and performed the duties of A Christian Minister, in his native State,
For more than 42 years, the last 30 of which were devoted To the service of this Parish.
On the 30th of July, 1832, he closed a useful life, And calmly slept in the Lord, in the 71st year of his age And the 17th of his Episcopate. This Tablet
Is erected by his bereaved congregation, As a testimonial Of their grateful recollection of the many private virtues Of their departed Pastor and Friend ;
And of the high estimation in which they held His piety and talents, As a Minister of the Gospel of Peace ; And his consummate prudence, untiring activity, And constant vigilance, As a Spiritual Overseer of the Church.
On the 22d of Aug., the Vestry was convened, and chose for their Rector, the Rev. John Croes,* the late Assistant Minister. Mr. Croes held the Rectorship until Oct., 1839, when his resignation took effect, ac- cording to notice given to the Vestry in July prece- ding.+
A Committee was appointed at their next meeting, " with power to confer with the Rev. John D. Ogilby, and to secure his services temporarily for the church, until permanent provision shall be made with reference to the Rectorship."
* See Note XI., page 28.
t See Note XII., page 28.
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Mr. Ogilby was at that time residing in New-Bruns- wick, holding the Professorship of languages in Rutgers' College. He very kindly undertook the charge offered him, without any remuneration for " his acceptable ser- vices," until the 29th of October, 1839, when the pres- ent incumbent, the Rev. Alfred Stubbs, " was unani- mously elected" to the Rectorship.
It would be hardly proper to conclude this brief sketch of the external history of the Parish, without stating that, during the last six years, the interior of the church has been greatly improved, by being painted in oak, and handsomely carpeted. A noble organ has been presented by Charles M. Leupp, Esq., of New- York, " as a memento of his affection to the Church in which his infancy was trained and nurtured ;" a legacy of $1,000 has been more recently bequeathed by the late Mrs. Jane Middagh Clarkson, of this city; and a valuable property purchased for a Parsonage .*
The pecuniary embarrassments under which the Church has labored for the last half century, have been entirely removed ; and never, probably, since the Parish was organized, has it been in so prosperous a condition as it is at the present moment.
During the last ten years, the members of the congre- gation, the number of Communicants, and the resources of the church, have been nearly doubled. And so long as " peace" remains " within her walls," the Lord will not fail to " send us prosperity."
One more occurrence remains to be mentioned, and that not the least interesting ; for it had a most impor- tant bearing on the establishment of the American Church. "The first step," says Bishop White, in his
* See Note XIII., page 28.
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Memoirs, " towards the forming of a collective body of the Episcopal Church in the United States, was taken (through the medium of the Rev. Abraham Beach*) at a meeting of a few Clergymen of New-York, New- Jersey, and Pennsylvania, at Brunswick, in New-Jersey, on the 13th and 14th of May, 1784. The first day was chiefly taken up with discussing principles of ecclesias- tical union. The next morning, (in consequence of new information received,) it was agreed " that nothing should be urged further on the subject," at present. " But be- fore the Clergy parted, it was determined to procure a larger meeting on the fifth of the ensuing October, in New-York, to confer and agree on some general princi- ples of a union of the Episcopal Church, throughout the States."
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Here did the Lord cause that "noble vine," which He before had planted, "to take deep root; and it has filled the land. She has sent out her boughs unto the sea ; and her branches unto the river. The hills are covered with the shadow of it ; and the boughs thereof are like the goodly cedars." God forbid that it should ever wither and droop, in the place where it first was planted !
It is a pleasing reflection, that the Parish has been blessed with the services of the most eminent men that have adorned the American Church. Mr. Wood, the first Missionary, having established the Church here, be- came afterwards distinguished for his labors among the Indian Tribes of Nova Scotia. Dr. Chandler says of " the worthy, the eminently useful, and amiable Mr. MacKean, probably a better man was never in the So- ciety's service." Mr. Cutting is described as " a person of piety and virtue; and of much learning and elo-
* See Note XIV., page 29.
