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 51
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70
603
IN BURLINGTON.
them. It is these and like services which have endeared him to all hearts, and compel us to record not only our unaffected sorrow at his loss as the Pastor of St. Mary's Parish, but to add the expression of our belief that his removal will be re- garded as a loss by the community at large.
" We bespeak for him, what we believe will most certainly be given-the love, confidence and esteem of the new portion of the one Fold, to which the great Shepherd of the sheep has called him.
" In bidding farewell to our beloved friend and Pastor, we assure him of the grateful love and warmest wishes of all his congregation ; and we offer our prayers to our Father in Heaven, that He will for His only SoN's sake ever have our Rector and his family in His holy keeping.
"j. W. ODENHEIMER, "WM. J. WATSON, "C. BAQUET."
BISHOP ODENHEIMER INVITED TO THE RECTORSHIP. "The Rt. Rev. Dr. W. H. Odenheimer, Bishop of New Jersey.
" DEAR BISHOP-The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish, Burlington, to transmit to you the accompanying Resolution, unanimously passed, beg leave, in discharging their duty, to express, on behalf of the Vestry, the earnest hope that you will accede to one or the other of the provisions of the resolution.
"St. Mary's Church is and ought to be, your Cathedral Church, and we desire that it may enjoy the benefit of such supervision as you may deem consistent with your Episcopal office.
" Burlington, April 20, 1863.
" Resolved, That the Rectorship of St. Mary's Parish be ten- dered to the Bishop of this Diocese; or, resolved, that he be requested to take charge of St. Mary's Parish.
" Yours, most respectfully, " C. BAQUET, " S. ROGERS, " W.M. J. WATSON."
604
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
BISHOP ODENHEIMER ACCEPTS THE "CHARGE" OF THE
PARISH.
" To Prof. C. Baquet, LL.D., Mr. Wm. J. Watson, and Mr. Samuel Rogers, Committee of the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish, Burlington.
"GENTLEMEN-I have received and considered your courte- ·ous communication, together with the Resolution unanimously adopted by the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish. It is the second time since my official connection with this Diocese, that I have been gratified by an invitation from the Vestry, to assume the Rectorship of their venerable Parish, f associated with the mem- ories of the honoured dead, and with the love and labours of the living. The office of Rector involves, in my judgment, absorbing spiritual duties, constant personal presence, and the daily care of the sick and dying, as well as the regular and systematic instruction of all the flock. On conscientious grounds, therefore, I must now, as on a former occasion, decline the Rectorship.
"I notice, however, the alternative to which you direct my attention in the resolution of the Vestry, and I am not insensi- ble to your willingness to shield me from any interference with my Episcopal duty to the Diocese; accordingly, in this view of the case, I am ready to accede to the wish of your honourable body.
" I accept, (not the Rectorship, but) the 'charge' of St. Mary's Parish, as tendered in the resolution of the Vestry; and I will retain the charge so long as it may be agreeable to the gentle- men themselves, and to all the parties concerned.
" Praying the great Head of the Church to guide you and your co-workers, in your aims to promote His glory and the interests of the Parish,
" I remain, very faithfully, " Your friend and Bishop, "W. H. ODENHEIMER. " Riverside, April 24, 1863."
+ See p. 566.
605
IN BURLINGTON.
REV. EUGENE A. HOFFMAN ELECTED RECTOR OF ST. MARY'S PARISH.
At a meeting of the Vestry, held May 11th, 1863, the follow- ing communication was received :
" Burlington, N. J., May 8th, 1863.
"To the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish :
" GENTLEMEN-It has been intimated to me, from several sources, that any suggestion from me as Bishop of the Diocese, and therefore interested in the welfare of all portions of the flock, which may aid you in filling the Rectorship of St. Mary's Parish, will meet with due consideration.
"Accordingly, I express, respectfully but decidedly, my entire confidence in the ability, piety, Churchmanship, and fitness, in all respects, of a Reverend gentleman whose name has been mentioned in connection with this most reponsible office.
"I refer to the Rev'd Eugene A. Hoffman, of Elizabeth, New Jersey.
" I commend him to you as one who, with GOD's blessing, will promote the truest welfare of the congregation, and har- monize important interests which are indirectly, as well as di- rectly, related to the Parish.
"Affectionately your Bishop, "W. H. ODENHEIMER."
On motion,
Resolved, That the Vestry go into an election for Rector.
