USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 1 > Part 22
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It may be well at this point to quote the description of New York at this period, given by the distinguished Swedish traveller and naturalist, Professor Kalm, who vis-
1 Records i., 253.
248
History of Trinity Church
[1749-
ited the country in 1748, and made observations which are often quoted on account of their correctness and value. Speaking of the general appearance of the city, he says : " The ground it is built on is level in some parts and hilly in others. In size it comes nearest to Boston and Philadelphia. But with regard to its fine buildings, its opulence and extensive commerce, it disputes the preference with them ; at present,1 it is about half as big again as Gottenburgh, in Sweden,"
concerning the size of which the present reader, perhaps, has no very definite conception. We can understand him better when he says that
" In the chief streets there are trees planted, which in summer give them a fine appearance, and during the excessive heat of that time, afford a cooling shade : I found it extremely pleasant to walk in the town, for it seemed quite like a garden : the trees which are planted for this purpose are chiefly of two kinds. The Water beech or Linnous's Platanus occidentalis, are the most numerous, and give an agreeable shade in summer, by their great and numerous leaves. The Locust tree or Linnous's Robinia Pseud-Acacie is likewise frequent : its fine leaves, and the odoriferous scent which exhales from its flowers, make it very proper for being planted in the streets near the houses and in gardens. There are likewise lime trees and elms in these walks, but they are not by far so frequent as the others : one seldom met trees of the same sort next to each other, they being in general planted alternately."
He also speaks of the birds that nest in the trees and
"likewise a kind of frogs which frequent them in great numbers in summer ; they are Dr. Linnous's Rana arborea, and especially the American variety of this animal : they are very clamorous in the even- ing and in the nights (especially when the days had been hot, and a rain was expected) and in a manner drown the singing of the birds. They frequently make such a noise that it is difficult for a person to make himself heard." ?
He goes on to say that most of the houses were of brick, many having gables turned to the street, with bal-
' Ibid., i., 194 1 Travels, i. 193
1749]
Kalm's Description of New York 249
conies on the roof where the people spent their evenings. The walls of the houses within were whitewashed. He saw no hangings, but the "walls were quite covered with all sorts of drawings and pictures in small frames."
As to the churches he observes that there are several in the town which deserve some attention.
"I. The English Church, built in the year 1695 at the west end of town, consisting of stone and has a steeple with a bell. 2. The new Dutch Church, which is likewise built of stone, is pretty large, and is pro- vided with a steeple ; it has also a clock, which is the only one in the town. This church stands almost due from north to south. No particular point of the compass has here been in general attended to in erecting sacred buildings. Some churches stand, as is usual, from east to west, others from south to north, and others in different positions. In this Dutch Church there is neither altar, vestry, choir, sconces, nor paintings. Some trees are planted round about it, which make it look as if it were built in a wood. 3. The Old Dutch Church, which is also built of stone. It is not so large as the new one. It was painted in the inside, though without any images, and adorned with a small organ, of which governor Burnet made them a present. The men for the most part sit in the gallery and the women below. 4. The Presbyterian church, which is pretty large, and was built but lately. It is of stone and has a steeple and a bell in it. 5. The German Lutheran Church. 6. The German Reformed Church. 7. The French Church, for protes- tant refugees. 8. The Quaker Meeting House. 9. To these may be added the Jewish Synagogue, which I mentioned before." 1
The Jewish services had impressed the traveller.
"A young Rabbi read the divine service, which was partly in Hebrew and partly in the Rabbinical dialect. . During prayers the men spread a white cloth over their heads ; which perhaps is to represent sack cloth." ?
One of the most interesting and valuable adjuncts to the parish church at this time was the Charity School. Mr. Hildreth, the schoolmaster, reports April 1, 1749, to the Venerable Society as follows :
1 Travels, i., 196.
9 Ibid., i., 192.
250
History of Trinity Church
[1749-
" I have Fifty Schollars, whom I teach entirely at the Society's Bounty, and daily give attendance at the accustomed time, about 30 of which have been baptised in ye Church of England, & the rest of Dis- senting parents, I have likewise about 20 Negroes who come to me in the Evenings to be instructed in singing the Psalm tunes &c. There are besides mine, 9 English, 2 Lattin, I French and I Dutch School." '
In August following we find that preparations are afoot for a concert for the benefit of the school, pre- cisely in the modern style of procedure :
" The Gentlemen who performed at the subscription concert proposed to this Board that if they would permitt them to use the School Room in the new Charity School and prepare a platform and closet proper they would pay ten shillings for each night and play at a Benefit Concert for the use of the Poor Children and paying so much for the same use as they can afford out of their subscription,"
all of which seems to have been agreed to.