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quence." To the prudence and fidelity of Mr. Beach, the Records of the Society bear ample testimony ; almost twenty years of his useful life were passed in active duty here ; here it was, that the Apostolic Bishop Sea- bury commenced his Missionary labors ; here it was, that the zealous, lion-hearted Bishop Hobart ministered in the dawn of his illustrious career ; and here it was, that the faithful Bishop Croes spent the larger portion of his consistent and holy life.
God grant that His Church may be always " ordered and guided by Pastors" so " faithful and true."
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O ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner-stone ; grant that by the operation of the Holy Ghost, alı Christians may be so joined together in unity of spirit, and in the bond of peace, that they may be an Holy Temple, acceptable unto Thee.
And especially, to this congregation give the abun- dance of Thy grace; that with one heart they may de- sire the prosperity of Thy Holy Apostolic Church, and with one mouth may profess the Faith once delivered to the saints. Defend them from the sins of heresy and' schism ; " let not the foot of pride come nigh to hurt them, nor the hand of the ungodly to cast them down." And grant that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by Thy governance, that Thy Church may joyfully serve Thee in all godly quietness ; that so they may walk in the ways of truth and peace, and at last be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting, through Thy merits, O blessed Jesus, thou gracious Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, who art with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
Notes.
NOTE I .- Page 6.
Missionaries of the Church seem to have officiated at Piscataqua, or Pis- cataway, as it is now commonly called, as early as 1701. It was then styled, " The Anabaptist Town," from " about twenty that agree in that persuasion, the rest of the people being of all, or, of no religion." Since 1722, no less than three churches have been built there ; one was destroyed by the vio- lent Tornado, which swept through this region on the 19th of June, 1835. The present edifice was soon afterwards erected, by the liberality of Joseph Foulke, Esq., of New-York.
The church, unfortunately, has been for many years deprived of the ser- vices of a Resident Minister ; the congregation, in consequence, is very far now from being very numerous or increasing.
NOTE II .- Page 7.
The land on which the church is built was given by Philip French, Esq., in 1745. The deed was for many years missing; but was accidentally dis- covered, in some old house in New-York, in 1845 : and kindly restored to the church.
There is no evidence, that either house or glebe were ever purchased, although information had been given to the Society in England, that £300 had been raised for that purpose. It is to be hoped that neither fraud nor deception were practiced in this instance. There is too often, however, a degree of dishonesty shown in the management of church funds, which men would not dare to practice in the ordinary business of life. They do not hesitate to contract engagements which they never mean to fulfil, and to appropriate to unhallowed uses that which has been solemnly devoted to God's service. Thus it is they " rob God," and often under the pretence of seeking His glory.
Had the House and Glebe been purchased at this time, according to the solemn engagement of the members of the Parish, it would probably have been saved from the pecuniary embarrassments which have ever since re- tarded its growth and prosperity.
NOTE III .- Page 8.
This, and the following letter, are not among the published "proceedings ; they were kindly furnished by his grand-son, the Rev. Dr. Seabury, Rector of the Church of the Annunciation, New-York.
On one of these missionary tours an incident occurred, which proved nearly fatal to the career of this celebrated man. While returning in a sail-boat from Brunswick to New-York, a sudden gust of wind arose, which threatened to upset the little bark. The danger was increased by the obstinacy of the steersman, who would not, or could not, govern the boat. Mr. Seabury
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submitted in patience, as long as it could be done with safety ; at last, he seized the helm, thrust the man away from it, and guided the vessel to the shore. A crowd of anxious spectators were gathered on the beach, who felt so indignant at the conduct of the helmsman, in exposing the life of the faithful Missionary, that they laid hands on him as soon as he reached the land, and inflicted the punishment he so richly deserved.
Mr. Seabury was thus providentially saved " from perishing by water," to become, long afterwards, the governor of the ark of Christ's church, which has been more than once preserved by his firmness and skill from the winds and storms that threatened her destruction.
To him, more than to any other man, save good Bishop White, we owe it, that she now lies moored in safety in the haven of peace.
NOTE IV .- Page 9.
Copies of this Charter still remain-the original was lost during the Revolution.
The Rev. Mr. MacKean died at Amboy, on the 17th of Oct., 1766. On the tomb-stone, erected there to his memory, he is described as " An un- shaken friend, and in every relation of life a truly benevolent and honest man."
