USA > Rhode Island > Newport County > Newport > Annals of Trinity church, Newport, Rhode Island, 1821-1892 > Part 6
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The election of Organist and Sexton referred to the Vestry.
Voted: that the tax on pews on the lower floor shall be $8, and in the gallery $3 for the ensuing year.
The committee appointed October 10, 1839, to select and en- gage a clergyman for the coming year, beg leave to report, that they have effected the object for which they were appointed, and herewith present a copy of their doings, also the doings of their sub-committee, all of which is here submitted by
HENRY BULL, Chairman.
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
Voted: that the report of the committee for employing a clergyman for this year be accepted, and that the salary be paid out of any funds arising from the income of the Church and congregation, not otherwise appropriated, for the present year, and that the report of the sub-committee be recorded.
REPORT.
At a meeting of the Church Wardens and Vestrymen of Trinity Church, Newport, held Wednesday evening, October 16, 1839.
Present : George C. Mason, Senior Warden.
Christopher G. Perry, Junior Warden.
Henry Bull, George Hall, S. Fowler Gardner, Edward N. Cox, Isaiah Crooker, Benjamin Finch, Lloyd Minturn, John Sterne, John Vars and Joseph Bailey, Vestrymen.
On motion made and seconded, it was unanimously voted. that Henry Bull be the chairman of the Committee.
On motion, made and seconded, it was unanimously voted that George C. Mason be the Secretary of the committee.
A Resolution in the words following was presented by Henry Bull and Benjamin Finch for the consideration of the commit- tee, viz.,
Voted: that a sub-committee, consisting of George Hall, Samuel F. Gardner and Christopher G. Perry, be authorized to negotiate with Francis Vinton, as a Minister for Trinity Church; and if, in their opinion, he shall be considered a suitable person, then to enter into an agreement with him, to serve said Church for one year, commencing on Easter Monday next, for a salary not exceeding one thousand dollars, in full of all services. And that in the execution of their duty, they govern themselves by the following directions.
First. The clergyman will be expected to perform the ser- vices of the Church according to the Rubrics and Canons thereof.
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
Second. That if the Minister who shall be called to officiate in Trinity Church shall belong to, or hereafter associate himself with, the Convocation Society, that he do it in his own indi- vidual capacity, and that the Church Corporation and congrega- tion shall not be, directly or indirectly, called upon to contribute pecuniary aid to said Society.
Third. That the opening of the Church for divine service (except on Sundays and such other days as have heretofore been usual) should be discouraged.
Fourth. And as it is believed to be the general desire, that the amendment of the Charter of Incorporation respecting the Minister attending the meetings of the Vestry be repealed; that the committee confer with Mr. Vinton relative to said subject.
And said resolution having been read, it was unanimously voted that said resolution be adopted and pass as an act of this committee.
At a meeting of the committee, Tuesday, November 5, 1839, on motion made and seconded, it was unanimously voted, that the sub-committee, appointed to enter into an agreement with Francis Vinton, to serve Trinity Church as the Minister thereof, for one year after Easter next, be now authorized to offer to him twelve hundred and fifty dollars, as a salary in full of all services, instead of one thousand dollars, as first instructed.
December 3, 1839. Meeting of the committee.
The sub-committee reported that they had seen the Rev. Francis Vinton, and being satisfied, after conversing with him, that he was a suitable person to officiate in Trinity Church, they had called him to serve as the Minister thereof for one year, from Easter next, at a salary of twelve hundred and fifty dollars; and that said Vinton had accepted of said call; and said sub-committee also requested that the correspondence be- tween them and the Rev. Francis Vinton be a part of the records
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
of the proceedings of this committee. The report having been heard, it was unanimously
Voted: that said report be received and that the thanks of this committee be tendered to Messrs. George Hall, Samuel Fowler Gardner and Christopher Grant Perry, for the services rendered by them, as a sub-committee, and for the attention and ability they have shown in the performance of the trust reposed in them.
Voted: that the thanks of the committee be extended to Henry Bull, for the able, faithful and impartial manner in which he has discharged the duties of Chairman, and for the high and honorable stand he has taken in regard to all matters brought before them, and the deep interest he has manifested for the welfare of Trinity Church.
