USA > Pennsylvania > Lycoming County > Williamsport > Chronicles of Christ Church Parish, Williamsport, Pa., 1840-1896 > Part 11
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THE MONEY PROBLEM
and follow the high ideals set by the Master can do no less. Stagnation is death.
Before leaving this subject a word should be said about the creation of a parochial endowment fund by legacies. Upon Major Perkins's death, in 1893, the church received a bequest of $4,000, Scranton Street Railway 6's, and $500 Williamsport Gas Company bonds, the yield of $500 to be used in keeping up the decedent's grave and the yield on the balance to be used for the support of the parish.1 Miss Agnes Montgomery left $500 in Lycoming Electrical Company 5's, which was added to the endowment fund. A few years later Mr. Josiah Howard, of Emporium, gave $7,500 Northern Pacific 3's to this fund in memory of his father, Charles B. Howard, and the fund was still further augmented by a bequest of $5,000, Northern Pacific 3's, of Mr. J. V. Brown. At present the fund, owing to reinvestments, produces about $800 annu- ally. In addition to this fund there has recently been started, through a contribution of $50 from Mr. H. Y. Otto, a pa- rochial endowment fund, the income from which is also to be applied to current expenses. Aided by an offering taken in the church, and by reinvestments, the fund now amounts to $150. It is hoped that members of the parish will contribute small sums to it from time to time during their lifetimes, till it produces annually at least an amount equal to the rector's salary.
Nor should the addition of $3,150 to the Diocesan Episco- pate Fund upon the erection of the new Diocese of Harrisburg be overlooked.
1 This bequest of Major Perkins is of particular importance, as it started the endowment fund. [Ed.]
WADLEIGH (ST. MARY'S) CHAPEL
SUMMARY NOTES
WADLEIGH (ST. MARY'S) CHAPEL.
The beginnings of this important work have already been noted in their proper place. It is proposed here merely to summarize its subsequent development.
On July 10, 1870, there was first used the fine-toned bell which had been purchased with the offerings made by the Sunday School for that purpose.
The "Parish Guide" for October, 1870, states that a night school for colored boys and men, prevented by their work from attending schools during the day, was being held at the mission chapel, and that 30 pupils were present at the previous session. The Rector appeals for old school-books to help on the good work. By February of the next year the school was transferred to the building on the old church lot, formerly used for a parish school. The school met regularly through- out the winter on Monday and Thursday nights, with an aver- age attendance of 30. Mr. Martin Powell and Mrs. Paret were the teachers. The next winter the school went to Miss Cortwright's school-room on Grove Street.
In October, 1871, Mrs. J. V. Brown became the principal of the sewing school. In Mr. Graff's time (twenty years later) Miss Rose Bentley and Mrs. Girard are named as being in charge, and an average attendance of over 40 is recorded.
Data regarding the building of the present St. Mary's (Wadleigh Memorial) Chapel seem strangely lacking, but the present writer has the impression that it was built in Dr. Hopkins's time, and from sundry memoranda of payments on the debt infers that it must have cost about $15,000.1
A mortgage for nearly $765 yet hung over Wadleigh Chapel in July, 1888.
1 The old chapel, turned into a double dwelling, still stands at Almond and Meade Streets. The new church, at Almond and Menne Alley, is some two squares distant. The fund that made the new
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Much of the progress of this mission, from the autumn of 1889 onward, was due to the "Wadleigh Workers." Mr. Charles L. Girard was its "warden" or president, and Mr. Jacob Springman its treasurer. Among its gifts to the chapel may be mentioned a crimson plush dossal in the fall of 1890.
In January, 1890, the altar, behind which there had been till this time an "ambulatory" or passage, was moved back against the east wall of the chancel, thus enlarging the sanc- tuary.
A Jardine pipe organ, costing $600, was installed in the chapel and first used on July 27, 1890. The church was crowded on this occasion, and it is recorded that many stood on the outside and looked through the windows.
A club of young men was organized in the fall of 1890, whose first enterprise was the enlargement of the choir-room by adding about 40 feet to its length. Mr. Samuel McCoy was its first president, and Mr. Watson Pass its first secre- tary-treasurer.
