USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > The history of Saint Luke's Church, Marietta, Ohio > Part 12
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All my letters may still go to this place, for I shall let the Post Master here know, from time to time, where to forward letters for me. I shall be always glad to hear from you; and you will tell Mr. Barker, if you please, that I purpose writing to him very soon. Give my respects to Mama and Papa, and aff etionate re- membrance to your sister Isabel ; I will not mention other friends, because the names would be too many.
Believe me
My dear Caroline and Daniel Ever truly your friend C. L. F. HAENSEL.
THE REV. MR. HAENSEL TO D. H. BUELL, ESQ.
Brunswick, Medina County, May 21st, 1839.
Dear Sir,
A communication which I have had from Mr. Nye, leads me to believe that letters from me would have been favourably re- ceived, and were expected, as he states of himself, so perhaps by other friends whose kindness I experienced during my stay in Marietta, and to whom I never wrote. If I have seemed neglect- ful of the duty of remembrance, I can assure you that it was in appearance only ; my affections have not ceased being engaged on the behalf of my former parishioners and the friends with whom I had the benefit of Christian intereourse: and simply hesitation whether I had any acceptable communication to make, prevented my addressing individuals beyond those who gave me direct en- couragement to do so. But I always took pleasure in thinking that my letters to a couple of my former scholars would be the means of informing those of my friends generally who liked to know of my movements. By them you have no doubt learned that my stay at Gambier terminated two months ago, when I set out to travel as far as Cleveland on some business for the Granville Seminary. Since the completion of that journey, I have resided with an Episcopal family in the town of Liverpool, and have statedly ministered to the little congregation which worships in a small, unadorned, but convenient house a few rods from where I reside, and who have manifested their desire that I should settle with them as their pastor. A large body of Germans, residing in the same town, afforded me an opportunity of daily employment
126
LETTER OF THE REV. C. L. F. HAENSEL.
in tuition, though without emolument, because I only render brotherly assistance to the appointed Teacher of the District in the English department. Endeavors are using by my Episcopalian friends to get a select school for me, which would make my stay. with them permanent, because they, being apprized of my con- scientious feelings of duty, are willing I should act in accordance with them.
But I have been led to form a desponding view of my prospects in the United States. You are aware of the difficulty which I felt, while in Marietta, arising from my views of religions duty towards my fellow creatures of African descent. Whoever has become acquainted with the course I have pursued during my stay in this Republic, will give me credit for moderation-some would call it pusillanimity-I claim this at least as a testimony due to me that, while I had to sustain the pastoral relation, I kept my decided anti-slavery principles so completely in check as to cause no interruption by them to good feeling between myself and my parishioners. I have never felt satisfied, however, with a course of entire abstinence from action in accordance with my principles ; and in looking about for a settlement, since I removed from Gambier, oven from Marietta. I have firmly adhered to my demand of liberty to introduce youth of dark colour into the school which I may undertake, without allowing distinction on account of their descent. I have found that this demand stands in the way of my success a great deal more extensively than some high authority which I consulted last year would allow me to sup- pose. My services would have been encouraged in various places, where all prospects for me closed. as soon as my principles were understood. And so I am left to lament the general deficiency which prevails in the operation, both of Christ's law of love to- wards our neighbor, and of the republican axiom that all men are born free and equal.
The probability therefore is that, after all, I shall pursue my way to the other side of Lake Erie. I have commenced correspondence to that effeet, and my friends here understand that I shall decide upon my course by the prospect which shall present itself to me of undisturbed action in favour of the education of coloured youth. For my own part, I may have no occasion to take under my care more than one or two such youth in whom I feel person -. ally interested ; but wherever my influence extends, I would la- bour to have that unchristian statute corrected which confines common school education to white youth only. It is unaccount- able to me, how obedience to the religion of Jesus can be exten- sively professed in a land (and that land a Republic) and the pro- fessors of it suffer the exclusion of a portion of their fellow inhab- itants from admission to common schools, on no other ground than the complexion which they neither have given themselves nor have it in their power to remedy-on a ground, consequently, which makes the art of God, who made them so, the occasion of disqualification, in spite of the Declaration of Independence.
