USA > New York > Monroe County > Rochester > Centennial annals of St. Luke's Church, Rochester, N.Y., 1817-1917 > Part 7
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Addresses followed by the Rev. Murray Bart- lett of St. Paul's, the Rev. Warren C. Hubbard of Trinity, the Rev. Dr. W. D. Doty of Christ Church, and the Rev. Amos Skeele of the Epiph- any, the first four living children of St. Luke's. Dr. Converse then read a paper prepared by the Rev. C. O. Dantzer, upon the connection of St. Luke's Church with the religious work among the deaf- mutes, and the closing address was made by the Archdeacon of Rochester, the Rev. Dr. Washburn, who said :
The last in such a series of addresses must needs be brief. Yet, at least two thoughts should find expression from my lips. I bring you here the grateful greetings of many a mission and in their stead wish you every blessing. St. Luke's has labored not alone to found one and another parochial mission in the passing years, but has stretched forth a helping hand to diocesan missions as well. The faithful church folk here have o'er-leaped parochialism and ungrudgingly aided the encircling villages in their efforts to secure the blessed ministries of the gospel. I could enumerate a goodly list of just such congregations : God bless you, is the message which from all such is sent to you to-night. And, secondly, there is a word of encour- agement and reminder which I am moved to add. This
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offering you are about to make-it is to perpetuate the glorious work of the downtown church. A most notable feature of our present day civilization is the growth of cities. And in a very real sense the destiny of this country depends upon the character of our metropolitan life. And again, that character is to be moulded from the heart out- wards. It is then the downtown church which must leaven the core of the nation. It is for such a vital and tre- mendous mission that you now propose to equip this parish. I urge then liberal gifts. Go forward, then, with liberal hands and courageous hearts to your beckoning tasks. And may the smile of heaven ever rest upon you, one and all.
The offerings were then received and at the close of the service a brief reception was held in the parish house. The amount, acknowledged by the Treasurer, in money and pledges was $14,635.62, which added to the original $10,000 made a total on the Treasurer's books of $24,635.62. This amount was gradually augmented from many sources, including a $2,000 legacy in October, 1913, from Mrs. Harriet F. Newcomb, one of $600 from Miss Minnie A. Bellows in May, 1914, and one in December of the same year of $1,000 from Miss Jane E. Rochester, so that in December, 1916, the Treasurer reported that the Endowment Fund amounted to $37,319.44.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration was prefaced on the eve of Ascension Day by a largely attended meeting of the Church Club, held in St. Luke's largest Guild Room by invitation of the Rector, at which Mr. E. C. Denton, President of the Club, called on the Rev. Dr. Anstice to speak on " The
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Relation of St. Luke's to the Growth of the Church in This City," and on the Rev. Dr. Nelson Millard to speak of "St. Luke's Nearest Ecclesiastical Neighbor," who emphasized the cordial relations which had existed and which he hoped always would exist between the people of the First Pres- byterian Church and St. Luke's, and of the warm friendship between the former Rector, the present Rector and himself. The closing address was by Mr. Selden S. Brown of Scottsville on " The Pro- gress of the American Church." Refreshments were served by the ever-ready and efficient Parish Aid Chapter of the Guild, under the headship of Mrs. C. P. Ford.
As this meeting of the Church Club precluded the Jubilee, so a public service in the Church fol- lowed it, under the auspices of the local assembly of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, at which the Rev. C. F. J. Wrigley of St. Mary's, Buffalo, preached. After the service an extended Conference was held in the larger Guild Room, at which Dr. Anstice presented greetings from the Philadelphia Assem- bly, and Mr. M. K. Servis of the Buffalo Assembly told of the work in that city. Other speakers were the Rev. W. F. Faber of Lockport, who was on his way to attend the State Convention of the Brother- hood at Syracuse, Archdeacon Washburn, Rev. Messrs. Burleson and Wrigley and Messrs. Denton and Baker.
The Treasurer of the Sunday School, Mr. Geo. H. Plummer, reported that its Lenten and Easter
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offering was $175, standing first among the schools of Rochester and second in the diocese, Trinity Church, Geneva, having a better record by $2. He further said :
In New York State, out of 376 schools we are number six, and out of 3,016 schools contributing in the United States we stand in the 34th place. While reading over the names of those who stand ahead of us in the ranks, we noted with delight that the Sunday School of St. Matthias' Church, Philadelphia, where Dr. Anstice is rector, stands as third in the United States, being credited with $507.94. We are glad we have done so well and shall try for a better record next year.
