USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > History and reminiscences of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Va. : from 1814 to 1878 > Part 10
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"WHEREAS, This convention deeply feel the loss of that venerable man and father in God, the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore, who has for so many
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years presided at their meetings, and whose patriar- chal form was wont to be the first object they saw when they assembled together, but whom God hath now taken to Himself, full of years and full of honors; and deeming it expedient to express their high sense of his services and their gratitude to God, who has so long spared him to the church in Vir- ginia, therefore-
"Resolved, That the church in this diocese owes much of its success to his singular wisdom and pru- dence, and that we esteem it an evidence of the good- ness of God, that one of such high and peculiar quali- fications should have been so long spared, to guide us by his counsels and edify us by his example.
"Resolved, That in the unbending integrity of his his principles; in the uniform consistency of his life ; in the primitive simplicity of his manners; in the affectionate tenderness of his disposition; in his quiet, pacific, and conciliatory deportment towards all men; in the fervor and zeal, the fidelity and elo- quence with which he preached the gospel of Christ; in the promptitude and diligence, the love and sympathy which he manifested as pastor of a con- gregation ; in the prudence, moderation and paternal spirit with which he administered the affairs of the diocese; in the judgment with which he presided over the deliberations of the convention, and the patient attention with which he listened to all who opposed his sentiments; in the condescension and kindness which marked his intercourse with the clergy, he has established for himself a character
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which, for the loveliness of its graces and the bright- ness of its example, the church in Virginia may de- light to contemplate, and which she may well cherish as one of her most valuable legacies.
"Resolved, That we tender to his surviving family our most affectionate respect and sympathy, and that it be recommended to the church throughout the diocese to subscribe for his life and sermons, about to be published by the Rev. Dr. Henshaw."
At a meeting of the Episcopal clergy in Richmond, (consisting of the Rev. Adam Empie, D. D., the Rev. Geo. Woodbridge, the Rev. Wmn. H. Hart, and the Rev. Wm. Norwood; the Rev. James Doughan, residing in Lynchburg, and the Rev. Robert B. Croes, of the diocese of New Jersey, being also present and concurring), on Monday, the 15th of November, 1841, the following preamble and resolutions were offered, and unanimously adopted :
"Since it hath pleased an Allwise Providence to remove from his earthly labors our Right Reverend Father in God, Richard Channing Moore, bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the diocese of Virginia, we adopt the following resolutions, as a feeble expression of our views and feelings, and as a tribute of respect and affection for one whom all loved and venerated, under a full persuasion that they will meet with a cordial response and sympathy in every part of this diocese and of our church :
"1. Resolved, That the church of Virginia, under God, owes a high debt of gratitude to the deceased, for the untiring zeal and the signal success and fidel-
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ity with which, during twenty-seven years past, he has exercised the Episcopal office within its borders; and that while we desire duly to acknowledge the hand of God in all our mercies, we cannot but view the vast increase of our church, in numbers and pros- perity, and the wide spread prevalence of pure and undefiled religion among us, as produced, in a great degree, under Divine grace, through the agency and instrumentality of the evangelical spirit and apos- tolic labors of our lamented diocesan.
"2. Resolved, That in calling His aged servant from the field of his earthly labors to his reward above, the Great Disposer of all events not only ex- pects our gratitude for a public blessing so long vouchsafed to the church, but also addresses a voice of solemn warning to all the clergy of this diocese, to do the work of evangelists faithfully, to trim their lamps and prepare for their last account; and that it therefore becomes us all to invoke the aid of the Divine Spirit that this public bereavement of the whole church may be sanctified to every member of our Zion.
"3. Resolved, That we tender to the family of the deceased, and to all their immediate connections, the assurances of our sympathy and condolence, and that we invoke upon them the blessing of Him who af- flicts in love, and has promised to be the Father of the fatherless.
"4. Resolved, That we will wear the ordinary tokens of mourning, and have our churches also hung in mourning for three months.
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"5. Resolved, That we present to the Right Rev. William Meade, upon whom the Episcopal charge of the diocese now devolves, a cordial expression of our attachment and confidence, and that we do here- by assure him of our hearty co-operation in our ap- propriate spheres, in all his efforts to advance the interests of religion and the prosperity of the church.
"ADAM EMPIE, Chairman. "WM. NORWOOD, Secretary."
