Bibb County GaArchives Church Records.....History of Christ Church Parish, Macon - Pt.2 Copyright Date 1925
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1869-1891

     Back of all the controversy with Mr. Rees in regard to the choral service
was the apprehension of that indefinable thing called "Ritualism". Many people
believed that it was surrender, bag and baggage, to the Pope of Rome. It was
this dread and apprehension which lead the Vestry, on the fourteenth day of
June, 1869, to choose unanimously the Reverend Benjamin Johnson of Galliopolis,
Ohio, as Rector of this Parish. In his first report to the Council, Mr. Johnson
says:

     "Faithfully adhering to the Prayer Book, as, in its glorious simplicity,
our Protestant forefathers compiled and used it, firmly holding to the historic
standards of our Articles and Homilies-knowing nothing save `Jesus Christ and
Him crucified'-loving the `truth and peace,' we have no fears for the future of
Christ Church, Macon."

     During the early part of Mr. Johnson's ministry there was a new energy and
zeal abroad in the Parish. On October 13, 1869, a meeting was held at the home
of Mr. John L. Jones for the purpose of reorganizing the Sewing Society (now the
Ladies' Aid Society). The principal object which the Society had before it was
the procuring of a rectory. Mrs. Benjamin Johnson was chosen Directress and Mrs.
Sarah Bivins, Secretary and Treasurer. The working members were Mrs. Albert Mix,
Mrs. J. M. Boardman, Mrs. Deitz, Miss Juliet Boardman, Mrs. Ingalls, Misses
Hallister, Misses Williams, Mrs. Champion, Mrs. Asher Ayres, Miss Fanny Ayres,
Miss Kate Ayres, Mrs. Gugel, Mrs. Hopson, Miss Conner, Miss Zillah Whittle, Miss
Fannie Bowers, Miss H. Neville. The honorary members were Mrs. S. T. Bailey,
Mrs. I. C. Plant, Mrs. David Flanders, Mrs. J. L. Jones, Mrs. Zeilin, Mrs.
Wagner, Mrs. D. 0. Hodgkins, Mrs. C. B. Cole, Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Wm. B. Johnston,
Mrs. James M. Green, Mrs. Elihu Price.

     Following Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. J. L. Jones was elected President, and served
in that capacity until 1880.

     When Mr. Rees resigned in the summer of 1869, St. Barnabas' continued for a
time under his supervision, but on the eighteenth of January, 1870, it reverted
to the Parish work of Christ Church. The different branches of the work there
progressed under Mr. Johnson's care. The people of St. Barnabas', realizing the
necessity of a larger chapel and also feeling removal would soon become
imperative because of the growing railroad shops and works near at hand, decided
to build a new chapel which should be their own. Accordingly, Mr. I. C. Plant,
always a firm friend of the Mission, sold the lot and building which he had so
long and kindly loaned to the work. He received for it $1,000.00 which he gave,
with $500.00 additional, toward the building of the new Chapel. The city sold
the lot on Third Street, between Hazel and Oglethorpe Streets, to the Reverend
Mr. Johnson at the merely nominal price of $30.00. Here the new Church was
erected and consecrated to God's service on Sunday, December 22, 1872, by the
Right Reverend John W. Beckwith, Bishop of this Diocese, assisted by the
Reverend Benjamin Johnson, the Reverend H. K. Rees, and the Wardens and
Vestrymen of Christ Church. Mrs. Theresa M. Setley thus speaks of it in her
history of St. Barnabas':

     "It was a proud and happy day for the small band of workers, as they
gathered beneath the roof which their toil and their faithfulness had helped to
spread above them. A singing band of sixty children, and a quartette of men and
women, lifted their voices in the Jubilate, until the building was filled with
the waves of its melody; and praise to God ascended from every soul present. So,
from a small beginning, this noble and glorious Mission came; so, through the
influence of a few lives, the results are unknown, so widely have they spread."

     A chancel window was presented by Mrs. M. Saulsbury in memory of her dead;
a Bishop's chair was given by Mrs. John L. Jones' Sunday School class of Christ
Church; a baptismal font, by some little girls of the St. Barnabas' Sunday
School; a communion table was given as a memorial to Bishop Elliott; and a
reading desk in memory of Mrs. L. N. Whittle. A new schoolhouse was built where
sewing and other useful occupations were taught with Mrs. Setley as principal,
and Miss Mary H. Plant, Miss Eliza Ruan, Mrs. Susan Clark, Miss Jane Warwick and
Miss Jennie Avern as teachers. This work was progressing satisfactorily when the
burning of the schoolhouse on Sunday, March 25, 1877, necessitated its
discontinuance. Fortunately the chapel was saved. Mr. J. H. Ingraham was, for a
number of years, Superintendent and Treasurer of the Sunday School, and often
filled the position of teacher. At this time, Mrs. I. C. Plant, Mrs. M.
Saulsbury, Mrs. T. M. Setley, Miss M. H. Plant and Mr. George Reynolds were
teachers. Mrs. Albert Mix and Colonel L. N. Whittle were always liberal friends
to the Mission, and among others from Christ Church who taught in the Mission of
St. Barnabas' from time to time were Mrs. Fanny Payne Carnes, Mrs. Harry Green
and Miss Augusta Plant. Mr. Johnson endeared him-self to all of his St.
Barnabas' people by his faithful labours among them and his tender kindness to
the sick and needy.

     Other activities during his Rectorship include the starting of a Parish
school which during its brief existence seemed to promise many good results. The
Ladies' Aid Society was stirred with renewed zeal and succeeded in raising funds
for a large and splendid organ which was purchased and put up at a cost of
$2,900.00. However, Mr. Johnson seems to have lost his enthusiasm for the Prayer
Book and the historic standards of our Church, and on February 23, 1875, he
offered his resignation to the Vestry. This action was based upon his
conscientious conviction that he could no longer remain and exercise his
ministry in this Church. He left Macon immediately after his resignation and
united with the Reformed Episcopal Church. In accepting his resignation the
Vestry said:

     "In parting with the Reverend Mr. Johnson, the Vestry tenders to him their
hearty good wishes with the hope that a long and useful ministry may be
vouchsafed him and that every blessing and happiness may follow him and his
family."

    The Reverend Dr. Jacob Van Linge was engaged to supply the Parish with
temporary services until a Rector should be called. He officiated from the
latter part of February to the first of October 1875, and during that time he
baptized nine persons-seven infants and two adults. He presented nine candidates
for Confirmation-seven at St. Barnabas' and two at Christ Church, and officiated
at nine funerals.

     The Reverend Chauncey Williams was unanimously elected Rector on August 17,
1875, and entered upon his duties the first Sunday in October. His short
ministry in this Parish was abundantly blessed. The unfortunate division among
the congregation, followed by the incumbency of a Rector who renounced his
ministry in our Church, left the parishioners in a sad condition. Combining a
remarkable amount of gracefulness of manner with great executive ability, Mr.
Williams wisely gathered together the scattered elements of the congregation and
the work grew into well defined proportions. Peace and harmony immediately came
to the Parish. Mr. Williams disclaims any credit for this and in an address read
at the seventy-fifth anniversary service of this Parish says, "The credit lay
with the congregation itself. I met with absolutely no opposition, but on the
contrary with the most hearty and cordial co-operation."

     After a visit to the Parish on May 7, 1876, Bishop Beckwith said:

     "It is a real joy to see the vigor with which the Parish has freed herself
from the depressing influences which for so long a time chilled her zeal. During
a time of great financial distress this Parish which one year ago was under the
necessity of borrowing money to pay her assessments has, under the inspiring
leadership of the Rector, paid all her debts."

