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 14
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" This morning, the committee had the great satisfaction of receiving from Mr. Dorr, a let- ter, communicating, in very gratifying terms, his acceptance of the office of rector of Christ Church ; which letter accompanies this report."
New York, March 23d, 1837.
Gentlemen,
Your letter of the 12th inst., informing me of my elec- tion to the rectorship of Christ Church, Philadelphia, and enclosing the procedings of the vestry in relation to the same, was received by me in Richmond, Va. ; and I has- tened home, without delay, that I might have an opportu- nity of consulting my friends, and especially my esteemed diocesan, on a matter of such vast importance. After weighing the whole subject, with great deliberation, and with the advice of those whose judgment I am bound to respect, I consider it plainly my duty to accept the invita- tion thus tendered me through you : and I beg you will communicate this my acceptance to the other members of your vestry. I humbly hope that the Spirit of my Divine . Master has guided me to a right decision ; and that I may not be an unprofitable labourer in that field, in which the pious and venerable Bishop White laboured successfully for so many years, and where my very dear friend, the lovely and beloved James, finished his brief but bright career.
I will not attempt an expression of the feelings with which I look forward to this new and interesting con- nexion, with a people, who are as yet strangers to me, and to whom I am almost entirely unknown. My earnest prayer, in which I know you will cordially unite, is, that neither
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people nor pastor may have cause to regret that so solemn a tie was ever formed. On their kindness and indulgence I confidently rely; and to Him who has promised to be with his ministers always, even unto the end of the world, I would humbly look for all grace and strength, to fulfil the duties of this high and holy trust.
It will take some weeks to fulfil my present official en- gagements, and to make the necessary preparations for the removal of my family to your city ; I would therefore name the first Sunday in May, as the earliest day in which I may be expected to enter on my new charge. I think I can be with you then, and remain with you until the annual meeting of the Board of missions, in June ; when I shall resign to them the office I now hold.
Next week I return to Baltimore, to fulfil my appoint- ment there, on the 2d of April ; and hope to stop a day in Philadelphia, either going or returning, when I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you. In the mean time, I am,
very respectfully, and affectionately, yours,
BENJAMIN DORR.
MOSES KEMPTON.
PHILIP H. NICKLIN. Esqrs.
Committee of the vestry of Christ Church, Philadelphia.
"Ordered, as the election of the Reverend Benjamin Dorr is now consummated, that his ac- ceptance of the same be published to the con- gregation, on Sunday next, from the desk, in conformity to the by-laws."
April 26. " On motion, resolved, that the Right Reverend Bishop of this diocese be re- quested to appoint a time for the institution of
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the Reverend Benjamin Dorr, who has been elected rector of this church.
" On motion, resolved, that the wardens be appointed to confer with the bishop on the subject."
On Ascension day, Thursday, May 4th, 1837, Mr. Dorr was instituted into the office of rector of Christ Church, by the Right Reverend Henry U. Onderdonk, D. D. Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. A large number of the clergy were present, standing without the rails of the altar, and with the wardens, Moses Kempton and Philip H. Nicklin, Esqs., standing on the right and left of the altar, without the rails, as the rubric directs, took part in the interesting ser- vices. Morning prayer was read by the Rev. William H. De Lancey, D. D., rector of St. Peter's Church ; the keys were presented in the name and behalf of the church, by Moses Kempton, Esq., and the sermon was preached by the bishop. The communion was after- wards administered by the rector, assisted by the Bishop and the Rev. Dr. De Lancey. Every part of the church was filled with an attentive audience.
The whole services of the day were very impres- sive ; and were rendered the more interesting from the fact, that this was the first time the
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office of institution had been performed in Christ Church; the former incumbent having been elected rector, many years before this office was framed.
June 17. The vestry pass a resolution, that it is expedient to repair the exterior of the church, paint the steeple, &c., and put a metal- lic covering on the roof.
September 6. A committee is appointed to superintend the erection in the church, of a tablet, which the ladies of the congregation had procured, to the memory of the Rev. John W. James, the late rector.
