USA > Rhode Island > Newport County > Newport > Annals of Trinity church, Newport, Rhode Island, 1821-1892 > Part 26
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One thing, however, with your permission, I wish to say: I think it should be clearly understood, that I do not assume the full care of all the work and interests of the Parish, but only such care as is necessary. Any- thing more than this on the part of a mere supply, might be of injury instead of benefit to the Parish, and to the coming Rector, as experience always shows. Besides on my own account, it is particularly proper I should now speak of this, because I shall come immediately after a Rector who has been marked (so far as I know) by a more abundant and success- ful activity than any of his predecessors in the long history of Trinity Church. (Besides, I ought to add, that even a permanent Rector remits, or has good ground to remit, much of the Parish labor during the season of the year just before us; for, as you know, in that season much more public labor is concentrated, than at any other period of the year.)
And now, presuming that you will not disagree to what I have said, I accept, Gentlemen, the charge you so earnestly offer me, trusting to the forbearance and good will of yourselves and the Parish, and in the hope that you will soon be able to make choice of a Rector, and am,
With much regard,
A. G. MERCER.
P. S. I will take charge on Sunday next.
354
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
On motion of Dr. S. W. Francis it was voted: that the thanks of the Vestry be extended to the Rt. Rev. Bishop of the Dio- cese, for the able and impressive sermon of yesterday morning, and that he be asked to furnish the Vestry with a copy of it for publication. 5 3
53 IN REPLY to a letter from the Senior Warden, Bishop Clark wrote: "Will you allow me to thank the Vestry of Trinity Church, for the kind terms in which they have spoken of my sermon. I would not hesitate to give it to you for publication, but the manuscript is not in such a shape that the printer could do anything with it; and perhaps it would do as well, in any case, to publish merely that portion which relates directly to Dr. White, and this I enclose, for you to do what you please with the same." The following is the extract:
"Over these Christmas emblems which adorn these walls there hangs the sable drapery of mourning. The voice that has spoken to you so often from this pulpit will be heard no more. Other hands than his will here- after minister to you the sacred elements of the body and blood of Christ. "In the death of Dr. White the Diocese of Rhode Island has met with a heavy loss. Never seeking office and never shrinking from responsibility which was laid upon him, he was faithful and just in the discharge of every public duty. The last time that I met him at the meeting of our Diocesan 'Board of Missions, of which he was a zealous and active member, little did we dream that we were having the benefit of his wise counsel for the last time. In the Standing Committee of the Diocese, of which he was also a member, his services were always counted as most valuable, and, although it cost him more time and effort to attend than the other members, he was sure to be in his place, unless hindered by some more imperious engage- ment. I need not say to this congregation that no regard for his own com- fort or pleasure ever kept him at home.
"Dr. White has also represented the Diocese in our General Convention, and, although he rarely, if ever, intruded upon the public debates, his presence gave dignity and weight to the delegation, and his vote was al- ways cast in strict accordance with his conscientious convictions.
"Of what service he has been to you, as your Pastor and Rector, it seems superfluous for me to speak. He has added largely to your numbers, recon- ciled conflicting views, watched over all the interests of the Parish with the eye of a father, gone from house to house in the discharge of his duties with unflagging energy; never, for any reason, remitting his attendance upon the poor, the afflicted, the sick and the dying; he has gathered the children into the Sunday School, and then followed them up with untiring zeal, instructed the young and prepared them carefully and faithfully for
355
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
Voted: that the Wardens be a committee to communicate the above to the Bishop, and to take charge of the printing, should the wishes of the Vestry, as above expressed, be complied with.
