USA > Vermont > Windsor County > Woodstock > In loving remembrance of the founders of the parish of Saint James Church in Woodstock, Vermont and of those by whose devotion their work was continued this memorial is set forth : 1827-1907 > Part 2
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writing, 1882, few of the original members were living in the parish and tells us that there " is no sewing for money purposes. Some work is done in connection with the auxiliary aid society."
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Saint James Church, 1907
-
Later Years
T HE Sunday School was organized in 1828 under the superintendence of Mr. George P. Williams, and the early records call attention to its con- tinued prosperity. During this time Mr. Williams, who afterwards was ordained to the Diaconate in St. James, acted as lay-reader when occasion demanded.
The Rev. Mr. Parker, after being rector of St. James for six and a half years, resigned in May, 1839. A temporary supply was secured in the person of the Rev. John Grigg. This proving an unsatisfactory arrangement, Mr. Clap was recalled from Maine, and in 1840 again became rector of St. James. Financial difficulties seem to have made them- selves felt during this time, for we find in 1843 that the Vestry gave consent to Mr. Clap to preach as a Missionary at Springfield and at Proctorsville," as the Parish had not been able to raise a sum sufficient
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to pay (him) for supplying the pulpit the whole time for the year." Evidently these conditions did not materially mend, for in November, 1847, Mr. Clap resigned, "influenced " as he says in his letter of re- signation, " by the inability of the Parish to raise a salary at all adequate to the support of my family."
Mr. Clap's resignation having been accepted, the Vestry chose as " pastor of this parish " the Rev. Mar- cellus A. Herrick, who entered upon his duties in December, 1847, becoming rector in 1849. He resigned in 1861 and was followed by the Rev. J. W. Mellwaine, who stayed at St. James until July, 1866. He was followed in 1867 by the Rev. Roger S. Howard. It was during Mr. How- ard's rectorship that the changes spoken of above in the church building, together with the new organ, were made possible by the Ladies' Society, and various gifts were given to the parish, among which must be men- tioned a new communion service.
It is not necessary to trace in any sort of detail the story of the parish during the last generation. Mr. Howard was followed by the Rev. James O. Drumm, who after nearly a year's service as Deacon was made rector on his ordination to the Priesthood. He stayed but a year longer. This was in 1871. Supplies, or Ministers-in-charge, served the parish until the election
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of the Rev. Francis W. Smith in 1877, whose twenty- two years of ministry bring us nearly to the present day. Mr. Smith was followed by the Rev. John D. Ewing, and he by the Rev. Charles H. Wells. During the rectorship of Mr. Wells many memorials were secured for the church and the project of the new building was carried well towards completion. The present rector came January I of this year.
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The Last Services
N APRIL 28, 1907, the old church was used for the last time. The Holy Communion was celebrated at half past seven and at half past ten and many "drew near " for their last Communion in the old Church, where they had been baptized and confirmed and in some cases married. After the morning service, addresses suitable to the occasion were made. The rector outlined the early history of the Parish. Mr. C. F. Chapman spoke of what the Church stands for in the family associations of the community and urged that memorials of one kind or another should be placed in the new building to mark and continue these family associations. Mr. W. N. Campbell described the new building and Mr. E. H. Williams, jr., told how St. James came into being and described some of the founders and their work in the community. At five o'clock the last service was held, and at its close the altar was
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Saint James, Easter, 1907
<
dismantled and as the choir left the Church singing : " The Church's one foundation Is Jesus Christ Her Lord,"
the hearts of those who for it may be a life-time had worshipped in the dear old building were filled with sorrow that the old walls so full of association had to come down, even though mingling with their sorrow, there was thankfulness that it was but to give place to another house built to the glory of God and the good of His Church.
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Appendices
I. Letter from Dr. Jos. A. Gallup to Rev. Joel Clap.
Il. Articles of Association, By-Laws, Signers of same and Consent of the Standing Committee.
