USA > New York > Oneida County > Utica > One hundred years of Trinity Church : Utica, New York > Part 6
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tional, moral and charitable lines in the Sunday School, at the headship of parish improvement societies, through the Church Clubs, by bringing vital questions of good citizenship, genuine patriotism, honest business methods, and of a just relation between wealth and stewardship to bear upon the youths of their respective parishes. Our laity are preparing themselves, yes, even now they are ready to respond to the inspiriting call of the clergy. Let the clergy more and more earnestly adapt themselves to such a co-operation with the laity as the prin- ciples of the Church clearly provide; and beyond all doubt both the clergy and the laity will be proportionally stronger, and our Church will advance mightily in directing the coun- try to a higher national life.
Said the English justice Lord Coleridge the other day at the Anglo-American dinner in London: "We are the only two nations which know how to combine public order and private freedom." So they speak who look in due time for the world- dominance of the Anglo-Saxon. Can there be a truer, nobler national ideal and principle-public order and private free- dom? And with some future Anglo-American alliance in State, who shall fail to connect the influence of the past and present acknowledged Anglo-American alliance in Church? Public order and private freedom! Read this with an eccles- iastical and religious significance; and shall we not confess it to be an essential idea and prevailing aim of the great historic Church of the English-speaking peoples, whose two chief branches, interlaced and still interlacing from both shores of the Atlantic, were never more vigorous and fruitful than at this ending of the nineteenth century?
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LETTERS OF REMINISCENCE FROM FORMER PARISHIONER OF TRINITY CHURCH.
READ BY THE REV. JOHN ARTHUR, RECTOR, ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, ONEIDA, N. Y.
LETTER FROM MRS. ELIZABETH BROWN, DENVER, COLO.
In 1816 and '17 I attended Miss Lye's school in Norton, St. Philips, England. Among my classmates were the three daughters of Bishop William White of Pennsylvania, the sec- ond American Bishop.
In 1820 I was a maiden of seventeen. I came to Utica, and thus began my acquaintance with Trinity Church. Utica was a small village at that time, and depended upon stage coaches for communication with the outside world. Trinity was the only Episcopal Church in that part of New York State, except the one at Paris Hill, and was attended by many of the principal inhabitants of the place. The church was much smaller than now, and was built in the year of my birth, 1803. I am therefore the age of old Trinity. I well remember when Mrs. M. Hunt's tablet was placed in the church.
Some years after my arrival the church was enlarged and renovated, and was thought to be a fine edifice for those days. It had no recess chancel then. The pulpit being elevated several feet above the floor. The chancel enclosed by a cir- cular railing, and the communion table, supported by four fluted columns, about four inches in diameter, stood before the pulpit. The clergyman ascended two or three steps into the chancel from the vestry, when he read the opening sen- tences, and continued the service. In reading the lessons as- cending three or four steps more to the reading desk. The service ended the choir sang a psalm, during which the preacher passed down into the vestry, to again appear robed in a black silk gown through a door back of the pulpit.
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I do not remember then of hearing of any of our clergy- men being accused of preaching over the heads of the con- gregation, or of being too "high church," even if the pulpit was so elevated.
All the woodwork outside and inside, walls and ceiling, were painted white. The crimson fringe which hung from the desk and the bright carpet which covered the small chancel floor, made a pretty contrast.
The pews of the church were arranged after the fashion of the old country, and most of them owned by persons who had subscribed liberally to the erection of the church. Some of them were surrounded by cushions, and all of them trimmed and furnished by the owners in different colors, red, blue, green and grey moreen in a very sumptuous fashion. A few of the owners had keys to their pews, and when worship was over, the doors were locked against intruders. This would seem strange now, but custom made it all right then.
My husband, who was at one time a vestryman of the church, was the owner of one of these pews, which he pur- chased from an original owner. It was furnished in green moreen, and studded with brass headed nails, and was thought to be one of the finest in the church.
The church was heated by two stoves, placed in front, the pipes running along near the ceiling to the back of the church; but notwithstanding it sometimes was uncomfortably cold in severe weather. It was not uncommon to see members of the congregation bring in foot-stoves, to mitigate the cold. I im- agine such a scene might cause a smile now.
