USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > Historical sketch of Trinity church, Trenton, N.J. : from the founding of the parish in the year 1858 to the year 1910 commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the parish. > Part 2
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RANDALL RICKEY
DAVID A. CLARK
WILLIAM E. HUNT
EDWARD D. WELD
WILLIAM ECCLES First Choirmaster
JAMES WILLSON First Sexton SERVICES GRATIS
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Dickinson, Mrs. Elizabeth Rickey, Miss Mary B. Willson, now Mrs. J. G. Boss, Miss Beulah O. Oliphant, now Mrs. S. D. Oliphant, Mrs. Ellen Holt and Miss Corrilla Cook, now Mrs. Faussett. There are others, who, as children at that time may be said to have belonged to the Parish through the membership of their parents. Such are Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Slack and Mrs. William Piper. There are, of course, several per- sons living in Trenton and elsewhere, not now connected with the Parish, who were among the original communicants of Trinity Church. It is possible to trace only a few names. Among these are daughters of Thomas Cadwalader, a prime mover in founding the Parish and one of the original Vestry.
It seems to be evident from the records, that the church building, as well as the lot on which it was erected, was not fully paid for, for we find in February, 1861, that the treasurer was authorized to borrow $1,500 on bond and mortgage on the newly erected church. We also find that the practice of giving notes to meet floating indebtedness began at about this period, a practice which continued with small interruption for many years, and naturally led in the end to serious financial complications. At intervals, through herculean efforts on the part of the congregation, or by the munificence of individuals, the indebtedness would be paid off, but in a year or so conditions were as bad as ever and the struggle began over again.
In August, 1861, after having held the rectorship for only a little over a year, the Rev. Dr. Camp resigned to accept a chaplaincy in the army. In the following October, the Rev. Henry P. Hay, then only in Deacon's orders, was called. His salary was fixed at $520 per annum, afterwards advanced to $550. This was quite a decrease from the $1,000 previously paid and shows the low state of the finances. Mr. Hay resigned in Octo- ber, 1863, declaring that he was unable to meet his expenses on the salary paid him. He had previously given notice to the Vestry that he would "feel at liberty to look out for another situation as soon as an opportunity presented itself," and he stated also, that he left the Vestry the same oppor- tunity to call another minister, offering to invite such clergymen as the Vestry might designate to officiate in the Parish, so as to offer an oppor- tunity to the Parish to make a suitable choice.
The Parish had temporary supply until in October, 1864, the Rev. Mark L. Olds, of Hastings, Minn., assumed the rectorship, at a salary of $1,000
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per annum. Mr. Olds remained less than six months, resigning his charge in March of the following year. An effort to increase his salary to $1,500, which had failed, may have had something to do with the matter.
About this time we read of an attempt to float a bond issue for $1,500, payable in five years, for the purpose of paying off the floating debt. We also note that there was an inquiry as to the sale of the church by the Rev. A. P. Smith, Rector of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Trenton.
The question of heating the church was then as now a vexatious problem. There was a resolution authorizing the Wardens to purchase five tons of coal, and they were also given "discretionary power to take the best meas- ures to warm the church."
Under the stress of the need for ready money, the Vestry passed a reso- lution to collect the pew rents in advance. Let us hope the move was suc- cessful. Yet notwithstanding the difficult financial situation as it reveals itself at this time, the Vestry proceeded, May, 1865, to call a new Rector, the Rev. E. H. Cressey, D.D., and confidently to offer him a salary of $1,500. After receiving Dr. Cressey's acceptance and before his arrival, the Vestry passed a resolution to purchase a quantity of furniture belong- ing to a Captain Bates, inventoried at $800, and for which the Captain offered to take the modest sum of $425, "said furniture to await Dr. Cressey's option of purchase when he comes, otherwise to be sold for the benefit of the Church." The treasurer was authorized "to borrow the money to pay for the same." The subsequent records fail to show whether or not the incoming Rector availed himself of this opportunity to supply himself with second-hand furniture at bargain prices which the Vestry so thoughtfully provided.
