USA > Virginia > Henrico County > Henrico County > History and reminiscences of the Monumental Church, Richmond, Va. : from 1814 to 1878 > Part 25
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
At the close of 1863 (his eighteenth year's ministry in the Monumental Church), Dr. Woodbridge says: "On the 5th of April, Easter Sunday, that in the offer- ings of that day, $50 each to Rev. Mr. E. Withers and the Rev. Mr. Slack were placed in the collection " He also says: "I went to Augusta, Georgia, to preach the sermon before the Confederate States Bible Society.
"I returned and reached home Friday morning, 1st of May. I preached at Columbia, S. C., on the 19th, and on the 26th April for the Rev. Mr. Shans in forenoon, and in the evening on the 26th for Rev. Mr. Pringle."
Bishop Johns, of Virginia, held confirmation and
406
HISTORY OF THE
preached once, and Bishop Atkinson, of North Carolina, preached once also that year for him.
On Monday evening, 5th of October, he says: "I went to Petersburg to assist in a missionary meet- ing, and opened the meeting, and others made ad- dresses." In every month he continues to record the fact of administering the holy communion, and always mentions the names of ministers present who assisted him.
In November, 1864, Dr. Woodbridge closed his nineteenth year's ministry in the Monumental Church, and under date of the 8th of May he re- cords : "On the 3rd of May I left, and proceeded to Spottsylvania to preach for the Rev. Mr. Green. I went to Frederick's Hall Depot. I preached in St.
John's Church Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I went Monday to the army to see George, (his son.) The battle began Thursday evening, the 5th of May. I returned home Thursday, the 12th; bringing with me Mrs. Genl. Stewart, whose husband was mortally wounded in the fight with Sheridan."
On the 12th of June he writes: "I administered the communion in my study to a sick soldier just preparing to leave for the battle field-Lieutenant Bitton, of Florida." Under date of the 19th he says: "During the last week the enemy crossed over to the south side and commenced the attack on Petersburg." On the 26th he says: "The weather is very warm and mercury in the chancel up to 91."
Under date of 17th July, he records: "I left.
407
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
home Thursday, the 19th, for Gloucester, where I continued till the 25th August. I reached home the 27th, and preached on the 28th.
I preached at Miss Sally Tabb's July 24th. August 2nd I preached at Dr. P. Taliaferro's. The second Sunday in August I preached in Ware church. In the evening, I preached at Miss Sally Tabb's. The third Sunday I preached at Miss Sally Tabb's. The fourth Sunday I preached at the Ware church."
On the 16th of November he records: "This was. a day of worship appointed by President Davis. The Rev. Mr. Patterson (of N. C.) preached. A collection for the poor was made, and over $1,500 received.
On the 20th he records, "I left home on the 14th for Halifax county, to attend a convocation and or- dination. The Rev. Messrs. Meade and Thompson were ordained. I preached twice. I returned home Friday, the 25th."
Dr. Woodbridge cut from the newspaper the "prices current," of April 18th, 1864, and pasted the slip in his sermon record book, no doubt as a future reference for those who were to come after him, and who were too young to understand and ap- preciate the condition of the Southern Confederacy at that time, and the high prices which every article of food and clothing, etc., had attained by the block- ade both by land and sea. A copy of that price current is now given by the compiler of this book, and reads thus:
" Richmond markets, April 18, 1864 .- There is
408
HISTORY OF THE
considerable activity in the market, though supplies are not coming in as largely as they were some days ago. Transactions are now slightly in favor of the new issue (smaller denomination than $5 is here meant by new issue), but owing to the scarcity of that medium, five dollor notes are more generally in use. We give quotations of the new issue :
" Flour .- Demand still brisk. Superfine, $240; extra-superfine, $255 and $260 ; family, $275. Sup- ply of all grades light. Wheat, none offering.
