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 49
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"Resolved, That the Vestry cannot sever the official connec- tion, which has so long existed between Mr. Milnor and them- selves, without expressing their sense of his long and faithful service, both as Warden and Treasurer, extending over a period of many years; under depressing and difficult circumstances, calling for the exercise of prudence, patience, forbearance, and liberality, which have never failed.
"Resolved, That the Vestry sincerely regret the necessity, which compels them to accept this resignation ; and that as an expression of their regret and esteem, these resolutions be entered on the minutes of the Vestry, and a copy signed by the Rector, and Secretary of the Vestry, be sent to Mr. Milnor.
"WM. CROSWELL DOANE, Chairman.
" W. A. ROGERS, "H. McDOWELL." 20
578
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
PASTORAL LETTER IN BEHALF OF BURLINGTON COLLEGE.
" Among the noble foundations for Christian Education, which the zeal of the late Bishop, and the co-operation of gen- erous friends, secured for the Diocese of New Jersey, and the Church at large, is Burlington College.
"As St. Mary's Hall was designed for the education of our daughters, so Burlington College was planned to give our sons a thorough preparatory and university training. This latter Institution has never been adequately sustained by practical sympathy and support ; and, therefore, according to mine office, which fills me with solicitude for the proper intellectual as well as Christian nurture of the lambs of my flock, I now remind the members of my Diocese of their privilege and duty in this particular.
"The necessity of a distinctively Christian education, to fit our sons for their political and religious responsibilities, is not more evident, than is the moral obligation resting upon us to sustain, by our patronage and prayers, our own Diocesan Col- lege. Its discipline and course' of study bear the impress of large experience and elegant scholarship, and are perfect for all the purposes of the highest Collegiate and Christian culture ; and there is only wanted the conscientious interest of the church- men of New Jersey, to make the Institution in fact, what, in its theory, it was designed to be by its founder. That interest I now invoke, by commending to your earnest attention the accompanying appeal of the Rector, and by asking you to scru- tinize for yourselves the working of the College as at present in operation, and, if satisfactory, to send there your sons, and the sons of those over whom you have influence.
" It is entitled, in my opinion, to entire confidence in all its departments, Moral, Domestic, and Academical; and it possesses in its Rector, the Reverend J. Breckenridge Gibson, A. M., a gentleman eminently fitted, in connection with his estimable wife, to make the Institution a refined Christian home.
" WILLIAM HENRY ODENHEIMER, "Bishop of New Jersey and President of Burlington College. "Riverside, February 9th, A. D. 1861."
A FALDSTOOL FOR THE EPISCOPAL CHAIR.
On the 10th of March, 1861, a Faldstool, of black walnut, was placed in front of the Episcopal Chair, " near to the Holy Table.". The book-board of the faldstool has a brass plate, with this inscription :
579
IN BURLINGTON.
" THE BISHOP OF NEW JERSEY.
"'I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the House of the Lord.' Fourth Sunday in Lent, A. D. 1831."
STATEMENT TO THE CONGREGATION OF ST. MARY'S PARISH, BURLINGTON, N. J.
" The Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of St. Mary's Parish have long borne, alone, the anxiety consequent upon the large indebtedness of the Parish. The actual labour of the financial administration of its affairs, falls naturally upon them, and they have no disposition to avoid it. But they feel it right that the difficulties under which they often labour, should be understood by the congregation, in order that the plans which they adopt may be fairly judged, and the reason of their pecuniary embar- rassment may be fully known. They recognize, moreover, the entire right of every member of the congregation to be informed of the exact position of its affairs ; and feel, that the consequent upon this right, the duty rests upon the people directly, and upon the Vestry, only as their representatives, of assuming, and providing for, the expenses of the Parish. In a word, the Vestry feel that the indebtedness belongs to the congregation, and that they, and not the Vestry, are bound to meet it.
