USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > History and reminiscences of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Va. : from 1814 to 1878 > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
"It was its significancy in this respect that gave the consecration of Dr. Wilmer its peculiar interest to Bishop Meade, and decided him to encounter the exposure and fatigue of the journey to Richmond, leaving the issue in the hands of God. The impor- tant object has been accomplished, but, to us, at a cost which no one can compute. The mental and corporeal effort required produced and prolonged an unnatural excitement in the bishop's system, which at the time seemed like genuine strength returning, and as he mingled so genially during the afternoon in social intercourse with his brethren and friends, under the roof where he had been received and cherished with Christian hospitality and filial devo- tion, we were ready to interpret the whole transac- tion of the memorable day as a token for good, full of promise.
" But our exposition of the scene and the sequen- cies was sadly mistaken. The apparent glow which gladdened us was not the animation of returning
288
HISTORY OF THE
health, but of the nature of those unaccountable transient rekindlings which precede and indicate ap- proaching dissolution. The inspiriting influence of the impressive occasion declined as the interval in- creased, and was not renewed. An accession of dis- case, an increasing embarrassment of vital organs, soon became apparent. The chronic affection of the heart, of which for years he was conscious, and from which he long expected sudden death, now developed itself in fearful action.
" For several days and nights his manly frame bore the assault with extraordinary powers of endur- ance, and his Christian spirit, strengthened by the word of God, sustained his great bodily sufferings with exemplary patience. 'Read me,' he said to a friend, 'a portion of the sacred Scriptures.' 'What shall I read ?' 'The history of the crucifixion ;' and when this was done, he observed, 'Yes, six hours did our Lord suffer the intense agony of the cross, and that for us-for our sins-and shall we complain of our sufferings ? The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it!' Throughout the severe struggle of nature his mind was clear, his faith strong, and hope steadfast.
" Few things impressed me more, during the last days of his life, than his perfect naturalness. Af- fectation in every form and degree was always dis- gusting to him ; what are termed scenes in connec- tion with religious character and experience, es- pecially on the supposed nearness of death, he re- garded with no favor. He was so accustomed to
289
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
carry his religion about with him in all his inter- course with men, and all his secular business, and so in the habit of bearing both with him in his hours of devotion at a throne of grace, that they were not kept separate and apart, as if incompatible, but intermingled continually in his thoughts and sympathies, and came out in close relation in his speech. It was strikingly and instructively so dur- ing his last illness. In health he habitually thought and acted as if there were but a step between him and death, judgment and eternity ; and when he knew and said that the ensuing night and following day would end his connexion with earth, the welfare of his country and the interests of his friends were as near his heart, and as emphatically on his lips, as if he expected to share their portion here for many years.
"To one of his respected presbyters, who was at his bedside taking leave of him, he thus closed his solemn counsel, 'Speak boldly to your people. Tell them to persevere in sustaining their country in this struggle. The war against us is iniquitous. I am persuaded God is with us, and will give us success.'
" He knew that the courageous spirit of a living general would not be hindered, but helped, by the pre- sence and power of the constraining love of Christ, and he had no fear that the faith and purity of a dying bishop would be impaired by the glow of gen- uine patrotism.
"He was on his death-bed precisely what we all saw him to be in life, except his sufferings. On
19
290
HISTORY OF THE
Thursday morning, the day before his death, (14th March, 1862,) he requested others who were present to retire, that he might communicate something to me in private. When we were alone, he said, 'I wish to bear my testimony on some things of im- portance. The views of evangelical truth and order which I have held and advocated for fifty years I approve, and exhort my brethren, north and south, to promote more than ever. My course in civil af- fairs I also approve, resistance to secession at first, till circumstances made it unavoidable. I trust the south will persevere in separation. I believe there are thousands in the north who condemn the course of their administration towards us, and in time will express themselves openly. The prospect of rest from sin and suffering is attractive, though I am will- ing to remain and take my part in the labors and trials which may be before us. My hope is in Christ, the Rock of ages. I have no fear of death, and this, not from my courage, but from my faith. The present seems a proper time for my departure. I am at peace with God through Jesus Christ my Lord, and in charity with all men, even our bitterest enemies. All that has ever been said in commenda- tion of me I loathe and abhor, as utterly inconsistent with my consciousness of sin. I commend you and all my brethren to the tender mercies of Christ, and pray for His blessing upon the church in Virginia.'