In the summer of this year (1890) it is reported that the chapel had over 100 weekly contributors to its support.
About this time the chapel received the gift of a hand- some brass altar-cross from Mr. Charles V. Runkle, who was also its designer.
Early in the winter of 1890 a young women's choir was formed to assist at the Thursday night services.
In the fall of 1891 a "Sewing Chapter" of the Wadleigh Workers was organized, with Mrs. Bridgeland as president and Mrs. Calehoof as secretary-treasurer.
In March, 1892, an average attendance of 12 teachers and 187 scholars in the Sunday School is noted.
In October, 1892, the Wadleigh Workers developed a
church possible was largely collected through the efforts of Miss Susan Emily Hall. At the time the money was being raised the Rev. Charles Edward Dobson was curate. His energy, enthusiasm and devotion to the work of the chapelry at this critical period of its existence cannot be overestimated. Mr. Dobson resigned his curacy before the new church was dedicated, but was present when it was consecrated. [Ed.]
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WADLEIGH (ST. MARY'S) CHAPEL
"Social Chapter," especially intended to care for the younger communicants, the gathering in of the lukewarm and cold, and the promotion of the social interests of the people.
On the Sunday before Christmas, 1892, a new choir, com- prising seven boys, fourteen girls, and six men took its place.
A set of sterling silver communion plate of Gorham manu- facture with the name of the chapel engraved on each piece, and costing $50, was blessed by the Bishop at his visitation, April 22, 1893.
In Advent, 1893, Mr. Charles V. Runkle gave the chapel a brass altar desk in memory of his father, Mr. Nelson Runkle.
Mr. Runkle began his services as superintendent of Wad- leigh Chapel Sunday School in 1877, and continued in this position for over twenty-five years, with a splendid record for regularity and faithfulness that cannot be forgotten by the admiring and loyal people of this chapelry and congregation.
On June 1, 1894, Wadleigh, with its name changed to St. Mary's Church, "set up housekeeping for itself," under the rectorship of the Rev. Morris W. Christman 1 who had
1 The Rev. Mr. Christman had been a German Reformed min- ister, and was one of several ministers of that communion who came into the Episcopal Church within a brief period. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Rulison in June, 1891, and after serving as missionary at Milton, he, in July, 1891, became assistant to the Rev. Mr. Graff. He was advanced to the priesthood November, 1892. Wadleigh Chapel greatly flourished during his time as has abund- antly appeared elsewhere in this narrative, and when the chapel was to become a separate parish, June 1, 1894, under the new name of St. Mary's, Mr. Christman naturally became its first rector. Al- though a resident of Williamsport but a few years, he was widely known in the city and had the highest respect and affection of all classes. Mrs. Christman, it is needless to add for any who have known her, shared in this regard. It is an interesting fact that at the time when St. Mary's Church was admitted to union with the Diocesan Convention as a parish, it had the largest Sun- day School in the Archdeaconry.
In 1893 Mr. Christman endeavored to persuade the Vestry of Christ Church to build a parish house for the chapel, but without success, owing to its estimated cost. In 1895, the chapel having become a separate parish, a lot (that on which the present rectory
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been serving as assistant. The Vestry of Christ Church agreed to pay $500 towards the support of St. Mary's the first year of its independence and a yearly sum thereafter for four years, one hundred dollars less each year. This agree- ment was faithfully carried out to the letter, and more.1
stands) was purchased. On the lot was a barn and an ice house, so the men of the parish, led by their Rector, took to carpenter work in the evenings so effectively that in a short time they had trans- formed the barn into a serviceable house with two rooms. Furni- ture of various vintages was given and the place made habitable, while the old ice house was "run up to the rear" of the reorganized building and for a long time did valiant service as kitchen. [Ed.]
1 The Rev. John Conley Grimes is the present rector of St. Mary's. The number of communicants is given as 230; of Sunday School scholars, 150. [Ed.]
ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL AND RECTORY
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SUMMARY NOTES
ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL.