Resolutions presented from the Vestry of Emmanuel Church,
Confirmation. In no one thing has he ever been derelict or tardy, or care- less, or superficial. His work here will abide long after his earthly form has crumbled to ashes. Look at the substantial and beautiful Chapel, free from all pecuniary encumbrance, which has replaced the small and uncom- fortable building in which the Sunday School was once gathered; look at the condition of this ancient Church, and the sacred enclosure that surrounds it; the complete repair, the new furnishings, the beautiful embellishments which adorn these walls, all effected with no disturbance of the connections which hallow the antique and peculiar style of the sanctuary; and all in a great degree the result of his indomitable energy and irrepressible assiduity. I never knew a man, all whose cares and thoughts and activities seemed to centre so exclusively in the welfare of the Church. He loved it and cherished it, and worked for it, and talked about it, as if he counted every- thing else of minor account. His tastes and training were such as would be likely to make a Parish like this peculiarly grateful and attractive. I have no doubt that the sight of the old crown on the spire, and on the organ, was pleasant to his eye. It was a comfort to him that he preached in the same pulpit from which the voice of the saintly Berkeley was once heard; and I think it must have gratified him to have charge of the mother Church of the Diocese- one of the oldest in the land. Not that he was much given to mere sentiment, or likely to dwell upon such matters as these -work, hard, solid, steady work, was the thing which he loved. He was eminently a practical man, and he made everything subordinate to the particular task which he had in hand. He left nothing at loose ends. Nothing which could be done today was postponed to the morrow; nothing which he could do himself was ever left to others; and if he erred at all, it was in the direction of over work, and neglect of rest and recreation.
"It requires no subtle analysis to delineate the leading traits of Dr. White's personal character. A glance at his face was enough to convince you that he was a man of will-a positive man-one who, when he had made up his mind to a thing, was quite likely to accomplish it. He did not rush rapidly to the end that he aimed at, in defiance of obstacles; but went quietly on, removing obstacles, one by one, until he had made a clear path for himself. He was not over sensitive as to what people said or thought of him, or if he was he never showed it; but once convinced that he was right, he followed his own convictions without much regard to the opinion of others. As might be inferred, he was a man of positive and decided opinions. I presume he was troubled with few doubts, and that
356
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
on the death of Dr. White, read and ordered to be placed on file.
The request in writing, of Aug. Ulman, to the Bishop and Standing Committee, to be admitted to the order of Deacon, was signed by all the members present.
faith must have been a natural virtue with him. The popular skepticism that grows out of the speculations of philosophy, or the researches of science, or the study of documentary evidence, could never disturb his mind. He received the doctrine of the Church as it had been delivered to him, preached it earnestly and lived by it faithfully. It was not in his nature to expatiate and deal with all sorts of subjects; but he drew his studies in one direction and brought all his acquirements to bear upon the illustration of that which was nearest his heart, and to which his life was consecrated. I have always heard that he was very bold and unflinching in his sermons, and never seemed to preach for the sake of establishing a reputation for eloquence or learning, or profound thought; but simply to convince the hearer of the truth which was inculcated, and to persuade him to regulate his conduct accordingly. There was always something peculiarly pleasing to me in his mode of conducting and reading the services of the Church-a simplicity and unction, which allowed the sacred words, and the thoughts which they embodied, to have full force, without any distraction growing out of the manner of the reader. He evidently enjoyed these services to the full, he never tired of saying over the same words, and the more frequently he could bring the people to worship with him in these sacred courts, the better did he like it. The habit of his mind was devout; he was at home in the atmosphere of prayer. His religion, true and earnest as it was, must take an orderly, methodical form of expression; it was stated and regular, rather than intermittent and fervid. He must do everything by rule, although not after a cold and formal manner. He was a genuine Christian, because he was true to his own nature, in all the developments and practises of his religious life. He sailed on a level keel, had probably had little experience of those spiritual tempests, which tear and convulse the souls of those who alternate all the while between sin and contrition. There was no effervescence of sentiment in Dr. White's composition, but he made strong personal friends, and those loved him best who knew him best. When I saw the young people of this Parish, with tearful eyes, drop their garlands of sweet flowers in his grave, I appreciated the hold that he must have had upon their hearts. And richly had he earned it, for no man could ever labor more assiduously, in season and out of season, for the children of his charge than he. Time only can heal the wounds which his loss has
357
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
The Treasurer reported $136.98, the income of the Poor Fund. Of this sum $95 was voted to known needy persons, and the balance was placed in the hands of the Senior Warden, to be distributed as he saw fit.
made, and only the presence of Jesus can relieve the gloom of that house- hold, of which he has been the light and the life. We commend her who survives him to the care of the great Sufferer and Savior. May God give her peace in her hour of need. And to this bereaved Church we extend our most sincere and hearty sympathy. You are all bereaved. It was a touching tribute to the worth of your departed Pastor, that in all the Churches, of all names, Roman Catholic and Protestant, prayers should have been asked on the last Sunday, for his recovery. Cherish his mem- ory and keep it ever green. Walk according to his precepts and follow his example. So live that when the Master calls you hence you may be pre- pared to join him again in the Church triumphant."