"When he ceased I withdrew to the adjoining room, and in conformity with his suggestion, im- mediately committed the testimony to writing, and
291
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
availed myself of the earliest opportunity to read it to him, and receive his affirmation of its accuracy.
" Such, beloved brethren, was the special commis- sion to which I referred, and from the painful execu- tion of which I could not shrink. The message is duly delivered. The weighty words of the wise leader- his legacy of love-are with you. Death has since sealed his lips in silence. He has fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith, received the crown of righteousness, and entered into his glorious rest. If the gift which I covet for you and myself, ' a double portion of his spirit,' depended on the condition named to Elisha, that blessing would be ours, for I witnessed his departure, and cried from my heart, 'My Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.' Our bereave- ment, the bereavement of our church and country, how inexpressibly afflicting !
" What can we do-to whom can we go in our sorrow and bewilderment, but to Jesus, who was anointed to bind up the broken hearted, to appoint to those who mourn beauty for ashes ; the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. What can we tell Him, but that we can have no compensation for our great loss, but his own self, by the special gift of the Comforter, and so pray humbly and earnestly and perseveringly, 'Come, Lord Jesus, manifest Thyself to us with greater vividness and power; draw us into more intimate and transforming fellowship with Thee; come, perfect Thy strength in us, and possess our hearts more and more with Thy love; enlighten
292
HISTORY OF THE
our understanding with the illumination of the Holy Ghost, that all our wishes and desires may centre in the advancement of Thy glory, and the salvation of Thy people.' So, dear brethren, the prayer of our departed father in God for us all will be soon and fully answered. 'The tender mercies of Christ will be upon us, and His blessing upon the church in Virginia.'"
A note found among the papers of Bishop Meade contains the only record of his services since the last convention, viz: He admitted to deacon's or- ders, Averet, G. V. Macdona and R. J. Baker. In June he confirmed in Staunton, and in December he preached and confirmed fifteen in Winchester. He preached twice in Millwood; once in Petersburg; twice in Columbia, S. C.,-the first sermon being the opening discourse at the convention which framed the proposed constitution for the Protestant Episcopal church in the Confederate States.
The church was crowded on the occasion of Bishop Meade's funeral. At the conclusion of Bishop Johns' address, his remains were carried to Holly- wood Cemetery, where, after the usual service at the grave, they were deposited in a private vault, the use of which was kindly allowed by Mr. John C. Shafer, of Richmond, until the wishes of the family as to their last resting place could be as- certained.
During the following year, the family having, at its request, committed them to the charge of the diocese, they were removed from this place of temporary de- posit to a very suitable section in the cemetery,
293
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
which had been provided by the generous contribu- tions of a number of persons in Richmond. In 1876, the 11th of November, they were transferred to the cemetery of the Episcopal Theological Semi- nary, near Alexandria, at the suggestion and under the direction of the standing committee of the dio- cese, and with the approbation of all the parties concerned, not excepting those who so kindly united in the purchase of the lot from which they were then removed. There they now repose, along with those of Bishops Johns and Payne, and Drs. Keith and Sparrow. By a singular coincidence, this final interment was the anniversary of Bishop Meade's birthday. The monument, which had been previ- ously erected by the diocese, was also transferred from Hollywood, and placed over him in the ceme- tery of the Theological Seminary, and bears this in- scription :
(On the south side.) Sacred to the memory of the RIGHT REV. WILLIAM MEADE, D. D., Third Bishop of Virginia, Born in Clarke Co., Va., November 11, 1789, Died in the city of Richmond, March 14, 1862. (North side. )
Prominent in the revival of the church after the revolution- ary war ; he was the zealous defender of its purity, and the founder and liberal patron of the Theological Seminary of Vir- ginia.
( West side.)
He lived for Christ, died in Christ, and we believe is now with Christ.
