USA > New Jersey > Burlington County > Burlington > History of the church in Burlington, New Jersey : comprising the facts and incidents of nearly two hundred years, from original, contemporaneous sources > Part 41
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483
IN BURLINGTON.
"The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
" A communication from sundry persons claiming to be par- ishioners of this Church, concerning the proceedings of this Vestry on the 21st September last, having been presented and read, and being in the opinion of the Vestry improper, and want- ing in respect for the official station which they hold under the charter of this Church, it was unanimously
" Resolved, That the same be rejected and returned by the Secretary to those who presented it, with an expression of the disapprobation of the Vestry."
LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF THE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
" On Thursday, 25th September, 1845, in the presence of the Rev. Drs. Lyons, and Bowman, (of the diocese of Pennsylvania,) and the Rev. Messrs. Morehouse, Finch, Germain, Hallowell, Clarkson, and Ogilby and Pryor, (of the diocese of Pennsylvania,) and a large concourse of the laity, I laid the corner stone of the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, for the religious uses of the Christian household of St. Mary's Hall. The increase in numbers of this flourishing nursery of the Church, and the more perfect carrying out of its plan, as an institution of the Church, have long indicated the desirableness of such a provision. Its immediate origin is due to the energetic interest and well de- served influence of the excellent Matron ; whose pious suggestion has been warmly received and effectively supported by many of the numerous daughters who have grown up under her eye, and gone out, to be 'as polished corners of the temple,' at once sus- taining and adorning it. Contributions for the object continue to be received by her ; and its progress and completion will keep pace with, and attest, the grateful affection of this beloved sisterhood of piety and charity."-Episcopal Address, 1846.
THE REV. BENJ. I. HAIGHT ELECTED ASSISTANT RECTOR.
At a Vestry meeting held Dec. 16th, 1845, in conformity to the notice of the Rector :
"The Rector stated that he had called the present meeting for the purpose of nominating the Revª Mr. Haight as Assistant
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
Rector of this Parish. After some questions as the terms upon which Mr. Haight would be willing to accept the appointment had been satisfactorily answered by the Rector, and the members generally had signified their approval of the same, the Revd Benj" I. Haight, on motion of Mr. Parker, seconded by T. Mil- nor, was unanimously elected Assistant Rector of this Parish."
PROJECT OF A NEW CHURCH EDIFICE.
"On Easter Day, 12 April, 1846, in St. Mary's Church, Bur- lington, I read prayers, confirmed three persons, preached, and administered the Holy Communion, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Germain. These, with twenty-seven, on the feast of the An- nunciation, and one of the parishioners confirmed at Church- ville, make thirty-one in this parish. For this abundant harvest, I humbly thank the gracious Lord, who giveth all the increase. It has been to me, indeed, a season of rejoicing. Some who have been especially the subjects of my pastoral in- terest, for many years, have at this time yielded themselves unto God; and there has been 'great joy in that city.' It is a lesson that 'men ought always to pray, and not to faint.' It is that which is written in the Psalms: 'he that went forth weeping, with his precious seed, shall surely come again with joy ; and bring his sheaves with him.' I have substantial evidence to offer of the engagedness of my parishioners in the cause and service of the Church, in the fact, that, within a few days, I procured from them, on my sole application, and without the slightest occasion for solicitation, the sum of thirteen thousand dollars, towards the erection of a new Church, which is to cost twenty thousand. The present venerable structure, doubled in size since my connection with the parish, is now too small, and will not bear enlargement. I hope soon to lay the corner stone of the new edifice. I have deemed it my duty to limit applica- tions towards this object to such as as are actual parishioners, or have a personal or local interest in the parish. It is but just to say that I have never known an instance, in which the contri- butions towards a religious object bore so large a proportion to the ability of the contributors. With the Apostle, I can literally
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IN BURLINGTON.
say, 'to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves.' Nor has the customary bounty of the parish, towards all proper applications to them for aid, in the promotion of Church objects, been at all diminished. I ascribe this state of things, under the divine blessing, to the influence of the weekly Offertory. The parishioners of St. Mary's are familiar with giving. They have learned, many of them, 'it is more blessed to give than to receive.' The gra- cious Lord will fulfil His word in them. I shall ensure the congratulations of the Convention for my parishioners and my- self, when I say that the Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, late Rector of All Saints' Church, New York, and Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pulpit Eloquence, in the General Theological Seminary, is to be my Assistant in this parish. I cannot omit my grateful acknowledgments to the Rev. Dr. Lyons, for the valuable services which he has always rendered at my request ; without appointment, and without compensation."-Episcopal Address, 1846.
