USA > Ohio > Jefferson County > Steubenville > The church in eastern Ohio; a history with special reference to the parishes of St. Paul's, Steubenville, St. James's, Cross Creek and St. Stephen's, Steubenville > Part 12
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The women's society, never wearying of doing good, had already raised a considerable sum intended for chapel purposes, but when it became apparent that the erection and proper furnishing of the new church would more chan absorb the money provided for that purpose they generously agreed to turn over their assets into the gen- eral fund, and to further increase the same. This fund, with the assistance of a Thanksgiving fair and dinner held at the Sixth street armory in 1878, and a bazaar held in the uncompleted church building in December, 1879, brought the fund up to about $3,000, which was appropriated to the erection of the tower, that structure being a monument to the self-denying efforts of the women. The Sunday School also contributed $200 to the building fund, and a balance of $363.87 in the Church Acre fund was transferred to the same.
The last marriage in the old church was that of Charles M. Rhodes and Mary G. Beatty on February 25, and the last baptism that of Harry Sullivan Pitts, third son of the rector, on March 2, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Bar- clay and J. B. Doyle, sponsors. The last funeral was that of Miss Eliza Boggs on December 17, 1878.
The last services in the old church were held on
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REV. THOMAS D. PUTTS.
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March 9, 1879, and the building was crowded both morn- ing and evening by those who had been baptized, con- firmed and received the Holy Communion within its sacred walls. Notwithstanding the prospect of better things, a note of sadness prevailed at the severance of associations reaching back in the hearts of the older mem- bers for nearly half a century. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the morning, and in the evening the rector preached a historical sermon on "The Old Church and Its Work," in which he pictured the workings of the law of development in inorganic and organic nature as well as in society, in which the old and worse constantly gives way to the better. After a brief historical summary, he said :
I have been rector here just seven years, and in that time I have seen so many changes of pastoral relations among all the denominations that to-day I stand the oldest settled minis- ter. by three or four years, of any in Steubenville who claim that name and office. It does not, in my judgment, speak very well for either ministers or congregations.
'The law of development has been well exemplified by this parish. From a small beginning and a precarious existence it has advanced to a position of influence and assured stability. During the sixty years since its organization eleven hundred and sixty-four persons have been baptized. Five hundred and seventeen have received the Holy Ghost through the laying on of Apostolic hands in the solemn rite of Confirmation. There have been about eight hundred and twenty-five regular com- mnnicants of the parish; two hundred and sixty-four couples have been united in holy matrimony, and six hundred and fif- teen funerals have been attended.
Of the total number of services held in this building, I have no means of judging, but I have officiated in it over one thousand times. The amount of money, too, collected and ex- pended in so long a time cannot be arrived at with any degree of exactness, but during my rectorship we have expended for all purposes, including the prospective cost of the proposed new church, the money for which is almost all provided-nearly fifty thousand dollars.
The sermon concluded with a prophetic view of the
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work to be accomplished by the new church in the future, and an eloquent peroration.
The closing hymn was sung, the final prayers said, and the benediction pronounced; the last voluntary played, and the feet of the worshippers turned away from the old house which had been their religious home for so many years.
Work of dismantling began the following morning, and in a few days the ancient structure had entirely dis- appeared. Arrangements had already been perfected to hold services at Philharmonic (now Elks') hall, on South Fourth street, but after a few weeks, this having been found inconvenient, the county court room was secured, and occupied on Sunday mornings until the new church was ready. At the Easter election J. M. Barclay and C. B. Doty succeeded Messrs. Blinn and Bustard, Mr. Bar- clay attending the convention.