     The financial condition of the Parish weighed very heavily upon the heart
of Mr. Williams and on April 5, 1877, he addressed a letter to the Vestry in
which he proposed to relinquish one-third of his salary for the six months
beginning May first. He said in part:

     "I regard it of the utmost importance that the Parish should be kept
perfectly free from debt. There are at best two possible ways out of the
difficulty, either we must increase our income or we must cut down our expenses.
The first seems impracticable for several reasons. I am assured that the present
financial distress is felt very widely among our people. While I shall never
cease to protest against the idea that a man's economy begins by canceling his
obligation to the Church, still we must take things as we find them. I had
rather live on a crust than run the Parish into debt a single dollar. A Church
ought to be a living example to the community of all that is pure, honest and
above reproach. We claim to be apostolic in our order of government. We cannot
afford to be less than apostolic in obeying the law that we should owe no man
anything. I have always thought that the miserable financial condition of the
Christian corporation, and the more miserable ways in which relief is often
sought for that embarrassment, were a scandal to religion."

     The Vestry replied that they accepted his proposition as an evidence of
self-denying devotion to the Parish which increased their admiration and love
for him, but that a sense of justice forced them to decline it.

     Mr. Williams sent a letter to the Vestry on November 15, 1877, submitting
his resignation as Rector to take effect on January 1st. He became Rector of St.
Paul's, Augusta, where for many years he continued his useful ministry in the
Diocese.

     The Vestry immediately elected the Reverend Otis A. Glazebrook of
Baltimore, Maryland, Rector and he entered upon his duties February 17, 1878.
During the following month he started a Mission in East Macon-St. John's-which
promised good results. Service was held every Thursday evening, the first sermon
being preached by Mr. Glazebrook on March 28th. A sewing school was conducted
every Saturday morning and a Sunday School was organized. The services were held
in a warehouse on Main Street, the use of which was gratuitously donated by
Messrs. David and Mitchell Flanders. Among the men who took an active part in
this work in its beginning were Messrs. Homer H. Starr, D. F. Shaffer and Lewis
Leman. It soon became evident that the Rector must have an assistant who would
be directly responsible for the work of the two Missions which the Parish had
founded. The following is recorded in the minutes of the Vestry for October 7th:

     "The Vestry approves the action of the Rector in arranging for an assistant
to take charge of the Missions under his direction, the expense of said
assistant being provided for without cost to the Parish."

     Accordingly the Reverend T. H. Griffiths, formerly a Methodist minister,
was called and took charge of St. Barnabas' and St. John's. The original plan
seems to have been that each Mission was to pay $300.00 towards the salary of
the assistant. This, however, does not seem to have been possible for the
younger Mission and the Parish itself bore that expense. It was confidently
believed that St. Barnabas' would soon become self-supporting as Mr. Griffiths
was so faithfully labouring toward that end, but during a storm one night while
attending to his duties, he contracted a severe cold, which settled into
"clergy-man's sore throat". His health rapidly declined and he went to Florida.
Not improving he had to give up his work here in 1881. He died on the 14th of
July, 1883, while visiting his mother in New Jersey.

     In his annual report to the Diocesan Convention of 1879 Mr. Glazebrook said:

     "Since the last Convention the rectory has been built. The building with
gas fixtures, a range in the kitchen and all modern improvements cost $7,083.95
including the lot, and has been paid for in full. It is an elegant and
commodious house and is a worthy monument to the zeal and faithfulness which
characterizes the devoted women of this Parish."

     The purchase of the rectory represented the work of the Ladies' Sewing
Society for several years. Its history is told in "Historical Notes of the
Ladies' Aid Society of Christ Church", by Miss Kate A. Ayres:

     "In 1876 there was paid to Mr. H. G. Cutter for the Parsonage Fund $188.00.
$113.00 of this amount was the proceeds from a Jarley Wax Works entertainment.
Mrs. Jarley was personated by Mr. Arthur Boardman. And the performance, highly
successful in every way, was held at the home of Mr. Asher Ayres. This year also
a Lady Washington Tea Party was given at the residence of Mrs. Lockett, now the
home of Mrs. S. T. Coleman-Mr. G. C. Conner enacting the part of the `Father of
his Country'; Mrs. T. B. Gresham personating `Lady Washington'. $200.00 was the
result of this venture, which was invested in a horse and presented to our
Rector. At Christmas the Society also presented Rev. C. C. Williams with a
lounge costing $53.00.

     "In 1877, the Easter offering for the parsonage seems to have been the sole
object for which the Society worked. I think this must have been one of the
times when the members of the Society had `lists' and got as many promises of
$10.00 as possible. This plan was most successfully pursued many times and
always seemed to create great enthusiasm. This year they placed on the
alms-basin, at Easter, $508.00.

     "In 1878, $400.00 was given for the Rectory Fund. Another year when the
`list' plan was pursued, I think.

     "In 1879, the Easter offering for the Parsonage Fund was $490.00; and this
year a pretty and successful entertainment, `The Mistletoe Bough', netted the
sum of $252.75. On this occasion Mr. Robert Saulsbury took the part of the
groom, Miss Lucy Lockett that of the bride. This year's record closes with the
following:

     " `Total amount paid for Rectory and all outside expenditures, furnishing
range, etc., $4,083.95. All completed and paid for at this date, May 13th,
1879.' We can imagine with what joy that entry was made and the loving,
unceasing toil and labor it represents. The house designated is the one just
across from the Church, 553 Walnut Street."

     Mr. John L. Jones, who had for years served as Secretary and Treasurer of
the Vestry, and liberally devoted his time and money to the interests of the
Church, died on March 9, 1879. On April 22nd, Mr. Glazebrook stated to the
Vestry that Mrs. Jones had donated $2,500.00 for a building to be used for
Sunday School purposes. Mr. Jones had for a long time desired to see the Parish
have a Sunday School room for its children and the building was erected to his
memory. The final cost was $4,350.00, all of which was paid by Mrs. Jones. After
visiting this Parish on February 9, 1880, Bishop Beck-with said of this Memorial:

     "In this Parish a very handsome Sunday School building has been erected by
a Christian woman in memory of her dead. Men build monuments of sculptured stone
and place them over graves, and the world passes by and wonders at such
extravagance; far better and wiser is it to dedicate houses to God, where little
ones may come to be trained in His nurture and admonition."

     The building was not consecrated because the Rector thought it best to have
a place for public lectures and other entertainments which could not be held in
consecrated houses. The Bishop himself approved of this provision. The
architects of the Chapel were Messrs. Randall and Miller of Chicago, and the
Building Committee, the Reverend Otis A. Glazebrook, Messrs. W. W. Carnes,
Arthur E. Boardman and T. O. Chestney. The structure is Gothic and cruciform,
with sittings for about three hundred people.

     On May 1, 1880, occurred the death of Mr. A. A. Roff, who was a generous
friend of Christ Church, being particularly interested in the Sunday School for
many years. Just prior to his death he gave to the Church a sum sufficient to
wipe out all of its current indebtedness. During the year a window was inserted
above the chancel as a memorial to him.