Correspondence between the sub-committee and the Rev. Francis Vinton :
Newport, Oct. 18th, 1839.
Rev. and Dear Sir:
The Corporation of Trinity Church on the 10th inst., at a legal meeting, delegated to a committee, consisting of the Wardens and Vestry, the power of procuring a Minister for the Church, for the year ensuing Easter next. At a subsequent meeting of the Committee above mentioned, the subscribers were appointed a Committee to wait upon and confer with you, for the purpose of ascertaining if your views respecting the manner, &c., of performing the duties, incumbent on the Minister of Trinity Church, coincided with theirs, and if there were no insuperable objections, they were authorized to give you a call to preside over their pastoral concerns for the term as above mentioned: in compliance of which, after a full and free and open inter- change of opinions with you, and upon the belief your filling that situation would tend much to restore harmony and concord among its members, as well as promote their spiritual welfare, we do, in the name and behalf of the Corporation of Trinity
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Church, invite you to accept that office. As a matter of com- pensation, we were authorized to propose the sum of one thou- sand dollars, payable quarterly. With a firm hope and trust, that your acceptance of said office would tend to promote the great cause you have so much at heart. We are, with much respect and esteem your friends
GEO. HALL, S. FOWLER GARDNER, C. G. PERRY.
Providence, 7th Nov., 1839.
Messrs. George Hall, Samuel F. Gardner and C. Grant Perry, Committee :
Gentlemen : .
I have received and deliberately considered the invi- tation of Trinity Church, Newport, conveyed to me thro' you, as their Committee, inviting me to the Rectorship of Trinity Church, for one year from Easter day next ensuing. I have also been favored by personal interviews with you, and have had a friendly correspondence with some of the members of your Ves- try. The question has thus been fully set before me, on the part of Trinity Church. And on the other hand I have sur- veyed the bearings of my decision on the infant Parish of St. Stephen's, Providence, now under my charge. I have also sought the counsel and direction of the Giver of Light and Wisdom.
According to the intimation, which I gave to you today, in Pawtucket, I am prepared to accept your invitation on the fol- lowing conditions :
The first is, that I be allowed to postpone my entrance on the duties of Rector of Trinity Church until after the State Con- vention in June, if at Easter the interests of St. Stephen's Church seem to demand it.
I have stated to the Committee, in our interview today, the contingency which I foresee as possible to happen, requiring me absolutely to remain in Providence until June, and the Commit- tee have stated to me the strong reason why I should be in Newport, at Easter. They shall not be disregarded.
The second condition is, that a vacation be allowed me in
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
the summer (as many weeks as the Vestry may deem proper) for recreation, and to recruit my health. It is not probable that I shall take this vacation next summer, but it is a condition which experience and the usage and testimony of others have convinced me is expedient, both for the parish and their minister. The responsibility and expense (if any there be) to be taken by the Church: yet I shall deem it my duty to co-operate with them in supplying the pulpit in my absence.
The third condition is, that the salary be $1250 per annum, to be paid quarterly. I would subjoin, Gentelmen, the expec- tation, that, if after trial, our relation as Pastor and people shall prove to be mutually agreeable and profitable, I shall be insti- tuted by the Bishop, according to the order of the Church.
I have been greatly urged to this decision, Gentlemen, by the assurance I have received from you and other esteemed friends, of the unanimity with which I have been called to Trinity Church, and of the disposition to aid me in the difficult and arduous duties of Rector of the Church. Next to the confidence I repose in the Almighty arm of our Divine Saviour, the hope of your united co-operation encourages me to look forward to a happy ministry among you.
I feel, Gentlemen, the great necessity both of your prayers and your favorable countenance: may I not rely on both? And may God grant to me among you many seals of my ministry, and of His grace.
I remain, Gentlemen, your friend and servant,
FRANCIS VINTON.
Newport, Nov. 9th, 1839.
Rev. Francis Vinton,
Rev. and Dear Sir:
We have your esteemed favor of the 7th inst. in which you express your willingness to accept the call made to you, by the Committee, in behalf of the Corporation of Trinity Church, with such amendments as you suggest. The substance of your wishes were laid before the general Committee of the Corporation, on the evening of the last Vestry meeting, in an- ticipation of your views respecting the inadequacy of the amount
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
we had proposed as a compensation for your services. Altho' the sum named was thought as large as the state of the times and our funds would at present seem to warrant, still, with a desire to meet your wishes, we were empowered to substitute twelve hundred and fifty dollars, instead of the sum named.