Sufficient progress had been made in the work of construction to announce the laying of the cornerstone of the new church on May 13. Accordingly on the after- noon of that day the following clergy vested at the resi- dence of David Myers, a few doors north of the church, and marched to the platform which had been arranged for them and the choir: Rt. Rev. G. T. Bedell, Rev. J. W. Brown, of Trinity Church Cleveland, afterwards rec- tor of St. Thomas's Church, New York; Rev. Mr. Meach, of Christ Church, Allegheny; Rev. Mr. Buchanan, of Christ Church, Wellsburg; Rev. R. R. Swope, St. Math- thew's Church, Wheeling; Rev. Mr. Hillyar, of Dennison, and Rev. T. D. Pitts, rector. Services opened by singing Hymn No. 101 from the Prayer Book collection, "And Wilt Thou, O Eternal God," being the same that was sung at the laying of the cornerstone of the old church. The rector then placed within a cavity cut in the stone a glass jar containing a copy of the Holy Bible, Book of
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Common Prayer, list of parish officers and building com- mittee, convention journal of 1878, Spirit of Missions for May, 1878, copies of "Churchman," "Standard of the Cross," "St. Luke's ( Marietta) Chronicle," Steubenville "Herald" and "Gazette," specimen of each denomination of fractional currency, and a dime of 1831 from the old church. Bishop Bedell advanced with a mallet, and, striking the stone three times, pronounced it laid in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, followed by collects and the Lord's Prayer. A scholarly address was delivered by Dr. Brown, concluding with a graphic por- trayal of a vision of Dr. Morse, the venerable rector, who from his rest in Paradise could now behold the fruition of the work so faithfully carried on by him during so many years. The Bishop followed with some well chosen remarks, and after singing "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," the exercises were concluded by, the recital of the Apostles' Creed and benediction.
Additional subscriptions to the building fund of $780 were made during the summer, a boat excursion by the young men netted over $100, and the women were kept busy. A neat sum was also realized from lectures on Mahomet by the rector. The stonework was accepted on November 16, and the first service was held in the new church on Easter Day, March 28, 1880, being the regu- lar service for that festival.
The following Thursday, April 1, was fixed for the consecration service, and shortly after 11 o'clock, while the strains of the organ filled the building, the Wardens and Vestrymen assembled in the Vestry room, and proceeded down the main aisle to the west end of the church. The Bishop and other clergy having vested in the sexton's house, marched to the west door, which, be- ing opened, they entered, and the entire procession moved towards the chancel repeating responsively the XXIV
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Psalm. The clergy beside the Bishop and rector included Rev. N. S. Rulison, St. Paul's Church, Cleveland; Rev, G. W Hinkle, Grace Church; Rev. J. A. Bolles, Trinity Church ; Rev. W. C. and W. B. French, editors "Stand- ard of the Cross;" Rev. R. B. Swope, St. Matthew's, Wheeling; Rev. A. J. Brockway, Grace, Ravenna; Rev. J. A. Hillyar, St. Barnabas, Dennison; Rev. Stewart Means, Middletown, Ohio; Rev. S. T. Brewster, St. James's, Cross Creek ; Rev. Samuel Maxwell, St. John's, Youngstown; Rev. A. Buchanan, Christ Church, Wells- burg.
After private devotions the secretary, on behalf of the Wardens and Vestry, read the following request for consecration :
We. the Church-wardens and Vestrymen of St. Paul's Church. City of Steubenville, County of Jefferson and State of Ohio, having by the good providence of Almighty God, erected in the said city a house of Public Worship, do hereby appro- priate and devote the same to the worship and service of Al- mighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, accord- ing to the provisions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in its Ministry, Doctrines, Liturgy, Rites and Usages, and by a Congregation in communion with said Church, and in union with the Convention thereof in the Diocese of Ohio.
And we do hereby. certify that the said house and the ground on which it is erected, have been and are fully paid for, and are owned by said Parish in fee simple. and are free from any lien or incmbrance whatever. and by the deed under which the same are now owned and held, are inalienably secured to and for the use of those who profess and practice the doc- trines,, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, except in such cases as are provided in and by the canon in such case made and pro- vided.
And we do also hereby request the Right Reverend Greg- ory Thurston Bedell. D.D., Bishop of the Said Diocese, to take the said building under his spiritual jurisdiction as Bishop afore- said, and that of his successors in office, and to consecrate the same by the name of St. Paul's Church, Steubenville, and thereby separate it from all unhallowed. worldly and common uses, and solemnly dedicate it to the holy purposes above men- tioned.
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And we do moreover hereby relinquish all claim to any right of disposing of the said building, or allowing of the use of it in any way inconsistent with the terms and the meaning of this Instrument of Donation, and with the consecration hereby requested by the Bishop of this Diocese.
