Early Clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware, S. F. Hotchkin, 1890 - Chapter 14, St. Paul's Church Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja and Sally Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ________________________________________________ EARLY CLERGY OF PENNSYLVANIA AND DELAWARE. BY REV. S. F. HOTCHKIN, M.A. Author of The Mornings of the Bible, History of Germantown, &c. P. W. ZIEGLER & CO., PUBLISHERS, NO. 720 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1890 Copyright, 1890, by Rev. S. F. Hotchkin. NOTE: Use URL: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/1pa/1picts/hotchkin/early-clergy.htm to access other chapters. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 159 CHAPTER XIV. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. "Paul preached unto them." - Acts, 20:7. ST. PAUL has been preaching in all the churches named in his honor for centuries. In considering the lives of the rectors of this church, we see the effects of his preaching. Dr. Tyng's sermon at the consecration of this renovated church, January 1st, A.D., 1831, and Bishop Perry's Reports of the Propagation Society give much valuable information about this ancient parish. The Rev. William McClenachan was the first rector. He had been a Presbyterian minister, but offered himself to the Church of England, and was recommended to the "Kennebeque Mission" by Mr. Shirley, "on account of his robust constitution." He was ordained in A.D., 1755, in London, He practiced as a physician in Halifax and Boston for a time, but afterward went to his mission where he remained two years and a half. He traveled long distances in performing his sacred duties, and he and his large family were in danger in the French and Indian war. He lived in a dismantled fort called Fort Richmond. There were no soldiers or ammunition there at this time. The mission included Georgetown and Frankfort. This was a part of the colony of Massachusetts Bay. The missionary declared that he was nearly worn out with fatigue in his labors in the wilderness, where the prosperous town of ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 160 Gardiner now stands. He accepted a post in Virginia, but soon settled in Philadelphia and became second assistant at Christ Church, Rev. William Sturgeon being first assistant, and the rector, Dr. Jenney, being in feeble health. He held this post about a year, and drew crowds to the church, as his preaching was striking and powerful. He afterwards organized St. Paul's Church, mostly composed of members withdrawing from Christ Church. There was much friction in the formation of the new parish, as may be seen by a reference to the life of Rev. Dr. William Smith, by Horace Wemyss Smith. The Protestant Episcopal Historical Society Collections, and Sewell's History of Bath, Maine, and Webster's History of Presbyterianism, and other works noted by Bishop Perry give some account of Mr. McClenaghan or McClenachan. In 1760 the new congregation met at the State House, where four or five thousand persons assembled, and where, for a time, services were held. John Ross, a distinguished lawyer, was a leader in this movement, and the first warden. The new church was opened the Sunday before Christmas, in 1761. The rector was a popular preacher, though not always prudent; as he was of an impetuous disposition. The people were interested and affectionate. The rector preached thrice on the Lord's day in this prosperous church, and the building is described as the largest church in this city or province. Over a thousand sittings were taken in it. The rector's health failed in his zealous work and an assistant was needed, but one was not secured from England, and in 1765 the rector resigned in infirm health and went to the eastern shore of Maryland, where Dr. Tyng says, "All accounts agree in testifying, that he was regular and exemplary in his conduct, and ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 161 where, after a few years, he died, much lamented by his parishioners in general." Mr. McClenachan was from the north of Ireland, and had the Irish gift of eloquence. Dr. Newton says, "He was an earnest and devoted Christian, and one of the most eloquent, successful and popular ministers of that day." Dr. Newton's sermon on the Centennial Anniversary of St. Paul's, entitled "God Shining out of Zion," notes that Rev. William Romaine, the distinguished author of "The Life, and Walk, and Triumph of Faith," was now called to the rectorship. Whitefield who had preached in St. Paul's, recommended him. He had just settled at St. Ann's, Blackfriar's, London, and