USA > Rhode Island > Newport County > Newport > Annals of Trinity church, Newport, Rhode Island, 1821-1892 > Part 27
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December 1, 1876. Voted: that the Treasurer be authorized to hire a sum of money, not exceeding $700, to meet the ex- . pense of the monument, erected to the memory of Dr. White.
January 1, 1877. Voted: that the matter of a memorial window be left to the Senior Warden.
367
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
April 2, 1877. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 16 cor-
porators present. George C. Mason was chosen chairman.
The Treasurer's estimate for the current year was $6750.
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
Voted: that the Rector's salary be at the rate of $4500 per year.
Voted: that the increase of $500 to the Rector's salary be paid in advance.
The officers of the Church were all re-elected.
April 10, 1877. Alfred Langley was elected Organist, with a salary of $500 per year.
J. G. Spingler was elected Sexton.
The salary of Galen Davis was fixed at $100, and that of W. J. H. Ailman and Miss Easton, at $50 each.
The Treasurer was authorized to hire $1500.
May 16, 1877. The following committees were appointed to make arrangements for the Diocesan Convention, to be held in Trinity Church, in June:
On Correspondence; George C. Mason and Samuel Engs.
On Collation; Philip Rider and William E. Dennis.
On Reception; John H. Cozzens, J. S. DeBlois and S. W. Francis.
Voted: that the income of the Littlefield Fund be placed in the hands of the Senior Warden, to be expended according to his discretion.
January 3, 1878. Voted: that from and after this date the Junior Warden shall make an annual statement of all sums re- ceived by him on account of the Church, which statement shall accompany the Treasurer's report and be audited by the Audit- ing Committee.
April 22, 1878. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 15 cor- porators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chairman.
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
The Treasurer's estimate of expenses for the year was $7850.
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
The officers of the Church were re-elected, with Henry D. DeBlois in place of W. H. Ashhurst.
Delegates to the State Convention; V. Mott Francis, William H. Ashhurst, John H. Cozzens, William Edgar.
The Wardens were to put a walk down on the south side of the Church, from Spring street to the south door.
April 15, 1879. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 17 cor- porators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chairman.
The Treasurer's estimate for the ensuing year was $7510.
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
The officers of the Church were re-elected.
Delegates to the State Convention; John H. Cozzens, John S. DeBlois, William Cornell, William Edgar.
April 28, 1879. Voted: that the Sexton be restricted to his proper duties, and that he shall not be allowed to rent, sell, or purchase any pews.
Voted: that William G. Seabury be authorized to act for the owners of pews, either for sale or rental; that notice be given the owners of pews that Mr. Seabury has been appointed by the Vestry, to act as agent for the sale or rental of pews, and that notice of the same be posted in the belfry.
The Junior Warden was to have discretionary power with regard to the rental of Corporation pews.
June 30, 1877. On motion of J. H. Cozzens, it was voted : that we sign a testimonial for Charles Howard Malcom, who has applied to the Standing Committee of this Diocese, for ad- mission to Holy Orders.
The following testimonial was then signed by the Rector, Wardens, and all the Vestrymen present:
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND. 369
To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island:
Wè whose names are here underwritten testify from our personal knowledge and belief that Charles Howard Malcom is pious, sober and honest; that he is attached to the doctrine, dis- cipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and that he is a Communicant of the Church, in good standing; and do furthermore declare that, in our opinion, he possesses such qual- ifications as fit him for entrance in a course of preparation for the Holy Ministry.
Memorandum, August 13, 1879:
"The monument in Trinity Church Yard, to John Fraser, was erected August 25, 1877; under the superintendence of Dr. David King.
"The following gentlemen, most of whom the former pupils of Mr. Fraser, 56 contributed towards the monument the sums opposite to their names.
"The whole cost of the monument and erecting was $35. Samuel Brown, $10; Stephen Cahoone, William Gilpin, Edward Brinley, David King for George G. King, deceased, and David King, each $5."
September 24, 1879. On motion of Dr. S. W. Francis, it was voted: that the Rev. H. B. Sherman be invited to fill the pulpit during the vacation of the Rector; and that his compen- sation be at the rate of $50 per week.