     The ladies of the Church were requested by Mr. Glazebrook to meet at the
Rectory on the morning of November 26, 1880, for the purpose of reorganizing the
Sewing Society. Mrs. John L. Jones, in whose able hands the entire charge of the
Society had been for years, feeling unable longer to hold any office, it was
deemed advisable to have a formal meeting of the ladies of the Parish and
appoint officers, as it was the unanimous opinion of those present that no other
person could combine all offices in one as she had so ably done. Mrs. Asher
Ayres was elected President and Mrs. William Lee Ellis, Vice-President, with the
understanding that Mrs. Ellis was to take the presidency should Mrs. Ayres
decline. Mrs. Ayres did de-cline and Mrs. Ellis became President, an office
which she ably filled for twenty years.

     In June 1881, Mr. Glazebrook, while returning from the Agricultural and
Mechanical College at Auburn, Alabama, where he had been to preach the
commencement sermon, was badly injured in a railroad accident. Speaking before
the annual Diocesan Convention on the eleventh of May, 1882, Bishop Beckwith said:

     "During the past year, the Rev. Otis A. Glazebrook was the victim of a
terrible railroad accident, the effects of which have been so serious as to
cause him to resign the Rectorship of Christ Church, Macon, and to make his
friends fear that, for years to come, the Church may be deprived of his
services. His sufferings, the afflictions of his family, and the loss to this
Parish and Diocese, combine to make this a calamity which touches every heart,
and has cast a gloom over the entire Diocese."

     For many months Mr. Glazebrook was confined to his bed and his patience was
an unspoken sermon to the people. Finding that he did not improve here, he was
taken to St. Luke's Hospital, New York City. On September 17th, the Rector wrote
from St. Luke's stating that the opinion of the physicians in charge of his case
was positive that his recovery would be slow and tedious. At a meeting of the
Vestry held on December 7th, a letter was read from Mr. Glazebrook tendering his
resignation as Rector of the Parish. The Vestry accepted the resignation and
passed the following resolution:

     "Deeply sympathizing with our Rector in his severe affliction, we accept
his resignation in the spirit of submission in which the same is tendered
sincerely praying that he may soon recover from his present condition and become
as useful in the future as he has been in the past. In accepting his resignation
we feel constrained to do so for the good of Christ Church Parish now suffering
for the need of an active Rector."

     Mr. Glazebrook's resignation took effect on January 1, 1882. During his
illness and until the arrival of a new Rector, the Reverend W. C. McConnell
faithfully worked in the Parish and won for himself an undying gratitude in the
hearts of those to whom he ministered. The poor and sick and the distressed
especially found in him a personal friend.

     The Reverend J. R. Winchester was elected to succeed Mr. Glazebrook and
entered upon his duties on the first day of February, 1882. In November the work
of repairing and beautifying the Church was begun, and the following changes
were made: The massive side galleries, which on many occasions had been filled
with curious spectators who disturbed the devotions of minister and people, were
removed. The chancel was enlarged, on either side of the center window was
placed a smaller window, one presented by Mr. J. M. Boardman and the other by
the Senior Warden, Colonel L. N. Whittle, as a memorial to his wife. The cost of
the work done at this time, which included also the architect's fee, the
papering of the ceiling, and some minor repairs, amounted to $5,700.00. The
committee in charge was composed of the Rector, chairman; Messrs. A. E.
Boardman, W. W. Carnes, D. M. Gugel, and T. Skelton Jones.

     On June 1, 1882, the Reverend D. Watson Winn entered upon his duties as
assistant in charge of St. Barnabas' and St. John's. Mrs. Setley writes on May
14, 1884, "St. Barnabas' is in a flourishing condition". The Advisory Board of
St. Barnabas' to act in co-operation with the Vestry of Christ Church, consisted
of the following men: S. J. Setley, G. Wood, H. Kinchen and W. Gelston. To Mrs.
M. E. Booker, president of the Elizabeth Memorial and Aid Association, Mrs. A.
Boifeuillet, vice-president, Mr. and Mrs. Waterhouse, Mr. and Mrs. Kieffer, and
to many other workers was due much of the prosperity of this Mission at that
time. Speaking of his work here Mr. Winn says:

       "During my first summer in Macon-a hot one-I found it necessary to engage
in a procedure of a very questionable nature-I bought and used a bicycle! It was
one of an unusual pattern, an `American Star', seventy-two inches high, and with
the little wheel in front. There were people who thought it was rather
scandalous for a clergyman to ride such. a profane thing. I recall one dear old
lady who, when seeing me coming down the street, would always turn away: she
could not stand it though she hated to seem rude. Mr. Winchester offered to
ex-plain to the people from the chancel the necessity of my riding the bicycle
in order to take care of the three or more services which I had in connection
with the two Missions. However, we agreed that this might make trouble for him,
so he remained quiet on the subject."

     Mr. Winn was followed in 1885 by the Reverend M. Cabell Martin and he, in
1886, by the Reverend W. J. Page.

     The first ordination to the ministry from Christ Church congregation took
place in St. Luke's Cathedral in Atlanta, July 16, 1882. Mr. C. C. Leman at that
time received Deacon's Orders.

     The Sunday School, on Easter, 1883, presented to the Parish a font of solid
marble at a cost of $200.00, the result of two Easter offerings. On account of
the sacred association, and by the request of the congregation, the original
bowl was preserved and inserted in the new marble.

     Christ Church lost one of its most consecrated and faithful workers in the
death on July 23, 1883, of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Plant, wife of Mr. I. C. Plant.
Speaking of her Mr. Winchester said:

     "Her works of charity cannot be limited and today, though dead, she yet
lives in the hearts of hundreds who were made holier and happier by her words
and example. Possessing many talents, she used all, without exception, to the
glory of God. The Rectors of this Parish have each, in his turn, received
sympathy and assistance from this saintly woman whose figure of charity, clothed
in the gentleness of Christ, found a welcome in the homes of the wealthiest as
well as in the cottages of the poorest. Her carriage seemed ever going on
errands of benevolence, and the present Rector, for the first year and .half of
his ministry here, paid with her about one hundred and fifty visits."

     A marble tablet bearing the following inscription was placed by the workers
of St. Barnabas' Church in that Church to her memory:

In Loving Memory of
Elizabeth M.
Wife of
I. C. Plant
Who Entered into Rest on the 23rd Day of
July, 1883
"Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest."

     When St. Barnabas' was sold in 1909 this tablet was transferred and placed
in its present position on the east wall of Christ Church.

     In May 1884, Mr. Winchester, "after much care and toilsome research",
completed a history of the Parish up to that date. Mr. William S. Bogart, at
that time Registrar of the Diocese, says of it, "It is a model, in shape and
manner, of what the Diocese desires in Parish History and the Rector is to be
congratulated on his work".

     The death of Colonel L. N. Whittle, Senior Warden of the Parish, occurred
on February 17, 1886. Bishop Beckwith, who was present at the funeral on the
eighteenth, pays him this tribute:

     "Few laymen in any Diocese were ever more useful, none more faithful than
Colonel Whittle. As a member of the General Convention, as a delegate to the
Diocesan Convention, as a member of the Standing Committee, as Senior Warden of
Christ Church, Macon, and a Trustee of the University of South he has been for
many years our most prominent representative."

     Colonel Whittle had always been an active supporter of the Church, and the
tablet placed on the north wall of the Church to his memory bears the following
inscription:

     "In memory of Lewis Neale Whittle, born at Nor-folk, Virginia, May 15th,
1818. Senior Warden of Christ Church Parish from April 6, 1871, until his death
at Macon, Ga., February 17, 1886. In erecting this tablet the congregation of
Christ Church wish to record for coming generation that he was devoted to duty,
loyal to the Church, and consecrated to God; with charity unbounded he lived
without reproach and departed hence universally esteemed."

