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 56
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" I recall with tender emotion the memory, that while I was spending protracted hours in St. Mary's Church Vestry room. elaborating the Catalogue of the General Theological Seminary Pamphlets, I used to step out into the Church to admire the con- stant and fatiguing labors which our lamented friend Mr. Edward B. Grubb devoted to the practical experiments of arranging the successful pealing of the Bells, applying to it for weeks all his well known science and skill. There he was often for hours with his coat off, alone, in his beautiful House of Prayer, consecrating his time, his strength, and his talents to this sacred work. I felt that it was work, and worship too.
"I do not remember anything else to tell you of, except a little history told me by Mr. Windsor, one of our parishioners at Bainbridge, a lawyer of reputation. More than thirty-five years ago, he was going down the Delaware river, upon a raft, bound to Philadelphia, in company with the chief owner, a churchman of Canandaigua. When they reached a place called Burlington, their logs in some way became entangled and obstructed, and they wanted very much to borrow a row-boat, to free them, and put them all in regular line again. So they got on shore and tried in vain to borrow a boat for the purpose. Boats there were, but they were locked, or their owners were absent and could not be consulted. They were told however to walk along the Bank, and perhaps they might find what they wanted. When they had gone so far as almost to despair of their chance, they came to a nice boat, chained and locked. Looking around they espied a man standing on a porch near by. 'Can you tell me, Sir, who owns this boat ?' 'I do,' was the reply. 'Could you let us have it for a little while to start our raft again ?'
able to carry on my official correspondence without interruption, I performed no out-door Episcopal duty until Easter-even (March 30th) when I resumed my Visitations by celebrating the Holy Eucharist, and Confirming twenty- four persons, in the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, St. Mary's Hall."
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' Certainly-but just wait a minute till I put on my boots, and I will go along with you myself and help you.' So out they started. The obliging stranger rowed, and worked with a will, and soon all was right. 'Now,' said the man, 'what shall I pay you for the use of your boat ?' 'Oh nothing at all, you are perfectly welcome.' 'Oh my dear Sir,' said the other, 'you have not only lent us your boat, but you have lent us your arms and you did grand service, I must somehow repay you.' 'Oh', was the answer, ' I count it a pleasant thing to help a neighbour, especially if it be a neighbour in difficulty.' 'Well,' said the man, 'tell me at least your name, that I may know who has obliged me so much.' The other answered,' Why, they com- monly call me Bishop Doane.' 'Bishop Doane !' replied he, ' you don't mean to say, this is the great Bishop Doane, of whom we hear so much.' The other laughed and said, 'You will find no one else to answer to the name.' Then with many thanks- the raftsmen bid good bye, the Bishop inviting them to call and see him, if they passed that way again.
" This little pleasant incident, I guess, has never been circu- lated, till it turned up in our little country village in Central New York, three hundred miles away, and one of the very actors . in the scene told it to me himself.
" Traveling in a car with the Bishop of Albany, I had the satisfaction of bringing the Bishop and the raftsman together.
" Wishing you all success in bringing together all ancient and modern traditions concerning good St. Mary's, and the Church in Burlington generally, I remain
"Most truly and respectfully, " Your friend and brother, "SAMUEL ROOSEVELT JOHNSON."
A LEGACY AND OTHER GIFTS-THE ORGAN REMOVED AND DOUBLED IN SIZE.
" The legacy (of $1000) included under the head of offerings for ' the Poor,' was received from the estate of Mrs. Sarah C. Robardet, the annual interest of which, by the provisions of her will, is to be applied to the purchase of fuel for the needy mem- bers of the Parish.
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"The offerings for cabinet-organ ($125), and altar linen ($25), were specific gifts from two individuals.t
"The great organ of the Church has been removed from the floor of the north transept, to the gallery at the foot of the nave, and doubled in size; and a door, gallery, and pews, have been constructed in the north transept, corresponding to those in the south transept, thus supplying seventy additional sittings. The cost of these changes was met by the conversion of a portion of the funded property of the parish."-Parochial Report, 1873.
A SUNDAY IN BURLINGTON.
The Church Journal of December 19th, 1872, has the follow- ing from an anonymous correspondent :
" It was on a pleasant autumn day, that the train stopped at the station, and stepping from it, we found ourselves in the heart of the good city of Burlington ; which has something to boast of, greater even than the advantages of manufactures or trade.