INCORPORATION OF BURLINGTON COLLEGE.
" I have singular pleasure in announcing to the Convention, the incorporation of Burlington College, with a Charter secur- ing its direction, forever, to the Church. I shall append a copy to this Address.+ Arrangements are in progress for opening
+"1. Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, That George Washington Doane, Garret D. Wall, Isaac B. Parker, Reuben J. Germain, Benjamin I. Haight, John D. Ogilby, Edmund D. Barry, Rich- ard S. Field, Elias B. D. Ogden, William Wright, Richard W. Howell, George P. Macculloch, James Parker, Charles King, James Potter, Garrit S. Cannon, Jonathan J. Spencer, John J. Chetwood, Thomas P. Carpen- ter, Jeremiah C. Garthwaite, Abraham Browning, George Y. Morehouse, William Halsted, Daniel B. Ryall, and their successors, being members of the Protestant Episcopal Church, shall be, and they are hereby con- stituted, a body politic and corporate, by the name of 'The Trustees of Bur- lington College ;' and by that name shall have perpetual succession, and may sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and may purchase and hold prop- erty, whether acquired by purchase, gift or devise, and whether real, personal or mixed ; and may make and have a corporate seal, and the same break and alter at their pleasure; and shall have all other rights belonging to similar corporations by the law of this State.
"2. And be it enacted, That the object of said association is hereby declared to be the advancement of education.
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the Preparatory School, as a nursery for the College, on the first of November next, under the most promising auspices. The Convention will remember, that, for many years, I have earn- estly expressed my conviction of the importance of such an Institution, for the Diocese. They will unite their grateful thanks with mine, to Him who has given it to us, in His accepted time. They will do more than this. They will unite their prayers with mine, for every blessing on the work; and they will combine with mine, their efforts, that what 'we desire faithfully, we may obtain effectually.' I owe it to the truth to say, that a body of men of higher intelligence and more entire devotion to their enterprise than the Board of Trustees, I have never been permitted to co-operate with. t They have purchased
"3. And be it enacted, That the entire management of the affairs and con- cerns of said Corporation, and all the corporate powers hereby granted, shall be, and are hereby vested in a Board of twenty-four Trustees, a majority of whom shall always be citizens and inhabitants of this State, and a majority of the Trustees shall constitute the necessary quorum for the transaction of all business matters connected with the said Institution; the persons named in the first section of this Act, to be the first Trustees; the Governor of the State, for the time being, to be also a Trustee, ex-officio, and the President of the Board: Provided, that the President or other principal officer, by whatever name called, of the said College, shall always be a Trustee, and citizen and inhabitant of this State.
"4. And be it enacted, That the Trustees shall hold their first meeting at the call of the Trustee first named, and shall have power from time to time to enact by-laws, not repugnant to the Constitution or laws of the United States or of this State, or to this Act, for the regulation and management of the said Corporation or College, to fill up vacancies in the Board, and to prescribe the number and description, the duties and powers of the officers, the manner of their appointment and the term of their office: and special meetings of said Trustees may be called by the President, or any six or more of said Trustees, upon ten days' notice in writing of the time and place thereof, being given or sent to each of said Trustees.
"5. And be it enacted, That for the purpose of carrying out the object declared in the second section of this Act, the said Corporation shall have power from time to time, to purchase, take and hold real and personal estate, and to sell, lease and dispose of the same: Provided, the annual value shall not exceed the sum of twenty thousand dollars.
"6. And be it enacted, That the said Corporation shall have, and possess the right and power of conferring the usual Academic and other degrees granted by any other College in this State.
" Approved February 27, 1846."
+ "BOARD OF TRUSTEES .- His Excellency Charles C. Stratton, Governor of the State, ex-officio, a Trustee, and President of the Board ; the Right Reverend George Washington Doane, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of the Diocese, President of the Board, in the absence of the Governor; the Hon. Garret D. Wall, the Rev. Reuben J. Germain, the Rev. John D. Ogilby, D. D., Richard S. Field, Esq., the Hon. William Wright, George P. Macculloch, Esq., James Potter,
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IN BURLINGTON.
a most eligible site, and are disposed to make the most liberal arrangements for the Institution. As my best approval of their spirit and exertions, I have accepted their appointment as Agent, to procure a suitable endowment for it. I design to devote my- self to it unreservedly ; and shall count on a generous reception from my brethren of the Clergy and Laity. I can conceive of no better opportunity for the commencement of a work, which generations yet to come will rise and bless; nor is there a re- sponsibility so incumbent on the diocese of New Jersey, in my judgment, as its immediate and effectual establishment. I need not repeat here, what I have urged so often and so earnestly, my strong conviction of the eminent fitness of the diocese of New Jersey for all the purposes of education; and chiefly for what concerns us most, of education in the Church.