" Tobacco .- No change in the market. Lugs, common, $16 and $20 per 100 pounds ; good lugs, $20 and $28; bright and suitable for smoking, $30 and $40; common leaf, $50 and $80 ; extra-fine, $90 and $110 per 100 pounds. Manufactured holds about the same as at last report, but with a better feeling in the market. Fine bright, old, may be quoted at $350 to $450 per 100 pounds ; medium, $175 to $275 per 100 pounds. Apples, $150 to $200 a barrel. Bacon, $6.50 to $7 per pound. Beans, $35 to $40 per bushel. Candles, $5.50 per pound. Cheese, imported $8 and $10 per pound ; country or home-made, $4 to $6 per pound. Corn, $37.50 per bushel, scarce. Corn meal, $40 and $45 per bushel. Hay, scarce, $20 and $25 per cwt. Onions, $30 and $35 per bushel. Peas, $25 and $40 per bushel. Potatoes, Irish, $12 and $20 per bushel. Leather, sole, $10 to $11 per pound ; upper leather, $12 per pound. Lime, $20 to $25 per barrel. Lard, $7.50 to $8 per pound. Whiskey, $60 and $80 per gallon ; apple brandy, $50 to $75 per gallon ;
409
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
peach brandy, $80 and $90 per gallon; rum, $80 and $90 per gallon. Molasses, $50 and $60 per gallon ; sorghum (home-made molasses), $35 to $40 per gallon. Nails, $110 to $130 per keg of 100 pounds. Sugar, brown, $7.25 to $8 per pound ; crushed sugar, $9 to $11 per pound. Pork, $4 to $5 per pound. Pepper, $12 to $15 per pound. Rice, $1 to $1.25 per pound. Salt, 40 cents per pound. Soap, $3 to $3.50 per pound. Tar, $40 a barrel. Turnips, $5 to $7 per bushel. Venison, $4 to $4.50 per pound. Vinegar, $5 to $6 per gal- lon.
"Financial .- Gold, $21 to $21.50 of Confederate paper money for $1 in gold ; silver, $19 to $19.50 for $1 in silver ; treasury notes $1.28; coupons, of ten million, 50 cents premium ; sterling, $20.25 for $1; Va. bank notes, $3 for $1."
These prices will give the reader some correct idea of the depreciation of Confederate money as the war advanced, and these ruled a year before the war closed; the money continued to lessen in value up to the end of the war, in 1865, in a still greater proportion, and at its close it required $60 of Con- federate paper money to buy one dollar in gold. His next year's ministry ended with 1865 (his 20th year.)
On the 12th of March he was taken so unwell while reading the service that he was obliged to retire to the vestry-room, and the service was finished by one of the wardens. Under date of the 2nd of April he says: "The enemy entered the city
410
HISTORY OF THE
on Monday morning, the 3rd of April. The city was burning in several points. A breeze from the south carried the flying embers to all parts of the city. My own house was in very great danger. The roof and the fence took fire repeatedly. We had service in passion week. I preached once at Grace Church. There an order was issued that the churches should not be opened unless we used the prayer for the president of the United States. Our churches were therefore closed Good Friday and Easter, and the first Sunday after Easter. Thurs_ day, the 27th, we received an order from General Halleck, directing us to open them, or that they would be opened by some chaplain of the same church. The second Sunday after Easter, April 30th, the Monumental Church was opened for di- vine service. I preached; a good many present. Johnathan E. Woodbridge, my nephew, reached the city, and was present. In the evening I performed the funeral service of an infant child of Mr. Wm. H. Powers, and the Rev. Mr. Mason preached for me."
August 26th he says: "I left home Tuesday, and went to Philadelphia with Edwards (his son) to find for him a situation. After considerable enquiry we decided that he should enter the iron ship building establishment of Reany, Son & Archibald, at Chester, Penn. I preached once, while I was gone in Ger- mantown, in St. Michael's Church, for the Rev. Ed- ward H. True. I returned home Friday, 8th Sep- tember, and preached.