At night for concerts, weddings or any special occasion, the church was lighted by candles, and three large oil lamps, which hung from the ceiling by chains. From these lamps glass pendants were suspended, and every one thought they
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were very beautiful. The windows were square, and cut up in- to small panes.
Sunday services were at ten o'clock in the morning, and at three in the afternoon, in the summer. Holy Communion was celebrated after morning service, on the first Sunday of each month. During Lent services on Wednesday and Fri- day morning.
A box was placed near the door for contributions for mis- sionary work, and the poor of the parish, and remained there many years.
Over sixty years ago there was an English family who at- tended Trinity, consisting of father, mother, and over a dozen sons and daughters of various ages. The men wore heavy boots, and as their pew was near the front, the noise they made attracted attention. When the family entered they did so in order of their ages. Until all were seated the reading ceased. When they reached their pew, each, the father and sons raised his hat to his face, and after a short prayer all would sit, and the service would be resumed. Their move- ments were on the military order. I cannot now recall the name of this interesting family, but they were regular attend- ants for some years.
Before leaving our English home I had read and heard much of the Indians and their savage cruelties, and was great- ly disappointed at seeing none in New York, or on the jour- ney through the woods from Albany to Utica. About my first sight of the savage was in Trinity Church, often as de- vout worshipers, numbering as many as fifteen Indians and squaws, many of them fine specimen of their race, dressed in blankets, generally of dark blue broad-cloth. Their costume was highly ornamented with colored beads, quills and gay feathers.
A large band of these people settled near Oneida Lake, and the noble Bishop Hobart, who confirmed me, took a great
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interest in their spiritual welfare. In after years Bishop De- Lancey and Dr. Proal had an oversight of them. I remember when their tribe separated, and many of them went west.
They attended service in beautifully ornamented garments, with moccasins embroidered in beads and quills, and hair gathered in a knot, from which feathers of bright colors de- pended.
Good seats were always provided in the church. After the galleries was put in, they sat in the gallery at the right side of the church, and at the left of the pulpit. They were a most interesting sight. Their bowed head and reverent demeanor was a good example to us all.
During the rectorate of Dr. Proal the church was enlarged to its present dimensions. It still remained the only church in the city, and a movement began to form another parish. Grace Church was the result, many of the most influential and respected attendants of Trinity leaving. Some of these were owners of pews in Trinity, and between them and Dr. Proal there was a good deal of friction. Dr. Proal insisted that the claim of absolute ownership was neither just or for the best interests of the parish, and he carried his point, as he was a very determined man, when he thought he was right. A good deal of bitterness resulted, but in time the matter was forgot- ten, and Dr. Proal's views were sustained. I remember an instance of his method. One Sunday afternoon a baptismal service was held; and after the lesson the Doctor asked the persons to be baptized to come forward, and commenced the service; but owing to some misunderstanding, the organist began to play the chant and the choir to sing. Dr. Proal waved his prayer-book to the choir. They paid no attention whatever, but continued; finally Dr. Proal in that splendid voice of his, which was heard above choir and organ, cried out, "Stop that chant." I never in my life saw a more morti- fied lot of singers. When the baptism was over the chant was
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sung in its proper place, but without the organ, the organist being too much upset by this public rebuke to play. The les- son was a severe one, and was not forgotten by the choir for many years.
I have a very lively recollection of the men who ministered at old Trinity during my connection with the church. Rev. Henry Shaw occupied the pulpit in 1820. He was a very young man of more than ordinary ability. He was distin- guished for his kindness of heart, and was generally liked, particularly by the younger members of the congregation. He was nector for only two years; objections being made to him on account of his youth. I remember his farewell ser- mon very well. We were all much affected. The preacher shed bitter tears.
For a few months after Mr. Shaw left, Trinity was without a rector, Judge Nathan Williams and Judge Morris S. Miller acting alternately as lay readers. These two gentlemen made it their duty and pleasure to welcome strangers to the services.
Rev. Henry Anthon was the next rector. He was a medium sized, rather delicate looking man, about forty years of age, as near as I can remember. He was talented, and a very spiritually minded man; but uncompromising where the church was concerned. Persons of other denominations sometimes called him the "brimstone man." I do not remember just why. His home life was particularly delightful. Strangers were made equally welcome with his friends. The church in- creased under his ministration.