" I regard the establishment of Burlington College as certain to give vigor and influence to [other ] Institutions. People resort for every thing to the place where they can find the best supply. Multiply good Schools in New Jersey, and you increase the flow of scholars, in proportion. Let the College of the diocese become established, in the general confidence, as an accepted reservoir, where men resort to quench the noble rage for science ; and these and similar places will be sought too, with an eager joy, as fountains among Palm-trees, to refresh them by the way. Let us unite with heart and hand in furthering, in every form,, the work of Christian education. Parochial Schools; Semi- naries, at suitable places, for the young of either sex ; a College for the Church ; and the 'more hereafter,' which, if God please, shall grow out of it : these are the objects most worthy of our interest, our exertions, and our prayers. Let it be our constant
Esq., Jonathan J. Spencer, M. D., Thomas P. Carpenter, Esq., Abraham Browning, Esq., William Halsted, Esq., Isaac B. Parker, Esq., the Rev. Benjamin I. Haight, the Rev. E. D. Barry, D. D., Elias B. D. Ogden, Esq., Richard W. Howell, Esq., Charles King, Esq., Garrit S. Cannon, Esq., John Joseph Chetwood, Esq., Jeremiah C. Garthwaite, Esq., the Rev. Geo. Y. More- house, Daniel B. Ryall, Esq., William H. Leupp, Esq.
"SECRETARY .-- The Rev. Benjamin I. Haight.
"TREASURER .- Thomas Milnor, Esq.
"PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE .- The Right Rev. Dr. Doane, the Rev. Mr. Haight, the Rev. Mr. Germain, Isaac B. Parker, Esq., Richard S. Field, Esq., Jeremiah C. Garthwaite, Esq., E. B. D. Ogden, Esq."
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aim and end, 'that our sons may grow up as the young plants, and our daughters as the polished corners of the temple;' that. so we may claim, and find fulfilled, in us, that gracious promise, by Isaiah, 'all thy children shall be taught of God, and great shall be the peace of thy children."-Episcopal Address, 1846.
THE FORM OF BIDDING PRAYER ;
AS IT IS USED IN ST. MARY'S HALL, AND BURLINGTON COLLEGE. Ye shall pray for Christ's Holy Catholic Church ; and as I am more especially bound, I bid your prayers for that pure and' apostolic branch of it, which God has planted in the United States of America.
Ye shall pray for the President of the United States, and for the Governor of this State, and for all that are in civil author- ity over us; that all, and every of them, in their several call- ings, may serve truly, to the glory of God, and the edifying and well-governing of His people, remembering the account they have to give.
Ye shall also pray for the Ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments : whether they be Bishops, and herein more especially for the Bishop of this Diocese ; or Priests and Dea- cons, and herein more especially for the Clergy here residing; that they may all shine like lights in the world, and adorn the doctrine of God, our Saviour, in all things.
Ye shall pray for all the people of these United States, that they may live in the true faith and fear of God, and in broth- erly charity one towards another.
And, for a due supply of persons qualified to serve God, and set forth His glory, ye shall pray for all Schools and Seminaries of godly and good learning, and for all whose hands are opened for their maintenance; and, more especially, for St. Mary's Hall and Burlington College, and all benefactors of the same : that, in these and all other places more immediately dedicated to God's honour and service, whatsoever tends to the advancement of true religion, and useful learning,. may forever flourish and abound.
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IN BURLINGTON.
Finally, let us praise God for all those which are departed out of this life, in the faith of Christ ; and pray unto God, that we may have grace to direct our lives after their good example : that, this life ended, we may be made partakers, with them, of the glorious resurrection, in the life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T Let us pray. [Then follows the Litany.]
A PLAN FOR THE NEW CHURCH.