     Mr. Winchester reported to the Diocesan Convention of 1886 that during the
year St. John's Chapel had been built in East Macon upon the lot which had been
donated by Messrs. Howard Cutter and T. Skelton Jones. This building still
stands on the corner of Church and St. John's Streets. Throughout his Rectorship
Mr. Winchester took an active interest in this Mission. It was directly under
the care of the clergy who were in charge of St. Barnabas' Chapel, save from
1887 to 1889. In 1887 the Reverend W. H. Hunt was placed in charge of St. John's
and devoted his entire time to it. Mr. Hunt was succeeded on September 1st by
the Reverend M. T. Turner who was the incumbent for about one year. During the
winter of 1888-89 Mr. Owen P. Fitzsimmons, Jr., candidate for Holy Orders,
served this Mission most acceptably as lay reader. Mr. Fitzsimmons was admitted
to the Sacred Order of Deacons by Bishop Beckwith in Christ Church on June 30,
1889. The Ladies' Aid Society presented him with his vestments. For many years
Mr. W. C. Turpin acted as superintendent of St. John's Sunday School and was
assisted by Mrs. T. O. Chestney, Mrs. Mitchell Flanders, Miss Victorene
Williams, Miss Bessie Blair, Mrs. S. C. Durrett, Mrs. Ida Rogers Humphries, Mrs.
W. C. Turpin, Mr. Harry C. Mix and others.

     Mrs. Julia Parkman Jones, one of the most devoted communicants of this
Church, died on March 18, 1886. Shortly thereafter the Rector delivered a
memorial address in which he said in part:

     "In 1834 Mrs. Jones became a communicant of Christ Church and from that
date her mind and body did not seem to become weary in laboring for the good of
the Parish, the Diocese and the whole Church of God in the world. There is no
work of this Church in which she was not instrumental in succoring. She became
the first secretary and treasurer of the Pastoral Aid Society (now the Ladies'
Aid Society) and from 1851 until 1880 was its president. The Sunday School room
was donated to Christ Church by her as an appropriate memorial to her husband.
Her will was pronounced a finished piece of work by our late beloved warden,
Colonel L. N. Whittle, her life-long friend and adviser. Throughout it breathes
a spirit of love and utter unselfishness. Like her whole life, it has sought
first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Her Church stood first. There
was no service in the Church she missed unless sickness prevented. In the early
morning during the Advent and Lenten seasons she was present to receive the Holy
Communion, and the last service she attended was on Sunday, March 7th, when she
received the most comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ from the
consecrated vessels so beautifully kept and cared for by her hands."

     In her will Mrs. Jones left $3,000.00 to Christ Church; $1.000.00
undesignated; $1,000.00, the principal of which was to be kept intact and the
income only to be used for the Missions of the Parish; and $1,000.00, the
interest from which was to go towards the assessment on this Parish for the
Bishop's salary.

     The $1,000.00 which was undesignated was used as part payment on a note of
$1,462.00 due by the Church to the estate of Mrs. Jones. The remaining $2,000.00
was invested in sixteen shares of Southwestern Railroad stock. In May 1893, this
stock was sold for $1,192.00, which was placed in a savings account at a local
bank. In 1914 the Treasurer's annual report shows a receipt of $138.70 as
interest from these two funds. Subsequently $1,000.00 was withdrawn from the
bank and placed in a loan which evidently became merged with the Jones Home
Endowment. In 1924, the Vestry divided what remained in the bank and placed
among its permanent funds the sum of $167.95 to the Bishop's Salary Fund and
$167.95 to the Parochial Missions Fund. They have agreed to allow these funds to
accumulate until the original principals of $1,000.00 shall have been restored.

     Mrs. Jones also left $500.00 to be invested by her executors, the interest
to be used for the purpose of keeping her lots at the cemetery in perfect order.
In 1899 this was turned over to the Vestry from the Cornwell estate in the form
of a Second Preference Income Bond of the Central of Georgia Railroad Company
for $500.00. In 1900, this bond was sold for $42.50 and this sum was placed in a
savings account at a local bank. On January 1, 1925, this fund amounted to
$76.94, the Vestry, in 1924, having agreed to allow this fund to accumulate
until the original principal shall have been restored. Meanwhile they are paying
for the care of Mrs. Jones' cemetery lots out of the current funds of the Parish.

     Mrs. Jones also left $500.00 to be placed in the hands of Mr. Henry Cutter
for the benefit of the poor of the Parish of Christ Church, the income only to
be used. Mr. Cutter died on the twelfth of July, 1900, and in January 1901, the
$500.00 was turned over to the Vestry. This fund seems to have been merged with
the Jones Home Endowment.

     Section 36 of Mrs. Jones' will reads as follows:

     "I give my house and lot in Macon on the corner of Walnut and Third Streets
to the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, to be applied by them, for a Retreat
or Christ Church Home for the indigent ladies of the Parish, and such other
persons, as the Wardens and Vestry, or a committee appointed by them, may select
as worthy and in need of its protection. To endow this Home I appropriate the
house and lot on Walnut Street in which I live, also the residue of my estate
after paying the foregoing legacies and all other indebtedness."

     On September 13, 1886, Mr. John Moore Walker, Treasurer, reported to the
Vestry that Mr. George Cornwell, Executor, had turned over to him the residuum
of Mrs. Jones' estate, the same being valued at $44,638.55.

     Pending the erection of the Home the Trustees paid certain beneficiaries a
pension of $8.00 a month. Mrs. Jones desired the Vestry and whole congregation
to decide on a suitable name for the Home. At a meeting of the Vestry on June
29, 1886, it was resolved to name the Home, "The Julia Parkman Jones Benevolent
Home of Christ Church Parish". It was decided to erect the Home on the lot
immediately east of Mrs. Jones' former residence. The cornerstone of the
building was laid on March 18, 1890, being the fourth anniversary of the death
of Mrs. Jones. It bears the following inscription:

THE JULIA PARKMAN JONES BENEVOLENT HOME
FOUNDED AND ENDOWED
MARCH, A. D. 1886

ERECTED UNDER SUPERVISION
OF THE VESTRY OF CHRIST CHURCH
A. D. 1890

BUILDING COMMITTEE
J. G. DEITZ, CHAIRMAN
H. G. CUTTER
J. M. WALKER
A. BLAIR, ARCHITECT

CORNER STONE LAID MARCH 18, A. L. 5890
W. A. DAVIS
ACTING GRAND MASTER
F. & A.M.

     Although Mrs. Jones left her home, 518 Walnut Street, as part of the
endowment of the Jones Home, she had expressed a desire that Mr. Winchester
should live in it, and her wish was complied with. The Rectory, 553 Walnut
Street, was rented and the income given to the Jones Home. Mrs. Jones' former
home, therefore, came to be considered the Rectory, though it was not until 1919
that the formal transfer of the properties was made-the Vestry giving the old
Rectory at 553 Walnut Street and about $1,500.00 to the Trustees of the Jones
Home in exchange for the former home of Mrs. Jones at 518 Walnut Street.

     In the fall of 1887, during the absence of the Rector, the services were in
charge of the Reverend Walter R. Dye. Mr. Dye was ordained to the Priesthood in
this Church on March 13, 1887, by Bishop Beckwith, assisted by the Reverend J.
R. Winchester, the Reverend W. Dudley Powers and the Reverend W. W. Kimball.

