USA > Vermont > Bennington County > Arlington > St. James' Episcopal Church, Arlington, Vermont : a sketch of the birth and growth of Saint James' Parish, the oldest parish in the diocese of Vermont, together with brief sketches of the lives of the bishops of the diocese and of the rectors of St. James' Parish > Part 11
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Ep. At this time the diocesan Journal shows that there were 85 families, communicants and a Sunday School, including teachers, of 58. .The offerings for Diocesan Missions were $37.79 and for Domestic duy. sions from the Sunday School, $25.04.
8" The services were held twice each Sunday in the church, once every heter Sunday in the Union Church at Sunderland, once on each im- esportant Holy Day, twice between Sundays in each week during Lent, byste each day in Holy Week and twice on Good Friday.
Mr. Carnahan had gained a valuable experience of ten years in nip iness before studying for Holy Orders.
sting He was born at Ravenna, Ohio, April eighth, 1858. After gradua- stoin from the Ravenna High School, he entered Wesleyan University, tovidletown, Connecticut, in 1875.
In 1878, while still an undergraduate at Wesleyan University he Chul ided, on account of his health, to give up his studies for a time, and eattant to Pittsford, New York, where he entered the employ of Rand I Company, powder manufacturers.
nter In 1887 Mr. Carnahan married Susan Eliza Sutherland. In 1889 he ered Hobart College where he graduated with honors in 1891, being Il maicted a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. For several years he he as an Instructor in Greek at Hobart College.
The Rev. George R. Brush, of the class of 1892, was one of his offdents in Greek.
Mr. Carnahan was ordained to the Diaconate at Dresden, New York, Bishop Coxe on April sixth, 1891, and at Christ Church, Pittsford, ary w York, he was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Coxe on May uldtenty-seventh, 1893.
Soon after his ordination to the Priesthood he was called to the torship of St. James' Church, Arlington, where he labored faith- ly for three years.
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ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ARLINGTON
Mr. Carnahan was a scholar and also a man of practical bus qualifications.
In 1895 the chairman of the Diocesan Education Committee, Rev. Edmund B. Smith, of Vergennes, reporting for the Commi advocated the establishment of parochial schools in some parishes, ing that in the Public Schools Agnosticism was in some places op taught, and that the highest Christian virtues were often practi( suppressed. Mr. Smith mentioned the fact that in Arlington su school had been opened during the past year.
Mrs. Carnahan, in writing of her husband's work in Arlington that in the summer of 1894 a young teacher was secured, and Carnahan and he conducted a school in the lower room of the T Hall, for pupils who had finished the grades in the Public School
It will be remembered that during the rectorship of the ] Gemont Graves such a school was maintained for several years.
This effort on Mr. Carnahan's part was evidently not sufficie supported as several of the students went away to school the next and the few that were left came to the Rectory for their studies.
Mrs. Carnahan tells of Mr. Carnahan's "call" to Sherburne.
The Waldo Clement family of New York spent the summer of 1 in Arlington; Mr. Carnahan tutored their son and his friend in G that summer.
When the Clement family left Arlington Mr. Carnahan gave the a bag of tomatoes grown in his garden at the Rectory.
Mrs. Clement exclaimed: "There! that is the man for moth farm"!
(The Church of Our Saviour at Sherburne was erected and endo by Mrs. Charles Clement in memory of her family, together wit Rectory and Farm, the amount of the endowment being $35,000.(
This is the inside history of Mr. Carnahan's call to the Church Farm at Sherburne where he and his wife went in January, 1897, where he ministered faithfully for nearly twenty-two years.
He died in Sherburne, Vermont, October twenty-seventh, 1911 the age of sixty years and was buried in Pittsford, New York.
On May fourteenth, 1897 a Call was extended to the Rev. He Boardman Ensworth of Brownsville, Diocese of Pittsburgh, to the torship of St. James' Parish.
Mr. Ensworth accepted the call and entered upon the charge of parish June fifteenth, 1897.