The financial situation must have become desperate about this time for we find that a proposition to sell the church to the Front Street M. E. congregation was favored. The following resolution was passed, under date of August 21, 1865 :
"Resolved, That the church be offered for sale to the Front Street M. E. con- gregation for the sum of $12,000, the purchaser assuming the mortgage of $3,500 on the land, provided that the following property be excepted from the sale, viz .: the cornerstone, the memorial windows, the chime of bells, the font, the chancel furniture and the organ."
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There was a hitch in the proceedings and the offer was subsequently withdrawn.
In August, 1866, a financial report was submitted, showing a deficiency of nearly $1,200. An effort was made to raise funds by assessing the pew- holders, a method often subsequently attempted, but apparently without successful results.
A motion appears upon the books authorizing the "Rector to have the chancel painted at his own expense."
On September 18, 1866, the Rector, the Rev. E. H. Cressey, D.D., passed away, and the Vestry were once again confronted with the duty of choosing a new pastor.
There appear in the minutes no resolutions passed by the Vestry upon the death of Dr. Cressey, but it is probable that such were adopted and there was a failure through some oversight to insert the same. Dr. Cressey is still remembered in the Parish as a man of high character and remark- able attainments as a preacher. He was buried in Mercer Cemetery, and was the only Rector of Trinity who died during his term of office.
The Rev. Albert U. Stanley was called in October, and assumed charge in January of the following year, 1867. His salary was fixed at the meagre sum of $700 per annum. Evidently sad experience had somewhat dampened the hitherto buoyant hopefulness of the Vestry, and they had determined to exercise caution in the matter of pledging the Parish to pay a salary that was beyond its means. Mr. Stanley apparently made himself most acceptable to the congregation, and the financial condition must have improved, for we find that in April of the following year the Vestry agreed to pay the Rector "the sum of $834 from the revenues and a further sum subscribed on paper, amounting to $505, and a still further sum of $287, guaranteed by the Ladies' Benevolent Society, the whole to be not less than $1,600." This is the first explicit indication appearing in the minutes of the Vestry of the helpfulness of the women, though un- doubtedly before, as subsequently, their enthusiasm and assistance must have counted for a great deal in the life of the Parish.
An appropriation in 1869 of $600 per annum for the choir would seem to indicate that for some time previously the Church must have depended for its music upon voluntary services. It appears that the total expendi- tures of the Parish for the year 1870 was $2,652.52, the receipts being
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somewhat less. Again we read of assessments levied upon pewholders to pay deficiencies.
In 1869 the pews at the evening service had been declared free, and in the following year, at the earnest solicitation of the Rector at the Parish meeting, it was decided "to make Trinity a Free Church at all services, and to adopt the systematic offering plan as the method of church support." On Easter of that year the money to pay the mortgage indebtedness of $3,500 had been laid upon the plate through the united efforts of the con- gregation, who had been spurred to this achievement by the generous offer of one of the parishioners to give a large amount provided a sufficient sum in addition should be raised. It was Mrs. Charles H. Higginson, the wife of one of the former Vestrymen who had passed away, to whom the Parish was indebted for this generous action. The Vestry passed resolutions expressing the deep gratitude felt by the Parish. An engrossed copy of the same was presented to Mrs. Higginson, wherein she was assured that "her charitable act will be held in perpetual remembrance and her name with that of her deceased husband, so long the devoted friend and supporter of Trinity Church, will be handed down to future generations as names of those who helped to lay the foundations of what we hope and trust will be a great and good work to the glory of Almighty God."
Thus, after more than ten years of corporate existence, the Parish at last was freed from the bonded indebtedness which had so cruelly hampered its usefulness, and, indeed, threatened its very existence.