Writing on this subject. Dear Sir, I cannot express the regret which I have often felt at finding in you, whose love for spiritual religion has been a great comfort to me during my connexion with St. Luke's, so little sympathy with me in what I consider that question of obvious Christian duty. You and others anticipated political inconvenience from the emancipation of the slave and ad-
127
CLERICAL VISITORS.
mission of coloured men to civil rights; and you unite with those who are politicians only, and not professors of religion, in making yours If consent that slavery should continue, and both civil rights and social acts of kindness be withhell from the coloured man whom God made of the same blood as he has done us, and for whom Christ died even as he did for you and me. On the other hand, I entertain a most grateful recollection of Mrs. B's kind disposition towards my coloured brethren, and I cannot but regret that while you worship within walls to which the stain of a separating decree again-t coloured persons is not affixed, Mrs. B. should prefer offering her devotions where that portion of God's rational creatures is relegated to certain slips in the Gallery, by an advertisement from church authorities, placed in the vestibule.
Having written thus far, I begin to think that I am not mend- ing my previous silene : by writing on the topic which has now engaged me. I place that confidence, however, in your Christian charity, that you will bear with the frank statement which may partly explain why I have been backward in correspondence. I think it an unjustifiable compact, whether taett or expressed, that imposes upon men in this land restraint in lett: rs, in conversation, and in publie instruction, from touching upon the questions of slavery and of distinctions among men on the ground of colour. The question is a religious one, and the Christian Church in the United States will come to see, some day or other, that it has to take it up as such, and in the Church's capacity of "the salt of the earth" correct the rottenness of the public mind.
I have but little room left now to say how greatly I shall feel pleased to know particulars of the state of your family and your connections; whether you continue to reside in the country or have returned to a residence in town ; the prospect of the Epis- copal Church and of other religious communities. I have had ae- counts of the temporary services which you had during the Christ- mas season, and for some time after, and would gladly hope that the acquaintance then formed as I learn between the parish and a minister without engagement may have led to his settlement among you. I shall always take a lively interest in your prosperi- ty as a member of that congregation, and as the head of a family, and beg that you will present my Christian regards to Mrs. B. and your sister and other friends of the family, and affectionate re- membrance to your children.
Ever sincerely and faithfully yours
C. L. F. HAENSEL.
To D. H. Buell, Esq.
Marietta Ohio. -
Late in the autumn of 1838, after Mr. Haensel's departure and shortly before Thanksgiving Day, a party of Episcopalians, who were coming up the river from various places in the South, landed at Mari- etta, the river being frozen so that the boat could not proceed on its way. The Rev. Professor C. W. Hackley, of New York ; with his wife, a very sweet lady ; the Rev. Messrs. Fish and Lewis in Deacon's Orders, and Dr. and Mrs. Sikes, of Baltimore ; a Mr. Williams from Pittsburgh,
128
LETTERS OF THE REV. ERASTUS BURR.
and Capt. Paige, of the U. S. Navy, were of the party. They remained here about two months, and the circumstances connected with their stay are very pleasantly remembered by those who were here at that time. Besides supplying the Church with clerical services they added much life to the society of the town.
The McFarlands had the Thanksgiving circle at their place on the Muskingum, and Mrs. McFarland's ample stock of mince pies came in good play. There was plenty of good cheer, and many merry scenes took place. While driving up the river the sleigh was upset and turned them all out in a snow drift.
On January 18th, the First Sunday after the Epiphany, the Rev. Mr. Lewis read the Service and Professor Hackley administered the Sacrament of Baptism.
THE REV. ERASTUS BURR TO D. H. BUELL, ESQ. June 17, 1839.