did not think proper to resign that parish so soon after settling in it. The Rev. Hugh Neill, missionary at Oxford and Whitemarsh, assisted the vacant parish somewhat by gratuitous services, and they presented him with "a very handsome piece of plate" as a testimonial. In 1767 Mr. Neill writes that the people of St. Paul's had built "a church and endowed it with a handsome revenue." The next rector was the Rev. William Stringer, who was introduced by a letter from Whitefield. He was acceptable to the people, and zealous in endeavors to promote the glory of God, as the vestry testify to the Bishop of London. His Christian life drew the affection of the congregation. The clergy respected him, and after having served the parish some time he went to England for ordination, with testimonials for Bishop Terrick, and was ordained. In 1773 he was elected rector, the clergy of Christ Church and St. Peter's having kindly taken his services during his absence. Bishop White was one ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 162 who had assisted in Mr. Stringer's absence. Mr. Stringer was humble and unassuming, but in the troubles of the Revolution in 1777, when the British army were in Philadelphia, through a misunderstanding, his resignation occurred. The next year he returned to his native England and entered on clerical work, and when Bishop White was consecrated in London, in 1787, he visited London to see him and inquire about his Philadelphia friends, who had been attached to him. Dr. Smith writes, "Mr. Stringer seems a peaceable good man." He was said to preach "in the way of Romaine." He was useful, and said he was "willing to be employed wherever he can serve the cause of religion." Dr. Peters mentions his quiet goodness, saying, "he gives constant attendance to his duty which he punctually performs according to the Rites and Ceremonies of our Church," preaching on holy days, and lecturing "once a week in the evening." He was commendably diligent, and paid no regard to worldly interest, or the amount of remuneration from the congregation; he was universally esteemed. People of all "persuasions expressed a value for him and thought the city much favored by having so quiet and innocent a man at the head of St. Paul's Church." In 1783 Rev. Dr. Samuel Magaw became the rector of St. Paul's. For five years he had sole charge of this parish, and then Rev. Dr. Joseph Pilmore was made assistant minister. I gave an extended account of Dr. Magaw in the Standard of the Cross and the Church of Feb. 4th, 1888, and will note but a few points here regarding him. It is believed that he was born in 1735, and that he went to England for ordination. He died in 1812. He was active in this diocese, and in the REV. DR. JOSEPH PILMORE. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 163 church at large. He is buried under this church, near Dr. Pilmore. He was Vice-Provost of the University of Pennsylvania and stood high among the clergy of his day. Before coming to St. Paul's, Dr. Magaw was rector in Dover, Delaware, where he succeeded Bishop Inglis, of Nova Scotia. In 1804 Dr. Magaw resigned his rectorship of St. Paul's by reason of infirm health. His last days were passed in pain and disease. His wife was a daughter of Andrew Doz, a great benefactor of the church work in Philadelphia by legacies. This devoted Christian lady died before her husband. Dr. Magaw lived several years after his resignation, and was aided by the church, living in a house on York Street, which belonged to St. Paul's parish. At length his labors were over and he entered into the peace of God. Among his printed sermons is one on the death of Mary, the excellent wife of Bishop White, preached in Christ and St. Peter's Churches in 1797. Rev. Dr. Pilmore was the next rector of St. Paul's Church. I gave an extended account of him in the Standard of the Cross and the Church, of March 16th, 1889, but will here condense Rev. Dr. Sprague's Annals, in which he acknowledges the aid of Rev. Richard D. Hall and Rev. Dr. B. T. Welch, simply adding that Rev. Dr. Milnor speaks of the effect of Dr. Pilmore's preaching on him, as is noted in Dr. Stone's Life of that good man. The Rev. Mr. Hall writes of him as his spiritual father, and the guide of his youth. Mr. Hall was a member of St. Paul's parish, and his father was a vestryman in it. Dr. Pilmore was born in 1734, in Tadmouth, Yorkshire, England. His father and mother were Church of England people. When about sixteen, the lad formed the acquaintance of Rev. John Wesley, who was ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 164 preaching through Great Britain, and was