USA > New York > New York City > An historical sketch of Trinity Church, New-York > Part 18
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of such an abatement that I might be enabled to con- tinue my official duties with advantage to the Church, and without material injury to myself.
" The experiment has, I think, now been fairly tried, and from my advanced age and increasing debility, I have no reason to conclude that any very favourable change is to be expected. I must, therefore, beg leave, most respectfully, to resign my place of Church War- den, and the office of Comptroller ; the resignation to take place at once, unless the Vestry should prefer that it should not do so before the 20th of next month, to give time for the appointment of my successor, and the delivery of the Church papers into his hands. It must be obvious to every reflecting mind, that a dis- solution of the confidential and intimate connection which has lasted for half a century or upwards with your respectable body, and been cemented by mutual good offices and regard, cannot fail to be attended by sensations of a painful nature. Undoubtedly I feel them with due sensibility, but I hope that I may be .. permitted (without incurring the imputation of arro- gance and vanity) now to say, when taking my leave of you, that I have the consolation derived from a consciousness which I carry with me, that during all that time, I have served the Church with undeviating fidelity, and done every thing in my power, according to the best of my abilities, to promote its true interests, without suffering any private advantage or views of my own, or any undue partialities, to interfere with that great object in any particular whatever.
"I must now, Gentlemen, beg leave to offer my sincere thanks to the Vestry, for the very important
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offices and stations which, without any solicitation on my part, they have at different times conferred upon me, and for the great candour with which they have treated me upon all occasions. I have only to add, that, with the warmest attachment for your body, and due respect for each of them, I am and shall remain, Gentlemen,
"Your obliged and obedient servant, "R. HARISON.
" New-York, 22d May, 1827."
"Which communication was referred to Messrs. Rogers, McEvers, T. L. Ogden, Underhill, Laight, McFarlan, and Weeks, to consider and report what proceedings may be proper on the part of the Vestry in consequence thereof, and also whether, and if any, what farther arrangements may be expedient in rela- tion to the office of Comptroller."
The committee on the Comptroller's communication to the Vestry, made a report in the words following :
" The committee to whom was referred the Comp- troller's late letter to the Vestry, submit the accompa- nying resolutions as proper to be passed in reference to that communication.
" The committee, having adverted to the existing resolutions on this subject, do not perceive that any new arrangements are called for in relation to the office of Comptroller, except as to the salary, which, in their opinion, may be reduced to fifteen hundred dollars per annum.
"Taking into consideration the long experience of the Clerk of the Vestry in the affairs of this Corpora- tion, and his knowledge of its property and concerns,
1
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it appears to the committee that his services may be made useful in the general management of its business.
"They therefore recommend, that it be made part of the duty of the Clerk, to attend at the vestry-office, when and as often as circumstances may require, to advise with the Comptroller; and that, in lieu of his present salary, he be allowed hereafter five hundred dollars per annum.
"On behalf of the Committee, "N. ROGERS, Chairman. "New-York, 11th June, 1827."
The above report, in connection with Mr. Harison's letter of resignation, being first taken into consideration, the following resolutions were adopted :
" Resolved, That this Vestry, deeply lamenting the existence of those infirmities which have induced Mr. Harison to resign the offices of Church Warden and Comptroller, do accept his resignation of those offices, to take effect from the 20th of this month.
" Resolved, That the members of this Vestry enter- tain a high sense of the zeal and fidelity with which Mr. Harison has discharged the duties of the several stations which, during his connection with the Vestry, he has occupied by its appointment ; and that they are also deeply sensible of the great value of the services rendered by him to this Corporation, during a long course of years he has sustained toward each.
" Resolved, That the Clerk be requested to furnish a copy of these resolutions to Mr. Harison, and, in behalf of the individual members of the Vestry, to re- ciprocate all the expressions of affectionate regard and . attachment contained in his letter of resignation, and
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to assure him of their unceasing interest in his welfare and happiness."
In the autumn of 1830 a great calamity befell the Parish, the Diocese, and the Church at large, in the sudden and unexpected death of Bishop Hobart. The grief on the occasion was profound and universal. The following proceedings, in reference to this melan- choly event, took place in the Vestry.