Mrs. Anthon deserves more than a passing mention. She was in rather feeble health, but was ever active among the poor, who loved her. As a clergyman's wife she was perfect. I called upon her one day. She entered the house at the same time, carrying a tea kettle that had been given her for some poor family. This she was going to deliver in person. Mrs.
The Rev. Henry Anthon, D. D. Rector from 1821 to 1829.
The Rev. Benjamin Dorr, D. D. Rector from 1829 to 1835.
The Rev. Pierre Alexis Proal, D. D. Rector from 1836 to 1857.
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Anthon's sister, Miss Curry, took almost entire care of the large family of boys, while she assisted her husband.
During Mr. Anthon's rectorship the first parsonage was built.
A sermon I remember very well, which made a great im- pression upon myself and others was from the text, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Dr. Anthon preached this sermon with great feeling. He left us to become the rector of St. Stephen's, New York.
The next rector of Trinity was Rev. Benjamin Dorr, tall, pale and slight, with a remarkably clear and powerful voice. He was a very earnest man, and preached as one having authority. He was well-educated, and a convincing speaker; yet withal he was one of the kindest and most tender of men. A sermon of his from the words, "For now we see through a glass darkly, then face to face," was one of the most sym- pathetic and convincing sermons that I have heard a Chris- tian minister preach. He repeated it more than once by re- quest. Dr. Dorr was too able a man for the small parish of Trinity, and he accepted a call to Christ Church, Philadelphia.
Rev. Pierre Alexis Proal, who succeeded Dr. Dorr, after a space, was a remarkable man in every way, physically and mentally, and a power in the church. His presence was com- manding, and he was gifted with one of the most powerful voices that I ever heard, musical as well; and he was able to use it to such advantage in reading our beautiful service. I never heard such a reader. In the burial service of the church the words received a new meaning from his emphasis and tone. A perfect specimen of a churchman. He took great interest in the Liberia question, when that project of sending the colored people back to Africa interested so many. To make men better, to benefit all races, and to elevate mankind was his aim. Though one of the most sympathetic of clergymen, he was a man of very positive convictions, and made enemies.
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Some of those who left Trinity at the time Grace Church was organized felt very bitter toward Dr. Proal, but everybody re- spected him, and admired his commanding abilities and sin- cerity of purpose. He ranked high in the Diocese, and was trusted greatly by his own Bishop. His parishioners all loved him, and they leaned on him as they would on a father. His death was a personal loss to them, and it seemed as though ¡we should never be able to bear it. As far as it was possible for a clergyman to impress his individuality upon a parish, Dr. Proal succeeded in stamping his upon Trinity. A son-in-law, Rev. Mr. Riley, officiated for a time, then Rev. S. Hanson Coxe was called as his successor, whose death was recent. As a speaker and orator Dr. Coxe was surpassed by none of the former clergymen of old Trinity. There are many now living who can testify to the sterling worth and loveliness of his character.
Thus I have written my recollections of Trinity Church of former days. I seem to live over again the incidents of those events which marked the early history of the parish, which is soon to celebrate its "One hundredth birthday." I cannot now, and never have been able to regard myself as any but a communicant of old Trinity, though I have been absent for over twenty-five years, yet in spirit I constantly return to it, and now, in recalling my early life, I realize more and more as I grow older, the great influence upon my mind and charac- ter of the spiritual ministration which I received during my long connection with the parish.
From distant Colorado, therefore, in my ninety-fifth year, I greet all you who are gathered to do honor to my old parish. I have experienced many changes in my long life, but my faith is stronger than ever. It will not be long before I shall be summoned to meet those who have gone before me, but I am ready. I greet you again, and say farewell.