The Richmond Whig, edited by Mr. Alexander Moseley, says of him:
"Few men have lived who performed all the duties of a good Christian and good citizen with a sweeter grace, and never was pastor more beloved by those entrusted to his care."
The Richmond Compiler, edited by Mr. James A. Cowardin, says :
"This event has sorely afflicted his church ; the loss of so good, so venerable a minister may well bear heavily upon its members; but the dispensation which so afflicts them imparts sorrow throughout this community, for everybody regarded the aged man of God with no ordinary feelings of veneration and attachment.
" For more than fifty years has he filled the sta- tion of a minister in the Episcopal church, and no prelate ever engrossed a greater share of the love of those whose spiritual welfare he had in charge. In his intercourse with our citizens, his simplicity, his
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bland and gentle manners, his kindheartedness, and the unaffected dignity of his deportment, com- manded the respect and love of all. No one could see the aged bishop moving along our streets, with his old-fashioned and becoming dress, his silvery locks streaming over his shoulders, and his counte- nance beaming with the peace and love that dwelt in his heart, without doing him involuntary homage.
"There was a harmony in his character, a beauty in his life, which gave him great influence and made him beloved.
" What citizen is not pained at the reflection, that he will no more see this good man in our streets; that he will not again see him adorning with meek and unaffected grace the same sacred desk, or hear from his lips precepts of virtue and lessons of truth and wisdom ?
"With peculiar propriety may we say of him, that he died full of years and full of honors.
"At a ripe old age, after a long term of service, which was faithfully discharged, has he been taken away from his flock and the community that loved him, to rest in the bosom of his God.
"When reflecting upon his death, how appro- priately may we exclaim, 'O that I may die the death of the righteous, and may my last end be like his."
Let us hear also what the Richmond Enquirer, edited by Mr. Thos. Ritchie, says :
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"Death loves a shining mark ! The rumor which we stated on Friday last, of the convalescence of the Right Rev. Richard C. Moore, was soon succeeded by the most melancholy intelligence, and it grieves us inexpressibly to state that the good bishop is gathered unto his fathers
"He breathed his last at Lynchburg; and on Saturday night his remains were conveyed to this city in one of the canal boats.
"We have never known so deep a distress pro- duced in Richmond by the loss of any man.
"He had set out on Wednesday, the 3rd inst., on a pastoral visit to Lynchburg. He preached twice to large crowds in that city Friday, and exhorted on the same night, with an energy and effect which as- tonished all who heard him; but on that night he was seized with a congestion of the lungs, which baffled all the art of medicine.
" He died as he had lived-a Christian.
"He received the intelligence of his approaching end with an equanimity which had always dis- tinguished his character. 'It is well' said he, 'I hope I am prepared for this world or the next.' He breathed his last on Thursday morning.
"As soon as the tidings of his death reached us, the bell of the Second Baptist Church, (the Rev. Mr. Magoon's,) began to toll, and announced the in- telligence to a mourning city.
"His body was conveyed to the Monumental Church, on Saturday night, and on the Sabbath the
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last funeral ceremonies took place. The town bell was tolled from sunrise to the end of the service.
" The church was filled to overflowing. The spec- tacle was affecting beyond description. Persons of every sect flocked thither to pay their last tribute of respect to one who had been the ornament of human nature. Six ministers of the Episcopal Church were in the chancel, and two in the pulpit. The services of the day were most appropriate to the occasion. Mr. Empie read one of the finest chapters in the Scriptures; and Mr. Norwood preached the funeral sermon from the memorable text in the twenty-first verse of the first chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians, 'For me to die is gain.'
" It was a beautiful and most touching discourse,- frequently interrupted by the tears of the orator, and calling forth from his large congregation the most genial sympathies of human nature. He gave a striking sketch of the life of Bishop Moore, and pro- nounced a noble and most just eulogium on the char- acter of the deceased; but (as was well remarked to us by a minister of another congregation,) the best eulogium was the tears of his hearers.
" Every heart sympathized with the last words of the preacher,-' O that I may die the death of the righteous, and my last end be like his.' The proces- sion moved on from the church to the city burying ground near the Poorhouse in the following order, under the management of Messrs. James Lyons and Thomas Nelson; officiating clergy, Rev. Dr. Empie and Rev. Mr. Norwood :
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THE HEARSE. PALL-BEARERS.