358
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
CHAPTER XIII.
1876-1882.
January 13, 1876. Special meeting of the Corporation; 17 corporators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chair- man.
The following names were read by the Chairman, as having been proposed as Rector.
Rev. Mr. McAllister, Rev. Henry A. Coit, D. D.,
Rev. H. M. Thompson, Rev. E. A. Bradley,
Rev. G. E. Mortimer,
Rev. Mr. Mills,
Rev. Lucius Bancroft,
Rev. A. Douglass Miller,
Rev. R. G. Hutton, Rev. William Mumford,
Rev. W. O. Gramis,
Rev. George P. Huntington, Rev. E. O. Flagg.
Voted: that an informal ballot be taken:
Rev. Dr. Coit, 15; Blank, I.
On motion of William Cornell it was unanimously voted: that the Rev. Henry A. Coit, D. D., of Concord, N. H., be called as Rector.
Voted: that the salary be $4000 per year.
Voted: that the Chairman communicate this vote to Rev. Dr. Coit.
Voted: that Philip Rider be elected eleventh Vestryman, in place of M. C. Slocum, deceased; and that he be an Auditor, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Slocum.
359
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
January 17, 1876. Meeting of the Vestry; the Senior Ward- en in the chair.
Voted: that the bills, attending the last sickness and inter- ment of Rev. Dr. White, amount $667.97, be paid.
Voted: that the complaint against the Sexton, for irregular- ities, be referred to a committee, to be appointed by the Chair- man, who named William E. Dennis and John S. DeBlois.
March 1, 1876. Adjourned meeting of the Corporation; 17 corporators being present.
The following letter from Rev. Dr. Coit was read :
St. Paul's School, Jan'y 27, 1876. To the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church, Newport, R. I .; My dear Friends:
I feel that I ought no longer to defer my answer to your invitation to become your Rector, received some days since. I have given the matter most earnest consideration, and have conferred with those in whose advice I have confidence. I have been strongly inclined to come to you, and I have felt very deeply the honor you have done me, in thinking of me as suc- cessor to your late Rector. My highest ambition would be grat- ified if I could, in any worthy degree, carry out his work, and follow in his steps. And I loved and reverenced him so sin- cerely that my heart has strongly impelled me to try to do so, and to accept your call, trusting for help and strength, as he trusted.
But those who know this place, where I have spent almost twenty laborious years, think that if I were to leave it now its interests would sustain a very serious blow; and, while there is much that is encouraging in the work now, and hopeful for the future, I am aware that it is still without a permanent founda- tion, and that it still requires a great amount of faithful over- sight, and diligent, watchful care. And at present there seems to be no one ready to take my place, should I leave here; those who are helping me here having been drawn chiefly from at- tachment to myself, and remain because I do.
Under these circumstances, which it is not necessary to dwell
360
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
upon more at length, but which those who know St. Paul, and its past history, fully understand, I feel that I am compelled to decline the work and duty to which you invite me. And I do so with unfeigned reluctance, and with the deepest interest in your Parish, and all the work of every kind of which it is the centre-and not as a mere form, but with a full heart, I pray God to bless you with a wise and faithful and holy and loving Rector, who may in time fill the vacant place which Dr. White's death has left-not only in the Church, but in so many hearts and homes.
And with the expression of my sincere thanks for the honor you have done me, and the courteous and cordial manner in which your action was brought before me, I remain,
Very faithfully and truly yours, HENRY A. COIT.
To George C. Mason, Esq.,
Warden of Trinity Church, Newport, R. I.
Voted: that the Wardens be a committee to suggest some name to this Corporation as Rector.
March 21, 1876. Adjourned Meeting of the Corporation; 17 corporators being present, and the Senior Warden in the chair.
The Wardens reported the following additional names in con- nection with the vacancy: Rev. Mr. Magill, Rev. Mr. Crafts and Rev. William H. Benjamin; but made no suggestion.
Voted: that an informal ballot be taken:
Rev. Mr. Magill, 12; Rev. Mr. Crafts, 3; Scattering, I.
On motion of William Cornell, it was unanimously voted: that the Rev. Mr. Magill, 54 of Wickford, be called as Rector;
54 Rev. George J. Magill,
Newport, R. I., March 20, 1876.
