USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 3 > Part 24
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Bishop Hobart, in his address, spoke fully and plainly of the work of the Education Society, noted the establish- ment of the two schools at New York and Geneva, and mentioned with approval the opportunity given to the students in the Interior School to complete their course in New York, where the activities and energy of the Church might be noted, and where, in Columbia College and other literary institutions, they might add general culture to their strictly theological attainments. He dwelt upon the beauty of Geneva and its advantages as a place of study. He then spoke of the legacy of Mr. Sherred with much appreciation and continued to say that it
" has however given rise to measures which may possibly lead to a col- lision between our theological school and the general institution. A special meeting of the General Convention of our Church has been called, for the purpose of taking into consideration the last will and testament of Mr. Sherred, and of determining whether any and what measures should be taken for obtaining the legacy bequeathed by him. What will be the result of the deliberations of this Convention it is impossible to ascertain. It would seem, however, that they would re- solve to relinquish the claim of the general seminary to the legacy,-
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or to assert it, and for this purpose to bring the general seminary into this Diocess; or that they would prefer what might be styled a compro- mise-a consolidation of the General Theological Seminary with our diocesan School so as to make one general institution in the State; or finally that they will relinquish the project of a General Seminary.
"That little dependence can be placed on the validity of the claim of the General Seminary to the legacy of Mr. Sherred, would appear from what is understood to be the fact, that no legal gentleman consulted on behalf of that seminary has given a decided opinion in favor of it. The eminently respectable legal opinions which will be laid before you, will show the strength of the claim of the theological school of this Diocess, and will serve to remove all apprehension that it can be wrested from us by the general institution." 1
He then discusses the probable action of the General Convention and speaks of the Virginia Seminary as a manifestation of a disposition to establish Diocesan insti- tutions. He thinks that the plea of the General Seminary may be abandoned, but only in the event of a proposed union with the New York School. He presents strongly the objections to a general institution on the ground of equal representation in the management by all dioceses, and thus it might come under
"the control of a very small minority of the Church at large, and even of those who have not contributed, or in a very small proportion, to its funds."
Should this union take place
"such an organization of the General Seminary might be made as to secure to every part of the Church a just influence in its management. And the plan might be formed of such a nature as to remove all the reasonable objections to a general institution in this Diocese, and to secure all our important arrangements with respect to our own institutions.
"Permit me to suggest whether it would not be well to be pre- pared for such an event. For this Convention, however, to settle the
1 Pp. 22, 23, Journal, Diocese of New York, 1821.
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The Sherred Legacy
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details of this plan, would on many accounts be inexpedient, inasmuch as subsequent consultation of the General Convention might render other details desirable, and definite arrangements on our part appear- ing to preclude consultation might present a barrier to any conciliatory project. Still it would seem necessary that something definite should now be done." 1
The response of the Convention to the suggestions of the Bishop's address was the appointment of a committee to consider the report of the board of managers of the Education Society, and a plan for the union of the two seminaries. Mr. Thomas L. Ogden, of this Parish, was the chairman. In his report, presented October 18th, after referring to the account rendered of its work by the Education Society, he recommended that its report be accepted, and took up the subject of the consolidation of the General with the Diocesan Theological School.
" The Committee are of opinion that an arrangement of this nature would be desirable and ought to be carried into effect, if it can be done upon fair and correct principles, so as to preserve all the essential pro- visions and regulations of our diocesan seminary and to assure a just influence in the government and controul of the general institution to each diocese within which contributions may be obtained towards its funds."
While it was not practicable to foresee, and unnecessary to discuss the details of such an arrangement
"the committee are of opinion, that the Convention, under this gen- eral expression of their views, may with perfect security authorize the Bishop of the Diocess and the clerical and lay Deputies to the Gen- eral Convention to settle those details."
Any plan proposed was to be subject to the approval of the trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Education Society.
1 P. 24, Journal, Diocese of New York, 1821.
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These conclusions were put into the form of three resolutions, the first accepting the report of the Society, the second approving its proceedings, and the third con- senting to a consolidation upon the conditions named.
