USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > History and reminiscences of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Va. : from 1814 to 1878 > Part 17
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" Having thus presented a statement of those things pertaining to our disocese, which the canon re- quires of me, I now ask your attention to a few re- marks concerning the present unhappy condition of our State and country. My brethren and friends will bear me witness how carefully I have ever avoided, in all my communications, the least refer- ence to any thing partaking of a political character, and how I have earnestly warned my younger breth-
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ren against the danger of injuring the effect of their sacred ministry by engaging in discussions which are so apt to disturb the peace of society. But in the present circumstances of our country, the cause of religion is so deeply involved, that I feel not only justified, but constrained to offer a few remarks for your consideration.
"It has pleased God to permit a great calamity to come upon us. Our whole country is preparing for war. Our own State, after failing in her earnest effort for the promotion of peace, is, per- haps, more actively engaged in all needful measures for maintaining the position which she has, after much consideration, deliberately assumed, than any portion of the land. A deeper and more honest conviction that if war should actually come upon us, it will be on our part one of self-defence, and therefore justifiable before God, seldom, if ever, ani- mated the breasts of those who appealed to arms. From this consideration, and from my knowledge of the character of our people, I believe that the ob- ject sought for will be most perseveringly pursued, whatever sacrifice of life and comfort and treasure may be required. Nor do I entertain any doubt as to the final result, though I shudder at the thought of what may intervene before that result is secured.
"May God, in great mercy and with His mighty power, interpose and grant us speedy peace, instead of protracted war! But can it be, that at this pe- riod of the world, when so many prayers are offered up for the establishment of Christ's kingdom in all
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the earth, and that such high hopes are entertained that the zealous efforts put forth will be successful, and that our country be one of the most effective and honored instruments for producing the same, that the great work shall be arrested by such a fra- trieidal war as that which is now so seriously threat- ened. Is there not room enough for us all to dwell together in peace in this widely extended country, so large a portion of which is yet unsettled, and may not be until the world that now is shall be no more! The families of nations which spring from two vener- able patriarchs of old could find room enough in the little pent up land of Judea to live in peace by giving the one to one hand and the other to the opposite. At a later period, when Israel and Judah separated, and the latter having the city and temple in possession, and the supremacy, according to prophecy, was pre- paring to go up against the former and reduce the people to submission, and bring them back to union, the Lord Himself came down and forbade it, say- ing: 'Thou shalt not go up, nor fight against your brethren, the children of Israel. Return every man to his house, for this thing is of Me.' And they harkened unto the Lord, and ever after the history of the two kingdoms is written in the same sacred volume, in which are also recorded the evidences of God's favor to both, and though sometimes at con- troversy, yet how often were they found side by side defending the ancient boundaries of Judea against surrounding nations. God grant that our country may learn a lesson from this sacred narra- tive.
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"Let none think that I am unmindful of law and order, and of the blessings of the Union. I was. trained in a different school. I have clung with te- nacity to the hope of preserving the Union to the last moment. If I know my own heart, could the sacrifice of the poor remnant of my life have con- tributed in any degree to its maintenance, such sac- rifice would have been cheerfully made. But the developments of public feeling, and the course of our rulers, have brought me slowly, reluctantly, sor- rowfully, yet most decidedly, to the painful convic- tion, that notwithstanding attendant damages and evils, we shall consult the welfare and happiness of the whole land by separation. And who can desire to retain a Union which has now become so hateful, and by the application of armed force, which, if successful, would make it ten times more hateful .. and soon lead to the repetition of the same bloody contests'!
"I trust, therefore, that the present actual sepa- ration of so many and such important portions of our country may take place without further collision, which might greatly hinder the establishment of the most friendly and intimate relations which can con- sist with separate establishments. I trust that our friends at a distance, and now in opposition to us, will most seriously review their judgment, and in- quire whether the evils resulting from a war to sus- tain their wishes and opinions as to a single Con- federacy, will not far exceed those apprehended from the establishment of a second-an event far
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more certain than the result of the American revo- lution at the time of its occurrence.
