USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 4 > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
1 Records, liber iii., folio 149. (For the full text of these resolutions, see Appendix.)
I74
History of Trinity Church [1836
propriety or expediency of having them read ; to have the control and direction of the sextons and choirs; to have the custody of the registers and cause to be recorded therein all marriages, baptisms, and funerals in the Parish ; to make the parochial report at the annual Convention of the Diocese; and to nominate Assistant Ministers.1
That the full meaning and import of these resolutions were known at the time of their passage, was well un- derstood. There are extant notes of a conversation of Dr. Schroeder with the Rector, in which the whole subject was fully discussed. The high courtesy and consideration shown on both sides, and the remote contingency which would make necessary the elevation of the "senior" presbyter above the "senior" Assistant, made both that Assistant and the Rector inclined to await the course of events.
Certain portions of the new regulations, however, were so distasteful to the Rev. Dr. Anthon, that he sent a letter to the Vestry on the subject. His chief objections were to the requirement that all the Assistant Ministers should assist the Rector in the administration of the Holy Com- munion ; to the custody by the Rector and distribution under his control of the Communion Fund ; and to general oversight and authority of the Rector in the instruction of the young people in the Sunday-schools. He also in- timated that no additional facility was afforded for pastoral intercourse, and that the resolutions "impose upon him
1 In sending out on April 26, 1836, a Routine for the "evening lectures," the Rector remarks that he has followed "the old routine, although it was intended by the mover of the resolution that 'its principle should be carried out in all its details.' But as nothing was said on this point in the resolution itself, I do not wish to take upon myself a responsibility which might seem odious and unauthorized, but prefer waiting for the further explanation or action of the Vestry. In adhering, however, for the present to the old order, I do not intend to be understood as com- mitting myself, with regard to the future."-The Rev. Dr. Berrian to the Rev. J. T. Schroeder, April 26, 1836. No. 194, Berrian MSS.
175
Remonstrance from Dr. Anthon
1836]
shackles indicating distrust of his fidelity and discre- tion."
This letter was referred to Mr. Thomas L. Ogden, Mr. Jonathan Lawrence, and Mr. Peter A. Mesier, to consider and report. In a communication to the committee upon the objections of Dr. Anthon, the Rector examined in detail their essential features and embodied several partic- ulars from the report made in 1831, upon the Memorial from parishioners in St. John's Chapel. Commenting upon the objection that the Rector had no right to compel the attendance of the Assistants at the celebration of the Holy Communion, although it is conceded that it is a matter of manifest propriety, he suggests that the phraseology of the ninth resolution be altered from "it is the duty," to "it is thought desirable whenever it is practicable"; for "if they have not the power to command, they have at least the privilege to request, and were to intimate their views of duty where they have reason to think it has been neglected." Dr. Berrian's exposition of the right to the custody and disbursement of the Communion alms is full and clear. He shows from the canons of the American Church that it is to be absolutely under the control of the Rector.
" This point, it appears to me, is unequivocally established by the 52nd Canon of our Church : 'the alms and contributions at the ad- ministration of the Holy Communion shall be deposited with the min- ister of the Parish, or with such church officer as shall be appointed by him, to be applied by the minister, or under his superintendence, to such pious and charitable uses as shall by him be thought fit." The direction of them may be determined by himself; the application of them if he see fit may be made by himself; whether he distributes them personally or appoints another one to do it, is left entirely to his own discretion."
1 P. 34, "Constitution and Canons," in Journal, General Convention, 1832. Canon LII., of Alms and Contributions at the Holy Communion.
ป .
I76
History of Trinity Church
[1836
Examining the allegation, that by the " minister of the Parish " may be meant any one serving in a parish, and especially a deacon to whom by the ordinal the charge is given, and the solemn vow made by him "to search for the sick, poor and impotent people of his Parish, that they may be relieved with the alms of the parishioners or others," Dr. Berrian says :
" There cannot be a doubt that by the 'minister of the Parish ' is meant the chief, the Rector of the Parish, and not the Assistant Minis- ter ; order, propriety, and analogy admit of no other construction, and common usage, which is the interpreter of law, explains the meaning of the canon, and settles the question. Now the charge and distribution of the Communion Fund in our Parish has from time immemorial been committed to the Rector. No claim to any participation in this charge and distribution has ever been made before these new arrangements, and none it appears to me can be justly made until the Assistant Ministers have a control entirely independent of the Rector."