Whereupon, the Rev. Eugene Augustus Hoffman, was unani- mously elected Rector of St. Mary's Parish. t
Eugene Augustus Hoffman, son of Samuel Verplanck Hoffman, was born in the city of New York, March 21st, 1829; graduated at Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J., in June, 1847, and at Harvard College, Mass., in June 1848; also at the General Theological Seminary, N. Y., in June, 1851; received the degree of M. A., from Rutgers College in 1850, and also from Harvard College in 1851; was ordered Deacon in Christ Church, New Brunswick, N. J., June 29th, 1851, by Bishop George W. Doane, and advanced to the Priesthood in St. John's Church, Elizabethtown, April 28th, 1853, by the same prelate. After a year and a half at Grace Mission Church, Eliza- bethport, he accepted in the spring of 1853, the Rectorship of the newly organ- ized Parish of Christ Church, Elizabethtown, N. J., where he ministered for ten years, and until called to the Rectorship of St. Mary's Parish, Burlington.
606
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
LETTER TO THE REV. E. A. HOFFMAN.
"To the Rev. Eugene A. Hoffman, Rector of Christ Church, Elizabeth, N. J.
"REVEREND AND DEAR SIR-The undersigned, a committee of the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish, Burlington, discharge, with very sincere satisfaction, the duty assigned them of transmitting to you the following call to the Rectorship, which was made with great unanimity at the last meeting of the corporation :
"The committee beg leave, in behalf of the Vestry, to express the earnest hope that your response to their call may be favour- able, in which event, they assure you of a hearty co-operation in all plans for the prosperity of the Parish, which your well- known ability and large experience may enable you to propose. With the divine blessing on so auspicious a Pastoral connection, the Vestry believe that not only the spiritual welfare of St. Mary's Parish will be greatly promoted, but that also, the tem- poral condition of the Parish will soon enable them to offer an adequate pecuniary expression of their appreciation of your val- uable services.
" The committee regret that under present circumstances, they are unable to offer you more than One Thousand Dollars per annum, together with the parsonage and grounds.
" We remain Reverend and Dear Sir, " Very faithfully yours, " J. W. ODENHEIMER, " FRANKLIN GAUNTT, " J. HOWARD PUGH, " C. BAQUET,
Committee. "May 13th, 1863."
THE REV. E. A. HOFFMAN'S ACCEPTANCE.
" Christ Church Rectory, Elizabeth, N. J., 21 May, 1863.
" Messrs. J. W. Odenheimer, Franklin Gauntt, J. Howard Pugh, and C. Baquet, Committee, &c.
" GENTLEMEN-Your official communication, dated 13th inst., announcing to me, in behalf of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church, Burlington, my unanimous call to the Rectorship of
THE REV. EUGENE A. HOFFMAN.
607
IN BURLINGTON.
the Parish, and offering me a salary of One Thousand Dollars per annum, together with the use of the parsonage, has received my most careful and deliberate consideration. The thought of what is justly to be expected of the Rector of so large and influ- ential a Parish, occupying from its relation to the Bishop and educational institutions of the Diocese, actually the position of a Cathedral Church, as well as the reluctance which I feel to sundering the tie which binds me to a faithful, beloved, and united congregation, has made me hesitate thus long before assuming the cares and responsibilities which a favourable reply to your call involves. Receiving, however, as it does the entire approval of the spiritual head of the diocese, and of those whose judgment I am bound to respect, I am led to believe that it is a call from the Divine Master to work in your portion of His vineyard, and relying on His guidance and blessing, I must ask you to convey to the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish my acceptance of its Rectorship.
" I have only to add that I shall be prepared to enter on my duties as soon as I can effect the removal of my family, which I suppose will be about the middle of next month, f and to thank you for your cordial expressions of kindness to myself personally, and assurances of hearty co-operation on the part of the Vestry in all plans for the prosperity of the Parish.
" With the highest consideration, I am Gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
"E. A. HOFFMAN."
" LIABILITIES OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH."
"Burlington, N. J., July 1, 1863.
" Island Managers, (bond and mortgage,). $10,100 00
Charles L. Fennimore, do. 1,600 00
James Dempsey, do.
800 00
T. Milnor, late Treasurer, advances $2,790 30
Balance on settlement, October 1, 1860, .. 178 60
Interest, say .. 453 34 3,422 26
The Rev. Mr. Hoffman was instituted into the Rectorship of St. Mary's Parish, by Bishop Odenheimer, June 29th, 1863.
608
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
Amount brought forward $15,922 26
" Rev. W. C. Doane 1,000 00
Robert B. Aertsen 750 00
Capt. F. Engle .. 680 00
Mrs. S. P. Cleaveland
697 25
William Speed.
