USA > New York > Oneida County > Utica > Grace Church seventy-fifth anniversary, 1838-1913 > Part 2
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I wish I could have been permitted-that is, I mean I wish that it had been possible for me-to have been here this morning and have heard the history of this Church for the past three- quarters of a century ; not so much for the mere rehearsal of the facts (for I am familiar with many of them), but because I know I would have heard the record in the language of charm and balance as it was given by the justly honored and affectionate- ly esteemed Bishop of this Diocese, once Rector of this Parish. No one can listen to the story of these seventy-five years of unassuming, yet magnificent growth, without appreciating the worth of this organization. And no one, not even by microscopic investigation, can discover a mark of infirmity, or dissolution upon it. A solid, basic reason must exist because of a condition such as this. What is that reason? Is it circumstance? No ; it is not due to circumstance. It is because of the faith held here; the Christian Faith, ever reverent and progressive, ever devout and divinely liberal, ever adoring and fervently prophetic.
Details are needless to-night. The fortifying and thrilling fact we proffer to all sincere and honest judgment and are willing to let it stand at that. I would be untrue to your feelings and to my own if I did not voice what I am confident is the throbbing heart of this Church as it has, in all these years, expressed itself in the skilled development of its worship. Step by step it has pro- gressed as Sunday by Sunday the proper praise has filled this House of God.
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Adjectives may be invidious, and I rather think that we will all agree that they are almost always so, when the brain is befogged and the fever of anger or malice heats the blood; but adjectives may also be honorably descriptive, and such are these. This is a broad Church-broad in its love for humanity, broad as the love of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, which love covers all humanity. This is an high Church-high in its doctrine, high in its ideals of worship, high in its aspirations for all that is best. Imbedded on Jesus Christ, Grace Church has been neither violent nor blind; neither believing in a God who spoke thousands of years ago and has been dumb ever since; nor a devotee of those fanciful whims which, from time to time, flit over religious minds as fleecy clouds across summer skies. No, Grace Church believes the fundamental articles of the Christian Faith-even as they are formulated in the Creeds-to be unalterably true. You have perceived that apart from the mere statements of historic facts there is a spiritual experience attached to the doctrines of the Fall of Man; the In- carnation of the Son of God; the Virgin Birth of Christ; Atone- ment by the Blood of the Cross; the Resurrection from the Dead; and the return of the Redeemer to His Father's Side; the mystical washing away of sin; the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; endless life through the fellowship of the ever-living Christ, the Head of the ever-living Church.
I will detain you but a little longer. All that I have stated would not in itself produce the imperishable life of this Church. It is not merely the quality of the faith held here that has accom- plished this. It is also the quality of the life lived here, as the result of the faith that is held. In speaking of the quality of this life I must, of course, be general. When I left this city, four and a half years ago, it was my happiness and my honest pride that no living human being knew Grace Church, Utica, as well as I. That is no longer true of me. Now it is so of your Rector.
When the lash of misfortune or disappointment fell, you soothed and healed wheresoever it struck. When need arose, whether from carelessness, or by what we term accident, or in whatsoever way, it made no difference where you men and women lived, or how much or how little you possessed, you gave. Never was a response to an appeal other than satisfying, and you made it and you did it for Jesus' sake.
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As I stand here to-night, I know that many have gone and others have come. But it is a blessed thought that this Church, which I so deeply love, is a benediction to the community where it is placed, and I pray God that it may be more and more so in the future. My friends, it is enough for me to know that this generation which assembles here is faithful to the trust com- mitted to it and carries its burden and responsibilities bravely.
May all who come within these walls, if their spirits are dis- turbed, may they find quiet here. If their hearts are heavy, may the touch of the yoke of the Lord Jesus Christ lighten their load. If some enter here to whom yesterday was bitter, and to-day seems more bitter, and to confront to-morrow seems the bitterest and hardest of all, may God, in His mercy, give to you the strength that is His, and may you accept it and use it. And may we all more and more realize that there is nothing that can sever us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
I thank you for your considerate attention. May God bless us all.
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Rev. William MU. Bellinger, D.D. 1899 Sixth Rertur 1908
GRACE CHURCH
Address of Hon. Charles A. Talcott, A. M., Senior Warden, Monday Evening, May 19, 1913
On such an occasion it is natural to look back and contrast the present with the past. Of the change that has taken place since the establishment of this Parish there is no better example than the difference between the old building on Columbia street and this edifice, the result of so much labor, sacrifice and generous giv- ing. The same contrast is found on every side. The City of Utica seventy-five years ago had a population of only about 10,500, the State of New York of but two and a quarter millions, and the United States a population of not more than fifteen mil- lions. If we compare with these the numbers of to-day, we have a marvelous story of growth and change. In government and in economic conditions, new influences have appeared. The relation of the State to the Union is more closely drawn. The great con- flict, so long dreaded and from time to time thrust anxiously aside, came at last and, passing away, left, with its record of suffering and heroism, a spirit of devotion to the Union stronger than had ever existed before. And almost before the echoes of the Civil War had died away the task began of constructing the long lines of railway that were to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific, the Great Lakes with the Gulf and of tracing on the face of the continent a vast net-work of railway communication. So there came a knowledge of remote places, a feeling of common interest, a desire for progress and advancement and a sense of unity in life and effort and purpose. The spirit of union, strength- ened by the civil conflict of half a century ago, has grown and ripened into a spirit of intense national patriotism.
