USA > Ohio > Washington County > Marietta > The history of Saint Luke's Church, Marietta, Ohio > Part 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
Since my last visit, this parish had completed its convenient par- sonage, and now, as the Convention sees, is thoroughly and tastefully furnished in all departments for parish work. This parish has lately changed its financial policy. with great success. A clear and instruct- ive detail of it will be found in the Rector's annual report. The Vestry. dealing with the temporal affairs entrusted to them on strictly business principles, are now enabled to meet all the current expenses of the par- ish with comparative ease, and without relying on individual subserip- tions. They have dealt generou-ly with their pastor. They include the quota for the Convention Fund among current expense .. They have thus shown that a system, often considered applicable only to our large city parishes, is appropriate to those also of moderate size and moderate means. I b.g to commend the report, when published. to your atten- tion.
REPORT.
At the suggestion of the Assistant Bishop, the following report of . the parish is appended :
REPORT OF THE VESTRY OF ST. LUKE'S CHURCH, MARIETTA.
"The Vestry of St. Luke's Church would respectfully report the parish out of debt: the Church and Parsonage paid for. For these pur- poses they have expended since e unmencing the building of the new church in May, 1:56, the sum of nineteen thousand three hundred dol-
182
REPORT OF THE VESTRY.
lars ($19,300), which includes a debt of the old church, a heavy charge of interest, and discounts in anticipating nine subscriptions, and carry- ing a debt. All has been raised by subscription at various times, except three thousand dollars received from the sale of the old church and parsonage.
"The minister's salary is paid to date.
"They are gratified to report that the plan adopted at the com- mencement of the present year for raising the necessary funds-for the current expenses of the same, has relieved them of much anxiety, and apparently been entirely satisfactory to the Society. It was decided to appraise the pews at a minimum price, which would meet the ordinary wants of the year, pay the Rector's salary, and with a small assessment pay current expenses. To prepare the parish for this change, a circular was issued, a copy of which is herewith attached.
COPY OF CIRCULAR.
"CIRCULAR .- The Vestry of St. Luke's Parish find it necessary to increase the Rector's salary. The rental of the pews is the source from which this fund is to be raised. The Vestry have decided as the better plan that the pews be sold by number at an appraised value, as the minimum price, which will produce the sum necessary for this purpose.
" 'The same will be subject to a small assessment of not exceeding ten per cent., to pay incidental expenses.
" 'They confidently expect the hearty co-operation of all members and adherents of the Church.
" 'Sale of pews, Monday, October 3d, 1864, at 2 P. M., at the Church.'
-
"The success of the plan was demonstrated by the fact that in the aggregate the pews sold for a premium, and the purchasers appeared well satisfied.
"We have heretofore raised the necessary funds for the Rector's salary and expenses from sales of pews, by choice of No., without any fixed price for same, and any balance was raised by subscription, usually at the end of the current year, and always with much trouble to the Vestry.
"CHAS. R. RHODES, Secretary."
J. E. HALL,
JOHN KENDRICK, J Wardens.
JOHN BOYD, Rector.
Bishop Bedell said in his Convention address in 1866 :
"When the Convention (of 1865: separated at Marietta, I was seriously ill, unable to participate in the deliberations of its closing sessions, or to unite in the parting services. Under the hospitable roof of our friends, Mr. and Mrs. Rolston, I found needed repose and the kinde-t care; so that I was tempted to think myself recovered before strength had fully returned."
September 18. The expenses for the coming year were estimated as follows : Pastor's salary, $1000; Organist's do., $60; Sexton's do., $60; Coal, $50; Insurance and Gas, $25; Bishop's fund, $80. Total, $1275.
December 11. It was resolved to be expedient and proper to raise and conduct a male and female Bible class.
....
...
1
183
VISIT OF BISHOP BEDELL IN IS66.
1
1866. Easter Monday, April 2. J. E. Hall and Prof. John Kendrick were elected Wardens and C. B. Hall, M. P. Wells, E. W. Buell, R. L. Nye, W. H. Oldham, John Medlicott and C. R. Rhodes, Vestrymen.