The way was clear, or appeared to be, for adopting the Free Church system. Hope and enthusiasm ran high, as evidence of which the Vestry, with the Rector's consent, agreed to give him "in lieu of salary the entire receipts of the Church after paying all current expenses." But, alas, for the stability of human nature, and the fulfillment of high expectations, it was soon found that those who made voluntary pledges for church sup- port, as those who heretofore rented pews, were equally remiss in keeping their obligations. The "Parish Guide," a little journal published by the Rector, is filled with earnest reminders to the congregation of the neces- sity of paying their pledges promptly, in order that the Church might be in funds to provide for its expenses. A large deficiency reported in 1873, showed that the Parish was again running behind, and the expedient was resorted to of assessing the contributors to meet the same, as the pew- holders had been in former days. At a meeting of the Vestry, held April
REV. HENRY M. BARBOUR Seventh Rector
REV. ALBERT U. STANLEY Sixth Rector
REV. CHARLES C. EDMUNDS Ninth Rector
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9, 1874, a motion was carried rescinding the arrangement in regard to giving the Rector in lieu of salary all the revenues received beyond the current expenses, and a stated sum was voted of $1,500 annually. The treasurer, moreover, was directed to pay the salary monthly, in advance. This was a noble resolution and reflects credit upon those who passed it, but somehow or other, on second thought it was deemed impracticable and at the next meeting of the Vestry only a month later, we find a motion passed rescinding the resolution and going back to the old plan.
About this time it is pleasant to find a resolution extending an invita- tion to the congregation of St. Michael's Church to use Trinity Church for their services while their own church was undergoing repairs.
A motion appears upon the minutes appointing a committee to consider the question of removing the church, but nothing seems to have come of it, for the matter is not again alluded to.
We note a resolution under date of April 3, 1875, which speaks for itself, to this effect: "Rev. William Boardman having offered his services to the Parish, without expense, he was unanimously elected assistant."
In August, 1875, we find the first steps taken in the direction of a change in the music, the Rector being empowered to employ a male choir, "provided the expense incurred shall not exceed the amount heretofore ap- propriated."
Mr. Stanley resigned his charge after a rectorship of nine years, to take effect October 17, 1875, giving as the reason for his action the con- tinued ill-health of his wife. His departure was sincerely regretted. He had greatly endeared himself to the congregation, as the glowing resolu- tions passed by the Vestry amply prove. The resolutions speak of "the success of his labors in building up Trinity Church, in paying off all the indebtedness on the Church, in increasing its revenues and the number of the parishioners, in encouraging and aiding labors of love amongst the poor, not only of the Parish but of the whole city, in elevating Trinity Church to its present honorable position among the sister churches of the diocese." The resolutions close with the declaration "that the prayers and good wishes of all the Parish will follow him through life, but especially of those who through his ministration have been blest with the blessing which the world can neither give nor take away, and of those beside whom he has stood in a pastor's place amid scenes the happiest and sad- dest in our lives."
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Mr. Stanley's agreeable personality, his unselfishness, his sweet Chris- tian character and his unmitigating labors seem to have made a deep im- pression upon the Parish, and those who remember him to-day will cor- dially endorse all that was said in the resolutions of the Vestry.
In the following November the Rev. Henry M. Barbour, who was to have so long and fruitful a ministry in this Parish, was called to the rector- ship. His salary was fixed at $1,500, together with the use of a rectory, which was rented for him at 30 West State Street, and "any surplus money remaining at the end of the year after the current expenses were paid." The male choir was continued and $400 per annum was appropriated for the music.
In January, 1877, the present rectory was purchased for $6,500, $1,500 being paid upon it, the balance remaining on bond and mortgage. The Parish was fast growing in numbers and in financial ability, and although the records show that deficiencies were annually reported, yet they were not of such an amount as seriously to affect the prosperity of the Parish or to check the building projects which were undertaken during this period. In 1881, that portion of the Parish building which is now used as a choir room was built, followed in 1884 by the addition of a new chancel, and again in 1887 by the erection of the Parish house. Much money was raised and enthusiasm was at a high pitch. The Sunday-School had greatly increased and reached the largest numbers ever attainied before or subse- quently. The salary of the Rector was advanced to $1,800 and subse- quently to $2,400.
The enlarged work necessitated additional help to the Rector, and in 1885 the Rev. Elliot W. Bumsted was engaged as an assistant at a salary of $600 per year. Mr. Bumsted was most successful in his labors and built up a large Sunday-School. When he resigned after a brief stay, on account of ill-health, the Vestry passed resolutions expressive of their re- gret. Mr. Bumsted, who subsequently changed his name to White, is still pleasantly and affectionately remembered in the Parish. He is now the Rector of Grace Church, Newark.
In 1887 Sidney M. Bourne was chosen organist, Arthur Pool being choirmaster and solo singer.