The funeral of Mr. Haywood Hawks, Treasurer of the Diocese and of St. Luke's Endowment Fund, was conducted May 26th by the Bishop and other clergy, and the Vestry adopted the following minute :
In the death of Mr. Haywood Hawks, for many years a faithful communicant of the parish and energetic assist- ant in the Sunday School, we recognize the loss of a Christian brother of sterling integrity of character, ex- ceptional ability and judgment in all business relations, and a warmth and geniality of disposition that made all men his friends. His character and career point a moral for all, both old and young. The truth is old indeed, but needs ever fresh illustration that high principles, energy, steadfastness and a kindly and generous regard for others, assure-as nothing else can assure-success, influence and the affectionate esteem of our fellows.
Mr. E. H. Vredenburg was elected Treasurer of the Endowment Fund in his place, July 5, 1899.
The following minute was placed upon the rec- ords Jan. 28, 1900:
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Edward A. Frost departed this life on the 24th day of January, 1900. Mr. Frost had been a zealous, faithful and useful member of this church for many years and one of its vestrymen during the years of 1865, 1867 and 1868 and also from 1888 continuously to the time of his death. His entire life of sixty-eight years was spent in the city of Rochester. He was a public spirited, active and influential citizen; an able and faithful public servant in various important civil offices to which he was elected, and a man of high character, having the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
An important change was voted, April 8, 1900, to be recommended to the Easter parish meeting, viz .: that the annual parish election be hereafter held, instead of on Easter Monday, on the first Monday after the first Sunday in Advent, that the number of Vestrymen be nine instead of eight, and that one Warden for a term of two years, and three Vestrymen for a term of three years, be elected at each election to fill the vacancies caused by the re- tirement of an equal number. The recommenda- tion having been favorably acted upon by the parish meeting, April 16th, it became the law of the parish.
The Rev. Dr. Converse penned this appreciation of his departing assistant in October, 1900:
The Rev. H. L. Burleson, who has labored with us so ably, faithfully and with such universal acceptance during the past two years, takes his departure at the end of this month, for his new field of work as Dean of the Cathedral church at Fargo, N. D. Our appreciation of his personal qualities and past helpfulness is most profound. His energy, ability, invariable kindliness-and to use an ex- pression of a former bishop-"fertility of good devices"
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in helping on all manner of good work in Sunday school and parish have won for him an exceptional place in the memory, affection and universal esteem of this church. As the bishop's right hand man and in the prominent and responsible position he will occupy, his abilities and devo- tion as preacher and organizer and parish priest will find, we have no doubt, an ample and fruitful field for their exercise.
The prayers, affectionate interest and best wishes of this parish-one and all-go with him to his new sphere of labor.
In the following February the Rev. Geo. R. Brush from St. Mary's, Salamanca, came to take Mr. Burleson's place.
The following tribute to Hon. and Col. James Brackett was placed upon the Vestry records, March, 1904:
Whereas, James Brackett, a devout communicant and warden of this church has entered into rest, after a long and eventful life spent in faithful service to God and man, therefore, resolved; that we, the rector, wardens and vestrymen of St. Luke's Church give public expression to the sense of deep affliction and loss we personally, and the parish which we represent, have sustained in his death. Mr. Brackett was a familiar and stately figure in this com- munity for more than sixty years and prominently identi- fied throughout that long period with the many commercial and financial interests of the city. He was conspicuous likewise in the way of personal services, wise advice and generous benefactions to its many charitable and philan- thropic enterprises. High-minded, conscientious and firm in all the varied affairs of his prolonged and busy career, he was at the same time genial in bearing, warm in his sympathy, abiding in his friendships and the very soul of honor in all engagements and responsibilities, the least as
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well as the greatest. He graced with unfailing dignity and discharged with devout faithfulness the duties of the office which he bore so long in his church. His affection and loyalty for St. Luke's has set a noble pattern for us all, and its inspiration will be felt for many years to come.
