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 59
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" The graduates to the number of one hundred and fifty and upward, met at the Hall at ten o'clock, and a long procession of past and present pupils was soon passing down the embow- ered bank, under the ancient trees, and beside that quiet river,
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walking to the music of the melodious chimes that rang from the tower of St. Mary's Church. There is a great contrast between the 'Hall girls' of to-day and yesterday. The former are bright, and fresh, and of joyous spirit. The latter have many a shrouded figure among them, and there are but few faces, which do not bear the traces of grief. But all live over again their girlish days, as they walk to Church in the old familiar paths. " At the Church, the nave was reserved for the graduates, and it was filled to overflowing. Morning Prayer was said by the Rev. Dr. Hills, rector of St. Mary's Church, and the Rev. Dr. Clerc, rector of Burlington College, the Absolution being pro- nounced by the Bishop of New Jersey. The Ante-Communion was said by the Bishop of Albany, assisted in the Epistle by the Rev. Mr. Smith, principal of the Hall, and in the Gospel by the Rev. Dr. Millett, of Holmesburg, Pa., a former principal. The Bishop of Albany then delivered an address from III St. John, iv. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth. As this is to be published, we will not attempt to give an idea of it.
" The Bishop of Albany then proceeded with the Holy Com- munion, being assisted in the celebration by the Bishop of New Jersey, the Rev. Dr. Millett, and the Rev. Mr. Smith. The Rev. Principal Smith announced that the Offertory would be divided between two graduates of the Hall, for church work in which they are engaged ; the one the head of an orphanage in China, the other the wife of an English clergyman, who is re- storing his parish church, an edifice of the age of William the Conqueror and William Rufus.
" Besides the clergy mentioned, there were present in the chan- cel, in surplices, the Rev. Dr. Gallaudet, of New York; the Rev. Mr. Stansbury, of Newark ; the Rev. Dr. Hyde, and the Rev. Messrs. Parkman, Perkins, and Fisk, of New Jersey.
" After the services, dinner was served at the Hall, when speeches were made by the Bishops of Albany and New Jersey, and the Rev. Drs. Hills and Millett.
"The afternoon was delightfully spent in the time-honored apartments of the Hall, and in the pleasant grounds. Old ac-
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quaintances were renewed, old associations revived, and new interest in the school awakened, by a sight of the improvements which have been made in every department.
"At evening the 'gable bell,' which swings in 'the cross- topped belfry,' was rung, and prayers were said in the chapel, after which graceful addresses were made by the Bishop of New Jersey and the Rev. Dr. Hills.
"On Friday morning a business meeting was held in the school-room. A permanent organization was effected, and Miss C. L. Mitchell, of Burlington, was elected President. It was decided to hold a business meeting, yearly, and general social re-unions every five years. Steps were taken to found a Schol- arship at the Hall.
" At noon a short service was held in the chapel, and a memo- rial address was delivered by the Principal. It was a faithful portraiture of Bishop Doane, drawn from life, and personal in- tercourse. As this address will also be published, it will be doing it best justice to describe it no further here.
"At four o'clock a musical rehearsal was given in the school- room. The choruses were particularly sweet, and it was all unusually interesting. The most memorable features of the pro- gramme were a Grand March, 'The Re-union,' dedicated to the Alumna, written for the occasion by Mr. G. W. Hewitt, Professor of Music at the Hall; and a song, being a poem of Bishop Doane's, ' What is that, Mother ?' set to music by Prof. Hewitt.
"This concluded the first reunion. The graduates all passed to the office of the Principal, and recorded their names and ad- dresses, the matrons giving both the old and the new. A tender and loving memento of this festival was a little poem by Miss Mitchell, entitled 'Heart's Ease-for Remembrance,' which was distributed among the graduates. And still another of a more practical character, was a little pamphlet, ' A Letter about Reading and Books ; for the Pupils and Graduates of St. Mary's Hall,' by the Rev. Principal, a very timely and suggestive paper.
"I beg that space may be allowed for a word of public testi- mony to the eminent services of the vice-principal, Miss Stanley.
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Her name is mentioned because she and her noble fame belong to the Church at large. She is so inwoven with the story and success of this school, that hers will be an historic character. St. Mary's Hall is one of the crown-jewels of the Church in Amer- ica, and the vast throng of those who receive her benefits, are indebted for them, under God, to two persons chiefly, the founder, and the vice-principal.
" A grateful incident of the occasion was the placing in the chapel a polished brass lectern, the gift of the Principal and his wife. It bears this inscription : 'For mercies manifold, a Thank-offering from a Priest and his wife, May 27th, A. D. 1875.' "-Rev. Geo. McClellan Fisk.