A. Articles of Association. November 28, 1825.
B. By-Laws, adopted March 31, 1826.
C. Consent of the Standing Committee.
D. Revised Articles and By-Laws, adopted June 22, 1826.
III. Lists of Officers.
A. Rectors and Ministers.
B. Wardens.
C. Clerks of the Vestry and Parish and Treasurers.
D. Delegates to Diocesan Conventions.
IV. Statistics.
V. Resolutions adopted at last service in the old Church.
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APPENDIX I
DR. GALLUP TO REV. JOEL CLAP (SHELBURNE).
" Woodstock, Oct. 18, 1825 Mr. Clapp.
Revd Sir,
I have just returned from Montpelier where I hoped to have seen you. On my arrival there I was informed that you was probably engaged in business with Bishop Gris- wold; who I then learned was visiting the Churches in this State.
My object in wishing to see you was, to represent the state of things here in an ecclesiastical point of view, and request some advice. For this purpose in the briefest manner I will remark, that we have one Congregational Society in this, the north par- ish; we have two other meeting houses only occupied occa- sionally, however one of them pretty commonly, and both by all sorts of denominations, as Christians, Methodists, Universal- ists, Baptists, &c: Besides meetings have been held pretty constantly at the Court House in the village by Mr. Hazen, a Christian preacher, and considerable part of the last twelve months by Methodists, but not for some months past. There are several School Houses in the town occupied occasionally.
On former occasions there has been much attention paid to religion, many revivals, but nothing very lately. No particular
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fervor is now manifested, and the people in general seem to be more catholic and charitable than on some former occasions. To be more particular, many of the Congregational Society are not so well satisfied with their preacher as they want to be ; many of the Christian Society want better satisfation, and possi- bly their preacher needs a little pecuniary stimulus. On the whole many are wishing for something different & something better ; for myself I have not very regularly attended any of the meetings for several years; I have been hoping for something better for a long time, and I find this the sentiment of many. I have wished for some of your order to make an attempt here for a long time, but have never been emboldened to think of inviting a preacher until lately. Upon trying the minds of some 1 found they had the same feelings, &c.
Within a few weeks many have signified in writing, by some- thing like a small subscription, their wishes to learn more of the matter relating to Episcopacy, &c. Many besides have signified their minds individually, one a deacon in the Christian church, & one a class leader of the Methodists. It is supposed by some that more than half of the Congregational Society would attend to hear more about this matter.
Those more immediately engaged have not met together as yet to make any order of procedure, they have some hesitation of the method, & some gone journeys. I have been requested by certain individuals to communicate to you the outlines of the state of things & request your advice, -I meant to have gone to Bethel when you were last there, but it was extremely dif- ficult to leave certain patients, & there was some doubt whether you might not fail of being there. We have not spoken to any preacher, but are desirous of having one visit us ; we might
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communicate with Mr. Leonard, but some of us have a predi- lection for you to visit us first &c., or as soon as it may be convenient : for myself I should think that in about 3 or 4 weeks would be the best time. But as I learn your appointment is at Bethel the Ist Sunday in December, it is probable about the two Sundays previous would be most agreeable to us, and we hope it will answer your convenience if you can come. It would probably be best to spend two Sabbaths in succession at first. Everything is as it were in embryo ;- we want advice &c.
I will suggest, if you come, it would be well to have some one or two at least to lead in the responses, as we are all quite unqualified. We shall probably have the privilege of meeting a part of the time in the Court House.
Having made as many allusions as seem to me necessary at present, I shall leave the subject with you, hoping you will think favorable enough of it to make a reply in due time.
With sentiments of respect I am, Dear Sir,
Your most humble Servt. Jos. A. Gallup."
