USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 32
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Nearly opposite the southern gate, on Church street, at the foot of one of those splen-
did elms, which were brought from the neigh- borhood of Hampton during Rev. Mr. Miller's pastorate, there are four tombstones, side by side : one of the central ones, now lying prone upon the ground, has doubtless attracted your attention by the large heraldic device which occupies more than half of the stone. It is the grave of Jolin Taylor, whose motto was, "Fide ct Fiducia." My good friend Dr. Grigsby, when he lectures on the dead of St. Paul's, will doubtless tell you all about the one whose mor- tal remains lie underneath. My story is about something on the upper side of that slab. Dur- ing a recess at the Old Academy, as was often my wont, I was playing "Old Mortality" among the tombs in this cemetery, and having often heard it said. that there was no monu- ment showng a burial earlier than the eight- eenth century, my attention was riveted on "1600" on this stone. The inscription was very much effected. much more so than now, as it has since been partially restored, and was very difficult to decipher, but after a hasty investigation I was satisfied that the deceased had died and was therefore buried in 16 hun- dred and blank. I announced the discovery to some of my playmates, but they treated it as a matter of indifference when the old gentle- man died, being more interested in the price of tops and marbles, around the corner at Jor- dan's, or in the success of a game of "hop scotch." a sidewalk amusement in our early days, evidently invented by some disciples of St. Crispen, for speedily destroying the soles of shoes. At home in the evening, however, I found a more interested audience, and when I announced with all the enthusiasm of a second Christopher Columbus that I had discovered in St. Paul's churchyard a tombstone bearing date in the seventeenth century, Anno Domini 16 hundred and something. my ronored father, whose love for the Old Church and its sur- roundings was proverbial and whose retentive memory made him familiar with every grave in that burial-ground, smiled increduously, told me it was quite impossible, and that he would give me a thousand dollars if I could find a
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tombstone with so old a date. To make it binding. I had the promised reward reduced to writing, and with the document in my posses- ion went to bed that night a happy boy. The sudden acquisition of wealth is a mixed bless- ing. Riches not only have wings, but they have their weights along wth their enjoyments. I passed a restless night! I spent that thous- sand dollars in a hundred different ways. In the first impulse of gratitude I appropriated one hundred dollars to charities : I am ashamed to confess that before I fell asleep I had re- (luced the amount to ten. I recall now with sorrow, what latent selfishness was developed in my heart by the anticipated possession of that thousand dollars, and yet I was not more selfish than the average boy. The rising sun found me up and dressed and on my way to verify my discovery, so as to claim the prom- ised reward. I am constitutionally opposed to very early rising. I have always thought it a philosophical reply to the trite remark, that "The early bird catches the worm." that "It is the early worm that gets caught by the bird." The poet who sung "Early to bed and early to rise, make men healthy, wealthy and wise," not only stole the sentiment and words from that old heathen Aristotle, but he lived under a different sky and a very different clime from ours. My observation has been that the wealthiest and wisest of our citizens do not cross Stone Bridge before nine in the morning. and many have lived to a good old age. We delude ourselves, possibly, with the idea that it is malarious before seven in the summer and eight in the winter, in this regon; and it is a very comfortable delusion to those who can afford it. I had no such misgivings. however, on the morning mentioned. I can recall now how delightfully fresh everything smelt and felt. The atmosphere was so rarified that 1 breathed freer than usual, in striking contrast to my accustomed feelings as I wended my way to school down those same familiar streets. especially when unlearned lessons gave me an unwholesome fear of the rod. My heart beat in sympathy with all nature, displaying itself
in unusual politeness to the colored uncles and aunties I met hurrying to work, and in gener- ous impulses toward the ragged urchins on early errands, and actually restraining me from shying a rock at some tempting cats. At last the old churchyard was reached, the wall scaled, and "Young Mortality" was down upon his knees searching after truth. . Alas. how frail and weak is poor humanity! How liable to error! Investigation disclosed that the occupant of that tomb was born in 16 hun- dred and something : he had lived too long. for further down, almost illegible, his death was recorded in 1744. There were tears shed over that grave that morning, and the passing stranger, ignorant of the ordinance prohibiting interments in this cemetery, may have wasted his sympathy on the lacrymose youth who had missed a warm breakfast in the fruitless quest after filthy lucre.