In testimony whereof, We, the said Church-wardens and Vestrymen, have caused this Instrument of Donation to have attached to it the seal of our Corporation, and the signatures of the. Presiding Officers and Clerk of a meeting duly convened on this thirty-first day of March in the year of our Lord, ,one thousand eight hundred and eighty. ,
[ Signed] THOS. D. PITTS. Rector.
JOSEPH B. DOYLE, Secretary. [Seal]
The exhortation and prayer of consecration fol- lowed, when the Bishop presented the certificate of con- secration, which was read by the rector :
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN.
Whereas, The Rector, Church-wardens and Vestrymen of Saint Paul's Church in Steubenville, Jefferson County and State of Ohio, have, by an instrument this day presented to me, ap- propriated and devoted a house of public worship erected by them in the said city to the worship and service of Almighty God, the Father, the Son. and the Holy Ghost. according to the provisions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in its Ministry. Doctrines, Liturgy, Rites and Usages, and by a congregation in communion with said Church and in union with the convention thereof in the Diocese of Ohio. And Whereas, The same Rector, Church-wardens and Vestrymen have, by the same instrument, requested me to take their said house of worship under my spiritual jurisdiction as Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, and that of my successors in office, and to consecrate it by the name of Saint Paul's Church, and thereby separate it from all unhallowed, worldly and com- mon uses, and solemnly dedicate it to the holy purposes above mentioned.
Now therefore, know all men by these presents, that I, Gregory Thurston Bedell. D.D., by Divine perimssion Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, acting under the protection of Almighty God, have on this first day of April in the year of our Lord. 1880, taken the above mentioned house of worship under my spiritual jurisdiction as Bishop aforesaid, and that of my suc- cessors in office, and in the presence of divers of the Clergy and a public congregation therein assembled, and according to the form prescribed by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, have consecrated the same by the name of Saint Paul's Church,
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And I do hereby pronounce and declare, that the said Saint Paul's Church is consecrated accordingly, and thereby separated henceforth from all unhallowed, worldly and common uses, and dedicated to the Worship and Service of Almighty God. the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. for reading and preaching His Holy Word, for celebrating His Holy Sacra- ments, for offering to His Glorious Majesty the sacrifices of Prayer. Praise and Thanksgiving, for blessing His people in His Name, and for the performance of all other Holy Offices, agreeably to the terms of the Covenant of Grace in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and according to the provisions of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of Amer- ica, in its Ministry, Doctrines, Liturgy, Rites and Usages.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my Seal and Signature in the City of Steubenville on the day and in the year above written and in the twenty-first year of my consecration. G. T. BEDELL.
[Seal]
At the conclusion of this paper Matins and the Pro Anaphora were conducted as follows :
Sentences and exhortation, Mr. Rulison; LXXXIV. Psalm, Mr. Brewster; CXXII. Psalm, Mr. Buchanan ; CXXXII. Psalm, W. B. French; First Lesson, Mr. Means; Second Lesson, Mr. Brockway; Nicene Creed, Mr. Swope; Prayers, Mr. Hinkle; 278th Hymn, "I'll Wash My Hands in Innocence" ( Hymnal of 1874), Mr. Pitts; Decalogue, W. C. French; Collects, the Bishop; Epistle, Mr. Hillyar; Gospel, Dr. Bolles; 277th Hymn, "With One Consent" (1874 edition), Mr. Pitts.
The music was rendered by a quartette composed of Misses Blinn and Moodey and Messrs. Sharpe and Faunce, Miss Kells at the organ, and included: Venite, Danks; Glorias, Meinike; Te Deum, Scull; Benedictus, Mellor; Offertory, Millard.
It had been the intention that Dr. James de Koven, of Racine, should preach the consecration sermon, but during the winter of 1878-9 he slipped on an icy side- walk, breaking a leg. Unexpected complications fol- lowed, resulting in his death on March 19, 1879, and Bishop Bedell became the preacher in his place. Always
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a master of English, elegant in diction and eloquent in speech, the Bishop's sermon on this occasion was a mas- terpiece of reverent as well as brilliant oratory. The text was from St. John's gospel, XII., 4 and 5, "Then saith one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray Him, 'Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?'"
Summarizing the Bishop's remarks, he declared that the essence of consecration was the spirit of love and sac- rifice. God looks at the gift through the heart of the giver, and it is the flavor of love which satisfies, and not the gift which that love prompts. Love and sacrifice are at the door of every consecration to assert the sacrifices of every true giver. In this church the architect has spoken the truth, and the truth is in its solid walls and carpentry, while on its spire, than which a more graceful one he had never seen, was the cross preaching evangel- ically that there is but one road to Heaven, and that leads to the foot of the cross.