The Hon. Edward Antill departed this life on the 15th of August, 1770, in the 7 1st year of his age. His body was interred near the south-east corner of the church, where his grave-stone still remains.
It is to be lamented that so little is known of the history of this zealous and devoted churchman. His papers, which were in possession of a nephew, were nearly all destroyed in the great fire of 1835, in New-York. He left three sons-Edward, John, and Lewis-the first of whom became a Colonel in the American army, and served in the war. On one occasion he was taken prisoner, and confined on board the English fleet. Happily for him, John, who joined the British ranks, was sent to examine the prison- ers ; and the first person on whom he cast his eyes, was his own brother. He succeeded in procuring his release. Lewis, also, retained his loyalty, and fell in the battle of Brandywine. John survived many years, and died, it is supposed, in Orange county, New-York.
There is a large and handsome Marble Font in the church, on which is in- scribed, " The gift of John Antill, Esq .; as a token of his affection to his native place." The tradition in the family, however, was, that this Font was presented by his father, the Hon. Edward Antill, as a votive offering, in consequence of deliverance from imminent danger. The substance of this note has been communicated by Mrs. Frances Tappan, his only surviving grand-child.
NOTE V .- Page 13.
In this letter Mr. Vandyke complains that his salary had not been paid him; that he was consequently " threatened by suits at law ;" and he im- plores the Vestry to save him and themselves from this "reproach and shame," by paying the balance due him. This is copied as an illustration how vain are all efforts to raise money for religious objects, which are not based upon Christian principles.
At this time the lottery system was sanctioned by the State, and, unfortu- nately, it was also introduced into the Church. Some of the old tickets are still preserved. But, as in every such case, much harm was done, and very little good.
The church was defrauded of the money collected by some of the agents ; quarrels ensued, law suits were threatened, and at last the clergyman's just dues were left unpaid. This ought to be recorded as a warning against all such methods of obtaining money. The only true plan, and the only one
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that will prove finally successful, is the one enjoined in the Gospel : " Let every one lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him." " Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity ; for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Whatever is given, should be given upon Christian motives, with a sincera desire of doing good, and in the name of Christ; otherwise the deed will be " unblessed." It certainly will not benefit " him that gives," and seldom does it benefit " him that takes."
NOTE VI .- Page 14.
This letter was directed to Robert Boggs, Esq., the Clerk of the Board. Mr. Boggs' name first occurs on the Parish Records in 1793 ; and he con- tinued an active and influential member of the Vestry until his death, on the 12th of January, 1831.
A letter from Mr. Hobart, dated at Elizabethtown, July 3d, 1800, evinces the high regard which he entertained for this estimable man, whose gene- rous hospitality he frequently enjoyed. "I certainly intended," he says, " to have passed a night at Brunswick ; and a principal inducement was the hope of seeing you. I have no doubt of the sincerity of your good wishes, which are so grateful to me. I look forward to the pleasure of often see- ing you, and through life to the cultivation of your regard and friendship. My intercourse with you has been marked by acts of attention and friend- ship on your part, which are not less pleasing in the remembrance, than they were acceptable at the time. Whatever may be the changes and trials of our state here, (for who can expect unalloyed enjoyment, ) let me hope that we shall meet where our happiness shall be perfect, and eternal." Exactly four months intervened between the departure of the two friends from this world of " changes and chances ;" and " let us liope," that they have met, " where their happiness will be perfect and eternal."
NOTE VII .- Page 16.
The amount of Mr. Croes' salary was proportioned to the time he agreed to devote to the church. It was afterwards increased, though it never ex- ceeded five hundred dollars. Happily, however, he was never entirely de- pendent upon the income derived from his Parish. The schools he taught yielded him besides a handsome revenue. Though he practiced the closest economy, yet he was also charitable, and never allowed a poor man to go from his door without assistance.
NOTE VIII .- Page 17.
Some years before, in 1810, the two frame buildings were erected which now remain in the church-yard. Another was put up in 1825. The money had to be borrowed to erect these buildings ; the Vestry pledging them- selves to apply the rent towards re-payment of principal and interest. This condition, however, was not strictly observed, and hence the debt a few years ago exceeded $500. It is now less than one hundred, and will be en- tirely removed in the course of the year.