56 IN THIS TOWN, on Wednesday last, Mr. John Fraser, in the 56th year of his age. He was for nearly thirty years an eminent teacher in the Latin and Greek languages, and the mathematics. His qualifications were highly respectable, founded on a finished education at the high school and Univer- sity of Edinburgh. Many of his scholars have been celebrated for the extent and accuracy of their classical and mathematical attainments. Mr. Fraser was an honest man, never ashamed of, and reflecting honor upon that highly literary nation, Scotland, which gave him birth. His loss will be deeply felt, and his memory as a man of science and integrity, will be held in high respect by his fellow citizens .- Newport Mercury, October 6, 182I.
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Voted: that Dr. S. W. Francis be a committee to extend the invitation.
On motion of John H. Cozzens it was voted: the Vestry, learning that the Rector contemplates a visit to Europe for a few weeks;
Resolved: that his usual vacation of six weeks be extended from the time he expects to leave, October 11th, to the week before Christmas.
October 2, 1879. Dr. S. W. Francis reported that he had invited Rev. H. B. Sherman to officiate during the absence of our Rector; that Mr. Sherman intends leaving for Europe next month, and is obliged to decline.
On motion of John H. Cozzens, voted: that Rev. Dr. Lang- don be invited to perform the duties of the Rector during his vacation, and that the compensation be at the rate of $50 per week.
December 7, 1879. On motion of William G. Seabury, voted : to sign the following testimonial:
To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island:
We whose names are here underwritten, do testify, from evidence satisfactory to us, that Charles Howard Malcom, for the space of three years last past, hath lived piously, soberly and honestly; and hath not, so far as we know or believe, written, taught or held anything contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church; and, moreover, we think him a person worthy to be admitted to the Sacred Order of Deacons. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands, this seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord, 1879.
Signed by the Senior Warden and all the Vestrymen present ; also by Samuel Engs, Junior Warden, who was confined to his house by sickness.
March 29, 1880. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 18 cor-
37 I
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
porators being present. Thomas R. Hunter was chosen chair- man.
The Treasurer's estimate of expenses for the ensuing year, was $7510.
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
The officers of the past year were re-elected.
Delegates to the State Convention; J. H. Cozzens, William H. Ashhurst, W. G. Seabury, Job T. Langley.
Voted: that the Rector, Wardens and Philip Rider be a com- mittee to purchase a new organ, at a cost not exceeding $2000; that they dispose of the unused parts of the old organ, and re- port to the Vestry.
April 27, 1880. Voted: that the following letter from J. G. Spingler be received, and that he be requested to act as Sex- ton until the Ist of October:
Newport, R. I., April 27, 1880.
Gentlemen:
I find my health will not permit me to stay with you an- other winter, as Sexton of the Church, therefore I give you notice, that you may have ample time to look for a good man to fill my place. I should like to leave by the Ist of July. I don't want to be hasty, so if you wish I will stay until the Ist of October. Many thanks for your kindness towards me.
Yours respectfully,
J. G. SPINGLER.
June 8, 1880. A proposition to have the old works in the Church organ fitted to a new case, and set up in the Chapel, was favorably received, and the Committee on Organ was in- structed to have this plan carried out.
Voted: to give the organ now in the Chapel to St. Matthew's Church, Jamestown, or St. John-by-the-sea, as the Rector may elect.
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Voted: that the Wardens, when they have the Church cleaned, put down new carpets. .
August 8, 1880. Mr. J. G. Spingler appeared before the Vestry, and verbally asked to withdraw his resignation.
Voted: that Mr. Spingler be allowed to withdraw his resig- nation, as per his request.
Voted: that the vote just taken be re-considered.
Voted: that the application of J. G. Spingler be laid on the table.
Voted: that William G. Schwarz be elected Sexton from Oc- tober Ist, in place of J. G. Spingler, resigned.
October 27, 1880. Voted: that the whole matter of heating the Chapel be referred to the Senior Warden, with power to act.
November 21, 1880. On motion of Samuel Engs, voted: to sign the following testimonial:
To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island:
We whose names are here underwritten do testify that Charles Howard Malcom, for the space of three years, last past, hath lived piously, soberly and honestly; and hath not, so far as we know or believe, written, taught, or held anything contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church; and, moreover, we think him a person worthy to be admitted to the Sacred Order of Priests.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 2Ist day of November, A. D. 1880.