There have been periods of the same duration notable in many ways. But no other period of the same duration has witnessed the discoveries and inventions which have given mankind control over natural forces. We have but to look about us. We see the results on every side. Here, in this city, we see the evidence of
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much of the achievement of the period in the means for protection to health, life and property; in the pavements, in the lighting of the streets, in the public parks, in the hospitals, in the means of communication by steam and electricity, by railway and trolley, by telegraph and telephone and in the many comforts and con- veniences, unknown seventy-five years ago, but now almost re- garded as necessities of life. In almost every one of these par- ticulars, genius, discovery and invention have bridged the wide, deep chasms which separated the old from the new. Throughout the country there have spread systems of education ; and improve- ments in the printing press have made possible a steadily increas- ing diffusion of knowledge. Not only newspapers, but maga- zines and books can be obtained now more easily than ever be- fore, and almost every community has its public library as a necessary supplement to its system of education. All this has given a wider range to thought and action. But the period does not stand apart by itself ; it is linked to the future and its influence will be strong and controlling. Someone has said, speaking of the revival of learning: "Then for the first time men opened their eyes and saw." There are those to-day who would have us believe the same way in regard to the era of seventy-five years just past. But it is not so. Seventy-five years ago men's eyes were open and there was a wide range of intellectual vision. No one can doubt the importance of this period and its far-reaching effect, but we must not forget the generations that preceded it, with their golden pages of art and literature and government. It is difficult to apportion to each period of history its proper place ; but certainly it is reasonable to believe that the influences of the past generations will lead to social improvement and progress and tend to a higher and better civilization.
In much that belongs to this period, the growth and develop- ment, the institutions which have given new strength and signifi- cance to social effort, the conditions which have broadened the intellectual life, Grace Church and its people have taken an act- ive interest. Unbidden, there comes to mind the names of many, whose work now completed, was in the nature of high public
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service. The names of eminent physicians, great judges, skilled administrators, upright merchants and broad-minded men of affairs, who were capable of disinterested effort as well as practi- cal achievement. These, with the many who in more retired ways, met duty faithfully, performed the work which the people of Grace Church have been called upon to do since its establish- ment. If we can look back upon these years with some degree cf congratulation and rejoicing, surely we can look forward to the future with renewed hope and inspiration.
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ADDRESS OF CONGRATULATION
The Rev. Edward H. Coley, D. D., Rector of Calvary Church, Utica, Monday Evening, May 19, 1913
I hold it both an honor and a privilege to have some share in the celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of Grace Church Parish. I consider it an added honor and a larger privilege that I am asked to speak, not merely for myself and Calvary Church, but in such measure as I am able, and with such authority as such an invitation may convey, for the other parishes of our com- munion in this city. That the Church people of Utica are proud of Grace Church and her history and work hardly need be stated ; that they rejoice in her completion of seventy-five years of earnest and vigorous life and large usefulness, is too evident to need demonstration; that they hope for her a future of continued power and helpfulness is a pleasant and positive truth. Such statements as these cannot always be made by members, or even Rectors, of adjoining or interlocking parishes with complete heartiness. The reason why the congratulations of her sister par- ishes to Grace Church are so honestly cordial, is not merely be- cause the Parish occupies a commanding position in the Diocese and the neighborhood ; nor even chiefly because so much has been accomplished in the three-quarters of a century that has elapsed since its foundation ; but rather because the position has been so occupied and the work so done as to deserve the best that friends, rather than competitors, can give.
It is quite possible for a Parish, like an individual, to live so entirely for itself and think so entirely of itself, whether it be great or small, that the church-life of a community may be hin- dered rather than helped by it. This Parish has not lived in that way, and I hope I may be pardoned if I illustrate my meaning by some of my personal relations with the Rectors and members of Grace Church during my sixteen years' residence in Utica.
