USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 20
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" QUEBEC 31 March 1823.
" I have very often had 'compunctious visitings,' my right reverend & dear brother, for having neglected to thank you for the Pamphlets which, thro' your great kindness, I met at Chief Justice Powell's at York, in the summer of 1820. I beg you to be assured that I was much gratified by so pleasing an attention, & had every disposition to express my thanks for it: but I was then on my Visitation, & so entire- ly occupied by its duties, of the extent of which in so young a Country, you can scarcely, I think, form an idea, that I allowed myself to defer my acknowledgements; & after I got home, arrears of ordinary busi- ness, & many other matters with which I must not trouble you, pro- longed a delay, of which I began to be so ashamed, that I lost the courage necessary to apologize for it.
"The most undeserved proof of indulgence which you have given me, by the hands of Mr. Arnold, has placed me in a situation which I find it difficult to express: I am more humbled than ever, by the sense
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of my former neglect; & yet am made prouder than before, by this second unmerited distinction. Pray believe me to be unaffectedly thankful.
"I see with heart-felt satisfaction the value of your labours, my right reverend brother, & sincerely hope that they will be followed, not only by that future reward which no worldly obstacles can impede, but, by your immediate experience of their beneficial effects.
"I would not approach you without some offering in return, of little worth as it would be, if I could find a Copy of my last Charge to my Clergy; but it appears that I have not one left.
" I shall be truly glad to avail myself of any opportunity that may offer (no impossible case) of cultivating your acquaintance; &, ventur- ing to presume that you will place no impediment in the way, I announce myself as a Candidate for the honour of being called
"Your faithful friend " & servant, "J. QUEBEC."
In Part Second of this History we mentioned the fact that the Rev. Cave Jones had been appointed a Chaplain in the Navy and Principal of the Naval Seminary at Brooklyn, which appointment he held till his death in 1829. The following letter shows us through whose influence Mr. Jones secured this post.
"JAMAICA QUEENS Ap. I. 1823.
" DEAR SIR
"I received this evening your letter of yesterday, enclosed in a letter from the Rev. H. U. Onderdonk of Brookline.
"It affords me great satisfaction on all occasions to shew my respectful deference for your Recommendation; and I should cheer- fully do so, in reference to Mr. Onderdonk, had I not, in the course of the last week, written a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, in favour of the appointment of the reverend Cave Jones to the Chap- laincy of the Navy Yard at Brookline.
" with the highest respect & Regards "I remain D' Sir "yr ob. & faithful Servt
" RUFUS KING
"RT REVD. BP. HOBART."
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Letter from Eleazer Williams
1823]
May 8, 1823, Mr. Edward R. Jones writes to the Bishop asking him to furnish him with "an Inscription for the Wall Plate, I intend to erect in Trinity Church to the memory of my beloved father."
The following long letter from the Apostle to the Indians, Mr. Eleazer Williams, gives a description of his work :
" GREEN-BAY, 15th May 1823. " RIGHT REV. FATHER,
"Since my last of 12th Dec. the affairs of the Mission have con- tinued much in the same situation. Or rather the people here both civil & military outwardly appear more & more attentive to religion and morality. On the second Sunday in January I commenced to labor constantly, alternatively with the citizens and military which has thus far been continued with little relaxation.
"I think, Right Rev. Father, you would be highly pleased to hear the service of our holy Church so well responded, by these novices in the wildness, as well as the pleasure & satisfaction, with which they exercise this Christian duty. We are however very much in want of a quantity of prayer Books, as few of the people are supplyed, and not unfrequently five or six make use of the same Book.
" The French inhabitants of this place, tho' Roman Catholics, are nevertheless well disposed towards us, and the most distinguished characters of them, being such as understand English, have frequently attended our service. They express a great desire that the service might be performed in their own language-three or four copies of the french Prayer Books, which I brought with me from N. York have been distributed among them and accepted with Joy. Thirty or forty more might be usefully distributed among these people.
"I can only say of my Brethren here, that they are still disposed to receive my instruction and are anxiously expecting us to receive their Children for education. A site has been selected for their Agri- cultural village, and the Grand Chief & some of his particular friends have already settled and commenced laboring. I cannot but hope that something may be done by the Christian public, to encourage these unhappy sons of the forest in their good beginning. About twenty families of the Indians from the state of New York came on last season, and it is expected that more will be here this.