Generation after generation have come and gone, but still the Old Church stands. Ein- pires have arisen and have fallen, the Colony has become the State, peace has had its victo- ries and war its dread alarms, but still the prayer and song of praise ascend from its hal- lowed walls.
For nearly a century and a half children have there been dedicated to God, and have confirmed their baptismal vows around its sacred altar. Loving hearts among them have been made one in God's holy ordinance; and from its doors one after another has been car- ried out by sorrowing friends. There can be no heart in all this city that does not sometimes warm at the sight of Old St. Paul's.
Those to the manor born and bred must have some sacred memories associated with the Old Church and its burial-ground, while those who have come from other places to cast their lot with us must be reminded by it of their old homes. It is the oldest inhabitant, and bids a silent but impressive welcome to all who come to live within our gates.
To one who like myself, can coum five gen- crations of his name who have worshiped after the manner of their fathers in that house of
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God, there springs up an attachment which makes it second not even to his home, that makes it a part and parcel of his life, to which he clings the firmer as the ebbing tide of time sweeps from him forever on this shore other landmarks and associations of childhood, youth and maturer years.
WILLIAM LAMB.
Norfolk, Va., May 12, 1879.
Christ Protestant Episcopal Church. Norfolk.
On the 24th day of June. 1800, the corner- stone of Christ Church was laid, $16,000 hav- ing been subscribed for the erection of the building. The new church was duly completed and occupied. It stood where the First Pres- byterian Church now stands. On March 9. 1827. between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning. a fire broke out in the workshops on the south- : ern corner of Main and Church streets, and the flames extending up Church street des- troyed the edifice of Christ Church. On the 20th day of June, three months later the corner- stone of the new Christ Church was laid, the one in which divine services are now held. The church was completed and consecrated on the 9th of November, 1828, at a cost of about $20,000.
Rev. Henry William Ducachet was the rec- tor and continued his ministry until November. : 1834. when he resigned; then Rt. Rev. Will- jam Meade took charge for two years, when he resigned the church into the hands of Rev. Martin P. Parkes. The last named was a graduate of West Point, and as an army officer was stationed at Fortress Monroe, where he was converted at a Methodist revival, and after working among that denomination awhile be- came an Episcopalian and received the holy orders of the church from the hands of Bishop ยท Meade. Upon his resignation, Rev. Upton Beall became the rector of Christ Church,- his death occurred on the ioth of March, 1847. The vacancy was supplied by Rev. George D. Cummings, who remained until 1853. when Rev. Charles Minnigerode, D. D., was called to the service of the church. During the yel-
low fever, Dr. Minnigerode was in Europe and Rev. Lewis Walke supplied his place through that awful scourge, until he and his wife were stricken down with the disease from which she died.
The next rector was Rev. Erskine M. Rod- man, who commenced in 1857 and continued until 1864. St. Paul's Church having been seized and occupied by the Federal authorities during the war, Rev. N. A. Okeson. D. D., officiated at Christ Church until 1865 when, in December, Rev. O. Sievers Barten, D. D., be- came rector and served until his death. Rev. Carl Eckhardt Grammer, S. T. D., was called and assumed charge on the Ist of March, 1898. The assistant minister is Rev. John H. Dickin- son. The other officers of the church are as follows. Senior warden, B. P. Loyall; junior warden, T. A. Williams; registrar. R. M. Hughes ; treasurer, D. S. Burwell ; lay reader, G. A. Frick. The number of communicants is 586.
St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, Norfolk.
In October, 1873, a chapel erected by the guild members of St. Paul's and Christ congre- gations, under the name of St. Luke's, was opened for divine services. This chapel has grown into a strong, vigorous and self-sus- taining parish, having one of the most beau- tiful and elaborate Episcopal edifices in the South.
St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, Norfolk,
was organized in 1886, and on the 19th of No- ventber of the same year the first vestry was elected. During this year the edifice was erect- ed, and on March 14, 1887, consecrated by Bishop Whittle. Its first rector was Rev. Bev- erley D. Tucker, who resigned December I, 1886, and was succeeded by Rev. W. L. Gra- vatt, who accepted a call from the church De- cember 15. 1886, and entered upon his duties
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in February, 1887. He was succeeded by Rev. W. R. Smith, who in turn was succeeded by the present rector. Rev. Charles E. Woodson. The building completed cost $2.410.07.
