USA > Virginia > Fairfax County > Fairfax County > The history of Truro Parish in Virginia > Part 6
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, and were admitted as members of the Vestry. They, with Mr. Alex. Henderson, were added to those heretofore appointed to view and examine the new Church. Peirce Bayly, Collector, paid in fifty two hogsheads, 52,024 lbs. nett, of crop to- bacco, and four transfer notes, gross 602 lbs. It was ordered to be sold in five lots, and the sale to be advertised in George Town, Alexandria, Dum- fries and Colchester. 6 Pounds, 18s. and 8d. were allowed the Collector for prizing the tobacco.
"Whereas it appears that the dimensions of the Altar-piece mentioned in the Articles with the Un- dertaker for building the new Church, are not ac- cording to the proportions of Architecture, the Undertaker is authorized and desired to make the same according to the true proportions of the Ionic Order notwithstanding. And the Vestry being of the opinion that the stone coins are coarse grained and rather too soft they desire the same may be painted with white lead and oyle, which they think will make them sufficient. The Vestry are also of opinion that the rub'd bricks at the re- turn of all the windows ought to be painted as near as possible the same colour with the arches, and the Undertaker is desired to do the same ac- cordingly." November 29th. The Levy is laid as usual, and the Collectors and Church Wardens accounts exhibited and approved. Daniel French seems to have died since the last meeting, as pay-
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
ments are ordered made to his executor. It is seen later that his executor was Col. George Mason, by whom Pohick Church was completed. Rev. Lee Massey agreed to accept 50 Pounds in money in lieu of a Glebe, instead of the former 4,000 lbs. of tobacco. The same Processioners are appointed as four years before.
1772. June 5th. The Vestry being of opinion that it would be both ornamental and convenient to have the stone steps at the front door of the Church with three flights in place of only one in front, agreed to have them built in that manner, paying the difference in cost. The Church War- dens were ordered to agree with workmen to have the roof painted. Also for building a Vestry House of brick, twenty four by eighteen feet, nine feet pitch, plank floor, inside chimney and three windows.
"Ordered, that the six middle pews between the cross Isle and the Communion Table be sold for the benefit of the Parish, (one pew to be set up at a time,) to the highest bidder at the laying of the next Parish Levy, at six months credit, and that the Church Wardens and Vestry conduct the said sale and take proper bonds of the purchasers. And at the same time that the other six pews opposite them, on the other sides of the long Isles, be also sold to the highest bidder in like manner, or so many of them as will sell for the average price at which the first six pews shall be found to sell."
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
"The Church Wardens are directed to agree with persons to make such Carved Ornaments on the Altar piece as they shall judge proper, and guilding the letters thereon with Gold Leaf, pre- sented to this Parish by the Honble. George Wm. Fairfax and George Washington Esqrs."
1772. November 20th. Alexander Henderson rendered his account, showing a balance of 460 Pounds, 5s. 7d. due the Parish. He is ordered to pay the Executors of Daniel French 225 Pounds, 13s. 4d., the last payment on the Church, and several other accounts due. Capt. Daniel Mc.Carty this day paid 330 Pounds, part of his bond for the Glebe land; which was lodged in the hands of Mr. Henderson, out of which he was to pay the proportion due to Fairfax Parish of the money for which the Glebe and Church plate sold, upon order of the Church Wardens who were to settle the account thereof with the Vestry of Fair- fax Parish. The sum remaining unapplied was to be left in the hands of Mr. Henderson, he agree- ing to pay interest on 150 Pounds thereof. The yard of the Upper Church was ordered inclosed with posts and rails, the posts to be split or sawed locust and the rails sawed. Also the steps and door sills to be repaired.