Your Rector sixteen years ago was the present Bishop of the Diocese. He was among those invited to meet and welcome me
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Ren. Edward M. Han Deuaen, D.D. 1864 Fourth Rertor 1884
GRACE CHURCH
here on my first visit, and that welcome was made real when I was settled in my parish. I can never forget an act of courtesy on his part, by which I was enabled to share with him the cordial hospitality of his friends in a convention city ; an act which made my introduction to the Diocese a pleasure instead of a dreaded formality. We may not speak of the living as we would like to speak; but it is fair to say that the Rectors have much to do in shaping the public estimation of any parish, and that for me, at least, and for others at other times no doubt as well, the wel- come of your Rector in 1897 gave Grace Parish a place in my affections which it has never lost. Dr. Bellinger followed Bishop Olmsted. He needs no encomium at my hands, for he is known and loved by you, but I want to say that my friendship for Grace Parish was strengthened by this Rector as by his predecessor. During a serious illness, he promptly offered to take entire charge of all the services and work of Calvary Church in addition to his own sufficient duties, leaving both the Rector and Parish free from any burden. The offer was not accepted, but it has never been forgotten.
His successor has maintained the reputation of Grace Church in the harmonious and pleasant relations existing between it and the Rectors and Parishes of Utica. As a man of intelligent mind, broad sympathies and warm heart, Dr. Applegate has deservedly won both the esteem and affection of his associates, and is to the speaker as though he had been a friend of many years.
What these three Rectors of this Parish, who have been known to me, have been and are to me, so no doubt they have been to many others. I should not in this presence voice my own experi- ences, except that I believe they represent those of my brethren and associates. And what these leaders in Grace Church have been, so were their predecessors, whom we did not know. The names of Dr. Brandegee and Dr. Van Deusen are still familiar ones, and their deeds are even more familiar than their names. Hospital, Home and Parishes, planted by them in faith, have grown to ripened fruits of usefulness and service. They and the other Rectors of this Parish, here unnamed, served well and wisely in their day and generation.
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The history of a nation, or a city, or a parish, is largely formed and made by those selected as their leaders. Your leaders have been makers of a history which the Parish may recall on such an anniversary as this with pride and pleasure. Grace Church is to be congratulated on her Rectors, and I but voice the general ver- dict when I congratulate the Parish on having chosen wisely, men who were fitted to be leaders and willing to be servants in the Master's work.
Rectors are necessary as leaders in the Parish-life, but leaders without followers can accomplish little. The Laymen of Grace Parish have been and are loyal and earnest followers of their Rector's. But in their Church relations, in the city, and with the other Parishes of our communion, they come in touch with other Parishes and other men. Such touching may be like a hand- shake, stiff and cold, or close and cordial. Using again my per- sonal experience as an illustration of what has been the general purpose of the Laymen of Grace Church, I judge the latter way has been their plan. So, at least, one man has found it. Without a shadow of disloyalty, your vestry and your people have tried, and have succeeded in the effort too, to show their interest in work outside the boundaries of their Parish and in men who do it. Others will tell the names of Laymen of this Church who have been prominent in its work and worship, and who, in many ways, have done their share for Diocese or District. I will not repeat them; nor may I name, as I should like to do, those Laymen in this Parish whom I count my friends. Of acts of thoughtful courtesy and kind attentions; of quiet helpfulness and silent in- fluence in aiding causes worth assisting, I may not speak; but may I pay a token of respect and say a word of deep appreciation for one who was your Warden here for many years, and now is gone. Dr. Watson was a fine example of a Christian gentleman, a Layman whose cordial courtesy knew no Parish boundaries and whose kind face and genial manner helped all with whom he came in contact. What he was, so are many of your Laymen now, men of broad sympathies and kindly hearts, men who make possible, not the congratulations of one Rector, but of us all.
For the other Parishes and Clergy, as for the one I represent, and for myself, I bear congratulations to you, that through these
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years now passed, your Laymen have been men who have com- manded the respect, and have deserved the love of others by their lives and conduct.
We congratulate you, too, upon the faithful and efficient women, without whose works and good examples your Parish could not have reached its present position of prosperity and use- fulness. I have not known them all, but I have known enough of them to realize how much this Parish, and many others, owe them, for their self-denying and extended efforts in and outside it. With such workers, it is no wonder that Grace is such a Parish as we call "strong." The workers have been many and so the work has been well done.
What it has been is "known and read of all men," and so needs no elaboration here and now. But we congratulate you, both on your workers and your work. We join to-night together to express the hope that Grace Church may stand for generations to come, amidst the business portion of the city, to testify to all men that the "Father's business" has its share of the attention of its people ; that the cross upon its stately spire may long continue to point men heavenward, and that its future, like its past, may be blessed by God and honored by men.
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SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
CLOSING ADDRESS
The Rev. Octavius Applegate, D. D., Rector
My Dear Parishioners:
It is a happy opportunity to voice for you our grateful appre- ciation of the dignity and pleasure given to this memorable occasion by the presence and hearty, helpful interest of two of our former Rectors, to whom I know you wish me to express your affectionate regard.
This Parish is enjoying an unusual privilege in having back in the high office of the Bishop of the Diocese and the close fellow- ship in the city life one who for fifteen years was our shepherd and pastor, faithful and wise, tender and zealous for our welfare in the household of God.