In 1890, a fine organ to the memory of John H. Stewart was placed in the church, the gift of his many friends and associates.
A GROUP OF VESTRYMEN
AUGUSTUS R. MONTGOMERY
JOHN COUGHTRY
THOMAS BIDDLE
JOHN H. STEWART
S. MEREDITH DICKINSON
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In 1893, Trinity Church, after more than twenty years' experience of the Free Pew System, reverted again to the pew rent plan of support.
In December, 1895, the Rev. Mr. Barbour presented his resignation to take effect the following February. His resignation was accepted with expressions of the deepest regret. The resolutions adopted by the Vestry speak of "the feelings of respect and affection cherished for their Rector, which they share in common with every member of the Parish. The loving ministrations of nearly twenty years have brought - Mr. Barbour into the hearts of all who have met him as a spiritual adviser. In joly or sorrow, in prosperity or adversity, he has been to all the same kind friend and loving mentor. An humble follower of Him he professes he has proved a most worthy example to the many upon whom his influence has been exerted, and in those more intimate spiritual relations which he has held with the members of his charge, he had done untold good of the most enduring nature. The more outward manifestations of his unselfish and untiring work and great influence for good upon his charge are found in the steady and substantial growth of the Parish, the increase of its guilds in numbers and good works, the erection of new edifices consecrated to the work of the Church and the renovation and beautifying of the church building itself. Our beloved Rector has proved himself not alone an edify- ing preacher of duty, but a diligent and consecrated follower of the God- given precepts of our faith. He departs from us beloved and regretted and most fully bearing the repute of a good servant who has been faithful in his charge."
The extended pastorate of Mr. Barbour, and the result of his arduous labors, as seen in the material additions and improvements made, and in the progress of churchly ideas and practices, made a deep and lasting impression upon the parish life and character.
The introduction of a vested male choir, a weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with its proper accompaniments, and other churchly customs and practices adopted during the years of his ministry in Trinity Church, sufficiently indicate the influence which still abides as the result of his churchmanship and high spiritual character. The sentiments ex- pressed in the resolutions truthfully bespeak the estimation in which he was held by the congregation and will be readily and enthusiastically en- dorsed by those who remember him and his life and labors in this Parish.
Without delay the Vestry chose as Mr. Barbour's successor the Rev.
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Joseph C. Hall, who served the Parish as Rector for only about a year, resigning his charge January 23, 1896.
The Rev. C. C. Edmunds, who was elected to succeed him, assumed the rectorship in the following May. Mr. Edmunds found the Parish in a most deplorable financial condition. The floating indebtedness amounted to more than $11,000, and was continually increasing. Strenuous efforts were made to obtain relief, but without success. The congregation became discouraged, and it was thought at one time that the Parish would be compelled to give up its corporate existence. The Bishop was called into consultation, but could suggest no method of meeting the crisis. A ten- tative offer was made to him to take the property over for diocesan pur- poses, but was declined.
Finally, in March, 1899, canonical consent having been obtained, $10,000 were raised on bond and mortgage upon the church property. Through the money thus secured, most of the floating in- debtedness was paid off and relief from the acute pressure was secured. Mr. Edmunds resigned the rectorship on November 6, 1899.
Resolutions expressive of the high esteem in which he was regarded were passed by the Vestry. A fine tribute was paid to his scholarship and devout Christian character and godspeed was bidden him in the new sphere of work upon which he was about to enter.
In the three short years of Mr. Edmund's ministry in Trinity Church, though beset and hampered by the financial conditions which he found, and for which he was in no way responsible, not a little was accomplished for the spiritual welfare of the Parish. Large classes were presented for confirmation and sound church teaching expounded.
During the rectorship of Rev. Mr. Edmunds, a new Altar, composed of white tile, probably the only one of the kind in the country, was placed in the Church. This Altar was especially designed and made by the Trent Tile Company, and was the gift of Mr. Benjamin F. Lee, the presi- dent of the company, and a vestryman of the Church.
From November, 1899, to February, 1900, the services were maintained by temporary supply. During this period a number of clergymen were approached with a view to their accepting the vacant rectorship, but the proposal was negatived, owing doubtless to the critical financial condition under which the Parish was laboring.
