USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > A historical account of Christ Church, Philadelphia : from its foundation, A.D. 1695, to A.D. 1841 : and of St. Peter's and St. James's, until the separation of the churches > Part 12
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
A lot on Seventh street, 79 feet by 110 feet, was purchased for $8,500, as a suitable site for the new church.
1807.
March 23. The committee appointed to pro- cure plans and estimates for building a church, report a plan which was unanimously adopted. The estimated expense of enclosing the pro- posed building, without any inside work, was $11,560. " A motion was made, and unani- mously agreed to, that the rector be requested to give a name to the contemplated church, which he accordingly named St. James's." Pe- ter Browne, Samuel Wheeler, John Morrell, Francis Gurney, Joseph Sims and Henry Haw- kins, were appointed the building committee.
1809.
April 28. The new church being now com- pleted, the vestry request the bishop to conse- ยท crate the same. Monday, the first day of May, was accordingly fixed upon for the consecra-
221
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
tion. The Right Rev. Dr. White preached the consecration sermon; which, by request of the vestry, was subsequently printed.
1810.
August 6. " The Right Rev. Dr. White in- formed the vestry that the Rev. Dr. Black- well had expressed his determination to decline his place as assistant minister in the united churches, whenever a suitable person can be obtained in his room. It was further expressed, that the cause of his resignation was occasional indisposition ; but that he was willing to con- tinue to officiate, to allow sufficient time to choose another minister.
Whereupon, Resolved, that the Right Rev. Dr. White be requested to express to Dr. Black- well the regret with which the vestry have received the foregoing intimation, and more particularly for the cause which has induced it ; and that he at the same time communicate re- spectfully to Dr. Blackwell the sense of the vestry, of the services rendered by him, in the discharge of the duties of his office, and ac- quaint him of the resolution of the vestry to take early measures for releasing him from his station, by the election of a successor."
September 18. " The Right Rev. Dr. White 19*
222
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
read a letter which he had written to the Rev. Dr. Blackwell, and Dr. Blackwell's answer thereto ;" which are as follows, viz. :
August 7th, 1810.
Reverend and Dear Sir,
Last evening, agreeable to your desire, I informed the vestry of your intended resignation, which produced the request expressed in the inclosed minutes .*
In performing the duty thus laid on me by the vestry, I participate in the respectful and affectionate sentiments which they have expressed, and I further take the oppor- tunity of mentioning, that during whatever may remain to me of life, I shall reflect with satisfaction on the harmony which has subsisted between us, and the friendly inter- course in which we have trod, through so long a space of time, and that of our united parochial ministry. With my best wishes and my prayers for your happiness,
I remain Reverend and Dear Sir, Your humble servant.
WM. WHITE.
Dr. Blackwell's answer.
Right Reverend and Dear Sir,
When I look back on the long and happy connection that has for so many years subsisted between us, as minis- ters of the united churches, the many kind attentions you have shown me, and the affectionate behaviour I have always experienced from you, you may be assured that I am very sensibly affected at the dissolution of a connection, so happily begun, and continued so long, with such uninter- rupted harmony and good will. I am fully persuaded, that nothing will interrupt the friendly understanding that now
* The minutes of vestry of August 6, were enclosed.
223
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
subsists between us ; but that, as we pass down the vale of years, our brotherly affection will know no change, but in its increase ; and that as we draw nearer the close of life, our hopes of happiness will become brighter and brighter.
My Dear Sir,-You will please to express to the vestry the satisfaction I feel, at the kind and friendly notice they have taken of my past services; and assure them that they were always performed with a willing heart, a sincere mind, and an ardent desire that they might be useful and acceptable to the congregation.
It is my earnest prayer, that their labours in promoting the interest and welfare of the united churches may be crowned with full success; my best wishes shall ever attend them.
Right Reverend and Dear Sir, with the highest esteem and veneration for your many amiable and christian virtues, and with the sincerest wishes for your long life, health and happiness,
I am your affectionate friend and brother,
ROBERT BLACKWELL.
8th August, 1810.
Right Rev. William White, D. D. Bishop of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church, in the State of Pennsylvania.
1811.