In the month of December, 1749, a great sensation was caused in polite society by the weddings of the rector and his assistant. The Post Boy of the 18th of that month contained the following announcement :
" On Tuesday Evening last, the Reverend Mr. BARCLAY, Rector of Trinity-Church in this City, was married to Miss RUTGERS, Daughter of the late Capt. Anthony Rutgers ; and the next Evening his Assistant the Reverend Mr. AUCHMUTY, was married to Mrs. TUCKER, Widow of the late Capt. T'ucker : both Ladies of great Merit and valuable Accomplishments."
In the issue of December 25th of this paper some lines are given which will be read with interest as illustrating the literary taste of the day.
" Mr. Parker,
"Your inserting the following occasional Lines in your next Paper, will oblige your constant Reader,
" PHILOGAMOS."
1 N. Y. Gen. Conv. MSS., ii., 222.
,
251
Michael Houdin
1749]
" Inspiring Phœbus ! warm my friendly Mind, With all that's good, that's just, sublime or kind : And all ye sacred Nine ! afford me Aid, While with the Man, I sing the lovely Maid. A Pair so match'd : If Bliss can be compleat On Earth ; 'tis here, and only here 'tis meet. Fove thought, when first he formed the charming Fair, The Charge too great for any Mortal Care : 'Till B-LAY'S Fame found Favour in his Eyes, And prov'd his Merit worthy of the Prize. All Heav'n approv'd, and not one Voice deny'd, When the God said, Let her be B-LAY's Bride."
" Mr. Parker,
" Please to insert the following lines in your next, and you'll oblige your constant reader.
"Since B-lay's Praise, the Poet has proclaim'd, To sound A-TY's, sure I can't be blamed. If Wit and Beauty, with good Nature join'd, The matrimonial Bands can stronger bind, A-TY's Choice, must be by all approv'd, Since all three joined in the Fair he lov'd. May Heaven's Blessings on them here descend, And Health and Wealth continue to the End." 1
December 21, 1749, Mr. Barclay writes concerning Mr. Michael Houdin,
"late a priest of the Church of Rome & Superior of a Convent in Cannada, who about five years ago came into this Province and hath publicly renounced the Errors of that Church, and taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy and has sustained an exceeding good character and is desirous to enter into the Service of the Church."
He desired a license for Mr. Houdin to preach. The same letter concludes with this pathetic expression :
" I am much pleased to find the Hopes of having a Bishop to reside in the Plantations not altogether laid aside, I pray God bless and succeed all endeavours used to effect so pious and necessary a work." "
1 The Weekly Post-Boy, Jan. 1, 1750.
' N. Y. Gen. Conv. MSS. ii., 224. In 1761 he refers to " Messrs. Ogilvie and Houdin " being detained in Canada with General Amherst. In 1763 Mr. Houdin was at New Rochelle. Ibid., ii., 325.
252
History of Trinity Church
[1750-
In the year 1750 the parish sustained a heavy loss in the destruction of the school-house by fire ; the church also was in great danger ; and, most unfortunately, all the Parish Registers containing baptisms, marriages, and buri- als perished in the flames-an irreparable loss. The de- tails of the calamity are not given in the records, but the papers of the day afford a tolerable account of the fire. We read as follows in the Post Boy of February 26, 1750 :
" New- York, February 26. Friday Morning last about 4 o'Clock, a violent Fire broke out in the new Free-School-House, Kept by Mr. Joseph Hildreth, Clerk of Trinity Church in this City ; which got to such a Height before it was discovered, as to render it impossible to save it from being entirely destroyed ; .. .
and tho' it stood at a considerable Distance from the Church, yet the Flames ascended so high, and carried with them such Abundance of live Coals, as to put the Church in imminent Danger, particularly the Steeple ; which was set on Fire five several Times, almost at the Top, what little Wind there was setting directly on it ; notwithstanding which, by the good Providence of God, and the Diligence and Activity of a few Persons within who broke Holes through, it was happily extinguished, and preserved :
There was scarce any Thing saved out of the house, from the Fury of the Fire ; and we are assured, besides a great deal of Furniture and other Things, the Records of the Church are entirely consumed. The whole Loss sustain'd, is supposed to be near Two Thousand Pounds Value." 1
1 The Poet was at hand and wrote in the issue of March 5 :
" Mr. Parker,
"Your inserting the following Lines on the Loss of the Charity School, which was destroyed by Fire, on Friday the 23 of February last, will oblige several of your Readers, particularly Your humble Servant, -W.