ADMIRAL DE CAMP.+
On the 14th day of June, 1875, Rear Admiral John De Camp, U. S. N., was baptized on his sick-bed, at his residence on the southwest corner of Wood and Union streets, Burlington, by the Rev. Dr. Hills; his wife, son, and daughter, and the Rev. Geo. McClellan Fisk being present. The Admiral entered into rest June 24th, aged 63 years. His remains were taken for in- terment to Morristown, N. J.
John De Camp was born at Morristown, N. J., in 1812; and was appointed a midshipman in the Navy, from Florida, on the 1st of October, 1827. His first active service was on the sloop Vandalia, of the Brazil squadron, in 1829-30. On June 10, 1833, he was promoted to Passed Midshipman. After duty on the frigate Constellation, of the West India squadron in 1837, he was commissioned Lieutenant on February 28, 1838. In 1840, he was again on duty on the Brazilian station, being attached to the sloop Peacock, and in 1845-46 to the sloop Boston, of the same squadron. During the war with Mexico in 1846-47, he distinguished himself at the battle of Vera Cruz. His next field of duty was the Pacific squadron, on the sloop Falmouth, in 1850; then the coast of Africa, on the frigate Constitution, in 1854 ; and on Septem- ber 14, 1855, he received his commission as Commander. He was subse- quently attached to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and on duty as a Lighthouse Inspector. The outbreak of the Rebellion found him in command of the storeship Relief, from which he was ordered, in 1861, to the command of the steam sloop Iroquois, of the Western Gulf Blockading squadron. This was one of the vessels of Flag-Officer Farragut's fleet, which made the passage of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, on the 24th of April, 1862, previous to the cap- ture of New Orleans. The vessel of Commander De Camp was on picket duty, about a mile in advance of the main squadron, on the night of the 23d and 24th. In the perilous passage of the Rebel Forts, the Iroquois occupied a position in the Second Division, under Captain Bell. By 4 o'clock on the morning of the 24th, she was hotly engaged with the forts, and shortly after- ward a Rebel ram and gunboat came astern and poured into the Iroquois a most destructive fire of grape shot and langrage, most of which was copper
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RESTORATION OF THE OLD CHURCH.+
At a meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church, April 6th, 1875, it was
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to secure a plan, and devise ways and means for the conversion of the old Church into rooms for the Sunday School, and other parish pur- poses.
On the 12th of July, the committee reported progress ; and William D. Hewitt, architect, submitted plans and specifications to the Vestry.
slugs. An 11-inch shell and a stand of canister driven into the gunboat drove her off, and the Iroquois proceeded, only to suffer severely from the raking cross-fire of Fort St. Philip. As De Camp's vessel passed the forts, she was beset by five or six Rebel steamers, to each of which she gave a broadside of shell as she passed, nearly every one of her assailants being completely de- stroyed. Four miles above the forts the Iroquois captured a well equipped gunboat and forty Rebel soldiers. The Iroquois lost eight men killed and twenty-four wounded, and was badly injured in her hull. Commander De Camp subsequently took part in all the engagements on the Mississippi, up to and including the capture of Vicksburg, and for his gallantry at New Orleans was commissioned Captain on July 16, 1862. He commanded the frigate Wabash, of the South Atlantic squadron, in 1863-64; and was commissioned Commodore on September 28, 1866. In 1866-67, he commanded the Potomac, when at Pensacola as a storeship, and his last active duty was as commander of the same vessel, while stationed at Philadelphia as a receiving ship, in 1868-69. On July 13, 1870, he was made Rear Admiral on the Retired List. He was in active service forty-three years, over eighteen of which were passed at sea. He was one of the ablest and bravest, of the old school of naval officers. An illustration of his daring was furnished on one occasion when, while suffering from illness, he caused himself to be fastened in the chains of his vessel, and lost part of an ear by a fragment of a Rebel shell. Admiral De Camp came to Burlington to reside in 1871, where he attended St. Mary's Church, as regularly as his impaired health would permit. He was ever ready to contribute, according to his means, for the promotion of Church objects. He was a great reader, and during the last years of his life turned his attention to several religious books. Bishop Hopkins' "End of Contro- versy Controverted," gave him especial pleasure. A day was fixed for his public baptism in the Church, two years before his last sickness, but an attack of illness prevented it.
¡ From the beginning of this work until its completion, in the daily morn- ing and evening prayers at St. Mary's Church, the following, set forth by the rector and sanctioned by the Bishop, was offered :
A PRAYER;
To be offered during the restoration of old St. Mary's Church, Burlington, N. J.
Blessed be Thy name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put it into the hearts of Thy servants to build the old wastes, the desolations of many gen- erations. Direct the counsels of those to whom the plan is entrusted. Guard and defend the workmen from accident and harm. Bring it to a safe and happy completion. Bless its friends and benefactors ; and grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work may show forth their thankfulness. by making a right use of it, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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On the 9th of August, the Rector, Wardens, Edward T. Dug- dale, and Henry B. Grubb, were empowered to solicit further subscriptions, make a contract and complete the work.