$77 92
Interest 40 29
118 21
John Larzelere
50 00
Mr. Shapter
100 00
Island Managers, interest due July 1, 1863. 100 00
Total $19,399 72 " The above is a correct statement of the liabilities of the Church."
THE RELATION BETWEEN ST. BARNABAS CHAPEL AND ST. MARY'S PARISH.
" July 20, 1863 .- An adjourned meeting of the Vestry was held this evening.
" The committee appointed by the Vestry to inquire into the relationship existing between 'St. Barnabas Mission Chapel' and this parish, respectfully report, that they have carefully in- vestigated the title of the property and find that it is vested in the corporation of 'St. Mary's Parish ;' and that it is free from all encumbrances, with the exception of a mortgage of Fifteen Hundred Dollars, which is a portion of the debt of ten thousand one hundred dollars, resting on all of the Church property, due the Island Managers.
" The committee recommend that the Vestry take immediate possession of the Chapel, School House and grounds attached, which will place it in charge of the Rector, to make arrange- ments for such services as he may from time to time deem expe- dient and practicable.
"E. A. HOFFMAN, Rector, " J. HOWARD PUGH,
"FRANKLIN GAUNTT, Committee.
" Burlington, N. J., 15th July, A. D. 1863."
609
IN BURLINGTON.
THE VESTRY ASSUME CONTROL OF THE PARISH SCHOOLS.
November 9th, 1863 .- At a stated meeting of the Vestry, held this evening, the Committee on Schools reported as follows :
" Resolved, That the Vestry assume the control of the Parish Schools, and that a Standing Committee of two be appointed, whose duty it shall be, in connection with the Rector, to take charge of the same, to employ suitable teachers, to receive and disburse whatever income may be obtained for the support of the school, and to make a full report of their doings to the Ves- try at the close of each school year.
"On motion, J. H. Pugh, M. D., and E. B.'Grubb were appointed the Standing Committee on Parish Schools.
" On motion of Dr. Pugh-
" WHEREAS, The sum of four hundred dollars has been sub- scribed by certain parties in the Parish towards the payment of an Assistant Minister-therefore,
" Resolved, That the Rector be authorized to employ an As- sistant Minister, at a salary not exceeding five hundred dollars per annum.t
FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS OFFERED.
St. Mary's Vestry Room, January 1st, 1864 .- A Special Meeting of the Vestry was held this evening.
" The Rector stated that he had called the Vestry together to lay before them a liberal offer which he had received from a friend of the Parish to subscribe $5000 towards paying the judgment of the Board of Island Managers, provided the bal- ance could be raised.
" On motion of Dr. Pugh, the Rector and Treasurer were di- rected to print the circular, a draft of which was presented, and send it to the members of the congregation.
" On motion, the Rector, Mr. Grubb, Mr. Rogers, Dr. Gauntt and Dr. Pugh were appointed a Committee to solicit subscriptions in agreement to the circular issued. The Com- mittee were directed to address a suitable letter in behalf of the Vestry, to the party making the above liberal offer."
¡ December 14th, 1863 .- At a meeting of the Vestry, the Rector stated that he had employed, in accordance with the resolution of the Vestry, the Rev. Ephraim DePuy, as Assistant Minister of the Parish for one year, from De- cember 1st, 1863.
2 Q
610
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND APPEAL.
" To the Congregation of St. Mary's Church, Burlington, N. J. DEAR BRETHREN :
" A short time since, a gentleman from Philadelphia called upon us to communicate the gratifying intelligence, that a friend of the parish was prepared to give the large sum of $5000, towards paying its debts, provided a sufficient amount to liqui- date the balance of the indebtedness should be subscribed for that purpose. It was the first light which either of us had seen in the dark cloud of debt which has for years hung over the Church, interfering with its prosperity, and crippling it every way-and we felt that it was an opportunity Providentially afforded to the parishioners to extricate their Church from its pecuniary embarrassments, which ought not to be lost. But how to raise so large a sum as the balance required, was the dif- ficulty. The debts amounted to a little more than $19,000, and we were satisfied, after careful reflection, and consultation with some of the members of the parish, that this sum was too large to be raised by cash subscriptions, even with the aid of the liberal offer which had been made, and we determined to again confer with the party who had made the offer, in order, if pos- sible, to get it put in a shape which could and ought to be complied with by the congregation. After a protracted inter- view the offer was finally renewed in the following form :
" To make it clear, we must first explain the position of the Church's debts. They consist of a judgment obtained by the Board of Island Managers against the Wardens and Vestry for $10,100, loaned to the parish, on Bond and Mortgage, in the year 1852, and a number of outstanding claims, amounting to a little more than $9000, for moneys borrowed from divers parties at different periods, during the erection of the new Church. The position of the judgment is such, execution having been issued and a levy having been made upon everything the Church pos- sesses, that not only must the interest be promptly paid, but the property of the parish may at any moment be exposed at sher- iff's sale, unless the amount called for by the judgment can be paid on demand. The removal of this judgment, which holds
611
IN BURLINGTON.
