USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 23
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" And for the purpose," he proceeds to say, "of constituting this society it is further proposed, that on the Wednesday evening succeed- ing the Tuesday on which the annual meeting of the Convention of the State is held, a meeting be held of the clergy and laity who are members of the Convention, and of others who are friendly to this object.
"In reference to the constitution of this society, the following are offered as suggestions. Everything definitive will of course be settled at the proposed meeting.
"That this society consist of the Bishop and clergy of the State, and of lay delegates to be elected by the vestry of each congregation in the same.
1 Memoirs of the Episcopal Church, p. 309. 2 Pp. 20, 21, Pastoral.
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"That the concerns of this society be managed by a board of trustees, consisting of the Bishop, and of a certain number of the clergy and laity, to be chosen by the society.
"That the society meet annually at the time of the meeting of the Convention of the diocese, to whom reports of its proceedings shall be made; as also to the several Bishops of the Church in the union, and to the General Convention.
"That this society take measures for procuring funds for the aid of young men of piety and talents designed for the ministry, but destitute of pecuniary means-for the establishment of a professor or professors of divinity in the city of New-York-and for the endowment of a theological school in the northern or western part of the State.
"This last measure seems suggested by a consideration of the different circumstances of candidates for orders, and of the different spheres in which, as clergymen, they will probably move. There will always be some candidates for orders resident in the city and other places, who deem it desirable and convenient to pursue their studies under a professor, or professors, there; while for others, particularly those who receive pecuniary aid from the society, a situation should be provided where they may receive their theological education at less expense. Among these latter the Church must principally look for that eminently meritorious class of Clergy, who, with primitive zeal, and often with primitive self-denial, carry the doctrines and institutions of the Gospel to the new or retired settlements of our country. And upon this plan also, the benefits will be realized of a more retired and of a more public education for the ministry.
" This then is an object, my respected Brethren, that should excite and unite our most zealous exertions. Let them be roused and directed to this object, and it will be attained. For, the Episcopalians in this diocese, and particularly in the city of New-York are so numer- ous, and so abundant in pecuniary means, that there is no object de- manding pecuniary resources which they cannot accomplish. Already our brethren in a southern diocese have set us an example. Though the Church there is just emerging from a state of depression, which threatened its extinction, yet one of the efforts of its friends is directed to the provision for the theological education of candidates for orders, and for pecuniary aid for such as are indigent. I repeat it; we as a diocese possess unrivalled resources, and peculiar advan- tages for the accomplishment of the same object, so vitally connected with the honour and the prosperity of our Church. Let these re- sources then be liberally called forth, and these advantages faithfully
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employed, and we shall secure for our Church that, without which no church can be respectable, and with which under the Divine blessing, every church must and will flourish -- a well-educated and able, as well as pious and faithful ministry.
" I remain, respected Brethren, " Faithfully and affectionately yours, " JOHN HENRY HOBART." 1
The Bishop's views were received by the whole Diocese with remarkably strong approval.
They were put in smaller compass in his address to the Convention of the Diocese in October of that year and enforced by several telling arguments. Such an institu- tion as he proposed he declared does not
"imply hostility to the General Institution and that even those who, from a decided preference to the latter, may withhold their sup- port from the former, may still not deem it their duty to oppose it. In the remarks which I shall offer I beg to be understood as expressing no sentiment unfavourable to the General Institution, any further than may be necessary to illustrate and enforce the advantages which we possess for the purposes of theological education.