It is worthy of note that the ever-ready liberality of the congregation responded to the Rector's ap- peal for $1,500 at the Easter Offertory, 1904, for parish purposes with contributions amounting to $2,300.
Early in 1905, an agitation for the removal of the Church from the old site deeply stirred the congregation. The facts which made it possible were the opportunity of purchasing the eligible Plymouth Church property for $15,000, and a valid offer of $20,000 for the purchase of St. Luke's. The arguments for and against removal were assid- uously urged. The Rector and Vestry favored the project from the outset, but a strong and persistent minority of the congregation strenuously advocated the retention of the old site. A statement of the case was issued by the Vestry, parish meetings were held, and discussions had both in public and pri- vate from every point of view, with the result that the desirability of moving was affirmed by a major- ity vote of the congregation and of the Vestry, and the Standing Committee of the diocese and the Bishop gave their official consent.
But the question of the possibility of giving a good title to St. Luke's property was urgently pressed, and without ability to give such title, the
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proposed double transaction evidently could not be effected. The title had been perfected, as was sup- posed, when, as noted earlier in these Annals, Thos. C. Montgomery, Esq., in 1865, with much painstaking labor, secured releases from the heirs of the orig- inal donors of the land, Messrs. Rochester, Fitz- hugh and Carroll. But a new legal opinion held that the " reversionary interests " could not be val- idly extinguished by the heirs of that generation because they " could not be determined until the actual happening of the event which should termin- ate the interest of the Church in the property." Quincy Van Voorhis, Esq., was then retained by the Vestry " to take steps to end the controversy as to the Church's title," and he accordingly per- formed a large amount of legal labor. But finally in July, 1907, the Vestry voted that no further action be taken as no defect was admitted. Mean- while the project had been abandoned, largely on the ground that more parishioners would be lost than gained by abandoning the old site with the associations which cluster about it.
The " Pledge System " so happily inaugurated under the efficient management of Mr. Francis G. Ferrin as its Treasurer, in February, 1905, was re- ported to the Vestry December 8th, as having yield- ed pledges to the amount of $2,877.90, of whichi $2,370.90 had been collected. To follow up the good work, a parish meeting was held January 18th to consider the Church's financial interests as pre- sented by Mr. H. B. Hathaway, Warden, and to
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emphasize the importance and value of working the Pledge System. Addresses were made by John M. Williams, F. G. Ferrin and Chas. T. Chapin.
During this year, 1906, five iron rods were placed across the Church to ensure against any pos- sible bulging of the walls, the floor was strength- ened, there was considerable decorative painting and a hardwood floor was laid in the parish building.
On December 14th the following resolution was placed upon the Vestry records :
Resolved : That in the death of Mr. James E. Wolcott, a life-long member of St. Luke's, the vestry has lost a faithful and valued official, and the parish an exemplary communicant and generous supporter. Modest, kindly, firm and high-minded, the soul of honor and of courtesy in all his relationships and responsibilities, he illustrated in an eminent degree the qualities and the virtues of a Christian gentleman.
The tenth anniversary of Dr. Converse's Rec- torship was made memorable by the throng which assembled to do him honor and express their esteem and affection for him. The story may be best told in the language of the June issue of St. Luke's News:
The parish celebration in honor of Dr. Converse and Mrs. Converse on the evening of Tuesday, May 28th, was successful beyond our fondest dreams. The evening was delightful, and the parish house was crowded. It was in a very real sense a "parish reunion," the memory of which will linger long with all of us.
Spring blossoms and palms were used in profusion for the decoration of the Sunday School room, this work being
.
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in charge of a committee headed by Mrs. William C. Barry. The people of the parish began to come before the hour set for the reception, and by the time Dr. and Mrs. Converse arrived, there was a throng to welcome them. It did us all good to see the heartiness with which all present entered into the spirit of the occasion. Congratu- lations and best wishes were showered upon Dr. and Mrs. Converse by all present.