"The twelve pews ordered to be sold at the meeting of the last Vestry except the pew No. fif- teen, were this day sold according to the said or- der, to the following persons, at the following
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
prices, Vizt. No. three and No. four adjoining to the south wall of the Church, to Col. George Mason at the price of fourteen Pounds eleven shillings and eight pence each, being the average price at which the six pews first set up between the two long Isles and the Cross Isle sold. No. five adjoining the south wall above and next to front door to Mr. Thos. Withers Coffer, at the price of fourteen Pounds, thirteen shillings. No. thirteen adjoining the north wall, to Mr. Martin Cockburn, at the price of fifteen Pounds, ten shill- ings. No. fourteen adjoining to the north wall and next above the Rector's pew to Capt. Daniel Mc. Carty at the price of fifteen Pounds, ten shill- ings. No. twenty-one, being one of the six center pews adjoining the south Isle next to the Com- munion Table, to the Honble. George William Fairfax Esqr. at the price of sixteen pounds. No. twenty two and twenty three, two of the center pews adjoining the south Isle, to Mr. Alexander Henderson, Vizt. No. twenty two at the price of thirteen pounds, and No. twenty-three, next to the Cross Isle, at the price of thirteen pounds ten shillings. No. twenty eight, one of the Center pews adjoining the north Isle and next to the Communion Table, to Colo. George Washington at the price of sixteen pounds. No. twenty nine, one of the Center pews adjoining the north Isle, to Mr. Lund Washington, at the price of thirteen pounds ten shillings. No. thirty one of the Cen-
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
prices, Vizt. No. three and No. four adjoining to the south wall of the Church, to Col. George Mason at the price of fourteen Pounds eleven shillings and eight pence each, being the average price at which the six pews first set up between the two long Isles and the Cross Isle sold. No. five adjoining the south wall above and next to front door to Mr. Thos. Withers Coffer, at the price of fourteen Pounds, thirteen shillings. No. thirteen adjoining the north wall, to Mr. Martin Cockburn, at the price of fifteen Pounds, ten shill- ings. No. fourteen adjoining to the north wall and next above the Rector's pew to Capt. Daniel Mc. Carty at the price of fifteen Pounds, ten shill- ings. No. twenty-one, being one of the six center pews adjoining the south Isle next to the Com- munion Table, to the Honble. George William Fairfax Esqr. at the price of sixteen pounds. No. twenty two and twenty three, two of the center pews adjoining the south Isle, to Mr. Alexander Henderson, Vizt. No. twenty two at the price of thirteen pounds, and No. twenty-three, next to the Cross Isle, at the price of thirteen pounds ten shillings. No. twenty eight, one of the Center pews adjoining the north Isle and next to the Communion Table, to Colo. George Washington at the price of sixteen pounds. No. twenty nine, one of the Center pews adjoining the north Isle, to Mr. Lund Washington, at the price of thirteen pounds ten shillings. No. thirty one of the Cen-
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
ter pews, adjoining the Center Isle and next the Cross Isle, to Mr. Harrison Manley at the price of fifteen pounds, ten shillings. It is ordered that the Church Wardens take the bonds for the use of the Parish, for the above mentioned purchase money, from the several respective purchasers, according to the order at the last Vestry; and that legal Deeds for the said Pews be made and executed by the Vestry to the said Purchasers for their Pews at the next meeting of the Vestry; the said purchasers preparing Deeds for that purpose."
"Ordered, that the Pew No. fifteen, adjoining to the North Wall of the Church and next above the pulpit, (which was one of the twelve pews or- dered to be sold at the last Vestry, but is not sold,) be reserved for the Rector of this Parish for the Time being and his Family, and is hereby vested in the Rector of the Parish and his successors ac- cordingly."
I773. June 4th. At a Vestry held for Truro Parish at the new Church at Pohick,-A Trust Deed for the pew above described, to the Rev. Lee Massey "for the use of himself and his Suc- cessors Rectors of this Parish forever, was this day executed by all the Members present, pur- suant to an order of the Vestry made the 20th. day of November last."
"It appearing to the Vestry that the two lower pews between the two West doors are erected where the Font ought to be, it is ordered that,
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
the said two pews be taken down and the space left open."
"Upon the Motion of the Honble. George Wil- liam Fairfax Esqr. and Alexander Henderson, Gent. in behalf of themselves and the other pur- chasers of the six upper middle pews above the Cross Isle, leave is granted to the said purchasers to take up the stones in the Isles and to raise the said six pews at their own private expence to the same height above the Isles and exactly in the same manner with the pews next to the Walls, they making good any Damage that may happen in doing the same; and it is also ordered that the eight middle pews below the Cross Isles be raised in the same manner at the expence of the Parish."
"William Copein having undertaken to make a Stone Font for the Church according to a draught in the 150th. plate in Langleys Designs being the uppermost on the left hand for the price of six pounds he finding himself everything, the Vestry agree to pay him that sum for finishing the same."