The day for pew-renting was changed from October 1st to Easter Monday.
April 22. Sunday. Bishop Bedell visited the parish and confirmed 24. Coming up the river from Cincinnati, he gave an account of the vis- itations at Portsmouth, Ironton, Gallipolis and Pomeroy, and said: "At Marietta the Church is flourishing. In the afternoon I met the chil- dren, and catechised them "openly before the church", and with great satisfaction, for they showed remarkable proficiency both in verbal knowledge and in understanding of this valuable form of words. Both here and at Portsmouth I preached on the subject of the Church as the Teacher of Truth; urging the importance of thorough clerical educa- tion, and the value of our Gambier institutions.
One cannot turn from such a meagre account of parishes, scattered over 300 miles of a populous river border, without a feeling of shame and deep humiliation before God. Between all these principal paints, on both sides of the river, in the three strong dioceses of Virginia, Ken- tucky and Ohio, lie many towns and very many villages, where the voice of our Church as the Divinely appointed Teacher, has never been heard; in many of them scarcely any church appens. I was rejoiced to learn that the clergy on the river, in all three dioceses, were taking steps to unite in a Missionary Convocation. I trust nothing will inter- fere with it. I am sure they will have the co-operation of all the Bish- ops concerned, in any effort to provide for the spiritual wants of this extended and destitute district."
In regard to Sunday school libraries the Bishop mentioned two methods of distributing library books, one at Gallipolis and the other at Marietta, where he said, the librarian has a book divided into compart- ments, for the number of cach volume in the library. Opposite to each compartment is a place for a small tin check, which is stamped with the scholar's number. The check therefore represents the volume which is taken out.
St. Luke's was not represented in the Convention of 1866.
1867. Easter Monday, April 22. The Church-Wardens and Vestry- men of the preceding year were re-elected, excepting that W. H. Buell was substituted for Jolin Medlicott. W. H. Buell was chosen Treasurer and C. R. Rhodes, Secretary.
May 7. M. P. Wells elected Treasurer in place of W. H. Buell, re- signed.
August 7. Dr. Boyd preached a sermon on the Responsibility of Fathers, Text: Ephesians, VI, 4., which was printed by members of the Vestry.
The Rector was present in the Convention of 1867.
1868. January 27. On motion Resolved, That the thanks of this Vestry in behalf of St. Luke's Parish be given to the following persons · for their handsome donations to the Parish.
To Mr. M. P. Wells for an elegant Communion Service.
To Mr. William H. Buell for the substantial iron fence in front of the church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rolston for the handsome tablets by them pro- cured and put up over the Communion Table.
On motion Resolved, That our Pastor, on account of his ill health be relieved of his duties and responsibilities as pastor for the period of
·
184
BISHOP MC'ILVAINE'S LAST VISIT.
six months. Committee appointed to procure temporary services of a clergyman.)
Bishop Bedell in his address to the Convention of 1868, giving an account of his visitations in November. 1567, says, "Being unable to preach, the Brethern kindly officiated for me # ## Rev. Dr. Boyd. at Pomeroy, Gallipolis and Portsmouth. # ## The Diocese will sympathize with the Parish at Marietta, in a prolonged illness of their esteemed Rector, Rev. Dr. Boyd, which disabled him during the greater part of the winter and spring.
Easter Monday, April 13. J. E. Hall and Prof. J. Kendrick were elected Wardens and C. R. Rhodes. C. B. Hall. E. W. Buell. W. H. Buell, R. L. Nye, S. H. Stafford, M. P. Wells and D. P. Bosworth, Ves- trymen. Treasurer and Secretary of last year re-elected.
The Rector represented the Parish in the Convention.
1869. March 14. Bishop Mellvaine held a Confirmation in St. Luke's. "This proved to be his last visitation. The Church Catholic mourns him."
Easter Monday, March 29. Churchwardens and Vestrymen re-elec- ted, the following names b ing added to the Vestry: W. H. Oldham, George Benedict, John W. Conley and I. R. Waters.