Will not the congregation feel so much pride in their church, and so much reverence for the memory of departed friends, as to provide means, that this foul blot may not desecrate another year the hallowed place where their dead repose !
NOTE IX .- Page 18.
On the 30th of May, of this year, the Convention of the Diocese met in Morristown. The Bishop was too infirm to be present. His address was read by the Secretary ; from which the following cxtract is taken. It seems
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necessary to introduce it here, as an illustration of the condition of the Parish and the Diocese at that time ; otherwise I would fain have kept back a document, which cannot but excite in every generous mind feelings of shame and sorrow :
"Taking into consideration," says the Bishop, " the probable injury the Diocese may suffer from the want of an efficient Episcopal Head, I am strongly induced to recommend to you to take measures to elect some suit- able Presbyter of the Church as an Assistant Bishop, to perform those duties which I shall, in all probability, not be able to discharge. I am well aware of the obstacles that present themselves to this measure, especially that of the want of sufficient funds ; as during the short time I may be permitted to live, the withdrawal of, or even diminishing the small stipend, which has- been statedly contributed by the Church in the Diocese, in aid of my sup- port, would reduce my means of living much below what would be neces- sary for that purpose ; especially, as I have already voluntarily relinquished $300 a year of the salary I received as Rector of Christ Church, in New Brunswick, (when the whole salary which I previously received was but $500,) rather than suffer that church to be shut up, and the congregation deprived of the services of the sanctuary. But, as in all probability the obstacles I speak of will be of short duration, less than a year perhaps, it is to be hoped, that some means may be devised to obviate it, in the interim. At any rate, I am assured, my brethren, that your sense of equity and pro- priety will not permit you to adopt any measure which may lessen my means of support or comfort, during the short period I yet may live."
NOTE X .- Page 19.
Bishop Croes, though not famed for popular eloquence, possessed many eminent qualifications for his high and holy office. He was the laborious parish Priest, the sincere Friend, the judicious Counsellor, the watchful Pastor, the instructive Preacher, the thoughtful Writer, the sound, well- read Divine. He had the happy faculty of " speaking the truth in love," and he seems to have gained the esteem and affection of all who came within the sphere of his influence. To this day, he is generally spoken of through- out the town by the name of " the good Bishop."
NOTE XI .- Page 20.
This excellent man finished, in August last, his earthly course, at the age of 62 ; and has left a large circle of relatives and friends to lament their loss. His old parishioners were deeply attached to him; especially those who had known him from his youth, not a few of whom are now gathered with him, in the Paradise of God.
The widow of Bishop Croes died in New-Brunswick, on Ash-Wednesday, 1845, at an advanced age. But one, son and one daughter now remain of this well ordered, united, and happy family.
NOTE XII .-- Page 20.
In 1838, a legacy of $100 was bequeathed the Church by Miss Sarah Duyckinck. More than one of this name and family have been benefactors of the Parish.
NOTE XIII .- Page 21.
A lot of ground had been given, some years before, by Mr. Edward Boggs and Mrs. John Blauvelt, on which to erect a Parsonage; but the site not being preferred by the Vestry, it was sold by consent of the Donors, and the proceeds appropriated in part payment of the new purchase.
The sum of four hundred dollars, contributed in times past towards raising
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a Fund for the support of the Rector, was appropriated in the same way. The larger portion of the purchase money was subscribed by the congrega- tion and a few friends abroad. There was still, however, a debt left, amounting to something over one hundred dollars ; which was canceled last year, through the industry and zeal of the ladies of the congregation.
A large lot, adjoining the churchi-yard, will, at some future time, revert to the church. It was the bequest of Mrs. Mary Leupp, who died Sept. 8th, 1846, in the 86th year of her age.
" So like Charity she lived on earth, that, doubtless, Like Charity, she remaineth ever more in Heaven."
Such is the beautiful tribute paid to her memory, by one who could ap- preciate the worth of this most faithful follower of Him, who was " meek and lowly in heart."
NOTE XIV .- Page 22.