" Holding this view, the Vestry, at a meeting held on the 29th January in this year, passed the following resolution :
"'Resolved, That the Rector, Wardens, and Treasurer, be a committee to prepare a full statement of the financial condition of the Parish, showing their assets and liabilities, revenue and current expenses, with a view of making a detailed report to the congregation.'
" The Committee so appointed, after a minute and extended examination of books, papers, reports, and deeds, presented their report, which was accepted and entered upon the minutes of the Vestry. This report, condensed in some points, and in others, enlarged, is now laid before the congregation.
" The assets include all the property of the Parish. The Church building is valued at its actual cost ; estimated from a condensed statement of the accounts of the Building Committee, made by the present Treasurer. And the other property is set down at a very moderate valuation.
580
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
" The liabilities will be found to include unpaid interest (monies and salaries of other years) ; but to be made up chiefly of monies borrowed for the erection and completion of the new Church building.
ASSETS.
Church Building $48,220 00
Old Church
1,780 00
Parsonage and Grounds. 3,500 00
Lot in rear. 2,000 00
14 ground rent-
Deeds from T. Dugdale.
13,570 00
Other property on Broad street and Pearl street
and the Creek. 13,000 00
Total assets. $82,070 00.
LIABILITIES.
Advances of former Treasurer .. $2,968 92
Loan from Board of Island Mana- gers for Church building 10,100 00
Other loans for same object 5,559 25
Unpaid bills and tax
621 51
Unpaid interest
100 00
2
Unpaid salaries
225 00
Total Liabilities.
19,574 68
Excess of Assets over Liabilities $62,495 32
" It will be seen of course from these, that the creditors of the Church are amply and thoroughly secured; and the Vestry have no doubt that they would be entirely satisfied, if the congrega- tion will provide, as they should, for the prompt and regular payment of the interest as it accrues. It is to this matter that they especially call their attention. At the same time, they feel bound to say to the congregation, that in their judgment it would be right and proper to take any means, which would not sacrifice the property of the Church, to lessen the indebtedness. And further, that in their judgment, the standing of the Parish would be materially improved, if an earnest effort were made by gifts and subscriptions, to clear off, entirely, the debt.
581
IN BURLINGTON.
" We ask the attention of the congregation now, to a simple comparsion of the revenue and current expenses of the Church.
REVENUE.
Pew rents $1,669 88
Income from 4 rented houses. 210 00
Other receipts (wharf and burial ground) ab't .... 100 00
$1,979 88
EXPENSES.
Interest to Island Managers $606 00
Other interest.
311 00
Salaries. 850 00
Coal and gas
200 00
Incidentals.
200 00
$2,167 00
Excess of expenses over revenue, $187.12.
" It will be seen at once, that this state of things simply iinvolves a constantly increasing debt; and places the Parish, before the eyes of men, as either insolvent or dishonest. The Vestry are convinced that the congregation will not allow such an imputation to rest upon a portion of Christ's Church ; and will not leave their representatives, especially the Wardens and Treasurer, in a position so painful and embarrassing.
"And the Vestry are equally convinced, that the congregation will see that the deficiency can only be met, by an increase of revenue. The expenses cannot be reduced. The Vestry are assured of this, after a careful examination of the whole case ; and are sure that the congregation will see it. The chief item is the payment of interest, which can only be avoided, by the liquidation of the debt recommended above. The salaries are altogether unworthy of the congregation. And the other items of expense are unimportant. It must also be borne in mind, that in the item of incidental expenses, repairs are included, many of which are much needed now; and which will increase in amount and necessity every year.
"Simply, therefore, with a view of putting ourselves in a posi- tion to meet our yearly expenses, the Vestry appointed a Com- mittee to propose such a re-assessment of the pews, as would
582
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
make the revenue equal to the current expenses of the Parish ; and that committee have reported as follows :
"' The committee appointed to revise the pew-rental of St. Mary's Church, recommend to the Vestry for their adoption, the following changes in the assessment of the pews, viz. :
PEW.