October 11. A plan for systematic collec- tions in church was submitted to the vestry by Mr. Binney, and unanimously adopted. The rector was requested to write an address, to be printed with the plan, and distributed among the congregation.
The address and plan are as follows:
TO THE CONGREGATION OF CHRIST CHURCH.
Dear Brethren,
Ever since I was settled as pastor over you, it has been a subject of anxious thought, in what way you could best fulfil that apostolic precept; " As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith." How to afford you this " opportunity" of contributing of your worldly substance, to the various
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institutions and enterprises of the church which claim your aid, so as best to promote your own spiritual welfare, at the same time that you were relieving the necessities of your brethren, was the inquiry which pressed most seriously on my mind. Separate collections made for each individual church object, besides being so frequent as to become troublesome, have never answered the end designed. The amount contributed in this way has been so very small, and liable to so many fluctuations, that our - religious and benevolent institutions have been greatly para- lyzed in their efforts, and sometimes have been compelled to suspend their operations altogether. On this account it has been recommended " that the contributions of the mem- bers of the church be made, as far as shall be convenient, upon some plan of systematic charity ; that their effect may be the greater, and that their continuance may be the more relied on." Agreeably to this recommendation, and from a full persuasion of its importance and necessity, the churches generally throughout the United States are adopt- ing plans of systematic charity, and the result has shown, that this is the only true method of affording to our reli- gious institutions a certain, steady, and permanent supply of funds. `Having deliberately and carefully weighed the advantages of such plans as have fallen within my own ob- servation, the following was submitted to the vestry, and, meeting with their unanimous approbation, is now affection - ately and earnestly commended to your regard.
PLAN.
1. The collections in the church shall be made four times in each year for church objects; namely, in the months of October, January, April and June.
2. The proceeds of the October collection shall be appro-
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priated to Sunday school purposes, parochial, diocesan, and general.
3. The proceeds of the January collection shall be appropriated to missionary purposes, diocesan and general.
4. The proceeds of the April collection shall be appro- priated to the church societies, for the distribution of bibles and prayer books, for education, and for the general seminary.
5. The proceeds of the June collection shall be appro- priated to the episcopal and convention funds, to aiding new churches, and to parish objects.
6. The moneys raised by these collections shall be de- posited with the accounting warden : they shall be appor- tioned among the different objects, by the rector and a committee of vestry appointed for that purpose ; and the accounting warden shall pay over the same upon the order *of the rector and chairman of the committee.
7. The said warden shall also receive all moneys sent to him by members of the congregation, or others, for objects of charity prescribed by the donor, which shall be applied by the rector and said committee accordingly ; or if general donations be made without prescribing the object, they shall be applied by the rector and said committee to such church objects as they may deem most fitting.
8. On all occasions of collections in the church, a ser- mon or an address shall be delivered, explanatory of the objects for which the collection is to be made.
9. An annual statement of the amounts thus contributed and disbursed, shall be reported by the rector to the dio- cesan convention, and shall also be made known to the con- gregation.
10. Collections for the relief of the poor shall be made by order of the vestry whenever occasion shall require.
23
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The above plan, in its most essential features, was first introduced among his own congregation, by my reverend brother,* the rector of St. Peter's Church, and after a year's trial, it has been found to work well. As a proof of its efficiency, the following facts are submitted. The aver- age amount of all the collections in that church, for three years preceding the introduction of this plan, was less than $500 per annum ; while each quarterly collection for the past year has more than averaged that sum. The first quarterly collection, in January, was $540; the second, in April, $542; the third, in June, $404; the fourth, in October, $570; making a total amount of collections in the church, in one year, by this systematic mode, of $2056. Besides the church collections, there was sent to the ac- counting warden, as treasurer for these objects, at different times, between three and four hundred dollars, to be appor- tioned by the vestry in accordance with the provisions of . this plan.