     The Chancel Society was organized in August 1887. For many years Mrs. Julia
Byron Hall was its president. The general plan of work adopted and continued
until 1920 was for two members of the Society to take charge of the chancel for
a month at a time. The Credence Table was placed in the Sanctuary by the Ladies'
Aid Society in 1897, as a memorial to Mrs. Hall.

     In January 1887, the Reverend W. W. Kimball became priest in charge of St.
Barnabas.' In May he reported to the Diocesan Convention:

     "I find some things to encourage me and some to discourage me. The outlook
may be said to be favorable. The Elizabeth Memorial Aid Society is doing
valuable work in a quiet way. The general financial condition of the Church is
better than it has been for several years previous. It is out of debt and we
have lately put up a bell and ordered a new organ."

     The committee of St. Barnabas' Chapel during the incumbency of Mr. Kimball
was composed of J. F. McCaw, J. Fabian Minton and later W. W. Wrigley.

     During the year a memorial window to Mrs. Jones was placed in Christ Church
near her pew. The inscription is as follows:

Julia Parkman Jones
Born Dec. 23, 1806. 
Entered into Rest, March 18, 1886.
A Memorial from the Congregation of Christ Church.

     Mr. Winchester resigned as Rector on February 1, 1890. The Vestry accepted
his resignation reluctantly and stated that his work and example had done much
to advance the spiritual welfare of the Parish-to say nothing of the individual
love and esteem of each member of the Parish for him. Seventeen years later the
rectorship was again vacant, and the Vestry turned to Mr. Winchester, then
Rector of Calvary Church, Memphis, Tennessee, and asked him to return, but he
was unable to do so. In 1911, he was consecrated Bishop of Arkansas. His love
for this congregation has been ever deep and lasting. In a letter dated February
26, 1923, he says:

     "In my day we had a wonderful congregation at Christ Church, the most
consecrated, holy people I have known. Time would fail me to mention their
names-names written in `the book of life'. Mrs. Winchester's mother (Mrs. Evelyn
Byrd Lee) called Mrs. Julia Park-man Jones' attention to the good that would
come from the home she decided to endow for old ladies. It was my privilege, as
a result of her conclusion, to assist in writing that portion of her will
bearing upon the Home. Perhaps no church in our country ever had a sweeter
choir. The quartet was composed of Mrs. Virginia Hopson and her twin sister,
Miss Georgia Conner, Mr. Luther Williams and Mr. Julian Price. The bird-like
voices of the twin sisters in `Nearer My God to Thee' I hear re-echoing in my
soul today, and Julian Price's solo `Ashamed of Jesus' stirs my very manhood as
I recall it. The old organsit, Mr. Czurda, was one of the most devout and humble
men, and his spirit seemed to burst from the organ. It is a picture of harmony-a
harmony that influenced the city of Macon. I think of dear Christ Church, Macon,
as the very vestibule of Paradise. At every celebration of the Holy Communion it
is my habit (for years) to have Christ Church in my prayers-indeed the Communion
of Saints was made more real to me through the saintly lives of those dear
people. You young folk have a splendid heritage, and I rejoice that some of the
saintly communicants of my day are still left-for I feel sure they pray for me,
remembering my imperfections. Faithfully yours in Christ and His Holy Church.

                            "James R. Winchester."

    Following Mr. Winchester's resignation the Vestry elected as Rector the
Reverend F. F. Reese, then Rector of Trinity Church, Portsmouth, Virginia. Mr.
Reese accepted the call and began his work here in April. At Easter two large
altar vases were presented as a memorial to Mrs. Albert Mix. Upon them is the
following inscription:

In loving remembrance of
Maria T. Mix
From Christ Church Aid Society
Easter 1890.

     As the people were assembling for the morning service on Sunday, November
23, 1890, the news came to Macon of the death of Bishop Beckwith. Touching
references were made to it in all the Churches. Bishop Beckwith had lived in
Macon during the early part of his Episcopate, and had many close personal
friends in the city. For nearly a quarter of a century the Diocese of Georgia
had been ruled and guided as much by the power of his personal presence and
influence as by his Episcopal authority. Confidence in his judgment, obedience
to his counsel and a glad following of his guidance were the ready response to
his faithful efforts to fulfill the arduous duties of his great office. Endowed
by nature with a marvelous voice that ranged through the whole realm of human
emotions, Bishop Beckwith was considered one of the greatest preachers in
America. Crowds representing all denominations thronged this Church every time
he visited it. His death was keenly felt and the Vestry ordered the chancel to
be draped in mourning for a period of thirty days. The present altar rail was
later put up in the Church as a memorial to him. It bears the following
inscription:

To the Glory of God And in Memory of
The Right Reverend John Watrus Beckwith, D. D.
Second Bishop of Georgia.
Erected by the Ladies' Aid Society.

     The Reverend Cleland Kinloch Nelson was consecrated the third Bishop of
Georgia at St. Luke's Cathedral, Atlanta, on February 24, 1892. He paid his
initial visit to Christ Church on March 27th, at which time be confirmed eighteen.

1891-1915



     On June 1, 1891, the Julia Parkman Jones Benevolent Home was opened, with
Mrs. Dunwell as matron. The original Board of Lady Managers was composed of the
following:

Mrs. G. C. Conner, Mrs. T. Skelton Jones, Mrs. M. H. Taylor, Mrs. J. M. Walker,
Mrs. R. K. Hines, Mrs. T. O. Chestney, Mrs. John Ingalls, Mrs. Luther Williams,
Mrs. S. T. Coleman, Mrs. T. U. Conner, Mrs. W. L. Ellis, Mrs. F. F. Reese, Mrs.
R. S. Lanier.

     Mr. Reese took an active interest in the Sunday School. His habit was to
visit the school every Sunday morning, greet the pupils personally, and address
the school. His interest and enthusiasm appear not to have been fully shared by
the Vestry as is evidenced by the following recommendation made to them on July
10th:

     "That the Sunday School Committee be instructed to visit the Sunday School
quarterly and report at the next regular meeting of the Vestry the progress and
needs of the Sunday School, in accordance with the suggestions of the Rector and
of the Superintendent."

     The Rector also had a Bible Class for women, which he taught every Friday
afternoon.

     At the beginning of his rectorship, a society was formed in the Parish,
called the "Diocesan Missionary Society". Before that time the assessments for
Diocesan Missions had been paid largely, or entirely, by the Vestry, and the
individual members of the congregation probably knew little or nothing about
these Missions. The Society not only increased the contributions of the
congregation to Diocesan Missions, but it also brought the work of the Diocese
within the knowledge and interest of the members of this Parish. The president
of this Society for many years was Miss Kate A. Ayres, and its treasurer was Mr.
Charles A. Juhan, father of the present Bishop of Florida, the Right Reverend
Frank A. Juhan, D. D.

     Miss Julia C. Emery, of New York, General Secretary of the Woman's
Auxiliary to the Foreign and Domestic Missionary Society of the Church, visited
this Parish in May 1892, and made an address to the Ladies' Aid Society. As a
result of this visit, the Ladies' Aid Society associated itself as a branch of
the Auxiliary and agreed to report its missionary work to the head-quarters of
the Auxiliary at New York through the Diocesan Secretary in Savannah. The
Ladies' Aid Society, at the adjournment of its regular meetings, would reconvene
as a branch of the Auxiliary. This plan was continued until October 1894, when
the Woman's Auxiliary of this Parish was organized as a separate society, Mrs.
F. F. Reese, president and secretary. Among its most active workers was Mrs.
Mallory H. Taylor.