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APPENDIX II
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, BY-LAWS AND SIGNERS OF SAME AND CONSENT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
A. Articles of Association, St. James Parish.
We the subscribers, inhabitants of Woodstock and its vicinity. do hereby voluntarily associate and agree to form a Protestant Episcopal Society, by the name of the Parish of St. James Church, in Woodstock, for the purpose of supporting a Minister of the Protestant Episcopal order, according to the 1 st Section of an act entitled, "An Act for the support of the gospel, passed Oct. 26, 1797. In witness whereof, we have hereunto sever- ally set our hands. Dated at Woodstock, Nov. 28, 1825. Said support to be raised by subscription.
R. S. Bridge
Jos. A. Gallup
John S. Gallup
Lyman Mower
Abraham Stearns
Justus Burdick
Benjamin F. Mower
Amos Warren
Jno. P. Richardson
O. D. Richardson
Royal Blake, Jr.
Lewis F. Gallup
Thomas Danforth
Israel B. Richardson
Edmund S. Hayden
Cyrus Blake
Loring Richmond
Knight Whitmore Benja Metcalf
Jonas Cutting
James Fisher
John A. Pratt
Evander Grannis
John D. Powers
Asa Jones, jr.
David Watson
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George C. Hammond Robert Henry John W. Bradley Luke Parsons Geo. W. Rice Chs. Williams Otis L. Gibson William Rice
Aaron Cutting Marshall Mason, jr.
David A. Winchester Geo P. Williams Hiram Tracy Willard P. Gibson
John W. Blodget
Robert Barker
Nathaniel Head Lewis Darling Jonathan Weymouth
George Wilder Jonathan Taylor
Henry Taylor
per order CWms
B. By-laws.
Meeting adjourned to Friday evening, 6 o'clock. Met Friday evening, March 31st, agreeably to adjournment when the Com- mittee for drafting By Laws presented the following code, which was adopted by the Society.
Article 1. The officers of said Society shall be two wardens, three vestrymen and a clerk, who shall be elected annually.
2. The duty of the wardens shall be to assist in the management of the prochial concerns: that of the vestrymen to attend to the prudential concerns of the Society : the clerk shall keep a record of the proceedings of the Meetings.
3. The annual meeting shall be holden on Easter Monday.
4. The clerk shall call a meeting at any time by the request of three or more members of the Society at some con- venient place in said Village.
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5. All meetings shall be warned by the Clerk, or in his absence by one of the Vestrymen, who shall post a notice of the same in two or more public places in said Village, six days prior to said Meeting.
C. Consent of the Standing Committee.
At this meeting (March 31, 1826), the clerk was requested by the Rev. Mr. Clap to furnish him with a copy of those parts of the records of the Society, which relate to its organization, to be presented to the Standing Committee of Vermont for their sanction ; which being done was sent to said Committee, and ap- proved. The following is a copy of their approval.
" Bellow's Falls, April 18th 1826.
We the undersigned, the Standing Committee of the State of Vermont, do hereby sanction and approve the above proceed- ings, as required by the second Canon of the Protestant Episco- pal Church in the said State.
Carlton Chase, Benj. B. Smith,
Standing Committee
Joel Clap,
of Vermont."
Saml. B. Shaw,
D. Revised By-laws and List of Signers.
The articles of association were revised and signed again on June 22, 1826 with the addition of the following clauses : in line 4 after "Minister " add "or Ministers from time to time "; in line 5 after "order" add " in perpetual succession, and to pur- chase and to hold suitable and convenient real estate for a house of public worship, and for the purpose of erecting and keeping in repair forever a suitable house for public worship."
To the officers prescribed by the By-Laws was added at the same time a collector who " shall collect all monies due or that may be due said society."
The following names appear subscribed to this copy of the Articles of Association and By-Laws.