"The extent of our resources, arising from the numbers, the respectability and the wealth of the individual members of the Church, points out this Diocess as a place favourable to the establish- ment of an Institution, the prosperity and the utility of which so essentially depend on the extent and the efficacy of the means which may be employed to carry it into effect. It can be hardly necessary to state, that the Church in this Diocess, in regard to the numbers and aggregate wealth of its individual members, as well as its general character, is eminently respectable, and ought, therefore, not to be de- ficient in zeal to advance that object of theological education which so justly engages the attention of the friends of the Church. I speak not now of the resources of the corporation of Trinity Church, which in times when her means were abundant, were so liberally applied to the wants of congregations in every part of the state as well as to objects of general utility. The same liberal disposition and wishes are still cherished in their full extent. But the state of the property
1 Pp. 23, 24, A Pastoral Letter, &c., by John Henry Hobart, D.D. New York : T. & J. Swords. 1820. 8 vo, pp. 24.
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of that corporation renders it necessary that those who have the charge of it should refrain from any further grants, until the income of the church can be made to equal the expenditures. The individual resources of the Episcopalians of this Diocess, however, were they applied in the same proportion with the benefactions of other denom- inations of Christians, are competent to the most respectable provision for all the purposes of theological education.
"In estimating these resources, I ought not to omit the very liberal and valuable grant, by a generous individual of this city, of sixty-two lots of ground in its immediate vicinity, for the benefit of a Theological School.
"It would seem natural and proper, therefore, and the duty of the church in this Diocess, to apply her resources in a way in which she would have the reasonable control of them. And it is here necessary to mention that, according to the organization of the general institu- tion, the Diocess of New York, which if her resources were liberally applied to this purpose, would certainly have the largest interest in the funds collected, has but three members on the Board of Trustees in which several other Diocesses have the same number, and one diocess eight members. And it is also necessary to notice in order to shew how little control in proportion to their numbers, the Church in the respective states would have over the general institution, to mention that these trustees are elected by the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies in every General Convention, in which the vote is by states. And accordingly the state of New York in which are about 70 clergy and 120 congregations, has only the same vote with a state in which there are but two ministers and two Episcopal congregations. The influ- ence of the various parts of our church in the direction of a general institution ought obviously in some degree to be proportioned to the amount of their benefactions to it."
He then alludes to the need of a branch school in the country, the grant made to the Fairfield Academy, and the excellent work of Dr. Daniel McDonald, its principal.
" There exists respectable provision in this diocese for a classical and theological institution in the country. The corporation of Trinity Church have granted an annuity to the Principal and Assistant of the Academy at Fairfield, in the northern part of the State, the former of whom is an Episcopal clergyman of very respectable talents and attainments, and the latter will soon take orders. This grant is made
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on the condition that eight students designed for the ministry shall always receive the whole course of their classical and literary educa- tion, and afterwards of their theological instruction free of any charges for tuition. The Society for the Promoting of Religion and Learning, which several years since was liberally endowed by Trinity Church, annually grants to about the same number of young men $80 or $100 to aid them in preparing for the ministry. This then is a respectable foundation for a theological establishment in the country. The grant to the academy at Fairfield may be transferred to an institution in any other situation that may present greater advantages, both for classical and theological instruction. Funds, however, will be wanting to extend its usefulness, and to make provision for the increased expences of the students in divinity, during the last year of their term while they reside in the city, in order to avail themselves of the advantages of a residence there."
The advantages of New York City for the school are set forth :
" But there are some circumstances which render New-York pecu- liarly calculated for an Episcopal Theological Institution. I allude to the College which is there situated, and the number of Episcopal con- gregations and clergymen.
"There are great and obvious advantages in an Episcopal theo- logical school being placed, if not in intimate union with an Episcopal college, in such a relation to it as to admit of the students enjoying the literary facilities which the college would present and of being strengthened in their principles and animated in their studies, by the countenance and exhortations of its president and professors. But the colleges in the union, and particularly the college at New-Haven, are with but one exception, by the provisions of their charters, by the conditions of their endowments, or by the force of circumstances under the influence of other religious denominations than Episcopal. The organization of Columbia college affords a pledge that no influ- ence unfriendly to the church will there be exerted. On the contrary, Episcopal students in divinity in the city of New-York may confident- ly calculate on the patronage and aid of the President and Professors of a college, which, as it regards the extensive, thorough, and judicious course of instruction, and the distinguished ability and fidelity with which that course is carried into effect, ranks inferior to none other in the union.