At a meeting of the Church Wardens and Vestry- men of Trinity Church, in the city of New-York, held in their vestry-office, on the 15th day of September 1830, present,
NEHEMIAH ROGERS, and CHARLES MCEVERS,
Church Wardens.
JOHN ONDERDONK, JONATHAN H. LAWRENCE,
JAMES BLEECKER
THOMAS SWORDS,
TEUNIS QUICK,
PETER A. MESIER,
JONATHAN OGDEN,
JACOB LORILLARD,
EDWARD W. LAIGHT,
GABRIEL FURMAN,
WILLIAM JOHNSON,
JOHN T. IRVING,
EZRA WEEKS,
ANTHONY L. UNDERHILL,
ROBERT THOMAS,
GEORGE JONES,
WILLIAM E. DUNSCOMB,
PHILIP HONE,
Vestrymen.
Mr. N. Rogers as senior Warden took the chair, and the Clerk being absent from the city, Mr. John- son was requested to act as Clerk of the meeting.
" Having received the afflicting intelligence of the death (whilst on a visitation to a distant part of his Diocese) of the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese, and Rector of this Church, and fully sensible of our duty to bend with humble submis- sion to the ordering of a wise and overruling Provi- dence-it was
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"Resolved unanimously, That we shall ever hold in the most grateful and respectful remembrance, the truly Christian and Apostolic character and eminent services of our deeply lamented Rector.
"That as part of the Diocese of New-York, and of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, we feel it a duty to our venerated and beloved friend and pastor, to express, as we do hereby express, our high sense of his promptitude, unexampled zeal, and unwearied exertions to promote every object connect- ed with the best interests of religion, and of the Church, of which he was one of the most able, disinterested, and indefatigable servants.
"That the respectful and affectionate condolence of the Vestry be tendered to the afflicted Relict and fa- mily of the deceased.
" That with the concurrence of the family of the de- ceased, his funeral be conducted under the direction and at the expense of the Corporation of Trinity Church, and that the expenses attending his last illness, and the removal of his remains to this city, be also de- frayed by this Corporation.
" That Mr. McEvers, Judge Irving, Mr. Hone, Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Johnson, be a committee to make such arrangements for conducting the funeral of the deceased, as they may think best suited to manifest the feelings of this Church on this melancholy event.
" Resolved, That in further testimony of our high res- pect for the memory of our late Rector, the members of this Vestry will attend his funeral as mourners, and wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
"Resolved, That Trinity Church, and St. Paul's and
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St. John's Chapels be hung in the customary mourning until the festival of Christmas.
" Resolved, That a certified copy of the foregoing resolutions be delivered to Mrs. Hobart, the respected Relict of our late Rector."
And at a meeting on the 4th of Oct., the following resolutions were adopted unanimously :-
" Resolved, That the thanks of this Vestry be pre- sented to the Rev. John C. Rudd, D.D., Rector of St. Peter's Church at Auburn, for the affectionate and de- voted attentions of himself and of his family to our late Rector during his last illness.
" Resolved, That the thanksof this Vestry be pre- sented to the Rev. Francis H. Cuming, Rector of Christ's Church at Binghampton, and to Mr. Thos. Y. How, Junr., for their kind attentions to our late Rec- tor, during his last illness, and in attending his remains to this city.
" Resolved, That the Clerk send certified copies of the foregoing resolutions, to the above named gentle- men, respectively.
"Resolved, That the Comptroller, under the direc- tion of the Standing Committee, pay all the expenses of every description attending the last sickness of the late Rector, and the removal of his remains to this city, so as in their discretion, fully to indemnify those who may have incurred the same.
" Resolved, That the salary and allowance of the late Rector be continued to his widow until the end of the current half year, and that she have the use of the Rector's house until the last day of May next.
" Resolved, That the Standing Committee consider
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and report to the Vestry, what further provision ought to be made for the support of the widow and family of the late Rector.
" Resolved, That a suitable monument be erected in Trinity Church to the memory of the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, D.D., late Bishop of the Diocese of New-York, and Rector of this Church, and that Mr. Hone, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Weeks, Mr. McEvers and Mr. Laight, be a Committee for this purpose."