In January the Rev. Hamilton Schuyler, then acting as special preacher
REV. HAMILTON SCHUYLER Tenth and Present Rector
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in the Church of the Holy Communion, New York City, was unanimously elected Rector and assumed charge on the first Sunday in February. His salary was fixed at $1,200.
The new Rector was heartily welcomed by the congregation and re- ceived assurance of its united support in extracating the Parish from its difficulties. Besides the mortgage indebtedness of $10,000 upon the church building there was a long standing mortgage of $5,000 upon the rectory and a further floating debt of $2,000. The congregation had also dwindled in numbers and in financial ability. The Rector at once set himself to the task of building up the Parish in which efforts he met with the cordial co-operation of all concerned. Parishioners who had become estranged returned and new ones came in. Hope and confidence were restored. From the very first things began to assume a brighter aspect. The floating indebtedness was soon extinguished. At the end of the first year the current expenses were met by the current income, and shortly afterward the sum of $2,500 was paid upon the rectory through the Easter offering supplemented by the work of the women through the Rectory Fund. In May of the following year, 1902, the balance of the mortgage was satisfied and all other outstanding indebtedness paid, leav- ing now only the $10,000 mortgage upon the Church building itself.
The year 1904 marked an event of supreme importance in the Parish history, relieving it of an incubus under which it had staggered for many years, and which, at one time, threatened its very existence. By the notable benefaction of one individual, made in loving memory of his wife, Prudence Townsend Kelsey, a faithful and devoted communicant of the Parish, who had passed away the previous January, the $10,000 mort- gage upon the church building was satisfied. The deep gratitude of the Parish and its joy over its release from financial embarrassment were fully manifested in a special service of thanksgiving to Almighty God held upon the XXII Sunday after Trinity, October 30. A pamphlet was subsequently issued containing an account of the official proceedings, in- cluding the resolutions passed by the Vestry, the program of the services and the full text of the sermon preached by the Rector.
A bronze tablet placed by the congregation on the west wall of the church stands as a perpetual memorial to Prudence Townsend Kelsey, in whose behalf her husband made his gift to the Parish, and bears testimony to the deep gratitude felt to the donor.
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The following is an extract from the memorial pamphlet above referred to :
It having been signified by Mr. Henry C. Kelsey that he desired to make a communication of importance to the Vestry of Trinity Church, a meeting of the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of the Parish was held on Tuesday evening, October twenty-fifth, 1904.
All the members being in attendance at the meeting, Mr. Kelsey appeared in person and stated his intention of paying the $10,000 mortgage resting upon the Church property as a memorial to his wife, the late Prudence Townsend Kelsey.
The Vestry, in accepting this gift, passed by a rising vote the following reso- lution :
WHEREAS, The Hon. Henry C. Kelsey has informed the Vestry of Trinity Church of his intention to extinguish the mortgage indebtedness of $10,000 now resting upon the Church property; be it therefore,
Resolved, That this body, as representing the parishioners of Trinity Church, do hereby place on record its deep appreciation of Mr. Kelsey's great generosity, and extend to him its sincerest thanks for his munificent gift, whereby the Parish is now relieved from all indebtedness and the Church property restored to its original integrity; be it further
Resolved, In consideration of the statement made by the donor that the gift is in memory of his wife, Prudence Townsend Kelsey, a former communicant and benefactress of this Parish, that a suitable memorial tablet be placed in the Church edifice by the parishioners as a tribute to her character and an acknowledgment of their gratitude for the gift;
Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes and that an en- grossed copy, signed by the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen, be sent by the secretary to the Hon. Henry C. Kelsey.
Extract from the sermon of the Rector, preached at the special service of thanksgiving, October 30, 1904:
That which was the dearest desire of the Rector and people has now been ef- fected unexpectedly by the munificent gift of a single person. The gratitude and thankfulness which fill all hearts to-day is supreme. If, primarily, our thanks are due to the Divine Author of all good things, if we must say and feel that it is the Lord who hath done great things for us, neither will we be backward in returning thanks to the generous donor, to whose benefaction we owe it, that now and henceforth we may have the consciousness of worshipping in a building which has been restored in its integrity to the Great Object of all our devotion and praise.
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