USA > Rhode Island > Newport County > Newport > Annals of Trinity church, Newport, Rhode Island, 1821-1892 > Part 21
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Term.
Year.
Thomas Blakeley,
9.66
Geo. H. Carr,
8.06
8.28
Benj. W. Hammond,
7.17
7.25
Robert B. Preece,
7.40
7.52
I would respectfully recommend to the committee that Blakeley, Carr, and Preece be continued in their scholarships, and that (if possible) a sub- stitute be found for Hammond, who ranks very low in deportment and scholarship.
JOHN ANKETELL.
Newport, Dec. 14, 1866.
There were at that time 48 pupils in the school; but for some reason that cannot be readily explained, the school, like those before it, was not a success, and we hear nothing more of it after that year.
285
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
January 9, 1867. Meeting of the Vestry. The Senior Warden in the chair.
The committee appointed at the last meeting, to propose some plan to purchase or to build a parsonage, present the fol- lowing report.
The undersigned, appointed a committee at the last meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church, to ascertain if the general fund of the Church, or any portion thereof, could be used for the purchase or erection of a building for a parsonage, beg leave to report.
A reference to the records of the Church make it clear that the Vestry have the power to invest so much of the capital amounting to ten thousand dollars, as they may deem right and proper, in a parsonage or any other property that in their estimation is best calculated to promote the interest of the Church; said fund having been raised by subscription for the purpose of aiding in the support of the Church. The manner of investing it and expending the proceeds was left entirely within the control of the Vestry-the guardians of the Church property under the Charter.
Another duty assigned to your committee was to ascertain on what terms a house could be hired, leased, purchased, or built, for a parsonage. The number of centrally located un- furnished houses to rent or lease is very limited. Mr. Alfred Smith's list offers the following: Philip Rider's house, Touro street, at $900 per year; and of furnished houses, as follows: Mrs. Ludlow's house, not fully furnished, $850 per year; Mrs. De Jongh's, opposite the Redwood Library, $400 for the sum- mer, and $650 for the year; Mrs. Bowen's house, Spring street, $650 for the summer, or $850 for the year; Silas Dickerson's house, William street, $500 for the year.
Messrs. Hazard & Apthorp offer the following: The Riddell estate, Touro street, furnished, $1000 per year; Mrs. Lawrence's cottage, Kay street, unfurnished, $600 per year.
The houses for sale brought to the notice of the Committee, are as follows: Philip Rider's house, Touro street, $14,000.
286
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Stockton and Griswold house on Touro street, formerly known as the Engs estate, $15,000, and the Riddell estate, Touro street, $13,000. Also the Powell house, Greenough Court, $13,000. Miss Dennis', Kay street, $10,000.
In regard to building a house, the committee have ascer- tained that a house well adapted to the purpose, finished in hard wood and supplied with all modern improvements, can be built for the sum of $11,500, to which must be added the cost of the lot; and should the Vestry elect to put up such a struc- ture, the Committee have been offered a set of plans, and the gratuitous services of an architect, to superintend the construc- tion. A building of this kind, if arranged for without delay, could be ready for acceptance by the Ist of October next, and in the mean time a cottage like that of Mrs. De Jongh, already referred to, would probably meet the wants of the Rector and his family. The Rector is now allowed an annual sum of $500, towards his house rent; the payment of which sum would no longer be called for, if the Church owned a parsonage. The sum of $500, represents a capital of $7000. If the Vestry should deem it proper to set apart this sum for the above pur- pose, the balance would have to be raised by voluntary sub- scriptions.
GEO. C. MASON, SAMUEL ENGS, WM. CORNELL, Committee.
Voted: that the report be accepted and recorded.
Voted: that William C. Gibbs and J. H. Cozzens be a com- mittee to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of building or purchasing a suitable building for a parsonage.
March 7, 1867. The following letter, from the Rev. Mr. Sherman, was read to the Vestry, and it was ordered to be placed on the records.
My dear Sir:
I beg to return through you my thankful acknowledgment
287
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
of the kind and flattering expressions of regard from the Ves- try of Trinity Church, in relation to the temporary and pass- ing services which it was my lot to render in the Parish dur- ing the interval of its vacancy. Taken in connection with the remembrance of many kindnesses from members of the con- gregation, the kindly action of the Vestry, which you have com- municated, increases the sum of obligation and of gratitude, of which I beg this may be regarded as the expression.