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LETTER FROM MRS. ELIZABETH P. ARTHUR, UTICA, N. Y. My first acquaintance with Trinity Church was in 1848. In the fall of that year I first entered it, as a bride of a few months. The interior of the church was quite different from what it is now. It had but two aisles, and the pews were old style, with high backs, though large and comfortable. Many of the congregation owned their pews, and these were in the body of the church, and upholstered, according to the own- ers' fancy, some one color, and others another. The other pews were ranged along the side of the building, about half of them running across, and the rest running up and down facing the congregation, more than the clergyman. My hus- band and myself occupied one of these pews, together with Mr. George Hopper and Mr. Miles Comstock, and I think, Mr. Selden Collins. Quite near us, in one of the cross seats, sat Mr. David Prentice, his wife and two daughters. About two years afterward occurred the marriage of Selden Collins, and the youngest Miss Prentice. Mr. Prentice lived at that time in a large house on the corner of First and Catharine Streets, and had a Latin and grammar school for boys and young men. He was very highly thought of as an instructor, and Horatio Seymour, besides many other promient men, had been pupils of his. Mr. Prentice soon after moved to Geneva, where he passed the rest of his very useful life.
I think it was in 1851 that the interior of the church was remodeled-new pews were placed, and all were cushioned alike, and we had a broad aisle in the center, and two other aisles next to the wall. This was what Dr. Proal had long desired. It gave the church a more pleasant look-it was more convenient for weddings and funerals, and broke up the ownership of pews, which were now rented and brought in a certain income.
Dr. Proal was, as his name indicates, of French descent.
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He was an excellent pastor-highly educated, painstaking and business like. His sermons were excellent-models I should say, and his reading was beautiful. I used to think it almost „as good as a sermon, to hear him read a hymn or a chapter from the Bible. One forgot the reader, and only thought of the beautiful meaning of the words. Later, if it was said of anyone, that he read as well as Dr. Proal, it was considered praise enough.
He was a very industrious man, rising often at 4 A. M., and working in his garden, and raising as fine fruit as could be obtained at that time. He used to say it took no more space or labor for a good tree than a poor one. Mrs. Proal was a very beautiful woman, and like her mother a good man- ager; never remiss in any parish work, where she was able to assist her husband, or the church. Together they reared a family, giving them good education, and also bought a house on Broad Street, next the church, to which they retired when Dr. Proal resigned, on account of failing health, and it was there he died. His oldest daughter, Miss Mary, was educated at the Seminary of Miss Sheldon, and afterwards conducted a young ladies' school in this house for some years. She mar- ried Mr. Judson, and afterwards removed to Buffalo.
The second daughter, Miss Elizabeth, married Mr. Riley, who was Dr. Proal's assistant for a short time.
My husband, Mr. Arthur, was a vestryman while Dr. Proal was living. He was with him at the time of his death, and he with the other vestrymen, among whom were Selden Collins and Miles Comstock, bore him to his last resting place, and Bishop DeLaney officiated at his funeral. For twenty-one years he had served his Lord in this Parish, and we felt that it would be difficult to find any one to fill his place. Yet, in securing Rev. S. Hanson Coxe to succeed Dr. Proal we thought we were extremely fortunate. He was from the first much liked
THE REV. S. HANSON COXE, S. T. D. Rector from 1857 to 1877.
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by every one, and Mrs. Proal remarked that "He reminded her of her husband in his younger days." Those who had the privilege and the pleasure of hearing him will never forget his able and interesting sermons, and his beautiful reading, when his magnificent voice, his earnestness and sincerity was uplifting to even the dullest among his hearers. He was painstaking and conscientious, a godly man, and twenty years was passed among us, twenty years, and as he himself said, "The best of his life," and who shall say how much good was wrought in that time? The good we cannot estimate, it is only known to "Him who readeth the heart," but we do know that we passed through much that was sad and sorrowful. The Civil War was one thing. There was then much division of feeling, and much that was bitter said and thought. It was a critical time for clergymen, as their words were watched, and sometimes distorted, and it is much to Dr. Coxe's credit that he bore himself without reasonable blame through all that trying time. The long illness and final death of Mrs. Coxe was also a great trial to our rector, and a loss to the church, as she was lovely in life and character, and a willing helper in every good work.
Dr. Coxe has been called a model clergyman, and it cer- tainly seemed as though "In life in death," he was the "true servant of his Lord." He was sorry to leave us, but his last sermon was certainly a model one. There was no word of blame for anyone, but it was full of love and charity, and holy resignation to God's will. Among other things, he said if he had his life to live over again, he would "still wish it to be the life of a clergyman."