The fifty-second canon, he further says,
"is in no wise contradicted by the twenty-sixth and twenty-eighth Canons quoted by Dr. Anthon, which Dr. Anthon seems to think settle the interpretation of the fifty-second Canon, but do not appear to me to have the slightest bearing on the question. They refer to min- isters who have the independent charge of parishes or cures." 1
The propriety of a control given to the young by an Assistant is fully treated, the Rector undertaking an ex- amination of authorities, especially for the ordination of priests, in which occurs, in the examination of the can- didate, the phrase, "other chief ministers." He per- tinently observes :
"If an Assistant Minister is in no degree subject to the authority or control of the Rector, the office of the latter is a mere mockery, for he has the responsibility of ordering things well in the Parish, without the power of regulating its affairs."
1 Pp. 21, 22, "Constitution and Canons" in Journal, General Convention, 1832. Canon XXVI., of the Duty of Ministers in Regard to Episcopal Visitations. Canon XXVIII., of Parochial Instruction.
177
Authorization of Text-Books
1836]
Upon the authorization of text-books to be used, he remarks :
"We live in an age of great religious excitement, from which our Church at present is very happily exempted. Books of all kinds for the religious instruction of the young are daily issuing from the press. New modes of interesting them in the subject of religion are constantly invented. Some of them are happy improvements, others should be most cautiously shunned; is it an unreasonable apprehension that with a succession of assistant ministers (for I beg to be understood as mak- ing no allusion to the present), differing perhaps entirely from each other in their views and practice in regard to the religious edification of the young, text-books, or books of questions might on some occa- sions be introduced, and injudicious modes of instruction be adopted, which might call for the interposition of the Rector ? " 1
The Committee's report was presented on May 9, 1836. It commenced by alluding to "the inconvenience " it would be to the Vestry "to be obliged constantly to review its proceedings on objections offered by the Assistant Ministers."
An exception to this general rule should be made when such objections involve "essential principles connected with the rights of the clerical office." The Vestry were always willing to give them "a ready and candid exam- ination."
The fifth resolution was intended to direct that the same text-books should be used in all the congregations. It was understood by " Dr. Anthon as applying to every form of instruction, and he protests against it as subject- ing him to a control inconsistent with the free exercise of his ministry." It was recommended that the phraseology of the resolution should be altered to remove any ambi- guity. Dr. Anthon's argument upon the two other objec- tions the Committee does not find convincing, and calls particular attention to the citations from the Ordinal. The
1 No. 196, Berrian MSS.
VOL. IV .- 12.
178
History of Trinity Church
[1836
attendance of all the clergy at the celebrations of the Holy Communion is regarded as "more solemn and imposing,". and makes the service "less laborious and protracted."
Who was the proper custodian of the Communion Fund is not determined in the report, but the Committee claims that the Vestry can make such regulations as will best supply the necessities of the poor in each congregation. The action of the Vestry is thus stated :
"On introducing a new and important change in relation to which great differences of opinion are found to exist, the Vestry in every stage of its proceedings have acted with cautious deliberation; whilst anxious on the one hand to secure to the congregations the benefit of a more intimate connection with an individual pastor, they have been desirous on the other to preserve the unity of the Parish, and by defining the appropriate duties of the clergy, to secure its peace and harmony. If the change has been less complete than desired by some, it goes far beyond the wishes of other portions of the Parish." 1
It was a surprise and a disappointment when Mr. Ogden, the Parish clerk, announced to the Vestry Dr. Wainwright's declination .? It was known to many that the position would be agreeable to him, and that there seemed no obstacle to his acceptance ; but parochial and diocesan considerations required him to remain in Boston for some months longer. On the 19th of April, 1836, Mr. Thomas L. Ogden, Mr. William Johnson, and Mr. Adam Tredwell were appointed a committee "to inquire and report as to the name of a suitable person to be nominated to the office of Assistant Minister, in place of Dr. Wainwright."