May 14. The Rev. Jackson Kemper, who had officiated for two Sundays previous, in the united churches, is unanimously elected an as- sistant minister.
" The vestry request that the church warden present their thanks to the Rev. Dr. Blackwell for his past services, and at the same time ex-
224
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
press their hope, that notwithstanding his resig- nation, he will occasionally favour them with his sermons, when the rector or either of the assistant ministers may request."
1814.
December 21. "Resolved, that it is expe- dient at this time to elect an assistant minister to these churches." "The Rev. Mr. Milnor, (now Dr. Milnor, of New York,) was duly elected, and the rector declared his approba- tion."
1815.
September 15. A new organ is built for St. Peter's Church, the cost of which, "as con- tracted for by the committee," is $3500. The greater part of this sum was raised by indivi- dual subscriptions.
1816.
March 6. Miss A. M. Clifton left by her will " one share in the Bank of Pennsylvania, (par value $400,) in trust, as the foundation of a fund for teaching six boys as a choir to sing in the orchestra of Christ Church."
June 28. The Rev. James Milnor resigns his situation as assistant minister of the united churches, to become the rector of St. George's
225
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
church, New York, a station which he continues (1841,) to fill with dignity and usefulness. Long may the congregation, of which he has had the charge for a quarter of a century, be blessed with his faithful ministrations.
Dr. Milnor's letter, tendering his resignation, is as follows ;
To the Rector, Church wardens and vestrymen of the united churches of Christ Church, St. Peter's Church, and St. James's Church, in the city of Philadelphia.
Gentlemen,
It is not without great sensibility, that I present to you my resignation of the office of assistant minister, in the churches over whose interests you preside. The uniform kindness manifested towards me, both by you, and the res- pectable congregations amongst whom my first labours in the ministry have been employed, has impressed me with the deepest gratitude ; and whatever may be the destination of my future efforts, will always be recollected with the sincerest respect.
Having received, however, an unsolicited and unanimous call to another portion of the vineyard of Christ, which ap- pears to open a more advantageous field of usefulness, in its restriction to the superintendence of a single congrega- tion, than can be afforded in the collegiate charge of seve- ral, I have believed it my duty to submit to the exchange, under a humble belief of its according with the will of divine Providence ; and thus, though a painful, becoming a neces- sary act of obedience on my part.
I solicit, therefore, the favour of your adopting the re-
226
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
quisite measures, for a legal and canonical dissolution of my present connexion with the united churches.
Be pleased, gentlemen, to receive individually my ardent wishes for your personal happiness in time and in eternity, and for the spiritual prosperity of the churches under your care, and believe me,
Your obedient servant, and Christian brother, JAMES MILNOR.
Philadelphia, June 28th, 1816.
The above letter having been read, it was " Resolved, that the said resignation be entered on the minutes, with an expression of the res- pect and esteem of the vestry for the Rev. Mr. Milnor, their regret for the dissolution of a con- nexion which had so happily subsisted, and their best wishes for his usefulness and happi- ness, in the portion of the Lord's vineyard to which his labors are to be transferred."
1817.
October 1. "Resolved, that the vestry will now proceed to elect a clergyman, whose ex- clusive duty it shall be to assist the rector, in the performance of parochial duties; the en- gagement with such clergymen to be for one year only, from the 10th October, instant."
" The vestry then proceeded to make the election, by ballot, when it appeared that the
227
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
Rev. William A. Muhlenberg, (now the rector of St. Paul's College,) was duly chosen ; and the rector expressed his approbation thereof."
1819.
March 5. The committee of Christ Church Hospital report, that their new building on Cherry street is nearly finished, and that the whole cost, including furniture, is about eigh- teen thousand two hundred dollars. The 22d day of March was appointed for opening the hospital, " at which time the clergy and vestry- men are requested to attend."
1820.
December 6. The Rev. William A. Muh- lenberg resigns his situation as assistant to the rector, to take charge of St. James's Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Whereupon, the vestry, in accepting his resignation, express their " respect and esteem for the Rev. Mr. Muhlenberg ; their regret at the separation that has taken place, and their best wishes for his usefulness in the church, to which his future labours will be given."