Dear Sir.
My friend Mr. Hall showed me a letter yesterday which he had just reed. from you respecting my visiting your place. Mr. H. kindly invited me some time ago to accompany him & his family on a visit to Marietta & preach for you as he had heard that you were without a minister; but my engagements at that time pre- vented me from acceding to his proposal. Now however I am more at liberty & shall be most happy to accompany him & per- form any services in my power which you &.your brethren may see fit to appoint. We have fixed on next week for going & shall expect to leave here ( Providence permitting) in time to reach your place on Friday the 28th (perhaps Thursday night). Praying that God may direct us in this and all our doings with his most grac- ious favour & further us with continual help. I remain
Yours Sincerely
ERASTUS BURR.
D. H. Buell.
Dr. Sir, if I am not again mistaken I shall accompany Mr. Burr to Marietta with Mrs. H. Mrs. H. is at this time quite unwell but we are in hopes will not continue ill for any length of time.
Yours, W. HALL.
Mr. Daniel H. Buell.
care of Marietta, J. E. Hall Ohio,
ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE REV. ERASTUS BURR.
Portsmouth, Oet. 12. 1839.
To Messrs Buell, Nye & Hall, Gentlemen.
I write to inquire whether you have yet procured a minister for your parish - & if not to take the liberty of recommending to you the Rev. Mr. Ufford who has lately been here & is now on his
A
129
THE REV. JAMES BONNAR VISITS THE PARISH.
way to Worthington, where he expects to remain a few weeks. Mr. Ufford graduated at Kenyon College some 2 or 3 years ago, & since then has filled the office of Tutor in that Institution. He is a young gentleman of excellent talents and acquirements, truly pious & of good sound sense ; his age is about 28; has been recent- ly married & now contemplates taking a parish. His predilection is for the South but I have tried to pursuade him to settle in this Diocese & the Bishop is exceedingly anxious to retain him. He has preached several times here & I believe our people, with- out exception, think highly of him: in fact I write at the sug- gestion of some of them, particularly Mr. Hall, to propose him to you. I do not know that he will be pursuaded to remain in Ohio but I think he will. And from what I know of him & the situa- tion of your parish, I shd think with God's blessing he would be just the man to build up your parish. I feel quite sure that he would soon acquire a strong and extensive influence in your com- munity.
He will probably be at Worthington for 2 or 3 weeks. I should be glad to hear from you : if you are already supplied or have the prospect of being, let me know if you please.
You will excuse the liberty I have taken & accept assurances of respect & esteem.
Very truly, ERASTUS BURR.
Have the goodness to present my respectful regards to your re- spective families.
Mr. Ufford's address at present is Rev. John Ufford, Worthington, Franklin Co., Ohio.
E. B.
At Christmas, 1839, the Rev. James Bonnar visited the Parish at the request of the Bishop, and was invited by the Vestry to become Rector of St. Luke's.
In 1839, the Rev. Erastus Burr, Rector of All Saints' Church, Ports- mouth, says in his Convention report that he spent one Sunday at St. Luke's Church, Marietta.
In 1839-40 the Treasurer of the Episcopate fund received from St. St. Luke's, Marietta, $15.
Subscription to a fund for the support of a clergyman in St. Luke's (P. Ep.) Church, Marietta.
The Wardens and Vestry of ST. LUKE'S CHURCH, MARIETTA, hav- ing invited the Reverend JAMES BONNAR to take the clerical charge of the said Church & Parish, as the Rector thereof; and having, also, given assurance to the Bishop on behalf of Mr. Bonnar, of a specific provi- sion, for the first year of his services in the Parish, for his support :- the undersigned hereby promise, severally, to pay to the corporatian of said Church sums annexed to our names, respectively, to be applied to that purpose; the payments to be made quarterly.
Marietta, Feb. 1, 1840.