With warm wishes and fervent prayers for the prosperity of your venerable Church, and kind regards to those whom you represent, I remain, Sir,
Yours very sincerely, HENRY D. SHERMAN.
To Job T. Langley, Esq.,
Secy. of Vestry of Trinity Church.
January 9, 1867. Voted: that the Treasurer be authorized to pay $600, additional rent, if necessary, after May, for the hire of a house for Rev. Mr. White, for one year, $500 hav- ing been already allowed by the Corporation.
Marshall C. Slocum, William Cornell and J. H. Cozzens were to be a committee to make a new valuation of pews, and report at the Easter meeting.
April 16, 1867. Voted: that the Vestry unanimously rec- ommend the Corporation to accept the report of the committee appointed by the Vestry, March 9th, to make a new valuation of the pews.
Voted: that Dr. King and the Wardens be a committee to see if more sittings can be made in the Church, with power to make such arrangements as they may deem best.
Voted: that the Wardens and William E. Dennis be a com- mittee to have the Church thoroughly cleaned, procure new carpets, and to make such other improvements as are suggested by the Senior Warden, at a cost not to exceed $1200.
288
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
April 22, 1869. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 20 cor- porators being present. Dr. King in the chair.
The Treasurer's estimate for the year was ordered to be re- corded.
Easter Monday, 1867.
To the Corporation of Trinity Church:
The Treasurer respectfully reports that the expenditures of the past year, including $1000 paid for the Crandall lot, amount to $6060.17, and the receipts from taxes, rents and permanent funds, $5352.65, showing that we have spent $707.52 more than our income; the balance in the Treasury is already due to the Rector and choir, so that we have nothing to meet our bills from this time to July. The following estimate for the ensuing year is submitted for your consideration:
Rector's salary and house rent,
$3550
Supplies during vacation,
100
Music,
615
Bishop's salary,
100
Sexton's salary,
200
Convocation expenses,
25
City tax,
IIO
Fuel, stoves and gas,
300
Cleaning Church,
I200
Incidentals,
500
Note at Bank,
I200
$7900
Income from Permanent Fund,
$950
Land rent,
I20
1070
$6830
To meet the balance will require a tax of 21 per cent. on the old valuation, or 13 per cent. on the new valuation recom- mended by the Vestry.
WILLIAM CORNELL,
Treasurer.
289
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
Report of the Committee on valuation of pews, appointed at a meeting of the Vestry, March 7th, 1867.
That they find some irregularity in the past valuation, and recommend that a more equal and just valuation be established, on which to assess the future tax, as per the schedule herewith presented.
The present valuation of pews on the lower floor amounts to $32,350. The gallery pews are estimated at $1000 on which the taxes have been assessed. The new valuation, which your Com- mittee propose, makes the gross amount of $39,350, which at the present rate of tax, of 13 per cent., will give an increased tax of $750, which, though a small increase, they consider as based on a more equal relative value; and respectfully submit for your consideration.
M. C. SLOCUM. WILLIAM CORNELL, J. H. COZZENS.
Newport, April 16, 1867.
At a meeting of the Vestry, April 16, 1867, the report of the Committee on valuation of pews was called for, and after due consideration, it was unanimously approved of and
Resolved: that the Vestry recommend the adoption of the accompanying "valuation of pews" to the Corporation at their Easter meeting, as an established value on which to assess the annual rate of tax.
The committee on additional pews have in progress a plan which will give about 18 additional pews, in slips, in the gallery; but the work is not sufficiently advanced for your committee to affix a value.
Voted: that the report of the committee be adopted; and that the same committee value the additional pews when com- pleted, and report to the Vestry.
Voted: that the tax be fifteen (15) per cent. on the new valuation.
290
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
In the annual election of officers of the Church no change was made.
Voted: that the committee on cleaning the Church be author- ized to close up the bulls-eyes (windows) in the chancel, and the windows on the east and west ends of the Church.
On motion of George C. Mason it was
Resolved: the importance of having enlarged accommodations for the Parish Sunday School having been brought to the atten- tion of the Corporation, with a proposition either to sell the present school house and lot and buy and build elsewhere, or to sell off the school house now on the site, it was unanimously
Voted: that the subject matter be referred to the Vestry, with full power to act as that body may deem best for the interest of the Church; provided that the Treasurer shall not be called upon to supply the necessary funds for such changes or improvements.