At a Vestry meeting held Sep. 25th, 1846, "the Rector stated that the present meeting had been called for the purpose of en- abling him to lay before the Vestry a plan which he had just received from Mr. Upjohn for the new Church, which was the only one that seemed to him suited to the purpose of all that had been submitted, he regretted there had been so much delay, but it was to be attributed to the time of Mr. Upjohn being so much occupied with other matters, and the difficulty of furnish- ing a plan answering the purpose which would not involve too great an expenditure. That he was satisfied that a Church could be erected in accordance with the drawings now before the Vestry at an expenditure not to exceed $20,000.
"The Rector also presented the list of subscriptions which he had obtained, amounting to $12,875, with a pledge that he would make it equal to the sum of $15,000, and expressed a hope that the Vestry would take charge of the same, and devise the means of raising an additional sum of $5,000. He was desirous that the corner stone should be laid this Autumn, and if practicable the first day of November should be fixed on as the day."
LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF THE NEW CHURCH.
" On Tuesday, 17th November, 1846, I laid the Corner Stone of the new St. Mary's Church, in this city ; announced, as in anticipation, in my last Address. I had the great pleasure, on that occasion, to have the presence and participation of my friend of thirty years, the Bishop of North Carolina, who delivered the Address. There were also present, the Rev. Messrs. Morehouse,
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Germain, Mitchell, Harrold, Hallowell, Lybrand, Franklin, Ver Mehr and Passmore; the Rev. Drs. Boyd and Ducachet, and Messrs. Ogilby and Moorhouse, (of the diocese of Pennsyl- vania ;) the Rev. Dr. Haight, and Messrs. Carter, Bradin, Vin- ton and Labagh, (of the diocese of New York ;) and the Rev. Hobart Williams, (of the diocese of Rhode Island.) I will enter into no details on this occasion, now. That will be more appropriate when the top stone shall be brought forth with shoutings. I will only say, that the gratifying circumstances referred to at the last Convention, have met with no check or interruption. The arrangements for the erection of the Church have all been made with perfect unanimity ; and it is proceeding, under the admirable superintendence of Mr. Upjohn."-Episco- pal Address, 1847.
CONSECRATION OF THE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
"On Thursday, 25 March, 1847, (Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,) I consecrated the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, which, by the good hand of God upon me, I have been enabled to erect, for the religious uses of St. Mary's Hall. The Sen- tence of Consecration was read by the Chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Germain, and the Rev. Mr. Ogilby, (of the diocese of Pennsyl- vania,) read morning prayers, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Bradin. I preached the sermon on the occasion, confirmed six children, (five of them pupils of St. Mary's Hall, and one a student of Burlington College,) and administered the Holy Communion. There were present, the Rev. Messrs. Morehouse, Starr, A. B. Paterson, Adams, Hallowell and Lybrand ; the Rev. Dr. Mor- gan, and the Rev. Messrs. Talbot, Beasley, Pryor and Lightner, (of the diocese of Pennsylvania ;) the Rev. Messrs. W. L. John- son and Vinton, (of the diocese of New York,) and the Rev. Mr. Thackara, of the diocese of Georgia.) I acknowledge the com- pletion and consecration of this Holy Place, with fervent grati- tude to Almighty God, as the sacred token of His acceptance of my self-devotion, now ten years, to the great work of Christian Education, and of His blessing on the enterprise. The excellent Matron has collected from the pupils of the Hall, and from
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IN BURLINGTON.
their friends, and contributed from the earnings of the house- hold, about one-fourth of the cost of the erection. She is dili- gently pursuing her generous desire, to redeem me from the liability for the remainder. The building, as I hope you will take the opportunity to see, is well-nigh perfect in its propriety and convenience; and does great credit to Mr. Notman, under whose direction it was erected. The beautiful chancel window is the gift of a dear child; the Bible and Prayer Book are given by a venerable lady, a beloved parishioner of mine, in other years, in Trinity Church, Boston ; and the Service for the Communion is on its way from England, the present of a lady there, my kind and faithful friend. These offerings of love, from sources so remote and various, blending here, embody and endear, to all our hearts, the communion of the saints in Christ : distinct, as billows ; as the ocean, one. The arrangements for the service in the Chapel realize to my mind, the utmost meas- ure of convenience, appropriateness and impressiveness ; and are worthy of careful consideration, in regard to many of our parish Churches. Indeed, I look upon its influence, in disseminating the true idea of sacred architecture, as among the most import- ant results of its so long desired completion. Of its interest and value to the Institution, which it consecrates and crowns, I can- not adequately speak. To give a school the name of Christ, to undertake the work of Christian Education, to be responsible for bringing children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, without a House of Prayer, without a holy place, with- out an altar, to say the least of it, is most unseemly, inconsistent, rash. It is to leave that contingent, which we admit is indis- putable. It is to present that as secondary, which we declare is fundamental. * The daily service brings the household there together at six, in the morning, and at half past seven in the evening; while, at twelve, at noon, whoever will comes to a service, which, though very short, suffices to solemnize the day, and to remind us that it is all the Lord's. We ask the prayers of all, that on these prayers of ours, a blessing may be sent, to sanctify and crown our work, and make the daughters of St. Mary's Hall the polished corners of the Temple of our God."-Episcopal Address, 1847.