1822. March 11. The Rev. William H. De
-
1
228
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
Lancey, (now the Bishop of western New York,) was elected an assistant to the rector, which office he accepted, and entered immedi- ately upon its duties.
1823.
July 9. Henry Rigby, of the city of Phila- delphia, leaves " certain real estate in the city, with power in the trustees, to take and apply the net income derivable therefrom, to the use and relief of the poor of Christ Church, who shall be in full communion" with the said church ; the date of the will is April 28th 1823.
The will being read in vestry meeting, it was "ordered that an entry be made on the minutes, of the bequest of Mr. Rigby, and also that the vestry entertain a high sense of the kind and benevolent intentions of the donor, and his charitable disposition in favour of the poor communicants of Christ Church."
1825.
December 7. " Resolved, that the church warden communicate to Dr. Thomas Redman the grateful sense of the vestry for the legacy , of a silver cup, bequeathed by the late Mrs.
229
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
Redman, for the use of the communion table at Christ Church."
December 23. " Resolved, that a committee of six of the vestry be appointed to prepare and report a plan, for the separation of these churches. The following gentlemen were ap- pointed the committee ; Mr. Tilghman, Mr. Binney, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Bancker, Mr. Read."
1826.
February 20. " Mr. Binney, from the com- mittee appointed at the last meeting to prepare a plan for the separation of these churches, made a report which was read and ordered to be printed."
March 10. " The rector informed the ves- try, that the meeting had been specially called, to consider the report on the separation of the churches." The report was read and con- sidered by paragraphs, and after a single amendment, " on motion, the whole report was adopted."
" The following resolution was moved and seconded, and unanimously agreed to : Resolv- ed, that in the opinion of vestry, no separation of the churches should take place, unless rati- fied by the votes of three-fourths of the mem-
20
230
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
bers of all the churches, jointly convened, on special notice for that purpose."
June 7. "Resolved, that the plan for sepa- ration of the united churches, reported to ves- try on the 10th day of March last, be submitted to the congregations of the said churches, at meetings of the said congregations, to be called in their respective churches, on the 30th day of October next."
December 6. "The assistant wardens re- ported to vestry, the state of the votes taken in their respective churches, on the 30th day of October last, on the question of separation, agreeably to the plan adopted by vestry for that purpose."
CHRIST CHURCH.
For a separation, 24 votes, representing 53 sittings.
Against a separation, 109 votes, representing 247 sittings.
ST. PETER'S CHURCH.
For a separation, 60 votes, representing 139 sittings.
Against a separation, 54 votes, representing 122 sittings.
231
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
ST. JAMES'S CHURCH.
For a separation, 52 'votes, representing 194 sittings.
Against a separation, 23 votes, representing 88 sittings.
So the measure was not carried. St. James's Church, as will hereafter be seen, was erected into a separate corporation, in February, 1829 ; and Christ Church and St. Peter's were sepa- rated in January, 1832.
1827.
May 4. " The rector reminded the vestry, that the place of rector's church warden is va- cant, owing to the lamented decease of the late William Tilghman, Esq., who during many years had done him the favour of serving in that office; and there was submitted the ex- pediency of the appointment of a successor.
" The vestry united with the rector in deplor- ing the loss of so valuable a member of their body, who had taken a deep interest in all the concerns of the united churches, and had been attentive to all the duties resting on him, and to all the services committed to him, in the stations which he occupied ; and they concur-
232
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
red with the rector in the expediency of ap- pointing a successor."
The rector then appointed Horace Binney, Esq., the church warden, in place of Chief Jus- tice Tilghman, deceased.
1828.
August 25. At a meeting this day, "the rector laid before the vestry the following let- ter from the Rev. William H. De Lancey :"
Philadelphia, August 25th, 1828. To the rector and vestry of the united churches of Christ Church, St. Peter's and St. James's, Philadelphia :
Gentlemen,
On the 22d instant, I received a communication from the board of trustees of the university of Pennsylvania, of which the following is a copy, viz. :
Dear Sir. As chairman of the committee appointed by the board of trustees of the university of Pennsylvania, to communicate the result of the elections held this day, I have the pleasure to inform you, that you have been unan- imously elected provost and professor of moral philosophy, in that Institution.