Signed by the Rector, Wardens, and the Vestrymen present. February 1, 1881. The following communication was received:
Newport, January 29, 1881.
Gentlemen :
As trustee of the estate of Edward Littlefield Brinley, 5 7
57 EDWARD L. BRINLEY was born in Newport, but during the greater part of his life made his residence in Philadelphia, where he died, October
373
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
late of Newport, deceased, by decree of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island, on the application of all his legal heirs, I am possessed of pew No. 76, in the broad aisle of Trinity Church, Newport. This pew was owned and occupied by Edward Brin- ley, the father of Edward L. Brinley, and by his grandfather, Francis Brinley; this last claiming it as son-in-law of Godfrey Malbone, who owned it, and was buried under it. All the above have paid the taxes.
There is not any paper title to the pew, now to be found among the family papers; and as it may be desirable to sell the pew, I would respectfully ask that you would cause a proper deed of the same to be executed, and made to me as Trustee.
Very respectfully, Your ob't servant,
FRANCIS BRINLEY, Trustee.
To the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church.
Voted: that Mr. Brinley be respectfully informed that the Vestry have no power to give a deed of the pew.
Voted: that in future the compensation for filling the pulpit, during the absence of the Rector ( after this present vacation ), be $25 per Sunday, and expenses.
April 1, 1881. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 15 cor- porators being present.
The Treasurer's estimate of expenses for the ensuing year was $8720.
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
The officers of the Church were re-elected.
Delegates to the State Convention; John H. Cozzens, John
S. DeBlois, William Cornell, Walter L. Kane.
June 23, 1881. The following communication from the Stand- ing Committee was read and received:
5, 1875, aged 75 years. He was married to Fanny Smith Brown, sister of Thompson Skinner Brown, in Newport, July 7, 1834.
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Providence, R. I., June 21, 1881. To the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church, New- port, R. I .;
Gentlemen :
The undersigned having been appointed a sub- committee [some omission here on the part of the Secretary in writing up his minutes ] with the object of finding a common basis of agreement between the parishes at Newport, and the Rev. Dr. Mercer, write to you to invite you to set before us any plan that seems to you likely to afford the basis of such agreement that would be satisfactory to yourselves.
Very respectfully, C. A. L. RICHARDS, in behalf of the Sub-Committee.
On motion of the Senior Warden, it was unanimously voted :
Whereas, the Vestry of Trinity Church has taken no action in the question now before the Standing Committee, touching All Saints' Chapel, and has not had the subject of the opening or closing of that edifice before it;
Resolved: that the Vestry respectfully decline the invitation of the Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee, to take part in a discussion of the subject, or to offer any suggestions touch- ing a matter the merits of which are fully understood by the Standing Committee, and with which this Vestry has nothing to do.
Resolved: that the Secretary be instructed to furnish the Sub-Committee with a copy of these resolutions.
September 5, 1881. The Senior Warden having reported the furnaces in the Chapel worn beyond repair, the matter was re- ferred, to him, with power to act.
On motion of the Senior Warden, it was unanimously voted:
Whereas, the members of this Vestry have heard with deep regret of the intention of Rev. William S. Child, D. D., to per- manently remove from Newport, with his family, and retaining
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
as they do, a just sense of his long and faithful service, as a pastor and a teacher of youths in this community, and particu- larly his kindly office in frequently filling the pulpit of Trinity Church, during the temporary absence of the Rector;
Voted: that the thanks of this Vestry be, and they are here- by extended to Rev. Dr. Child, for his valuable services at such times, with the hope that in his new field of usefulness, he and his family will enjoy the blessing of health; that his labors will be crowned with success, and that the school which he founded, and which has been an honor to Newport, may be continued with increasing numbers, and with beneficial results to the youths who may be so fortunate as to be under his charge.
Voted: that the Rector be requested to present a copy of the above vote to Rev. Dr. Child.