Rev. Geo. Woodbridge,
Rev. R. B. Croes,
Rev. Mr. Cobbs,
Rev. Mr. Doughan,
Rev. Mr. Atkinson,
Rev. Mr. Hart.
Other clergy. Family of deceased. Other mourners. Vestry of Monumental Church.
The oldest communicants of the church. Medical faculty. Congregation of the Monumental Church. Citizens generally.
" We have never seen so long and mournful a pro- cession in this city. More than sixty carriages at- tended, and the number of foot-passengers-ladies as well as gentlemen -- without distinction, notwith- standing the clouds of dust which enveloped them, was immense. Peace be to the ashes of this good man !"
At a meeting of the managers of the Bible Society of Virginia, held in this city, on the 19th of Novem- ber, 1841, and specially called on account of the death of the late Rev. Richard Channing Moore, who for nearly twenty years prior to his decease was the president of the society, the following reso- lutions were unanimously adopted :
"1. Resolved, That in the death of this venerable servant of God the Bible Society 'comes in for a large share of the affliction occasioned by his removal from this world.
"2. Resolved, That the members of this Board
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cherish with warm Christian affection the memory of their deceased president, and feel themselves called upon, by the remembrance of his zeal and urban- ity of manners in all his intercourse with them, to follow him as he followed Christ, and especially to work while it is called to-day, for the night cometh when no man can work.
" 3. Resolved, That these resolutions, besides be- ing duly recorded, shall be published in all the pa- pers of this city, with the request that they be copied in all the other papers throughout the State.
"4. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, duly certified, be sent to the family of Bishop Moore, with the assurance of the affectionate sympathy of this Board with them in their great loss.
" A true extract from the minutes.
"FABIUS M. LAWSON, Secretary."
MONUMENT TO BISHOP MOORE.
Pursuant to notice previously given, a number of the gentlemen belonging to the congregation of the Monumental Church, in the city of Richmond, met on the 30th of November, for the purpose of adopt- ing measures to erect a monument to the memory of their late pastor, Bishop Moore.
Mr. Philip Harrison was appointed chairman of the meeting, and Mr. William Williams secretary.
The following preamble and resolutions were then proposed and adopted :
" WHEREAS it has pleased Almighty God to remove from this world our venerable pastor, the Right Rev.
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Richard Channing Moore, and it is our desire, by a suitable monument over his remains, to manifest our respect for his character and perpetuate his remem. brance amongst us. And believing that many of his friends throughout the State, and of the congre- gations in the diocese over which he so long and faithfully presided, would esteem it a privilege to contribute to the same object, be it therefore-
" Resolved, That the rector and wardens of this church be, and they are hereby appointed a commit- tee to contract for and cause to be erected a monu- ment over the remains of our late beloved pastor, the Right Rev. Richard Channing Moore.
"Resolved, That Wm. H. Hubbard, of this city, be appointed treasurer of said committee, and that he be requested forthwith to open a subscription paper, for the purpose of receiving contributions towards the erection of said monument, and the amount received held subject to the disposal of said committee.
"Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the newspapers of this city, and in the Southern Churchman.
"[Signed by] PHILIP HARRISON, Chairman.
"WILLIAM WILLIAMS, Secretary."
"In conformity with the above resolutions, a sub- scription paper has been opened at the store of Hubbard, Gardner & Co., where all those who feel disposed to contribute to the above object will please apply.
" WILLIAM H. HUBBARD,
"Treasurer Monumental Church." "December 3, 1841."
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THE MONUMENT TO BISHOP MOORE IN THE CITY CEMETERY.
The base of this monument consists of a piece of granite, on which is placed a block of marble, chiselled into the shape of an antique sarcophagus, from the centre of which arises a pyramid; the whole attaining the height of 16 feet 8 inches. On the eastern side of the sarcophagus is this inscrip- tion :
"RICHARD CHANNING MOORE, D. D.,
WAS BORN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, AUGUST 21st, 1762.
He labored faithfully and acceptably in the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church 54 years.
He was rector of the Monumental Church in Richmond, and Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, 27 years.
In the convention that called him to the Episcopate there were only 7 members ; at the time of his death there were 95 clergy in the Diocese of Virginia.