The report was then accepted unanimously, for all New York Churchmen felt that no other course could be pursued with dignity and honor.1
Upon October 30, 1821, the special General Conven- tion met in St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia. Upon the first day the only business transacted was the organization of both houses. On Wednesday, October 31st, the object of the session was introduced, and all the papers referred to a special joint committee.2
On Friday, November 2d, Mr. Cameron, the Chair- man, reported a
" constitution of the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America."
It located the institution permanently in the State of New York, vested the management in a Board of Trustees with full power to constitute professorships, appoint professors, prescribe courses of study, make rules and regulations consistent with the canons and course of study set forth by the House of Bishops.
The Board was composed of all the Bishops of the Church, ex officio. Every Diocese was entitled to one trustee. An additional trustee was to be appointed for every eight clergymen, and a trustee for every two thou- sand dollars contributed, until ten thousand dollars had been given, when a trustee was to be appointed for each
1 Pp. 67-69, Journal, Diocese of New York, 1821.
" The Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, D.D., the Rt. Rev. James Kemp, D.D., Duncan Cameron, Esq., Richard Harison, Esq., Colonel Alexander Jones, Rev. Daniel Burhans, Rev. David Butler, Rev. Dr. Wharton, Rev. Dr. Gadsden.
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Seminary Trustees
1821]
additional ten thousand dollars. They were to be nomi- nated by the Diocesan Conventions to the General Con- vention, which was to confirm or reject them.
"For the present," it was provided " that the Bishops, the twenty-four trustees of the General Theological Semi- nary and fourteen trustees chosen by the New York Education Society should form the Board."
The professors were to be the professors of both schools.
The funds and other property of the institution at New Haven were to be transferred to the new seminary when- ever the New York School should transfer to the same corporation its funds and other property.
After due deliberation and discussion the report of the committee was adopted and the Constitution approved by both houses.1
Calm consideration and a partial yielding of cherished convictions had made possible this outcome of events which might have led to bitterness and estrangement of brethren. On the part of Bishop Hobart, as his biographer states, it was a compromise and abandonment of his cherished plan for the good of the Church.
The new Board of the Seminary met in Trinity Church, New York City, December 18, 1821, with Bishop Hobart as chairman and the Rev. Henry U. Onder- donk as secretary pro tem. The trustees appointed by the General Convention were recognized and the names of the fourteen selected by the New York Education So- ciety approved. A permanent organization of the new Board was then effected, with Dr. Henry U. Onderdonk as secretary. The Board announced its readiness to re- ceive the property to be transferred to it, and then ad- journed, a committee having been appointed to consider
1 Pp. 9-11, 14, 15, Journal, General Convention of 1821.
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measures expedient at this time for the establishment of the Seminary.1
At a meeting on the following day the transfer was made, the professors appointed, a picture of Mr. Sherred authorized to be procured, and provision made for open- ing the Seminary in New York on the second Wednesday of February, 1822.
The students in the two schools continued under in- struction until the final arrangements were made.
It was, however, found impossible to open the Semi- nary on February 13th, as originally intended. Before its opening in March, Mr. Pintard, one of the Seminary's most liberal benefactors, drew up a form of Service which he sent to the Bishop with this accompanying letter :
"WALL STREET, 22d Feb. 1822.
" RIGHT REVEREND SIR,
"In compliance with your intimation yesterday I take the liberty of submitting the following outline of an order for celebrating the In- augural address of the Professor of Pastoral Theology and pulpit elo- quence for your consideration and improvement, being in no wise tenacious of my own suggestions. To give as far as may be an im- posing effect to the ceremonial, that may attract the attention and inspire the zeal of Episcopalians in favour of the Seminary is the sole object and it is hoped not inconsistent with decorum or piety.
" I have the honour to be,
" Right Reverend and dear Sir, "Your obedient friend. " JOHN PINTARD.
"RT REV. BISHOP HOBART.
"ORDER
"For Celebrating the Rt. Rev. Bp. Hobart's Inaugural Address in Trinity Church, on Evening, . March.
1 Bishop Hobart, Bishop Brownell, the Rev. William Harris, D.D., the Rev. James Milnor, D.D., the Rev. Jackson Kemper, Mr. John Wells, Mr. Thomas L. Ogden, and Mr. Isaac Lawrence.