After some extensive inquiries the committee on June 13, 1836, reported the name of the Rev. Edward Young Higbee, Rector of Trinity Church, Washington, D. C. He had acquired a wide reputation as an effective reader of the Church service, and a preacher of force and origin-
1 Records. liber iii., folios 154, 155.
2 Records, liber iii., folio 152.
خالد
179
Church Records
1836]
ality. In addition to the formal notification from the clerk, the Rector sent him a letter of congratulation and welcome, in which, referring to the unanimity of his elec- tion, he adds :
" There was not the slightest difference of opinion on the subject, a circumstance which I do not remember in any other case but one in five and twenty years, and which of course must be gratifying to you. I was exceedingly desirous that you should receive the appointment, and I am much gratified by the perfect unanimity with which it was made." 1
The serious illness of Mrs. Higbee and her death early in the summer of 1836 delayed the removal of Mr. Higbee to New York for more than six months.
I shall close this chapter with a brief reference to a matter of great interest to the whole Church, in which the Corporation of the Parish rendered assistance at a time when it was much needed and particularly welcome. There had been, from the beginning of our ecclesiastical history, a total indifference, an almost culpable negligence, respecting the preservation of records of our history as a separate communion. No general effort appears to have been made to secure and arrange the materials for an in- telligent survey of the work of the Church in the American Colonies for nearly two centuries. Traditions survived, documents and registers were often missing. Parochial archives yielded scantily when searched for facts and incidents. To Dr. Hobart belongs the credit of seeing the value of historical continuity in the American Church, and perceiving the advantage and necessity of familiariz- ing churchmen with the annals of their past. His publica- tion in 1805 of the Life of Samuel Johnson, D.D., written by that champion of the Colonial Church, Dr. Thomas Bradbury Chandler, was the first effort in that direction,
1 No. 201, Berrian MSS. For a sketch of Dr. Higbee see the Appendix.
1
1
-
180
History of Trinity Church [1836
if we except some sketches of Connecticut parishes in the early numbers of The Churchman's Magazine.1 As for the general records of the Church, with contempo- rary documents and pamphlets, letters and records, serious obstacles were met and gradually surmounted. The diffi- culty of obtaining complete sets of the journals of the General Convention led to a reprint of those journals, undertaken under the care of Bishop White in 1817. When a desire was felt in 1820 to gather documents illus- trative of the history of the Church in various dioceses, to be preserved with archives of the General Convention, it was discovered that many of real interest and value had disappeared ; and had it not been the habit of Dr. White to preserve letters and printed matter sent to him, many original letters and rare pamphlets would be lacking now in our Convention archives.2
To the Rev. Dr. Francis L. Hawks the Church is under great and lasting obligation for the prosecution of the work begun by Dr. Hobart and continued by Bishop White. With his friend the Rev. Edward Rutledge, of South Carolina, as his helper, he planned a complete his- tory of the various dioceses of the American Church, beginning with Virginia. The initial volume appeared in 1836.3 The death of Mr. Rutledge deferred the prosecu- tion of the work. When it was again resumed, Dr. Hawks became impressed with the necessity of access to the archives of the Arch-diocese of Canterbury, and the Diocese of London, and the records of the venerable Pro- pagation Society, before any true and just history of the Colonial Church could be completed. He held several
1 The Life of Samuel Johnson, D.D. By Thomas Bradbury Chandler, D. D.
2 Pp. 46, 59, Journal, General Convention, 1820; pp. 47, 63, 69, 73, Fournal, General Convention, 1823.
8 Contributions to the Ecclesiastical History of the United States of America. By Francis L. Hawks.
1
181
·Church Records
1836]
interviews with Bishop White, who cordially approved his plan, as did many other Bishops, clergymen, and laymen. The subject was brought before the General Convention of 1835, in a communication from Dr. Hawks, who also gave to the Convention files of several church periodicals and collections of documents. Upon the favorable report of a joint committee of the two Houses, Dr. Hawks was appointed conservator of the archives, and constituted, with Bishop White, a committee to procure in England tran- scripts of documents and printed volumes bearing upon the history of the Colonial Church.1 The election of the " Conservator " as a missionary Bishop, "to exercise Epis- copal functions in the State of Louisiana, and in the Terri- tories of Arkansas and Florida," at the same Convention seemed likely to postpone indefinitely the fulfilment of his purpose. But as no provision was made either by the General Convention or the Board of Missions for his support, and the few parishes in the Southwest, with the exception of Christ Church, New Orleans, which offered him its Rectorship, could not in their poverty pledge him an adequate salary, Dr. Hawks felt compelled to decline the burden and honor of the Missionary Episcopate, and the work of historical collection proceeded. It was sug- gested in the report of the joint committee upon Dr. Hawks's communication, that he solicit pecuniary con- tributions to the accomplishment of his design, and "that it be recommended to the churches to appropriate a small portion of their annual contributions for this purpose." 2 The experience of others in soliciting funds for general purposes induced him to confine his efforts to a very small number. And this brings us to the connection of Trinity Parish with this great work. On March 14, 1836, the
1 Pp. 21, 65, 91, 100, Fournal, General Convention, 1835.
' Records, liber iii., folio 144.