Rev. and Dear Sir:
At a meeting of the Corporation of Trinity Church, held this day, you were unanimously elected Rector of the Parish, and the pleasing duty was assigned me to make known to you the action of the Corporation, and also to urge your acceptance.
36I
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
and that the Chairman be requested to communicate this vote to the Rev. Mr. Magill.
March 23, 1876. Meeting of the Vestry; the Senior Warden in the chair.
The following letter from Rev. Dr. Mercer was read by the chairman :
Newport, March 22, 1876.
My dear Mr. Mason :
I heard yesterday that you had chosen a Rector, and was glad to find you had managed the business promptly. By our arrangement in the beginning of January, I assumed the charge of the Pulpit and Parish "until the election of a Rector"; as that is now done, and I suppose that all the objects for which I took the place are answered, my duty is ended, and I beg leave respectfully to retire.
Trusting that my services have not been entirely without ben- efit, congratulating you that all is settled, and in the hope that your new Rector may prove a beneficial choice to the Parish, believe me with many kind wishes, and
Very respectfully, A. G. MERCER.
To George C. Mason, Esq., Senior Warden, Trinity Church.
The Church is greatly in want of a pastor permanently settled over it; and it would be gratifying to us, not only to have you for our spiritual guide and head, but also to know that we may enter upon these pleasing relations at no distant day.
We have no parsonage, but provision is made for this want in the sal- ary, which is fixed at four thousand dollars ($4000) and which is to cover house rent. This was the arrangement with our late Rector.
Hoping for a favorable reply, and that you will be able to come to us at an early day.
Ever truly yours, GEORGE C. MASON, Senior Warden.
362
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
On motion of William G. Seabury the following resolutions were unanimously passed :
Whereas: the arrangement made with Rev. Dr. Mercer, for a temporary supply of the pulpit of Trinity Church, ceased by its own limitation on the election of the Rev. George J. Magill, as Rector; therefore
Resolved: that the thanks of this Vestry be extended to the Rev. Dr. Mercer for the faithful discharge of the duties of his ministerial office in the Church, Kay Chapel and the Parish at large.
Resolved: that it is the unanimous wish of the Vestry that the Rev. Dr. Mercer be invited to remain in charge of the Par- ish, till such time as it shall be known what action the Rev. Mr. Magill will take in regard to the call extended to him.
Resolved: that the Senior Warden be a committee to make known to Rev. Dr. Mercer the wishes of the Vestry, as above expressed, and that the salary of the late Rector be continued to Rev. Dr. Mercer during the time of his stay with us.
April 11, 1876. Voted: that the Treasurer be authorized to hire the sum of $1500, to meet the current expenses of the Church, and to pay Rev. Mr. Magill one quarter's salary in ad- vance, as requested.
1
The following letter from Rev. Dr. Mercer was ordered to be recorded:
Newport, R. I., March 24, 1876.
George C. Mason, Esq., Senior Warden :
I have this moment received the preamble and resolutions the Vestry passed last night, and cheerfully accede to the unan- imous wish of the Vestry, that I should continue my ministra- tions until the time named in their resolutions; or, indeed, so long as they have need of me.
Thanking the Vestry for their kind resolutions,
I am very respectfully, A. G. MERCER.
REV. GEORGE J.MAGILL, D.D.
363
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
April 17, 1876. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 17 cor- porators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chairman.
The following letter was read and ordered to be recorded:
St. Paul's Rectory, Wickford, R. I., April 1, 1876.
To the Vestry and Corporation of Trinity Church, Newport, R. I. ; Gentlemen :
The call which you recently extended to me, inviting me by a unanimous vote of your honorable body, to become the Rector of Trinity Parish, has had my serious consideration. I have much pleasure in announcing, as the result of my delib- erations, that I accept the call, and will enter upon my duties as Rector of Trinity Church immediately after Easter Day. I shall take it as a great kindness if you will make arrangements to have my salary paid quarterly in advance. I wish to adopt the cash system in my business transactions; and, as my removal will necessarily require some expenditure, the above method would be most satisfactory.
I pray that God will bless our united efforts to advance the cause of His Church, not only in its material prosperity, but in its development of that spiritual household, which consists of living, loving and faithful hearts.