During the interval between the rectorships of Mr. Carnahan Mr. Ensworth, the Vestry voted to build a recess chancel.
The funds raised for this purpose by subscription by Mrs. J Burdett amounted to $1,677.80. The contract for the work
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INTERIOR OF ST. JAMES' CHURCH
Photograph by H. Mills Abrams.
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EPISCOPATE OF BISHOP HALL
rded to Mr. Lyman who made a bid of $1,750. The total amount is services was $1,912.70, leaving the parish with a debt of $234.90. In May, 1899 a proposition was made by the Rev. Charles S. Hale, Claremont, New Hampshire, to complete the work of the renovation The church without any charge to the parish.
The offer was made in view of a proposal by Mr. Horace Weston Impson of Bellows Falls, to complete the improvements in the chan- ein memory of his wife, Mrs. Georgianna Thompson, provided that hsupervision of the work be placed in the hands of the Rev. Dr. Hale. The Vestry accepted this offer in the following resolution:
"Whereas the Rev. Charles S. Hale has submitted a proposition for h reseating and the reflooring of the church, Resolved, that the Rev. arles S. Hale be and is hereby authorized to carry out his plans and onake such other changes and alterations in the church as may seem olim necessary, provided that the needful funds can be secured with- placing any pecuniary encumbrance on the parish."
The important changes included the removal of the galleries, the un pews, the high pulpit, the installation of the organ in the chancel, n the refurnishing and reseating of the church and chancel. The nting and carving of the woodwork in the chancel and sanctuary tls and the placing of the large window above the altar were done by cal firm, A. D. Canfield, manufacturers of sashes, blinds and doors. rles Canfield, a member of the firm, son of Orlando Canfield, was an gert cabinet-maker and wood-carver, and the beautiful and churchly ·kmanship in the chancel and sanctuary was done by him assisted his brother, Frank N. Canfield who was for many years a vestryman in the later years of his life was Senior Warden.
On the floor of the chancel was placed the following inscription in BS:
"To the Glory of God and in Memory of Georgianna Thompson this Incel was finished and furnished."
1899
The Diocesan Journal of 1900 states that "the chancel and walls of E church have been decorated and the church refurnished through the gerosity of Mr. Horace W. Thompson of Bellows Falls, in loving mnory of his wife, a former parishioner of St. James."
A mural Tablet to her memory was placed in the chancel on the oth wall and a beautiful communion service was presented by her o sons.
Bishop Hall also mentioned the improvements in the church in his ress to the convention in 1900, stating that it was a matter for gratulation and thankfulness that new churches had been built and
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consecrated during the year at Castleton and Middletown Springs that the church building at Arlington had been entirely renovated
"For the supervision of this work," he said, "resulting in one of most beautiful and devotional interiors in Vermont, we are greatly debted to a former Rector, the Rev. Charles S. Hale, of Clarem New Hampshire."
At a Vestry meeting on January thirty-first, 1900 the follow testimonial was adopted:
"The Wardens and Vestry of St. James' Church, Arlington, mont, desire to place upon their permanent records this expression their gratitude and indebtedness to Mr. Horace Weston Thompson Bellows Falls, Vermont, and to the Rev. Charles Stuart Hale, of C mont, New Hampshire. To Mr. Thompson for the generosity 1 which he has renewed and beautified the church in which his bel wife was so long a worshipper; a fitting testimonial to her mem which is keenly appreciated by all in this parish who had the plea and privilege of associating with her in those earlier days of her us and kindly life. To Mr. Hale for the very free gift of his time talents in directing this work and bringing it to such a succes conclusion, most practical proof of his abiding interest in the pe among whom he did his first parochial work.
Signed, EDWARD C. WOODWORTH, Secretary for the Vestry.".
The writer chanced to mention to a friend whose childhood spent in Arlington, that he was gathering materials for a history the parish.