A. Palmer,
S. W. Thayer, Jr.,
John P. Richardson,
Jos. A. Gallup,
Benjamin F. Mower,
Thomas Danforth,
Lyman Mower,
R. D. Granger,
Asa Jones,
Charles Hopkins,
Evander Grannis,
Jno. F. Shurtleff,
David Watson,
Geo W Rice,
Abraham Stearns,
Ruel Wright,
Royal Blake, Jr.,
Henry Lawrence,
Amos Warren,
Stephen Montague,
John A Pratt,
Thos. Mclaughlin,
Knight Whitmore,
Sewell L. Gorham,
Justus Burdick,
Alvine Hingham,
Lewis F. Gallup,
Hosea C Paddock,
I. H. Carpenter,
Daniel S. Lockwood,
Joel Eaton,
O. P. Chandler,
David Palmer,
John Pinks,
Marshall Mason, Jr.,
Hull B Witt,
Willard Parker,
Sam'l L. Chase,
Edwin Hutchinson,
Darius Blake.
The first Vestry, elected on Easter Monday, March 27, 1826, at which time the Society moved "to proceed to organ- ization of the society by the choice of the proper officers," was as follows:
Dr. Joseph A. Gallup and Mr. R. Blake, Wardens.
Gen. L. Mower, J. A. Pratt and O. D. Richardson, Ves- trymen ; and John P. Richardson, Clerk ; with Mr. Royal Blake as the Delegate to the Convention to be held in Middlebury in June.
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Jonas Cutting,
Lemuel Hitchcock,
APPENDIX III
A. List of Rectors and Ministers.
Rev. Joel Clap, 1825-1832, 1840-1847 Rev. B. C. C. Parker, 1832-1839 Rev. John Grigg,1 1839-1840 Rev. Marcellus A. Herrick,? 1847-1861 Rev. J. W. Mellwaine, 1861-1866 Rev. Roger S. Howard, 1867-1869 Rev. James O. Drumm.3 1870-1871 Rev. James A. D. Hughes,1 1871-1873 Rev. N. G. Allen,1 1874-1875 Rev. Francis W. Smith, 1877-1899 Rev. John D. Ewing, 1900-1901 Rev. Charles H. Wells, 1902-1906
Rev. Charles S. Lewis, 1907
' Minister in charge Minister in charge, 1847-1849 ยท Minister in charge, 1870
B. List of Wardens. SENIOR WARDENS.
Joseph A. Gallup, 1826 1834 Abraham Stearns, 1835, 1841, 1846-1886 David Palmer, 1836 1838 Amos Warren, 1839
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Darius Blake, 1842-1845 G. R. Chapman, 1887, 1888 J. B. Jones, 1889-1901 H. L. Gleason, 1902-1903 W. F. Jones, 1904-
JUNIOR WARDENS.
Royal Blake, 1826-1828
W. P. Gibson, 1829-1830
David Palmer, 1831-1834
Amos Warren, 1835, 1837
Darius Blake, 1836, 1838, 1841, 1846-1849, 1854-1858 Abraham Stearns, 1839, 1843-1845
Joel Eaton, 1842
Henry S. Chase, 1850-1853
G. R. Chapman, 1859-1870, 1872-1880, 1882-1886
J. B. Jones, 1871, 1887, 1888
A. Hatch, 1881
Geo. W. Paul, 1889-1901
C. F. Chapman, 1902-
C. Clerks of the Parish and of the Vestry, and Treasurers.
CLERKS OF THE PARISH.
J. P. Richardson, 1826
Abraham Stearns, 1827-1828
Ch. Williams, 1829 Royal Blake, 1830
Edwin Hutchinson, 1831-1835
O. P. Chandler, 1836, 1838
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Samuel Mower, 1837 J. A. Pratt, 1839-1853 Charles Chapman, 1854-1875 F. H. Chapman, 1876-1879 F. W. Wilder, 1880-
CLERKS OF THE VESTRY J. A. Pratt, 1839-1844
O. P. Chandler, 1845, 1849
H. S. Chase, 1846, 1847, 1850-1853
Charles Chapman, 1854-1858
W. W. Blake, 1859-1864 Charles R. Jaques, 1865-1870
Geo. W. Paul, 1871-1900
J. R. Pember, 1901-1903, 1906-
B. E. Stockwell, 1904, 1905
TREASURERS.