The name of the Rev. Abraham Beach, frequently occurs in the foregoing narrative. A Tablet has been erected to his memory in the church, with the following epitaph, from the pen of the late James A. Hillhouse, Esq. :
In the adjoining church-yard lie interred the remains of ABRAHAM BEACH, D. D., Who was ordained in London, 'in 1767, to officiate in this church, where he faithfully performed his duty for 17 years. After devoting 25 years more to his Sacred profession in the City of New-York, he returned to close his days amidst the scenes of his youthful exertions. Having completed his 88th year, he departed on the 14th of September, 1828, in the humble but assured hope of entering into the enjoyment of those promises, of which he was so long the Herald. He was born in Cheshire, Conn., Sept. 9th, 1740.
On the same Tablet are inscribed the names of Ann Van Wickle, the wife of Dr. Beach, who died in New-York, Jan. 22d, 1808 ; and of their daugh- ters, Ann Chandler Beach, wife of the Rev. T. Lyell, who died Dec. 23d, 1821 ; and Maria Beach, who, with her husband, the Rev. A Carter, fell a victim to the Yellow Fever, in Savannah, Geo., 1827. Another daughter, the venerable Mrs. Rattoone, on the 12th of October, 1848, was, re-united to this happy family circle, " in the blest kingdoms meek of joy and love." Long will the memory of this excellent lady be cherished by those who have enjoyed her friendship, and partaken of her hospitality.
" She was a woman of a steady mind, Tender and deep in her excess of love ; " By some especial care Her temper had been framed, as if to make A being-who, by adding love to peace, Might live on earth a life of happiness."
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Missionaries at Nes-Brunswick.
1750. The Rev. Mr. Wood.
1754. The Rev. Sam'l Seabury.
1760. The Rev. Mr. MacKean.
1764. The Rev. Mr. Cutting.
1767. The Rev. Abm. Beach.
Ministers after the Revolution.
1784. The Rev. Mr. Rowland.
1787. The Rev. Mr. Ogilvie.
1791. The Rev. Mr. Van Dyke.
1799. The Rev. John Henry Hobart. Daniel Kemper.
1800. The Rev. Mr. Cotton.
Wm. Leupp.
Dr. Edward Carroll.
Charles Dunham.
Franklin Smith.
Samuel V. Hoffman.
Of the Ministers of the Parish, the present incumbent is the only one living ; and of the Wardens, all have been removed from the service of the Church militant, with the exception of the last three on the list. Three, not the least worthy of the faithful band, have been taken from us since the present Rector entered upon his pastoral care. Never can he forget the generous hospitality, nor the meek and gentle manners, of good Dr. Carroll; nor the sterling integrity and unfeigned humility of worthy Mr. Leupp ; nor the fervent devotion of the venerable Col. Kemper. " These all died in faith ;" and now "rest from their labors." Sweet is their remembrance upon earth ; and great will be their reward in Heaven.
THE MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT CORPORATION.
Rector. THE REV. ALFRED STUBBS.
WWardens. SAMUEL V. HOFFMAN. FRANKLIN SMITH.
Vestrpmen. ROBERT ADRAIN.
JOHN S. BLAUVELT. HENRY BLUMER.
ISAAC R. CORNELL.
CHARLES DUNHAM.
GEORGE FOLLETT.
ROBERT J. LIVINGSTON.
WILLIAM H. LEUPP.
THOMAS L. WELLS.
Wardens of the Church, 1790-1850.
Dr. Charles A. Howard.
Jonathan Deare.
John Dennis.
John Parker.
Robert Morris.
Matthew Egerton.
Willet Warne.
George Farmer.
Stephen Kemble.
Robert Boggs.
Isaac Lawrence.
1801. The Rev. John Croes.
1832. The Rev. John Croes, Jr.
1839. The Rev. Alfred Stubbs.
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An Abstract of the Charter,
Given A. D. 1761 ; in the second year of the Reign of King George the Third.