I hasten to apprize you of this appointment, and to request that you will have the goodness, with as little delay as may consist with your convenience, to intimate to me your determination in regard to it.
With great respect and esteem,
Yours,
N. BIDDLE.
Rev. W. H. De Lancey.
233
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
In pursuance of a desire to accept the very honourable appointment, thus unanimously conferred upon me, without any solicitation on my part, I have determined, upon se- rious deliberation, to lay my resignation, after the 15th of September next, of the office of an assistant minister of the united churches, before the rector and vestry, and to solicit their acceptance of it.
In taking this step, involving a rupture of the pastoral connexion, which for more than six years has so happily subsisted between the united churches and myself, I deem it a very great mitigation of the painful feelings attendant on the measure, that I shall still reside among those from whom I have experienced so much kindness, and be able to maintain that affectionate intercourse with them, which has been to me the source of so much satisfaction and hap- piness.
It is expected, I believe, that I should give an exclusive devotion of my time and labours to the duties connected with the university, which will commence on the 15th of September ; and you will perceive in the communication from the board, that an immediate answer is expected, respecting my acceptance of the offered station. This answer, it will of course be impracticable for me to give, until apprized of the result of the present application to the vestry to accept the resignation, which is herewith res- pectfully tendered, by
Their affectionate minister, And obedient servant, W. H. De LANCEY.
The foregoing communication being read, Mr. Binney offered the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted :
20*
234
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
Resolved, that the resignation of the Rev. Mr. De Lancey be accepted ; and that a com- mittee be appointed to prepare and report to vestry a fit expression of their regret for the dissolution of the pastoral connexion between the Rev. Mr. De Lancey and the united churches.
Messrs. Binney, Meredith and Smith were appointed the committee.
September 10. "The following report was presented and read :
The committee of vestry appointed to report a fit expression of their regret for the dissolu- tion of the pastoral connexion between the Rev. William H. De Lancey and the united churches, Report, that in their opinion it is due to the Rev. Mr. De Lancey, to record upon the minutes of vestry, an expression of respectful and affec- tionate attachment to him, and of their sincere wishes for his success and happiness, in the Chair of Provost of the University of Pennsyl- vania, to which he has been unanimously elected. During the whole period of this' gentleman's connexion with the united churches, he has been distinguished by his piety, his eloquence, his zeal for the advancement of religion, and his ardour in the cause of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Pennsylvania. He
-
235
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
has consequently been regarded with singular affection and respect, by the members of the united churches, and has rendered eminent ser- vice to the church at large. It is impossible to part with such a minister, without deep regret, of which however it is an alleviation, that his talents are to be devoted to the cause of learn- ing and piety, in the liberal education of youth, and that the united churches may occasionally receive the benefit of his counsel, from their own pulpits.
Resolved, that the accounting church warden be requested to communicate to the Rev. Mr. De Lancey a copy of the preceding resolution. Signed,
HORACE BINNEY. WM. MEREDITH. DANIEL SMITH.
Whereupon, on motion, the foregoing resolu- tion was unanimously adopted."
October 17. " A petition signed by a num- ber of members of St. James's Church, praying vestry to take such measures as they may deem proper to ascertain whether, and upon what just and equitable terms, St. James's Church may be erected into a separate corpo- ration, was presented, read and referred to
236
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
Messrs. Nicklin, Pratt, Bringhurst, Ingersoll, Meredith, Miller, Lowber, Read and Comegys."
December 3. " Mr. Nicklin presented the report of the committee, to whom was referred the petition for erecting St. James's Church into a separate corporation, approving a plan for the separation of that church, accompanying the report."
December 10. "On motion, the vestry pro- ceeded to the consideration of the report of the committee on the petition for the separation of St. James's Church."
The plan of separation, recommended by the said report, " was then considered by articles and sections, and after various amendments made therein, was adopted. The plan, as adopt- ed, is as follows :"
PLAN FOR ERECTING ST. JAMES'S CHURCH INTO A SEPARATE CORPORATION.
ARTICLE I.
St. James's Church shall be separated forthwith from the united churches, and shall constitute a separate corpo- ration, of which the organization shall be as follows :
SECTION 1. The corporate style shall be " The Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestry-men of St. James's Church in the City of Philadelphia," who shall have the same cor- porate powers as are now vested in the present corpora- tion, so far as the same shall be applicable.