182
History of Trinity Church
[1836
Conservator made a formal application to the Vestry for aid in carrying out his design of proceeding to England, as the agent of the General Convention in obtaining material illustrative of the history of the Colonial Church. He enclosed a letter from the Bishop of the Diocese, and an abstract of the proceedings of the General Convention of 1835. Upon the representation of the Rector and other members of the Vestry, that "the Church is desti- tute of funds by which to defray the expenses of the said voyage," the sum of fifteen hundred dollars was granted "towards the expenses incident to the prosecution of his labors, with the laudable design above mentioned."
It is not necessary to detail here the successful accom- plishment of his purpose by Dr. Hawks. The eighteen folio volumes of transcripts now in the General Conven- tion archives, and other documents obtained by him, are for our colonial period a mine of historic information, which has been only partially explored. Only a small portion has been printed.1
In his report to the General Convention of 1838, Dr. Hawks says :
" These volumes have cost two thousand dollars, and I am happy to inform the Convention that they are paid for. As the agent of the Convention under the resolution passed at the last Triennial Meeting, I applied to the Corporation of Trinity Church in New York, asking its aid to procure these valuable documents for the Church, and the Vestry very liberally appropriated $1500, toward the expense of copy-
1 Dr. Hawks, aided by the Rev. William Stevens Perry, afterwards Bishop of Iowa, continued the preparation of a complete series of "Historical Collections" of the Colonial Church. The Documentary History of the Church in Connecticut was issued in numbers (New York : James Pott, 1862, 1863) and afterwards bound in two small octavo volumes (Part I., 328, Part II., 360) with annotations and appendices.
A single pamphlet, Documentary History of the Church in South Carolina, was issued in August, 1862 (New York : James Pott). In 1870 Dr. Perry commenced the publication of the volumes remaining.
They were in large quartos, and sumptuous in style. The transcripts printed were Virginia, 1870, Pennsylvania, 1871, Massachusetts, 1873, Maryland and Delaware, 1878. They were copiously annotated. The edition was limited to 250 copies.
£
183
Death of Bishop White
1836]
ing. A gentleman of the Church of the Ascension, in New York, gave me for the same purpose $125, the residue, I was happy to be able to give myself. In the name, and on behalf of the Convention, I wrote a letter of thanks to the Corporation of Trinity Church, and informed them of the good they had done to the Church in procuring these MSS." 1
To show their appreciation of the services rendered to the American Church by Bishop White, whose death oc- curred on July 17, 1836, a special meeting of the Vestry was called for Monday, July 25th, when the following reso- lutions written by the Rector were unanimously adopted :
" Resolved: That this Vestry in the recollection of his mild and paternal virtues, his sincere and unaffected piety, his peaceful and heavenly temper, and the unsullied purity of his life, hold his personal character in the highest esteem.
"Resolved: That in the extent and variety of his theological learn- ing, the general prudence and wisdom of his counsels, the wholesome influence of his example, and the usefulness of his long protracted labours, they find abundant reason for gratitude to the Author of all good, and the sincerest sorrow for his loss.
"Resolved: That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be sent to the family of the late Right Rev. Bishop White, together with an expression of the unfeigned sympathy of this body in the bereavement they have sustained." ?
Upon the 12th of September, 1836, plans for alterations to be made to the building in the rear of St. John's Chapel were submitted by the Standing Committee. The Vestry approved and the alterations were ordered to be carried out under the supervision of the Committee. An old Sunday-school scholar thus describes the building when completed :
"The chancel of the Church has now usurped the place of the former Sunday-school building, which was a stone structure three stories in height, whose upper and lower floors were devoted to the boys and girls respectively and were furnished with square, white
1 P. 133, Fournal, General Convention, 1838.
" Records, liber iii., folios 158, 159.