drawn into the path of piety by him, under God's providence. Mr. Wesley took him into his noted school at Kingswood, where the sons of preachers were taught. Among other things he studied Hebrew, and Wesley had composed a Hebrew Grammar, and Dr. Pilmore gave Mr. Hall a copy of it, and of a Hebrew Bible; and Mr. Wesley's autograph added to the value of the gift. Dr. Pilmore was fond of study. He became one of Mr. Wesley's itinerants, or lay-preachers, "helpers in the work of calling sinners to repentance," as the Doctor himself used to express it in after years. He worked successfully in this vocation a number of years in England and Scotland, Ireland and Wales. He was a friend of Lady Huntingdon, the patroness of Whitefield, and also enjoyed the friendship of Lady Maxwell. The appearance and manner of the young lay-helper were impressive. He was tall and manly; his manner was pleasant, and his spmpathy strong, and the earnestness of his prayers increased the interest in his work. His melodious voice, and effective gestures, and his strong concern for the salvation of those who heard him, and his simple statement of the Gospel gave him great power as a preacher. In 1769, when thirty-four years old, Mr. Pilmore offered himself to Wesley as a missionary to America. He came, and delivered the Gospel message from Maine to Georgia, at a time when travel was difficult. The whole of the thirteen colonies were traversed, with danger to life and limb, in the rude travel of those early days. Persecutors added to the danger. At Charleston, S.C., while preaching in the theatre, by a contrivance of his enemies, a trap-door fell beneath him; and table, Bible, Hymn-book, and preacher vanished, but the ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 165 undaunted man went into the yard, declaring that by God's grace he would overcome the Devil, and not be beaten by him; the sermon was finished peacefully. In military battles the English have the reputation of not knowing when they are whipped, and in higher warfare this sturdy follower of Christ was a victor. The effect of this action appeared for years after in a drawing of souls to God. Crowds attended to hear this noble man deliver his Master's message. In after years, persons often declared to him that he had started them in a religious life in his itineracy, Mr. Pilmore had always loved and venerated his Mother, the Church of England, and in 1785 he applied to Bishop Seabury for ordination. The bishop had heard a good report of him, and was glad to ordain him. He was ordained deacon on the 27th of November, and priest on the 29th. He was soon called to Trinity Church, Oxford, All Saints', Lower Dublin, and St. Thomas's Whitemarsh, near Philadelphia. He resided near Poole's Bridge, "in the upper part of Second Street." He was not married, but he married a hundred couples every year. In addition to his country work, he assisted Dr. Magaw, at St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, preaching Sunday evenings to crowds, many of whom were hopefully brought to a knowledge of the truth. About 1790 he married Mrs. Wood. His ministry in the Yellow Fever times of 1793 was very useful. In 1794 he became rector of Christ Church, New York, which was a new church. He labored here for ten years with success; and then was elected rector of St. Paul's, Philadelphia. In 1821 Rev. Benjamin Allen became his assistant. Dr. Pilmore died in 1825, being ninety-one years old. While rector of St. Paul's, Dr. Pilmore revisited Charleston and found that his religious work prior to ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 166 the Revolution was still bearing fruit there. How much good the clergy accomplish which they will never know until the Day of Judgment. Had this evangelist failed to make this visit, he might never have known on earth of the ripening sheaves. The Doctor worked effectively in the churches near Philadelphia, and God blessed his earnest labors greatly. Annually, on Easter Tuesday, he visited the Lazaretto and preached in the ample upper-room of the Custom House building and the visit blessed the neighborhood. The administration of the Holy Communion and the Holy-Day services in St. Paul's Church were times when the Lord refreshed his people abundantly by showing his presence and manifesting his love in pardoning sin-sick souls. The rector was filled with life and energy on the festivals of the church. He called Whitsunday "Holy Ghost Day," and souls were then gathered to Christ, while devout hearts were full of "the joy of the Spirit." The penitent received comfort, the sinners were "awakened and converted; and great