"I have very vivid pictures of the Arlington church in 1895," said. "We were spending our summers here then. I was a little about eleven years old, and I had just been confirmed and had 1 charged by my rector to go to church regularly wherever I might I can remember the high backed pews. We were taught in the pa where I was confirmed to kneel on the floor for the prayers, but people here at that time were not so particular about the kneeling s- ture.
"When we girls came into our pews we knelt down and were to view. This furnished some amusement for the congregation.
"We were quite fascinated by the gates at the ends of the pews, it was a special thrill to be the one to close and lock the gate.
"We were very devoted to the organist, Mrs. Clara Stewart, led the choir for many years. She was a very religious and dev person. I remember that Mrs. Ensworth, the Rector's wife, was one of our favorites.
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1gs "When we first came to the parish the church had not only high- tedxed pews, but also the high pulpit and galleries, a mark of the of rch of the old time. A few years afterward changes were made. recess chancel was added; the high pulpit and galleries were taken in and the organ and choir were removed to the chancel.
"I think you ought to have in your book a little inside history about 'hanging pulpit.' We girls liked to watch the men as they were at k on the repairs of the church. We were particularly interested in construction of the pulpit. Charles Canfield, son of Orlando Can- el, an expert cabinet maker, was doing the work, and was assisted by Frank Canfield, a wood carver. We did not like the way they were ding the pulpit and told them so. I said: 'You ought to have a ging pulpit" (speaking as if they ought to know that was the bect thing). They are much better than the pulpits with posts built 'rom the floor.'
'What might be a 'hanging pulpit?' they asked.
After explaining our idea, very crudely, of a pulpit with an in- ble support, the men seemed to be impressed with it and began to periment with the result that the hanging pulpit became a reality.
"It was accomplished by the placement of an iron bar in the wall projecting it under the pulpit for its support. For nearly fifty e's this pulpit has stood with no evidence of any impending disaster. mop Hall was apparently a little skeptical of it and preferred to rich standing in the chancel."
od Careful research has been made to gain information in regard to on Rev. Henry Ensworth but his connection with the parish was of short duration, less than two years, that little data is available.
Mr. Ensworth presented his resignation to the Vestry at its meeting May third, 1899 which was laid on the table.
As a Vestry meeting held on June eighth, 1899, the resignation of Ensworth was accepted.
On February sixth, 1900, the Vestry extended a call to the Rev. ·wood Roosevelt of Brooklyn.
The connection of Mr. Roosevelt with the parish at this time and b reason for his decision not to accept the call is stated in a letter n Mrs. Roosevelt recently received.
Mrs. Roosevelt says that her husband came to Arlington in the ter of 1899-1900 after a severe illness.
He held the first service in the renovated church when the chancel added, the seats changed and the church decorated.
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Mr. Roosevelt came to Arlington through Dr. James H. Canfield, . Dorothy Canfield Fisher's father.
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ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ARLINGTON
When the chancel was dedicated in May, 1900, the Bishop (Bis Hall) and several clergy, former Rectors were present.
Mr. Roosevelt was called as Rector at this time, but felt, I Roosevelt says, that he could not accept for family reasons.
"But we never lost a chance," she says, "to go to Arlington, during the eight years that Mr. Roosevelt was connected with the ( Mission Society in New York we always spent our vacations in Arli ton, and one time spent two months in the summer when the Rec went to England."
On September seventh, 1900 a call was extended by the Vestry the Rev. S. Halsted Watkins, of Calvary Parish, New York.
The call was accepted by Mr. Watkins in the following letter:
"To the Wardens and Vestrymen of St. James' Parish, Arlingi Vermont.
"Dear Sirs:
"I hereby accept the rectorship of St. James' Church, and I ' enter upon my duties on All Saints' Day, November first. In reach my decision I have sought the guidance of the Holy Spirit who al can give me wisdom and strength for the work whereunto I believe has called me.