130
THE REV. JAMES BONNAR TAKES CHARGE.
Names.
Names.
Arius Nye
30
J. Cram
D. H. Buell
25
Chas. B. Hall
Danl. Greene
25
Joseph Barker
J. E. Hall
25
Win. Skinner
A. L. Gultteau
25
. Nahum Ward
10
Wm. Holden
20
Mrs. Creele
David Barber
10
Miss C. Stone
3
Wm. F. Curtis
5
Miss M. Stone
3
Jas. H. Greene
10
Mrs, Jackson
A. V. D. Joline
10
George Henderson
James Roberts
15
Moses MeFarland
Thomas A. Bready
10
John Kendrick
On Quinquagesima Sunday, March 1, 1840, the Rev. James Bonnar took charge of the Parish.
Easter Monday, April 20, 1840, at a Parish meeting at the Church, Arius Nye was elected Senior Warden, Daniel H. Buell, Junior Warden, and Joseph E. Hall, Abner L. Guitteau, F. A. Wheeler, Daniel Greene, Joseph Barker and Milo Hoadley, Vestrymen.
At a Vestry meeting on the same day, D. H. Buell was chosen See- retary and A. L. Guitteau, Treasurer and agent for the parish in refer- ence to the Ministerial fund.
In 1840, the Parish was represented in the Convention by the Rev. James Bonnar, B. D , Rector, who reported : "Baptisms, adults 5, infants 2, total 7; communicants, died 1, removed 1, added 10, present number 52; confirmed 10, marri ges 2, burials 2, Sunday school scholars 25.
Since last Convention I baptized one adult in St. John's Church, Cuyahoga Falls."
The Bishop says : "The Rev. James Bonnar has resigned the parish of St. John's, Cuyahoga Falls, and become the Rector of St. Luke's Church, Marietta." He also says: "During the last week of March (1840), I visited the Parish of All Saints, Portsmouth. * * Thence I visited St. Luke's, Marietta, preached and confirmed ten."
ST. LUKE'S CHURCH, Marietta ; Subscription for clerical support.
We, the undersigned, hereby promise, severally, to pay to "St. Luke's Church, Marietta", the sums annexed to our names, respective- ly, for the support of clerical services in the said Church and Parish for the current year, commencing from this date.
Marietta, Mch. Ist, 1841.
Names.
Sums
Names.
Sums.
Arius Nve
25
Jas. H. Greene
10
J. E. Hall
20
Chas. B. Hall
5
W. Holden
15
Joseph Barker
D. H. Buell
10
David Barber
10
Jas. Roberts
5
J. Morehead
1.50 3
Moses MeFarland
10
Mrs. Creele
Mrs. Skinner
3
-
James Bond
.
133
EVENTS OF 1841.
Easter Monday, April 12, 1841, at a Parish meeting at the church, Arius Nye was elected Senior Warden, D. H. Buell, Junior Warden, and J. E. Hall, A. L. Guitteau, F. A. Wheeler, John Kendrick, Daniel Greene and Joseph Barker, Vestrymen.
At a Vestry meeting on the same day the Secretary and Treasurer and agent of the previous year were re-elected.
"It was resolved, that it is expedient to rent the pews in the church, or a portion of them for the current parochial year, in order with the avails thereof to aid in the support of clerical services in the parish. And that a committee of five be appointed to make, with the coneur- rence of the Rector, a selection of certain pews to be rented, and others to be retained as free pews. And to assess the minimum prices thereon and to take such further order thereon for the renting of them as they may deem expedient. And also to make such further arrangements for the support of the clergyman as may be found necessary."
Messrs. Buell, Guitteau, Nye, Kendrick and Barker were appointed that committee.