November 22d. The parish Levy was laid and accounts rendered. Alex. Henderson has 218 pounds, thirteen shillings and ten pence half penny in his hands belonging to the Parish. He is or- dered to pay William Copein seven pounds, five shillings for a stone Font and Step. George Mason and Edward Payne, Gents. appointed Church Wardens.
II74. February 15th. "George Mason, Esqr.
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
Executor of Daniel French decd. Undertaker of the Church near Pohick, having finished the said Church, tender(ed) the same to this Vestry (con- sisting of six members and the Rector of the Par- ish, besides the said George Mason,) and the said Vestry, being of opinion that the said Church is finished according to agreement do receive the same as far as they have authority to do so, the said George Mason undertaking to finish the Horse Blocks and Benches under the Trees, which was part of the original Agreement of the Under- taker. The said George Mason having produced his account against the Parish for extra work about the Church, the settlement of the same is referred to the next meeting of the Vestry." There were present, Lee Massey, R. T. P .; G. Mason, C. W .; Go. Washington, Daniel Mc.Carty, Alex. Henderson, Tz. Ellzey, Pet. Wagener, Mar- tin Cockburn.
"At a Vestry held for Truro Parish at the new Church near Pohick, February the 24th. 1774.
"The receiving of the new Church near Pohick by an order of the last Vestry is confirmed, and the Executors of Mr. Daniel French deceased are discharged from their Testators Bond, upon fin- ishing the Horse Blocks and Benches mentioned in the said order.
"George Mason Esqr. Executor of Daniel French decd. having exhibited an account amount- ing to the sum of one hundred and sixteen pounds
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
nineteen shillings and ten pence halfpenny Curr. Money, for sundrie Alterations in the said Church and other work done thereto not inserted in the Undertakers Articles; the said account being sworn to by Going Lamphier, William Copein and William Bernard Sears was examined and ap- proved; and it is ordered that Mr. Alexander Hen- derson pay him (out of the Parish's money in his hands) the sum of Fifty six pounds sixteen shill- ings and six pence halfpenny, being the balance due on the said account, after deducting the sum of twenty nine pounds three shillings and four pence for the price of two Pews in the said Church purchased by the said George Mason, and also thirty one pounds paid him by Capt. Daniel Mc.Carty and Mr. Martin Cockburn for their Pews.
"The Trust Deed from the Vestry to the Revd. Lee Massey for a Pew in the new Church dated June the 4th. 1773, not having been admitted to Record within the time limited by Law, the same is cancelled, and a new deed executed to him for the same Pew.
"Deeds were this day executed by the Vestry to the following Persons Vizt. George William Fairfax, George Mason and George Washington Esqr., Messrs. Daniel Mc.Carty, Alexander Hen- derson, Martin Cockburn, William Triplett, and John Manley Heir at Law of Harrison Manley decd., for the several Pews in the new Church
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
near Pohic bought by them at Public Auction the twentieth day of November 1772. The Pew then bought by Mr. Lund Washington being after- wards sold by him to the said George Washing- ton, & the Pew then bought by Mr. Thomas With- ers Coffer being afterwards sold by him to Mr. William Triplett, are conveyed by the Vestry ac- cordingly .*
"Ordered, that the Upper Pew in the new Church adjoining the South Wall be appropriated to the Use of the Magistrates and Strangers, and the Pew opposite thereto to the use of their Wives, and the two Pews next below them to be appro- priated to the Vestrymen and Merchants and their Wives in like manner. And it is further ordered that the eight Pews below and adjoining the Cross Isle of the Church be assigned to the use of the most respectable Inhabitants and House Keepers of the Parish, the Men to sit in the four pews next the South Wall, and the Women in the other four next the North Wall.
"The Church Wardens having failed to let the building of a Vestry House at the new Church pursuant to a former order of this Vestry, and the Vestry being now of opinion that it will be to the Advantage of the Parish to let the inclosing of the Church Yard together with the building of the said Vestry House, Ordered that the Vestry be
*A copy of the deed for the pews purchased by Washington will be found in the Appendix.
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
called to meet on Fryday the 22d. of April in order to let the building the said Vestry House and in- closing the said Church Yard, which inclosure is to be made of Brick one hundred and sixty feet square from out to out, three feet six inches high at the highest Part of the Ground, two Bricks thick, to go one foot below the surface and to be covered with Cypress Shingles and Painted, to have three Pier Gates. The Church Wardens to advertise the above meeting in the Virginia and Maryland Gazette after the usual Form upon such Occasions.