Letters of condolence and various resolutions on casion of the death of Bishop Hobart, late Rector of this Church, were presented and read to the Vestry, viz .:
From the Vestries of St. John's Church, at Eliza- bethtown; St. Andrew's Church, New-York ; and St. Paul's Parish, Baltimore; from the Clergy of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church Baltimore ; from the Con- gregation of Sheareth Israel, New-York; from the Historical Society New-York, and from a meeting of the Lay Members of the Protestant Episcopal Society for the promotion of Religion and Learning in the State of New-York ; the Trustees of the New-York Protestant Episcopal Public School; the New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society ; the auxili- ary New-York Bible and Common Prayer Book So- ciety ; the New-York Protestant Episcopal Tract So- ciety ; the New-York Protestant Episcopal Missionary Society ; the New-York Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society ; the New-York Protestant Episcopal Press, and the Executive Committee of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union. It was
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thereupon ordered, that the Clerk of this Board ac- knowledge the receipt of the same several communica- tions.
On the 15th October, the Standing Committee made the following report :-
" The Standing Committee to whom it was referred, to consider and report what further provision ought to be made for the widow and family of the late Rec- tor-Report ; that having duly considered the sub- . ject referred to them, they recommend to the Vestry the adoption of the following preamble and resolu- tinos, viz .:-
" It appearing by the report of the Standing Commit- tee, that the family of the Rt. Rev. John Henry Ho- bart, deceased, late Bishop of the Diocese of New- York, and Rector of this Parish, are, by his sudden death, left without any adequate provision for their fu- ture maintenance ;- and this Vestry being sensible that the unceasing labours and exertions of this ever active and faithful servant of the Redeemer, in the discharge of the arduous duties incident to the various stations he has so long occupied in the Protestant Episcopal Church, whilst greatly contributing, under the blessing of Heaven, to the extension and prosperity of that Church, and eminently useful to the cause of sound re- ligion and morals, have necessarily led to the neglect of his private concerns, and to the sacrifice of his pri- vate interests ; Therefore,
"1. Resolved, That there be paid to the widow of the late Rector, for the support of herself and family, an annuity of two thousand dollars during her life, to com-
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mence from the first day of March next, when the temporary provision made by the resolution of the Vestry of the fourth instant, will cease.
"2. Resolved, That the sum of three hundred dol- lars per annum, be appropriated to the education and support of John Henry Hobart, the youngest son of the late Rector, until he shall attain the age of twenty-one years. In behalf of the Standing Committee
"WM. JOHNSON, Comptroller. " October 15, 1830. "
A communication from the family of the late Rec- tor, was read in the following words, and ordered to be entered on the minutes:
" The family of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Hobart, having received from the Clerk of the Vestry of Tri- nity Church, a copy of a resolution passed at a late meeting of that body, whereby it appears, that a very liberal and ample provision has been made for their future support, would beg leave most respectfully to express to the Church Wardens and Vestrymen their sincere and grateful acknowledgments.
" The afflicting dispensation of Providence, which deprived the family of their head and protector, had thrown them on the generosity of the representatives of that Church, in whose service he had spent the spring-time of his life, and to whose bountiful liberal- ity he had often been indebted for so much of his worldly comfort and happiness.
" With what kind and with what generous feelings they were regarded by the Vestry, the late act of that Board abundantly testifies, and while it may be consider- ed as an evidence of their grateful recollection of the
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faithful labours of him to whom they had so long stood in the near and endearing relations of Vestry and Rector, it is no less a proof of their lively and delicate sensibility to the necessities, and natural ex- pectations of those whom he has left dependent.
" While the family of the late Bishop Hobart would endeavour, thus feebly, to express to the Vestry of Trinity Church, their grateful sense of the timely and munificent provision made for their support, they do not fail to recognize in it, the hand of that kind Pro- vidence, who has thus disposed the hearts of his crea- tures, and who has promised to be the 'support of the widow, and the father of the fatherless.'
" New-York, Nov., 1830."
In the following notice of Bishop Hobart I shall merely condense what I have said more fully in my memorial of his life, and the sermon which I preached on the occasion of his death.