On April 16th, Daniel Greene was added to the committee and the committee reported and the vestry resolved, "that the open seats having no fronts, and pews No. 5, 10, 34, 36, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, be retained and held as free seats. And that pews No. 1, 2, and 41 & 42 be assessed at a minimum annual rent of fifteen dollars each; that Nos. 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 & 38, be assessed at a minimum annual rent of eight dollars each ; and that Nos. 17, 19, 23 & 25, be assessed at a mini- mum annual rent of six dollars eael.
. Resolved that the Revd. the Rector be requested to notify the con- gregation that the vestry will meet at the church on Monday the 26th day of April current at 2 o'clock P. M. to rent the pews.
Resolved that Mr. Guitteau be appointed agent in behalf of the vestry to cause the pews to be numbered and marked."
-
Friday, May 14, was a National fast day appointed on account of the death of President Harrison. Bishop McIlvaine's letter to the parishes of the Diocese was printed in the weekly paper, and special prayers ap- pointed by him were used.
August 18th, after prayers by the Senior Warden, the vestry ap- pointed Mr. Buell delegate to the Diocesan Convention. The entire vestry were made a committee to solicit subscriptions for the support of the clergyman for the current year. "Mr. Buell and Mr. Hall were ap- pointed a committee to audit the account of Mr. Nye for advances by him made on account of the church edifice and debts." Mr. Nye was "authorized to apply any surplus over contingent expenses of the par- ish, and any funds or donations from other sources in aid of the balance of the demand of Swearingen & Slocomb, for which he has given his note to E. B. Swearingen. The vestry then adjourned.
D. H. BUELL, Secretary.
$
5
134
THE REV. JAMES BONNAR RESIGNS.
PAROCHIAL REPORT, 1841.
Communicants: number last reported, 52, removed from the list, 10, added 4, 3 being from Harcourt Parish, Gambier, and 1 as ready and de- sirous to be confirmed. Present number 46. Baptisms 5 children, mar- riages 2, burials 1 adult and 2 children-3.
The Parish was represented in the Convention by the Rector. The Treasurer received $24, in full, assessment from St. Luke's; for Episco- pate fund for the year ending September, 1841, $37 from communicants of St. Luke's; for the Diocesan fund, 87; assessed $7 for the next year.
At a meeting of the vestry on January 27, 1842, opened with prayers by the Senior Warden, "a communication from the Rev. James Bonnar addressed to the Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Luke's Church, resign- ing his clerical charge of the Church, at the end of the current year, was received and on motion it was voted that his resignation be ac- cepted."
His rectorate ceased March 6th, 1842.
PAROCHIAL REPORT OF 1842, by the Rev. James Bonnar.
I have admitted to the Church by holy Baptism, 6 adults and 17 children. I have added to the list of Communicants 22 names, ten by Confirmation ; three from other parishes; of these last two removed, one has left the Church by connecting himself with the Methodists. One of those confirmed has died. During my incumbaney the congre- gation has changed but little, the average number in attendance being about 100, as I judge. There are about 30 families; several young men, and several serving women, who are not connected with families, also attend. I may mention that there are seven persons whose names are on the list of Communicants, who do not attend from the distance at which they live. Two invalids living in town have not communed for about a year. I think there are now forty-five on the Communion list. The average attendance on the Communion is about 22. I have married 5 couples, and buried 8 adults and 4 children.
Since I took charge, there have been collected by monthly offerings over $127 for parochial expenses, such as sexton, fuel, cleaning, Conven -. tion expenses &c. For the Episcopate we paid $88. For the Sunday school we collected $14, and for sundry other purposes $9.50.
The Parish was assessed $5 for Convention expenses.
The Rev. James Bonnar was one of the strictest of churchmen, and endeavored to observe all rules to the letter. He was very conscientious in observing fast days, and his example in that respect might be more generally followed, with good results.
He regarded the sanctity of the church and the furniture of the chancel with unusual reverence, and they tell how he would not even allow the kneeling stools to be removed outside the rail to be used for any other purpose. He disliked to have persons go to the stoves during service to warm themselves; if they did, they were not allowed to turn
---
!