411
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
His next year's ministry (21st) closed in 1866. He says: "April 1st .- This was Easter Sunday, and church beautifully decorated with flowers." On the 29th he says: "The Rev. Mr. Peck, of Mauch Chunk, Penn., read the service,-the first northern. clergyman since the war began who has officiated. On the afternoon of 6th May, all the Episcopal Sun- day-schools of the city attended service in the Mon- umental Church, and appropriate addresses delivered by the rector and the Rev. Messrs. Norwood, Peter- kin, and Dashiell." On the 13th August he says : "I went to Botetourt, where I spent my time with the family of Col. Pendleton; and at Fincastle with Mr. Breckenridge's family, at Grove Hill. I went with Julia, my daughter, to the Natural Bridge and to the Peaks of Otter. Col. and Mrs. Pendleton, and their daughter Lizzie, and Major Johnson went with us. We returned, and reached home September 9th at 6 A. M."
In his record of twenty-second year's ministry, he says: "The weather this year was often wet, and the church frequently closed in the afternoon, and during the hot weather the service only was used." The Doctor continues his record, and says: "I left the city to visit Mr. Charles G. Talcott, in George- town, D. C., on 28th August, who was very low with consumption."
Saturday, the 31st, I left Georgetown and went to Chester, to visit Edwards, (his son.) Tuesday, the 3rd of September, I went to Germantown. Monday, the 9th, I went to Atlantic city, a sea-
412
HISTORY OF THE
bathing place, and returned to Philadelphia the 16th. Tuesday night, at eleven, I left Philadelphia, and reached home Wednesday, the 18th." During his absence the church was closed but one Sunday, 8th of September. Bishop Williams, of China (a native of Richmond), preached on the 1st, and the Rev. J. C. McCabe, on the 15th of September.
Under date of 12th May, he says: "In the even- ing attended Sunday-school anniversary and made an address."
In Dr. Woodbridge's (1868) twenty-third year, in his entry of 10th of May, he says: "Afternoon, church was closed to attend anniversary of the Sun- day-schools at St. Paul's." Again on the 17th he records: "Afternoon attended the funeral of the wife of the Rev. F. M. Baker, and read the service. Rev. Chas. H. Read (Presbyterian), gave out the hymn and offered prayer. Mr. Peterkin preached for me, and I for him at night."
Under date of 21st June, he says: "I was taken sick Thursday night, and during Friday was some- what unwell; but Friday night was violently ill. Sunday I could not preach. Mr. Fisher (one of the wardens) read the service, both morning and even- ing. Wednesday I went to the Theological Semi- nary, accompanied by Julia (one of his daughters), and remained till Tuesday, the 30th; that day I came home, leaving Julia in Fredericksburg."
He says again : "The 3rd of August I left home, and with Lizzie and Mary (daughters) visited the counties of Nelson and Botetourt and Augusta. I
413
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
preached in each county, and returned home on September 12th."
Again he records (after the 11th October), "Dur- ing the preceding week I went to Staunton, Tues- day, the 6th, and to Charlottesville, and delivered addresses on the subject of the Bible Society of Vir- ginia, and returned home Saturday, the 10th." On the 25th he mentions: "Exchanged with the Rev .. George Perterkin, and in the afternoon the anni- versary of the Sunday-school of the Monumental Church was held, and addresses made by Rev. George Peterkin, Mr. Dimmock, and myself."
Dr. Woodbridge, in his twenty-fourth year's min- istry, closing with 1869, Easter Sunday, March 28, says: "This year Easter, according to Dr. Jarvis, falls on the very day of the month when our Lord rose from the dead." His morning text is taken from Psalm cxviii. 24th verse.
Under date of 4th April he says: "The Rev. Thomas U. Dudley preached for me this forenoon. and I preached at St. John's for the Rev. Mr. Wall, who had gone to King George."
Again on 16th May he says: "Attended the fune- ral of Dr. James Bolton, which took place from the church at half-past five this afternoon. His remains. were brought down from Albemarle in the five- twenty train, and all of the clergy of the church, and a large congregation attended." Dr. Bolton was much beloved, and had been one of the warmest friends and vestrymen of the Monumental Church for many years.