237
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
SECTION 2. The present Rector of the united churches shall be the rector of St. James's Church, with the same power and authorities as in the present charter.
SECTION 3. The rules and statutes of the united churches as they now are, shall be the rules and statutes of the said new corporation, so far as the same are applicable, until the same shall be duly altered.
ARTICLE II.
The following property shall be conveyed to the corpo- ration of St. James's Church, together with all deeds and muniments of title relating thereto, viz.
1. The church and lot of ground on Seventh street.
2. The lot of ground at the south east corner of the burial ground in Arch street, conveyed to the united churches, by Sarah Twells, by deed, dated the 29th day of March, A. D. 1816 ; together with convenient access there- to for funeral processions through the said burial ground; which said lot of ground shall forever hereafter be used exclusively as a burial ground for the Corporation of St. James's Church, and for no other purpose whatever.
The members of St. James's Church, at the time of this separation, shall have, so long as they continue members thereof, the same right of burial in either of the burial grounds now belonging to the united churches, as they have according to the existing by-laws of the united churches, at the time of the said separation ; which right shall also be enjoyed, during the membership of such per- sons, by their children under the age of 21 years, and by their unmarried daughters of whatever age, residing with them. And upon the burial of any member of St. James's Church in either of the said burial grounds, the rector or
238
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
other minister of St. James's Church shall have the right of officiating at the interment .*
The owners of vaults in either of the said burial grounds, being members of St. James' Church, and the members of their respective families, shall at all times have the right of burial therein, upon the same terms as if they were at their decease, members of the church to which the ground may appertain.
ARTICLE III.
The Corporation of St. James's Church shall pay quar- terly to the present rector, one equal third part of his pre- sent salary, which shall not be altered except at a joint meeting of the vestries of the said church, and of the other two churches, and by the vote of a majority of the vestry- men thus assembled ; which joint meeting shall not be called, except upon notice to the vestry-men of St. James's Church, as well of the time and place of the said meeting, as of the object thereof, ten days previous thereto.
ARTICLE IV.
SECTION 1. The church records of the present united
* That the intention of this paragraph might be more clearly ex- pressed, it was, December 12th, " Resolved, that the second article of the said plan be so amended, as that the second paragraph of the second section shall read as follows :
The members of St. James's Church at the time of this separation, and their widows, and all the children of such members, shall have the same rights of burial in either of the burial grounds now belonging to the united churches, as, agreeably to the existing by-laws and statutes of the united churches, at the time of this separation, they would have had respectively, had this separation not taken place. And upon the burial of any member of St. James's Church, in either of the said burial grounds, the rector or other minister of St. James's Church shall have the right of officiating at the interment."
239
OF CHRIST CHURCH.
churches, shall at all times be and remain in the possession of the Corporation of Christ Church and St. Peter's Church, who shall have the same power to certify copies thereof, with the like effect as the same can now be certi- fied by the corporation of the united churches ; and free access to the same, for the purpose of examining and mak- ing extracts and copies, shall always be permitted to the Corporation of St. James's Church, or their authorized agent.
SECTION 2. The Corporation of St. James's Church shall have the same right of access, for its officers and members, to the library called Christ Church Library, as the officers and members of the said church now have.
ARTICLE V.
The Corporation of St. James's Church shall become re- sponsible for one-third of the present debt of the united churches.
The above plan was submitted to the hold- ers of pews and sittings, in their respective churches, on Monday, the 22d of December, 1828, when the following appears to have been the result.
IN CHRIST CHURCH.
'For the plan of separation, 63 votes, repre- senting 123 sittings.
Against it, 44 votes, representing 98 sittings.
240
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
IN ST. PETER'S.
For the plan, 89 votes, representing 226 sit- tings.
Against it, 3 votes, representing 22 sittings.
IN ST. JAMES'S.
For the plan, 126 votes, representing 371 sit- tings.
Against it, 18 votes, representing 48 sittings.
A memorial to the legislature was according- ly prepared, praying them to pass an act for carrying into effect the plan of separation ; and such act was passed the 5th of February following.
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.