He died in Lynchburg, Va., November 11, 1841, at the age of 79."
On the opposite side is an inscription commem- orative of Mrs. Moore.
At the base of the pyramid, on the east side, is sculptured in bas-relief a cross, over a portion of which some drapery is hung, and on the opposite
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side an altar; on the northern side there is a repre- sentation of a Bible, with the following inscription thereon : Daniel, chapter xii.
"They that be wise shall shine, as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to right- eousness as the stars for ever and ever."
And on the opposite side a prayer book is repre- sented, with this inscription : "In the midst of life we are in death."
The remains of Mrs. Moore, which were buried in the yard of the church in 1824, were interred after- wards in the same grave which contains those of the bishop, before the monument was erected.
The school* connected with the Monumental . Church, established by Bishop Moore, was among the earliest, if not the first, established in Richmond. It was opened on the 20th day of November, 1817.
At first the meetings of the school were held in two small rooms in the tower of the church, over the vestry-room; subsequently it was removed to a room fronting on Eleventh street, facing the east door of the City Hall, between Broad and Capitol streets, forming a part of Southgate's old building, for a description of which see "Richmond in Bygone Days," written by the late Mr. Mordecai, and con- verted into the Powhatan House, now commonly called " Ford's Hotel ;" the Sunday-school was after-
* NOTE .- That school-room stood on the northwest corner of the church, but was removed to the east side, and enlarged in 1876.
11
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wards removed to the galleries of the church, where it continued to be held until the completion of the Sunday-school-room in the church yard, the corner- stone of which was laid 1st July, 1828.
In the beginning the school was composed exclu- sively of the poor; and one difficulty experienced was the expense which it involved of providing clothes for the children; for the parents would often say they had no objection to their children attend- ing the school, except the want of suitable clothing for them to appear in.
To obviate this difficulty collections were taken up, at first in private, by collectors appointed for the purpose, and subsequently by the wardens in the church.
During divine service, the scholars, for a number of years, sat together in the gallery, even after the children of the wealthier parents of the congregation (pew holders) began to attend the school, and at least two teachers were always detailed to sit with them.
Whole number of scholars in the first seven years, 365, some of whom remained in the school during that entire period. Many of these scholars became useful and very estimable citizens, and some are now actively engaged in business .*
* NOTE. - I have been obliged to curtail a good deal of matter connected with the Sunday-school of the Monumental Church from its commencement, in 1817, to the death of Bishop Moore, in 1841, because so much detail would increase the size and cost of my book beyond the price I have agreed with my subscribers.
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OFFICERS OF THE FIRST SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
Right Rev. R. C. Moore, Ex-officio President.
John G. Williams, Vice-President.
Miss Eleanor Dandridge, Secretary. Mrs. Thomas H. Drew, Treasurer.
DIRECTORS.
Mrs. Elizabeth Harris, Mrs. Heather B. Smock,
Mrs. Elizabeth Hunter,
Mrs. Janetta R. Harrison,
Mrs. Judith F. Bradley, Mrs. Alice G. Williams,
Mrs. Robert Greenhow,
Mrs. John Wickham,
Mrs. James E. Heath, Miss Christian Moore,
Miss Maria Wiseham, Miss Frances P. Burwell,
Miss Eliza Woodward.
John J. Aymar, Superintendent.
TEACHERS.
Samuel C. Nichols, Wheaton C. Bradish,
Samuel E. Snow,
George G. Johnson,
Miss Eliza Woodward,
Miss Eleanor Dandridge,
Miss Francis P. Burwell,
Miss Sarah Moore,
Still it is proper to say that the record of Col. Ellis furnishes much interesting matter under this branch of the internal work- ing of the Monumental Courch, and will contrast very favor- ably with any Sunday-school of the present day. I observe, among the notes made in the school by the secretary or librarian, as follows: "1838, May 5. To-day being the anniversary of the Episcopal Sunday-schools of Richmond, they will all meet at Christ Church, to hear the anniversary sermon, by the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge."
"June 23. Very few teachers or scholars present ; St. James Church consecrated this A. M." (1839).
"September 1. Mr. Richard McRae, after a long and faithful performance of his duties as librarian, resigned the office to Mr. Edward H. Rhodes, who commences to-day."