" Facing the river, all along the 'green bank,' are fine, old- fashioned residences, low-walled and unpretending, but having delightful grounds, and shaded by ancient trees, and shrubbery of marvellous growth; pleasant abodes, bearing the unmista- kable impress of ease and elegance.
" In this vicinity, are located the two academies of St. Mary's Hall, and Burlington College; with 'Riverside,' the home of the Bishop of New Jersey, lying between. Up and down the river, are pleasure boats moored; now and then, a sail glides by ; or the little steamers, plying between the city and Phila- delphia.
"The Hall, numbering near two hundred pupils, from every section of the land, is a long, irregular structure of brick, near the river's bank, with pleasure grounds adjoining. Attached to it, is a lovely little chapel ; that of ' the Holy Innocents ;' where daily service for the pupils is held.
" At some distance from this, below, and beyond the Episco- pal residence, standing farther back, but looking toward the river, is the College, established in 1846. We had the pleasure of spending a little time there, and of becoming somewhat ac- quainted with its accomplished Rector, the Rev. Dr. Clerc, and
+ The cabinet organ, by Mrs. Elizabeth A. Ellis ; and the altar linen, from England, by Mr. William D. Hewitt.
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his family ; and with some of the corps of teachers ; and though not witnessing their system of instruction, were most delight- fully impressed with the advantages of the institution. It was very pleasant to breathe the air of a genial Christian home; to note the courteous and fraternal spirit of the boys towards one another ; and the deference and respect, which they seemed, most spontaneously, to accord to their principal and teachers. The religious influence around them lifts up their standard of character, and ennobles their ideas of life and its duties. * On the bright Sunday morning the sweet chimes of St. Mary's called us to Church. There is, perhaps, no where to be found a more beautiful Church, than St. Mary's of Burlington ; so solid, in structure; and symmetrical, in proportions. It is cruciform, with a graceful spire rising from the junction of the nave and transepts.
" As we came near, the long procession of girls, with their teachers, from the Hall, passed in at one door, in their neat attire, and fresh loveliness; making a pretty sight. From another direction, and by a different entrance, passed the young collegians ; fine-looking, manly lads, in their handsome uniformn of gray, marching, with measured step, accompanied by their tutors. There was the full morning service, and the Rector of the Parish, the Rev. Dr. Hills, gave an excellent practical ex- hortation, with some interesting facts, relative to the duty of giving to Diocesan Missions.
" The organ is a fine instrument, and finely played ; and the music well rendered by the choir of the parish, in connection with one composed of boys, from the College.
" At the close of the sermon, the Rector read from a telegram, which had been given him in the chancel, the startling news of the Boston calamity ; while a thrill of consternation and sym- pathy, trembled through the large congregation; and when, after the prayer for the Church Militant, a supplication was offered for the deliverance of our smitten brethren, all hearts were fervently uplifted.
" In the afternoon, we came once more into the churchyard, where a scene of rare loveliness presented itself to our gaze. The sweet, crisp air, was mellow, with the rich autumn sunset. Above, a little to the left, in the clear blue, lay the moon, a silver shell. At our right, rose the walls of the beautiful Church, defined against a glowing sky, from whose horizon streamed a wondrous banner of clouds, intense crimson, lying, in burnished folds, against others of vivid green ; a truly mar- vellous combination, 'flame-color, vert and azure.' Through
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the stained windows, lights were shining ; and the softened voice of the organ, with the vesper-hymn, floated towards us; while in all the branches above us, multitudes of sparrows were twit- tering and chirping their evensong. On either side, the quiet dead ; beneath our feet, the fallen leaves; above, the tall ever- greens, and cross-topped spire, pointing upward to the serene and glorious skies. A lull of silence,-and the people came out from Church; and breaking into groups, lent that new anima- tion to the picture, that human life ever gives.
" We spent a pleasant evening at the College, with sacred music, and the missionary service, held by the boys; early closing with family prayers. Then, reluctantly, our good nights were said ; and again we bent our steps toward our hotel. The sweet, calm moonlight, fell around, and in the northern sky, red streamers of auroral light flamed up, and sank again below the zenith ; and so, a superbly lovely night, ended for us, a more delightful day, in the dear old town of Burlington."
OBSERVANCES ON THE FOURTH OF JULY. "THE SALUTATION AT RIVERSIDE."