"In full reliance upon Divine help, and counting on the loyal s' port and hearty cooperation and sympathy of all my parishioner anticipate with joy our work for Christ and His Church.
Faithfully yours,
S. H. WATKINS."
In making special mention of the lives and works of the vari Rectors of this parish the object is not a perfunctory one, but prima to do honor to those who have served the Church in a country par which may be regarded as representing the average rural parish in V mont.
The Rectors of this parish as a group, too, represent the average ty of clergyman in Vermont, each making his individual contributi some excelling in learning, others in preaching, still others as faith pastors.
The Rev. Mr. Watkins was one of the rare priests who was gif as scholar, preacher and pastor.
His ministry in Arlington was fruitful not only in the parish wh he became much beloved, but in the community.
When in his later ministry he sought a home he found it here Arlington, and during his years of retirement he became a leader community enterprises and because of his interest and activities behalf of the local baseball team, the Athletic Association of the tov
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ta. On leaf of pictures of Rectors between pages 108 and 109 inder picture in left hand bottom corner should read: "the nd George H. Pratt (1887-1888) ; name under picture in right corner should read: "the Reverend Henry Boardman Ensworth
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HE REVEREND ELI H. CANFIELD, D.D. Acting Rector 1883 and 1886
HE REVEREND RICHARD C. SEARING 1888-1893
THE REVEREND HENRY BOARDMAN ENSWORTH 1897-1899
THE REVEREND GEORGE H. PRATT 1887-1888
THE REVEREND JAMES CURTISS CARNAHAM 1894-1897
THE REVEREND SCHUREMAN HALSTED WATKINS, D.D. 1900-1904
RECTORS
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ter his death, as their tribute to him, linked his name to the com- junity baseball field with the following inscribed standard erected on e field: "The Watkins Memorial Baseball Field."
Schureman Halsted Watkins studied at Union College, Schenectady, ew York, where he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree j 1882, receiving the Master of Arts degree three years later.
He graduated from the Berkeley Divinity School in Middletown, onnecticut, in 1885. He was ordained Deacon in 1885, and Priest in 86 when he was an Assistant at St. Andrew's Church, Meriden, Con- cticut, and became assistant at the Church of the Ascension, New aven in 1888. In 1891 he went to Grace Church, Norwalk, Con- cticut, where he was Rector for six years.
In 1897 he came to New York to be Vicar of Calvary Chapel.
From 1900 to 1911 Mr. Watkins was in Vermont, at St. James' rlington for four years (1900-1904) and at St. Luke's Church, St. lbans, seven years (1904-11).
During his rectorship at Arlington Mr. Watkins not only succeeded a marked degree in advancing the spiritual welfare of the parish, but was actively interested in diocesan work. As an instance of his terest he joined with the Rector at Bennington, Rev. Philip Schuyler, starting a mission at North Pownal, Vermont. While these two iests were engaged in work there ten persons were confirmed.
That the Vestry appreciated the services and ministry of Mr. atkins is shown by the following resolution adopted by the Vestry May, 1902.
"In view of the magnificent work done in this parish by our Rector e Rev. S. H. Watkins since assuming charge of our church,
"Resolved: That the Vestry extend to Rev. S. H. Watkins their artfelt thanks and assurances of their hearty support in the future in the past.
"Resolved: That his salary be $850 per annum and the use of the ectory commencing May 1, 1902."
During Mr. Watkins' rectorship a memorial Bronze Tablet was ven by Mr. Sylvester Deming in memory of his mother Mrs. Mary hittenden Deming, who was a devoted member of the parish for arly half a century.
A font of white marble was also given by Mr. J. R. Judson in emory of his wife, Mrs. Virginia P. Judson.
Returning to New York in 1911, Mr. Watkins was Chaplain of the ombs Prison for eight years, and was again in Vermont from 1919 to >22 as Rector of St. Pauls' Church, Burlington.