June 3, 1867. Report of the committee to make a valuation of the new pews, received and adopted:
Newport, June 3, 1867.
The Committee on Valuation of Pews in Trinity Church 43 respectfully report on the additional pews, viz. :
There has been placed two temporary pews, on each side of the Chancel rail, which they value at $300 each, the places be-
43 In the new valuation pews Nos. 1, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 33 and 35 were appraised at $300 each.
Nos. 2, 3, 4, 34, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 100, 28, 31, 32, 42, 53, 82, 83, 85, 86, 90 and 99 at $350 each.
Nos. 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 69, 70, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 89, 88, 87 at $400 each.
Nos. 58, 81, 29, 30 at $450 each.
Nos. 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,
79, 80 at $500 each, 19, $500. Nos. 36 and 37 at $200 each.
Nos. 56, 83, 84, 18 at $250 each.
29I
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
ing required for the stoves during the winter. Twelve pews have been added along the wall, in the north gallery, num- bered 19 to 31; ten of which, from 19 to 29, they value at $75 each. Nos. 30 and 31 at $50 each.
Six pews have been added, adjoining the organ, five of which they value at $200 each; the others on the north side being open as a slip, and may be used also as a passage for the Choir, valued at $150.
One pew has also been made at East end of the south gal- lery, which they value at $50.
MARSHALL C. SLOCUM, WILLIAM CORNELL, J. H. COZZENS, Committee.
Voted: that the new pews be placed in the hands of the Junior Warden, to let; with power to reserve such pews as he may think best, as free pews.
Voted: that the Sexton be instructed not to act, after this date, as agent for the sale or leasing of any pew in Trinity Church, without a power of attorney from the owner of said pew; said power of attorney to be submitted for the approval of the Wardens before the Sexton can act under it.
Voted: that the Secretary be authorized to effect insurance on the Church, for an amount not less than $16,000, or more than $20,000, on the best terms.
July 9, 1867. Meeting of the Vestry; the Rector, Wardens and eight Vestrymen being present. The Rector in the chair.
The following report from the Treasurer was read and ac- cepted:
To the Vestry of Trinity Church;
The Treasurer respectfully submits this statement:
At Easter our expenses were estimated at $7900
Our income will probably be $6900
Leaving a balance of $1000
292
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Our estimate at Easter included $1200 for cleaning and ren- ovating the Church; but the reports of the Committee show that it has been necessary to spend $3060 for that purpose; and we must also add $200 for insurance, which will make the balance against us at the end of the year, $3060 ..
The Treasurer has hired $1500, to meet the immediate de- mands of the Committee.
Voted: that the Treasurer be authorized to hire $1500, to meet the expenses incurred in repairing the Church.
A report from Rev. J. Anketell was read and ordered to be placed on file.
Resolved: that the Sexton shall in no case rent a pew for any person who demands for the same, for the season or a year, more than the amount of the annual tax on said pew, and that the Wardens be instructed to see that this resolution is strictly carried out.
Voted: that the Senior Warden have the fence of the Cran- dall estate removed to the south line.
Voted: that the Wardens send a printed circular to the own- ers and occupants of pews-asking them to co-operate with the Vestry in sitting visitors, and signify to the Wardens their objection, if any, to having vacant seats filled by the Sexton, after the reading of the Psalms.
July 26, 1867. Voted: that the interest of the Kay Fund for one year be given to Miss Mary C. Handy, to educate not more than ten children under the direction of the Rector, who shall have the selection of said children.
Voted: that John H. Cozzens and Marshall C. Slocum be a committee to report at the next meeting of the Vestry on the subject of a new school house.
August 19, 1867. Meeting of the Vestry; the Rector, Ward- ens and Messrs. Edward King, Slocum, Seabury, Cornell, Birck-
293
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
head, Langley, Cozzens and Dennis, Vestrymen, being present. The Rector in the chair. Meeting opened with prayer.
The following report was read and received:
To the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church:
The Committee appointed at a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church, held July 26, 1867, to take into consideration and report upon the subject of the Sunday School House, &c., respectfully report: that they consider the present building in- adequate for the purpose of the Sunday School, and deficient in accommodation for the occasional services of the Church or lecture room, and would not warrant the necessary outlay to make it available therefor.
Your Committee recommend that a new building be erected, of dimensions and conveniences adapted to the purpose, which they infer, from information obtained from artists and builders, might be erected of stone at a cost of from $10,000 to $12,000.