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" Both the citizens and military are very desirous of seeing our Right Rev. Father here. They say that nothing could possibly have so great an effect to establish firmly the good of the Episcopal church in this place as a visit from the worthy Bishop of the state of New York. I hope Right Rev. Father, will find an opportunity to gratify this friendly people.
"Right Rev. Father, it may perhaps be thought that I have deviated from the proper functions belonging to the rank which I hold in the Church, in as much as I have been compelled to deliver Sermons, part of the time my own composition, and the other part, selections.
" Whether this will be looked upon as a fault in me under my peculiar circumstances, or for the good of the Church, I leave for your decision. Tho' as it is generally maintained by Divines of our Church the reading of the service is of greater consequence than preaching, I cannot believe I shall be censured. I now feel the want of proper authority to administer the ordinances, and extremely regret that I did not receive it at the time I anticipated, which was just before I left Oneida, when I expected you to have been there,-though I nevertheless feel myself still unworthy so sacred & responsible an office.
"Considering these things and the wish of the people here, and the welfare of the Church and Christianity among the heathen, could you not make us a visit the ensuing summer? Such a visit to 'these ends of the Earth' could be effected with little time and expense, and could not be viewed by the friends of missions with indifference. If such a visit could be received from you, it is believed that several might be prepared for confirmation both among the whites & half-breeds.
" Mr. Ellis, the bearer of this, the young man, whom I have re- peatedly mentioned to you has labored the season past, with me, and taught a school for whites, half-breeds & Indians, and dis- charged his duty to the satisfaction of the parents as well as myself.
"I now send him to New York, as the bearer of my address to the Christian public upon which I am in hopes to receive Donations for the use of the mission. He is instructed (before circulating it) to present it to you, for your concurrence, which I cannot but hope will be cheerfully given.
" If I mistake not, some encouragement was given that a part of my sallary would be continued to me here. This I think could with propriety be done by you, when it is considered the enormous expense
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The Trip to Canada
1823]
I have been at for the benefit of the Oneidas. I have borne the expenses of Mr. Ellis, transportation, board & clothing for the year past.
"Any publications of your own or others which may be at your command would be very acceptable to me. By Mr. Ellis will be a good opportunity to send.
"Considering our peculiar situation may I not before concluding suggest to you the propriety of giving to Mr. Ellis the order of Deacon or empower him to Baptize. At least I think he should be appointed Catechist & lay-reader, and the former if possible.
" I hope you will give me your unreserved opinion respecting the manner of my officiating.
· " Please to remember me kindly to your Lady & family.
" I am, Right Rev. Father,
" your most dutiful Son, ' ELEAZER WILLIAMS. "RIGHT REV. BISHOP HOBART."
These two letters from Dr. Berrian to his wife give an interesting account of the trip he took with Bishop Hobart through the Canadas :
" PLATTSBURGH, " Aug. 11, 1823.
" MY DEAR JANE :
" In my other letter which though written several days before has probably reached you at the same time as this, you may perceive that after leaving the steamboat my journey was not particularly pleasant. But from Whitehall it has been enchanting. The lake for forty-five miles as far as Crown Point is like a river, very narrow, sudden in its windings, and infinitely varied in the appearance of its shores, some- times with meadows fringed with trees, at others with bold and pre- cipitous rocks and others with the sides of woody mountains, which retreat from it for miles and after rising to a sufficient height for grandeur, are overtopped with the more distant and loftier peaks of others. Whatever can contribute to the picturesque in the mere wild- ness of nature is found here at every turn, together with spots here and there so attractive by cultivation and places rendered interesting by the events of the Revolutionary war and the military occurrences of a more recent date. Sometimes we were nearly encircled by lofty ranges of mountains, the Green Mountains to the South and East, the Willsborough to the West and others unknown to us to the North.
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In many points from their bold and varied outline they were more striking than the Catskills. In one or two parts of the lake the scenery is decidedly finer than any on the North River, more diversified, ex- panded and sublime.
" Plattsburgh is charmingly situated with many of the objects already noticed in view. I have seldom seen anything more glorious than the prospect here at the setting sun.
" The Bishop preached here yesterday morning in the Presbyterian meeting house, and I in the afternoon. There is a novelty at the least in the circumstance.