As already stated, the establishment of this work on the south side was due to the missionary zeal of the Rev. Dr. Hopkins.
The name of Captain William Sweeley will be af- fectionately recalled by the mention of St. John's Chapel. Through all the vicissitudes of its early history and until the time of his lamented death, May 12, 1903, Captain William Sweeley, as Superintendent of the Sunday School, lay-reader, and lay-administrator, was the mainstay of St. John's.
When the first anniversary of the chapel was celebrated, on Low Sunday, 1888, the Sunday School was reported to be in a flourishing and most encouraging condition.1 The people were gladdened on this occasion by the presence and words of the Rev. Mr. Black, a former rector of the parish. Two years later, February, 1890, an attendance of 174 in the Sun- day School was recorded. A sewing school under Mrs. Sweeley had prospered during the year, with a membership of about 65 girls.
The Bishop Hopkins Guild has wrought valiantly through- out the history of this chapelry for the material and moral upbuilding of the work. To this body of earnest young peo- ple was due the purchase of the first furnace for heating the chapel and the carpet for the aisles. The oak pews were paid for by the Ladies' Aid Society and cost $1,600 (?). The Sunday School paid for the organ.
In April, 1890, a street-lamp was erected in front of the chapel, through the efforts of Mrs. Gibson and Sunday School scholars.
By the generous contribution of lumber by Mr. Perley
1 Organized Low Sunday, 1887, in the old Armory Building.
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and another gentleman, the "infant-room," or vestry, was en- larged in the fall of 1890.
The lectern Bible was given by Captain Sweeley, Christ- mas, 1890.
Beginning with the second Sunday in April, 1891, the afternoon service was changed to the morning as an experi- ment.
The financial administration of the chapel at this time involved the annual payment of $200 to the Vestry towards the salary of the assistant minister, a like sum being asked of Wadleigh Chapel. This arrangement continued for several years with varying success, the $200 being generally some- what beyond the ability of this chapelry.
The new chancel rail took the place of an "old ten-foot bar" in October, 1891, and the Bishop Hopkins Guild supplied the pews with book-racks, prayer books, and hymnals.
A "jelly closet" was started about the same time to supply delicacies to the sick. A similar one was established at the parish church and Wadleigh Chapel. Systematic efforts were also made the same winter by the guild for beautifying the chapel and also for caring for the poor and providing clothing for the needy. The vestry-room was also fitted out with conveniences for holding services there instead of in the chapel itself.
A re-table was added to the altar Christmas, 1891, the gift of Captain Sweeley. Here may be noted the interesting fact that it has been the custom of St. John's Chapel, through a long term of years, for the guilds or individuals to make a "Christmas present" to the chapel of some needed article of use or adornment. The exchange of Christmas presents by scholars, teachers, and officers at the time of and in connec- tion with the Sunday School festival has also for years been the pleasing custom of the chapel people.
Not forgetful to help others, St. John's Chapel cheered the mission at Watsontown by the gift of an altar service and chancel prayer book, Easter, 1892.
Altar cloths of the proper ecclesiastical colors were made by the Ladies' Aid Society in the summer of 1892.
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ST. JOHN'S CHAPEL
A handsome Sunday School banner, designed by Mr. J. E. Jones and worked by Miss Ann Bentley, was used for the first time on Easter, 1893.
The Bishop Hopkins Guild supplied the chapel with a cassock and full set of stoles in the fall of 1893.
A conveniently arranged book-case for the Sunday School library was installed in the winter of 1893.
The chapel was consecrated by Bishop Talbot May 9th, 1898.
In March, 1907, a brass altar-cross, in memory of Captain William Sweeley, was given by some of his friends in the Sunday School and chapel. At the same time as the cross was blessed the handsome candlesticks now on the altar, presented anonymously, were also dedicated to the Church's worship.
The communicants of the parish, Easter, 1910, numbered 83, and the members of the Sunday School 165.
The presentation of the lot on which the new church stands by Messrs. Henry J. Lutcher and G. T. Bedell Moore, and of the church itself by Mr. G. T. Bedell Moore, has been dealt with in detail in the account of Mr. Jones's rectorship. The memorials to Mr. Moore, given by his widow and his sisters, have also been recorded.