     During the latter part of 1897, an addition was built to the Rectory. Part
of this expense was borne by the Ladies' Aid Society.

     The Mothers' Meeting was organized on November 16, 1898. The members of
this society would meet every Tuesday afternoon and cut out articles for
household and personal use. Certain women from East Macon were taught how to sew
and make the garments which were then sold to them at a nominal price. The
meetings were always opened and closed with prayer, and light refreshments were
served. The first officers were: Mrs. Mallory H. Taylor, Miss K. A. Ayres, Mrs.
Elizabeth J. Cooke, Mrs. F. F. Reese, Mrs. R. K. Hines, Mrs. S. T. Coleman, Mrs.
E. B. Harris, Miss Margaret Plant, and Miss Jean Conner.

     A branch of the Junior Auxiliary was organized on January 2, 1900, with
Mrs. R. K. Hines as president and Miss Margaret Plant, secretary and treasurer.
During the year Mrs. Hines was compelled to resign and Mrs. John Ingalls
succeeded her as president. Miss Mary Reese succeeded Miss Plant as secretary
and treasurer.

     From April 18 to 23, 1900, the Parish celebrated its seventy-fifth
anniversary with appropriate services and a social reunion. Although March 5,
1825, was the day upon which the group of men met and signed a petition for the
formation of Christ Church, April 18th, of that year, was the day on which this
Parish was admitted into union with the Diocesan Convention; hence the choosing
of the later date. At the time of this celebration $2,110.00 was contributed, by
which the floating debt was paid and the current expenses provided for. Of this
amount the Ladies' Aid Society contributed $332.36. This Society also presented
the Church with a handsome Litany Desk in memory of its deceased members from
1838 to 1900. The Sunday School presented a pair of small altar vases in memory
of Mary Esther Deitz, who had been for many years a faithful teacher in the school.

     The second ordination to the ministry from Christ Church took place in this
Church on Sunday, July 28, 1901, when Bishop Nelson admitted Luther G. H.
Williams to the Sacred Order of Deacons. The Rector preached the sermon, the
Reverend Francis H. Craighill assisted in the service, and Bishop Nelson
celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Mr. Williams is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs.
Luther Williams, whose family has been and is a pillar of strength in this Parish.

     Just before leaving the Parish, Mr. Reese said:

     "The Woman's Auxiliary, the Mothers' Meeting, the Junior Auxiliary, the
Daughters of the King have all been established during my incumbency and have
each of them added to the efficiency of the Parish in doing the Master's work."

     During the first part of Mr. Reese's rectorship St. Barnabas' and St.
John's were served by the Reverend Allard Barn-well, a noble and devoted son of
the Church and one who was deeply loved by his congregation. His daughter,
Katherine, (now Mrs. J. C. Hoke, of Atlanta) , endeared herself to all the
children as teacher of the infant class at St. Barnabas'. The outstanding work
done under Mr. Barnwell at St. Barnabas' was the erection of a Guild Hall. It
was a frame building about 30 feet wide and 60 feet long. The interior was not
finished at this time. The plans were drawn by Mr. Algernon Blair, who was for
many years superintendent of the Sunday School and was untiring in his efforts
to build up this Mission. Mr. J. G. Dorsett was also an officer of St. Barnabas'
at this time. At St. John's services were held on Sunday morning by Mr. W. C.
Turpin, as lay reader; on Sunday night by Mr. Barnwell, and from October to May
on Friday night by Mr. Reese. The officers at St. John's at this time were Perry
C. Smith and Robert E. Rogers.

     Mr. Barnwell was followed by the Reverend Martin Darner. Mr. Darner was a
finished musician and organist and under his direction the work of the choir at
St. Barnabas' drew visitors from all over the city. Mr. Darner writes from Los
Angeles (1925) , "I remember that we had one Sunday morning at St. Barnabas' the
baptism of twenty-one infants." The members of the Mission worked very hard and
had various kinds of entertainments to raise money with which to pay for the
Guild Hall. Mr. Darner left during the summer of 1897 to accept a position as
organist in a church in Chicago.

     The Reverend Francis H. Craighill was assistant minister of the Parish in
charge of St. Barnabas' and St. John's, first as lay reader from December 20,
1897, to April 15, 1898, then as assistant minister in charge of the Missions
from October 1, 1898, to January 1, 1901. Bishop Nelson visited Macon on April
16, 1899, and in his Journal is the following entry:

     "In St. Paul's, Macon, confirmed nine, preached and celebrated the Holy
Eucharist. In the afternoon confirmed twelve and preached in St. Barnabas'
Church. This excellent class was the first fruits of the work of the Rev.
Francis H. Craighill, Deacon in charge of this Church. In the evening confirmed
eleven and preached in Christ Church. The Rector of Christ Church has completed
the ninth year of his connection with the Parish. We have no figures at hand,
but the facts are abundant in evidence of a most blessed and successful
pastorate, of his increasing value to and esteem by the community in which his
influence is widely felt and acknowledged."

     During Mr. Craighill's administration there was substantial growth in both
St. Barnabas' and St. John's, and the property of both was put in good condition
by repairing, painting, and erection of fences. At St. Barnabas' a communion
service was given in memory of Mrs. John W. Waterhouse, and a brass altar cross
in memory of her daughter, Nettie (Mrs. Richard Hudson). A. W. Taylor, J. G.
Dorsett and Melvin Sires are mentioned among the officers at this time. The work
of the Mission was now done entirely by St. Barnabas' people. the young people
taking a keen interest. Mr. Craighill writes from his present charge at Rocky
Mount, N. C. (1925 ) , "Some of the finest people I have ever known and some of
the best friends I have ever had were members of those Missions."

     Mr. Craighill was followed as assistant minister by the Reverend G. Hendree
Harrison. Mr. Harrison was the incumbent for almost a year to the day. At this
time he was a deacon.

Mr. Harrison writes from his present Church in Pensacola, Florida (1925), "I
recall with what wonderful faithfulness John Walker helped with the work at St.
John's. If I could visit Macon and meet some of my old friends and talk over
with them old times many incidents would be recalled that filled the first year
of my ministry with joy." Mr. Harrison was followed as assistant minister by the
Reverend James B. Lawrence.

     In October 1903, Mr. Reese resigned as Rector to accept the Rectorship of
Christ Church, Nashville, Tennessee. His rectorship in Macon was a long and
happy one and the congregation parted with him with the greatest regret. In
1908, he was elected Bishop of Georgia, and we have the privilege occasionally
of seeing him as he goes through Macon to visit some of the Parishes in his
Diocese. He writes from Savannah, on March 24, 1923:

     "My relation to Christ Church, Macon, as its Rector, extended over a period
of thirteen years and seven months, from April 1890 to November 1903. This
period of my life was so happy that I cherish a great many delightful and
precious memories of my work and of the people among whom I labored and who
labored with me. Two missions were connected with the Parish, St. Barnabas' on
Third Street, in South Macon, and St. John's, in East Macon. An assistant priest
ministered to the people of these two missions. Among them I remember
affectionately the Reverend Allard Barnwell, long since at rest, the Reverend
Martin Darner, the Reverend G. Hendree Harrison, the Reverend Francis H.
Craighill, and the Reverend James B. Lawrence; all faithful and devoted men	

     "It was also my privilege during those years to have part in the
establishment of the Macon Hospital, a work to which I look back naturally with
peculiar satisfaction and thankfulness.