PRESENT RENTAL.
PROPOSED RENTAL.
EXCESS.
No. 20
$40 00
$50 00
$10 00
21
40 00
50 00
10 00
22
40 00
45 00
5 00
23
40 00
45 00
5 00
24
35 00
45 00
10 00
25
30 00
40 00
10 00
26
30 00
40 00
10 00
27
30 00.
40 00
10 00
28
50 00
75 00
25 00
29
50 00
75 00
25 00
30
30 00
40 00
10 00
62
25 00
35 00
10 00-
63
25 00
35 00
10 00
6-4
22 00
30 00.
8 00
65
25 00
35 00
10 00
67
50 00
75 00
25 00
68
30 00
40 00 10 00
69
30 00
40 00
10 00
70
30 00
40 00.
10 00
71
40 00
50 00
10 00
72
50 00
60 00
10 00
73
50 00
60 00
10 00
.74
50 00
60 00
10 00
75
50 00
60 00
10 00
76
50 00
60 00
10 00
77
50 00
60 00
10 00
78
50 00
60 00
10 00
'Additional revenue thus gained.
$303 00'
"The Vestry accepted and adopted this report; and as six months' notice is required to be given, before any change of assessment can be made obligatory, the following resolution was unanimously passed :
583
IN BURLINGTON.
"'Resolved, That the Wardens be authorized to state to the pewholders, that on and after the first of October next, the pews will only be rented at the advanced rate; and also to request those who are willing, to begin the payment of this advanced rate, on the first of April.'
" The Vestry are of opinion that this assessment of the pews is by no means too high ; and that the proportion of the rates is much more fair than before. They have no desire to do any thing, but to enable the Parish to pay their honest debts. They avail themselves of the only means to increase the revenue; and they distribute the additional payments so that they fall heavily upon no one.
" The Vestry desire also, to remind the worshippers in St. Mary's Church, that while free sittings are cheerfully accorded to any persons in the unrented pews, so that all who will, are welcome to the privileges of the House of God; still, as the Parish relies almost entirely for its support, upon the pew rents, it is desirable that all regular worshippers who can, should con- tribute towards the maintenance of the services, according to their ability, by renting seats.
" The Vestry think it right, further to say to the congrega- tion, that they have in hand the preparation of a map, which will show accurately the situation of the property still in pos- session of the Parish ; and also what portions of it have been disposed of; with the amounts received for it; and further showing the property held by ground-rent deeds, with state- ments of interest received and due upon them. This, as soon as prepared, they propose to submit to the congregation.
" In devising some means of reducing, if possible, the liabili- ties of the Parish, the Vestry having laid out burial lots in the rear of the new Church, t have now prepared by-laws in regard to them, and a form of certificate conveying them to purchasers. The Wardens are prepared to sell these lots, and to give any desired information in regard to them : and the Vestry earnestly call the attention of the congregation to this method of liquidat- ing the debt of the Church ; while they secure a sacred and safe
+ "The new part of the burying ground, is an intrusion on the lands left by the Rev. John Talbot for the use of the Rectors of St. Mary's Church. WM. ALLEN JOHNSON, Rector, December 10th, 1868."-MS. Memorandum in Parish Archives.
-
584
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
burial place. All the proceeds of such sales will be appropriated to lessening the amount of the Church's indebtedness.
"One thing only remains, which the Vestry feel it their duty to lay before the congregation.
"Among the liabilities included in the above estimates, are four items of amounts which should have been paid last quarter. They amount to $325; and include,
A balance of interest to Island Managers, due Sep- tember 25th, 1860 .. $100 00
One quarter's salary due the Rector, January 18th, 1861. 125 00
Taxes 50 00.
Coal 50 00
$325 00
"The Vestry are very anxious that the burden of this should not lie upon the incoming pew-rents ; but that they may be left clear to meet the expenses due on the 1st of April, and until October 1st. They have therefore by resolution, requested the Rector to make a special Offertory for this purpose, and give due notice of it to the people. The Rector having assented to this, and intending to devote to this object the Offertory on Easter Sunday, March 31st, the Vestry urge upon the congrega- tion that they should come forward and meet the call presented to them.