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"From the number of Episcopal clergymen and congregations in the city of New-York, candidates for orders would pursue their studies there under circumstances most favorable to their improvement, and most animating to their views. The company and conversation of a numerous body of clergy, and the opportunities enjoyed of attending on their public ministrations, afford candidates for orders the most important advantages in respect to the prosecution of their studies, to their zeal and devotion to the ministry, and to the most efficacious mode of discharging its functions. Surrounded by a large body of clergy, and placed amidst numerous and respectable congregations, they would be constantly under the influence of the most inspiring motives to diligence, ardour, and fidelity in the cause of a church which appears externally under all those advantages to which her high char- acter entitles her.
" Shall it be said that theological education in New-York is too expensive ? But shall other denominations of Christians establish theological institutions in cities, and shall the Episcopalians in New- York be deterred, by the apprehension of the expense, even from the attempt ? What is the expense compared with the advantages? Are students in medicine and in law deterred from availing themselves of the advantages which this city affords for the study of their respective professions ? It is to be supposed there will be some students of Divinity resident in the city who can pursue their studies here at less expense than elsewhere; and there will be others to whom the expense will be an inferior consideration. On the plan which I have presumed to propose, however, the theological establishments in the country may be made to afford theological education at less expense than in any other situation, and the additional expense of a year's residence in the city, in order to derive the advantages of preparing for the ministry there is not worthy of serious consideration." 1
The Convention cordially received the suggestions of the Bishop and promptly acted upon them. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and suggest a board of trustees. By this constitution a society was formed to be known as " The Protestant Episcopal Theological Ed- ucation Society in the State of New York." The mem- bership of the Society was to be
" the Bishop and such of the clergy of the Diocese as shall not decline 1 Fournal, Diocese of New York, 1820, pp. 16-21.
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to be members, and of such other persons as shall contribute annually a sum not less than two dollars, or at one time a sum not less than twenty-five dollars."
Contributors of the larger amount were to be life mem- bers and the others annual members. Lay delegates to the Diocesan Convention were to be members ex officio, if they choose to attend the meetings of the Society.
The officers were to be a president, "who shall be the Bishop of the Diocese " ; a board of trustees composed of all clergymen who were members ; thirty vice-presidents,
" from different parts of the Diocese," and "not less than one hundred and fifty lay members of the Society from different parts of the Diocese " ;
a secretary and a treasurer. The vice-presidents and lay trustees were to be elected at the stated meetings, and the secretary and the treasurer appointed annually by the board of trustees. Contributors of two hundred and fifty dollars at one time were to be life trustees so long as they continued their subscriptions.
Twenty-one persons were to be selected from the trustees to constitute a board of managers, which was to superintend and conduct the business of the Society, with such powers as may be delegated to them by the by-laws of the Society, or otherwise by the board of trustees. Power was given to the managers to fill vacancies in their own body from the board of trustees.
The trustees were vested with full power over all the affairs of the Society, including general management, dis- position of funds, and theological instruction. They were to make by-laws and resolutions for these purposes not in conflict with the Constitution of the Church and the Can- ons of the General or Diocesan Conventions.
The stated annual meeting was to be on the day VOL. III .- 17.
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following that appointed for the meeting of the Conven- tion, with twenty-one trustees constituting a quorum.
The board of managers was to report to the trustees, and they to the Convention. The Constitution was open to amendment by the trustees, provided the amendments were approved by the Convention.1
In the terms of this Constitution we can see the keen sense of proportion of Bishop Hobart, and the clear idea he had of the function of such a Society. Chancellor Kent, David B. Ogden, and John Wells and others sup- plied the necessary knowledge of law to make the Consti- tution free from all ambiguity or evasion.