"In connection with this civil and geographical separation in our country, and almost necessarily re- sulting from it, the subject of some change of the ecclesiastical relations of our diocese must come under consideration. There is a general and strong desire, I believe, to retain as much as possible of our past and present happy intercourse with those from whom we shall be, in other matters, more divided.
"A meeting is already proposed for this purpose in one of the seceded States, whose plans, so far as developed, I will submit to the consideration of this body at its present session. I cannot conclude without expressing the earnest desire that the minis- ters and members of our church, and all the citizens of our State, who are so deeply interested in the present contest, may conduct it in the most elevated and Christian spirit, rising above uncharitable and indiscriminate imputations on all who are opposed.
" Many there are equally sincere on both sides, as there ever have been in all the wars and contro- versies that have been waged upon the earth, though it does not follow that all have the same grounds of justice and truth on which to base their warfare. It was the maxim of an ancient sage that we should always treat our friends as those who might one day be our enemies, and to treat our enemies as those who might one day be our friends. While abhorring, as I am sure we all do, the former part of this cold- hearted maxim, let us cherish and adopt the latter,
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so congenial with the spirit of our holy religion. The thought of even a partial separation from those who have long been so dear to me, is anguish to my soul. But there is a union of heart in our common faith and hope which can never be broken. The church in Virginia has more dear friends and generous pa- trons amongst those who are on the opposite side of this painful controversy than any other, and feels most deeply the unhappy position in which we are placed. As our State has, to its high praise, en- deavoured to avert the evils now threatened, so may our church, and all the others in Virginia, by prayer and the exercise of true charity, endeavour to dimin- ish that large amount of prejudice and ill-will which so unhappily abounds in our land. Let me, in con- clusion, commend to your special prayers all those who have now devoted themselves to the defence of our State.
" From personal knowledge of many of them, and from the information of others, there is already, I believe, a large portion of religious principle and genuine piety to be found among them. I rejoice to learn that in many companies not only are the services of chaplains and other ministers earnestly sought for, but social prayer meetings held among themselves.
" Our own church has a very large proportion of communicants among the officers of our army, and not a few among the soldiers. Let us pray that grace may be given them to be faithful soldiers of the cross, as well as valiant and successful defenders of the State.
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" If all of us do our part faithfully, and according to the principles of our holy religion, we may con- fidently leave the issue to God, who will overrule all for good."
The following resolution was offered by Judge Thomas S. Gholson, of St. Paul's church, Petersburg, and was adopted :
" Resolved, That so much of the bishop's address as refers to the present condition of our political and ecclesiastical affairs be referred to a special commit- tee of three clergymen and three laymen, with in- structions to report as soon as practicable to the con- vention some plan of action."
The chair appointed the following gentlemen such committee : the Rev. John Johns, D. D., assistant bishop; Rev. John Grammer, Rev. Wm. Sparrow, D. D .; Judge Thomas S. Gholson, Mr. James Galt, of Fluvanna county ; Mr. Richard H. Cunningham, of Culpeper county.
The following is the report of the special com- mittee as above :
"1. Resolved, That this convention, having heard with deep interest the true and timely statements of our venerable diocesan in reference to the present political and ecclesiastical condition of our affairs, cordially concur in the views presented, and sympa- thise fully in the kind and Christian spirit in which they are so wisely declared.
"2. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the two bishops, three other clergymen, and three laymen, be appointed as a provisional committee,
1
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to act during the recess of the convention in all matters connected with our relations to other dio- ceses, and that the clerical and lay members of the committee shall serve as delegates in any convention which may be agreed upon by other similarly situ- ated dioceses. All the proceedings of this commit- tee to be reported for the approval of the conven- tion of the diocese of Virginia.