The lot on which the present school house stands is too lim- ited in dimensions; and sufficient land for the purpose cannot be obtained adjoining thereto; the situation is also objectiona- ble, being located rather distant from the Church, with other disadvantages.
The lot of land recently purchased on Frank street, at the west end and adjoining the Church, is also too small for the necessary structure, and is subject to various objections.
The Committee have endeavored to find a lot of land not far distant from the Church, and suitable for the purpose, with due regard also to the cost of the same, and no location ap- pears to them more prominent and desirable than the premises at the North West corner of Church and High streets, late the property of the "Moravian Church"; 44 the dimensions of which
44 THE MORAVIANS or United Brethren were organized as a Society in Newport, in 1758, though some attention had been paid to their form of worship as early as 1749. It was a most respectable body, and the pastors who were in succession over it were esteemed for their devotion to their work and the purity of their lives. But the church did not increase-rather fell off -for there were no accessions of any moment, and finally the prop-
294
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
are about 72 by 82 feet, and can now be purchased for a small amount over $4000 (has been held at $5000), but in considera- tion of the use intended, we are inclined to infer may be ob- tained for $4000.
There are so many circumstances favoring this site, that your Committee recommend the immediate purchase of the same, to be secured in readiness to occupy when our resources will warrant the structure.
The proceeds from the late Fair having amounted to rising $5000, a portion of it might be appropriated to the purchase of the lot, and the remainder be invested as an accumulating fund. The building now on the lot would produce a moder- ate sum, by letting, until required, and then disposed of.
The premises at present held by Trinity Church, as a school house, might be made available, by sale of lease or let- ting, to produce, say $2000, which by appropriating to the fund for the sacred use in the erection of the new Sunday School House and Chapel, appears to be warranted; and certainly as nearly consistent in carrying out the original.intent of the donor as circumstances will warrant.
The balance required to meet the probable cost of the pro- prosed edifice, say $8000, to be made up by contributions solic- ited forthwith of those interested in this very desirable object; which your Committee trust may be accomplished so as to com- mence the erection of the building early in the ensuing spring;
1
erty, no longer used as a place of worship, was sold as above. The building was removed, and the few remains of those who slept in the grounds, were taken to the Island Cemetery and deposited in a lot secured for that pur- pose. Miss Towle, whose name is mentioned in the First Series of "The Annals," as an organist of Trinity Church, was the daughter of Rev. Samuel Towle, who was the settled Pastor of the Moravians from 1803 to 1819. Another Pastor was Rev. Charles Anthony Van Vleck, who was here from 1827 to 1834, and was greatly beloved by all who knew him. In the course of his ministry he had labored in North Carolina, Lancaster, York, and Nazareth, Penn., as well as at Newport. At one time he held a professor- ship in the Theological Seminary, at Bethlehem, and at the time of his death, December 21, 1845, he was principal of the college at Greenville, Tenn.
295
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
but they cannot recommend the outlay undertaken until the greater portion of the means required is at command, or guar- anteed.
In addition to the foregoing resources, the committee would call your attention to the Kay Fund, so long unavailable in the direct use intended by the liberal donor, and now amounting to nearly $3000 with but little prospect of a more suitable applica- tion; and which they think might be appropriated in aiding this desirable work of building an edifice, wherein the youthful mind may be schooled in the holy principles of our Church, and the more mature enlightened and encouraged in the sacred duties of our profession; certainly consistent with and in honor to the purposes of the Fund-not wasted or diverted, but in future subject still to your control.
As to the more minute detail of design, material and cost, they recommend that information be obtained from some com- petent architect. They further suggest that the "new artificial stone," now coming into use, is a material worthy of your con- sideration. All of which is respectfully submitted to your judi- cious consideration by your Committee.
MARSHALL C. SLOCUM, JOHN H. COZZENS.
Newport, Aug. 19, 1867.
Voted: that the report of the committee be accepted, and that they be authorized to purchase the "Moravian Church lot," and invest the Kay Fund in the purchase thereof.
Voted: that the same committee be requested to obtain a plan of the new school house and chapel, and to solicit contri- butions from the pew owners and occupants, to the amount of $5000-the balance required to erect the building.
