USA > New York > New York City > A history of the parish of Trinity Church in the city of New York, pt 4 > Part 36
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1 P. 3, Report to the Vestry.
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426
History of Trinity Church [1856
Clergy of this Parish to the Venerable Society, for seventy years, will abundantly show.
" But when this relation was broken up, and it was left entirely to the support of the Parish itself, the civil and religious benefits which it had conferred from generation to generation upon the poor, and by a retro-active influence upon the community at large, were so manifest and striking, that it was by no means abandoned or neglected. As soon as Trinity Church had in some measure recovered from the losses which she had sustained in the calamities and destructions of civil war, the Charity-school was revived; it was aided by the annual contribu- tions of the parishioners; it was revived at successive periods by liberal grants, and at length, amply endowed by this Corporation; and it is now on the eve, through the munificent donations of an individual, made vastly more valuable in the providential arrangements of God, than was ever dreamed of by the donor, about to become one of the richest and most important Institutions in the land.
"Our past experience, then, in this matter, is a strong ground of en- couragement for the future. The extension of the Parish, in the course of time, from one Church to four, and the altered condition of things with respect to the worshippers in their social position, leaving few comparatively of the wealthy, and increasing greatly the number of the poor, present powerful motives for the enlargement of our plans.
" It is thought by some among the more intelligent and refined, and acted upon by more among the ignorant and unreflecting, that our Public Schools have superseded the necessity of Charity and Parochial Schools, and that the system of instruction in the former is much more thorough and efficient. It would be unbecoming to call in question the honesty of this conviction, while we may be permitted to doubt its cor- rectness, or to disparage the advantages of a mere civil education, except as a substitution for a higher. Elementary learning in all the useful branches of knowledge, is desirable for the whole mass of the people, and is intimately connected with the well-being of society. It fits them for the practical business of life, it develops their faculties, it increases their resources, it multiplies their enjoyments, it refines their minds, softens their manners, and elevates their condition, however lowly in degree or humble their occupation.
" But it does not answer all the purposes of their being, nor satisfy all the wants of the human heart. This can alone be done by that wis- dom which cometh from above that maketh wise unto salvation. All else is but of little account in comparison with the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord.
427
The Rector's Report
1856]
"It is this which exalts our minds, which purifies our hearts and sanctifies our lives, which enlarges our aims and elevates our hopes, which gives grace and dignity to life, and peace and comfort to death. When human learning is made the hand-maid of religion, the union is lovely and perfect; but when unsanctified and unblessed, it often proves both to the possessor and to the world, the bitterest curse.
"But this, it may be said, is not intended by any who call them- selves Christians. There are other modes of securing the young against spiritual ignorance and viciousness of life; parental training at home, catechetical and other instruction from their pastors, and the more frequent opportunities of increasing in wisdom and grace at the Sunday-School. These are all important auxiliaries in the religious education of the young, but still they are by no means a substitute for the fuller instruction of a Parish-School.
" As. to parental training at home, how few are there in the gay and busy world around us, even among the well-educated and devout, who discharge this duty with such fidelity and patience, as effectually to accomplish it! On the contrary, how many are there who, with an unnatural indifference to the highest interests of their children, either devolve this duty on others, or pay no attention to it at all.
" But in respect to the class of persons from which, for the most part, the children are gathered for the Parish-School, what suitable training can be expected from them? Even those who are well dis- posed, are generally too ignorant to become instructors of others. Many are as insensible to their parental obligations towards their off- spring, as they are neglectful of their own duty towards God. And others are so utterly depraved and brutalized by all manner of vice, that their sons, unless placed under better influences, must almost in- variably become the sons of Belial, and their daughters the victims of sin and shame.
." These evils may indeed be partially remedied, though not effect- ually cured, by the wholesome instructions of the Sunday-School. But these lessons recurring only weekly, and not followed up in the intervals by line upon line and precept upon precept, as they would be in the daily and hourly teaching of the Parish-School, the good impres- sions which are made can scarcely be expected to be so deep and abiding.