"Asking for this statement your careful and candid consider- ation, and begging, upon all we think or do, the blessing of Almighty God, we remain your faithful friends and servants for Christ's sake ;
"WM. CROSWELL DOANE, "Rector of St. Mary's Church. "WM. A. ROGERS,
" FRANKLIN GAUNTT, S Church Wardens.
"EDWARD B. GRUBB, Treasurer.
" SAMUEL ROGERS, " ELIAS HOWELL,
" WM. J. WATSON, " H. McDOWELL, " C. S. GUANTT,
Vestrymen.
" Burlington, N. J., March 19th, 1861."
585
IN BURLINGTON.
THE GRAVE OF BISHOP DOANE.
The place of Bishop Doane's interment, in St. Mary's Church- yard-not far from the northeast corner of the new Church- is marked with a coped-tomb, of brown free stone, of admirable design and workmanship. The mitre, the pastoral staff and keys, and the crown of thorns, are chief among its sculptured symbols; while, beginning at the head, and running around the plinth of the upper base is this inscription: + JESU MERCY. GEORGE WASHINGTON DOANE, D. D., LL. D., FOR XXVII YEARS BISHOP OF NEW JERSEY : BORN, MAY 27, A. D. MDCCXCIX; FELL ASLEEP, APRIL 27, A. D. MDCCCLIX : IN PACE.
"I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord."
On the end-at the foot of the monument-are these words:
IN. MEMORIAM. EPISCOPI. NEO-CESARIENSIS. HUJUS. ECCLESIA. SANCTE. MARIE. CONDITORIS. ET. RECTORIS. COLLEGII. BURLINGTONIENSIS.
ATQUE. AULE. SANCTE. MARIE. FUNDATORIS. PASTORIS. METAAHTOPOS.
A MEMORIAL WINDOW TO BISHOP DOANE.
" The Vestry, some months ago, consented to a request, from the Parishioners, to take out the old east window of the Church, and put in its place a memorial, to their late Rector, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Doane.
" The window was in its place on Maundy Thursday ; but was hidden from view by a heavy purple veil, which draped the chancel, all Good Friday and Easter Even. On Easter morning, the veil was taken away ; and the glad sunlight lit up, with all the Resurrection brightness, the exquisite memorial.
" The window consists of three lancets ; the central one being the highest. The ground-work of all the lancets is a deep blue quarry, with a rich ruby border, and a gold flower in the points. An unusual depth and richness is given to the quarry work, by
586
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
a diapering, which defines the ruby into a cross, behind the blue, by a slight black line.
"The central figure, in the middle lancet, is 'the Good Shep- herd' in a vesica piscis. The dignity and repose of the figure are very commanding; and the drapery, in parts very brilliant, is full of grace. Above and below this are two oblong cusped compartments ; the upper one containing a most effective group, of the Saviour giving the pastoral commission to St. Peter, who kneels before Him; and the lower containing a representation of St. Peter's deliverance by the Angel from the prison. The cold prison floor, and the blue sky through the barred window ; the broken manacles, and the pose of the Angel, make a most effective combination. Above, in the head of the central lancet, is a Dove ; and, underneath all, the Bishop's coat-of-arms in a quatrefoil.