Mr. Henry B. Grubb was appointed Treasurer of the Com- mittee, and the following subscriptions were received: Anony- mous, $800; Euphemia B. Grubb, E. Burd Grubb, each $500 ; C. Ross Grubb, Florence R. Grubb, Charles Ellis, Elizabeth A. Ellis, Geo. Morgan Hills, J. Howard Pugh, Julie E. Reynolds, William S. Walker, Franklin Woolman, each $100; Laura Col- let, William Hance, R. C. McMurtrie, Elizabeth M. L. Paladini, Nancy M. Stanley, the Misses Wetherill, each $50; Charles E. Allen, Virginia L. Allen, Sarah P. Cleveland, Edward T. Dug- dale, Anna Earl, W. D'Olier, Geo. A. Rogers, Souder & Hugg, John Wm. Wallace, Geo. H. Woolman, each $25; James H. Castle, Harriet T. McPherson, each $10; Isaac Kimball, $5.
A contract, for $5091.00, was made in September, with James Wilson, master-builder, who associated with him, William A. Goodher, mason. The work was begun on the 12th of that month, and continued without interruption under the personal inspection of the architect and committee, Mr. Grubb devoting much thought and time to it, almost daily.
During its progress, the interest of the people was unusually great, and it was a subject of universal gratulation that this his- toric house, in which so many generations praised God, was not permitted to be demolished, but restored for sacred purposes. t
+ Under this structure several sleep who "once knelt down in its aisle." One stone, covering their place of entombment, bears this inscription : "REV. CHAS. H. WHARTON, D. D., died July 23d, 1833, Aged 86. ANN WHARTON died June 20th, 1834, Aged 63." Not far from this, a similar stone reads: "Sacred to the memory of JOHN H. CARR: Born in Birmingham, England. He did honorable service for more than thirty years in the navy of the United States : and died in Burlington, New Jersey, October 18, 1833; aged 71 years. Of simple and unostentatious habits, he loved to exercise a liberal hospitality : retiring and reserved by nature, he was an affectionate husband, a good neigh- bour, and a generous friend. Beloved for his candour and kindness, by those who knew him well ; all respected him as an honest and honorable man. This stone records the grief of his bereaved widow."
The places of others are not designated, but when we reflect that the first Bishop in America, (see p. 211) and he who ought to be regarded as the earliest statesman of America, (see p. 164) are there, we have enough to war- rant us in considering this restored fabric one of the most interesting and sacred in this country.
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DIAGRAM OF THE RESTORED CHURCH.
The following is the architect's diagram, showing the arrange- ments of the old Church restored, for the Sunday, and Parish Schools :
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Bible Class Room.
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Parish School Roon.
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Sunday School Roont.
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Library.
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a. The ancient Holy Table.
b. b. Chairs for the Clergy.
c. c. c. Windows.
d. d. d. Doors.
e. e. e. Folding-doors.
f. Entrance to Parish School Room.
g. West porch.
h. Teacher's desk on foot-pace.
i. Cabinet-organ.
j. Lecturn.
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All the rooms are appropriately furnished with forms, desks, and chairs.
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
THE BENEDICTION OF THE OLD CHURCH OF ST. MARY.
Few events have taken place in Burlington during the past quarter of a century which have awakened a deeper interest than the re-opening of the venerable fabric on the corner of Broad and Wood streets, which has been so elegantly restored.
It was the Feast of the Purification, a day in the Church's calendar, which has no superior in appropriateness for such a solemnity.
The Holy Eucharist had been said at the present Parish Church, according to usage on every Holy Day, at 9 o'clock ; the Bishop of New Jersey being celebrant, assisted by the Rector, and the Rev. Nathaniel Pettit, rector of Christ Church, Borden- town.
At 10 o'clock, the old bell-bearing the date 1769-in the quaint belfry of the restored building, after long silence, was heard once more, calling to the special Office of the day, which. was prepared, expressly for the occasion, by the Rector.
There was a very large congregation in attendance, including the teachers and children of the Sunday and Parish Schools, in a body ; and the families of St. Mary's Hall and Burlington College, the latter in their uniform for dress parade. The clergy present were the Bishop of Northern New Jersey, the Bishop of New Jersey, the Rev. Drs. Hills, Hoffman, Hyde, Clerc and Walker, and the Rev. Messrs. Smith, Pettit, Goldsborough, Lighthipe, Willes, Burton, Hotchkin and Fisk.
At 10} o'clock, the bishops and other clergy, in their official vestments, were received at the southwest entrance by the. Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestrymen, when the Rector, ad- dressing the Bishop of the Diocese, said :
REVEREND FATHER IN GOD-I hold in my hand the original deed for the land on which we stand. It was purchased on the 6th of March, 1702, from certain. men, styled "Yeomen," by Nathaniel Westland, Robert Wheeler and Hugh Huddy, as "ffeoffees in Trust, for the Erecting a Church & other build- ings as occasion may serve for Charitable uses."