Under this Constitution a meeting of the Society was held immediately after the adjournment of the Conven- tion, on October 20, 1820. Plans and methods were dis- cussed for obtaining the necessary funds before opening the institution. It was determined that the chief divinity school should be in the City of New York, and that a branch school should be established at Geneva, for which the nucleus already existed in the theological class of the Fairfield Academy under the Rev. Dr. McDonald.
An influential board of managers which included the most prominent clergymen and laymen of the Diocese was elected at a subsequent meeting on October 27, 1820.
The managers seriously applied themselves to the task before them. They found that a few generous laymen and some clergymen were unwilling to transfer their contribu- tions from the General Seminary to the Diocesan Semi- nary. Notwithstanding personal letters from the Bishop written with all his diplomatic skill, only a few wavered in
' The Constitution in full is found on pp. 12-14 of the account of the Society. It is reprinted on pp. 52-54 of Proceedings Relative to the Organization of the General Theological Seminary, 8vo, pp. 668. New York : Daniel Dana, Jr., 1854. Also on p. 8, Documents Respecting the Protestant Episcopal Education Society in the State of New York. New York : Printed by T. & J. Swords, IS20.
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The Interior School
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their allegiance to the general institution. This letter from the chief founder of the New York Historical So- ciety and the liberal contributor of valuable books to the General Theological Seminary Library will serve as a specimen of the answers he received :
"WALL STREET, 15th Sept. 1820. " RIGHT REVEREND SIR,
"Your favour of 15th. Ultoº. has remained thus long unan- swered as I knew not where to address you during your absence from this city.
"As in respectful duty bound I have given your pastoral as well as private letter my most deliberate consideration. The result is that I regard it most expedient and to the best of my judgment most for the unity, character and interest of our Church to render my feeble ser- vices in support of the general Theological Seminary.
"To differ in sentiment with my Right Revd. Diocesan is a source of unfeigned pain. But I have not taken up my line of conduct late nor lightly, and confidently trust that I am pursuing the path on which I originally set out.
"I am "Right Reverend Sir "With great respect " Your ob. friend, " JOHN PINTARD.
"RT. REV. BISHOP HOBART."
Through the energy of the Bishop and the willing co- operation of the managers, some of whom gave much time to the affairs of the Society, the New York City school was opened on May 18, 1821, with four students in attendance. 1
Bishop Hobart was the Professor of Systematic Di- vinity and Pastoral Theology ; Mr. Clement C. Moore Professor of Biblical Learning, and also Interpretation of Scripture ; Mr. Gulian C. Verplanck Professor of the
1 George M. Robinson, M.A. ; Thomas K. Peck, A.B. ; William S. Irving, and Samuel Seabury.
الأعلى للبسي
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Evidences of Revealed Religion and of Moral Science in its Relations to Theology; the Rev. Benjamin T. Onder- donk Professor of the Nature, Ministry, and Polity of the. Church, and also of Ecclesiastical History ; the Rev. Henry J. Feltus was librarian.
The plans for the " Interior School " progressed some- what slowly. The grant to Fairfield Academy from Trinity Parish was the subject of considerable negotiation and correspondence. Finally the Academy agreed to re- linquish it. This corporation was willing to transfer it to the Interior School, provided Dr. McDonald could carry with him the students in theology and be the princi- pal of Geneva Academy, which was designed to be only the forerunner of a college under the control of the Church. The arrangement was carried out; Dr. Mc- Donald with his pupils went to the beautiful village of Geneva on Seneca Lake, and the Academy trustees com- menced the erection of a stone building to be known as Geneva Hall, with thirty rooms for students.
The trustees of the Education Society had wisely chosen the professors for this school. Dr. McDonald was the Professor of the Interpretation of the Scripture, Ecclesiastical History, the Nature, Ministry, and Polity of the Church, and librarian ; the Rev. John Reed, Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, Professor of Biblical Learning, and the Rev. Orin Clark, the Rector of Trinity Church, Geneva, Professor of Systematic Divinity and Pastoral Theology. Dr. Reed was expected to de- liver an annual course of lectures until the endowment should yield a sum sufficient for the support of the professors.