everything in its iron grasp, must, therefore, be the first step towards relieving the parish from its embarrassments. And when this is once accomplished, we feel that there will be but little difficulty, with the aid of some of the Church's landed property, in liquidating the balance of the debts.
"In this view of the case, we obtained a renewal of the offer of the $5000, with the condition that it should be paid as soon as the additional sum of $5100 was subscribed to cancel the the judgment, and that the Vestry should then use every effort to liquidate the remainder of the indebtedness as early as practi- cable.
" In addition to this, we are also enabled now to add, that a few members of the parish, to whom the matter has been men- tioned, in order that it may avail itself of the above liberal offer, have subscribed on the same conditions, an additional sum of a little more than $2000, leaving a balance of less than $3000 to be raised by the congregation, to free the parish, as we be- lieve, forever from its difficulties.
" We therefore lay the case before the congregation, with the earnest appeal, that every member of it will contribute liberally according to his or her ability, to avail themselves of the Provi- dential opportunity, which if neglected now, may not occur again in years, to place the parish in an independent position. To show the importance of immediate effort, we need only state, that the interest on the judgment referred to, annually absorbs $600 of the income of the church, and that since the original amount of $10,100 was borrowed, more than $6000 have already been paid for interest alone ; while the property which it covers is rendered almost useless to the parish. The present moment is, therefore, a crisis in the history of the parish, which must settle the question whether it is to be free from its pecuniary embarrassments, or go on, probably for years, struggling with a debt that may at any moment involve it in utter ruin. And we cannot believe that any who are interested in its welfare, will hesitate, as soon as the case is fairly before them, as to their duty in the matter. The Vestry have, therefore, directed this circu- lar to be addressed to the congregation, and appointed a con- mittee to solicit the required subscriptions, and they earnestly
612
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
appeal to every member and friend of the parish to give liberally as the LORD hath blessed them.
" EUGENE AUG's HOFFMAN, Rector.
" EDWARD B. GRUBB, Treasurer.
" Burlington, N. J., 2 Jan., 1864.
" COMMITTEE TO COLLECT SUBSCRIPTIONS. " REV. E. A. HOFFMAN,
"EDWARD B. GRUBB, " SAMUEL ROGERS,
" FRANKLIN GAUNTT, M. D., " J. HOWARD PUGH, M. D."
A GREAT WEIGHT REMOVED. "Burlington, N. J., 6 Feb'y, 1864.
"MY DEAR SIR-The Vestry of St. Mary's Church, have intrusted us with the pleasing duty of acknowledging through you, to their unknown benefactor, the very liberal donation of $5000 towards removing the heavy indebtedness with which the Parish has so long been burdened. While we thank God, that he has put it into the heart of one to whom He has given the means of doing so much good, we desire to express to the donor our own acknowledgments for the munificent gift, which has removed a great weight from the minds of the Vestry, and lifted the dark cloud which hung over the future history of the Parish. We are happy to say, that the liberal manner in which the parishioners generally have responded to our appeal to raise the balance required, has not only placed the entire amount at our disposal, and secured, as we believe, the speedy liquidation of the balance of the debt, but given a new life and impulse to the Parish in every way. In the earnest hope that this may prove the beginning of a long course of usefulness for our ancient Parish, and with the fervent prayer that God will remember our benefactor, for this 'good deed' done to 'the house of our God, and for the offices thereof,'
" We remain, very respectfully, "Your grateful and obedient servants, " EUGENE AUG. HOFFMAN, "Rector of St. Mary's Church.
" EDWARD B. GRUBB,
" J. HOWARD PUGH, " SAMUEL ROGERS, " FRANKLIN GAUNTT, "James H. Castle, Esq., Philadelphia."
r
Committee on Subscriptions.
613
IN BURLINGTON.
RESIGNATION OF THE REV. MR. HOFFMAN.
" Burlington, N. J., 29 February, 1864. " Messrs. J. W. Odenheimer, and F. Gauntt, M. D., Wardens, &c.