SUMMARY NOTES
GIFTS, MEMORIALS AND THANKOFFERINGS.
The following summary of gifts, memorials, and thank- offerings presented to the church during the latter half of the period under review may well quicken the gratitude and emu- lation of the present-day members of the parish :
April, 1870. Churchwoman gives $10 for oak chest for altar vestments. From three gentlemen, the drawings for an altar and chancel rail for Wadleigh Chapel; the material for same sawed to pattern in oak; the money needed for complet- ing them. From another, violet bookmarks for the Bible. From another, 50 prayer books for Wadleigh. From another, 25 hymnals for Wadleigh. From Miss Susan E. Hall, a beau- tiful violet altar-cloth, the embroidery having been done by Miss Anne C. Norris, of Erie, Pa.
May, 1870. From a lady, white bookmarks for the lec- tern. Fair white linen cloths for the altar, material and gift from Miss Susan E. Hall; needlework by Miss Lizzie Shoe- maker, of St. James's Church, Muncy. From Mr. E. H. Biggs, two beautiful chalices, value $100.
June, 1870. From Miss Susan E. Hall, red altar-cloth, part of needlework done by Miss Sarah Bonine, of Muncy.
November, 1870. From Mr. F. N. Page, vestry-room furniture, value $81.50.
Easter, 1871. From donor anonymous at the time (Mrs. Louisa Logan), for private communion service, $25, with which a silver paten and chalice of convenient size were pro- cured.1
May, 1872. From the Dorcas Society, articles of altar linen. From the Brotherhood, window over the vestry-room
1 This was later inscribed to the memory of the Rev. Albra Wadleigh. [Ed.]
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CHRONICLES OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH
door, with crossed keys and pastoral staff as emblems of the pastoral office.
June, 1872. Two thankofferings aggregating $105, used for purchase of a silver flagon, which was first used on Sun- day, July 7th. Among the offerings on the Sunday after Ascension Day, $100, marked as "a thankoffering for special mercies, to be used for church objects as the Rector may judge best."
October, 1872. Thankoffering for recovery from sick- ness, $5.00, for communion plate.
December, 1872. Completion of the altar-linen and of "a tasteful dress and blanket, to be lent as occasion may require for bringing infants to baptism." A second alms-chest was put in, on the east side of the church.
January, 1873. Thankoffering from person unknown, $5.00, accompanied by these words: "I present the enclosed sum as a thankoffering to Almighty God for the innumerable blessings showered upon me and mine during the past year, and for the kind care and protection He has ever exercised towards us. It seems almost presumptuous in one so deeply unworthy as I feel myself to be. But as He blessed the widow's mite, I trust He will not despise this humble tribute to His kindness and love."
Christmas, 1873. Thankoffering accompanied by the fol- lowing words : "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? While others far more worthy have been steeped in poverty and wretchedness, God has dealt out His blessings to me and mine with an open hand. Accept, O Father, I beseech Thee, this my offering for all Thy mercies ; and grant that the coming year may find us all more worthy of Thy love and kindness."
July 5, 1874 (V. Trinity). "Thankoffering for special mercies," used for purchase of silver paten ; cost $46.
April 8, 1878. Vestry adopts resolution of thanks to Miss Agnes Montgomery for gift of brass altar-desk.
June 5, 1878. Vestry thanks Mrs. Charles Tiffany for gift of Bishop's-chair.
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GIFTS, MEMORIALS AND THANKOFFERINGS
July 8, 1878. Vestry thanks Miss Susan E. Hall for gift of embroidered green lectern antependium.
April 6, 1880. Vestry thanks Mrs. C. F. Ranstead for white lectern antependium, given in memory of her child, Encie Amy Ranstead.
December 26, 1882. Vestry thanks Mrs. A. L. Wiley for stained-glass window in memory of her father, Chief Justice Lewis. Subject: "The Judgment."
April 13, 1885. Vestry thanks Major J. H. Perkins for stained-glass window in memory of Mrs. Perkins. Subject : "The Annunciation."