135
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE REV. JAMES BONNAR.
their backs toward the Altar. He said that in Scotland the churches had stone floors and no stoves, and people did not complain of the cold.
With all his strictness he wore a pleasant smile which softened his austerity.
Mr. Bonnar was a very exact man, and kept a book containing an "Offering account" beginning at Easter 1841, with the charge of 65} cents transferred from the account given below; and containing also accounts commenced with the Episcopate Fund, the Sunday School Library, the Bible Society, General Home Missions, General Foreign Missions and The Church Debt ; also "Accounts with Church Periodic- als taken in the Parish," including the Journal of Education, Children's Magazine, Banner of the Cross, and Western Episcopal Observer.
DR. THE WEEKLY OFFERINGS.
1840
CONTRA. CR.
By Collection First S: in Lent 5.80
do Easter
1.50
Fourth af: Easter 1125
First af: Trin:
10.82
Fifth af: Trin: 7.62
Ninth af: Trin: 8.00
Fourteenth af: Trin: 6.20
1840
To handed Mr. Nye as collected 51.19
51.19
Nov. 9 To Paid Win. Lavers 5.000
Do for a Broom .20
When Mr. Nye went to Columbus the Coll: remained in my hands. Eighteenth Sun: af Trin 7.6214
1841
Feb: 28. Appropriation for Con- vention expenses
11.621.
Christmas day 4.00
Mar: 2 To Paid Win Lavers 3.00
1841
Second af Epiphany 2.45
20 Paid for Repairing Prayer Book
Fourth in Lent 3.83
Paid for Candlesticks, Scon-
ces and Candles at Christ- mas
7.68
By Charged on New Book
.6514
28.0012
28.0012
A True Statement,
JAMES BONNAR.
Bishop MeIlvaine once held up Mr. Bonnar's Register and other books as faultless models for all parish priests.
Mr. Bonnar, when he first came to Marietta, lived in a portion of Mr. Buell's house on Greene street. On the 11th of August, 1840, he married at Gambier. Eliza, daughter of Mr. Archibald Douglas, for many years associated with Bishop Chase in the management of the affairs of Kenyon College.
When he returned with his bride they began housekeeping on the east corner of Fourth and Montgomery streets opposite the Elevated Square. Mr. Nye afterwards built a house for his use on the upper side of Washington street, between Fifth and Sixth.
He had ten children : Rachel Euphemia was born at Marietta; the Rev. David Archibald, born in Hollidaysburg, Pa., now Rector of All
-
:
Twentysecond af Trin 4.071.
Quinquagesima 5.37%
27.3514
-
-
136
SOME ACCOUNT OF THE REV. JAMES BONNAR.
Hallows', A. A. Co., Md., succeeded to his father's post. James (died December, 1865, aged 20 years and 4 months) : Eliza, Sarah Anne, Char- lotte Mary, George Henry, all born in Philadelphia ; JJohn, born in New York ; Charles William Douglas and Margaret Lucy (died 1867), born in Ashtabula. David A. and John are married.
`~ Mr. Bonnar was educated in Scotland, under the famous Dr. Walk- er. He came to America in 1835, being about twenty-five years of age, and entered the Seminary at Gambier, where he studied Theology and was one of the first upon whom the degree of Bachelor of Divinity was granted by that Institution. For a while he acted as tutor there. He was very anxious to have the students wear the cap and gown, and at his solicitations the Bishop consented to give an order to that effect, but it was not carried out. Quite a number of years afterward, however, they were worn by the upper classmen.
Bishop Mellvaine says, "On Sunday, August 5th (1838), in the Chapel of Kenyon College, I admitted to the holy order of Deacons, the Rev. James Bonnar, a graduate of the Theological Seminary of Ohio. On which occasion the Rev. Dr. Colton preached the ordination sermon, and the Rev. Mr. Wing presented the candidate."
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