" Come, see this Edefice in Ruin lye, Which lately charmed each Spectator's Eye ; See, and lament the well proportioned Frame, Consum'd by a relentless cruel Flame. On the bold Structure when it first was rais'd Each kind Contributer with Pleasure gaz'd ; They gaz'd, and wish'd it might remain in Peace To ages ; and the Christian Flock increase. Mourn, Mourn, ye Orphans, its untimely Fate, See, and lament the Shortness of its Date ; Founded for you, in Charity design'd,
T' improve your Parts, and Cultivate your Mind.
253
The Burning of the School House
1750]
The destruction of the schoolhouse was a serious loss to the Church, but it proved particularly severe upon poor Mr. Hildreth, the exemplary schoolmaster, who lived in the building and happened to be away that night, thus giving color to the suspicion excited, that he was con- nected with the fire. Mr. James Napier, however, deposed before Mayor Holland, that none of the circumstances were discreditable to Mr. Hildreth, who was at his house late on business, and, the schoolmaster's family being out of town, the latter was invited to pass the night, and that while his guest the fire occurred.1
But let our just Concern for that give Way To grateful Thoughts, which we are bound to pay ; God's House remains, let that our Thanks excite With Gratitude this Miracle recite. The Flame fierce flying touch'd the hallow'd Spire, The Flames attack'd it, and the Winds conspire To Set the Church, the House of GOD on Fire. But now, GOD's interposing Power we spy, To save His Temple he himself draws nigh ; Nought but a Power Divine, in such a Case Could give the Means employ'd the least Success. They too deserve our Thanks and great Regard, Who gloriously such mighty Dangers dar'd On, may they live to serve and bless the LORD, And with his faithful Church his Love record. Let's go with Joy into his House of Prayer, And sing with one Consent his Praises there."
' The following letter and Mr. Napier's full affidavit appeared in the Post Boy, March 5.
" Mr. Parker,
" I desire you'll print the Affidavit herewith sent, in your next Gazette, that those who have either inadvertently or maliciously, aspers'd my Character, at a Time when I had lost my ALL, by the merciless Flames, and when it would have become them much better, to have assisted me and my poor Family, with their Charity ; may judge whether the Calumny proceeded from the Envy some Persons in this Town had to my person, or the Station I was in. And I hereby beg all those who have been so ill natured, as to cast a Blemish on my Reputation, and thereby added to my Affliction, if they can prove any of those gross Immoralities wherewith they have charged me, to do it as publickly and speedily as they can ; otherwise let them take Shame to them- selves, and endeavour to repair the great Loss I have sustained by Means of their False Aspersions. - JOSEPH HILDRETH."
-
254
History of Trinity Church
[1750-
The New York Independent Reflector of January 11, 1753, in an article devoted to proposals respecting a better mode of extinguishing fires, gives the account of a fire that caught on the steeple of Trinity Church. The writer says :
" It hath more than once been observed, that our Engines are incapa- ble of throwing Water, to such a Height as is sometimes necessary. Of this we had a dreadful Instance when the Steeple of Trinity Church took Fire. On that Occasion, we observed with universal Terror, that the Engines could scarce deliver the Water, to the Top of the Roof. The Spire, however, was far beyond its Reach : and had not Provi- dence smiled upon the astonishing Dexterity and Resolution of a few Men, who ascended the Steeple within, that splendid and superb 1 Ed- ifice, had in all Probability, been reduced to Ashes."
The Wardens and Vestry at once rallied to make good the loss, and February 23, 1750, it was voted
"that Mr. Charles Jandine forthwith Repair the Spire of Trinity Church and Repair the Fences round the Cemetery, which were broke and burnt at the unhappy fire at the School-house this morning, and that he also make proper ladders or stairs to go up in the Belfry into the Spire of the Church."
A committee was also appointed
" to inquire who were active and serviceable in particular manner at putting out the fire on the Spire of Trinity Church and make their report to this Board."
March Ist, following, the committee reported that
" Davis Hunt was the first man in the Spire of the Steeple and he put out the two lowermost fires, being assisted by a fat man whose name he does not know and he soon went away. Andrew Gotier and Francis Davidson put out the uppermost flame in the Spire, and Gotier and David Robinson a Tobacconist put out the third flame in the Spire. Mr. Davidson put out the flames on the Cornish with one Cornelius McCarty, who was also very active there. Mr. Kippin the Blockmaker was all the time on the roof of the Church and Mr. Gotier was also there for some time with him."