"Signed by
THOS. S. GHOLSON, JAMES GALT,
R. H. CUNNINGHAM,
J. JOHNS,
WM. SPARROW,
J. GRAMMER."
In addition to the address of Bishop Meade, as well as the resolutions just recited, (and based upon his interesting report at so critical a moment in the history of our State, as well as the Episcopal church in Virginia and the other States south), it will be of increased interest to the reader to con- sider the report on the "state of our church of that year, which was adopted and recorded among the proceedings of the convention for 1861. The re- port reads thus :
"The smaller attendance than usual of our dele- gates, lay and clerical, taken in connection with the disturbance. of the country, will, of course, preclude any thing like a full and satisfactory report of the state of the church as during the last twelve months, or at the present moment. There would seem to have been at least an average of effort and of results until about the first of November. Since then the
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absorbing facts of the present moment, and the still more absorbing anticipations of evils and calamities to come, have seriously interfered with the progress of the church, as they have with all other move- ments for the benefit of human society.
"These troubles are upon us still, and, in all pro- bability, will exert a like paralyzing influence upon our ministers and people during the coming year, if not for a longer period. To pronounce upon the character of the various causes bringing about this state of things, and to award to all parties a due share of blame and commendation, does not lie within the sphere of this committee, even if they possessed the elevation and repose of spirit qualifying them for such undertaking. No less is it beyond our ken to foresee the ultimate results of the existing distur- bances. Of one thing we may rest fully assured, ' that all things shall work together for good to them that love God ;' that the highest interests of Christ's real people, collectively and individually, cannot suffer, can and will be advanced as effectually through the sharp trial and discipline of calamity, as through the less painful probation of peace and prosperity.
" It should, however, be distinctly kept before our minds that we are thus upon trial, and in many cases, for our very Christian character. The revela- tions of the next twelve months, under this new form of probation to which our ministers and peo- ple are subjected, will, it is to be feared, in many instances, be most startling and painful. And it should now be the special effort of each and all to
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see, not merely that we pass through the trial safely, but in such manner as to glorify God. The great interests of eternity are no less supreme now than during times of profound quiet and abundant pros- perity. And whatever may be our duties as citizens of an earthly commonwealth, it is still true, and needs ever to be remembered, that 'our citizenship is in heaven;' that our most sacred and paramount duties have regard to that commonwealth or king-
dom which 'is not of this world.'
And as one
mode of providing for these highest interests, under present circumstances, may be mentioned that of special efforts in our parishes to keep up their or- ganization, and as far as possible, their usual ser- vices, even though it should be with diminished con- gregations. The prevalent tendency during such a state of things as now exists is to disorganization. When such tendency is not guarded, there will be a great deal of disorganization that is altogether un- necessary and mischievous. Many of our clergy, unless special effort be made in their parishes, will be deprived of the ordinary means of subsistence. The difficulty in this respect should be remembered by those who have the means of preventing it. Of course the existing pressure will and must be felt by all, both clergy and laity; and. both must be pre- pared to undergo self-denial and make sacrifices for the general good. At the same time, a degree of effort proportioned to the means and opportunities. of our laity, in their contributions and faithful at- tendance upon the services of the sanctuary will be
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productive of results most salutary, will aid in ar- resting the prevalent disorganizing tendency, and save much unnecessary privation and suffering.
" In connection with this point may be mentioned the importance just now of liberal contributions to our diocesan missionary society. Its operations during the last two or three years have been greatly enlarged ; and it is not at all improbable that parishes, hitherto self supporting, will need assistance during the coming year. There is some danger that, in anticipation of the conflict that may be waged for our altars and firesides, economy may be- gin with our charities; that men will first deny themselves in luxury of doing good, and only after that fails, consent to give up others of an inferior character.
"This will operate, and has in fact already operated, in reference to all forms of contribution for benevolent purposes. It will be liable thus to operate with re- ference to the object we have specified. And we would earnestly and affectionately urge its claims upon the regards of our brethren, lay and clerical. We would not have other objects of commanding interest receive less, but this more.
" There will be for this object, if there is not al- ready, a special necessity ; and special good will come, if for that necessity there be made prompt and adequate provision.