" The side lancets are simple and plain, mainly used to bring out the effect of the central window. The ground-work is the same; with a vesica and two medallions in each. On the north, are the Pastoral Staff and Keys cross-wise; with the seal of Burlington College below, and a passion cross, entwined with passion flowers, above : on the south, the mitre ; with the seal of St. Mary's Hall below : and, above, a crown of glory in a wreath of ivy leaves. The distinctness of effect, even in the figures on the seals is very striking; and the atmospheric blue, in the vesicas and medallions, makes a beautiful contrast with the deep blue of the quarries. Along the foot of the window, in small, golden, Gothic letters, runs the inscription :
"'Georgio W. Doane, Neo Cos Episc. Eccl. hujusce per annos xxvi Rectori, amantissimo ac fidelissimo Pastori, qui diem supre- mum obiit An. Sacr. MDCCCLIX, mense Aprili, die xxvii; et. sepultus est post hoc templum, quod pie sancteque vivus frequenta- verat, fenestram hancce picturatam, diuturni sui amoris monimen- tum, parochiales ex animo dolentes ponendam curaverunt.' t
"To George W. Doane, Bishop of New Jersey, for twenty-six years Rector of this Parish ; a most loving and faithful Pastor: who died on the 27th day of April, A. D. 1859 ; and is buried behind this Church, in which, during his lifetime, devoutly and reverently he constantly worshipped ; his parishioners, mourning, from their hearts, his loss, have caused this window to be erected, as a memorial of their lasting love.""
587
IN BURLINGTON.
" The window is all Jersey work, and Church work ; and reflects great credit upon the artist, Mr. Owen Doremus, of West Bloomfield. He has thrown, into this work, his art, not only, but his heart.
" The teaching of the window is plain and true ; figuring the pastoral character of the 'great-hearted shepherd ;' in which, of course, he was best known and most dearly loved by his parishioners ; and which indeed was the great element of his Episcopate. The Chief Shepherd in the central vesica, as the Source of all authority, conveys the commission to feed His- lambs, (in the upper compartment), to the Apostolic Ministry, in the person of St. Peter; and he, for the faithfulness of that feeding, is imprisoned ; but, (in the lower compartment), from all the trials and persecutions of his enemies, and finally, from the last suffering of all, the Angel of the Lord delivers him." __ Burlington Newspaper, April, 1861.
THE REPORT OF ST. MARY'S AS THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH.
[May 15th, 1861.] St. Mary's Church.
The Rt. Rev. W. H. Odenheimer, D. D., Bishop. The Rev. Wm. Croswell Doane, B. D., Bishop's Chaplain, Rector. The Rev. David C. Moore, Rector's Assistant.
The Rev. Elvin K. Smith, Principal of St. Mary's Hall, Chap- lain of Holy Innocents' Chapel.
The Rev. J. Breckenridge Gibson, Rector of Burlington College, Chaplain of the Holy Child Jesus Chapel.
The Rev. M. F. Hyde, Professor of Ancient Languages in Bur- lington College, Missionary to Christ Church, Riverton.
Levi Johnston, C. P. Jones, Lay Readers.
The Rector reports, since St. Luke's Day, October 18, when he assumed the rectorship :- Baptisms, adults, 7; infants, 12; (before October 18, infants, 13;) total, 32; confirmed, 20; (before October 18, 1;) 21; marriages, 5; burials,; 21; com- municants, added, 10; removed into the Parish, 2; removed from the Parish, 4; died, 2; present number, 120; the Holy Communion celebrated every Lord's Day and Holy Day, and in the Octaves ; Parochial School, 1; St. Mary's Academy, 21 boys; catechists, 18; catechumens, 100; Parish Library, 250. volumes ; Sunday School Library, 300 volumes.
588
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
Offerings: Missions ; Diocesan, $49.39; Domestic, $82.74; Foreign, $27.38; Parochial, $96.49 ; Parochial Charities, $147.49 ; Kansas, $41.87; Aged and Infirm Clergy, $9.96; other Parochial purposes, $155.14; Convention Expenses, $10.50 ; Bishop's Salary, $87; total, $707.96; before October 18, total, $110.37. Total for the year, $818.33.
St. Barnabas' Free Mission Chapel.