414
HISTORY OF THE
In the twenty-fifth year of his ministry, ending with 1870, Dr. Woodbridge records,-for the first Sunday after Christmas, the text of his afternoon sermon, Eph., 5th chapter, 18th verse: " And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." He says: "It was preached on the 20th Sunday after Trinity, and repeated this even- ing at the request of the Sons of Temperance."
After recording, under date of 20th February, that the Rev. Mr. Lyman Wharton preached for him in the evening, he says: "In the evening of Sunday I was taken with a severe chill about half- past nine, which lasted nearly all night; this was succeeded by a fever, which lasted until Wednesday. Sunday, the 27th, I had no service; the day was bad and few turned out."
The Sunday after Easter (24th April) he records : "In the afternoon at four, attended the funeral of Mr. Freeman. At five the usual service was held, and Mr. George Peterkin officiated."
On the 27th he says: "The court of appeal's room in the Capitol fell, and about seventy were killed, and many others wounded and bruised."
On the 1st May, he says in his morning text: "Thou art my God, my times are in Thy hands," in allusion to the grievous calamity which has fallen upon our city and State.
On the 28th, the day after the great disaster at the Capitol, a very large congregation at the Monumen- tal Church attended the funeral of Mr. Powhatan Roberts, a highly respected lawyer of the congrega-
415
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
tion; also a youth of the name of Turner, a page in the Virginia house of delegates, who, like Mr. Roberts, with many others, was killed by that fatal accident. The accident occurred from an over- crowded audience in the court room above the large room of the hall of the house of delegates; it sud- denly gave way, and with a heavy mass of flooring and timbers and plastering, precipitated more than a hundred human beings into the story below. The whole city was full of mourning in an hour after the disaster, and it required all the rest of the day (it occurred at 11 A. M., just an hour before the meeting of the house of delegates) to remove the debris and recover each body, which was torn and so disfigured as to render it difficult to be recognized. On Wednesday, the 4th of May, just a week after- wards, Governor Walker issued his proclamation as a day of humiliation and prayer, to be observed in special reference to the occasion, and all the churches in the city held religious and devout services, and all secular pursuits were suspended. The Monu- mental Church had a large congregation in atten- dance.
Dr. Woodbridge says, "After ascension day I was at the council in Wheeling. I left home Monday, the 6th, and reached home Tuesday, the 31st. Wed- nesday, the 1st of June, I married Mr. Franklin Stearns, Jr., to Miss Palmer."
On Sunday afternoon, the 12th, he attended the funeral of Mr. Wm. Beers (one of his congregation). On Monday he went to Mrs. Temple's in Chester-
416
HISTORY OF THE
field, and baptized three children of Mr. Carrington Watkins. Visited Mr. Ruffin's, and returned home Wednesday. Under date of Sunday, 24th July, he says, "At nine in the morning performed the funeral service for the late Mr. Walker Haxall."
" Monday, the 1st of August, at 4 P. M., I left Richmond with my daughter Elizabeth, and went to the north-to Chester, Penn., Albany, Saratoga, New Bedford, Auburndale, Stockbridge, Brooklyn. At Stockbridge I attended the ' Edwards gathering,' and delivered a short address. We returned home Wednesday, the 14th September."
In the afternoon, on the 30th of October, he at- tended the funeral of Mr. Thomas W. Doswell, of Hanover county, which took place in Monumental Church.
He records, on 24th November, "Service in the forenoon, being thanksgiving day by proclamation of President Grant, and at night the marriage of George (his son) to Miss Martha Edmond."
At the close of his twenty-sixth year, ending with 1871, Dr. Woodbridge, under date of Easter Sunday, 9th of April, says, "My brother and his- wife and Dwight came Saturday."
On the 11th of June, in the afternoon, after the service, read an article in the "Spirit of Missions."
After the 6th August he thus records: "I went to Winchester to a missionary meeting. I preached on Wednesday night, Thursday night, I made an address on the subject of missions. Friday I went to Capon Springs, and remained there two weeks,.
417
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
and preached twice. The 25th August I left and went to Berryville. I preached there, and made an address on the 'Brotherhood.'