There are two chapels in Elizabeth River Parish .- Emanuel in Huntersville, suburb of Norfolk, and St. Mark's at Lambert's Point.
RECTORS IN ELIZABETHI RIVER PARISH.
Rev. John Wilson .. 1637
Rev. Thomas Harrison 1040
Rev. Richard Powis 1648
Rev. William Nern 1680
Rev. James Falconer 1720
Rev. - Garzia.
1724
Rev. Mose- Robertson. . 1734
Rev. Charles Smith. 1749
Rev. Thomas Davis. 1773
Rev. Walker Maury. 1786
Rev. James Whitehead. 1789
Rev. William Bland.
1808
Rev. Samuel Lowe 1816
Rev. Enoch Lowe .. 1821
Rev. William Wicks 1823
Rev. George A. Smith. 1825
Rev. Henry William Ducachet.
1826
Rev. Ebenezer Boyden.
1833
Rt. Rev. William Meade.
1835
Rev. Thomas Atkinson.
1837
Rt. Rev. Joseph P. B. Wilmer.
1838
Rev. Benjamin M. Miller
Rev. Leonidas T. Smith.
1845
Rev. David Caldwell. .
1845
Rev. George D. Cummings
1847
Rev. William 31. Jackson.
1849
Rev. Charle- Minnigerode.
1853
Rev. Lewis Walke. 1856
Rev. Nichola- A. Okeson. 1856
Rev. Er-kine M. Rodman.
1857
Rev. O. Siever- Parten 1865
Rev. Beverley D. Tucker 1882
Rev. W. L. Gravati. 1887
Rev. John B. Newton.
1890
Rev. A. S. Lloyd.
1894
Rev. William \. Barr.
1900
Rev. W. R. Smith.
Rev. Charles E. Woodson 1900
Rev. Carl Eckhardt Granmer 1900
Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, Ports- mouth.
It was in the early part of 1761, in the reign of George III. that an Act was passed author- izing the division of Elizabeth River Parish, which was coincident with Norfolk County,
into three parts, that part west of the Southern Branch to be Portsmouth Parish.
The election for vestrymen of this parish was held under the supervision of the sheriff, and on the 8th day of June. 1761. they ap- peared before the County Court and qualified as the law directed. In 1762 the vestry caused to be erected, at the southwest corner of High and Court streets on land dedicated by Col. William Craford, Trinity Church; and they also purchased from him the Glebe, 175 acres, now the site of Port Norfolk. Two other churches were built in Portsmouth Parish, one near the village of Deep Creek and one near Hodge's Ferry, on the north side of the West- ern Branch. These two churches have long since disappeared.
It would seem that for some reason Rev. Charles Smith, who had been rector of Eliza- beth River Parish, gave up St. Paul's Church, Norfolk, and became the first rector of Ports- mouth Parish, and continued in charge until his death at the Glebe at Port Norfolk, in 1773. His tombstone with an interesting inscription lies in this churchyard. He was succeeded by Rev. John Braidfoote, who was a native of Scotland and had been only a short time in the ministry when the Revolutionary War broke cut. He was a zealous patriot, and served as chaplain in the Revolutionary Army, returning to his parish after the close of the war. He married Blandinah Moselley of Norfolk. He died at the Glebe (now Port Norfolk ). 1779. and was buried by the side of his predecessor in an unmarked grave. Hlis descendants are still among the parishioners of Trinity Parish.
He was succeeded by Rev. Arthur Emmer- son, who took charge of the church in 1785. He was a native of Accomac County, and was 42 years old when he took charge. He was the son of a clergyman, and was ordained in Eng- land by the Bishop of London. He was in charge of a parish in Brunswick County and also Nansemond. He was for 16 years rector of Portsmouth Parish, and lived at the Glebe until, on account of bad health, he moved into Portsmouth and bought
Rev. L'pion Beall.
1841
1845
Rev. Martin P. Parks.
1836
Rev. Andrew Syms.