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In 1922 and 1923, he was Chaplain for the New York City Missive I After his retirement in 1930, Mr. Watkins lived in Arlington, and nel 1932 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Un als College as a tribute to his work in the New York City Mission anc 1 : recognition of his completion of fifty years in the ministry and pris - hood of the Church.
Dr. Watkins was a deputy to the General Conventions of 1910 : 1 ) 1922 and also was an examining Chaplain and a member of the Sta: - ing Committee in the Diocese of Vermont.
Dr. Watkins married Miss Helen Randolph Smith, of New Y 3 !! City and Bridgeport, Connecticut, who died in 1934. Later he marido. Mrs. Anne White. His daughter is Mrs. Edward Cushing, of N73 Canaan, Connecticut, who was formerly on the editorial staff of em New York Herald Tribune.
Dr. Watkins died in the Albany City Hospital on May twen - eighth, 1938. A Requiem Eucharist and the Burial Office were held t St. James, Church, Arlington, on May thirty-first, 1938.
The following clergy took part in these services; at the Requir, the Rev. Philip Schuyler, assisted by the Rev. George R. Brush, Rect . . At the Burial Office, the Rt. Rev. Vedder Van Dyck, D.D .; the R. L Norman P. Dare, of Bennington; the Rev. Stanley C. Ripper, and Rev. William F. Lewis, of Burlington; the Rev. Henry Hogg, Granville, New York; and the Rev. C. H. McCurdy, of Jamaica, V mont.
The interment was in the St. James' Church Cemetery, Arlingt .
The Rev. Alfred Taylor succeeded the Rev. S. Halsted Watkins Rector of St. James' Parish, entering upon the rectorship in Mar 1905.
He is remembered as a good musician with an unusually fine tert voice. His activities were especially appreciated in his leadership of choir. With Mr. Clarence E. Hard as organist and Mr. Taylor's musi talents in the choir the services of the church were impressive.
It is recorded in the Mountain Echo of February, 1907 that organ recital was given in the church by Mr. H. W. Congdon, of Bro lyn, New York, assisted by the choir.
Mr. Taylor is also remembered as a good pastor and an active n sionary worker.
During his rectorship regular services with good congregations w held at Sunderland, and there was also an active Sunday School the The Rector in 1908 reported in the Mountain Echo that special m sionary work was being done by the Woman's Auxiliary and that me ings were held in the Burdett House loaned by Mr. John L. Burde
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Misv. Taylor endeared himself to his parishioners by his friendly and in- 1, ammal fellowship.
Mrs. Mary A. Adams, of Bennington, who was then living in what on amas the Holden House, but now the home of Dr. Russell, remembers ad prejt Mr. Taylor was fond of dropping in to see them and eating with tlm in the kitchen.
Other pastors have found that housewives rather enjoy the Rector's Erormal chat on the kitchen doorstep perhaps when a cake is just ready ugo into the oven.
Alfred Taylor was an Englishman, born in England February sixth, man1 : 6.
'He came to Vermont in 1897 and in February of that year became f of Betor of St. James' Church, Hydeville, Vermont.
After a rectorship of two years Mr. Taylor was called to the diocese tweo Connecticut.
hed From Connecticut he returned to Vermont in 1905 to become Rec- t of this parish.
After a rectorship of four years he resigned to take the position of Re(non of the Cathedral at Albany, New York.
{ In 1890 Mr. Taylor was married to Nellie Agnes Knapp, of Ches- andt town, New York; the ceremony took place in Glens Falls, New York. ogg. I.e Rev. Fenwick M. Cookson officiated.
Mr. Taylor died December 19, 1932.
His funeral occurred in the Church of the Messiah, Chestertown, l:w York, with the Rev. V. A. Springsted and the Rev. W. W. Lock- kinwod officiating.
The Rev. William Meyler Warlow began his rectorship of St. nes' Parish on May eighth, 1911 and continued his ministry in the Frish until November thirtieth, 1915.