"Wednesday, the 30th, I went to Millwood, and attended a convocation, and preached Wednesday morning, on the 'Marriage Garment ;' preached also Sunday morning, 3rd of September. I left Mill- wood, Tuesday, the 5th, and reached Staunton Wednesday night. I left Staunton, and reached Mr. Purcell's, in Albemarle, Saturday, the 10th, and preached on Luke viii., 18th verse. I left Mr. Pur- cell's on the 14th, and reached home the 15th Sep- ternber. I staid at Greenwood one day."
On the 9th of October, at night, when Bishop Huntington preached, a collection was taken up for the "increase of the ministry."
On the 12th November, in the afternoon, being the 23rd Sunday after Trinity, Dr. Woodbridge read the pastoral letter of the House of Bishops in place- of a sermon.
His next year (the twenty-seventh) ended in 1872. Under date of 10th December, he records the baptism of his grand child, Robert Edmond Woodbridge, by Bishop Whittle. On the 27th March Bishop Johns held confirmation in the Monu- mental Church, and had a class of twenty-three on the occasion ; and he records that on that day, be- fore the regular service commenced, he baptized Mrs. Dr. Charles Mills and her son, Mr. Nicholas, Mills.
Under date of 28th of July, he says, " I returned
27
418
HISTORY OF THE
from the White Sulphur, whither I went with Mrs. Woodbridge and Julia. I preached on the gospel for the day (ninth Sunday after Trinity)."
On the 4th of August the Rev. Mr. Cornish preached for him, and he administered the holy communion. The next day he writes, "I left the city and returned to the mountains. I preached at the Warm Springs August 11th, morning and even- ing. I lectured once during the week. I preached to the colored people August 18th, and again the 25th. I preached also in the morning at the Warm
Springs. August 27th I left the Warm Springs and went with my wife and daughter Julia to the Hot Springs. I preached there in the morning, Septem- ber 1st, to the whites ; in the evening to the colored, and at night at the Healing Springs, three miles off. I left Mrs. W. and Julia at the Hot Springs and re- turned home."
On the 28th he says, "Thanksgiving day ap- pointed by President Grant. Lev. xxiii. 29. Rev. Drs. Wall, Minnigerode, and Peterkin read the ser- vice on this occasion."
The next year, closing with 1873, being the 28th, he records,: "On 16th February the weather is bad, and few present. Mr. Woodbridge, of Savannah, present in the afternoon."
On the 30th March he went to Petersburg, and preached for Rev. C. J. Gibson, who came to Rich- mond, and preached in the Monumental.
Under date of 4th May he says: "During the last week I went to Lynchburg to attend a mis-
419
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
sionary meeting. I went the 30th April, and re- turned the 3rd of May." On the afternoon of 11th May he says: "Sunday-school anniversary; ad- dresses made by Rev. Messrs. Minnigerode, Peter- kin, and myself." Under date of 3rd August he says: "Tuesday morning at 6:10 I started, with my daughter Mary, and visited Albany, Saratoga, Lake George, and Champlain; returned to Albany ; went to Germantown, to West Point, and reached home Friday, 12th September. I preached in Conklings- ville twice, morning and evening. At Germantown three times."
"On the 5th October the Rev. Dr. Wheat read the service in the morning, and preached in the after- noon. To-day was the first choir music since Au- gust, and the first combined singing of the two young ladies, Misses Fox and Skelton ; and with Mr. Grant's fine voice, the music was very sweet."
Under date of 16th November Dr. Woodbridge says: "I went to Port Royal, and preached morn- ing and at night for Mr. Poindexter. That day the Rev. Mr. Forrest and Rev. Mr. Wall preached in the Monumental Church."
The next year's sermons, say for his twenty-ninth year's ministry in the Monumental Church, ending with 1874,-under date of 14th December, he says : "I exchanged with the Rev. C. J. Gibson, of Peters- burg, who preached for me in the morning, and baptized the child of Mr. W. S. P. Mayo; and Mr. Robert Gibson preached in the afternoon."