John Henry Hobart was born in Philadelphia, on the 14th day of September, 1775. He received his first instruction in English in the school of a Mr. Les- lie, who was considered a respectable teacher, and who was deservedly held in esteem. In his ninth year he commenced the study of Latin in the Episcopal Acade- my, the charge of which, soon after his admission, was committed to the Rev. Dr. Andrews, a ripe scholar, an admirable instructor, and a sound Churchman, who at once united in his character all that conciliates af- fection and esteem, and challenges profound respect. Mr. Hobart could not, therefore, have set out, in the commencement of his education, under greater advan- tages, or under better auspices.
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It is but seldom the case, however, in regard to the most eminent among men, that childhood presents much that is worthy of notice at the time, and it is still more rare, that there should be anything so striking as to be recollected in after life. The fond anticipations of friends, indeed, often attach a great degree of im- portance to circumstances that are trifling in them- selves, but which are regarded as indications of future greatness. Even these are apt to be forgotten by the most partial, unless they happen to correspond with the event. In respect to Mr. Hobart, it is known, that the most flattering expectations were indulged by those who were near to him ; that some of them lived to wit- ness his growing reputation ; that others were spared long enough to behold the fullfilment of all their wish- es ;- but it appears, that these things were reserved for the secret and cherished enjoyment of their own hearts-for the free communications of the domestic circle, or the correspondence of family friends. I have learned from one who knew him in youth, and who was intimate with his family, that his deportment, con- versation, opinions and habits, were the frequent and favourite theme of their discourse, and that they often dwelt with delight on those incidents which shadowed out the very character that he finally established. His childhood and youth presented a rare assemblage of · the most engaging qualities of heart and mind, which were the sure presages of eminence and respect in af- ter life.
Modesty, ingenuousness, purity of thought, and blamelessness of manners, secured for him the esteem and affection of all those early companions, whose
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friendship he valued, and screened him from the malev- olence and censure of those whose society he shunned. His industry in all his studies, his ambition to outstrip his competitors, and his uniform success, his acknow- ledged superiority, and the open approbation of his teachers, appear neither to have excited the ill will or dislike of those whom he humbled by his proficiency, nor to have provoked the jealousy of those with whom the contest was more keenly maintained. In fact, with the innate consciousness of genius, he concealed the marks of triumph, which it cost him but little la- · bour to achieve; and bearing his faculties meekly, he was the favourite of his school, the idol at College, and the oracle of every Society with which he was con- nected. In the sports of childhood or in the recrea- tions of youth, he mingled with his companions on a common footing, assuming no consequence and expect- ing no deference ; but with all the ease, and freedom, and sprightliness of his character, he entered into the mood of the moment, and contributed his full share towards their innocent enjoyments. Indeed, there seems to have been a charm in his manners and con- versation, which was almost like fascination, for no one, in early life, ever inspired friendship more readily, or was more happy in retaining the regards which he had once secured.
In 1791 he entered Princeton College, New-Jersey, through which he passed with great reputation. At a very early age he showed that readiness in the acqui- sition of knowledge, which distinguished him so much through the whole course of his life, and without the plodding diligence and patient application of many of
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his fellow students, he nevertheless succeeded, on taking his Batchelor's degree in 1793, in sharing with another, the first honour of his class.
Just after Mr. Hobart had graduated at Princeton College, all the promise of his aspiring genius was on the eve of being blighted for ever, by an unexpected change in his pursuits. From the beginning, the whole bent of his mind had been directed towards the acqui- sition of knowledge. Childhood had been spent in as- siduous study ; reading was his delight ; every species of information, attractive to young minds, was sought with avidity. After having passed through the prepa- ratory stages of an academical education, in a way which encouraged the hope of success, and finally sur- passed the fondest anticipations of his friends, he was induced, by their solicitations and advice, to resign the fruits of his labour, to change the aim of his life, and to prepare himself for a new vocation, in which, with all his bright gifts, he would probably have sunk below the mere drudges of business.