" Your affectionate Husband, " WILLIAM BERRIAN."'
A letter dated August 13th describes the journey from Plattsburgh by land to Montreal through Chazy, Champlain, Odell Town, Lachine, and La Prairie.
" The total change as soon as we entered Canada in language, cos- tume and manners produced the most agreeable effect on our minds; on the Bishop's from novelty, and on mine from association. The beauty of some parts is inexpressible and particularly the whole vicin- . ity of Montreal. The description, however, must remain for future letters or many conversations. We must, if we live, see it together. This afternoon we drove with Mr. Charles Ogden and Lieut. Creigh- ton who have been very attentive to us, and this evening we sail in the steamboat for Quebec.
"Your affectionate husband, "WILLIAM BERRIAN." ?
The following letter is amusing as showing how little, after all, was known about the American Church by even so careful a student as Dr. Jacob Mountain :
" DEAR SIR,
" I am desired by my father the Bishop, to request that, if it is agree- able to yourself, you will favour our Congregation with a sermon in the forenoon of to-morrow. They will probably expect to hear you, from its being generally known that you are here, & it has never oc- curred before that they have had an opportunity of hearing a Bishop except their own.
1 Berrian MSS.
' Ibid.
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Bishop Hobart's Poor Health
1823]
"I do not know whether the Bishops of your Church wear lawn sleeves in preaching: you will have the goodness perhaps to inform me whether you are in want of an officiating habit, & we will supply you as well as we can, if you will take the trouble to call upon me on your way to Church, about 20 m. before eleven.
" Mr. Berriann perhaps will be prevailed upon to preach in the afternoon.
"As Dr. Mills & myself, in the ordinary course of duty, each preach 3 times on the Sunday we are glad of some occasional relief, in- dependently of the consideration of gratifying the Congregation by variety.
"I remain, dear Sir "with very sincere respect " Your faithful humble serv! " G. MOUNTAIN " THE RIGHT REV. BISHOP HOBART."
The benefit which all his friends hoped the Bishop would derive from the visit to Canada appears to have been very short lived. It soon, therefore, became appar- rent that a more extended rest, such as an ocean voyage would give, was necessary, and the trip through the Can- adas was brought to a conclusion. Dr. Berrian writes to his wife in regard to the Bishop's health.
" STEAMBOAT, " LAKE CHAMPLAIN, " Aug. 25, 1823.
" MY DEAR JANE:
" The Bishop has had a return of his intermittent fever with the bilious character of his late attack. It came on the first day after we left Quebec and you may judge of my anxiety and distress when it first occurred at a little place nearly 30 miles from any good physician and more than 500 miles from home. To-day is his third turn. The journey was on our way most delightful, but on every account I am anxious to be at home, and if you would be in New York to meet me I should be glad of it. I have not received a line from you and have felt no small uneasiness.
" Your affectionate husband,
"WILLIAM BERRIAN." 1 1 Berrian MSS.
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We will close our review of the correspondence of this period with the transcription of three short papers from several drafts in the Bishop's writing, all undated, but which belong to about this time.
The first is a Declaration of Faith to be made in regard to the errors of the Church of Rome.
" The Subscriber, in consequence of peculiar circumstances deems it his duty to state that with respect to the errors of the Church of Rome he unequivocally and in all respects holds the same opinions as are expressed by the Protest Epis! Church in the United States of America in her articles, and particularly in the 6th Article, the 14th Article, in the 19th Article, in the 22nd Article, in the 24th Article, in the 25th Article, in the 28th Article, in the 30th Article, in the 31st Article, in the 32nd Article, neither has he in conversation or teaching designedly inculcated or advocated the errors therein specified."
The second is an account of the Consecration of St. Paul's Church, Buffalo. It is evident from this and other drafts that the Bishop was in the habit of furnishing the . Press with accounts of some of his public functions, and also with extracts from his sermons and addresses.