As regards the first condition, we think it of much more im- portance and one we cannot assent to, without great reluctance; but from the tenor of your conversation and the opinion of the gentlemen with whom you conferred, of its being only a possible contingency, we will waive our objections and assent to it.
To the second condition we also assent, in the full assurance you would not ask or require the time to the detriment of the welfare of the Church, unless your health should require it.
Having thus, my dear Sir, adjusted all these minutiæ, and with a full assurance that you will in the Vestry, meet that cordial concert, without which your labors might be in vain, and with a fervent hope, that at the expiration of the time, you will be enabled to say, It were good for me to have been here; we remain with much respect and esteem,
Your friends and servants,
GEORGE HALL, S. FOWLER GARDNER, CHRIST G. PERRY.
Providence, Nov. 11th, 1839.
Messrs. Hall, Gardner and Perry,
Gentlemen :
I have just received yours of the 9th inst. in answer to mine of the 8th in which, on certain conditions I accepted your call to Trinity Church, with which you honored me.
You remark "as regards the first condition, we think it one we cannot assent to without great reluctance, but from the tenor of your conversation and the opinion of the gentlemen with whom you conferred, of this being only a possible contingency, we will waive our objections and assent to it."
I think it expedient to be more explicit on this condition and therefore I write you again, to prevent future disappointment, by a mutual understanding of the terms of our engagement, and
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
if you have acted, in any way, under a misapprehension, or without a proper understanding of the first condition, I beg you will not hesitate to reconsider the subject; and if the Vestry are not perfectly satisfied, I hope they will do me the justice to believe, that I have the prosperity of your Church so near my heart, that if you call any other minister, who can better or more fully supply your necessities, I shall acquiesce cheer- fully.
Permit me therefore to state precisely the "possible contin- gency" which impelled me to make the condition in question.
St. Stephen's Church may not, at Easter, be in such a state of forwardness, as to warrant my withdrawal from it, at that time. If I should leave before the measures for building were matured, and no minister should be present to take my place, I fear that my departure would paralyze effort, and the Church be sacrificed.
The "possible contingency" to which you refer is, then, no minister, or no Church begun at Easter. If neither a minister is present to take my place, nor the Church begun at Easter, I shall feel myself constrained to remain till June, to employ the intervening weeks in advancing and settling the plans now in motion.
Now, Gentlemen, my opinion as to the possibility of the contingency is decidedly, that a proper successor will be found agreeable to the Vestry, and ready to take my place, and that the measures now on foot to erect a suitable Church will be matured by Easter.
I am duly sensible, Gentlemen, of the reason of your reluc- tance to assent to this condition, and of the motive which in- duces you to waive your objection to it. I can see a strong necessity for the regular and uninterrupted administration of the Gospel in Trinity Church. The Church should not, without good cause, be at any time closed, and it is very important that your future Minister should be on the spot at or near Easter-day (if for no other reason) because you will then prob- ably dispose of the pews, and make the other arrangements for the year. Besides, the present unsettled state of the parish is exceedingly detrimental to its well-being, and it ought not to
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
continue disturbed longer than is necessary. Nothing, there- fore, but the paramount obligation of the "possible contingency," will warrant my delay after Easter.
Respecting the second condition, permit me to remark, that I stated no time of vacation, leaving it to you to fix the precise period of absence. In your letter you have (thro' inadvertency I presume) omitted to specify it. The sub-committee having suggested that you would propose the definite period, say four weeks, I acceded accordingly. This is of no other present im- portance (as I do not propose to 'be absent next year) than that it is explicit and will prevent further misapprehension.
In conclusion, Gentlemen, allow me to express my respectful acknowledgment to you, and to the Vestry and Corporation of Trinity Church for the confidence you have reposed in me, and for the friendly assurance you have so politely conveyed to me. I thank you, also, for the honor of your frank conference with me on the several points preliminary to the sacred relation, which you sought. The connection between the Pastor and his flock is too solemn and momentous, either to be entered into or broken unadvisedly. May the result be to the Glory of God, in the salvation of many, is the prayer of
Your humble servant and brother,
FRANCIS VINTON.