" Trusting that He who rules not only among the armies of heaven, but among the inhabitants of earth, and who causes even the wrath of man to
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show forth His praise, will overrule all the existing commotions and elements of disturbance to His own glory, and the hastened coming of His promised kingdom, we would prayerfully and hopefully leave all to His supreme disposal. The Lord reigneth : the righteous of the earth may rejoice; the Lord reigneth: the sinful inhabitants of the world may tremble.
"All of which is respectfully submitted,
C. WALKER, Chairman "
Four meetings of the vestry of the Monumental Church for the fiscal year ending the 30th Novem- ber, 1862, were held, to wit: December 23rd, 1861, when the treasurer made his annual report, and 122 per cent. on the pew rents was added, so as to pay off a small debt of the previous year, and provide sufficient revenue for the new. And also to con- sider the petition of the choir to enlarge the organ gallery, which was granted.
The next meeting was on the 12th January, 1862, to adopt suitable resolutions upon the death of our brother-vestryman and earnest co-worker in the church, and personal friend, Mr. Philip Rahmn.
The third meeting was held on the 22nd of same month, when Mr. Gardner presented a letter of thanks from Charles Macbeth, Esq., mayor of the city of Charleston, S. C., upon the receipt of $202.07 collected in the Monumental Church, and forwarded on the 16th December, in behalf of the sufferers of Charleston by the late great fire in that city.
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And the fourth meeting was on the 20th May, to appoint a delegate to the annual meeting of the council of the diocese, to be held at St. Paul's church, Richmond, on the 21st instant. At that meeting Mr. John L. Bacon was appointed the lay delegate.
1862.
Parochial report of Monumental Church, Rich- mond .- Rev. George Woodbridge, rector ; and Mr. John L. Bacon, lay delegate ; communicants, 253 ; contributions, $2,580.02.
The ladies of the congregation have been untiring during the last year in sewing for the army.
Three meetings of the vestry for the fiscal year ending with November were held, and each of deep interest to our congregation. The first was on the 3rd December, 1862, when three vacancies of our body were filled, to wit: by the election of Mr. Geo. W. Williams, Mr. Richd. H. Meade, and Mr. Frank G. Ruffin; the two former to supply the place of our deceased friends, Messrs. Philip Rahm and Chas. J. Macmurdo, Jr., and the third by the resignation of our estimable friend, Mr. John L. Bacon, who removed to St. Paul's church. A vacancy had existed for some months before, and the present meeting thought it a good opportunity to fill it, in order to complete the number of the vestry to twelve.
Whereupon Mr. John Waterhouse, a very zeal- ous and worthy communicant of the congregation, was duly elected.
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At this meeting the salaries of the rector and organist were increased, owing to the steady decline in the value of Confederate currency, and the in- crease accordingly of all the necessaries of life.
The second meeting was held on the 18th of May, 1863, and Mr. Geo. W. Williams was ap- pointed the lay delegate to the convention, to be held at St. Paul's church Richmond, on the 20th. inst. At this meeting also a committee was appointed to examine the condition of the furnace, and what will be the best method to adopt in altering the seats on the west side of the gallery, and cost of same .*
The third meeting was held on the 16th Novem- ber, when the resignation of Mr. F. W. Grabau, the organist, was read, and most reluctantly accepted. He felt it a duty to his family to move to the county of Gloucester. The vestry passed suitable resolu- tions of regret in parting with him and his family, and the register accordingly conveyed them to him in writing.
This year of our church as well as state, was a deeply interesting as well as sad one; and may be introduced without infringing too much upon the more direct character of this book-a "history of the Monumental Church."
The death of good Bishop Meade, of Virginia, oc-
* NOTE .- In the summer of 1879, this long desired improvement was effected through the agency of two members of the vestry, Messrs. Whitcomb and Mayo, and resolutions of thanks passed accordingly. The carpenter's work was done chiefly by Mr. C. H. Thompson, the foreman of Mr. Neale on Ross Street.