(East side. )
Memorial of love and veneration by the Protestant Episcopal church in Virginia.
294
HISTORY OF THE
1863.
The meeting of the convention was again held in St. Paul's church, Richmond, owing to the con- tinuance of the civil war, and all other places cut off by the Federal army.
Morning prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Platt and Rev. John Grammer; and the convention sermon preached by Rev. J. Peterkin, D. D., of St. James church, Richmond, from 2 Corinthians, 1st chapter, 24th verse.
After divine service, the council met in the lecture- room, and was called to order by the Bishop, Right Rev. John Johns, D. D.
Rev. Dr. Woodbridge presented the resignation of Col. John W. Atkinson, as secretary of the council, which was accepted.
On motion of Rev. D. F. Sprigg, Rev. T. G. Dashiell was elected secretary, and on motion of Rev. Mr. Mason, Rev. J. D. Powell was elected assistant secretary.
There were present upon this meeting 48 clergy- men and 43 laymen, and the council was in session but three days.
This session was a deeply interesting one, and the bishop's annual address and committee's report on the "state of the church " particularly so; for our State was then suffering most severely under the heavy trials of war, and every one was called upon to exercise the utmost self-denial, and personal as well as moral courage.
A portion of that report may not be out of place,
295
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
even in this history, which appertains mostly to that of but one church in the diocese; it says, "To our ministers, especially at this crisis, we would say, what is wanted is not sermons on the times and the war, and the objects of our country's hopes. We need not preach to the soldiers about war and camp and battles; they hear and think enough of that without our help. What they want and expect of us, as ministers of Christ, is just the glad tidings of salvation, just the eternal message of grace and love to perishing sinners. We venture to say that no chaplain, and no missionary to the army or to hos- pitals, will do their work efficiently and faithfully, unless they speak as to immortal souls, standing face to face with God; unless they preach Christ and Ilim crucified, the power of God unto salvation to those who believe.
"This we would lay as a solemn injunction upon all our ministers, but especially upon our chaplains, missionaries, and all who labor for the army.
"In every relation of life it holds good, and to every class of men it applies, and the blessing of God's Holy Spirit rests on us only as we faithfully preach His word, and convey to perishing sinners the knowledge of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." -
The above is but a short extract of that interest- ing report for 1863, on the "state of the church," for it runs through eight pages of closely printed mat- ter of the journal of that year, and will well repay
296
HISTORY OF THE
the reader who peruses its contents. It is signed by the following clergymen and laymen :
REV. CHARLES MINNIGERODE,
REV. R. K. MEADE, REV. JOHN GRAMMER,
REV. WM. H. PLATT, JUDGE THOS. S. GHOLSON,
MR. N. H. MASSIE,
MR. JOHN L. BACON, MR. P. H. FOSTER,
Parochial report of Monumental Church, Rich- mond .- Rev. George Woodbridge, rector; and Mr. George W. Williams, lay delegate. Communicants, 208 ; contributions, $4,226.60.
The vestry of the Monumental Church held but two meetings during the fiscal year ending with November, 1864.
The first was on the 7th December, 1863, when the rector's salary was determined should be raised to $4,000, in consequence of the depreciation of the Confederate currency, and the corresponding in- crease in prices of food and other necessaries of liv- ing. The music committee also made a verbal re- port at this meeting of its inability to procure as yet another organist. The other meeting was held on the 15th of May following, and the appointment of Mr. George W. Williams as the lay delegate to the annual meeting of the council, to be held in St. Paul's church, Richmond, on Wednesday, 18th in- stant.
297
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
1864.
The council for the diocese met in St. Paul's church, Richmond, on Wednesday, 18th May.
But twenty-seven clergymen, including the bishop, and eighteen laymen, composed the number on that meeting of the council.
The distressing consequences of the civil war, which still raged in our State, and through the other southern States, was the cause of so small an atten- dance.
Bishop Johns' annual report to the council of that year is again deeply interesting, and as a matter of Virginia history for those who are to live after us, as well as those too young at that time to appreci- ate and realize what was passing around us, it may be inserted here to a limited extent, and give some additional interest to the reader of this history.