Newport, Nov. 12th, 1839.
Rev. Francis Vinton,
Rev. and Dear Sir:
Your favor of yesterday was received last evening. We thank you for the freedom with which you have stated the question. With regard to the first condition, we have only to say that our views correspond perfectly with those expressed by you. After the full and explicit statement you have made and from your knowing the wishes of our Parish on that point, we are willing to leave the matter entirely to your decision. The question whether you can in justice to St. Stephen's come at Easter or not, to be decided by yourself, and we beg you to accept the assurance of our perfect acquiescence in your de- cision.
.
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
As the second condition, four weeks would be the longest period, which, under all the circumstances of the case, we could feel justified in offering for your acceptance. We hope that this may meet with your approbation. Permit us, now that the business is so near its close, to hope that it may be as satis- factory to you as to us. Our anticipations for the future are bright and cheering, and we look, through your instrumentality and the blessing of God, for brighter days for our Church.
Your friends and humble servants, GEO. HALL, S. FOWLER GARDNER, CHRIS. G. PERRY.
[At the above meeting a letter was received from Rev. Dr. Wheaton, which was laid on the table, and his request was not granted. This precluded the entering the letter on the records, and there is no copy of it in the archives; but the writer has found the original in a package of old papers, in private hands. It is as follows. ]
To the Corporation of Trinity Church :
From the disaffection of a portion of the Church last Easter, I was led to announce my resignation. The experience of last year, however, has taught me, that the disaffection, at first apparently so general, is actually confined to a comparatively small number of the Congregation. I have the consolation to know that true affection, and kind and noble feelings still live, never to die, in the hearts of those who have made in this Church, a public confession of their faith in Christ, and who have attended here, with the sincere and single purpose of hold- ing communion with their God. Satisfied, however, that no amiable and satisfactory arrangements can be brought about, while the domination of the few is tolerated by the great ma- jority, I now tender to the Congregation the resignation of my charge; assuring them that I still, and ever shall cherish, an anxious wish for the welfare and prosperity of Trinity Church.
In conclusion, I would express to the Congregation my hope,
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
.
that some provision will be made to meet the probable expenses that I must necessarily incur, by the removal of my family from this place.
Very Respectfully, S. WHEATON.
Newport, Monday morning, April 20th, 1840.
May 12, 1840. Voted: that the Treasurer pay out of any funds in his hands, for a new scarf for the new surplice which has been procured by the Wardens.
Voted: that the Treasurer pay for the Book of Psalms and Hymns, purchased by the Senior Warden, for the pulpit, desk and altar.
Voted: that the Senior Warden purchase a new folio Prayer Book, for the desk, and that the Treasurer pay for the same, and that the old Prayer Book be placed in the chancel.
The following letter was received from John Springer, Sex- ton, which was read and received:
To the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church, Newport, Gentlemen :
I have served as Sexton of Trinity Church for the last thirty years, and have endeavored faithfully to perform the duties of said office, and would most cheerfully continue so to do, did not my age prevent it. I am now seventy-one years old, and feel that I ought to withdraw, and I therefore re- spectfully request that you will not consider me as a candidate for said situation.
May 12th, 1840.
JOHN SPRINGER.
Voted unanimously: that the thanks of this Vestry be ten- dered to John Springer, for his long and faithful service as Sex- ton of this Church: and the Senior Warden is requested to hand him a copy of this vote, and at the same time express to him
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
how much this Vestry regret that the hand of time presses so heavily upon him as to cause him to resign the office which he has so long filled.
May 13, 1840. Voted: that Mrs. Mary Moore be continued as organist of this Church, until a permanent appointment is made, and that the salary be at the rate of $125 per annum.
June 2, 1840. The committee appointed to engage a Sexton, reported that they have engaged Samuel Gladding to serve dur- ing the will of the Vestry, at a salary at the rate of $78 per annum.
Whereas, Richard K. Randolph, Chairman of the committee appointed by the General Assembly, to make the necessary ar- rangements for celebrating the semi-centennial anniversary of the adoption of this State, of the Constitution of the United States, has requested the use of the Church edifice for that oc- casion, it is voted that said request be granted.