With the exception of a few years absence in the State of Ken- tucky, Mr. Rhodes has continued librarian, and in a most exem- plary manner .- G. D. F.
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Miss Lucy W. Greenhow, Mrs. Judith F. Bradley,
Miss Ella Wickham, Miss Mary Ann Stetson,
Miss Mary B. Williams, Mrs. Elizabeth Harris,
Miss Harriet Whiting.
"1828, January 27 .- The school has to regret the loss of one of its earliest patrons and most devoted friends, Miss Eliza M. Woodward, who has removed from the city. She carries with her the esteem and best wishes of those with whom she has been asso- ciated, and this record is made in their behalf, as an expression of the respect they all feel for her.
" May 4th .- In the morning the school, consisting of 130 scholars, repaired to St. John's church, on Church Hill, where a very appropriate and impres- sive discourse was delivered by the Right Rev. Bishop Moore, in his usual happy and feeling man- ner, showing the rise and progress of Sunday-schools in a truly encouraging light to every well-wisher, and their incalculable importance, both to the present and future generations.
" September 30th .- School small, (10 teachers, 47 scholars present,) owing to the prevalent sickness .*
" June 29th .- Our first superintendent, Captain Thomas Nelson, having this day announced his in- tention of moving to the country to live, delivered
* NOTE .- The Asiatic cholera was so bad in Richmond in August and September of that year (1832) that forty cases of death were reported for one day. The disease lasted six weeks generally in the places it visited, and reached its acme in about twenty days. Its first appearance in the United States was in June of that year .-- G. D. F.
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an affectionate exhortation and farewell to the offi- cers teachers, and scholars.
" With the assent of the second superintendent, I this day resign the office of secretary to Mr. Richard McRae, with the intention of taking his or some other class. T. B. MACMURDO.
" The first annual meeting of the 'Episcopal Sun- day-school Union Society, of Richmond,' was held at the school-room of Miss Eliza M. Woodward, on Tuesday evening, April the 11th, 1826-twenty-two members being present.
"The senior vice-president, the Rev. Wm. H. Hart, took the chair, when the reports of the vice- presidents were read, approved, and ordered to be recorded.
" To the Officers and Teachers of the Monumental Church Sunday-school :
"MY HIGHLY VALUED AND RESPECTED FRIENDS. -For several years past we have been associated together, and engaged in our various stations, as superintendents, officers and teachers, in this school, and I humbly trust not altogether without some good resulting from our united efforts.
"We have been employed in a labor of love-love to God and love to the dear children who have been entrusted to our care; and I feel a perfect confi- dence that our labors will be blessed to the temporal and eternal benefit of many of these little immortals
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who are now before me, and those who, from time to time, have received instruction at our hands.
"Under the providence of God, the ties which have bound us together so long are now to be sundered; I am about to remove from this city to take up my residence in the country, and perhaps this is the last blessed Lord's day which will witness our union in this school.
"I could not reconcile it to my feelings to permit this day to pass over without expressing my grate- ful acknowledgments to you all, for the kindness and attention I have received from you, as your superintendent, and tendering each one of you my best wishes for your prosperity and happiness, in this life and that which is to come; and I pray God, in His infinite mercy to continue His providential care of this school, and to grant that, if we never meet again here on earth, we may all meet in that world of spirits whither our Saviour Christ is gone, around the everlasting throne of God, accompanied by all the little ones we have endeavored to train up in the ways of religion and happiness, to be separated no more for ever. And now, my dear children, I bid you an affectionate farewell.
"I have watched over you with great anxiety for many years, endeavoring, both by precept and ex- ample, to lead you in the right way.
"If at any time my conduct as superintendent of this school has appeared harsh to any of you, I pray you to set it to the account of my anxious solicitude for your present and eternal welfare.
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MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
"I am perfectly conscious that I have erred often in my course; but my intentions have always been good; your temporal and everlasting happiness have been my only object.
"Perhaps we may never meet again on this side of the grave; indeed, it is almost as certain as that I am now addressing you that we shall not all again meet in this room. Let me, therefore, entreat each one of you, with the affection of a father who, in his last interview with his dear children, would point out to them the road to honor, happiness, and heaven, to reflect on your condition by nature, and the ob- ject for which you were made; to think on your ' Creator now in the days of your youth, and to call upon Him while He is near.'
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