Bishop Johns says: "I cannot refrain from pre- facing the report with a grateful acknowledgment of the goodness of God extended to us during the past year. Not only has He in many instances sig- nally interposed to preserve us from the persisting violence of our enemies, but He has compassed us about with manifold and great mercies-sustaining us in the discharge of our several duties, and ac- companying their performance with His grace and benediction. Though He has not yet caused war to cease, He has so strengthened us for the otherwise unequal conflict, and crowned us with such success as to inspire us with good hope that He designs our chastisements to prepare us to appreciate and im-
298
HISTORY OF THE
prove the blessing which He purposes to bestow in the establishment of our complete and lasting na- tional independence."
In the same report, under date of the 3rd June, Bishop Johns says: "I visited the army on the Rap- pahannock, to make such arrangements as might be found expedient to enable my brethren of the clergy to render most effectively such missionary services as were contemplated by the resolution of the last council.
"When I arrived, the several divisions had re- ceived marching orders, and before many hours had elapsed all, with the exception of those brought up in front of Fredericksburg, to resist a demonstration of the enemy at that point, had moved for active service elsewhere. My own observation, and con- ference with those most competent to furnish infor- mation, satisfied me that, even when the army is stationary, it would not be wise to make formal ap- pointments in advance for those who tendered their services under the resolution of the last council, nor is this necessary. Ample opportunity for officiating on any day, as often as one's physical strength would permit, is readily afforded by those in authority ; and at any time, when not on duty, the officers and soldiers are pleased to assemble at the church call, and either in some chapel, or under some extensive arbor, or in some grove selected for the purpose, form a congregation, which in number, attention, and reverence, cannot fail to stir up all that is with- in a minister to greater effort, for their spiritual
299
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
benefit, and the Master's glory. So I have commu- nicated with my brethren, assuring them of my readiness to facilitate their entrance upon this invit- ing field of usefulness, and thus have endeavored to discharge the responsibility devolved upon me by the action of the council.
"For the information of the diocese, and for in- struction and encouragement in reference to con- tinned and increasing efforts on behalf of those devoted men who are nobly enduring hardship, and periling life itself in our protection, I have requested those of the clergy who have had it in their power to participate in these missionary services, to state it in connection with their parochial reports.
"For one and all who were thus privileged, I hazard nothing in testifying that their only regret was that they could not labor longer when their ministrations were so gratefully received, and in many instances manifestly owned and blessed of God.
"June 3 .- On my arrival at Hamilton's Cross- ings, I was met by the Rev. J. McGill, chaplain in the 52nd Virginia regiment, who informed me that in the Rockbridge artillery company, then encamped in the vicinity, but under orders to march in a few hours, there were several persons anxious to be con- firmed. The necessary arrangements were soon made, and at 5 P. M., in front of the residence of Mr. Mayre, I preached to the members of that brave band, bap- tized one, and confirmed six of their number. Be- fore the next dawn their tents had disappeared, and
300
HISTORY OF THE
they were moving to share in the terrible conflicts of the campaign. During the interval between my arrival and this service, I passed some time at head quarters, in communication with the honored and be- loved commander of the army of Northern Virginia, in reference to its religious improvement, to which his example and counsel happily contribute. If in the influence and life of this Christian general and uther eminent officers, his worthy associates in our eventful struggle for civil and religious liberty, we do not gratefully recognize a most significant en- couragement to hope for a successful issue, we would be justly liable to the charge of slowness to perceive the tokens for good which have been vouch- safed to us, and criminally delinquent in the gratitude which they should awaken.
"June 4 .- In company with Genl. Pendleton, I rode out to the head-quarters of Genl. Ewell, re- cently appointed to the command vacated by the death of the lamented Genl. Jackson. The inter- view assured me the more, the good providence and grace of God had prepared the way most invitingly for the extension of the gospel in the army. On the same day, at 5 P. M., I preached to the 52nd Virginia regiment, under an arbor, which, though very extensive, did not cover the congregation.
"The Rev. Mr. McGill, the chaplain of this re- giment, reported a goodly number of the men as earnestly enquiring ' what they must do to be saved.' Whilst we were engaged in the services, a courier arrived with orders to march at midnight.