With an affectionate heart, which was alive to the comfort and happiness of all around him, he yielded to domestic considerations, and resolved to enter upon mercantile pursuits. Nothing could be more foreign to his taste, predilections and habits. In the estab- lishment which he entered there was an early friend,* who was strongly attached to him, who had a just esti- mate of his character, and had watched with delight the development of those faculties, of which he had
* James Robinson, Esq.
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long before formed a pleasing augury, and who now rejoiced in the fulfillment of his hopes. This friend, who had been brought up in Scotland, and imbued with that love of literature which often gives a liberal cast, even to those who are not destined for the learned pro- fessions, regarded the plan with pain and regret. He knew that a mind thus trained could not be subjected to so new a discipline ; that with whatever fidelity and diligence these duties might be discharged, they would not be pursued with ease and pleasure ; and that, fi- nally, after a great loss of valuable time, they would be relinquished in weariness and disgust. Though, there- fore, a beloved and cherished companion was thus brought near to him, he still lamented that he was out of place. The motives, however, which led to the sa- crifice were too delicate and commendable to admit of any opposition.
Mr. Hobart commenced his new employment with all the industry, ardour, and zeal for which he was distinguished in after life. But the effort was vain- it was against the whole bias of his nature, and, would it be presumptuous to say-against the designs of Providence ? A season of leisure came, which gave him an opportunity of resuming, at intervals, his favor- ite pursuits. The return of these pure and intellectual enjoyments revived all his love for them; he could endure his vocation no longer; his repugnance was invincible. His friends perceiving it, yielded to his wishes, and he abandoned it for ever.
Having found that this pursuit was uncongenial to his taste and habits, u on an invitation which he re-
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ceived from Dr. Smith, the President of Princeton College, to become a tutor in the institution, he soon returned to that seat of learning, where he had im- bibed his own love of letters, and there spent two years in the instruction of others. In this capacity he acquitted himself with remarkable address and ability, uniting the utmost vigilance and activity in the main- tenance of discipline, to a winning affability of deport- ment, which gained the affections, and secured the respect and esteem of the students. In all his public performances he was listened to with pleasure and admiration ; in his class he was a diligent and efficient instructor, and in conducting all the operations of the College, a leading and influential member of the Fa- culty. From the earliest period of life, in whatever sphere he might be moving, he would always become one of the principal agents in controlling its transac- tions. He was a member of the Whig Society, where he generally attended the meetings, and always main- tained a decided ascendancy. There is one incident in connection with it, which strikingly illustrates a peculiarity that marked him in after life-the intense interest which he took in every thing in which he was engaged. So eagerly did he apply himself to the objects and plans of this Institution, that some years after he had attended its meetings, when the records of it were destroyed by fire, he was able from memory to furnish its members substantially, and almost literally, with a complete copy of their constitution and laws.
Mr. Hobart resided at Princeton until the spring of 1798, when he returned to Philadelphia, and was ordained Deacon, in the month of June, by Bishop 18
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White .* In compliance with the wishes of the Bish- op, who, from having known him from his childhood, was exceedingly anxious to keep him near to him, he accepted the charge of Trinity Church, Oxford, and All Saints Pequestan, in the vicinity of Philadelphia. During the time that he officiated in these churches, he discharged all his duties with the greatest fidelity and zeal, and the people were entirely satisfied with his labours; but, as they were scattered over a consid- erable extent of country, so much time was consumed in attending to his parochial duties, as to leave him but little for study. He soon perceived the utter impossi- bility of reconciling the disadvantages of his situation with that high standard in the knowledge of his pro- fession to which his ardent and ambitious mind aspired. Under the influence of this consideration, he determin- ed to leave it, and accepted, in 1799, an invitation to Christ Church, New-Brunswick.
The situation at New-Brunswick, however, though possessing some advantages which he prized, did not altogether correspond with his wishes; and his atten- tion was then turned towards the Parish at Hempstead, on Long-Island, the charge of which he shortly after accepted. He had just declined an opportunity of being settled in St. Mark's Church, in this city, pre- ferring the humble appointment at Hempstead. In the spring of 1800, he married Mary Goodin Chandler, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Chandler, so greatly distin- guished, both at home and abroad, for his eminent
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