THE minister and members of the Parish are incorporated " by the name and style of the Rector, Church-wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church, in the City of New-Brunswick." They are empow- ered to accept, hold and enjoy any messuages, buildings, lands, tene- ments and hereditaments, corporeal or incorporeal, given, granted, or bequeathed, &c., for the sake of the said church or parsonage, and to bring suits in all courts, and elsewhere, for the recovery and obtain- ing of the same, by any lawful means whatsoever ; also, to hire, let, sell, or dispose of the same, at their will and pleasure ; provided al- ways, that nothing in these presents is meant, or intended to author- ize and empower all, or any of them, at any time hereafter, to bargain, sell, dispose, change, or alter any lands, tenements, goods, or chattels, given or granted to the said body politic or corporate, that was given, or granted unto them, from the use, end and purpose, for which the donation was made, given, or granted, contrary to the true intent and meaning of the donor, or donors.
" For the better ordaining and managing the affairs and business of the said Corporation, there shall be one Rector, or Parochial Minis- ter, of the Church of England, as by law established, duly ordained for the cure of souls, two church-wardens, and eight or more vestrymen, not exceeding the number of twelve, from time to time constituted, elected and chosen, in maner and form, as is hereafter, in these presents expressed, which vestrymen, or the major part of them, and the two church-wardens, or one of them, together with the Rector, for the time being, when rightly elected, and duly qualified, may, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, apply themselves to take care for the best obtaining, receiving, disposing, governing and order- ing the general business and affairs of and concerning the said church, and all such lands, tenements and hereditaments, real and personal es- tate, which shall or may be hereafter acquired."
" The Rector of the church for the time being, shall and may, from time to time, upon all occasions, assemble and call together, in a public manner, the said church-wardens and vestrymen, for the time being, and with them, or the major part of them, at least, and not otherwise, consult, advise, do and perform, the business and affairs of the said church, and of and concerning the premises aforesaid, and to hold vestries for that purpose ; and, in case of death, absonce, or re-
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fusal of the Rector, for the time being, then, and in either of such cases, during such vacancy, absence, or refusal, the church-wardens, for the time being, or one of them, may call and hold such vestry, in manner aforesaid, and do and perform, in the absence, vacancy, or neglect of the Rector, and not otherwise, every matter and thing re- lating to the premises, as if done by and with the order, consent and approbation of the Rector of the said church."
" The choice, as well of the vestrymen, as of the church-wardens for the said church shall be annual; and that yearly, once in the year forever, (that is to say,) on Monday in Easter week, in every year, at the said church, in manner following, to wit : That the Rector, for the time being, shall appoint one of the congregation of the said church, to be one of the church-wardens; and the congregation of the said church, or the major part of them, then present, shall choose, elect and appoint one other of the congregation of the said church to be the other church-warden, and the said congregation, or the major part of them so met, as aforesaid, shall elect or choose eight or more persons, not exceeding twelve of the congregation aforesaid, to be the vestry- men for the ensuing year ; which church-wardens and vestrymen, so chosen and hereafter to be chosen, shall immediately enter upon their respective offices, from the respective times they shall be chosen, until other fit persons be respectively elected in their steads and places."
" And if it shall happen, that any or either of these, the said church- wardens or vestrymen, so to be annually elected, shall die, or be re- moved, or deny, refuse, or neglect to officiate in the said respective offices of church-wardens and vestrymen, before either of their time for serving in them be expired, then, and in every such case, it shall and may be lawful to, and for the Rector, for the time being, or for the congregation of the said church for the time being, or the major part of them, to proceed, in manner aforesaid, and make a new election of one or more of their congregation in the place or stead of such officer or officers so dying, removing, denying, refusing, or neg- lecting to officiate in his or their respective offices aforesaid, and so, as often as the case shall happen or require."
" It shall and may be lawful, to and for the present, or any other succeeding Rector of the said church, by and with the advice and consent of the church-wardens for the time being, or one of them, and with the advice and consent of the vestrymen for the time being, or the major part of them, in vestry met and assembled, to nominate and appoint a clerk, sexton, or bell-ringer, to and for the said church; also, a clerk and messenger to serve the said vestry at their meetings, and such other under-officers, as they shall stand in need of, to remain in their respective offices, so long as the said Rector, church-wardens and vestrymen, for the time being, or the major part of them, shall think fit."?
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