'April 13, 1885. Vestry thanks ladies of the church for having the chancel and aisles tiled. Cost, $1,200.
February, 1889. From Mrs. J. H. Cochran, through Dr. Saylor-Brown, a reclining chair for the use of the sick poor.
October, 1889. Handsome new lectern Bible purchased.
All Saints', 1889. Exquisite large brass eagle-lectern, with memorial inscription, in memory of Mrs. Josephine White Munson, the gift of her husband, Mr. C. LaRue Munson. In- scription : "In Memory of Josephine White Munson, 1856- 1889."
November, 1889. From the Altar Society of St. Mark's Church, Philadelphia, a white stole.
January, 1890. Platform and benches for "infant school," lumber contributed by Mr. Edgar Munson. Benches cost $52. From "one of our ladies," several pieces of new altar-linen.
March, 1890. The Rector thankfully records the pur- chase of a lot in Wildwood Cemetery, after a long effort to secure the money, where indigent parishioners and others can be buried. The lot cost $30. The Young Men's Guild pro- vides a signboard for the church.
October, 1890. From an anonymous doner, a thankoffer- ing of $100 in gold, the first contribution towards the comple- tion of the tower.
All Saints', 1890. From St. Mary's Guild, white brocade silk altar-cloth, exquisitely embroidered by the Sisters of Mercy at St. Mark's Church, Philadelphia. The central figure
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CHRONICLES OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH
is an Agnus Dei, and on either side are adoring angels swinging their censers. Cost, $175.
January, 1891. From Mrs. H. H. Cummin, brass altar- cross of unusual size (54 inches high) and superb design and workmanship, in memory of her husband, the Hon. Hugh Hart Cummin.
January, 1891. From an anonymous donor, four copper alms-basins, inscribed with the name of the church.
February, 1891. Made and presented to the Sunday School by Mrs. William A. F. Zahn, a white silk banner.
Easter, 1891. From Mr. and Mrs. George H. Grove, a fine brass processional cross with copper-bronze medallions containing the Agnus Dei and emblems of the four evan- gelists ; in memory of their son, Harry H. Grove, at one time a chorister at Wadleigh Chapel. It bears a memorial inscrip- tion, as follows :
"In memory of Harry Haswell Grove, 1873-1885.
'Angels, sing on ! your faithful watches keeping !
Sing us sweet fragments of the songs above!'"
Easter, 1891. From Mr. C. LaRue Munson, set of book- marks for the lectern Bible.
April, 1891. St. Mary's Guild provides large closet in guild-room for care of altar-hangings. St. John's Guild ap- propriates $9.50 for new music-closets in choir-room, and $7.00 for storm-doors at church tower. Also orders a croki- nole-board for guild-room.
May, 1891. St. Mary's Guild provides book-racks for the choir desks, at a cost of $14.25. The cost (to date) of re- pairs in the parish house occasioned by the flood of 1889 is re- ported to be $195.97; carpets and cushions in the church, $872.74; ventilators for the parish house, $98.10; and maps for the Sunday School, recently purchased, $13.
I. Trinity, 1891. From Mrs. John White, exquisitely em- broidered green altar-cloth, with medallion of Christ the Good Shepherd embroidered in centre.
October, 1891. From donor unnamed, cushion and kneel- ing-stool for Bishop's-chair. Pencil sketch portrait of Dr.
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GIFTS, MEMORIALS AND THANKOFFERINGS
Hopkins, Charles Crawford, artist, purchased, framed and hung in school-room (afterwards in guild-room) by some of the young people. Cost, $12.
November, 1891. Upper back veranda of rectory en- closed to make a "sun-gallery" for winter plants. Lumber for same the gift of a parishioner.
December, 1891. From Bishop White Prayer Book So- ciety, Philadelphia, 75 prayer books and hymnals for chapels and Sunday Schools.
February, 1892. Prayer books and hymnals injured by flood rebound at the expense of a vestryman.
March, 1892. An Edison mimeograph for copying music is procured.