Here, then, we have the most satisfactory evidence that the system is a good one. And can we doubt, dear brethren, that it may be made equally efficient among ourselves ?
The advantages of the plan are these :-
1. It is perfectly simple ; possessing all the benefits of an organized society, without the evils too often attending its complicated machinery. It, in fact, makes the parish itself the society ; and embraces every individual in it, old and young, rich and poor.
2. It brings all the institutions of the church before the congregation, and enables them to contribute something to each of them ; while any person is at liberty to show his preference, by contributing more liberally to some than to others.
* The Reverend Doctor De Lancey.
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3. It enables each one to contribute according to his ability, and as he is disposed in heart, without ostentation, and without the possibility of invidious comparisons. The poor widow casts in her two mites, while the rich man casts in of his abundance ; and no eye regards it but His, who seeth the heart, and who looketh not at the amount of our charities, but at the motive which prompted them.
4. It secures a steady, permanent supply, to the treasury of the Lord ; instead of that fitful, changeable, and uncer- tain support, which depends on occasional contributions and direct personal appeals.
5. " It casts upon your pastor and his people," as my reverend brother, to whom we are indebted for this plan, justly observes, "the obligations of their appropriate spheres. It belongs to him to urge the motives of duty, and the true principles of benevolence in these matters, upon all the congregation ; to unfold and explain the sev- eral objects of christian enterprise in which the church is engaged ; and to set before you their respective claims, with all such information in regard to them, as may excite you to an intelligent and liberal support of our church institutions. It belongs to you, my brethren, remember- ing your obligations to the most High God, and His Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, to cherish the spirit of benevo- lence in your hearts ; to display it in your conduct ; and both individually and as a parish, with the other churches in the land, to bear your full share in sustaining the church of Christ in her efforts to promote the glory of God and the salvation of men."
It will be perceived that by the above plan, all members of the congregation, "young men and maidens, old men and children," are to consider it a privilege to give some- thing for the objects here proposed. It is also hoped and expected, that each one will give as he is able ; the rich
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contributing of their abundance, and the poor of their pen- ury. The apostolic injunction is, that each one give AS GOD HATH PROSPERED HIM. Nothing can be more just and equitable than this rule. It is applicable to all persons, at all times, under all circumstances. That bountiful Being from whom all blessings flow, only requires that we give him back through the persons of our needy fellow-creatures, in exact proportion to the ability which He himself hath bestowed ; he that hath much, to give plenteously ; he that hath little, to do his diligence gladly to give of that little. We are, my christian friends, God's stewards ; the riches or the talents which he hath lent us are not ours, but His; and for the use we make of them He will hereafter call us to a strict account. It is an acknowledged truth that "None of us liveth to himself;" that " we are not our own; for we are bought with a price ;" and therefore are bound to consecrate, first ourselves, and then our substance, to the bountiful Giver of all good, to our Creator, Redeemer and sanctifier.
Let us keep ever in mind these solemn responsibilities ; and do " whatsoever our hand findeth to do, with all our might." Let us remember those words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, " IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE, THAN TO RE- CEIVE." As one deeply solicitous that you should in all respects walk worthy of your high vocation, I would affec- tionately urge upon you, beloved brethren, a conscientious attention to this duty. Knowing that you are to be called upon only four times in each year, for contributions to all church objects of every kind, you will, I trust, give as much on each occasion as your circumstances will allow ; you will give AS GOD HATH PROSPERED YOU, "not of constraint, but willingly ; for God loveth a cheerful giver."
With my fervent prayers that the blessings of Him, " from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all
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just works do proceed," may rest upon this and upon all our undertakings, and that you may finally attain to the reward of " good and faithful servants" of Christ,
I remain, Affectionately and truly, Your friend and pastor,
BENJAMIN DORR.
Philadelphia, October 16, 1837.
1838.