August 16. Repairs on the church and parsonage reported to the amount of $600.
St. Luke's was represented in the Convention by the Rector and W. H. Oldham and C. R. Rhodes; H. S. Stafford, also a delegate, did not attend.
1870. Easter Monday, April 18, Mr. J. E. Hall and Prof. John Ken- drick were elected Wardens, and M. P. Wells. W. H. Oldham, W. H. Buell, C. R. Rhodes, M. Hodkinson, Geo. Benedict, C. P. Bartlett, S. H. Stafford, D. P. Bosworth. J. W. Conley, I. R. Waters and C. B. Hall, Vestrymen.
April 27. C. R. Rhodes re-elected Secretary and D. P. Bo-worth elect d Treasurer in place of M. P. Wells, resigned.
J. Kendri .k, (. R. Rhodes and W. H. Oldham elected delegates to the Convention, non . of whom were present. The Parish was repres- ented by the Re tor and M. P. Wells.
1871. Easter Monday, April 10. J. E. Hall and John Kendrick elected Wardens; M. P. Wells. C. R. Rhodes. W. H. Buell, W. H. Old- ham, Geo. Hawkins, C. P. Bartlett, Geo. Benedict, D. P. Bosworth, C. B. Wells, C. B. Hall, M. Hodkinson and J. W. Conley, Vestrymen.
The Rector's salary was increased to fifteen hundred dollars. April 23. Treasurer and Secretary re-elected.
May 21. W. H. Oldham, M. P. Wells and C. R. Rhodes electec del- egates to the Diocesan Convention. The last two were present with the Rector in the Convention.
1872. Eister Monday, April 1. Wardens and Vestry re-elected, I. R. Waters being substituted for J. W. Conley. Secretary and Treasurer re-elected.
April 24 .. C. R. Rhodes, M. P. Wells and M. Hodkinson elected delegates to the Convention, all of whom were present with the Rector.
"1873. March 12. Bishop Mellvaine died in Florence, Italy. The Man of his Generation." The church was draped in mourning, inclu- ding the Bishop's chair and the Holy Table.
--
185
ORDINATION OF THE REV. D. W. RHODES.
1873. Easter Monday, April 14. All the parish officers re-elected and F. A. Wheeler added to the Vestry.
April 28. F. A. Wheeler elected Treasurer in place of D. P. Bos- worth, resigned.
April 29. C. R. Rhodes, W. H. Oldham and M. Hodkinson elected delegates to the Convention. The last two were present with the Rector.
May 18. Certificate of qualification of Dudley Ward Rhodes to be ordained Deacon, signed by the Vestry.
1874 .- EASTER AT ST. LUKE'S.
MARIETTA .- This Easter has been a royal festival here. At eight o'clock in the morning we enjoye I the first of our Easter Services, Rev. Professor Benson, of Gambier, officiating, at which service our Pastor administered adult Baptism.
After this early service, the Bishop visited our Sunday School, and gave the children a brief, cheerful Easter greeting.
At 10:30 the Bishop ordained a Deacon, the son of one of our ves- trymen, Judge Rhodes. He was brought up among us, was confirmed in St. Luke's, and is connected with several families in this and other parishes. It was naturally an occasion deeply moving our feelings.
Rev. Dr. Boyd preached a sermon remarkable for power and direct- nes, and spoke plainly concerning sins and their power, as he is accus- tomed to do. His text was combined of two passages of Scripture : "We are workers together with God"; and "He that converteth a sin- ner from the error of his ways shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." His address to the candidate touched many hearts. He spoke as to a son in Christ Jesus-the third ordained to the ministry from this parish. He alluded to the facts that he had pre- sented this "son" to the Bishop for Confirmation, and now presented him to the same Bishop for consecration to the noble work of the min- istry. He alluded to his own ordination by Bishop Mellvaine, and to the death of that eminent Prelate, and the death of both the others who were ordained at the same time; and transmitted to Mr. Rhodes the solemn charge which Bishop Mellvaine had given to him : "Preach the Word. Be instant in season-out of season."