good, as in primitive days, was done in the name of the ascended Saviour." There were about seven hundred communicants, "knit together in the fellowship and filled with the fruits of the Spirit." The Doctor's social meetings for prayer in different parts of Philadelphia were remarkably useful and brought a blessing to many souls. Many young men of St. Paul's Church, through the rector's efforts and moved by the grace of God, were called into the sacred ministry of the Church and most, or all of them, have entered on their reward in Paradise. As Mr. Hall closes the beautiful account of his friend and rector, which I have here followed, he expresses the hope of joining his "departed spiritual father and brethren of St. Paul's with whom I have taken sweet counsel, and walked to the house of ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 167 God in company, - in celebrating, in nobler strains than we ever knew on earth, the praises of Him who loved us and gave Himself for us." That hope was accomplished many years ago and that faithful servant of God has rested from his labors and joined his brethren above. The Rev. Dr. B. T. Welch writes to the Rev. Dr. Sprague, that Dr. Pilmore was a remarkable man, who left an ineffaceable impression on his mind. His bearing was noble and dignified. His countenance was intellectual and benignant and his appearance prepossessing. His preaching was fervent and simple. He always kept near the Cross, delineating the work and character of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit and religion in its experience. He would begin to read his sermon deliberately, without much animation, but would grow warm and his eyes would kindle, "and the muscles of his face move and expand, until at length his soul would be all on fire, and he would be rushing onward extemporaneously almost with the fury of a cataract, and the only use he would make of his manuscript in such cases would be to roll it up in his hand and literally shake it at his audience. When he was in these excited moods, his gesture was abundant; but at other times - I mean when he was reading from his manuscript - I think he gestured very little." His voice was sonorous. He enunciated distinctly. He was at times exceedingly eloquent, but a divine unction gave his preaching its great power. His zeal was burning, and his devotion to Christ intense. Dr. Welch closes thus: "I sat under his ministry with great delight, and even at this late period, he rises before me as one of the most venerable men whom I have ever seen in the pulpit." Would to God that many such powerful preachers might arise to stir the careless and comfort the faithful. ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 168 The successor of Dr. Pilmore was Rev. Benjamin Allen, whose life I abbreviate from Sprague's "Annals," which acknowledges the Memoir by Rev. Thomas G. Allen, the brother of the rector, as the source of information. The volume written by this good man is quite a lengthy and full narrative of the life and death of a saintly clergyman. Benjamin Allen was born in Hudson, N. Y., in 1789. The lad became a clerk in a store, but literature beckoned him away from merchandise and at seventeen he was contributing to a newspaper called The Balance, edited by Harry Croswell, who afterward was Rev. Dr. Croswell. The young student entered the Hudson Academy, under Ashbel Strong, and also issued a volume of poems, which had a second edition. He brought out an edition of Doddridge's "Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul," and was the means of putting thousands of copies in circulation. In 1812 Mr. Allen married Harriet Swift. The theological studies and other labors of Mr. Allen, when in New York, led to the necessity of a vacation, which he utilized in procuring subscribers to "Scott's Family Bible." He put forth various poems of his own composition. He had been a Presbyterian, but seems to have been somewhat influenced toward Episcopacy by an interview with Bishop Moore, of Virginia. That saintly man pressed on him the need of spiritual laborers in his Diocese. Mr. Allen entered the Church and went to Virginia as a lay-reader, being settled at Charlestown, Jefferson County, where he preached faithfully to the colored people with good effect. He had charge of seven congregations, and five churches needed building or repairing. Sheperdtown was in his care; and he preached widely through the country. God blessed his ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 169 work with a revival, in which it is thought that one hundred were drawn to Christ. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Moore, in 1816, and priest in 1818. In 1821 he became rector of St. Paul's, Philadelphia, succeeding Dr. Pilmore. He gave attention to Sunday-schools and Bible Classes, and to the colored people. He issued a volume of sermons on "Jesus Christ and Him Crucified," as well as other works. Even in travel, this spiritually-minded man appears to have had the kingdom of Christ ever in mind. In 1827 he entertained Bishop Chase, of Ohio, and gave valuable assistance in furthering his noble Christian work in the West. Mr. Allen opened a book establishment that the Prayer-book might be sold cheaply, and other religious books be circulated. His labor affected his health, and in 1828 he went to England as the representative of several benevolent institutions at the May anniversaries. His zeal for his Master at the anniversaries prompted labor beyond the strength of an invalid. He made a visitation in the country for "The British and Foreign Bible Society," and overtasked himself and was prostrated. After some months of waiting and medical treatment he sailed homeward; but the disease ran faster than the voyage, and death approached. He asked that the 15th chapter of First Corinthians should be read to him. The night before death the Scriptures were read almost constantly at his request. He expressed to the captain a readiness for death, which was his last intelligible speech. He died as if sleeping. He was buried at sea. His relatives and parishioners and the whole community mourned his loss. Mr. Allen died in 1829. Bishop Smith was the successor of Benjamin Allen at Charlestown, and felt abashed when he found the reputation of his predecessor, whom he did not know. He ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 170 was presented to his mind as a tireless rider on his gray horse, with saddle-bags loaded with Prayer-books, Sunday-school books and tracts scattered widely through the country, as the bearer preached "the everlasting Gospel," earnestly striving to be free from the blood of souls. The bishop describes him as tall and slender, but muscular, with a pleasant countenance. He was generally calm and dignified, though at times his restless spirit would assert itself. He was energetic with pen, or in pulpit, or in the open air, doing more in a day than most persons would in a week. His mind was active and retentive. He knew how to apply his knowledge. He was generous and good, and in Sunday-school or service on Sunday, and in lecture and Bible Class his glow set others aflame. Apathy, indifference and stagnation fled before him. A permanent fervor was enkindled by him, as feeling the soul's worth, and Christ's love led him to feel "the privilege of living, doing, giving, suffering and dying for Christ and His church." This thought tinctured his life. He was sincere and full of feeling in his work and God blessed his deed. The death at sea, and the waiting family are sad pictures, but when the sea gives up its dead there will be a brighter one. In 1829 Rev. Dr. Stephen Higginson Tyng accepted the rectorship of St. Paul's Church. He was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, A.D., 1800, and died in Irvington, New York, on the banks of the beautiful Hudson River, in 1883. Dr. Tyng graduated at Harvard College, in Cambridge, Mass., in 1817, and studied theology under the devoted Bishop Griswold, in Bristol, Rhode Island, and doubtless imbibed much of his spirit, and learned his methods of work. Bishop Griswold ordained him in 1821. His first rectorate was in ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 171 Georgetown, D. C., he was next in Queen Anne parish, in Maryland, whence he came to this church, which he left in 1833 to take charge of the Church of the Epiphany in this city, and in 1845 he removed to New York, and was rector of the old St. George's in Beekman Street, and the new St. George's in Stuyvesant Square, in active work until 1878, when he became Rector Emeritus, having well earned this honor. Dr. Tyng was eloquent and energetic in organizing societies, and effective in platform speaking, and a forcible writer. He published a great deal, and was a powerful instrument of good in the Christian Church in two large cities in his day. I have given a sketch of his character and a notice of his earnest parish and Sunday-school work in the Standard of the Cross and the Church, of December 15th, 1888. In 1834 Rev. Samuel Allen McCoskry succeeded Dr. Tyng in the rectorship of St. Paul's. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1804. He was a cadet at West Point, and a student in Dickinson College, and became a lawyer at Carlisle. He was ordained by Bishop Onderdonk, and became rector of Reading, Pennsylvania, and then this tall and fine appearing young clergyman was called to the rectorship of St. Paul's. He was consecrated Bishop of Michigan by Bishops Onderdonk, G. W. Doane and Kemper in 1836. Bishop White was too ill to officiate and died a few days afterward. The consecration was delayed from the 5th of July to the 7th in the hope that Bishop White might be present, but an accident disabled him from action. The Protestant Episcopalian, of August, 1836, states that the aged bishop had not been absent from such consecrations for half a century, during which time he had seen the church rise from danger and ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 172 difficulty, while now Michigan was to receive its bishop. The Episcopal Recorder, quoted by the paper mentioned, says that Rev. Drs. Ducachet and Suddards presented the candidate for the Episcopate, and Rev. Drs. Clemson and Suddards read prayers. Bishop McCoskry died on the 1st of August, A.D., 1886. In 1836 that godly man, the Rev. Dr. James May, accepted the rectorship of St. Paul's Church. He resigned the charge by reason of poor health in 1840. The Rev. Mr. Bents had received an election before that of Dr. May. The Rev. Dr. Shiras wrote a beautiful memoir of his friend Dr. May which will here guide us. It is naturally dedicated to his students, and is intended to perpetuate the memory of a holy and gracious Christian life. The mother of James May was a member of the Potts family, of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and a faithful Christian woman. The father was an ironmaster, in Coventry, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, of high character. The home was in French Creek Valley, and was a delightful country abode, amidst beautiful scenery. Here James was born in 1805. His father died in his early boyhood, and, a few years after, the mother was laid by her husband in the graveyard on the estate. James had the advantages of school life, and was aided by his brother Thomas, a student for holy orders, in studying Latin. The brother became rector of Whitemarsh and Norristown, but died early. James May graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where he had studied with his relative, the son of Governor Stevens of Maryland. The excellent Dr. Matthew Brown was president of the college. In college, May had felt the quickening of religious life, and he, after leaving that seat of learning, was called of God to ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 173 enter the ministry, and became a student at the Alexandria Theological Seminary in Virginia, which had been started under the auspices of Bishops Moore and Meade, and where Professors Reul Keith and E. R. Lippitt were faithfully training up the future clergy. The young student, who had distinguished himself in college, gave himself prayerfully to his new and sacred work. He afterward studied under Rev. Dr. Boyd, in Philadelphia, and was ordained deacon by Bishop White, in Christ Church, in this city, in 1826. He preached his first sermon in St. John's Church, and his second sermon at St. Paul's. He became rector of St. Stephen's, Wilkesbarre, when only a little over twenty-one years old. Dr. Stone describes his "fresh complexion and dark hair" at this stage of his life. He had a peaceful and benevolent spirit, and was an earnest and faithful preacher of salvation through Christ as given in the Gospel. With his country stations he held four services on Sundays, and one every day in the week, and did great good. He preached in school-houses, and once used a barn for a time. His delight in these simple services was great, and the Divine Master, who could give the sermon on the hillside, blessed them. Dr. May had a faithful helpmeet in his sweet wife, who was a sister of Bishop Bowman, her piety was of that sunshiny cast which lightens all who draw near it. It was a sad day when Dr. May was forced to leave his much-loved flock for city work, but duty called him to St. Paul's, while his attached people could hardly loose their grasp upon him. The work at Wilkesbarre had been highly successful and wonderously blessed of God in the ingathering of sheaves for the heavenly garner. The good man found an appreciative congregation at St. Paul's, where he faithfully toiled until ill health ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 174 forced him to travel abroad. The people still tried to retain him in the rectorship, but he found it needful to resign. On his return from Europe, he was made a professor in the Alexandria Theological