On the occasion of the consecration of St. Paul's Church, Buffalo, the notice reads in part :
" On Sunday last, the 25th inst a new Church erected in this village was consecrated to the worship of Almighty God by the Rt. Rev Bishop Hobart by the name of St. Paul's Church. It is a neat & com- modious edifice with a tower & spire in the Gothic style. The erection of this building during the present period of pecuniary depression re- flects much credit on the enterprise & liberality of those concerned in it. And it must be a source of pleasure to every pious & benevolent mind to see a Christian temple raising its spire on the banks of Lake Erie, where little more than twenty years since, only the inhabitants of the wilderness roamed. In this pleasing prospect our brethren on the sea board may see the fruit in some measure of their pious & benevo- lent exertions in sending among us Missionaries; & we are satisfied that the continuance & extension of Missionary labors through the destitute settlements of our country, would be followed by results equally gratifying, in the establishment of Christian congregations,
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St. George's Church, Newburg
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& in the erection of Churches from which would be dispensed the light & blessings of that holy religion which is not more essential to the spiritual & eternal than to the present happiness of man."
The third extract is from a sermon, evidently the one preached at the consecration of St. George's Church, New- burg. This edifice was begun in 1816, and consecrated by Bishop Hobart November 10, 1819.
"We have obtained the following extract from the sermon de- livered on this occasion by the Bishop:
" But a short time since there were only a few families of our Church in this town scarcely sufficient to form a worshipping assembly. No one of those individuals however sanguine could have anticipated the present auspicious state of things. A respectable congregation now meet statedly for worship. The memorials of the Redeemer's mercy and grace which at first were celebrated by only three or four communicants are now rec'd by 10 or 12 times that number-and this day witnesses the consecration to Almighty God of this substantial & commodious edifice.
"I am satisfied that you will join me in ascribing under divine blessing much of the credit of your spiritual prosperity as well as of the erection of this building to that servant of the Lord who with singular zeal & industry has laboured among you.1
" While he faithfully ministered to your spiritual edification he has incited you to the pious resolution of building a temple to the Lord, has animated you under every discouragement, & devoted a large share of his time & his exertions to providing means for erecting it, to the super- intendence of the work. Still, without your liberality & your zeal & perseverance, his attention & diligence would have been ineffectual. Your joint exertions are now rewarded in the completion thro' many discouragements & difficulties of an edifice which while it reflects credit on those who immediately contributed to the erection of it is an ornament to this flourishing town & which therefore should be viewed with pleasure by all its inhabitants."
The Bishop did not fill in the date in the note re- ferring to Mr. Brown's beginning of his ministry at New- burg. It was in 1816.
1 The Rev. John Brown, who took charge of this congregation in
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CHAPTER X.
BISHOP HOBART AND THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION.
Trinity Parish the Mother of Theological Education-Early Interest of Bishop Hobart in Training Men for the Ministry-" The Protestant Episcopal Society"-Purchase of Property at Short Hills, New Jersey-Dangers of an Unlearned Ministry-Efforts Made by Bishop Hobart, Dr. Gadsden, and Others to Found a Theological Seminary -Bishop Hobart Issues Prospectus for a Grammar School and Theological Seminary -Advocates its Foundation at Springfield-General Convention of 1814-Resolution Offered by Dr. Gadsden-That the Convention Take into Consideration the Institu- tion of a Theological Seminary -- It is Defeated-Resolution Passed by House of Bishops Referring the Consideration of a Seminary to each Diocese-Dr. Gadsden and Others Persevere in their Plans for a General Theological Seminary-General Conven- tion of 1817-Pledges and Promises of Money and Land Secured by Bishop Hobart for a Seminary-Resolutions Offered by Dr. Gadsden Accepted-The Immediate Establishment of a General Institution Having the Support of the Whole Church Re- commended-Bishop Hobart Gives at Length his Views on a Theological Seminary- Advocates its Foundation in the City of New York-Committee on Organization Formed -Hobart Supports the Plan-His Address to Diocesan Convention-Professors Ap- pointed-Mr. Moore's Offer of Sixty-Two Lots in Greenwich Village Accepted-Semi- nary Opens in 1819-With Six Students-In a Room in Gallery of St. Paul's Church- Then in St. John's Chapel-Afterwards in a Room of a Student on Broadway and Cedar Street-Apathy of Bishop Hobart-Resignation of Dr. Jarvis-Differences between Bishop Hobart and the Professors-Diocesan Seminary of Virginia Estab- lished at Alexandria-General Convention of 1820-Removal of the General Theo- logical