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" The Bishop officiating & the other Clergy, Professors, Students and Trustees to meet in the Vestry Room at .... o'clock.
"When the Congregation is assembled, the Procession to take place thro' the Middle Aisle, Organ performing suitable air.
" BISHOP HOBART, Pastoral Professor, "Officiating Minister, "Other Ministers
" REV. DOCTOR WILSON TURNER The Rev. gentlemen
" REV. MR. ONDERDONK MR. MOORE in their gowns.
"Librarian "Students-in pairs " Trustees- do.
"On reaching the head of the aisle, the Bishop and ministers having entered the desk, the Professors, Students and Trustees to file off to the right and left, and take the seats to be provided for them in front of the chancel and on each side of the Reading Desk, the Stu- dents conspicuously in the Front.
" Divine Service, with appropriate Psalms and Tunes.
"On delivering the Inaugural when the Reverend professor ad- dresses them the Students to advance in front of the Pulpit standing and to face the professor; on conclusion to retire to their seats.
" After the Inaugural
"A collection to be made to be applied to the support of the city missionary Students.
" The collection to be made by the Trustees.
" Exeunt Omnes
"And may the exercises of the evening under the auspices of Divine influence inspire the heart of every Episcopalian to lend his liberal support in the favour of our Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and her sons destined to be the future bulwark under God of her Faith and Discipline."
Upon the day set for the opening of the Seminary the Service was held in Trinity Church, in all probability ac- cording to the form outlined by Mr. Pintard, and Bishop Hobart delivered the inaugural address upon Christian education and the proper training for the ministry.
2
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In the course of it he said :
"It is due to the Bishops and delegates of the Eastern Diocese and of Connecticut to state, that though from local considerations they must have preferred the continuance of the seminary at New Haven, they supported in the Convention, on the grounds of general good to the Church its removal to New York. The Bishop of the Church in Connecticut in particular was cordial in his promotion of that measure, and his exertions active and influential. Having earnestly advocated, for reasons detailed elsewhere, it is unnecessary here to repeat, the establishment of a diocesan seminary in New York. I trust, I may be permitted to observe, that the measure of the consolidation of this with the general Seminary on correct principles was suggested in my address to the Convention of that diocese which met a short time before the Gen- eral Convention, and received their unanimous approbation; and that the constitution of the General Seminary, as finally adopted, is in all its essential features that which was advocated on the part of New York in the Committee who reported it. These circumstances are mentioned as evidence that the diocese of New York was not backward in the great measure of general conciliation on this interesting subject." 1
The suggestions which Mr. Pintard makes in these two letters were followed, as readers of Bishop Hobart's inaugural address will notice :
"WALL ST 14th March '22.
"RT. REV AND DEAR SIR
"May it not be proper as well as complimentary to the young gentlemen to mention the names of the students of the Th Semy in a note to that part of your excellent address more particularly applying to them-also the state to which they belong. It will be marking the epoch of opening the Gen Semy in this City, which at a future day will be gratifying to those who now constituted the first classes.
"Is there a matriculation Book ? So essential at a future period to identify, please God, some prominent and exalted characters who may receive their education in our seminary.
"On the subject of Walton's polyglot, an essential work in the Biblical department, Dr. Turner thinks that an application to the Rector &c of Christ Church, Phila for the loan of its duplicate copy
1 P. 5, note, An Introductory Address on the Occasion of the Opening of the Gen- eral Theological Seminary. New York : T. & J. Swords, 1822.
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1822]
wd meet with more attention and probable efficacy if formally made by the Library Committee, & officially communicated.
"Should you concur, it would be proper to convene the Comme on some suitable ev% before Doctor Turner returns to Phila, where probably supported by his personal solicitation the loan can be ef- fected, in which event the professor may have the books packed up and sent round with his effects.
"An order for the purchase of this great work, wh was once re- garded as little better than waste paper, has been sent to England & Holland for 2 years, it having become so rare and costly, that no search has ever yet been successful to obtain a copy. I hope there- fore on a fair presentation of this Fact that the Rector &c of X' Church will, if not bound down by some ne exeat condition, favour the Seminary with this important desideratum.