Families, 72 ; Individuals, 320 ; baptisms, adults, 3; infants, 36; total, 39; confirmed, 11; marriages, 5; burials, 12; com- municants, died and removed, 3; present number, 100. The Holy Communion every Lord's Day and Holy Day ; daily Par- ish Schools, partly paid ; teachers, Cornelia Vansciver, Lavinia Forgus, Ellen Hulme ; scholars, boys, 35; girls, 40; total, 75 ; .catechists, 6 ; catechumens, taught openly in the Church three times weekly, 95; Sunday School Library, 300 volumes ; cele- bration of Divine service, Sundays, four times, with three ser- mons and one catechizing ; Holy Days, the Holy Communion, with a sermon ; Daily Morning and Evening Prayer, with ser- mons on Wednesday and Friday, in Advent and Lent ; total 900.
Offerings : Parochial Schools, $200; the Poor, $159.66; Parish purposes, $319.79 ; Kansas, $4.75 ; other purposes, $45 ; total, $729.20.
Chapel of the Holy Innocents.
" Baptisms, adults, 11; infant, 1; total, 12; confirmed, 40; average communicants, 70.
" Offerings : For Church Missionary Work and Charitable purposes, $215.
Chapel of the Holy Child Jesus.
Individuals, 32; communicants, 11.
Total in the Parish.
" Baptisms, 83 ; confirmed, 71; communicants, 301. Offer- ings, $1,762.53.
"The Rector's report for this year, of St. Mary's Parish, is necessarily imperfect. The work so far has been prospective, and is full of promise ; larger congregations ; increased attend- ance at special services ; and somewhat enlarged alms, give hopes, if not assurances, of growth.
"St. Mary's Academy for boys is in successful operation, with 21 scholars ; who receive a thorough English and Classi-
58 9
IN BURLINGTON.
cal education, with proper and careful religious training, and attend the daily morning service of the Church. The Rector is Rector of the Academy, and his Assistant the Master; the Bishop being Visitor.
" In St. Barnabas' Mission, with much anxiety, there is abun- dant hope. The field is large and promising, though the sowers' hands are often tied, with the pressure of work and the want of means. The full services are continued, and the schools are in admirable condition. The changes consequent upon the accept- ance of the Rectorship of the Parish, by the Priest of the Mis- sion, have somewhat lessened this year's actual statistics. But the relation here remains unchanged. And now, with the paro- chial system for the whole city more completely arranged, there is larger room, and a better opportunity for more abundant and successful labours. Here, as to some extent in the Parish Church, the Rev. Assistant does much and valuable work in addition to his academic duties.
" The Rector adds, as an important event, the Act, which makes St. Mary's the Cathedral Church of the Diocese. It is such by nature and necessity, and has been always, in all but the name. He hopes by another year to report that the system as adapted to the American Church, is fairly carried out.
"'An Act authorizing the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church within the State, to register certain acts on the register of Saint Mary's Parish, in the city of Burlington.
" '1. Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey, That hereafter all baptisms and marriages, or any other official or ministerial acts, which have been or may be solemnized by the Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church within this State, having the city of Burlington under his jurisdiction, may be entered by him on the register of Saint Mary's Parish, Burlington ; and the same, when entered on the said register, shall have the like legal effect and operation, as if the said marriage or baptism had been solemnized by the clergyman having charge of the said Church, and been by him entered on the register thereof; and the said Church may also be the place of deposit for any papers and documents connected with his office. "'2. And be it enacted, That this act shall take effect immediately.'"
"St. Mary's Parsonage, Burlington, " May 28th, A. D. 1861.
" RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD :
" I beg leave respectfully to report that, since my admission into your Diocese on the Feast of All Saints, A. D. 1860, I have been officiating as Rector's Assistant in the Parish of St. Mary,
590
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
Burlington, and acting as Master of St. Mary's Academy for Boys.
"In my last named duties I have received large and valuable aid from the Rector, and have had pleasantly associated with me, (until the last fortnight,) as Tutor, Mr. Custis P. Jones, B. A., of Burlington College, for whose loss I desire to record my regret.
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