184
History of Trinity Church
[1836
wooden forms for the convenience of the classes. The main floor was fitted up after the fashion of a chapel, with organ and reading desk, and here we all assembled on Sunday morning at ten o'clock, to be catechised by the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, whose dignified presence, set off by a black silk gown and bands, kept the most of the restless boys in order." 1
The Rev. William Creighton, Rector of St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, presented his resignation to the Vestry of that Parish on May 5, 1836, which was reluct- antly accepted. As his successor the Vestry turned to the brilliant Assistant in Trinity Parish, and in the fall of 1836 called Dr. Henry Anthon as their Rector.
Upon December 23, 1836, Dr. Anthon presented his resignation as an Assistant Minister, which was accepted. As St. Mark's Church was then in the process of altera- tion and repair, Dr. Anthon courteously offered to remain until his new Parish church was ready to be used. The Vestry accepted the offer with thanks and requested him to continue his services in the Parish so long, until his place shall be supplied, as may suit his convenience.2 Dr. Anthon assumed his new duties in May, 1837,3 growing in the confidence and affection of his parishioners until his death in 1861. At St. Mark's he had full scope for his extraordinary power as a preacher, his fidelity as a pastor, his talents as an organizer, his keenness as a controver- sialist, and his power as a leader of men.4
Under authority from the Vestry the Rector made a temporary arrangement with the Rev. Samuel Seabury, then editor of The Churchman, afterwards the well-known theologian and professor of Biblical Learning, to officiate in the Parish.
1 P. 152, Walks in our Churchyards. Old New York Trinity Parish. By Felix Oldboy.
? Records, liber iii., folio 170.
3 P. 86, Memorial of St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, New York, 1899.
4 A sketch of Dr. Anthon will be found in the Appendix.
CHAPTER VII.
PARISH ACTIVITIES.
The Question of the Residence of the Bishop-Action of the Vestry Thereon-Elec- tion of the Rev. James T. Johnston to Succeed Dr. Anthon as Assistant Minister-He Declines-Election of Dr. Wainwright-His Acceptance-The Use of Churches to . Hold College Exercises in Condemned-Report of Committee on Qualifications of Electors of Wardens and Vestrymen-Committee on Supplies and Repairs Appointed -Allowance for House Rent Granted to Assistant Ministers-Repairs on St. John's Chapel-Contract for New Organ-State of Church Music in the Parish-Grant to Dr. Schroeder-The Need of a Rural Cemetery-The Division of the Diocese- Purchase of an Episcopal Residence-Repairs to Roof of Trinity Church-Reso- lution in Regard to Interments-Report of Committee on Music-Precedence of Senior Presbyter-Action of Vestry-Letter of the Rector to Dr. Schroeder-Dr. Schroeder's Reply-Correspondence Laid before the Vestry-Resignation of Dr. Schroeder Accepted by the Vestry.
N the early part of the year 1837, the needs of the Epis- copate in the Diocese of New York were brought before the Vestry in a communication addressed to that body by Dr. Onderdonk. While the offices of Rector of the Parish and Bishop of the Diocese were held by the same person the charge of the Episcopate was borne by the Corporation. But now, in the changed condition of things, new arrangements were in order. It was the general opinion that the Bishop should reside in the city and not in some country place outside of it; but the Episcopal Fund was inadequate even to the decent maintenance of the Bishop and much less adequate to providing him with a residence; so that the deus ex machina was in im- mediate demand; for it seems to have been the habit of
185
186
History of Trinity Church
[1837
every body to fall back, confidingly, on Old Mother Trinity whenever anything was required in the ecclesiastical line. The Vestry generously faced the emergency. After a reference of the communication to a committee, and on their report, it was ordered, Ist, that a house should be built for the Bishop; 2dly, that he should be allowed $1500 for house rent until the Episcopal residence should be completed and ready for occupation, and 3dly, that the Standing Committee should proceed forthwith "to select a suitable lot of land on which to erect the said building, to procure the necessary plans and estimates, and to re- port thereon to the Vestry."1 Among the arguments urged in favor of a residence in town was this : that the Bishop's presence there would serve "to prevent the in- troduction of unsound principles and dangerous irregu- larities, and to regulate and balance the various machineries of the Church and preserve them in harmonious opera- tion "; while his removal from the city would be very likely "to tend to rivalries and jealousies."? Moreover it was urged that he ought to be "in free and constant in- tercourse with the leading members of our communion throughout the United States which is best afforded in this great Emporium."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.