"Of the Catechetical and other instruction of their pastors, which comes with the advantage of a riper knowledge in holy things, and the higher sanction of their ministerial authority, it may indeed be said that in whatever measure it may be meted out, it is always attended
428
History of Trinity Church
[1856
with a proportionate degree of God's favor and blessing towards those who meekly receive it. But as the theory and practice of a Parish- School imply the immediate and daily supervision of a Clergyman of the Parish, to impart religious instruction according to the views of the Church, in how much more abundant measure would the blessings be poured out, if these constant opportunities were afforded by the establishment of such schools in the Church at large.
"It may here however be proper, after this general statement, to give the views of the Rector in regard to matters of detail.
"The first is that we should endeavor to do the greatest amount of good with the smallest degree of expense consistent with the sub- stantial objects of the plan itself. A feeble beginning, in the natural development of its growth, may lead to a healthy and successful end.
"The buildings suited for the purpose, of which one is already in existence, another in progress, and the third in contemplation, provide for one part of the scheme. The teachers for the simple elementary branches of a common English education provide for the second. The books of instruction and stationery, the premiums for the reward of good conduct and merit, the compensation to those who have the care of the apartments, form the third. As to clothing and feasting, they should be left to the kind charities of the congregations, who will feel more interest in the objects which they themselves have endeavored to promote.
"But even with these limitations the scheme proposed may still seem too large. It may increase in magnitude, beyond its just pro- portion the expenses of the Parish, and yet accomplish but little in comparison with its cost. It may attempt, what after all, may appear to be only a drop in the bucket.
" Be not faithless, but believing. Who can tell what the result of our action may be in this matter, and how far a little leaven may serve to leaven the whole lump ? Who can tell how much the respect and attachment may be increased for this Corporation, which, with all its reputed wealth, and all its pretended arrogance and pride still conde- scends to the lowly, and seeks their good rather than its own? Who can tell how far its liberality may serve as an example for others, and have an unseen influence on ages to come ?
"To these views, it is believed, the whole body of Assistant Min- isters will give their hearty concurrence."
To the " Report" are appended the returns from the ministers in charge of the Parish Church and the chapels.
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429
The Rector's Report
1856]
These are full of information, give many facts of great interest, and prove that the old Parish was thoroughly alive. A summary of them has already been given.
An edition of fifteen hundred copies was printed and speedily distributed.1
1 Report to the Vestry of Trinity Church on the State of the Parish, by William Berrian, D.D., Rector of the same.
CHAPTER XXI.
ATTACKS ON THE CORPORATION.
Meeting of the Senate Committee on the Property of Trinity Corporation- Examina- tion of Witnesses-Testimony of Various Clergy against Trinity Corporation-Report of the Senate Committee - Hearing before the Senate-Committee Amends its Re- port-Substitute Bill Offered-And Passed-Opening of St. John's Chapel after its Restoration-Memorial to the Revolutionary Soldiers in Trinity Churchyard-Address by Dr. Vinton on the Opening of Albany Street.
W E have now to resume the story of the aggressions on the venerable Corporation during the years 1856 and 1857.
A resolution was adopted, in the Senate of the State of New York, on motion of Mr. Brooks, a member of that body, that the Vestry of Trinity Church be requested to answer without delay the questions propounded in the resolutions adopted on the 10th of April, 1855, requiring certain information therein specified to be laid before the Senate on the 7th day of January, 1856.1
On Wednesday, January 30th, the following letter of the Comptroller was presented to the Senate :
"NEW YORK, January 28, 1856.