Then followed the Ordination, with Litany and Holy Communion as usual.
At 7:30 Evening Prayer was read by the newly-ordained Deacon, after which the Bishop confirmed four persons, and preached on the Resurrection life.
Thus we have enjoyed to-day, not only the usual services of this Queen of Days, but also both the Sacraments, an Ordination, and a Vis- itation. Such a day has not been known in St. Luke's since its founda- tion.
[Since receiving the above, the Bishop writes that Dr. Boyd preached at his very carnest request, and only on his urgent solicitation furnished him a copy of his address to the Candidate, which we are happy to ap- pend to the notes of our correspondent :]
ORDINATION ADRESS TO D. W. RHODES.
Under my ministry, in this house, before this people, you named upon yourself the name of Christ. And now in this same place you are taking upon you the stewardship of the mysteries of God. I then pre-
186
ADDRESS TO THE CANDIDATE.
sented you to the Bishop at this chancel for the imposition of hands, admitting you to the fellowship of the saints. I now and here again present you to the same Bishop at the same chancel, for the imposition of hands, a'lmitting you to the fellowship of this ministry. I trusted then that the Great Bishop of souls confirmed you in His grace. I trust now that the Great Bishop consecrates you by the imposition of His hands, enduing you with power from on high.
You are the third from this parish under my ministrations. And to me, in these associations, three is the mystic number. Almost a quarter of a century agone, three of us, young and sanguine, kneeled side by side to receive our commission. The form we loved -- always venerable, now transfigur d,-bending over us in a father's tenderness and an apostle's solicitude, repeated St. Paul's warning to Timothy : "1 charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom : Preach the word." These awfully glorious words come to me emphasized and un- derscored with three deaths. Of those four-the ordainer and the or- dined-only one survives, survives to repeat to you the same charge, Preach the word.
My brother, the Gospel is your text-book; the Holy Spirit is your teacher ; Christ crucified is your theme ; to tell the glad tidings is your commission. Be not drawn aside by other masters, or subjects, or text- books. Have no itching tongue for the current issues of the day, which gratify the flesh, but grieve the Spirit. Beware of the temptation of be- ing thought profound, or original, or learned, or eloquent, or familiar with the riches and graces of literature. Look not at your people as auditors to be entertained, but as sinners to be saved in Christ. Re- member ever that the message you bear will be the savor of life unto life, or the savor of death unto death. Stand ever close beneath the cross; be filled with the Spirit ; speak to sinners as yourself a sinner saved by grace; "testify the glad tidings of the grace of God," out of an ever enriching experience. Stand always consciously in the presence of Jesus while you talk to men. Be but an open channel thro' which He pours the tides of His love and the energies of His Spirit. Bring nothing into the pulpit but the Gospel in its simplicity. "Be instant in season, out of season." Be importunate, impassioned, beside yourself for their sakes. Break proud hearts; and heal them when broken. Pour in fire; pour in oil. Tell of the love that melts to contrition ; tell of the blood that cleanses. Be it your own passion to save souls from death-to draw sinners under the covering of the altar, under the robe without spot or seam : and thus hide in Christ the multitude of their sins.
The Bishop appointed Rev. Edward (. Benson, Professor in Kenyon College, as Temporary Examining Chaplain, in the case of Mr. Rhodes, who with Rev. Dr. Boyd, Examining Chaplain, occupied parts of three days ( 12 hours in all) in the examination, and reported their entire satisfaction to the Bishop.
Rev. D. W. Rhodes has received leave of absence for four months, before entering on his duty in Ohio as Deacon .-- [ The Standard of the . Cross.
1874. Easter Monday, April 6. Wardens and Vestry re-elected, J. W. Whiffing and R L. Nye being substituted for C. P. Bartlett and George Hawkins, Treasurer and Secretary re-elected.
The envelope system of contributions commeneed. Each person attending the church requested to subscribe something.
-
187
DIVISION OF THE DIOCESE. - SEMI-CENTENNIAL.