God notices the great and the small, the doors of the morning swing on their hinges at his bidding, and He considers the smallest lens in the insect's eve: and the gifts of the great are no more than those of the small. Gifts need not be small, however, to be acceptable to God, and the greater the cost, if attended by commensurate sacrifice, the greater will be their worth. The widow's mite, however, was not a widow's mite when the rich woman gave ten thousand mites and did not miss it; nor was any account taken of the $100 given by a man who could, without sacrifice, give $1,000. His gift was most acceptable who gave $10 when $5 was more than he could afford.
Our churches should be beautiful. They might be like barns and log houses in the wilderness when all was in keeping, but in cities where people lived in handsome
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houses and looked ever to personal convenience and com- fort it was wrong not to have a house given to the Lord which was a worthy gift.
The Bishop gave a vivid description of the structure and its appointments, and urged his hearers to use it con- stantly, not merely for the sacraments and stated public services, but make it their home, here solemnize their marriages, and from here bury their dead. He likened the building and its furnishings to the Christian and his work and way through life, and proceeded to show the antiquity of the Church, its relation to the world, and its influence. The Holy Spirit of Christ was over and through and in it all; it rang out on the chimes of the heart the changes of the kingdom, and fired the coals on the altar of the soul. The Church was simple because it was divine, and adapted itself to all grades and classes. It changed in peoples and countries, temperatures and temperaments, applying everywhere and to every man, but it was always the same in spirit. It was tolerant to the limit of value as a Church influence, for Christian charity taught toleration, but there was a line between the Church and what was outside, and that line should be observed, and it was better to be on the right side of that line 'The strength of the Church depends upon fidelity to the Gospel, the divinity of Christ, and the adherence to the principles of the atonement. The Church is the ag- gregate of the highest complete education, and is the pro- moter of progress and civilization. It is the conservator of religion, of morals and of the State, and it watches science and adjusts its discoveries so that they will con- form to religion. There is a strong link between morals and religion, and the separation preached by sceptics is not possible. God forces nothing. He waits now in His Kingdom for man to work out his own free will. The Church is the Devil's battleground, and the constant
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struggle is what develops the strength of the Church, and makes it strong to overcome.
The Bishop congratulated the rector and Vestry upon the completion of this work and the magnificent success which, under God's providence, they had accom- plished. He invoked his blessing upon this finished work for all time to come, and closed with the usual ascription.
'The altar was decorated for this service by a beauti- ful floral cross, the gift of the Women's Society, flowers in the vases being presented by Harry L. Doty. Joseph Beatty, J. H. Timberlake, Frank Mckinney, Charles Dougherty, and Joseph W. Boisol acted as ushers, and after the close of the service many remained to admire the beauties of the building.
The first marriage in the new church took place at 3 p. m., the contracting parties being Rev. S. L. Brew- ster and Miss Anna L. Dohrman, the Bishop performing the ceremony.
The Central Convocation meeting was held in the evening with sermon by Rev. Dr. Rulison, and the con- secration ceremonies were concluded the next morning by administration of the Holy Communion, the Bishop being the celebrant.