His daughter, Mrs. Constance May Lyons, of Montpelier, at the iter's request has kindly contributed a few facts relating to Mr. arlow's personal life and ministry.
Mr. Warlow was born in Monmouth, Wales, and received the degree Master of Arts from Queens College, Cambridge University.
He rowed in the Cambridge and Oxford boat races and since his re- rn to England in 1915 he has attended the annual dinner and reunion the members of his crew every year.
Mr. Warlow's first parish was in Liverpool where he was Curate the Cathedral Parish Church.
He also ministered in Kelso, Scotland, and in Henlow, Bedford- Mire, and Lincolnshire, England.
After coming to America he took charge of three mission churches Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ARLINGTON
Leaving the diocese of Michigan he came to the diocese of Vern where he was first Rector of Grace Church, Sheldon, and then cam Arlington.
In October, 1886, Mr. Warlow married Helen DeBugh Law daughter of Sir Henry DeBugh Lawson, Bart. Gattenley Castle, Y shire, England. They had two children, Mrs. Charles Lyons, Montpelier, Vermont, and Capt. Sydney Warlow, Royal Air Fo England.
Mrs. Warlow died seven years ago in England.
Mr. Warlow was very fond of walking, and while he was in V mont would climb mountains and visit people who hardly ever sa minister. He was also fond of story telling and had a keen sense humor. The Rev. Walter Bamford who was Rector of Zion Chu. Manchester, at the time Mr. Warlow was in Arlington used to speal him as a "cheery person."
Mrs. Lyons says that her father booked his passage on the Lusitod to return to England on that fateful year.
At the last minute a newspaper man in Bennington, Verme, begged him to cancel his passage for another boat which he did.
He sailed on an American steamer and the Lusitania passed tl and they waved. The next day they received word that she had be sunk by a submarine.
Today Mr. Warlow is eighty-one years old, and in writing to is daughter a few weeks ago from England he said that he was quite and so far safe from the terrible bombs which come over them by and night.
He sleeps in a room on the ground floor and if necessary he § down into a room in the basement when the house shakes and the rocks.
Mrs. Dorothy Canfield Fisher tells the following story of an incid during Mr. Warlow's rectorship:
"Of course with the arrival of each new Rector in a parish an justment is necessary between him and his parishioners-unless chance he may have grown up among them. But in all the years of e life of St. James, no boy in the Church had ever become a clergyn2 and returned to his old home as Rector. So that each new incumb t has been obliged to make the same researches among his new char., to see what kind of people they are. This preliminary exploration s always been carried on with notably patient good-will on both si the people of the parish as much interested to see what kind of a f sonality the new Rector has, and what his family is like, as they learn the ways of Vermonters among whom they find themselves.
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em"An instance of this is a tiny episode in the early days of Mr. camerlow's stay here, which occasioned much good natured laughter ning the people of town. Some Arlingtonian, interested in bird-lore, avgowing a bird he was trying to identify, had stepped into the side Yal of the Rectory, and training his opera glasses on the tree into which onsa, bird had flown, stood gazing up, waiting for a chance for a good Fo .; identifying gaze. Mrs. Warlow looked out of the window, saw h, called a friendly question, 'What is it you're looking for?'
" 'A bird I don't know. But I can't seem to see him.'
" 'Oh, wait a minute,' said Mrs. Warlow. 'I'll help you.' With her sel full of associations of ideas with the extremely poor and ignorant enshin people with whom she and Mr. Warlow had been working in the huion-parish where they had been before coming to Arlington, she Det ped up to the man with the opera glass (he, like most Vermonters, practically a professional expert with any kind of mechanical asig pment ) took the glass from his hand and explained kindly, 'You bably haven't got it focused. See, this is how you do it-this little me w, you take hold of it, so, between your thumb and finger, and run arefully one way and the other, till,' brightly and encouragingly as HD dull child dismayed with a problem beyond his powers, 'all of a daden you'll see Perfectly clearly through the glasses. Just try. You a do it.'
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