The Treasurer reported the probable expenses for the year as fol- lows :
Rector's salary, $1500; Sexton. $100; Treasurer, $100 ... $1700 Organist, 850: Organ blower, 220; taxes. SH; fuel, 825. ...
155 Gas, $35; Insurance, $25 231
Deficiency, $231
$2146
Delegates to the Convention elected as follows, C. R. Rhodes, M. P. Wells, W. H. Oldham ; all of whom were present with the Rector.
By the action of the Convention of 1574. the Diocese of Ohio was divided into two, the northern Diocese retaining the name, Diocese of Ohio, and the Bishop retaining that as his jurisdiction. St. Luke's voted for the division.
December 28. The Vestry of St. Luke's chose the delegates named immediately above to represent the Parish in the Primary Convention of the new Diocese at Columbus in January, 1575. and they, with the Rector, were present in the Convention which elected the Rev. Thomas Augustus Jagger. D. D., Bishop, and he was consecrated in the Church of The Holy Trinity, Philadelphia. April 2, 1.75.
1875. Easter Monday, March 29. J. E. Hall and John Kendrick elected Wardens, and M. Hodkinson. M. P. Wells. C. B. Hall, C. B. Wells, I. R. Waters, W. H. Buell. R. L. Nye, J. W. Whitting. Geo. Bene- dict, D. P. Bosworth, W. H. Oldham and C. R. Rhodes. Vestrymen.
C. R. Rhodes elected Szeretary and Wilson Waters Treasurer of the Parish.
It was resolved to continue the envelope system of collecting the revenues of the Church.
May 3. John Kendrick. C. B. Wells and M. Hodkinson were chos- en delegates to the First Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio. They were present with the Rector in the Convention at St. Paul's Church, Cincinnati.
For several weeks in the Spring and Summer of 1975, the Rev. Henry Dana Ward was in Marietta and officiated a number of times in St. Luke's.
September 6. October 15. Subscriptions raised for repairs on the church.
1876. January 1. Semi-Centennial anniversary of the organization of the parish. See portion of Dr. Boyd's sermon on Sunday, the 2nd, at the end of this chapter ..
Easter Monday, April 17. John Kendrick and George Benedict elected Wardens, and C. B. Hall. M. Hodkinson, M. P. Wells. I. R. Waters, C. R. Rhodes. F. A. Wheeler. J. W. Sniffen. Vestrymen.
C. R. Rhodes elected Secretary and M. Hodkinson, Treasurer.
April 24. C. B. Wells elected a Vestryman.
The Parish was represented in the Convention by the Rector and John Kendrick and George Benedict.
1877. February 12. C. B. Hall was chosen Secretary pro tem. in the place of Judge Rhodes, who resigned on account of ill health. J. W. Whiffing appointed Treasurer in the place of M. Hodkinson, re- signed.
.
188
FIRST ISSUE OF THE PARISH PAPER.
Easter Monday, April 2. John Kendrick and George Benedict were elected Wardens and F. A. Wheeler, C. B. Hall, J. W. Whiffing, I. R. Waters, D. P. Bosworth, J. W. Sniffen, C. R. Rhodes, Vestrymen ; J. W. Whiffing, Treasurer and C. R. Rhodes, Secretary ; C. B. Hall, Secretary pro tem.
April 18. John Kendrick, M. P. Wells and J. W. Whiffing appoint- ed delegates to the Convention. Messrs. Kendrick and Whiffing at- tended the Convention with the Rector.
1878. Easter, April 22. C. R. Rhodes and M. P. Wells elected Wardens, and C. B. Hall, I. R. Waters, E. R. Dale, J. W. Whiffing, D. P. Bosworth, D. B. Anderson and R. L. Nve, Vestrymen.
April 25. J. W. Whiffing appointed Treasurer and C. B. Hall, Sec- retary, and M. P. Wells, John Kendrick and T. F. Davis, delegates to the Convention. The Parish was not represented in the Convention.
July 23. It was resolved to put up notices of the Church Services in the hotels of the city.
1879. Easter Monday, April 14. C. R. Rhodes and M. P. Wells elected Wardens, and C. B. Hall, I. R. Waters, E. R. Dale, D. B. Ander- son, D. P. Bosworth, J. W. Whiffing and R. L. Nye, Vestrymen.