[The celebration took place on the 25th of June. The pro- cession was formed in front of the State House, and the escort was comprised of seven military companies, from different parts of the State. In the procession were the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, members of the General Assembly and State officers, and was closed up by citizens. The galleries in the Church were given up to ladies, the military companies occupied the wall pews, and the body of the house was reserved for the procession. Prayer was offered by Rev. John West, of Zion Church, and the oration was delivered by Hon. William R. Staples, of Providence. Salutes were fired during the day, and the bells were rung morning, noon and evening. ]
August 5, 1840. Whereas, the Corporation of this Church, at their Annual Meeting, April 20, 1840, did receive and adopt a report of a committee made to the Church Wardens and Ves- try, April 17, 1840, in which report it was recommended to transfer to the Poor Fund of said Church, eight shares in the
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
R. I. Union Bank, standing in the name of the Rector, Ward- ens and Vestry of Trinity Church, in Newport; and it is there- fore voted: that the Treasurer transfer said , eight shares to the Minister, Church Wardens, Vestry and Congregation of Trinity Church, in Newport, in trust for the poor of said Church.
The following note from Mrs. Mary Moore was read by the Senior Warden:
Sir: I presume you will recollect that I accepted the organ in the Spring, for the present. I would now inform you that after this month I shall resign the situation. .
Respectfully, &c., MARY MOORE.
It was unanimously voted: that said resignation be received; and it was voted: that the Wardens employ a suitable person as organist, until further action on the subject be taken by the Vestry.
December 1, 1840, Miss Angelica C. Gardner having made application through the Senior Warden, for permission to place a marble monument on the wall of her pew, in the Church, to the memory of her grandfather, grandmother and aunt, it is Voted: that permission be granted, provided said monument be approved by the Wardens of the Church.
The "monument," a mural tablet, placed there, bears this inscription :
" The sweet remembrance of the just, Shall flourish when they sleep in dust."
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THOMAS & ELIZABETH WICKHAM; who, during a happy union of 50 years, worshipped in this Sanctuary, & walked "in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord."
AND
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NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND.
CATHERINE WICKHAM,
their daughter ; who was born January 23rd, 1775, and departed this life Sept. 21st, 1840, in her 66th year.
They lived in close communion with the Redeemer and died, depending on His merits alone for salvation. Their remains, deposited in their family vault, in the Clifton burying ground; are awaiting the first resurrection: for "The dead in Christ shall rise first."
This monument is erected as a tribute of Gratitude, Affection, and Respect, by the sole survivor (in this town) of their large and happy family.
" The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; Blessed be the name of the Lord."
February 2, 1841. Voted: that the Senior Warden (when he thinks it most convenient) call a meeting of the Corporation, for the purpose of settling a clergyman in Trinity Church, and doing all that may be necessary relative to the same.
February 12, 1841. Special meeting of the Corporation.
Voted: that the Rev. Francis Vinton be called as Rector of Trinity Church, from Easter next, and if he accept said call, that he be instituted as Rector, as soon after Easter as may be found convenient.
Voted: that George Hall, Samuel F. Gardner, and Christo- pher G. Perry be a committee to inform the Rev. Francis Vin- ton of the above vote, to confer with him on the subject, and to report to this Corporation.
Voted: that when this meeting adjourns, it will adjourn to Friday evening, February 19, 1841, at 7 o'clock. And it is also voted: that the Senior Warden request the Rev. Francis Vin- ton to give notice to the congregation next Sunday, that there will be an adjourned meeting of the Corporation in conformity
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ANNALS OF TRINITY CHURCH,
to this vote, and at said meeting the vacancy in the Vestry, oc- casioned by the removal of Mr. Thomas Breese27 from Newport, will be filled by the election of another Vestryman.
The Senior Warden presented and read the following letter from the Rev. Francis Vinton.
Mr. George C. Mason, Senior Warden:
Dear Sir: I propose (if the Lord will) to improve the Holy Days in the approaching season of Lent, by delivering a course of Lectures in the afternoon or evening. If you think it neces- sary or expedient, will you please to give notice to the Corpora- tion, at their meeting, and ask the appropriation of funds for the current expenses of warming (and if occasion require) of lighting the Church.
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