On the 4th January he says : "Baptized the child
420
HISTORY OF THE
of Mr. Rufus Yarbrough, 'Lilian Moore.'" On the 8th February, by request, he preached a former ser- mon on the dreadful and sinful habit of drunkenness, from Eph. 5th chap., 18th verse. On Easter Sunday the Rev. Pike Powers assisted him in the holy com- munion. He says, "On Good Friday my brother and his wife and child came to-day." May 3rd, Rev. Pike powers assisted him in the holy communion.
On Whit-Sunday, 24th, in the afternoon, by re- quest made of the rector and vestry, a special ser- vice and sermon by the Rev. Dr. Wall, St. John's Church, was held in the Monumental for British immigrants, in honor of the Queen's birth-day. Dr. Wall preached from 1 Peter, 2d chapter, 17th verse, "Love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." Dr. Woodbridge read the service upon this occasion, and the Rev. Dr. Wall preached. Two other clergy- men were in the chancel. Immediately after the prayer for the president of the United States, the prayer from the English prayer-book for the Queen was read, and another for the family.
The psalter for Whit-Sunday was chanted by the choir, and during the collection of the almns, the choir sang the favorite Easter anthem, taken from the 15th chapter of Corinthians, commencing with "Behold I shew you a mystery." It was delight- ful to hear it. The 99th selection, the first two and last two verses, were also sung with great spirit; also one of the additional hymns to the tune of "God save the Queen." The sermon was very ap- propriate, and the occasion a most interesting one ; the congregation very large and orderly.
421
MONUMENTAL CHURCH.
Dr. Woodbridge, under date of 13th September, says: "I returned Saturday, the 12th, from a visit with Julia, to Saratoga, Lake George, Albany, Ger- mantown, and New York. I preached in Saratoga, August 16th ; in St. Paul's, Albany, August 30th ; and in Germantown, September 6, on the Inspira- tion of the Scriptures. Likewise in last place, from Phil. 4th chapter, 6th verse, "Let your moderation be known unto all men; the Lord is at hand."
On 8th November, exchanged with the Rev. Mr. Murdaough.
Dr. Woodbridge's thirtieth year's ministry in Monumental Church closed on the 28th November, 1875.
Under date of 17th January, he says : " Exchanged with the Rev. Mr. Nelson, of Grace Church, and in the afternoon Rev. Mr. Shields preached for me, and I attended the funeral of Mr. Robert Edmond, at the Grace St. Presbyterian Church."
Under date of 21st February, he says: " Went to Alexandria to address the Bible Society. In the morning I preached in Christ Church for Mr. McKim; again at night. In the afternoon, at three, made the address. Bishop Doggett (of the Metho- dist Church) went with me."
The council for the diocese met in Richmond Wednesday, the 19th. The Monumental was open for divine service Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 5 P. M. The Rev. Melville Jackson preached on Wednesday, Mr. Tidball on Thursday, and Mr. Bar- ten on Friday. Trinity morning Rev. Mr. Weddell
422
HISTORY OF THE
preached for me; afternoon the 'British Immigra- tion Society ' held its annual service in honor of the birthday of the Queen of England, and the sermon was preached by their chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Wall, from 1st Kings, xiii. 7."
On the 30th he says, "In the afternoon Rev. Dr. Wheat preached, and baptized his grandchild, Mary Wheat. June 6th, I preached, and Mr. Fisher read the service for me, and again in the afternoon." June 27th, he says, "I preached in the forenoon, and was so unwell Mr. Fisher read the service for me. July 4th, Rev. Pike Powers preached in the morning, and assisted me in the holy communion."
August 1st, he writes, " Morning Bishop Dudley preached, and assisted me in the communion. In the afternoon, at 5, the funeral of Mrs. Phebe H. Gardner took place."
August 2nd, " I went to the north-to Saratoga, Albany, Germantown, and Chester. I preached at Saratoga, at Germantown in St. Peter's Church. I returned home Friday, 10th September."
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.