April 20. " The executors of the late Henry Pratt, Esq., having communicated to the vestry certain extracts from his will, bequeathing an annuity of one hundred dollars to Christ Church, for the term of twelve years; an annuity of one hundred and fifty dollars, for the same term, to be applied to the support of the Sun- day schools connected with said church ; and the sum of three thousand dollars, payable in the bonds of said church; Resolved, that the vestry express to the executors of Mr. Pratt their sense of his bounty to the church, and to the Sunday schools connected with it; and the affectionate respect in which they hold his memory, as a vestryman of this church for many years, a bountiful friend of the church, and its judicious and faithful counsellor, upon all occasions."
September 5. Mr. Kempton presented to 23*
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the church an engraved likeness of the late Henry Pratt, Esq., neatly framed, with a request that it might he hung up in the vestry-room, in order that Mr. Pratt, and his bounty, might always be kept in grateful remembrance. The thanks of the vestry were presented to Mr. Kempton for his gift, and the portrait was or- dered to be hung up in the vestry-room, as he requested.
The committee on repairs, laid before the vestry a report in reference to a survey of Christ Church steeple, which report will be found in the Appendix.
December 5. The committee " appointed to have the exterior of the church repaired," re- port, that there had been put upon it " a cop- per roof of the best quality, and in the most substantial manner;" that "the balustrade is entirely new," and that the urns thereon, " for- merly of wood, have been replaced by others similar in design, but of a material inferior only to stone in appearance and durability ;" that the flooring at the eight windows, and every projection of the steeple, is coppered ; that the whole exterior wood work of the church has been covered with three coats of paint; and that the mitre, vane and balls have had two coats of gilding. The committee say in con-
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clusion, that " the magnitude of the repairs has involved an expense much greater than was contemplated before the work was commenced. The strictest economy was observed, with a determination to have every part of the work done in the best and most substantial manner ; that this venerable church may be preserved, for generations yet to come, for the spiritual welfare of those who worship here, and for the honor of our city." The whole amount of the bills for these repairs was $7616. 99. The committee consisted of Moses Kempton, James Y. Humphreys, and Job Bacon, Esqs.
1839.
June 5. At a meeting of the vestry of Christ Church, held on the 5th June, 1839, the follow- ing communication was laid before the vestry.
To the wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, Philadelphia.
Gentlemen : I take the earliest opportunity to inform you, that I have this day declined accepting the office of bishop of the diocese of Maryland, to which, as you are aware, the con- vention of that diocese, at their late annual meeting, elected me.
After giving the subject my most serious 5.
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consideration, with fervent prayers that Divine grace would guide me to a right decision, I feel that it is my solemn duty, as well as my greatest pleasure and privilege, to continue in the station which I now occupy.
With the fullest confidence that you will approve of my decision in this matter,
I remain, very affectionately and truly, your friend and pastor, BENJAMIN DORR.
Philadelphia, June 5th, 1839.
The foregoing communication from the rec- tor was referred to a committee, (Messrs. Bin- ney and Nicklin,) to report to vestry suitable resolutions expressing the feelings of vestry on this event.
The report of the committee, and the reso- lutions of the vestry, at their next meeting, were printed and distributed among the congrega- tion, by order of the vestry. The first resolu- tion is as follows, viz :
" Resolved, That in declining the office of bishop of the diocese of Maryland, the vestry have a perfect confidence, that the rector has weighed the various considerations which ought to have influenced the decision, in a spirit of fidelity to his ministerial duties of every de-
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scription ; and that they are most happy to learn that he has found they can be reconciled with his affectionate solicitude for the flock which has been confided to him in this parish, and with his continuance in the diocese of Pennsylvania."
1840.