"GENTLEMEN-I find myself most unexpectedly called upon to request you to announce to the Vestry of St. Mary's parish that I have felt it my duty to accept a call to the Rectorship of Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights, New York. Apart from the trial involved in the separation of pastor and people, you will I am sure, appreciate, that a decision, which takes me from a parish to which from past as well as present associations my heart is very closely tied, and removes me from the only diocese in which I had expected to labor until called to give an account of my stewardship, could only be arrived at after the most careful consideration and under a conscientious sense of the duty which I owe to the Church and myself. The circumstances, however, of this call, coming as it has at a time when St. Mary's Church, through the liberality of the parishioners, is on the eve of being freed from the pecuniary embarrassments which have so long crippled its energies, and placed in an independent posi- tion, seemed to leave me but little choice in the matter. I am, therefore, constrained to ask the Wardens and Vestry to accept this my resignation of the Rectorship of St. Mary's parish, to take effect from the first day of April next, when I propose, God willing, to enter on my duties in the new field to which Providence seems to have called me.
" Thanking yourselves and the Vestry for your personal kindness and co-operation in all that I have proposed for the efficiency of the Church during our official connection, and praying that God's blessing may ever rest upon yourselves and the parish you represent, I am,
" With the highest respect and esteem, " Your obedient servant, " EUGENE AUG'S HOFFMAN."
614
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
ACTION OF THE VESTRY ON THE RESIGNATION OF THE RECTOR.
" Resolved, That the resignation of the Rev. E. A. Hoffman, Rector of St. Mary's Church, be and is hereby accepted, accord- ing to the tenor of his letter to the Vestry.
" Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a suitable answer to the letter of resignation.
" REV. AND DEAR SIR-We, the undersigned, a committee appointed under the above resolutions, desire, on behalf of the Wardens and Vestry of St. Mary's Parish, to express to you the deep regret, the heartfelt sorrow experienced by ourselves and the whole congregation, at parting from you. Although you have been but a short time amongst us, yet your gentle- manly demeanor, your courtesy and kindness, your faithfulness and efficiency in all the duties that belong to the Christian Minister, have drawn towards you all our hearts with a rare and hearty unanimity, so that we had indulged in the hope that your stay with us might be prolonged and permanent.
" By the generosity of an unknown benefactor, the liberality of the parishioners, and last, not least, the tireless energy and enthusiasm which you threw into the work, and infused into others, we have been enabled to relieve the parish, in great measure, from the heavy burden of debt that has been oppress- ing it for years, so that it will be no fault of yours, if the work of the parish be not henceforth efficient and prosperous.
" We thank you for the kindliness and earnestness with which you entered upon your work amongst us. We are grate- ful to you, under God, for the success that has crowned your labors. We accept the Providence that has called you to an- other and a wider field. We bespeak for you therein, that co-operation and sympathy and love, always and everywhere needed to sustain the hands and encourage the heart of the Christian Minister. And more than all, and above all, we invoke upon your labor and life the blessing of Almighty God. " J. HOWARD PUGH,
" FRANKLIN GAUNTT,
" EDWARD B. GRUBB, Committee."
615
IN BURLINGTON.
REPORT ON SUBSCRIPTIONS.
St. Mary's Vestry Room, March 26th, 1864 .- An adjourned meeting of the Vestry was held this evening.
The committee to which was referred the collection of sub- scriptions for the liquidation of the debts of St. Mary's Church, beg leave to make the following report :
They have collected and paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Church the following sums. [Here follows a list of one hundred and ten names, with amounts set opposite to each, varying from $6500-the Misses McIlvaine's subscription-to $1, and making a total of $11,291.76.]
A CHIME OF BELLS OFFERED.
" Burlington, N. J., 28 March, 1864.
" MY DEAR SIR-I stated yesterday to the congregation of St. Mary's, that if they would pay off the balance of the debt, $1600, a chime of bells would be given to the Church and something for an endowment for the ringers. There seems a disposition now to raise the money, but it is a large sum after what has been done, and the debt can only be settled with cash. Will you do me the favor to find out whether I can have $500 more, provided the balance is raised, and let me know by tele- graph during to-day ? If this will be allowed, I think the balance can be raised, and would advise it to be done.
" Very sincerely yours, "E. A. HOFFMAN.
" James H. Castle, Esq., Philadelphia."
MRS. CLEVELAND RELINQUISHES HER CLAIM.
St. Mary's Vestry Room, June 13th, 1864 .- A stated meet- ing of the Vestry was held this evening, J. W. Odenheimer, Senior Warden, in the chair.
A letter was received from Mrs. Sarah P. Cleveland, and the following extract from it ordered placed on the minutes, viz. :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.