The Church was built in 1703 ; extended westward, in 1769; extended east- ward, in 1811; increased in accommodation, in 1821 ; made cruciform by en- largement north and south, and consecrated, in 1834; and finally left for the new Church, in 1854. Thus, for more than a hundred and fifty years, the land was used for a Church in accordance with the first clause of the provision of its deed. We meet to-day, Rt. Rev. Father, to ask that the second clause of this provision in its deed may be complied with ; and that you will bless the restored building, for its " charitable uses," now that "occasion serves."
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Here the Rector read the minute of the Vestry of St. Mary's, adopted last month, requesting the Bishop to perform this office.
The Bishops and Clergy, advancing into the building, said :
The Bishop-O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have de- clared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.
Response-O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.
Bishop-Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ;
Response-As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Bishop-Blessed be Thy holy Name, O Lord, for all Thy servants departed this life in Thy faith and fear : give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of Thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put it into the hearts of Thy servants to build the old wastes, the desolations of many genera- tions. Grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work, may show forth their thankfulness, by making a right use of it, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to hallow this place afresh, that whatsoever defilements it may have contracted in the time of its desolation, being purged and done away, it may be presented pure and without spot before Thee, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly beseech Thy Majesty, that as Thy only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto Thee with pure and clean hearts, by the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, etc.
The Bishops and Clergy, having reached the west door, made the circuit of the entire interior of the building, Parish School room, Bible Class rooms and Sunday School room, saying responsively
PSALM CXXVI. When the Lord turned again the captivity of Sion, then were we like unto them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with joy.
Then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.
Yea, the Lord hath done great things for us already ; whereof we rejoice.
Turn our captivity, O Lord, as the rivers in the south.
They that sow in tears, shall reap in joy.
He that now goeth on his way weeping, and beareth forth good seed, shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
PSALM CXXVII. Except the Lord build the house, their labour is but lost that build it.
Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is but lost labour that ye haste to rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness; for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, children, and the fruit of the womb, are an heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord.
Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant, even so are the young children.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them ; they shall not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.
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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost :
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
PSALM CXXVIII. Blessed are all they that fear the Lord, and walk in his ways.
For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands : O well is thee, and happy shalt thou be !
Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine upon the walls of thine house.
Thy children like the olive-branches round about thy table.
Lo, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.
The Lord from out of Sion shall so bless thee, and thou shalt see Jerusalem in prosperity all thy life long.
Yea, that thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Clerc, Rector of Burlington College, then read for the FIRST LESSON :
ISAIAH LXI. 4 [ And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD; men shall call you the Ministers of our God : ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
7 T For your shame ye shall have double ; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion : therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.
8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people : all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.
Here followed, without announcement, HYMN 281, to the tune of St. Ann's :
O 'twas a joyful sound to hear Our tribes devoutly say, etc.
The Rev. Elvin K. Smith, Principal of St. Mary's Hall, then read for the SECOND LESSON :
ST. LUKE I. 46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden : for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath showed strength with his arm ; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
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54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy ; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Here followed HYMN 180, to the tune of St. George's :
Behold a humble train The courts of God draw near, etc.
Bishop Scarborough then said : "Let us rehearse the Articles of the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles' Creed."
The Belief ended, the Bishop, stepping out from the chancel into the head of the nave, and turning toward the East, with his right hand uplifted, said :
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. I CERTIFY you, that in this case all is well done, and according unto due order, concerning the purifying and hallowing afresh of this house, where our fathers praised God.
Here Bishop Odenheimer took up the " Office,", saying :
The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers:
Let him not leave us, nor forsake us.
Let us pray :
O Lord, shew Thy mercy upon us :
And grant us Thy salvation.
O Lord, save our Rulers :
And mercifully hear us when we call upon Thee.
Endue Thy Ministers with righteousness :
And make Thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save Thy people : And bless Thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord :
Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only Thou, O God.
O God, make clean our hearts within us:
And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
O most glorious Lord, we acknowledge that we are not worthy to offer unto Thee any thing belonging unto us; yet we beseech Thee, in Thy great goodness, graciously to accept the renewed Dedication of this place to Thy service : receive the prayers and intercessions of all who shall call upon Thee in this house; that coming before Thee with clean thoughts and pure hearts, with bodies undefiled, and minds sanctified, they may always perform a service acceptable to Thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
. Grant, O Lord, that whosoever shall teach in this place, may be taught of Thee, not speaking the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, that so they may be to those entrusted to their charge, a wholesome example, in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in patience, and in purity ; knowing that they that be teachers shall shine as the bright- ness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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