The Interior School opened June 11, 1821, in the schoolhouse of Trinity Church, Geneva. Dr. McDonald was the chief instructor. There were nine students in
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1821]
The Sherred Legacy
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attendance.1 Three more were to take their places in the school in the late fall.2 But before any instruction had been given, an event occurred which materially affected the interests of the New York school and of the General Theological Seminary.
Mr. Jacob Sherred, a Vestryman of this Parish, a lib- eral friend to theological education, died in March, 1821. By his will he bequeathed certain legacies to friends and servants and all the rest, residue, and remainder of his personal estate and effects in trust to his executors to be invested, until there should be established within the State of New York, under the direction, or by the au- thority of the General Convention of the Protestant Epis- copal Church in the United States of America, or of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York, a college, academy, school, or semi- nary, for the education of young Imen designed for Holy Orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.3
Upon the establishment of such a college or seminary the accumulation and principal of the bequest were to be paid to the treasurer of such an institution. Mr. Sherred was the personal friend and parishioner of Bishop Hobart. He knew the plans of his Rector, he thought them judi- cious and far-sighted. He wished the Church in the State of New York to be supplied with young men of sound and competent learning. In his opinion a New York school was necessary, whether under diocesan or general control.
The managers of the Education Society perfected
1 Eight of these nine were Marvin Cady, Richard Salmon, William Bostwick, Orsamus H. Smith, Burton H. Hecock, John A. Clark, John Gavott, Thaddeus Garlick.
' Henry Gregory, Allanson Bennett, and Seth Davis.
" Journal, Diocese of New York, 1821. Also Proceedings, General Theological Seminary, p. 74.
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their plans in the full expectation that their school would receive the bounty of Mr. Sherred. They considered the intent of the testator obvious and were greatly surprised when a claim was put forward on behalf of the General Theological Seminary and a request made to the Bishops to call a special General Convention to consider the mat- ter. The attitude of the Bishop was at once dignified and conciliatory. He allowed the matter to take its course.
During the summer of 1821 there was much earnest discussion of the affairs of the two institutions in gather- ings of the clergy, in the Church press, and privately: all agreed that the best course was that which would promote peace and harmony.
The Bishop of New York and the members of the Ed- ucation Society were unwilling to stir up strife and de- bate. At a meeting held late in the summer the subject was fully discussed, and a committee appointed by the Board of Managers, of which Mr. Thomas L. Ogden was the chairman, reported :
" That in consequence of the claims to the benefit of Mr. Sherred's bounty, understood to have been set up on the part of the theological institution established in Connecticut, under the authority of the Gen- eral Convention and of professional opinions appearing to have been procured by the trustees of that Institution in reference to those claims, the Committee deemed it advisable to submit the will of Mr. Sherred and a brief statement of the facts connected with it, to several distinguished counsel in this city. This course was pursued ; and the case stated, with the opinions given on it, are herewith laid before the Board of Managers." 1
The opinions are from Mr. Richard Harison, Comptroller of Trinity Corporation, Mr. John Wells, Mr. Thomas Addis Emmet, Mr. David B. Ogden, and Mr. Josiah Og-
1 P. 38, Journal, Convention of New York, 1821, quoted on pp. 72, 73, Proceed- ings, General Theological Seminary.
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den Hoffman, the recognized leaders of the bar of the State. They agreed that the right to the bequest vested in the school established in New York either by the Gen- eral Convention or by the Diocesan Convention.
Under these circumstances the friends of the New York Seminary awaited the action of the General Conven- tion which had been summoned to meet in Philadelphia October 30, 1821. That there were private conferences and much correspondence between the Bishop of New York and the Bishop of Connecticut, and the leading trustees of both seminaries is certain. When the Con- vention of the Diocese of New York met in October these matters were chief subjects of discussion.
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