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EVENSONG,
IN THE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS.
Twilight dews are falling fast, Upon the green and silent shore ; Twilight hours their shadows cast The deeply rolling river o'er ; The zephyr's voice is scarcely heard, Amid the willow's pensive boughs, The robin's song is silent now, And hushed the boatman's wild carouse.
Dimly and red the rolling sun Now sinks beneath the western sky, As, like a king, whose race is run, He lays him down in pomp to die. Upon the river's swelling breast His soft and crimson glory falls, On many a cloud's embattled crest, And on St. Mary's hallowed walls.
Hark ! the vesper bell is tolling With a sweet and mournful sound, O'er the woods and waters rolling, With music deep, and voice profound; "To prayer, to prayer, oh, come, and kneel With joyful hearts, in glad accord ; And learn the language of the skies, Ye gentle handmaids of the Lord."
In thronging beauty forth they come, Unto the solemn place of prayer : And now the organ's pealing notes Are trembling on the evening air ; A hundred voices, soft and clear, Are floating through the arches high ; A hundred voices, tuned as one, Are ringing upwards to the sky :
" God be merciful unto us, And bless us, and show us the light Of His countenance-"
Oh, holy strain ! oh, blessed prayer ! That rolls along the solemn aisle; That floats upon the evening air, And angels bear to heaven the while. Across the waves, across the fields It swells in cadence strong and full, And lingers on the silent leaves, "To us, oh God, be merciful."
The sunset's red and golden light Is streaming on the chancel floor, And, through the Chapel's vaulted height, That blessed prayer is heard to pour ; And with the organ's pealing sound Still swells, with cadence sweet and full, In circling surges, round and round, "To us, oh God, be merciful."
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IN BURLINGTON.
The river wind hath caught the sound, And bears it on his pinions strong, And trees with summer glory crowned, The blest and holy strain prolong ; And, floating on the distant air, Is borne, in cadence low and full,
The burthen of the evening prayer, "To us, oh God, be merciful."
The fisher, on his homeward way, Leans silent on his weary oar, And hears, amid the twilight gray, That sweet and solemn hymn once more ; As, stealing o'er the waters far, In accents wild, and cadence full,
It trembles on the summer air, "To us, oh God, be merciful." Z.
Burlington, July, 1847.
A PARISH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS OPENED.
" By the active exertion of some ladies, a Parish School for girls, has been opened. Thirty-three scholars, receive a plain English instruction, are taught to sew, and are catechized weekly. The means for supporting it for one year have been obtained. It is hoped that it will be made permanent ; and one for boys established.
" The Rev. Dr. Ver Mehr acts as Curate; and performs the proper offices of the diaconate with great usefulness and accep- tation."-Parochial Report, 1847.
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THE NEW CHURCH. FROM DEC., 1846 TO JAN., 1848.
George W. Doane, Isaac B. Parker, Caroline Watson, C. Lippincott, Susan V. Bradford, Estate of Ann M. Wall, each $1000. Wm. M. McIlvaine & Sisters, $750. Dr. Charles Ellis, E. J. Shippen, Joseph Askew, Edward N. Perkins, Sarah P. Cleveland, Charles C. Perkins, each $500. James H. Per- kins, $300. Charles W. Kinsman, $275. Henry C. Carey, $250. Dr. N. W. Cole, Sarah C. Robardet, Edward Harris, Wm. J. Watson, George W. Doane, each $200. Thomas Mil- nor, Elizabeth Lyde, C. F. Lyde, Richard B. Jones, Estate of Walter Wilson, Edward B. Grubb, Capt. F. Engle, D. W. Cox, Sarah P. Cleveland, each $100. Mary Weems, A. G. Ralston, Wm. A. Rogers, Joshua W. Collett, Mrs. J. S. Riddle, T. I.
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