The Junior Warden reported that Mr. Benjamin Finch had made the following proposition: that if the Vestry would release him from all taxes now due on his pew No. 73, and from all taxes on pew No. 96, during his life and that of his wife, he would deed to the Church his pew No. 73, on the Broad Aisle to them and their assigns forever. Which proposition was ac- cepted.
The following communication from Rev. William S. Child was received and ordered to be recorded :
Asheville, N. C., Sept. 12, 1881.
Rev. George J. Magill,
My dear Sir :
I was much surprised on Monday last, just as I was leaving Newport, at the communication, of which you were the bearer, from the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church, New- port, and most deeply touched by the nature of the contents. It has been hard at best, for me to wrench myself from Newport, and break the ties that have been formed by a residence of twenty years, many of them grown exceedingly dear to me.
-
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Nothing can be more grateful to me in doing this, than such a testimony as this you brought me. I do not regard my so- journ here as other than temporary, and by the opening of spring, when my health is better, as I hope it will be, while I may not return to Newport, I trust I shall to its neighborhood, when I shall hope often to have the pleasure of seeing and being with you. Meanwhile neither I nor my family will ever forget the kind feeling which has placed this testimony in my hands, and I beg you to be the bearer of this reply to the Wardens and Vestry of dear old Trinity; and beg to remain, with great respect to yourself and family,
Yours faithfully, W. S. CHILD.
January 19, 1882. Voted: that William G. Seabury be au- thorized to collect the January and July tax, and that he be allowed the sum of $50 for the same.
377
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
CHAPTER XIV.
1882-1889.
April 10, 1882. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 16 cor- porators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chairman.
The Treasurer made report, as follows:
The Treasurer respectfully reports that more than $800, of extraordinary expenses, and a loss of part of the income from the Permanent Fund, has prevented the payment of any part of the $1500, hired on account of the organ. The cash in hand is hardly sufficient to meet the demands on the Treasury until the next tax is payable.
The estimate for the year was $8840
The income $8300
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
The officers of the past year were all re-elected, with Henry A. Rice in place of M. C. Steadman.
April 17, 1882. Voted: that the Vestry request the Rector to have published in pamphlet form, the sermon which he preached on the death of Dr. King.
Mr. August Belmont having expressed a wish to place in Trinity Church a memorial window, to the memory of his de- ceased daughter.
Voted: that Mr. Belmont have permission to put in such a memorial in any one of the windows in the Church edifice he may select, that of the Chancel excepted.
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Mr. John W. Paine having expressed a wish to place an altar in Kay Chapel, commemorative of his deceased mother;
Voted: that permission is hereby given to Mr. Paine to place an altar in the Chapel, under such restrictions as the Rector and Wardens may impose.
March 26, 1883. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 16 corporators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chair- man.
The Treasurer's estimate of expenses for the ensuing year was
$9030
Probable income, 8160
Voted: that the tax be at the rate of 20 per cent. on the valuation.
The officers of the Church were re-elected, with Marshall C. Steadman in place of Dr. Francis.
Whereas, our assessment for Bishop's salary and Convention expenses seems to us very excessive;
Voted: that the Treasurer be directed not to pay exceeding the sum of $250; and that the Secretary notify the Chairman of the Finance Committee of this vote.
Resolved: that William Cornell, Treasurer, be a Committee in behalf of this Corporation, to receive from the Executrix of the last will and testament of Alexander G. Mercer, the bequest to this Corporation, by Section 3 of his will.
The following communication from the Rector was read, re- ceived and ordered to be recorded:
Newport, March 26, 1883. To the Corporation of Trinity Church, Newport, R. I .; Gentlemen :
It has seemed to me for a long time, that some effort should be made to procure a Rectory for our Parish, but I have been so much engrossed with the mission work, which deservedly claimed all my surplus energy, that I have not been able to
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
move any more in that direction. Meanwhile quite a number of people connected with the Parish have approached me, ex- pressing their regret that a Church of this magnitude (standing third on the list of parishes in this Diocese) should have no settled home for its Pastor, and offering contributions towards raising one.