301
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
"June 5 .- At 5 P. M. I preached near Grace church, Caroline county, to the division under com- mand of Genl. Heth. It was deemed best to offi- ciate in the open air. Taking my stand at the rear of the building, with the men seated on the grass, and many on the limbs of the surrounding trees, I ministered to as attentive and serious a congregation as I ever addressed.
" The chaplain informed me that here also many were deeply interested on the subject of religion. I had announced another appointment to preach for them at 5 P. M. the next day, but again, whilst I was preaching, a courier came with the intelligence that the enemy had opened upon our troops at Fredericksburg, and were crossing in force below the town. General Heth's command was ordered up. They marched during the night and next day ; when the hour of my appointment arrived there was not even a straggler to be found in the vicinity. It was an anxious day. The occasional booming of the guns from the heights beyond the Rappahannock, the discharge of musketry between the skirmishers. on this side, and the roll of their drums, authorized the anticipation of early attack. The next morning, accompanied by the Rev Mr. Friend, I rode up to Hamilton's Crossings, to see if there would be an opportunity for a public service, and if not, to be at hand to officiate among the wounded, should a battle ensue. We found the troops which had been brought up in battle array, not knowing at what moment the enemy might attempt to advance. All hope of pub-
302
HISTORY OF THE
lic service was abandoned; very soon, however, we were called on by Colonel Leaventhorpe, who com- manded a North Carolina regiment, and who came to say that he understood I was willing to officiate, and that, though his officers and men had been on the march during the night, they would be thankful if we would conduct service for them. I left him to arrange time and place, and in half an hour he returned to accompany us to an orchard in the rear of the trenches, where his regiment were assembled to unite in prayer and praise, and hear the word of God. The Rev. Mr. Friend read the morning ser- vice, and I addressed the congregation. Our ap- propriate psalms and hymns were accompanied by the music of a part of the regiment band, which had been accustomed to render such assistance by the Rev. Aristides Smith, their chaplain, who was do- tained in Petersburg by sickness.
"We had scarcely closed the solemn exercises when a deputation came to ask for a service in the afternoon. Neither the fatiguing march of the pre- ceding night, nor the vicinity of a formidable foe, abated their interest in the divinely appointed means of grace, nor detained them from their admin- istration. We may learn and profit by this whole- some example.
"That same regiment was in the hottest of the fight at Gettysburg, and proved as fearless in the service of their country as they were ready and re- spectful in the worship of God.
In closing his annual address that year to the
303
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
convention, Bishop Johns said: "In closing this statement of the affairs of the diocese since the meeting of the last council, it behooves me to re- mark, what the report itself discloses, that though we are under discipline, our God has not forsaken
us. His chastisements have been mingled with many mercies, both temporal and spiritual."
In the report of the "state of the church" for that year, the committee have the following among other remarks :
"Even if we had reports from all our parishes, a view of the state of the church at this time would necessarily involve some distinct reference to the condition of our army. In that army many mem- bers of our communion hold distinguished positions, and show, by the open profession of their faith, that they are not ashamed of Christ.
"When we contemplate the religious influence so widely prevalent among our troops, we thank God and take courage. While we know much evil has been developed by the existing war, yet so many of our soldiers and chief officers are consistent Chris- tians, that, on the whole, we believe the name of Christ is now more widely honored than in our for- mer times of peace. The trials of war have led men to feel their dependence on divine aid, and the tented field has very generally become a house of prayer.
" We thank God for the good accomplished in the army by our Christian brethren generally, but we lament that we ourselves have so few chaplains with
304
HISTORY OF THE
our troops. The camp prayer-book, published by executive committee of our diocesan missionary society, has, in some measure, supplied this want, by enabling many of our soldiers to hold edifying re- ligious services without the assistance of a minister ; and we believe also that the Holy Spirit is working, without the use of any visible means, to bring men to the knowledge and practice of the truth. We rejoice, too, that the bishop and many of the paro- chial clergy have, to some extent, found time to labor in the army; and we feel sure that their labors ' have not been in vain.'"
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.