March 7. At a meeting of the vestry, " the rector represented that a plate, paten and cup are necessary to be added to the communion set of this church, for the more convenient ad- ministration of the Lord's supper ; and it hav- ing been further represented, that the piece of plate inscribed "Mrs. Sarah Redman to Christ Church communion table, 1825," and also the large silver vessel, which has no inscription upon it, and the donor's name is not known, are in their present form entirely useless ; it was therefore unanimously agreed, that the rector be authorized to have the piece of plate, presented by Mrs. Redman, converted into a plate and paten, and each of them to bear the inscription, which that piece now bears ; that they may remain as memorials of her pious munificence, and be used for the holy purposes for which her gift was originally designed. It was further unanimously agreed, that the rec-
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tor be authorized to have the large silver ves- sel, which has no inscription upon it, converted into a communion cup similar to the one which was presented to Christ Church, by Queen Ann, in 1708, that so it may be usefully ap- plied to the purpose for which its unknown donor designed it; and that this cup be in- scribed " Christ Church, Philadelphia."
The rector caused the above named articles to be manufactured by Mr. Thomas Fletcher ; who certified, that the paten and plate were made from the identical silver vase presented by Mrs. Sarah Redman ; and that the cup was made from the silver vessel without name or date upon it; and that there was no other material used in the manufacture of these arti- cles. For a particular description of the com- munion plate, see Appendix.
November 26. The remains of General Hugh Mercer, who fell at the battle of Prince- ton, January 3, 1777, were this day removed, by permission of the vestry, from Christ Church yard, where they had reposed since the revolu- tion; and were taken, with much civic cere- mony, to Laurel hill, where a monument had been erected to General Mercer's memory, by the St. Andrew's society.
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1841.
April 20. Funeral solemnities were this day celebrated in honour of William Henry Harrison, late president of the United States, who died at the seat of government, on Sunday, April 4th, 1841. On this occasion an immense civic and military procession was formed under the direction of Joseph R. Ingersoll, Esq. chief marshal for the day, in front of Independence Hall, and proceeded from thence, through the principal streets of the city, to Christ Church, where an able and eloquent funeral sermon, from the appropriate words of David, " Man being in honour abideth not,"* was pronounced by the Right Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, D. D. the bishop of the diocese, at the request of the city councils. 1
The muffled bells were rung, while the pro- cession was moving. The church was most tastefully hung with the customary habiliments of mourning. As the procession entered the church, the organ sent forth its full deep toned peals. The burial service was read by the bishop; and an efficient choir, under the direc- tion of Mr. Standbridge, the organist of Christ Church, sang several appropriate hymns and anthems. The bishop's discourse was lis- tened to with profound attention ; and the so-
* Psalm, xlix. 12.
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lemnity which pervaded the vast assembly, told how deeply, how universally, the loss of our venerable chief magistrate was felt and de- plored. We doubt not, many went from the house of God, deeply impressed with the truth of the preacher's text, that "Man being in honour abideth not."
CONCLUSION.
Having traced the history of this church, through all its vicissitudes, for the long period of one hundred and forty-six years, it is not without many mournful feelings that the writer brings it to a close. He has been reviewing the labours of his brethren in the ministry, some of whom preceded him more than a century ago, in this portion of his Master's vineyard. Both the ministers and their flocks have gone to render up their respective accounts. To the present incumbent of this ancient and venerable church, the reflection comes with much of pleas- ing sadness, that some faithful pen may take up and continue this history, long after the hand which records this has mouldered into dust. The church has survived nearly five generations of men; and it will probably survive as many more. And after the lapse of another century, those who shall then be worshipping within its
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hallowed courts, will probably review the record of our acts, with the same interest that we now review the acts of those who first reared this goodly structure.
If this history shall serve to awaken any new and hallowed associations, or to deepen those which already exist, it will not have been without its use. There is a chord of tender feeling, which will be found to vibrate in the bosom of every one who reflects, that here so many generations have worshipped, and that, beneath its aisles, and around its walls, the ashes of multitudes of these now repose in peace and safety. To borrow the words o one who well knew how to prize such hallowed associations, and who has expressed his feel- ings in language admirably suited to the pre- sent subject ;* " Many, we trust, who frequent- ed its courts in the days of their pilgrimage, were made meet for the worship of a temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. At this sacred font, many of us have been so- lemnly dedicated to the service of our Creator, and made members of his visible church. Here, we have ratified and confirmed our baptismal engagements. At this altar, we have often
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