Seminary, where he dwelt among delightful Christian society, including Rev. Geo. A. Smith of the Female Seminary, and Rev. Dr. W. N. Pendleton of the Virginia High School. The students found a home in his house; and those who were going forth to missionary work form that "School of the Prophets," or those who returned to visit this country, were ever sure of the sympathy and hospitality of Dr. May and his wife. The Doctor wrote beautiful and spiritual letters to the absent, and gave welcome entertainment to the present, including the noble Bishop Payne and the Grebo brother named G. T. Bedell. Bishop Payne's statements in church on one occasion moved the tears of the clergy. The consecration of Bishop Payne, of Africa, at Alexandria, by Bishops Meade, Johns, Eastburn and Alfred Lee; when Drs. Bull and Tyng read the service was a most interesting occasion. The visits of the foreign missionaries Rambo, Bishop Boone, Mr. And Mrs. Hening and the candidates for mission work abroad, Robert Smith and William Wright, and Rev. Mr. Callaway, of Kansas, give a fine picture of missionary interest in the biography. Nearly all have now entered on their reward. Those who have entered Dr. May's hospitable mansion, on that beautiful Virginia hillside, know what Christian hospitality means. Dr. May was fond of country life, and when he became a professor in the Divinity School, in West Philadelphia, he also held the rectorship of St. Paul's Memorial Church, Upper Providence. Here the learned professor could be seen teaching a class of country ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 175 boys in the Sunday-school. He entered on his last-named professorial duties in 1861. Dr. May doubtless did much to leaven the minds of the prospective clergy, but he was also a sympathizer with all in trouble and a comforter. His death was full of Christian faith and hope. A friend wrote, "He had not far to go to reach the gate for his conversation was in heaven." Dr. May was a holy man, and one greatly beloved. Bishop Stevens said of him, "A man of singular piety, purity, meekness, fervor and force." He and his wife were buried in St. Mary's churchyard, in West Philadelphia. The Doctor died in 1863. Rev. Dr. Packard, his fellow-professor in Alexandria, regarded him "as a model of what a minister of Christ should be." In twenty years he did not remember "anger, pride, selfishness or ambition" in him. He was humble, and preached solely the work and merits of his blessed Saviour. This holy man was fond of natural scenery, and used to watch the clouds of heaven with delight. May we not suppose that he now sees brighter scenes than earth can show to mortal eyes? In 1840 the Rev. Dr. Richard Newton was elected rector of St. Paul's Church. His noble Christian life and work are fresh in the memory of us all. His son, Rev. Dr. William W. Newton, has given a delightful sketch of his life in the volume of his father's sermons entitled "The Heath in the Wilderness." The Doctor was of English birth, and in 1824 left his native town of Liverpool, with his father's family, to come to this country, when twelve years old. He had the privilege of visiting his boyhood home in after days. In "Bible Animals" he tells a story of God's providence in sparing his life, in his childhood, when a bull grazed his forehead with its horns, when he was bravely stopping its ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 176 way in the street. He had other foes to encounter in battling with sin in after years. He was conscientious from childhood. We find him at Rev. Dr. Clemson's school, near Wilmington, Delaware, toiling to improve his mind; his future wife, Miss Lydia Greatorex, lived near by, and cheered "the ruddy-faced boy" in his efforts. The young scholar taught in the family of Hon. James A. Bayard. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and at the General Theological Seminary, in New York. The future Bishop Whittingham, and Drs. Turner and Bird Wilson were then professors. Dr. Turner was his particular friend. The earnest student was styled "the little preacher." Bishop Onderdonk ordained Richard Newton a deacon in 1839. The next Sunday afternoon he preached at St. John's, Philadelphia, where he had spent his boyhood, on "Christ, the Power of God, and the Wisdom of God." He struck the keynote of his public life in these divine words. He was married by Dr. Boyd, at St. John's Church, and then assumed charge of the young parish at West Chester, Pennsylvania. Dr. Newton came from West Chester, leaving many friends, to the rectorship of St. Paul's. He lived once in the church rectory on York Street, and afterwards