From the time of the foundation of Burlington College, the anniversary of our National Independence has been observed with customs and exercises unique. As a description of one of these occasions will afford an idea of them all, we select an account of that on the 4th of July, 1873.
At 8 o'clock in the morning there was the formal raising of the College flag on the campus. This banner is the same as that of our national colors, except that in the ground which is occu- pied in them by the stars, a large white cross appears. "The Star Spangled Banner," is played by the band as soon as the flag reaches its highest position on the staff.
At 9 A. M., the family of St. Mary's Hall emerge in a body from that institution, and take their station in double lines, sweeping around and down on either side of the green bank, making two great arcs of a circle-two hundred teachers and pupils-in front of the great doorway of Riverside. Hardly have their places been gained, before Rector and professors of the college, all in academic gowns, Oxford caps, and hoods of their several degrees, attended by their students in military array-neat gray uniforms, with banners and muskets and mar-
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tial music, are drawn up in a straight line facing Riverside. Outside the great doorway is the Bishop, in gown and scarlet hood, as the central figure ; on his right, the rector of the Parish and the principal of the Hall ; and just back of him, the members and invited guests of his own immediate household.
One of the students of the College comes to the front, and in behalf of his fellow students, greets the Bishop with a short, appropriate and well-learned speech, to which the Bishop makes a fitting reply. "God bless our native land," is then sung by the united assemblage, and the collegians withdraw in martial order for their own pleasures at the College ; while the family of the Hall are invited into the spacious grounds of the Episcopal residence, to pass their customary " social hour." About this time, the chimes from St. Mary's spire are heard . playing national airs, and soon the parishioners in the city are engaged in the service of morning prayer at the parish Church, which is always said in accordance with " the Form " prescribed for this anniversary in the " Proposed Book."t
THE PRESENTATION OF ALMS.
On Sunday morning, October 19th, 1873, with the approval - of the Bishop, who was present, the custom was introduced in St. Mary's, (which has long been common in many churches,) of having the whole congregation rise and stand during the presen- tation of the alms and oblations on the altar.
A RECTORY PURCHASED.
On the 8th of November, 1873, the spacious brick mansion on the northeast corner of Broad and Wood streets,¿ was pur- chased at public auction for a rectory ; and first occupied as such, March 11th, 1874. Six thousand dollars of the purchase-money was provided by the bequest of Mrs. Robardet, made six years ago, (see p. 645,) with its accumulations since ; and one thou- sand dollars was contributed by Mrs. Euphemia B. Grubb.
+ See p. 422.
į This house was built in 1838, and is one of the best and most commodious dwellings in the city ; admirably located for its new uses ; commanding a view of the entire Churchyard, and within a minute's walk of the Church
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THE DEATH AND BURIAL OF THE REV. MR. SHAVER.}
The Rev. Daniel Shaver, itinerant missionary of the Con- vocation of Burlington, entered into rest on Sunday morning, Jan. 25th, 1874, the feast of the conversion of St. Paul, aged 56 years. The burial took place from St. Mary's Church, Burlington, on Wednesday morning, Jan. 28th. Fifteen of the reverend clergy were in attendance. The Rev. Joseph H. Smith and the Rev. F. C. Putnam read the portion of the burial service appointed for the Church. The choir led the congregation in the anthem, and the hymns " Asleep in Jesus," and " Hark ! hark, my soul !" The Rev. Dr. Hills, at the request of the de- ceased, preached ; and the sermon, by vote of the clergy present, was published. The following are its chief words :
It was the pre-eminent distinction of our departed brother,
doors. A year ago, the premises were put in complete repair, and all the modern conveniences added.
At a meeting of the Vestry November 10th, 1873, on motion of the Rector, it was " Resolved, that the acknowledgments and thanks of this Vestry are due, and are hereby given, to Mr. John Broomhead for his valuable and effi- cient personal services in securing the purchase of the Rectory for St. Mary's Church, on Saturday last."
This humble servant of Christ first saw the light on the 9th of February, 1818, in the village of Westmoreland, New York. His father, a devout man, shed upon his household the powerful influence of a Christian life. He said but little to his children on the subject of their personal religion, but never failed to gather them around the family altar, and to make mention of them in his prayers. "I can hear his voice now," said our brother, recalling this por- tion of his childhood, and choking with emotion at the remembrance of what he owed to such a father.