"It were to be wished that our funds wd justify the expense of providing suitable cases for the preservation of our Books-from dust, smoke & too easy accessibility. Important works,-difficult of attain- . ment in this country & designed for every age,-cannot be too safely protected, as well against dilapidation as casually by Fire. We may redeem the value by Insurance, but some works might not be recover- able.
"Let us however not repine but hope your impressive address can- not fail of a due influence.
"The business of building up important Institutions is not the affair of a day, and when those who now lend their feeble efforts to carry on this work shall sleep in the dust, God will raise up instruments with greater zeal & endowments to complete the edifice.
"With every respect, "Y' ob: friend,
"J. PINTARD
"RT REV BISHOP HOBART."
"WALL ST. 14th March 22. 23 P.M.
"RT. REV. SIR,
"Since you favoured me with a call I have endeavoured from the lists in my possession of Books sent to New Haven, to ascertain the number.
"The donations are so miscellaneous, that if credit were given to some, and the names of others not mentioned-it might-indeed most probably would give offence, with due deference therefore it ap- pears to be least exceptionable only to say 'that the number of books
--
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contributed to the Library whilst the Semy was at New Haven amounted to about' (in round numbers to) 1000 VS
The books in St. Paul's, it is said, amt to 800
Total vols 1800
"Considering the short period of the existence of the Semy this number is far from contemptible, especially when their character & ponderosity are considered.
" By a general note no offence can be given, and a catalogue is directed to be prepared towards which when days grow longer & milder I will render my aid-it may be prepared for publication in season to accompany the Trustees' Report to the next General Con- vention in May 1823, and in the interim, further donations may be hoped for to increase the Nº.
"As regards myself individually the complimentary notice of my humble but ardent efforts to promote the interests of the Semy, and our Church, in your powerful address, transcends my merits.
"Let me intreat you therefore, my highly respected Diocesan, to say no more, at least for the present.
"While one is apt to lament their limited powers & resources, still let us bow with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for disposing our hearts to do all the good we can-not what we idly wish. The widow's mites are a powerful example not to despise small services, nor totally to abstain thro' false pride from rendering any because we cannot rival the lofty.
"To 'fill the circle marked by Heaven' is in the power of every one, circumscribed as it may be, each has his allotted sphere, and let each discharge his social and religious duties.
"Excuse these effusions & believe me,
" R. R. Sir, " Your sincere friend "and cooperator " J. PINTARD
" RT REV DR HOBART."
The corner-stone of the east building of the Seminary was laid July 28, 1825, by the Presiding Bishop, Dr. White, in the presence of the Bishops of Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the trustees, the faculty, the students, many of the clergy, and a large number of the laity. The building was finally completed and occupied in the spring
The General Theological Seminary 1832.
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of 1827. The Churchman's Almanac for 1832, which was then in its third issue and a small publication of thirty-six pages, gives as the illustration on its cover a view of the Seminary, and describes the location in the text, on p. 26 :
" The Seminary is located at Greenwich, in the immediate vicinity of New-York, upon an open plot of ground, the gift of Clement C. Moore, LL.D., commanding a fine view of the Hudson river and the opposite shores of New-Jersey. It is sufficiently near to the city for all purposes of necessary intercourse, and yet retired from its noise and excitement.
" The Seminary building is of stone, in the Gothic style, 110 feet in length, and 52 feet in depth. The two wings are occupied by Pro- fessors Turner and Wilson; the centre is appropriated to the library and to rooms for the students, and the basement contains the refectory and the apartments for the domestics."