Shortly before nine, Dr. E. H. Howard, of the vestry, rapped for order, and witli well chosen words introduced Mr. Clinton Rogers, who spoke as follows:
"When, after a most able and efficient rectorship of thirty-one years, Dr. Anstice ten years ago last month offered his resignation to the vestry of St. Luke's, we were all at sea as to where to look for the right man to take his place. There was a man we thought of, a brilliant pulpit orator, a man of charming personality and trans- parent nobility of character, of dignified presence and of an agreeable and ready wit withal. But this best of all men for us was very satisfactorily placed in a college not very far from here. We knew he had left a large and influential church to take this collegiate chair, that he liked his work, and that the college, trustees, faculty and students were perfectly satisfied with him. How could we hope to get this wonderful and delightful man? So, for a few weeks we went rector hunting in other direc- tions. We consulted with Bishop Potter and Bishop Lawrence, as well as Bishop Walker, and went to hear several ministers in their pulpits. And then, at an informal meeting of the vestry one Sunday morning after service, we did suggest asking the man I have been describing, the Rev. Dr. Converse of Hobart College. Among those present when Dr. Converse's name was suggested were our late wardens, Messrs. Gilman H. Perkins and James Brackett, also Dr. Anstice, who said on hearing the sug- gestion, "The very man, if you can get him." And then and there Mr. William H. Smith and I were appointed
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delegates to go to Geneva and extend a call to Dr. Con- verse. We had consulted Dr. Potter, then president of Hobart College, and from him received some encourage- ment to ask Dr. Converse. Though Dr. Potter said they would very much regret losing the doctor, he thought he might accept if St. Luke's called him.
"It surely does not seem ten years ago, my dear Doctor, that Mr. Smith and I went on that agreeable errand to Geneva. I well remember how pleasantly we were received. You told us that your work in Geneva was very congenial to you and that you had not thought of making any change, but you also said that you would consider it a greater honor to be rector of St. Luke's than of most any church you knew of. When we took our leave we had the assurance that you would seriously con- sider our call and give us an answer soon. In due time the answer we desired came, and I trust, dear sir, that you have never regretted it. You have endeared yourself to us in countless ways. You have been a constant example to us in magnanimity, in unworldliness and pur- ity of motive and high-minded Christian courtesy, showing in yourself all through the week what you preach on Sun- day. You have helped us in our joys and in our sorrows. You have done us good and our city has felt your benefi- cent influence. That St. Luke's has continuously flourished under your rectorate might be easily proved by a brief history of the church during these ten years, but St. Luke's is to have her own anniversary in 1917. It will be time enough for her history then. We are proud of our rector and of our rector's wife, a charming lady beloved by the parish and throughout the city.
" The words of praise and admiration which have been flowing in during the days since this anniversary has been thought of testify afresh to the enthusiastically loyal devotion of your parish. I am glad that it is my privilege to express, though in so inadequate a way, our appreciation of all you have done to us and our great love and esteem
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for you. As a slight token of our regard, and, as it were, to punctuate this tenth anniversary of your coming among us, we beg you to accept this small gift from a grateful people ; to be used for yourself, not for the church nor for the world at large, as your generous nature might incline you to do, but toward (a little way toward) a trip abroad if you will. That is the suggestion of some of your parishioners in connection with the little gift which it is my privilege to present from us all. May the Lord spare you and most of those who are assembled here to cele- brate together in 1917 the twentieth anniversary of your rectorate, and, at the same time, the hundredth of dear old St. Luke's."
Mr. Rogers, amid applause, then handed to Dr. Con- verse a purse, which well authenticated rumor says con- tained bank notes to the sum of about $700. At the same time he presented to Mrs. Converse a magnificent bouquet of roses.
Although taken completely by surprise, Dr. Converse expressed with much feeling his pleasure and appreciation and that of Mrs. Converse. He gave a resume of the work accomplished in the parish during the ten years.
Dr. Converse stated that in the ten years just passed there have been 308 baptisms, 245 confirmed, 164 marriages and 306 burials. There are 512 families or parts of fam- ilies in St. Luke's and 652 communicants. The Sunday school has 26 teachers and 275 scholars, of which number 50 are in the Bible classes. The extra-parochial offerings for the past year have been $2,674.26, of which $497.10 has been for the Church Home, in addition to which is the Trinity Sunday offering of $116.
Rev. Dr. C. C. Albertson, of the Central Presbyterian Church, brought the greetings of those outside the parish. He spoke of the great admiration which the clergy of the city have for the rector of St. Luke's, and voiced the hope that other church organizations would feel led to do for
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their pastors what St. Luke's had done in appreciation of Dr. Converse.