Easter, 1892. From Mrs. Burrell, two large brass can- delabra for altar-steps, each eight feet high and having 31 lights. They bear the inscription: "In loving memory of James Albert Luther Burrell, M. D., 1847-1892," with the added words on one, "In Peace," and on the other, "In Hope."
July, 1892. Two vestrymen promise each to pay one- fourth of the $4,000 indebtedness of the parish, and a third vestryman $250 of the amount, provided the balance is raised by April Ist, 1893.
July, 1892. Brass pulpit in memory of the Rev. Dr. Hop- kins, a gift to the church by popular subscription. It cost $568.75, and bears the inscription : "To the Glory of God and in Pious Memory of the Rev. John Henry Hopkins, S. T. D., Rector 1876-1887."
St. John's Guild presents new kneeling-cushions for the chancel at a cost of $12. St. Mary's Guild presents hand- somely embroidered red altar-cloth and stole. Cost, $110 and $22. From St. Mary's Guild, new chancel prayer books of re- vised edition. From Miss Elizabeth Logan, new linen cre- dence-cover. From Vestment Committee, new clergy cassock. From Ministering Children's League, decorated china and toilet articles for vestry-room.
Christmas, 1892. Check for $100 found in alms-plate for domestic and foreign missions.
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CHRONICLES OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH
May, 1893. New hardwood floor laid in dining room and hall of rectory. Stone pavement laid on Mulberry and Fourth Streets in place of old wooden sidewalk.
June, 1893. Smaller guild-room wall tinted and room newly furnished by St. Mary's Guild. Large rug provided for larger guild-room by the Mothers' Meeting, assisted by others.
July, 1893. Church pews supplied by a parishioner with 250 revised prayer books and hymnals, marked "Christ Church" in red letters.
July, 1893. By deed of Miss Mary S. Lloyd and Miss Susan Lloyd, a lot in the Washington Street Cemetery for burial of the poor.
October, 1893. By will of Major J. H. Perkins, $4,500 is bequeathed to the church, the interest on $4,000 of the same to be divided between the choir fund and current expenses.
November, 1893. Evenden Brothers, florists, plant geranium beds on the church lawn.
November, 1893. From Mrs. W. F. Logan and Miss Elizabeth Logan, a glass and silver cruet for Holy Com- munion, in memory of Harry W. Logan.
March, 1897. Bequest of $500 for the endowment fund of the parish, by will of Miss Agnes Montgomery.
May, 1900. On Ascension Day, Litany Desk, a thank- offering from Mrs. John White.
November, 1900. Bequest of $7,500 presented by Mr. Josiah Howard in memory of his father, to be known as the "Charles B. Howard Memorial Fund."
1900. Hymn boards, in memory of
Mary Frances Dayton, 1826-1899
Elizabeth Grafius Piatt, 1825-1896
Samuel Lloyd Lehman, 1856-1896 James Stevenson Smythe, 1841-1899
June, 1901. Silver ewer for Rector's private communion set, presented by Mrs. Louisa Logan, in memory of her son, Harry W, Logan.
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GIFTS, MEMORIALS AND THANKOFFERINGS
Christmas, 1901. Window of the "Good Shepherd," pre- sented by Mr. G. T. Bedell Moore, in memory of his father, the Rev. Richard Channing Moore, replacing a former window of the same subject.
1902. Baptismal shell, presented by Miss Ella Ryder, in memory of her niece, Rena Myers.
1903. Altar vases, "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Matilde Edith Graff, 1849-1902. St. Mary's Guild."
October, 1903. Gift of $200 from Mr. Josiah Howard, for the purchase of two pianos for the parish house.
December, 1904. Bequest of $5,000 for the endowment fund, by will of James Van du Zee Brown.
November, 1905. Memorial window to Edgar and Lucy Maria (Curtis) Munson, presented on All Saints' Day by their sons, Cyrus LaRue and Robert Hallam Munson.
I905. Globes and mantel lights for church, from Allen P. Perley.
1906. Lantern slides for Good Friday services, from Cyrus LaRue Munson.
February, 1906. Furnishings for boys' room in new parish house, and billiard table, presented by Cyrus LaRue Munson.