August 29, 1867. On motion of Edward King, it was
Voted: that the Kay Fund, amounting to about $3000, which was ordered to be invested in the purchase of the Moravian Church lot, at the last meeting; it was not intended thereby to annihilate said fund, but that the Church might be responsible
-
296
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
therefor, and account for the same, and the interest thereon, whenever the intentions of Mr. Kay could be more fully ascer- tained and carried out.
On motion of George C. Mason,
Voted: that a committee be appointed to make search for all facts connected in any way with the bequest from the late Nathaniel Kay, and how the proceeds have been appropriated.
Voted: that the Wardens and Dr. King be that committee.
October 9, 1867. Voted: that the Wardens report a plan for heating the Church.
October 11, 1867. J. H. Cozzens, Treasurer of the Sunday School Fund Fair, reported the following sum of money in his hands, subject to the action of the Vestry: say,
Proceeds of Fair, &c.,
$5673.38
Bank stock and cash, from Kay Fund,
2918.56
$8591.94 .
Less expenses of Fair,
259.18
$8332.76
Paid for purchase of Moravian Church lot, $2000.00
Cash deposited in Savings Bank, 4732.76
16 shares of Bank stock, 1600.00 $8332.76
Voted: that the report be received and placed on file.
Voted: that John H. Cozzens be Treasurer of the School House Fund.
Voted: that the new school house be built of stone.
Voted: that the building be called the "Kay School House."
Voted: that a committee of three, the Rector, Edward King, and J. H. Cozzens, be a building committee.
Voted: that the offer of Gov. Gibbs for the stone required for the building of the new school house,.be accepted, with the thanks of the Vestry.
297
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
Voted: that Samuel Engs be added to the Building Com- mittee.
October 14, 1867. The committee on heating the Church reported two plans-one from William H. Bliss and one from Brown, Goddard & Barlow.
Voted: that the Bliss plan be accepted, and that a contract be made with William H. Bliss, to carry it out.
December 5, 1867. Voted: that $100 be appropriated for dressing the Church at Christmas, under the direction of the Wardens.
The following communication was read by the Rector:
To the Rev. Mr. White and the Wardens of Trinity Church;
Gentlemen: In pursuance of a recommendation of the Bishop, the undersigned, in behalf of a committee appointed by the Vestry of Zion Church officially to do so, acquaints you with the fact that Zion Church, in this city, is closed for public worship, and for reasons, which we are prepared to state, is not likely to be re-opened. We ask you, therefore, to call to- gether the leading Churchmen of the several Parishes in the city, to consider what is best to be done under the circum- stances.
I remain very respectfully, Gentlemen, Yours, &c., W. S. CHILD, Rector of Zion Church.
Newport, R. I.,
Dec. 3d, 1867.
Voted: that the following communication be addressed to the Rev. Mr. Child, in answer:
"Your communication of 3d inst. to the Rector and Ward- ens of Trinity Church, was by them laid before a meeting of the Vestry of said Church this evening.
"While the Vestry much regret to learn the fact that Zion
298
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Church is closed for public worship, the Vestry of Trinity Church do not consider it becoming in them to make the call asked for in your communication, and that such call, if made, should rather proceed from the Chief Pastor of the Church in this Diocese."
ยท Voted: that the Secretary be requested to communicate to the Rev. Mr. Child the action of this Vestry on his communication.
February 24, 1868. Samuel Engs offered the following reso- lution: that the Building Committee be instructed to go on and build a wooden school house, provided they can do so out of any funds they may have in hand, or can raise without running the Church in debt; and the same committee be authorized to sell the building now on the Moravian lot.
Edward King offered the following amendment:
Provided: that the interest on the Kay Fund money ($2900) shall be paid annually to the Savings Bank, to the credit of said Fund, from the date of its being borrowed.
Which amendment was lost.
The resolution was then carried.
Voted: that the amendment offered by Mr. King be re-con- sidered.
Voted: that the amendment be accepted.
The request of Samuel Engs to be discharged from the com- mittee to make search for all facts connected with the bequest of the late Nathaniel Kay, was granted, and James Birckhead was appointed in his place.
April 8, 1868. Voted: that the Senior Warden be authorized to take from the safe any books or papers he may require in his search for facts in relation to the Kay Fund.
On motion of John H. Cozzens, it was
Resolved; that from the report of the committee appointed to solicit subscriptions for building the new school house, it seems that they have, pledged and cash, in hand a sufficient sum to warrant them to build of brick; it is therefore
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