This view is the one which we reproduce. Dean Hoffman, in his sketch of the Seminary, says :
"Those who have seen it only as it stands today, surrounded by a dense population, can hardly realize its appearance when the corner- stone was laid, in 1825. Its site was then an apple orchard, about twenty feet below the entrance to the grounds which was on the Ninth avenue, a little north of what is now Twenty-first street. Professor Moore's country residence was situated on the high ground to the north of it, near the southerly side of what is now Twenty-third street. There was then no street in the vicinity. A narrow road, called ' Love Lane,' ran easterly from it to the Bloomingdale road, now Broadway. The principal approach to the site was by the road which ran near the line of the present Hudson Street, through the village of Greenwich from the city. At that time there was scarcely a good three-story brick house between it and Canal street. The high-water mark of the Hud- son river was east of the present Tenth avenue; and, as Dr. Turner re- cords in his autobiography, during the winter the water was sometimes ankle deep in front of the end in which he resided, so that, in order to have a dry access to the lecture-room, in the centre of the build- ing, he had a door cut through the garret partition; and one winter the mud was so deep immediately around the building as to make VOL. III .- 18.
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6
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it almost inaccessible, except on horseback or in a carriage. It was, in fact, a quiet, rural retreat on the picturesque banks of the Hudson, with the elysian fields across the river in full view, far re- moved from the noise and bustle of the now crowded city, and where the devout student had every appliance to aid him in his work, with nothing to distract his mind or call him off from his sacred studies. Then, as now, it was noted for being one of the healthiest portions of the island on which the city is built." 1
In the present Seminary Close this building has given way to the residences of professors ; the only old building now remaining is the "West Building," erected in 1836.
This is the story of the General Theological Seminary, that school for the training of our candidates for Holy Orders, which now, after many vicissitudes, is settled on strong foundations, as a great help and power in the Church. It was opened in the City of New York, with twenty-three students, in the brick building on the corner of Canal and Varick Streets, commonly known as " Trinity School." After its final establishment in New York the Bishop upheld it with all his influence, personal and offi- cial ; he served it not only as Chairman of its Standing Committee, but also as " Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pulpit Eloquence." He gave to it largely of his time, defended it against attacks, and steadily advocated the establishment of branch schools connected with it, should they be needed, instead of Diocesan institutions. In posi- tion, organization, and principles, it met his views of what a theological school should be ; untrammelled by Diocesan connection and influence, catholic in scope, at or near some centre of active, secular life, yet affording the retirement . and calm which are essential for sacred study. We have now recorded, in as brief a compass as possible, the suc- cession of events which led to this conclusion, and the dominating influence of the Bishop in directing the move-
1 P. 517, vol. ii., Perry's American Episcopal Church.
1825]
Influence of Trinity Parish 275
ment. All this belongs, of right, to the history of our Parish ; for the initiative impulse given by the " Protestant Episcopal Society," founded and fostered by our Corpora- tion, and the grants made to Fairfield Academy, bore their final fruitage in the establishment of those seats of learn- ing which have done so much for the Church in America, Hobart College and the General Theological Seminary.
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CHAPTER XI.
BISHOP HOBART AND BISHOP CHASE IN ENGLAND.
Position of Bishops Hobart and Chase Defined-Indignation of Bishop Hobart that Any One should Solicit Contributions for any other Theological Seminary than the Gen- eral Theological Seminary-Bishop Chase's Strong Tenacity of Purpose-His Plans for Theological Education in the West at First Disapproved-Consent of his Diocese at Length Reluctantly Given-Bishops of Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Mary- land, New Jersey, and Connecticut all Oppose the Plans of Bishop Chase-Bishop Hobart Writes a Strong Remonstrance-Bishop Hobart Refuses to Sail in the Same Ship with Bishop Chase-Warns him that he will Oppose his Projects in England-Bishop Chase Sails to England quietly-Meets with Discouraging Reception in England- Bishop Hobart Issues a Note against the Appeals of Bishop Chase and Dr. Wheaton- Follows his Note with " A Postscript "-Hobart's Note and Postscript Discredit Bishop Chase-English Church People Led to Form a Wrong Idea of Bishop Chase and his Mission-Bishop Chase finally Triumphs-His Cause is Espoused by the Evangelical Party-A Truce in the Pamphlet War is Declared-Bishop Chase Refuses the Offer to Combine the Three Appeals in One Fund to be Divided in Equal Proportions-The Seminary and Washington College Arrange for a Joint Subscription-End of Con- troversy-Testimony of General Putnam and Rev. Dudley Chase to the High Opinion Entertained by Bishop Hobart of Bishop Chase.
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