This closed the speech-making after which ice cream and cake were served. Thus was brought to an end a charming and memorable occasion.
An interesting feature of the anniversary was the presentation to the parish of a fine portrait of Dr. Con- verse, which has been hung in the vestry room in the distinguished group already there. It is the work of Miss Rebecca Lynn Webster of the parish.
During the Summer of 1909, the Church was rewired and new electric lamps installed.
Of Mr. Thomas Hawks, who died Jan. 28, 1910, the Vestry put on record that " He was a man of acknowledged ability in business and financial affairs, of highest integrity in all the relations of life, and gifted with singular kindliness of dispo- sition."
In December of this year, the Vestry arranged to secure a house to house visitation throughout the parish to urge the co-operation of every member in the use of the Duplex Envelopes for Missions and for parish purposes. This canvass was most efficiently conducted and with happiest results.
During the Summer of 1911, the Church was re-carpeted and re-cushioned, adding largely to its attractiveness and comfort.
In December the following minute was placed upon the Vestry records :
In the death of Henry Bailey Hathaway, which oc- curred at his home, No. 66 South Washington street, December 17th, this parish laments the loss of one who, as vestryman or warden for upwards of forty years, was
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ever loyal to her interests and faithful in the discharge of his official duties. Honored for many years by election to public offices of trust and distinction, he met every re- quirement with fidelity and good judgment. As member of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Western New York, as President of the Flour City National Bank, as President of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, of which he was one of the original organizers, as President of the Board of Governors of the Homeopathic Hospital, a position he held at the time of his death, his public ser- vice was noteworthy. His interests were varied, his sympathies broad, his circle of friendships extended; he will, in consequence, be sincerely mourned in the busi- ness world of this community as well as in the parish of St. Luke's.
The succession of assistant ministers since the departure of Rev. G. R. Brush in March, 1905, was Rev. F. J. K. Alexander from March, 1906 to Feb- ruary, 1907; Rev. W. S. McCoy from March, 1907, to December, 1911 ; Rev. F. E. Bissell from Febru- ary 15 to May 1, 1912; Rev. Ray Wootton from September, 1912, to April, 1914; and now Rev. Harry Idle from January 15, 1915, who happily has " remained unto this present."
During August of this year, the concrete plat- form and steps were laid in front of the Church.
To chronicle the death of the only Rector of St. Luke's who died in office, becomes now the sad duty of the chronicler. After a brief illness Dr. Converse died suddenly at the rectory in the morn- ing of Sept. 19, 1915. A brief sketch of his life is given among the biographical notices of the Rec- tors. His funeral was conducted in the Church,
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September 21st, Bishop Walker officiating, and as- sisted by the Rev. W. A. R. Goodwin of St. Paul's, the Rev. Edward P. Hart of St. Mark's and the Rev. Harry Idle, Curate of St. Luke's, some twenty of the vested clergy occupying seats in the transepts. The active bearers were C. Schuyler Davis, John M. Williams, Thomas W. Shannon, Dr. Edward C. Nugent, Dr. Seelye W. Little and Robert Averill. The honorary bearers were Clinton Rogers, E. Franklin Brewster, Josiah Anstice, C. Walter Smith, Gilman N. Perkins, Rev. Dr. William R. Taylor, Charles F. Pond, James G. Cutler, Rev. Dr. A. H. Strong, Dr. Rush Rhees, Prof. Charles D. Vail and Alanson B. Houghton. The service was the simple Burial Office of the Church. The interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery.
There was no eulogy pronounced at the funeral, but a glowing tribute to Dr. Converse's life and character was paid by Bishop Walker at the me- morial service held September 26th, at which also were read the resolutions of the Clericus and those of the Archdeaconry of Rochester. His loss was deeply felt in the community. Appreciative ed- itorials were published in the daily papers. Varied and numerous tributes to his memory were paid by many bodies, among which may be named the Ves- tries of St. Paul's, Christ Church and the Epiphany, the Presbytery of Rochester and the Session of the First Presbyterian Church, the Buffalo Clericus and the Faculty of Hobart College, the Trustees of the Church Home, the George H. Thomas Post of the
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