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the property next to the churchyard. Here he spent the remainder of his days, faithfully dis- charging his duties as far as health would permit. Dr. Wingfield wrote in 1855: "He is spoken of by those who knew him who are now living, as a truly pious man, and consistent Christian, but being always in delicate health, he was unable to perform much active labor and resorted much to his books, both for in- struction and recreation. He was buried un- der the present door-way of the old church. which was the chancel of the old church. but when the church was enlarged or changed, his body was removed to Accomac. He died in 1801, leaving behind a record of a noble Chris- tian life and unsullied character."
The next rector was Rev. George Young, who remained in charge eight years. He re- moved to Prince George County, where he died and was buried in 1811.
From 1809 to 1821, the services of the church ceased to be rendered on this spot. The flock was scattered and strayed into other folds. The church building, though of brick. became much out of order and at one time was converted into a school-house. "It was utterly unfit for holding divine service. But for the timely efforts of a few who were still attached to the old building, from having in their child- hood been carried there by their pious fore- fathers, that too would soon have fallen to ruins, as most of the congregation had gone off and united with surrounding denomina- tions, leaving but a very small remnant who remembered and preserved their attachment for the old church and her solemn ways."
In 1820 an incident occurred that awoke the sleeping activity of the church here. Some members of the Presbyterian Church invited a minister of that denomination to come and hold occasional services' for them in the old disused church. They obtained permission of the few remaining members who held on to it. and put some repairs on it to preserve it from utter ruin. The Episcopalians, along with others, attended these services, which were
held at shorter and shorter intervals. At last this minister, without asking anyone's permis- sion, indicated that he would virtually take possession of the church, by giving out notice that he would have service there every Sunday. The members of the congregation. esteeming his interpretation of the laws of hospitality rather broad, asked for the keys of the church. and declined to extend any further courtesy to this minister who desired to assume control of the old church. They then invited Rev. Enoch M. Lowe, of Christ Church, Norfolk. to come over occasionally and have services for them. This he did until 1821 (Easter) when he called a meeting and had a vestry elected as follows, viz: William Dickson. John Dickson. Arthur Emmerson, John Cox. John Wilson. D. A. Reynolds, George Webb and William P. Young. The vestry invited M. B. Chase, chaplain in the U. S. Navy, to have services for them, and sent M. B. Chase and Arthur Emmerson to the convention which met in Norfolk. This convention was held in Christ Church, which at that time was the only Epis- copal Church occupied in Norfolk. It had only 160 communicants. There were less than 175 in the community comprising both cities, where we now have a dozen churches and chapels. and 2,000 communicants. In Hawk's reports for the convention of 1821. is the following note: "The old congregation of Portsmouth Parish has been revived and promises to be- come a flourishing branch of our Zion." The delegates from Portsmouth Parish petitioned for its admission to the convention.
Rev. John H. Wingfield, then a deacon, who had been instructed by old Bishop Ravens- croft, and had been at work in Halilfax County. attended this convention and stayed over a few days, preaching Sunday at the church here. The vestry immediately met and called him. After consultation with Rev. Mr. Ravenscroft. afterward Bishop of North Carolina, he ac- cepted and began the work, to which he gave the best energies of his life for 50 years. We can now best trace the history of the parish by
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transcribing from Hawk's history the reports Mr. Wingfield rendered briefly at each con- vention until 1835.
"In 1822, he reports 10 communicants. and says the report from this parish is highly favorable both as respects the spiritual and temporal condition of the church. In 1823. he reports to the convention : "The Rector of this parish is happy in having it to say that the state of his charge has suffered nothing since his last report. The church has been put in neat and comfortable repair and the congre- gatien has somewhat increased.' There have been 10 added to his list of communicants, all of whom he has reason to hope are of the num- ber of such as shall be saved. Communi- cants 18.
"In 1824, he reports to the convention : 'The congregation of Portsmouth Parish in- creases slowly, and the general state of the church here is prosperous: an increased at- ! tendance on the preached word is more regular and general. The gospel kingdom is gaining ground, and the Rector rejoices in the hope of a "day of better things" not far distant.' Communicants 19.
"In 1825. he reports to the convention : 'Trinity Church, Portsmouth Parish. The Rector laments that he has nothing very favor- able to report concerning his charge. but he is not discouraged, having some reason to hope that a better state of things will succeed.' Com- municants 16. You will observe that this church received its name of Trinity Church in 1825. 63 years after it was founded.