"TO THE HON., THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK :
"The undersigned, the Comptroller of Trinity Church in the City of New York, has received a copy of the resolution of your honorable body requesting the Vestry to answer by the first day of February next, certain questions propounded by previous resolutions of the Senate. A report in response to such questions is now in the course of preparation by the undersigned by direction of the Vestry. But owing to the fact that a part of the information asked for is required to be brought down to the first of November last, to the complication
1 See Journal of the Senate, 1856 , pp. 17, 73, 83, 112, 219, 226, 248, 386, 626.
430
431
Letter to the Senate
1856]
and difficulty attending the task of estimating the value of the real estate of this Corporation, and of each lot and parcel thereof, irre- spective of the leases thereon, and to the great labor required to answer that, and the other heads of inquiry and to the circum- stance that shortly after said first of November last the principal clerk in the office of the undersigned, who was familiar with the subject, was incapacitated by sickness to attend to his duties and still remains so, the undersigned fears that the report cannot be ready by the time indicated. Its preparation is proceeding with diligence, and the re- spect of the Vestry for the Honorable Senate will induce them not to delay its presentation to the Senate one day longer than is absolutely necessary.
"They pray that in order that there may not be any seeming dis- respect shown by a failure to give the desired information at the time fixed by the Senate, that the time for a response may be extended by the Senate until the 15th day of February next.
" Respectfully,
"I am your obedient servant,
"WM. E. DUNSCOMB, "Comptroller."
The request for extension of time having been granted, the report was presented, February 20, 1856. It was full in every particular required and gave the information asked for. The Vestry, however, mindful of their rights and dignity, asserted their independence of legislative control, in the following words :
" But before entering upon the statements hereinafter contained, the Vestry beg leave respectfully to aver that they furnish the informa- tion requested by the Senate, not acknowledging the power of the Senate to exact such information, but in order that they may not be deemed wanting in respect for your honorable body, or unwilling to display to the public the statement of this Corporation, its financial condition, and management by this Vestry of its property. They feel satisfied that the facts presented in this paper will remove any un- favorable impressions detrimental to the interest of Trinity Church, which have been occasioned by representations which it is conjectured have inclined your honorable body to pass the resolutions above con- tained. But being charged with the guardianship of a large property
,
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History of Trinity Church
[1856
and important rights, they beg leave respectfully to represent that the requiring of such reports as that asked for by the resolutions of the Honorable Senate is not justified by any legal principle, and is op- pressive to this Corporation.1 If there should be at any time any cause for complaint against this Corporation, the Courts are open, and are adequate to afford a remedy ; and the entering by the Legislature upon an investigation into the affairs of any single Corporation, which investigation if it has any materiality, properly belongs to such Courts, is an assumption of their powers, and is burdensome upon the Cor- poration affected, by calling upon it to justify itself, by laborious statements or productions of evidence to a tribunal which has no power to decide.
"This Corporation has within a few years past made answer to two similar calls for information from the houses of the Legislature, the one contained in the resolutions of your honorable body of the 9th day of March, 1846, and the other contained in the resolutions of the honorable the House of Assembly, of March 4, 1854.
" There is no provision in the Charter of this Corporation, and the general statute requiring it to report to the Legislature, and because this Vestry have found the answers to those repeated requirements expensive and onerous, and believed them to be an infringement of the chartered rights of Trinity Church, they humbly protest against the right of the Legislature, or either branch of it, to call for reports from this Vestry, relative to the condition of affairs of this Corporation." 2
The Report, when received, was referred to a Special Committee Consisting of Messrs. Mark Spencer, of New York City, James Noxon, of Onondaga, and J. H. Ram- sey, of Schoharie. Agitation on the subject ceased for a space, it being understood that the Committee would make investigation into the matter of reference, and visit the city for that purpose before presenting a report to the Senate. 3
1 Records, liber iv., folio 244. 2 Report of Trinity Church, pp. 3, 4.
& See Memorial of the Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestrymen of Trinity Church, in the City of New York, to the Commissioners of the Land Office of the State of New York, 8 vo, p. II. In Trinity Church Collection, State Library, Albany. Also Senate Documents, No. 45. In Senate, February 20, 1856, communication of the Vestry of Trinity Church in the City of New York, to the Honourable the Senate of the State of New York, in reply to resolutions of the Senate passed April 13, 1855.