May, 1906. Bronze tablet in memory of her husband, John White, and of her son, John Allison White, presented by Mrs. John White ; unveiled May 29.
June, 1906. Memorial window to James Van du Zee Brown, presented by his legatees, and unveiled June 4.
November, 1906. Sanctuary rail in memory of Mrs. Carile Cone Brown, presented by her sisters, Mrs. Helen A. Piper and Mrs. Allen P. Perley, and placed in position No- vember 17.
November, 1906. Wardrobe for the vestments of the Girls' Choir, presented by Mrs. Max Mitchell.
December, 1906. Wardrobe for choir vestments, pre- sented by Mrs. H. Y. Otto.
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CHRONICLES OF CHRIST CHURCH PARISH
December, 1906. Set of lantern slides of Tissot's "Life of Christ," presented by Cyrus LaRue Munson.
December, 1906. Plot of ground on Market Street, South Williamsport, as a site for church, parish house and parsonage for St. John's Mission, presented by Henry J. Lutcher and G. T. Bedell Moore, the latter being the son of the Rev. Richard Channing Moore, sometime rector of the parish.
1907. Brass altar-cross, in memory of Captain William Sweeley, for St. John's Mission, presented by friends.
1907. Candlesticks for altar of St. John's (anonymous).
October, 1907. Memorial window to Valentine Smith Doebler and Elizabeth (Hepburn) Doebler, presented by mem- bers of the family, and unveiled October 17.
October, 1907. Funds for Memorial Church to the Rev- erend Richard Chaning Moore, sometime rector of Christ Church, presented by his son, G. T. Bedell Moore. Mr. Moore's gift probably totaled $20,000.
April, 1908. Brass bracket shelf for the font ewer, a memorial to Mary Elizabeth (Milliken) Beisser, presented by her husband, J. Fred Beisser.
April, 1908. Electric fixtures for the new parish house, presented by Allen P. Perley, in memory of his first wife, Clara Scott (Lovejoy) Perley.
April, 1908. Furnishings for a room for the "Brother- hood of St. Andrew" in the new parish house, presented by Joseph C. Righter, as a thankoffering for the recovery of his son, Washington Righter, 3rd, from serious illness.
April, 1908. Furnishings for a room for "The Men's Club," in the new parish house, presented by William H. Crockett.
May, 1908. Furnishings for the study and guest cham- ber of the new parish house, presented by Mr. and Mrs. George B. Breon.
May, 1908. Windows for the new parish house.
In memory of John Elcock Jones, presented by his widow, Mrs. Olivia Jones, and his daughter, Mrs. H. L. Lehman. (Placed in the vestry-room).
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GIFTS, MEMORIALS AND THANKOFFERINGS
In memory of John Melick Pursel, presented by his son, Thomas Pursel.
In memory of Andrew and Bertha Lindlay, presented by their son, Arthur G. Lindlay.
In memory of Casimer and Henrietta Edler Schiesley, presented by their daughter, Mrs. Charles M. Renaut.
In memory of William Hugh Taylor, presented by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Eder Taylor.
In memory of James Francis Starr, presented by his widow, Mrs. James Francis Starr.
In memory of Horace Hills, presented by his widow, Mrs. Horace Hills.
In memory of John F. Tomlinson, presented by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Tomlinson.
In memory of William Humbert Kilbourn, presented by his friends.
October, 1908. Twelve brass plates for inscriptions re- cording gifts to the new parish house, presented by Brua Keefer.
October, 1908. Furnishings and fittings for kindergarten room in new parish house, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Bowman.
October, 1908. Curtain and scenery for stage in new parish house, presented by Mrs. Ackley P. Tuller.
October, 1908. Furnishings and fittings for primary room, in new parish house, presented by Mrs. John White.
October, 1908. Furnishings and fittings for ladies' guild room in new parish house, presented by Mrs. Allen P. Perley.
November, 1908. Hall carpet for parish house, presented by Mrs. Charles Cochran.
1908. Memorial window to G. T. Bedell Moore in St. John's Chapel, presented by his sisters, Misses Gertrude, Sarah Virginia and Emily Salter Moore.