First number of the Parish paper, St. Luke's Chronicle, issued. .
April 19. J. W. Whiffing appointed Treasurer and C. B. Hall, Sec- retary, John Kendrick, M. P. Wells and Wilson Waters appointed dele- gates to the Convention .. Messrs. Kendrick and Waters were present with the Rector, who preached the Convention Sermon on Ascension Day.
May 6. D. B. Anderson appointed Treasurer in the place of J. W. Whiffing resigned.
August 6, Wednesday evening. Dr. Boyd and the choir assisted Bishop Peterkin, in a Service at Williamstown, W. Va., and the musical parts of the Service were sung there for the first time.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNT OF ST. LUKE'S CHURCH FOR 1879.
MONEY RECEIPTS FROM ALL SOURCES.
Pew Rents $ 1,150.00
Subscriptions 941.67
Other Sources 350.00
Total $2,441.67
PROPERTY AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
Buildings-Church ; Sittings 320
Number of Free Sittings 90
Salary of Rector, per annum ..... $ 1,100.00
Aggregate Value of Property of
the Parish, real and personal 15,000.00 Indebtedness. 250.00
EXPENDITURES AND APPROPRIATIONS.
Current Expenses, salaries &c .... $ 1,500.00
Repairs and Improvements ........ 100.00
Payment of Debts 350.00 Support of S. S. of the Parish 273.55
Convention Fund
100.00
Miscellaneous 30.00
MISSIONS.
Domestic
.63.12
Diocesan
.25.00
Total for Missions
88.12
Total of Expenditures and Ap-
propriations ...
$ 2,441.67
1880. Easter Monday, March 29. John Kendrick and M. P. Wells were elected Wardens and R. L. Nye, D. B. Anderson, Wilson Waters, C. B. Hall, I. R. Waters, E. R. Dale, D. P. Bosworth and J. W. Whif- fing, Vestrymen.
Wednesday in Easter Week, the Rev. C. D. Barbour and the Rev. R. A. Gibson conducted the Evening Service at St. Luke's, the former reading the Service and the latter making an address.
me.
REGARD, O Lord, the supplications of thy servants, and grant that whosoever shall be dedicated to thee in this house by Baptism, may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. .delivered from thy wrath and eternal death, and received as a living member of Christ's Church, and may ever re- main in the number of thy faithful children. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that they who at this place shall in their own persons renew the promises and vows which they made, or which were made for them by their sureties at their Baptism, and thereupon shall be Confirmed by the Bishop, may receive such a measure of thy Holy Spirit, that they may be enabled faithfully to fulfil the same, and grow in grace unto their lives' end. Amen.
. .
Grant, O Lord, that whosoever shall receive in this place the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, may come to that holy ordinance with faith, chari- : ty, and true repentance; and being filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, may, to their great and endless comfort, obtain remission of their sins, and all other bene- fits of his passion. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that by thy holy Word which shall be read and preached in this place, and by thy Holy Spirit grafting it inwardly in the heart, the hearers thereof may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and may have power and strength to fulfill the same. Amen
Grant, O Lord, that whosoever shall be joined together in this place in the holy estate of matrimony, may faith- fully perform and keep the vow and covenant. between them made, and may remain in perfect love together unto their lives' end. Amen. · Grant, we beseech thee, blessed Lord, that whosoever shall draw near to thee in this place, to give thee thanks for the benefits which they have received at thy hands, to. set forth thy most worthy praise, to confess their sins unto thee, and to ask such things as are requisite and necessary, as well for the body as for the soul, may do it with such steadiness of faith, and with such seriousness, affection, and devotion of mind, that thou mayest accept their bounden duty and service, and vouchsafe to give whatever in thy infinite wisdom thou shalt see to be most expedient for them: All which we beg for Jesus Christ's sake, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
-Collects in the Form of Consecration of a Church or Chapel.
191
ORDINATION OF THE REV. W. W. LOVEJOY.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.