The Cazenovia Seminary, was the place in which our friend had his next education. Gifted with a deep, clear voice, familiar with the language of Holy Scripture, and with an earnest desire to save souls, at the early age of 19 he became a Methodist preacher-removing from place to place, for several years. At a burial from Trinity Church, Watertown, N. Y., he first heard any service of the Church. It impressed him deeply. He was led to read the Prayer book ; and, as he had opportunity, to witness other services for which the Church has such inimitable provision. The prayer book was again re- ferred to, and compared with Holy Scripture; and he said to me, with em- phasis, repeating the remark, "The Scriptural character of the Book of Common Prayer-this it was which convinced me." He was confirmed by Bishop DeLancey, in Rochester, N. Y., and became a candidate for Holy Orders in the diocese of Indiana. He went to Nashotah for six months, where he enjoyed the instruction of those, who, through God's grace, have made that school of the prophets one of the grandest monuments of missionary faith in modern times. In the chapel of Nashotah, our candidate was or- dained by his own diocesan, Bishop Upfold ; and in the following year pro- moted to the priesthood, in Indianapolis. After serving many years in Indiana, he removed to Texas, and in 1868, came to New Jersey. G. M. H.
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that most of his life was given to missionary work. He never was a rector, never had any ecclesiastical, nor academic titles, never held any conspicuous posts. I count him worthy of double honor in that he exercised his office in outlying villages and sequestered hamlets, where, but for him, or rare ones like minded, the preaching of the Kingdom might never have been heard.
He labored at Rocky Hill, at Rancocas, and at Fairview, releasing more than one of these churches from the embarrass- ments of debt ; and latterly, at Barnegat, Tuckerton and Mana- hawken-on the sea-coast-where the people received him with thankfulness. During this period we are " witnesses how holily and justly and unblamably he behaved himself." Who has not seen him, calm and thoughtful, going forth to seek the dispersed in the scattered communities to which he was sent? With his surplice and service-book, his sermons and tracts for distribu- tion, he has gone at all seasons ; alone, and often on foot ; and how cheered he seemed, if on his return, he could tell of but two or three who had been sufficiently touched by the Sun of righteousness as to be garnered into the Church's granary. Men of less patience and less faith would have grown discouraged at the small returns of the soil which he had spiritually to till. But who ever heard him complain ? He seemed to have learned that the good seed must be sown, regardless of appearances ; and that "the kingdom of God cometh not with observation." * *
A month ago I was summoned at night to give him what was then believed to be the final consolations of the Church. He laid his head lovingly upon my shoulder and said in his sweetly solemn way : "That Holy Communion ! That blessed Communion !" Sitting upon his bed, his wife and only child on either side of him, he was soon receiving that " manna," which the faithful continue to eat, "till they come to the borders " of the promised land. Every response was made, without a book, and, occasionally, he interpolated, with quiet fervor, "Glory to God." When the office was concluded he was laid back upon a pillow. After the others withdrew, I inquired if he had any message for the Convocation. He paused for some time-so long that I feared he was too exhausted to reply-then he said, "Life is short. The Holy Scriptures are the best sermons. The Holy Ghost the best preacher. Tell the brethren that my heart is overflowing with love to them ; that I have tried to cultivate the little places they have assigned me; and that I think there
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are indications that, by God's blessing, there will in time be a glorious harvest."
He survived yet many days. And in these more fully set his house in order. He directed concerning the abode of his family, concerning his personal effects, concerning his mission- ary supplies. He "gave commandment concerning his bones," and desired them to be buried in St. Mary's churchyard ; and that none but the Church's hands should consign them to the earth.
To soothe and cheer him through the weary nights, it was the custom of his wife and daughter to sing hymns, " playing upon an instrument of music." The last Sunday night he passed upon earth, while they were thus engaged, he commenced sing- ing in German,
" This heart of mine, O Jesus, take."
It will not surprise you to hear that one with such a record, as he drew near the portals of Paradise, had glimpses within.
When his sight was sealed to earth, he several times ad- dressed, by name, friends long deceased ; his parents ; his two children ; and the late Samuel Rogers, sometime Senior War- den of St. Mary's, to whom, in his last sickness, he ministered. "They are coming !" he exclaimed. " Who ?" was the inquiry. "Oh ! so many angels !" was his answer.