Gentlemen, please accept my thanks for your unanimous ex- pression of confidence, and believe me to be always,
Yours faithfully,
The officers of the Church were re-elected, with Philip Rider, Vestryman, in place of M. C. Slocum, deceased.
Voted: that the Vestry be authorized to have placed an ap- propriate monument to the grave of our late Rector, the Rev. Dr. White.
364
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
On motion of John H. Cozzens the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, the Rev. A. G. Mercer, D. D., in compliance with the invitation of the Vestry, to take charge of the Parish till the vacancy caused by the death of our late Rector, Rev. I. P. White, D. D., was permanently filled, has performed all the duties of Rector pro tem .; and whereas those duties have been brought to a close by the election of Rev. George J. Magill, as Rector thereof;
Resolved: that the cordial thanks of this Corporation be, and they are hereby, extended to the Rev. Dr. Mercer, for the faith- ful, able and impressive manner in which the services of the Church, and the various offices of the ministry have been uni- formly conducted by him; and that the action of the Vestry, continuing to Rev. Dr. Mercer, during the time he has been in charge of the Church the salary paid to Rev. Dr. White, be and is hereby continued.
Voted: that the Secretary convey to Rev. Dr. Mercer5 5 the thanks of the Corporation as above expressed.
April 18, 1876. Voted: that the Senior Warden be a com-
55 To Job T. Langley, Esq., Sec'y, &c., &c.
My dear Mr. Langley:
I have just received a copy of the Resolutions of the Corporation of Trinity Church, passed yesterday; also the enclosed check, and beg to return my sincere acknowledgements and thanks. If my services have been of benefit in any way, that alone would be not only a gratification but a reward.
Accept once more my earnest good wishes in behalf of the Church under its new Rector, and my kind feelings for each of you personally, and believe me,
With much regard,
A. G. MERCER.
Newport, R. I.,
Tuesday, April 18th, 1876.
365
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
mittee to report a plan and estimate for a monument to our late Rector, Rev. Dr. White.
Voted: that the matter of the repairing of the bell be re- ferred to Benjamin Finch and John H. Cozzens, with power to act.
May 19, 1876. The Rector, Rev. George J. Magill, was pres- ent, and presided.
The Committee on Repairing the Bell submitted the follow- ing letter :
West Troy, N. Y., May 10, 1876.
Mr. John H. Cozzens,
Dear Sir: We will furnish one of our best, fully warranted bells, made of superior metal, for 30 cents a pound, and from the price of the mountings deduct 10 per cent. For the sum of $30 we would place the new bell in your tower, and lower the broken one; we to furnish the ringing and tolling ropes without charge. For the old bell, just the bare bell, we would allow 20 cents per pound.
New bell, say 3550 1bs. at 30 cents,
$1065
Mounting, 140 lbs., less 10 per cent.,
I26
Placing the bell in tower,
30
$122I
Old bell, if it weighs 1800 1bs. at 20 cents,
360
$861
Your order is respectfully solicited.
Yours truly,
MENEELY & COMPANY.
Voted: that the report of the committee be accepted, and that they be authorized to purchase a 3500 1b. bell.
Voted: that the Rector and Senior Warden be a committee to furnish a motto, to be placed on the new bell.
Voted: that the income from the Littlefield Fund be placed
$
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
366
in the hands of the Senior Warden, to be expended according to his discretion.
July 13, 1876. The following letter from the committee on the bell, was read and received:
Newport, R. I., July 13, 1876.
The Committee on Bell beg leave to report that they found the old bell cracked beyond repair; and after a correspondence with different Bell Founders, and a personal visit to Troy, made an arrangement with Messrs. Meneely & Co. of West Troy , for a new bell, of 3500 lbs. weight.
After the above arrangement, out of deference to Dr. King. and others, they had the old bell, weighing 1876 pounds, incor- porated into the new one, which weighs 3450 pounds, and has the following inscription upon one side.
" Vivos Voci. Mortuos Plango." When I do ring God's praises sing, When I do toule pray heart and soule.
Upon the opposite side :
The gift of Queen Anne to Trinity Church, Newport, R. I., 1709. Re-cast in 1843. Recast and doubled in weight, 1876.
BENJAMIN FINCH, J. H. COZZENS, Committee.
The Senior Warden reported that he had made a design for a monument to the late Rector, which had met with Mrs. White's approval.
Voted: that the whole matter be left in the hands of the Senior Warden, with power to act.
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