433
Action of the Senate
1857]
It was announced to the Vestry, at their stated meet- ing on the 10th of November, 1856, that the Committee of the Senate was about to visit the city for the pur- pose of examining the Report made to the Senate at its last session by the Corporation. The Committee arrived in due time, and held meetings on Tuesday, December 3d, Wednesday, December 4th, and Thursday and Friday, December 19th and 20th. Many witnesses were summoned to appear, eleven of them being clergy- men, of whom only three were Assistant Ministers of the Parish. Among the laymen summoned was the Comp- troller of the Corporation. A summary of the testimony taken at that time shows that the Committee was following a preconceived plan, as only answers to questions already prepared by them were allowed, and no voluntary state- ments were admitted. The sessions were held with closed doors, and there appears to have been no effort to call friends and members of Trinity Church.
The Committee, having completed their investigation, presented a report, with the testimony, and the draft of a proposed act amending the Act of 1814. This report, dated January 29, 1857, was ordered to be printed.1 The Committee gave it as their opinion that the property of the Corporation was held in trust for all the inhabitants of the City of New York ; they also charged the Corporation with partiality in grants and extravagant expenditure within the Parish, and arraigned it for not building free churches for the general use of the citizens of the metropolis.
The report, upon its face, was so partial, that even those Senators who cared little or nothing for Trinity Church thought that it needed further consideration, and it was recommitted. The representatives of the Parish
1 See Journal of the Senate, p. 142.
VOL. IV .- 28.
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History of Trinity Church
[1857
now asked for and obtained an opportunity of being heard and of calling witnesses in behalf of the Corporation. Such hearing was commenced on Friday, February 13, 1857, and continued for ten days from that date. The Corporation was represented on that occasion by the Hon. Amasa J. Parker and Mr. Orlando Meads. Mr. John K. Porter ap- peared before the Committee on behalf of those seeking the modification of the law of 1814. The witnesses for the Church were Bishop Potter, Dr. Berrian, Drs. Hig- bee, Haight, Hobart, and Vinton, and S. H. Weston, Bishop De Lancey, and Messrs. Samuel F. Skidmore, Gulian C. Verplanck, John A. Dix, William Moore, and Richard H. Ogden. The several charges of partiality, inefficiency, neglect of the poor, and failure to build free churches, and the contention that all Episcopalians resi- dent on Manhattan Island were corporators of Trinity Church, were fully covered in the course of the testimony.
In further illustration of this subject, the following ex- tracts are here given, from a communication of the Hon. John A. Dix, addressed to the Chairman of the Committee of the Senate, at a time when he supposed that it would be impossible for him to appear before the Committee in person. The communication may be found, either among the Senate Documents at Albany, or, in the Appendix to the. Memoirs of my father.1 It contains several tables of figures, exhibiting the revenue and ordinary ex- penditures of the Corporation for the year ending April 30, 1856, with a statement of receipts and disbursements, the annual deficits of income, and the allowances and loans to other churches for the ten years preceding the date of the communication. These tables, prepared by General Dix from the books of the Corporation, and examined and compared by the Comptroller, with the aid of an expert
1 Memoirs of John Adams Dix, compiled by his son Morgan Dix.
435
Report of General Dix
1857]
accountant, are omitted in the following extracts ; only such portions of the communication being given as tend to show the general policy of the Corporation in the man- agement of the estate, and vindicate them from aspersions on their character and actions as trustees.
On the 23d of February General Dix presented him- self as a witness, and after being sworn, and asked to state generally any facts within his knowledge in regard to the charges made against the Vestry of Trinity Church, he replied that when he was subpoenaed he was engaged in the transaction of important business, from which he feared he would not be released till the labors of the Com- mittee were closed. He had, therefore, prepared a com- munication, addressed to the chairman of the Committee, and sent it to Albany a week before, by Mr. Livingston, one of his associates in the Vestry. The session of the Committee having been continued to a later period than he had expected, he had thought proper to appear before them in person. He added that he had the communica- tion with him, and if the Committee would permit him to read it he thought it would save them a good deal of time in preparing questions, and himself a good deal of incon- venience in writing out answers. The Committee having assented to the suggestion, he read the communication, as a part of his testimony.