Three days more he lingered-his hearing and speech gone. Shut out from all things earthly, he seemed communing with "the powers of the world to come." He was constantly lifting his hands and smiling-and thus he departed ; an expression of joy illumining his face, and remaining upon it, like a lingering ray from Heaven.
Who that was acquainted with that countenance in life, and saw its radiance in death, had not occular demonstration, that " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
The services at the grave were read by the Rev. Elvin K. Smith, and the Rev. Drs. Clerc, Walker, and Weld; the earth being cast upon the coffin by the Rev. Messrs. Lines and New- man. After the final "Amen," the bells in St. Mary's spire played " Rock of Ages." t
+ At the first meeting of the Convocation of Burlington after the decease of Mr. Shaver, Dr. Hills and Mr. Smith were appointed a committee to erect a headstone at his grave. A cross-topped stone, a little to the northwest from the old St. Mary's Church has this inscription : "The Rev. DANIEL SHAVER, MISSIONARY, entered into rest Jan. 25th, A. D. 1874, aged fifty-six years."
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THE OLD CHURCH OF ST. MARY, BURLINGTON, N. J.
BY GEORGE M'CLELLAN FISK. + "A chapel nigh the field, A broken chancel with a broken cross- Where lay the mighty bones of ancient men, Old knights."
A queenly ruin !- though it wear No splendor to strange eyes, Yet rich and royal memories From each old wall arise- How it was raised in Bridlington, # Of her sweet heart and hand, The gracious and free gift to God Of Anne ¿ of England.
But not for this the temple old Is queenlike in its age, But for its dower of ghostly gifts And graceful heritage. For here the Church's triple crown, The Holy Orders three, Has shone in lustrous light upon. An Apostolic See. |
Its blazing stars, the Bishops bold, A Talbot T and a Doane -- And here were placed for many a year The pastoral staff and throne. Here stood the mitred poet-prince, Of Noya Caesarea A Chrysostom-whose flaming soul Ne'er knew reproach or fear.
The knighthood of the Church of Christ, The Arthurs and Geraints !
Their graves now pave these sacred courts ; º Their souls are with the saints.
+ Mr. Fisk was admitted to the Holy Order of Deacons, in St. Mary's Church, on Trinity Sunday, May 31st, 1874; and on the Thursday following, in the same Church, was united in Holy Matrimony with Mary Greenough, by the Rev. Dr. Wm. S. Walker, father of the bride-Bishop Odenheimer pronouncing the Benediction.
# The original spelling retained by its namesake on the Yorkshire coast.
¿ Queen Anne befriended the church with benefactions, including a chalice and paten, still in use.
| In 1712 the S. P. G. purchased here "the best house in America " for an Episcopal residence, and fixed upon Burlington as the first American See.
T The Rev. John Talbot, M. A., founder, and for a quarter of a century Rector of this Parish, was, in 1722, consecrated by the non-jurors, and returned to this country, where he died November 29th, 1727.
° No less than five rectors are buried in and about this Church-to say nothing of other clergymen-and distinguished laymen, not a few.
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Oh, reverently regard their dust, And let your step be light O'er those, whose spirits stand so near The Beatific Sight.
When Christ shone out-the Light of Light- At His Epiphany, From Mary's breast His radiance beamed O'er every land and sea. So when on this far sunset coast Went out the Saviour's fame, 'Twas borne from this Cathedral Church, That beareth Mary's name.
Here has been told in all the years Now numbered with the past, The Church's blessed rosary Of Festival and Fast + And still with every rising sun, That gilds the Eastern skies, Outpour the children-choristers For daily sacrifice.
Oh, cherish then this holy house Thy glory, Burlington ! For blessings it hath brought to thee, And fame for thee hath won. And as you pass this moss-grown close, This Via Sacra tread, Thank God, that He hath knit in Christ, The living with the dead.
Guard well this relique of old time, This witness in the West, Where long the ancient Faith was preached, And where its heralds rest. The beauty of their footprints shines, In light that ne'er shall cease, And brighter than the day when first Their voices published peace.
Peace ! It hath been a constant guest, Because this Ark of God, Hath rested here-and here for years Hath bloomed the almond rod. Then pray ye for St. Mary's wealth Long as thine hour-glass runs, So priests shall never wanting be, To bless St. Mary's sons.
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