1 It seems that the word "superb" as applied to buildings was objected to by critics. See the " Reflector," February 1, 1753.
255
Benefit for the Charity School
1751]
This information was given by Gotier, Davidson, Jandine and Hunt.1
April 26th, 1750, it being the opinion of the Board that the Church schoolhouse ought to be rebuilt, it was voted that the wardens and Mr. Nicholls "prepare a draft of a subscription paper."
The members of the theatrical profession, with a promptness and kindness characteristic of them at all times, came to the aid of the school. We read :
" By his EXCELLENCY's Permission : At the Theatre in Nassau Street, . To morrow Evening will be presented For the Benefit of the CHARITY SCHOOL in this City,
A Tragedy, called The ORPHAN ; or, the Unhappy Marriage. Wrote by the ingenious Mr. OTWAY.
Tickets to be had at the Theatre in Nassau Street, and of the Printer hereof ; PITT, 5s. Gallery 35. To begin precisely at half an Hour after 6 o' Clock and no Person to be admitted behind the Scenes." 2
On Good Friday, April 5, 1751, the Rector preached the sermon at Trinity Church, from Matthew xxvi, 38, in which he dwelt upon the suffering Christ. About seventy manuscript sermons by Dr. Auchmuty have been preserved, extending from the year 1749 to 1776. These sermons, it would appear, were sent to the office of the Venerable Society at London, where they were found by the Rev. Dr. Hawks, who brought them to New York. They subsequently passed into the pos- session of a lady, a descendant of Dr. Auchmuty, who was living in Washington, D. C. Through the kind in- tervention of the late lamented Richard T. Auchmuty, Esq., these discourses were obtained for examination.
1 Records, i., 257.
-. 2 The New- York Gazette, Revived in the Weekly Post-Boy, March 26, 1750.
256
History of Trinity Church
[1751-
The first in the series, written, like all the rest, in a somewhat strong and plain hand, was preached at Trinity Church, February 26, 1748-9, and again "at both chhs March 5, 1758", the text being, "There is Mercy with Thee, therefore Thou shalt be feared." The subject was "Forgiveness," but it contains nothing of interest in the present connection, though the composition shows a very sober and devout frame of mind.
An Advent sermon, preached in 1749, shows his man- ner of presenting some subjects; on reaching a certain point the preacher says :
" It is therefore consonant to Reason, as well as determined by Revela- tion yt ye Day of Judgment for all mankd shd be at ye end of ye world ; & yt this beautiful fabrick shd be destroyed or quite changed, when mankd, for whom it was erected, shall be removed from it, or entirely changed. We are therefore justified in regarding those subter- ranean Fires wh now frequently break forth, deform the face of ye Earth & punish its wicked Inhabitants, as parts of those dreadful Maga- zines wch ye dire Vengeance hath prepared agst yt Day, when Deluges of Flame shall everywhere burst out, overspread ye whole Earth, & at one sweep destroy all the seats & instruments of human pride, Luxury and sensuality, when Citys, palaces, groves, gardens, flowery fields, Hills gently rising clothed with verdure & fruits, and pouring down on ye valleys beneath ye Streams wch inrich evy part, deli't ye Ey & charm ye Ear ;- when these shall all be lost in one burning waste, one horrid uniform blaze-when ye Imense watr'y Stores of ye Ocean shall Evapor- ate into Smoke, & leave its womb dry, & a prey to ye prevailing fire."
In the year 1751, Frederick, Prince of Wales, died, and his brother George was created Prince of Wales in his place. The Province went into mourning, and sermons suitable for the occasion were preached, says the journal of that day, "both at Trinity Church and in the Presbyterian Meeting, and their respective Pulpits hung in black." :
Soon after a proclamation was issued, which is inserted here in full, as showing the connection between the Church and the State in those days :
257
1 State Prayers
1751]
" By his Excellency the Honourable GEORGE CLINTON, Captain Gen- eral and Governor in Chief of the Province of New-York, and Territories thereon depending in America, Vice Admiral of the same, and Admiral of the White Squadron of his Majesty's Fleet.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS His Majesty's Order in Council, the Twenty-fourth Day of April last, hath been lately transmitted to me, importing, That his Majesty having been pleased to create his Royal Highness Prince GEORGE Prince of Wales ; it was thereupon Ordered, That in the Morning and Evening Prayers, in the Litany, and all other Parts of publick Service, as well in the Occasional Offices, as in the Book of Common Prayer where the Royal Family is appointed to be particularly prayed for, the following Form and Order should be observed, viz.,
Their Royal Highnesses GEORGE Prince of Wales, the Princess Dow- ager of Wales, the Duke, the Princesses and all the Royal Family.