The congregation of Trinity Church has greatly changed since then, and yet it seems not so very long ago. In the gal- lery was Dr. Seiboth at the organ, and he could "make it talk," and his unrivaled choir were Miss Kate Lloyd, Miss
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Emily Payne, Miss Fannie Green, Miss German, and the gentlemen were Mr. Charles Foster and Mr. Spruce and others. Some of the worshipers and listeners to this sacred and fine music were the Comstocks, both Miles and Edwin, and their families; Mr. Selden Collins and family; Mr. Ford Green and family; Mr. Henry Green and family; Mr. Thomas Francis and family; Mr. J. J. Francis and family; Mr. Weed and family; the Reynolds; the Dunns; the Spriggs; Ira Chase and family; Mrs. Brown and family; Mr. Farwell and family; Mr. C. Hutchinson and family; Dr. Colling and fam- ily. In the middle aisle were the Coventrys, Miss Louise Hart and Miss Hayes; A. B. Johnson and family; David Clarkson and family; the Westcotts; the Woodruffs; Mr. and Mrs. Dows; the Peckhams; Governor Seymour and family; the Millars; Roscoe Conkling and family; Joseph Shearman and family; Mr. Marklove and family; the Buckinghams; Mr. Seward and family, and many others. Some of these have removed to other churches, or other towns, but the greater part have "past over the bar" and joined the innumer- able throng.
The successor of Dr. Coxe was Charles H. Gardner, and he filled the place very acceptably for nine years. At the end of that time he was called and accepted a position of greater responsibility in the Far West. While rector here, in the year 1881, the seventy-fifth anniversary of this church was held, and he read the historical address, taking the history from the beginning in 1798, up to the time of Dr. Proal. Mr. Gardner was a man of splendid physique, and in the prime of life, and those who knew him were filled with surprise and deep regret, 'when in the summer of 1896 we heard of his death at Bay City, Wis. He too has "gone before," and joined the "choir invisible."
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LETTER FROM MRS. ISABELLA C. PEAS, MOHAWK, N. Y.
My first recollections are of the Sunday School, held in 1828 in the church. The girls on the east side, boys on the west, with each a superintendent-Miss Hathaway, sister of Mrs. Samuel Beardsley, over the girls. Rev. Dr. Anthon came once down the aisle in his black silk gown, speaking to us, to our great awe. After him came Dr. Dorr, by whom we were all baptized. I being then six years of age, remember the service. Sunday School differed in some ways from present methods. We had two sessions. The first from 9 to 10:15, when all children (except a few who were obliged to be at home), went into church, and remained to service. This was longer then than now. In the first place the Confession, Lord's Prayer and Creed, were repeated each sentence after the priest, and not with him. No part of the service being either shortened or omitted, and sermons were longer then, dare I say stronger ?- always one doctrinal sermon each Sunday. Service began at 10:30 A. M., lasting till 12:30, or often 12:45. Afternoon service at 1:30, and one hour of Sunday School from 3 to 4. We had no rewards in the way of entertainments or Christmas tree. The only thing of the kind I recall was a time when Miss Hathaway stood in the vestibule giving each pupil a Christmas cooky. After the galleries were built, Sunday School removed to them, Dr. Dorr giving instruction from the organ loft. I well re- member the maps, with red flags marking the cities of refuge. The old canopy over the pulpit was a curiosity which we likened to a parasol. When old Bishop Chase, very tall, with a skull-cap on his head, came through the small door which admitted to the pulpit, we children trembled, fearing he might hit his head. The church was warmed a little by a large "Nott" stove, placed near the west door, the pipe running under the gallery to the south wall.
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The long distance caused the accumulation of creosote, so that each joint was ornamented by a tin pail to keep it from 'dropping in the pews. As it was so cold many brought foot stoves. These being made of tin with perforations filled with charcoal may perhaps account for the sleepy state of some people. I well remember the great gathering of clergy in 1835 to discuss the division of the Diocese of New York. Dr. Proal became rector after Dr. Dorr, and remained twenty years. He was a good man and a remarkable reader. The first Sunday in the month all the children gathered in the body of the church for afternoon service, and went forward, as we said, to be catechised. No better or stronger churchmen were ever trained than there. After the chapel was built, Sunday School and week day services were held in it. At fourteen I became a teacher.
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