" NEW YORK, February 11, 1857.
" Hon. M. Spencer, Chairman of the Select Committee of the Senate on the Report of Trinity Church:
" SIR :- I have just seen and read the Report made to the Senate on the 29th ult. by the Committee of which you are chairman, together with the testimony appended thereto; and as there are imputations therein derogatory to the character of the Vestry of Trinity Church, of whom I am one, both as regards their fairness and their discreetness
436
History of Trinity Church
[1857
in the execution of their trust, I ask leave to submit to the Committee the following statement. Business of a very urgent nature, affecting the interests of others, which I should be inexcusable for neglecting, prevents me from visiting Albany. I should otherwise have appeared before the Committee and asked them to take my testimony orally, instead of soliciting their indulgence so far as to allow me to present it in the form of a written communication.
"I was appointed a vestryman in the autumn of 1849, and have served in that capacity to the present time. With the exception of ten months in 1854 and 1855, during which I was absent from the country, and occasional temporary absences from the State at other times, I have attended with a good deal of regularity the meetings of the Vestry, and have taken a somewhat active part in its proceedings.
" I do not propose to trouble the Committee with any discussion of the legal rights of the Corporation under the original grants by which it holds its property, or the legislative enactments by which its corporate powers have been confirmed or enlarged; nor do. I intend to offer to the Committee any opinion with regard to the true interpreta- tion of those enactments or grants. The sole object of this statement, which is made on my own responsibility, is to present such explanations as seem to me necessary to exonerate myself and my associates from charges which have been brought against us by some of the witnesses, and which do us, as I conceive, great injustice.
" I beg leave to say farther, with perfect respect for the Committee and the body by which it was appointed, that, in presenting this state- ment, I have not overlooked the vital relation which an inquiry instituted by one branch of the Legislature through the action of a committee, into the administration of the internal affairs of a religious corporation, bears to the rights of every ecclesiastical body in the State. I do not admit the existence of such an authority as has been exercised in regard to the body with which I am connected, more especially when carried so far as to solicit ex parte opinions concerning the motives under which individuals may have been supposed to act; and I cannot but think, when the question is deliberately considered, that it will be found to possess a most important bearing upon the rights of conscience, which it was one of the leading objects of the Constitution to secure-a question well worthy, under this aspect, of the most serious public regard. If I have chosen to meet, with a res- ervation of rights which I deem inviolable, the imputations cast upon me and my associates, instead of passing them by in silence, it is in order that the minds of the Committee, the Legislature, and the com-
437
Report of General Dix
1857]
munity may not be misled by the testimony in which those imputations are contained.
"Soon after my connection with the Vestry commenced, my at- tention was attracted to the financial condition of the Corporation, which seemed to me very unsatisfactory. Its debts amounted to nearly half a million of dollars; and by reason of the large donations it was in the habit of making to other churches, its revenue had become inadequate to its expenditures, and the annual deficits were made up by a sale of property. I regarded this practice, though founded upon a generous consideration for the wants of other parishes, and a desire to promote the advancement of the interests of the Epis- copal Church in the city and the State, as opposed to all sound prin- ciples of finance. No fund or endowment can long withstand a regular consumption of its principal. Encumbered as the Church property was by leases, it could rarely be sold, in any considerable parcels, without serious sacrifice; and it was my opinion that the con- tributions of the church, instead of being enlarged, should be cur- tailed; that its debt should not be increased; that its expenditures should, if possible, be brought within its income; and that its property should, as a general rule, be preserved until the expiration of its leases, when it could be sold without loss; thus leaving the church in condi- tion to carry out with vigor and success the great plan of ministration which seemed to me to be clearly marked out by changes in progress in the distribution of business and population throughout the city.
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