And that I should cause the same to be forthwith published in the several Parish Churches, and other Places of Divine Worship within this Province, and take care that Obedience be paid thereto accordingly.
I do therefore, with the Advice of his Majesty's Council of this Province, hereby in his Majesty's Name, strictly charge, require and command, all and every of the respective Rectors, Pastors, Vicars, Curates and all other Ministers of the Gospel within this Province of New-York ; That in the Morning and evening prayers, in the Litany, and all other Parts of the publick Service, as well in the Occasional Offices, as in the Book of Common Prayer, where the Royal Family is appointed to be particularly prayed for ; they do punctually observe and follow the aforementioned Form and Order ; and that they do also forthwith publish this Proclamation in their several Parish Churches, and other places of Divine Worship.
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal at Arms, at Fort-George, in the City of New-York, the Twenty-fifth Day of October, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty- one, and in the Twenty-fifth Year of his Majesty's Reign.
G. CLINTON.
By his Excellency's Command,
Geo. Banyar, Dep. Secry.
GOD SAVE THE KING."1 1 The Weekly Post Boy, Oct. 28, 1751.
17
258
History of Trinity Church
[1752-
June 4, 1751.
"Mr. Oliver De Lancey acquainted this Board that he had received a letter from Sir Peter Warren, directing him to pay one hundred pounds sterling towards the building of St. Georges Chappell, and desiring if it was not Inconsistent with the Rules of the Church that a pew might be appointed for Sir Peter and his Family in case they should come to this country ; and Mr. DeLancy acquainted this Board that he was ready to pay the said money as this Board should order." 1
The Board accordingly ordered that the wishes of Sir Peter should be complied with, in case he came to New York.
The following extract from the Minutes of March 5, 1752, is interesting in its relation to the subsequent foundation of King's College, now expanded into the great Columbia University :
"It being unanimously agreed by this Board that a proposall be made to the Commissioners appointed to receive proposalls for the Building of a College that this Board is willing to give any Reasonable Quantity of the Churches Farm which is not let out for the erecting and use of a Colledge, It is Ordered that the Rector and Church Wardens be a Com- mittee to wait on the said Commissioners and make the aforesaid pro- posall to them and conferr with them thereupon."
In the minutes of the same meeting we read,
"That an advertisement be Incerted in Mr. Parker's next news Paper for letting that part of the Churches Farm to the Northward of the Stockadoes either Intire or in Parcells." 3
1 Records, i., 262.
2 Ibid., i., 264. The Gazette, October 30, contains an advertisement that "To- morrow will be published Some thoughts on Education ; with reasons for Erecting a College in this Province, and fixing the same at the City of New- York. To which is added a scheme for Employing Masters and Teachers in the mean Time ; and also for raising and endowing an Edifice in an Easy Manner. The whole concluding with a POEM, being a serious address to the House of Representatives." See also " Remarks on our intended College," the Reflector, No. 17, March 22, 1753 ; also Nos. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.
3 Records, i., 263. The following advertisement shows liow the order was carried out ; while the next shows the uses to which the people put the farm.
"TO BE LETT, That part of the CHURCH's-FARM, (commonly called the King's Farm) which lies to the Northward of the Stockadoes either entire or in Parcels.
259
Completion of St. George's Chapel
1752]
April 1, 1752.
"Ordered that Mr. Marston, Mr. Duncan and Mr. Nicholls be a Com- mittee to treat and agree with Mr. Wollaston to copy the late Revd Commissary Vesey's picture a half length in order to be placed in the Vestry Room." 1
April 25, 1752.
"Mr. John Clemm appeared at this Board and agreed to take down the Organ, clean it, mend the Bellows and Pipes and other parts thereof and put it up again and tune it and find and furnish all the materialls and alter the Keys in a proper manner for the sum of twenty pounds. And also to compleat the Cornet and Sesqui alto stops formerly made by him and paid for by this Board in such manner as Mr. Dies and Mr. Rice shall Direct without any further charge to this Board."
Mr. Clemm also offered
"to make a Vox Humana stop for the Organ for the sum of twenty- five pounds, and that if Mr. Dies and Mr. Rice shall judge it not Good that this Board may be at liberty not to take it"; but the record states, " as he cannot now stay to make the said Stop the matter is de- ferred until his return from Philadelphia." ?
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