Seminary to New Haven-The Reason Alleged that if New York Had a General Theological Seminary she would be Deprived of a Diocesan Seminary- Board of Trustees for Seminary at New Haven Created - Diocese of Connecticut Accepts the Trust -- Hobart Maintains that New York has Reserved her Right to Found a Diocesan Seminary-Argues against the General Convention Legislating for a Theological Seminary-Advocates the Formation of a Seminary for the Diocese of New York-And the Formation of a " Protestant Episcopal Theological Educational Society "-This Society was to Establish Theological Schools in the City of New York and a Country Branch School in the Northern or Western Part of the State- These Views Set forth in a Pastoral and in Address to Diocesan Convention of 1820-Convention Acts Favorably-Founds the " Protestant Episcopal Theological Education Society in the State of New York"-Constitution Adopted-Board of Managers Appointed-Chief Divinity School to be in City of New York with a Branch at Geneva-Trinity Parish Consents to its Grant to Fairfield Being Trans-
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Theological Education
1806]
ferred to Geneva-Professors for School at Geneva Appointed-School Opens June II, 1821-Bequest of Jacob Sherred-Bequest Claimed by the General Theological Semi- nary-Opinions of Counsel are that New York School alone is Entitled to Bequest- Bishop Hobart Expresses his Views in Address to Diocesan Convention-Suggests the Amalgamation of the Two Seminaries-Convention Appoints a Committee to Con- sider Amalgamation-Report of Committee Favors Consolidation-Report Adopted- General Convention of 1821-The Whole Matter Referred to a Special Joint Commit- tee-Committee Reports Recommending a Constitution for a General Theological Seminary and Locating it Permanently in the City of New York-Report Adopted and Constitution Approved by Both Houses-New Board of Seminary Meets in Trinity Church, December 18, 1821-Transfer of Property Made to the New Institution-And Professors Appointed-Order of Service Drawn Up by Mr. John Pintard-Inaugural Address by Bishop Hobart in Trinity Church on Opening of New Seminary-Semi- nary Opens its First Session in Trinity School-Letters from Mr. John Pintard- Location and Description of the Seminary Buildings-Summary of the Influence of Bishop Hobart and Trinity Parish on Theological Education.
W HILE the Bishop is crossing the seas to visit Europe we may take time to review his attitude towards education in general, his foundation of what is now Hobart College and also of the General Theological Seminary, as well as the almost inexplicable stand he took in opposition to Bishop Chase, who advocated with so much zeal and self-denial the claims of what was then con- sidered the far West to have the means to provide for the theological education of its own men, as well as for the nurture of its own children in a religious and churchly training. These inquiries into the origin of our educa- tional institutions are in no sense a digression, since it must be remembered that Trinity Parish is their real mother. From her sprung the parent institution, "The Protestant Episcopal Society." 1 From this institution were de- veloped both Hobart College and the General Theological Seminary.
The interest taken by Bishop Hobart in the training of young men for the ministry was shown at a very early period ; for soon after he came to New York it was his
1 The full title is "The Protestant Episcopal Society for Promoting Religion and Learning in the State of New York." It was founded in 1802, and incorporated in 1839. See Part II., p. 183, of this History. VOL. III .- 15.
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pleasure to guide and direct those desirous of acquiring the elements of theology. His biographer mentions the personal regard which Dr. Hobart had for him, and the manner in which he aided him in his studies.1
No provision had been made for a course of study for Candidates for Holy Orders up to the year 1804, when an elaborate scheme was set forth by the Bishops, of which the learned Dr. Turner says that every one knows the impossibility of completing it within three years, " which would not allow half the time necessary to study the books referred to." 2
There was then no thought nor expectation of any institution in which the Candidates should be properly in- structed. Each sought out for himself some priest with whom he read such books as were thought desirable, and each made such progress in Greek and Hebrew as his in- structor enabled him to do in the limited time allowed for it. The need of the Church for priests to occupy vacant parishes immediately, and to undertake new work, made the course a very brief one. A few only were thoroughly conversant with theological principles. It was an age when the practical had to be preferred to the theoretical.
To Dr. Hobart, with his love of knowledge, the thought of an unlearned ministry was eminently distasteful. He began in 1806 by gathering the New York Candidates and such others from neighboring States as cared to join them into a society known as "The Protestant Episcopal Theological Society." It held stated meetings, at which theological subjects were discussed by the members after they had studied them in volumes recommended by Dr.
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