"Ordered that the new Church near Pohic be furnished with a Cushion for the Pulpit and Cloths for the Desks & Communion Table of Crimson Velvett with Gold Fring, and that Colo. George Washington be requested to import the same, as also two Folio Prayer Books covered with blue Turkey Leather with Name of the Parish there- on in Gold Letters, the Demensions of the said Cushion and Cloths being left to Wm. Bernard Sears who is desired to furnish Colo. Washington with proper Patterns at the Expense of the Parish." "Lee Massey, R. T. P. Alex. Henderson G. Mason, C. W. T. Ellzey
Edwd. Payne, C. W.
Thos. W. Coffer
G. Washington
Thos. Ford
Daniel Mc.Carty
Pet. Wagener
Martin Cockburn.
"Recorded by John Barry, Clk. V."
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
(The above is an exact copy of the Records of this meeting.)*
The Vestry met again on February 25th. by ad- journment from yesterday.
"Bonds being taken yesterday from Colo. George Washington for himself, and also as At- torney in Fact for Colo. George William Fairfax now in Brittain, from Mr. Alexander Henderson, Mr. William Triplett, and Mr. Thomas Triplett Executor of Harrison Manley decd. for the pur- chase Money of the Pews bought by them in the new Church near Pohick, the same Bonds were delivered to Colo. George Mason Church Warden to be by him collected and accounted for at the next laying the Levy, he having already received of Capt. Daniel Mc.Carty and Mr. Martin Cock- burn the Price of their Pews purchased at the same time, which together with the Price of his own two Pews are deducted out of his account settled and received yesterday by the Vestry." William Bernard Sears was paid fifty eight pounds
*This was Washington's last Vestry. He continued a nominal Vestryman until 1782, but from this time his public duties took him from home, frequently at first and afterwards for many years con- tinuously. Under date of July 10, 1783, he writes to his old friend, George William Fairfax, in London: "I have not been in the State (Virginia) but once since the 4th. of May, 1775. and that was at the seige of York. In going thither I spent one day at my own house, and in returning I took 3 or 4, without attempting to transact a particle of private business."
The regularity of Washington's attendance at the meetings of the Vestry is deserving of special notice. During the eleven years of his active service, from February, 1763, to February, 1774, thirty- one "Vestries" were held, at twenty-three of which he is recorded as being present. On the eight occasions when he was absent, as we learn from his Diary or other sources, once he was sick in bed, twice the House of Burgesses, of which he was a member, was in session, and three other times certainly, and on the two remaining occasions probably, he was out of the County.
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nineteen shillings for carved work done by him in the new Church. William Copein was paid for extra work on the same Church, and Francis Cof- fer for railing the yard and making stone steps at the upper Church, and Gowan Langfier and Wm. Copein for their trouble and attendance in meas- uring the carved work on the Altar piece and Pul- pit, the former thirty, the latter ten, shillings.
"Ordered that William Bernard Sears gild the Ornaments within the Tabernacle Frames, the Palm Branch and Drapery on the front of the Pulpit, (also the Eggs on the Cornice of the small Frames if the Gold will hold out,) which he agreed to do for three pounds ready money, to be done with the Gold Leaf given to the Parish by Colo. George Washington."
"The Vestry having reconsidered their order of yesterday directing the Church Yard to be in- closed with Brick, And considering that the ex- pence thereof will be too burthensome to the Par- ish at this time having just finished two expensive Churches, and a Glebe not yet purchased, have changed their opinions, and do accordingly order that (instead of a Brick Wall) the said Church Yard be inclosed with a Post and Rail Fence in the following manner, to wit, with sawed Cedar Posts to go two feet and a half in the ground, to be first burnt, sawed Yellow Pine Rails clear of sap, five feet high from the surface to the top rail, Posts eight feet asunder, the whole to be well
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payed with turpentine and red paint, with three Palisadoed Gates painted a Stone Colour with Locks."
The roof and fence at the Upper Church were ordered painted.
Capt. Edward Payne resigned as Vestryman, and Mr. Thomas Pollard was chosen in his stead.
I774. November 24th. The Parish Levy is
laid, and accounts audited. George Washington Esqr. and Thomas Pollard Gent. are appointed Church Wardens for the next year. Alex. Hen- derson pays over to Mr. Pollard all money in his hands and is fully discharged of all accounts, and Col. Mason delivers to Mr. Pollard Col. George Washington's Bonds for his own pew and that of Col. Fairfax. Mr. Peter Wagener was chosen a Vestryman in the room of Major Peter Wagener, deceased.