in various abodes, settling finally in Clinton Street, until the country drew him out of town. The Doctor's home was a happy place for his chlidren and he was a leader among his clerical brethren, and they were often under his hospitable roof. The services styled "Children's Church," and the "Missionary Sundays," both observed monthly, were strong features of the rector's successful work at St. Paul's. He told missionary stories with wonderful power, and especially prolonged that of John Williams to his delighted auditors. A parishioner, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 177 named George Lewis, brought from London a piece of timber from the missionary ship "John Williams," which Captain Loper had made into a ship, which voyaged the church aisles, bringing back little bags of gold on its deck as offerings. Thousands of dollars were thus raised. The Doctor was much beloved at Cheltenham, where a new St. Paul's Church arose; and where Mr. And Mrs. Jay Cooke generously presented him with a beautiful cottage home. John W. Thomas and his household were also faithful friends there. The success of Dr. Newton's work is shown in the fact that, in Bishop Potter's absence, Bishop Hopkins once confirmed one hundred and twelve persons at St. Paul's in one class. In 1862 Dr. Newton resigned the rectorship of St. Paul's Church to accept that of the Epiphany, in this city. He had been rector of St. Paul's twenty-two years. This truly devoted Christian man died at Chestnut Hill, in 1887. After labor came rest and praise. As Dr. Newton's son has narrated his father's life, so I am indebted to Kingston Goddard, M.D., the son of the next rector, Rev. Dr. Goddard, for a written sketch of the life of his honored father. Kingston Goddard, was born in Philadelphia, in 1813, being the son of John Goddard, a merchant, and the grandson of Paul Beck. The boy spent his early life in Philadelphia, but studied theology in the General Seminary in New York. His first parish was Fishkill Landing, and his next was Christ Church, Brooklyn, but Emmanuel Church was afterward built for him. On account of the health of his wife he removed to Clifton, on Staten Island, becoming rector of St. John's Church. We next find him in the Church of the Atonement, Philadelphia, which was erected for him. Thence he went to Christ Church, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 178 Cincinnati, which still stands on the busy street of that active city to repeat the story of the Cross. From this place, he came to St. Paul's, Philadelphia, and, on leaving here, was rector of St. Andrew's, Staten Island, for twelve years. He died in October of 1875 as pastor of that church. He was rector of this church - St. Paul's - from 1862 to 1866. Dr. Goddard was a striking and impressive preacher, and the Sunday-schools here flourished under his care. In 1866 Rev. Dr. R. Heber Newton took the rectorship, which his father had once adorned. His zealous Sunday-school work is displayed in the pamphlet on the semi-centenary of the Sunday-schools in 1866. The long list of scholars or teachers who became clergy, includes Rev. Edmund Roberts, Dr. Benjamin Watson, Bishops Odenheimer and Starkey, Dudley A. Tyng, Drs. Henry A. Coit and Matlack, and George A. Latimer, and Professor Claxton, and Dr. Charles R. Hale, and Rev. Messrs. Getz, J. Sanders Reed, Samuel Durborow, and Christian Wiltberger. Rev. Dr. R. Heber Newton is now rector of All Soul's (Anthon Memorial) Church, New York City, and is well known as a preacher and writer. Dr. Newton's son William is rector of St. Stephen's, Pittsfield, Mass. Mr. Thomas Latimer has given me valuable aid in tracing the succession of rectors. Rev. R. T. Roche, D.D., succeeded Dr. Heber Newton in this church, and lived in Dr. Pilmore's old house on Fifth Street. He is now in Monticello, Florida. Rev. Samuel H. Boyer was rector from 1872 to 1878. He is now the rector of the Church of the Beloved Disciple, Philadelphia. Rev. William S. Adamson was the next rector. He is now in the American Church at Geneva, Switzerland. Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Conrad ST. PAUL'S CHURCH. 179 next assumed this rectorship, and still holds this ancient parish, which has, however, been placed for a time under the charge of Dr. Nichols, of St. James's Church; and let us hope and pray that the new efforts to be put forth may restore the church to its old state of usefulness, and that it may long do good service, by the Holy Spirit's aid, to the glory of God and the salvation of men, through the merits of that blessed Saviour whose coming we commemorate in this joyful Advent season.