"In 1826 he makes the following report to the convention : 'Trinity Church, Ports- mouth: There has been very little change in the state of this parish since the last conven- tion. The congregation has somewhat in- creased, and seems to be generally a little more scrious and attentive. Meetings have been es- tablished in the week at private houses for prayer and exhortation, which appear to be viewed with interest. There is a catechetical class of about 25 children, who manifest con-
siderable interest in the instructions the Rector imparts to them on the catechism, collects and articles of the church.' Communicants 15.
"In 1827 he reports he has been blessed with the pleasing satisfaction of beholding an increasing interest on the subject of religion among his charge, manifested by the accession of several families to his congregation ; by a more regular attendance in the public minis- tration of the word: by a greater number of persons taking an active part in the services of the sanctuary, and by more devotion in the manner in which those services are conducted. But that which proves to him most satisfactor- ily the increase of religious feeling among his people is the conversion-the true conversion. he trusts-of three individuals of his small charge within the last six weeks, and the in- quiring state in which about half a dozen or more are at this time. He reports a Sunday- school started with 12 teachers and 80 scholars. and also that with the close of the past year he ceased his regular monthly ministrations in the Parish of Lynnhaven. Communicants 15.
"In 1828 he reports eight persons added to the communion, and also that measures were being taken to add side galleries to the church. Communicants in full. 24.
"In 1829 he reports the congregation as large as the number of pews will admit. He also reports liberal subscriptions to the amount of $1,800, obtained for the purpose of enlarging the church, to which it is intended to add a steeple and vestry-room. .The whole design will leave us with a debt of $1.700, for the liquidation of which we depend upon the future increase of our congregation and the assistance of friends abroad and at home.' The number of communicants in 1829 was 2.4.
"In 1830, he reports to the convention as follows: 'Our house of worship has been al- most entirely rebuilt since last convention. To the accomplishment of this object we are par- ticularly indebted to one individual, who, he- sides his own personal labor and a liberal do- nation of Sioo, generously advanced $1.000,
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without which the work must have been greatly retarded, if not suspended altogether.' Com- municants, 33.
"In 1831, he reports 32 communicants.
"In 1832, he reports the parish growing. Communicants, 37.
"In 1833. he reports 39 communicants, and speaks with sorrow of the loss of life from cholera, by which Portsmouth had been visited during the year.
"In 1834, he reports 37 communicants, and
says : 'There is a Temperance Society in this ; and thus was commenced the beautifying of parish numbering about 200 members and con- tinually increasing.'
"In 1835, he reports communicants 34, and says : 'Since the last convention, by the exer- tions of the ladies of the congregation, the debt due for the rebuilding of the church has been fully discharged and the state of the par- ish now, in outward things, is more prosper- ous than it has ever been since I took charge of it in 1822. I regret I cannot say as much concerning its spiritual condition. Though re- ligious services are as abundant, and more so than ever, yet there is a general indifference manifested on the subject of personal piety. which prevails to a lamentable extent. "All seek too much their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." Here ends the report as given in Hawk's "History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia."
The church had been on this spot at that time 73 years.
respectively appropriated. "These were," he said, "our most prosperous days. In 1842, we had 27 confirmed and in 1843 nineteen." Then came a time of congregational trouble, which brought much sorrow to all and affected the growth of the church until 1853, when the prospects again began to brighten, which has continued up to the present time.
Dr. Wingfield goes on to say: "In the year 1856, this recess chancel and present ves- try-room were erected at the cost of $1,200, this sacred edifice, which has been gradually carried on until it has reached the state in which you now behold it. During the late civil strife, it was shamefully and sacreligiously profaned and defaced, from which condition it has since been restored and other adornments added in memory of loved ones whom we would not forget." The church during the Confed- erate War was used as a hospital, boards being nailed to the tops of the pews.
Dr. Wingfield during his old age was as- sisted by his son, the present Bishop of North- ern California, and also by Rev. John S. Lind- say, now in Boston. He celebrated his 50th anniversary of rectorship in November, 1871, and died a few days after. "Self-sacrificing, (levoted to the service of Christ and the Church, patient in his labors, humble in his opinion of his worth, he has entered into that rest which reniaineth for the people of God." His last words spoken in this place were: "Let us re- member we must all appear before the judg- ment seat of Christ, to account for our im- provement of our many religious privileges. May we hear Him say, 'Well done, good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joys of your Lord.' "
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