February, 1909. Reflectorscope, presented by C. LaRue Munson.
October, 1909. Memorial window to George Westle Baird, presented by his widow, Mrs. Susanna, and daughter, Alma A. Baird ; unveiled Eve of All Saints.
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Long and miscellaneous as this list is, it will readily enough be seen that it is by no means exhaustive, even for the periods covered by the dates given. The lack of records and of parish papers will explain some omissions; the fuller allu- sion to the gifts and good works of the parish elsewhere in this narrative will explain others. What has been stated, however, sufficiently indicates the loyal and constant generosity of the people, the Christian modesty with which many of their gifts were made, and the widely and wisely directed interest of the rectors in planning and securing the things most useful and worthy to adorn the sanctuary, strengthen the parish, honor God, and advance the well-being of His people.
SUMMARY NOTES
THE PARISH IN ARCHDEACONRY AND DIOCESE.
In its broader relations, Christ Church, Williamsport, has for at least the last forty years of its history been of great help and encouragement to the Diocese and Archdeaconry. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to note in detail the gifts to young and struggling missions elsewhere in the Diocese, made not only by the parish church, but also by its chapels. The names of Upper Fairfied, Watsontown, Northumberland, and others will occur to mind.
The rectors of the parish, moreover, have always taken an active part in, and been fairly honored by, the Diocesan Con- vention. One of them at least, the Rev. Mr. Graff, served with ability for several years as Archdeacon of Williamsport. Several of them have been sent to the General Convention.1 As members of the Standing Committee, the Missionary Board, and of various standing or special committees of the Diocesan Convention, they have upheld the hands of the Bishop and done their part to strengthen and further the work of the Diocese.
The lay deputies from this parish to the Diocesan Conven- tion have been no less useful and no less honored, and some of them likewise have been chosen to represent the Diocese in the General Convention.
Several times in the history of the last seventy years the Diocesan Convention has met in Williamsport, the guest alter- nately of Christ Church and Trinity Church, the sister parish in every such case sharing with the host of the occasion in pro- viding entertainment for the members of the convention. For many years it has been the custom to hold the Winter Convo-
1 The present rector, Mr. Jones, was the first to be so honored since Dr. Hopkins's time. He was also a delegate to the Pan- Anglican Convention. [Ed.]
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cation of the Archdeaconry in Williamsport, the entertaining parish on these occasions also being alternately Christ Church and Trinity.
Christ Church, moreover, has frequently been favored with the presence and helpful words of many diocesan and missionary bishops and other distinguished visitors, thus on its part sharing in the wider acquaintance and larger work of the Church at large. The name and fame of the church and parish, enhanced by the record of its good works, by the dis- tinguished ability of some of its rectors, and by the social, civic, and professional prominence of some of its lay-people, have gone abroad in the American Church, and there is no member of the parish but may feel with St. Paul, when he made allusion to Tarsus of Cilicia, that he is "a citizen of no mean city."
SUMMARY NOTES
CONCLUDING WORDS.
Thus are we brought to the close of this narrative. If ever, from the history of their past, a people might be cheered with encouragement and stimulated to good works and great deeds in the present, and face the future with good courage and high determination, surely the people of Christ Church Parish, Williamsport, may. The story of their Zion is, indeed, like that of Israel, a record of fluctuating zeal and prosperity- as what human history is not ?- but as the day of small things and the struggle for existence have been left far behind, and have been forgotten, save as the hand of some chronicler of to- day shall turn back to the yellowed leaves of early records, so now, with humble thanksgiving to the Divine Head of the Church for all that He has wrought through the labors, prayers, anxieties and tears of His servants, the clergy and faithful laity, may His blessing continue to rest upon and make effective all that shall be planned and attempted in His name and in accordance with His will for the salvation of souls and the upbuilding of His Kingdom in and through Christ Church, Williamsport. With a heart full of gratitude that I have been privleged to share in this work for a time, and with sincerest love for the parish and people whose story I have so inade- quately rehearsed, I lay down my pen.
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