The larger responsibilities of the episcopate have deepened his influence on our life, and we are proud to-day to claim him as our Rector and renew here in God's house the treasured memories of his personal labor among us, and to give this formal expression to our constant affection and esteem.
With the same hearty welcome we thank Dr. Bellinger, rejoic- ing in his presence with us. His large duties in the metropolis have not weaned his heart from the nine years of unselfish and fruitful devotion to Grace Church, nor deprived those of us who spend Sundays in New York of an occasional renewal of the relations so highly valued here.
To have him with us again is a gracious expression of his continued interest in our welfare, and our opportunity for recall- ing the joys of his rectorate at Grace Church and expressing our warm attachment and high regard.
We are appreciative also of the good-will of the community, and cheered by the good wishes of the religious life of our city expressed in the presence of men distinguished in their service of the Master.
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We are grateful for the greetings of Dr. Coley, and that warm fellowship with our sister Parishes, which is not only our pride, but our especial joy.
We rejoice in the presence of the Clergy formerly associated with the Parish, and the greetings that have come from those un- able to attend, and are especially appreciative of the good wishes and the good deeds of the Memorial Church of the Holy Cross, so closely connected with our life and work.
It is a gratification to realize what a fine choir we have, and how able is its leadership, and how devoted are its members.
It is a pleasure to see choristers renewing the privilege of lead- ing in the worship, and to have our former organist honor the occasion with the use of that talent he had consecrated for twenty- five years to the music of the Church.
Truly our heart is enlarged. We are borne along on a current of life that in the reach of seventy-five years stands for great things and great hopes; not only as a Parish, but as a family in Christ, centered around a common altar, a common faith, wor- shiping in the words of common prayer, exemplifying in our life, well or ill, the precepts of the Lord Jesus and the activity of His Body, the Church.
Pausing to-night on this eminence of seventy-five years of service, must we not give God hearty thanks for the good examples of those who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors, those countless vessels of His grace, high and low, rich and poor, who drew through the sacraments and ministra- tions in this Parish their spiritual food and sustenance? And hav- ing served God in their generation were gathered to their fathers having the testimony of a good conscience, in the communion of the Catholic Church, in the confidence of a certain faith, in the comfort of a reasonable, religious and holy hope, in favor with God and in perfect charity with the world.
This is our past, our glory and our example. We are the hope of that past. We did not make it, though some of you have strong- ly entered into its labors. It has done great things for us ; and our responsibility is for the future. That lies in our hands ; that rests with this generation.
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How fitting it is that these closing words of our anniversary should point to present duty and utter a hope based on present needs and growing accomplishments.
Our personal problems are in the main those of our fathers. Like them we must work out our own salvation.
But as a Parish we must, of necessity, reflect the changing con- ditions of our community. Our city has grown in the past twenty- five years ; and it is reasonable to expect a greater growth in the near future. With this growth comes a constant change in the conditions of our life. Some of our old characteristics and stand- ards are bound to disappear, alas, under the pressure of more complex life. There is less permanence to our population, a greater difficulty in assimilating new people and securing financial support. Our Church is destined to be a down-town one with many of its families residing at a considerable distance; and we already have reached the state where we have no neighborhood life as a Parish.
Our commanding location is already in the center of the busi- ness section ; and there we must remain, with doors always open, to bear witness to the aspirations of humanity and the power of the Gospel, close to the heart of the city and its business. The buildings around us are closed one day in seven. Grace Church is always in use. Every day in the year its bell calls to prayer ; and priest and congregation offer to Almighty God the homage of a busy working city.
The changing conditions of our city life must be met by a Parish so situated, and already has opportunity opened and, been generously seized.
Three events in the past two years clear the vision of our future and give confidence to our hope; and for them I am profoundly grateful, and so are you.
First-There has been a considerable increase in the endow- ment of the Parish. The past generations have given us this noble Church, and set a high standard for the frequency and dignity of its worship. Its maintenance should be fixed above doubt, and guarded against the days of shrinking income by an ample endowment.
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Second-A men's club has been started in generous quarters, open every day and with a membership of two hundred and fifty men. Here sounds the democratic note for a Parish to which has been imputed wrongly, I believe, the term aristocratic. That would be true, alas, if we should deteriorate to the plane of a Parish that consisted of a fashionable Sunday morning congrega- tion, with a popular preacher and a brilliant choir; but thank God that is far from the thought of any of us, though the practice of some might seem to leave them open to the suspicion.
The Men's Club is a daily expression of the church's desire to win men to its service and support, and to a closer fellowship with the Clergy and each other; and it will have increasing value as the growth of the city multiplies the offices in our vicinity, and increases the number of young men who, in coming to Utica, must leave home and friends for strange surroundings and a city's temp- tations.
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