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curred on the 14th of March, 1862, at the residence of Mr. John L. Bacon, Grace street, in the city of Richmond, and Bishop Johns, in his sermon at St. Paul's church, upon the occasion of the funeral, on Monday, the 17th, used these words as a part of that deeply interesting discourse, from the 12th verse of the 14th chapter of St. Matthew : "And His disciples came and took up the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus."
" MY CHRISTIAN BRETHREN : I have scarcely courage for the sad service which devolves upon me. I could not brace myself for the effort, but for the special commission which I dare not decline-a commission not from the living, but from the now dead-from the lips of our honored and beloved father in God, whose departure has stricken our hearts with sorrow, and around whose mortal re- mains we are assembled to render them the last tribute of respect and affection.
"My commission is not to present for your ad- miration the rare and decided excellencies of his character, and recite the deeds of his remarkable life. All such eulogy, either from the pulpit or the press, he strongly deprecated. A just regard for his wishes on that subject, repeatedly and explicitly ex. pressed, measurably restrains utterances for which every feeling of my heart pleads, and which usage on such occasions authorizes you to expect.
" Happily though it may be that formal panegy- ric was never more deserved, it certainly has rarely, if ever, been less needed.
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"He who, more than any other man, was honored as the instrument in raising the church in Virginia, from what was pronounced hopeless extinction ; who gave to this work his early manhood; his vigorous maturity, and the wisdom and efficiency of advanced life; whose extensive itinerations in this service, year after year, for more than half a century, had made his name a household word, and his face familiar throughout the diocese; his patriarchal presence the privilege of the people, and his wise instructions prized as precious precepts, surely he needs no formal panegyric. His praise is in all the churches of his care, and his spiritual children are his living epistles of commendation, written not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.
"It was unusual to find our good bishop here at this time of the year, and nothing but a case of great importance would have justified his leaving his home in the valley, and encountering the fatigue and exposure of the tedious journey. Such he deemed the accomplishment of the consecration of Dr. Wilmer. Repeated arrangements had been pro- posed to effect it without the presence of our vener- able bishop, for we were unwilling that a life so in- valuable should be subjected to the least unnecessary danger. But when all other arrangements failed, and he was informed that Richmond was selected for another experiment, which would also be unsuc- cessful for the want of the requisite number of con- secrators, unless he could.be here, he thought his.
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duty clear, and though laboring under a deep seated cold, he essayed, and accomplished the journey on a very inclement day, and under circumstances of great discomfort. The result was the serious aggra- vation of this malady, rendering it exceedingly doubtful whether he would, after all his efforts, be able to unite in the consecration. When the day appointed came, he was in truth more fitted for the repose of his chamber and couch than for the ser- vices of the chancel. But with a resolution and energy which never failed him when duty seemed plain, he roused his enfeebled physical powers to action just adequate to the emergency, and came only when his presence could no longer be dispensed with, and officiated merely in the act of consecra- tion. As he moved slowly up the aisle to his seat in the chancel, the impairment of his once powerful frame was affectingly apparent. And when the bishops present helped him from his chair to his feet, and supported and united with him in the imposition of hands, whilst that voice, once of so much sweet- ness and compass,-now tremulous and broken,- enunciated with difficulty the apostolic commission, whose heart was not saddened by the spectacle !
"It proved to be the last official act of his long, laborious, faithful and fruitful ministry,-an act to him of great and varied interest and importance. It elevated to the episcopate the son of a valued friend and fellow-laborer in the successful enter- prise of resuscitating the church in Virginia. It provided an active and earnest and capable bishop
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to supply the vacancy in the diocese of Alabama, occasioned by the death of the lamented Bishop Cobbs; and it unmistakably declared the convic- tion of the church in the several Confederate States, that the disruption of the civil government rendered necessary the cessation of the general ecclesiastical system under which, by conventional arrangement, the different dioceses had been united, and conse- quently devolved on us the responsibility of perpet- uating evangelical truth and order in our churches by independent ecclesiastical action.
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