As previously stated, the church edifice is built of native sandstone, and throughout, including the furnish- ings, represents the best product of local handicraft. It will comfortably seat five hundred persons, and is mainly Early English or thirteenth century style of architecture with the chancel windows of the following century or Decorated order. It was almost exactly a year in build- ing, and no serious accident occurred during its construc- tion. The building is orientated so as to place the altar at the east end geographically as well as ecclesiastically, and with the tower and organ chamber (at first the rob- ing room) also placed at that end the rock face and bold
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outlines present an appearance of impressiveness and solidity which is not dissipated on closer examination. The extreme length of the church proper is 118 feet, and the outside width, including the buttresses and alcove on the north side about sixty. The stone tower and spire rise to a height of 114 feet, terminating in a six-foot metal gilded cross. When this cross was placed in posi- tion the arms were parallel with Fourth street, 19 degrees east of north, but it has gradually veered around until it points practically north and south. This gives rise to the query as to whether the earth's magnetic current has been strong enough to effect this change. In 1892 the spire was struck by lightning and some of the stonework cracked, but having no apparent effect on the cross. The tower foundation, which is a solid mass of stone and con- crete, goes down about twenty feet, and the structure is quite able to sustain a full set of chimes, which, it is hoped, will some day find there a home. The church has three main entrances, one through the tower from Fourth street, one through the porch on Adams street, and one from the parish house on the west. There was also a door into the sacristy and thence to Fourth street, since closed by the organ. On the north side is an alcove 6x30 feet intended originally to accommodate choir and organ, the latter filling the western bay, allowing room for a quartette only in front, but afterwards moved to the east bay and a choir platform placed in the northeast corner of the church, and occupied by a double quartette. The roof is steep and slated, with a ventilating ridge along the top, originally ornamented with gilded tips. The nave is 85x44 feet inside, the open timbered ceiling rising to a height of 46 feet, of yellow pine finished in natural color with purlins and principal rafters exposed, and the cham- fers colored in carmine. Black walnut highly polished is used in the wainscotting, vestibules, etc., the pews being
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of white walnut with black tops and ends, and furnished with crimson cushions. Scarlet cloth relieved by metal trimmings covers the inside doors, which hang on spring hinges, and the floor is covered by red carpet. The orig- inal chancel was 23x26 feet, tiled in proper designs, as are also the entrances. It was approached by three mar- Lle steps with clergy stalls and carved pulpit of black walnut.
The altar, of chestnut, was a present from some of the members of St. John's Church, Wheeling, which had gone out of existence. Its blue gothic panels contain gilt ecclesiastical designs, including Alpha and Omega with crowns and I. H. S. The sentence, "Holy, Holy, Holy, ' relieves the front of the super altar. The original fur- nishings of the altar included gilt alms basin, vases, lec- tern and service book, gifts of HI. I. Doty, subsequently memorial cross to Mr. Gillette by same; Eucharistic can- dlesticks by Mrs. J. M. Barclay in memory of her hus- band; vesper lights in memory of Mr. Pitts, and sanctus bell have been added later. The credence table is formed from the marble mensa of the altar in the old church, and is supported by a pair of walnut brackets. On the north or gospel side of the altar is an elegant black wal- nut bishop's chair, terminating in a mitre, and uphol- stered with crimson velvet. It was exhibited by J. and R Lamb at the Centennial exhibition of 1876 as a speci- nien of their best work, and was given as a thank offer- ing by Edmund Yard, of New York, through William Dougherty, of Steubenville. A polished brass rail, ele- vated one step, divides the sanctuary and choir. At the entrance to the chancel stands a brass eagle lectern, being at the time it was made probably the finest piece of work of the kind in the country, given by Mrs. William Dough- erty as a memorial to her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Purcell Peters, who entered into rest on September 10, 1879.
NEW ST. PAULIES, BUILT IN19-SO
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The eagle is supported by a standard on which are en- graved the emblems of the four evangelists, the whole being six and one-half feet high, and resting on four biazen lions. Hanging bookmarks of white silk with gold filagree crosses from Geneva, Italy, were presented by Miss Collet, of Burlington, N. J., as a memorial to M W. C. Barcley. The Bible used at that time was from the old church, but on October 27, 1898, Mr. and Mrs. William Huscroft presented the present magnificent vol- ume as a memorial of their son, Charles, Quite a num- ber of valuable altar, lectern and pulpit hangings were presented by Mr. Doty, and fresh ones have been added from time to time by the altar chapter.
Between the main or Fourth street entrance and the chancel steps was placed the font, made of Caen stone imported for that purpose, and carved by William J. Archer as a gift to the church. The bowl of the font is an octagon, and on the sides are cut in relief I. H. S., a sheaf of wheat, bunch of grapes, dove, lamb, rosettes and other designs with an ivy vine below. Two children of Mr. Archer were the first to be baptized in this font, on May 16, 1880. TI. I .. Doty presented the cover, and the font remained in its original position until the summer of 1912, when, by reason of alterations in the chancel, it was removed to a small baptistery on the north side of the church, where a lantern was placed by Mrs. M. A. Timberlake in memory of her mother. . A brass ewer and silver shell were presented by Mrs. Mary Wetherald.
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