It has been my rule to say, that while I felt the hardship and embarrassment of house hunting and moving (owing to the fluctuating nature of real estate in Newport) yet the Corporation had made some provision for house rent in adjusting the salary of the Rector. I have also uniformly declined to receive any donations until I should have the countenance of the Corpora- tion. I respectfully ask therefore that you will concur in the following proposition :- appoint a committee, of which your Rector shall be one, who shall take charge of this subject; and if they should deem it advisable, adopt measures to procure funds for the purchase of a Rectory, or to receive and hold such voluntary contributions as may be offered; with the understanding that the Corporation are in no way to be involved in expense or responsibility, and shall not be expected to recognize or hold in trust any building until it is entirely free from debt.
Trusting, gentlemen, that you will approve of my proposal, and grant my request, I am very faithfully and sincerely your devoted Rector,
G. J. MAGILL.
Voted: that a committee be appointed, and that the Rector, John H. Cozzens and Philip Rider be that committee.
April 5, 1883. Resolved: that no person shall be allowed to charge for the use of the Church for funerals or weddings.
Resolved: that whenever the services of the Choir be requested at Funerals, a compensation be allowed to the members thereof, sufficient to compensate them for the loss of time occasioned for such services; and should any money be paid voluntarily by individuals for the services of the choir, at such times, it shall be used for the above purpose; the Rector to have power to
380
ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
draw on the Treasurer for any further sum that he may need to properly compensate the choir.
April 27, 1883. The Senior Warden was authorized to con- tract for painting the exterior of the Church; and William E. Dennis was to be associated with him in making all necessary repairs before painting.
September 17, 1883. On motion of Samuel Engs the follow- ing testimonial was signed by the Rector and Wardens, and members of the Vestry who were present.
To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island:
We whose names are here underwritten testify, from our personal knowledge and belief, that John Eldred Brown is pious, sober and honest; that he is attached to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and that he is a communicant of the said Church, in good standing; and do furthermore declare that in our opinion he possesses such qual- ifications as fit him for entrance on a proper course of training for the Holy Ministry.
The following communication from the Treasurer was re- ceived :
September 17, 1883.
Gentlemen :
Being unable to attend your meeting today, I send you some papers which require your attention; particularly the no- tice of the Convention assessment, amounting to $280. As the Corporation appropriated only $250, for that purpose, I ask you to appropriate the balance, $30, in order that I may be relieved from embarrassment at the proper time of payment.
Respectfully, WILLIAM CORNELL, Treas.
Voted: that in reply to the communication from the Treas- urer, the Secretary be requested to send him a copy of the
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
resolution passed at the meeting of the Corporation, on Easter Monday.
April 14, 1883. Annual Meeting of the Corporation; 16 cor- porators being present. George C. Mason was chosen chairman.
The Treasurer presented the following estimate, which was ordered to be recorded:
To the Corporation of Trinity Church; Gentlemen:
The assessment for the Bishop's salary and Conven- tion expenses, for the present year, is $280, payable in equal parts, July Ist and January Ist, with interest if not promptly paid. That due January Ist, $140 with interest from that time, is yet unpaid, owing to a deficiency in the appropriation.
The Treasurer has been unable to pay any part of the organ debt ($1500) with no prospect of doing so in the near future.
Estimated expenses for the ensuing year, $9600
Probable income, 8200
WILLIAM CORNELL, Treasurer.
The officers of last year were re-elected.
Voted: that the Treasurer pay our proportion of Bishop's salary and Convention expenses, and the balance due of last year's assessment.
June 5, 1884. An invitation from Rev. F. W. Baker to be present at the semi-centennial services of Zion Church was read and accepted.
September 24, 1884. On motion of George C. Mason it was voted to sign the following testimonial :
To the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Rhode Island:
We whose names are here underwritten testify, from our personal knowledge and belief, that George Ernest Magill is pious, sober and honest; that he is attached to the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
that he is a communicant of the said Church, in good stand- ing; and do furthermore declare that in our opinion he pos- sesses such qualifications as fit him for entrance on a course of preparation for the Holy Ministry.
Signed by the Rector, Wardens, and the Vestrymen present.
October 22, 1884. Philip Rider, for the Committee on Par- sonage, reported that the committee had been offered the Lieu- tenant Stedman house, on Pelham street, which would, with some alteration, be suitable; and could be purchased and the alterations made, for a sum not exceeding $12,000.
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