1775. November 3d. The Levy shows 1363 tithables, as against 962 ten years before just after the division. This indicates the growth of the population. Col. Daniel Mc.Carty and Capt. Mar- tin Cockburn were ordered to "take into their possession the books belonging to the Parish lately kept by John Barry, decd." The Revd. Lee Massey was appointed Clerk of the Vestry. Mr. Mason, Col. Mc.Carty, Capt. Cockburn, Capt. Pol- lard, Rev. Mr. Massey and Mr. Henderson were appointed to prepare a plan for the employment of
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THE HISTORY OF TRURO PARISH
and providing for the poor of the Parish, and re- port to the next Vestry.
1776. May 6th. At the laying of the last Levy no Collector had been appointed, perhaps because none offered. On this day the Collection was let to the lowest bidder, agreeable to notice given, and was undertaken by William Bayly at nine per Cent. The regular price heretofore had been six per Cent. The Levy was very small, only twenty pounds per Poll.
1776. November 22d. Mr. Peter Wagener and Mr. Thomazen Ellzey appointed Church War- dens, and ordered to receive from former Wardens all balances due the Parish, including General George Washington's Bond and that of Col. George William Fairfax for which the General is liable, and to pay the several sums due the Parish Claimants charged this day, amounting to 119 pounds six shillings and four pence. William Triplett, Edward Ford and Francis Coffer were elected Vestrymen in the room of George William Fairfax Esqr. removed, Thomas Ford deceased, and William Gardner removed. The Church War- dens with Col. Mason and Capt. Cockburn, or any three of them, were appointed to look out for a tract of land suitable for a Glebe, and in case they succeeded were to report to a Vestry to be called for the purpose. The Levy was 30 pounds per Poll, on 1337 tithables. On the following April
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William Payne the eldest undertook the collection at 8 per Cent .*
1777. October 2d. Deeds of Lease and Release from the Vestry to Col. Daniel Mc.Carty for the old Glebe were acknowledged by the Vestry, and the Church Wardens ordered to receive from Col. Mc.Carty the balance of the purchase money due. "Ordered, that the Church Wardens send Sarah Shelton (a poor child) to Dr. James of St. Mary's County Maryland and employ him to cure her of her present Disorders."
1777. November 27th. "William Triplett and Francis Coffer Gent. are appointed Church War- dens or Overseers of the Poor for the ensuing year." The Rev. Lee Massey resigned his office as Clerk of the Vestry, and Francis Adams was
*A special interest attaches to this levy because it was the last that was ever laid for the support of the old Colonial Church or the maintenance of religion in the Parish, such levies being from this time suspended by Act of Assembly and afterward abolished entirely. The support of the Clergy was left to be provided for by voluntary contributions.
There is no record of any effort being made for the future sup- port of the Rev. Mr. Massey as Minister of this Parish. The dis- turbed condition of the times during the Revolution, and the ab- sence of many leading men, may have prevented. Or more probably Mr. Massey wished to retire, for his Grandson, Col. J. T. Stoddert, of Maryland, wrote Bishop Meade that impaired speech was the cause of his ceasing to preach. After this he received for one year 500 pounds of tobacco as Clerk of the Vestry, and then his name disappears from the Records. We are told that he afterwards stud- ied medicine and practised freely among the poor. He had been a practising lawyer before his ordination to the ministry, so it would seem that he followed successively what were known as the three learned professions of Law, Divinity and Medicine. He con- tinued to live at "Bradley," his plantation on the Occoquan, until his death in 1814 at the age of eighty-six. A simple stone still marks his grave.
From this time forward the Records of the Vestry show their business to have been confined to the care of the poor, for which purpose levies of tobacco were still authorized. "Overseers of the Poor" became an alternate designation for the Church Wardens.
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appointed in his stead. Tithables 1316. Levy 15 lbs. per Poll.
1778. No Levy was laid this year, as the Vestry found funds sufficient in their hands for the main- tenance of the poor for the ensuing year.
1779. December 8th. Martin Cockburn Gent. having resigned his office as Vestryman Daniel Mc.Carty junior was elected in his stead, and Ed- ward Washington junior was elected in place of Edward Ford who refused to serve. Tithables 1350. Levy 12 lbs. per Poll.
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