     "I am sorry that my memory fails me in recalling many happy incidents of
that time, but it does not fail me in recalling the saintly and beautiful lives
of many men and women who loved God and His Church and gave of their time and
labor to His service, and many of whom are now in the Paradise of God. May He
grant them Eternal Rest and may we follow them with the same consecrated
devotion with which they followed Christ.
                                          "Frederick F. Reese."

     On December 7, 1903, the Vestry unanimously elected the Reverend William
Bohler Walker, then of Joliet, Illinois, Rector, and he took charge of the
Parish in the early part of the following year. In 1905 the present altar and
reredos were placed in the chancel and those theretofore in use were donated to
All Saints', Barnesville, Georgia. During his rectorship, Mr. Walker did a great
deal to beautify the grounds of the Church and Rectory.

     St. Barnabas' and St. John's were at this time under the charge of the
Reverend James B. Lawrence. Mr. John W. Waterhouse was Senior Warden of St.
Barnabas' and Mr. J. G. Dorsett, Junior Warden. One of the first things that Mr.
Lawrence did at St. Barnabas' was to have the Guild Hall properly finished. He
gave what he called a "lathing bee", and invited everybody to come and bring a
hammer and saw. The members of the congregation assembled and did most of the
work themselves. This building was found to be most useful for the meetings of
the societies of the Church. It was also used for certain classes of the Sunday
School. Entertainments were held there, for example, a moving picture show
called "The Train Robbery". It is believed this was one of the first moving
pictures ever presented in Macon. One of the best entertainments ever given was
a Minstrel Show, Mr. Wilbur Lawrence taking the leading part. The Guild Hall
became a community center for the people living in that neighborhood. The number
of communicants at St. Barnabas' in 1904 was reported as 81 and the number in
the Sunday School as 72.

     At St. John's the number of communicants in 1904 was reported as 29, and
the number in the Sunday School as 55. Mr. Francis E. Williams was the
superintendent of the Sunday School. Mrs. Luther Williams, Miss Mary Pearson and
other members of Christ Church were assisting in the work.

     Mr. Lawrence resigned on November 20, 1905. Writing from his present
charge, Calvary Church, Americus, (1925), he says:

     "The congregations were very loyal and many of the best Church people in
Macon today received their early training at St. Barnabas' and St. John's. The
sacraments of the Church were carefully taught and put into practice. At one
time every child on Hazel Street between Second and Third Streets had been
baptized."

     At a meeting of the Vestry, held on December 13, 1906, a motion was made
that the property of St. Barnabas' be sold and the money invested for the
ultimate rehabilitation of the Mission elsewhere. This was done in view of the
fact that the white population had largely moved from that neighbor-hood, and
that the fund available for clerical support was in-adequate to engage a
clergyman. This motion was passed at a meeting of the Vestry, held the following
month, and St. Barnabas' Mission was closed in January 1907.

     Mr. 'Walker resigned the rectorship on October 1, 1907. His work is thus
summarized by the Reverend James B. Lawrence:

     "It was from Joliet that Mr. Walker came to Macon to become the Rector of
Christ Church, being for the second time canonically resident in the Diocese of
Georgia, that is for the period, February 24, 1904, to October 1, 1907.

     "With a strong, clear voice, Mr. Walker preached clear, strong ideas.
Having the courage of his convictions, he was fearless in uttering them. His
choice of subjects for his sermons was invariably guided by the seasons of the
Christian Year. He maintained, that while this might lead a man into a rut, it
was a good rut to be in. It was thus that by the end of each year the life of
Christ was presented to the people in its entirety.

     "In the performance of his pastoral duties he was both methodical and kind.
No one was neglected. The hospitality of his home knew no bounds. Here the
pre-siding genius was Mrs. Walker, whose sweetness and calmness of disposition
not only made her a splendid example of what a Rector's wife should be, but also
caused her to enjoy the affectionate regard of all who knew her. Their noble
sons (there were no daughters), were such as could only be brought up by noble
parents.

     "Mr. Walker was truly a genuine man, through and through, and a loyal
soldier, bravely fighting under the banner of the great Captain of our souls."

     The Diocese of Georgia was divided in 1907, Bishop Nelson electing to
remain Bishop of the northern Diocese. The Primary Convention of the northern
Diocese met in this Parish on December 4th, and the Diocese chose for its name,
"The Diocese of Atlanta". Christ Church is the oldest Parish in this Diocese.
Our delegates to this first Convention were Messrs. Luther Williams, R. K. Hines
and John M. Walker.

     During the early part of 1908 a refectory was added to the Sunday School
building in order to enable the ladies of the Parish to serve dinners and
lunches there. A tablet with the following inscription was placed on the wall:

REFECTORY
ERECTED BY THE LADIES' AID SOCIETY
OF CHRIST CHURCH
1908
MISS KATE A. AYRES, PRESIDENT
MRS. G. C. CONNER, SR., TREASURER
MRS. W. C. TURPIN, SECRETARY
BUILDING COMMITTEE
MRS. WM. C. SHAW, CHAIRMAN
MRS. W. E. FLANDERS      MRS. H. C. ROBERT

     The Vestry called the Reverend John Summerfield Bunting to succeed Mr.
Walker, and he began his work here on March 8, 1908. Bishop Nelson instituted
him as Rector of the Parish on March 22nd. Messrs. T. O. Chestney and Luther
Williams, Wardens, presented him with the keys to the Church.

     One of the first things that Mr. Bunting did was to inaugurate a chorus
choir. The quartette choir had always sung from the gallery; now choir stalls
were placed in the chancel for the vested choir. This choir sang for the first
time on the first Sunday in October, a large congregation being present. The
transfer of the choir from the gallery to the chancel made it desirable for the
transfer of the organ to the same place, and inasmuch as the old organ was too
small, a movement was set on foot to purchase a new one. Miss Ida Holt and Mrs.
William Yates were leaders in this movement. It was early decided to build the
organ as a memorial to Mrs. C. E. Schofield, whose death had occurred on August
3, 1908. In October 1902, when Mrs. Schofield had been forced to retire from the
choir temporarily, Mr. Reese said:

     "I desire to express for the whole congregation the great regret and sense
of loss we feel in Mrs. Schofield's necessary withdrawal from the choir. It is
difficult for us to reconcile our minds to this as a permanency, and we shall
continue to indulge the hope that the day may come when she can find it possible
to resume her sweet ministry of song in the worship of the Church. Music is a
ministry, and when it is realized by the musician to be such, it is a means of
grace; Mrs. Schofield did realize it and her singing was such."

     Mr. Luther Williams writes thus of her connection with the Christ Church
choir:

     "Having been honored with the request to write a short article on the
connection of Mary Little Schofield with the Christ Church Choir, I do so with
something of a thrill.

     "During a period of about twenty years she did her work in this choir most
conscientiously, always ready to help in any way she could, besides giving her
very wonderful soprano voice for the benefit and uplifting of the Christ Church
people. I say uplifting because her voice was so full of Soul that it almost
inevitably brought us nearer to God's footstool.

     "This quartette choir was under the directorship of the writer during most,
if not all, the time she was there and never was there a case of even
fretfulness in all my recollection, as she was always on time and ready to do
her part bravely and cheerfully in spite, perhaps, of many trials, and towards
the end some physical suffering, al-ways ready to do her duty, singing at
weddings or funerals and in any other way. I rejoice to think that her
relationship with this choir made her life a happier one.