H. B. Witt, 1839-1842
G. R. Chapman, 1843-1845
H. S. Chase, 1846-1850
H. B. Stevens, 1851-1853 Charles Chapman, 1854-1868
G. R. Chapman, 1869, 1870
J. B. Jones, 1871-1900 Charles F. Chapman, 1901
D. Delegates to Diocesan Conventions. Royal Blake, 1826, 1827, 1829, 1830, 1832 J. A. Gallup, 1827, 1828, 1829
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G. P. Williams, 1828
J. A. Pratt, 1830, 1833-1835, 1836, 1839-1842
Mr. Montague, 1831 Mr. Shurtleff, 1831
Abraham Stearns, 1831, 1837, 1838, 1844-1846, 1849, 1853, 1857, 1858
Edwin Hutchinson, 1831
Lyman Mower, 1833, 1835, 1836, 1838, 1843, 1857
Amos Warren, 1833, 1836, 1837
Samuel Mower, 1833
David Palmer, 1835, 1838
O. P. Chandler, 1835, 1841-1845, 1850, 1852, 1861
Darius Blake, 1836, 1837, 1839-1841, 1843, 1844, 1850- 1856
Isaiah H. Carpenter, 1842
George R. Chapman, 1845-1847, 1849, 1854-1856, 1859-1889
Henry S. Chase, 1846
Joel Eaton, 1850, 1851, 1867, 1869, 1870
A. Palmer, 1858
W. W. Blake, 1859, 1860, 1862, 1863
M. C. Fairbanks, 1863
Charles Anderson, 1864
J. B. Jones, 1865, 1866-1868, 1873, 1875-1901
G. W. Paul, 1872, 1874
Alvin Hatch, 1880, 1881
C. F. Chapman, 1890-1907
W. F. Jones, 1902-1907
NOTE. In the above tables no record is made of 1840, when there was no parish meeting, nor of Vestry records prior
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to 1839. In the list of Delegates to Conventions only the names of those elected as delegates are given. Substitutes are not included, nor is there any record of those who attended made in the above list.
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APPENDIX IV
STATISTICS.
Compiled from Journals of the Diocesan Conventions prior to 1867. Since that date from the Parish Register.
Baptisms, infant.
292
adult.
13
Confirmed,
269
Marriages,
140
Burials,
270
Communicants on list 1826,
14
1836,
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1869,
65
1907,
84
From 1867 to 1907 there are 255 names on the roll of Communicants. Of these 84 are still on the roll. Fifty-six have died here in Woodstock. The remaining 115 have moved away from the parish, including two recorded as having left the Church.
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APPENDIX V
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE LAST MEETING IN THE OLD CHURCH.
WHEREAS, the Parish of Saint James Church, Wood- stock, Vermont, was organized on March 27, 1826, and pro- ceeded at once to the erection of a suitable Church edifice, which since that day has been the House of God for this Parish ;
And Whereas, in the process of time it has become necess- ary to remove the buiding erected then, and consecrated on September 28, 1828, by Bishop Griswold, and to erect another and more enduring building;
And Whereas, this present Church has been endeared to us, as it was to our fathers, by many precious associations, so that it is with great regret that we contemplate its removal;
THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Congregation as- sembled for the Morning Service on this Fourth Sunday after Easter, April 28, 1907, affirming our Faith in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost, that we re- cord our gratitude to Him for all His mercies and blessings be- stowed upon us through His Church, and more especially for those that have come to us in Saint James ;
And be it resolved further, that we, the descendants of the incorporators of this Parish, re-affirm their love for the Church
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"settled upon the model of the most primitive ages of our Faith" and our loyalty to Her our Mother;
And be it Resolved finally, that these Resolutions be report- ed to the Parish Meeting to be held on May 6th, prox., that they may be incorporated in the records of the Parish of Saint James Church.
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