     "We have had many beautiful singers in Christ Church and the writer likes
to dwell on them all, and in regard to the subject of this writing there still
remains with me the bitterness of the loss of her divine voice, practically in
her prime.

     "We can still however look forward to the glorious time to come when we
shall hear her again (if we prove worthy) and others too, whom we have loved
long since and only lost awhile. This will be a part of our heaven.
"I believe and trust it may be so for all of us."

     The present three manual organ was purchased from Kim-ball and Company. It
was installed in December 1909. A plate bearing the following inscription was
placed on it:

Erected by the Congregation of
Christ Church to the Glory of God
And in loving memory of
MARY LITTLE SCHOFIELD. 
Through the long years she rendered 
Most beautiful and effective service
In the choir of this Church.

"Tarry with me, 0 my Saviour 
Lay my head upon Thy breast, 
Till the morning, then awake me 
Morning of eternal Rest. Amen."

     Mr. Robert Munford, who had given years of faithful service as vestryman,
lay reader and superintendent of the Sunday School, was forced by ill health to
resign from his offices in October 1908. The Vestry accepted his resignation
with regret and assured him that his exemplary Christian life and faithful
attendance at Church had been an inspiration to them and all the members of the
congregation. Mr. Munford's death occurred in October 1910. Glass panelled doors
were placed in the vestibule of the Church in 1913, as a memorial to him. These
doors were the gift of Mrs. Munford.

     When Bishop Reese was Rector of this Parish he preached a sermon in which
he suggested that every family in Christ Church ought to take an interest in
some needy family and help them regularly. Several members of the Parish began
to carry out his idea individually, and finally on March 10, 1910, they united
to form the "Guild of the Helping Hand". Mrs. W. C. Turpin was its first and
most beloved president; Mrs. Appleton Collins, vice-president; Mrs. Edward
Shorter, secretary, and Rossetter Collins, treasurer. Among the charter members
were Mrs. John Ingalls, Mrs. I. B. English, Mrs. T. U. Conner, Mrs. W. W.
Wrigley, Mrs. S. T.-Coleman, Mrs. Henry Horne, Miss Jessie Middlebrooks, and
Miss Anne Page Turpin. The first families helped were brought to the attention
of the Guild by Miss Emilie Gyles, who was conducting a kindergarten for poor
children in South Macon. The aim of the Helping Hand has always been to preserve
the personal touch with all those to whom it is extending aid. Its work has been
among those in need, regardless of Church affiliation. Its membership is not
limited to members of this Parish or the Episcopal Church, but it has always
been counted as one of the Parochial organizations.

     In the spring of 1911, the chancel of the Church was tiled, a gift from
Mrs. William Lee Ellis. The placing of the new organ in the chancel of the
Church necessitated the use of the old vestry room as part of the chamber of the
organ. The present vestry room was added in the early part of 1912. Mr.
Alexander Blair, a member of the congregation, gave his services as architect.

     On February 2, 1913, the Vestry signed the certificate of John Moore
Walker, Jr., recommending him to be ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Mr.
Walker was reared in this Parish, and had become a candidate for Holy Orders
while a member of the same. In May 1910, he had transferred as a candidate to
the Diocese of Georgia, and consequently he was ordained to the Diaconate by the
Right Reverend F. F. Reese, the Bishop of Georgia. Although he was not ordained
in this Diocese, this Parish claims him as one of its representatives in the
ministry of the Church.

     St. John's Mission had been closed for some time, when in 1910 Mr. Bunting
reopened it. The building was repaired and services were conducted there on
Wednesday night, at which the attendance was very good. A night school was also
opened in East Macon. The Sunday School was reopened, the sessions being held on
Sunday afternoon. One of the finest classes in this school was the Woman's Bible
Class, taught by Mrs. Horner, mother of Mrs. Bunting.

     At a meeting of the Vestry, held on December 20, 1910, a resolution was
passed, stating that it was the sense of this Vestry that the time had come when
the mission work of Christ Church Parish should be vigorously prosecuted, and
that the Easter offering, or other offerings, should be used to pay the salary
of an assistant.

     Pursuant to this resolution, the Reverend Malcolm W. Lockhart, Deacon, was
secured as assistant. On January 7, 1912, in this Church, Mr. Lockhart was
ordained to the Priest-hood by Bishop Nelson. He was presented by Mr. Bunting.
Mr. Lockhart held afternoon service on Sunday at St. John's from time to time,
and also assisted in the work of St. James'. When the Rector was away on his
vacation Mr. Lockhart took charge of the services at Christ Church. He resigned
in the summer of 1912 to accept the Rectorship of Emanuel Church, Winona,
Mississippi.

     After Mr. Lockhart left, services were not held regularly at St. John's,
but the Sunday School was continued and the attendance was good. The Reverend
Jewett Williams, John Moore Walker, and James Palmer acted at various times as
superintendent.

     In July 1914, the property of St. John's was sold for $650.00, less the
commission. This fund is now in the hands of the Vestry and amounts to about
$900.00.

     In May 1909, the St. Barnabas' property was sold and a committee appointed
to secure a new site in South Macon. They suggested a lot on Houston Avenue near
the present Newburg school, but the Vestry was unable to agree with the owner on
the purchase price. Meanwhile the section of Macon known as Cherokee Heights was
developing rapidly. A committee, composed of Messrs. Luther Williams, Ralph T.
Birdsey and M. Felton Hatcher, reported to the Vestry on March 9, 1911, that a
lot on the corner of Napier and Courtland Avenues could be bought for $1,350.00
and that they considered it a suitable lot on which to build a Mission. The lot
was purchased with part of the money derived from the sale of St. Barnabas'
Chapel. On October 27th, Mr. Bunting and Messrs. O. A. Coleman, J. A. Canfield,
Hubert Duckworth, E. B. Harrold, L. P. Hillyer and Alexander Blair met at the
residence of Mr. Blair for the purpose of discussing the organization of a
Mission on Cherokee Heights. Subsequently other meetings were held and the
organization of the Mission perfected. It was decided to name the Mission, "St.
James' ". A Sunday School was organized on Sunday afternoon, January 21, 1912,
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Hillyer. Mr. Bunting was assisted in the work
of the Sunday School by the Reverend Jewett Williams and later by the Reverend
Malcolm Lockhart. On June 1, 1912, a committee from the Vestry of this Church
signed a contract for the construction of a small artistic Church building, and
here the first service was held by Mr. Bunting on September 15th. The remainder
of the St. Barnabas' fund, approximately $715.00, was used to help pay for this
building. Mr. Bunting continued to minister to St. James'. Mr. C. L. Bunting,
lay reader. of Christ Church, held a service there each Sunday night during the
winter of 1914.

     Christ Church and St. Paul's having consented to the formation of a new
Parish in Macon, Bishop Nelson, on January 5, 1915, gave consent to the
organization of St. James', and it was organized as a Parish at a congregational
meeting, held on Friday, January 8th. It has continued to grow and prosper.

     In January 1915, Mr. Bunting resigned to accept the Rectorship of the
Church of the Ascension, St. Louis, Missouri. The Vestry accepted his
resignation with regret, stating that for seven years he had filled the position
of Rector of Christ Church in the most successful manner and that his earnest
and faithful rectorship had won for him the love and confidence of the whole
congregation.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

The History of Christ Church Parish
Macon, Georgia
March 5th, 1825
March 5th, 1925

Complied by
Oliver J. Hart, Rector



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