Early Clergy of Pennsylvania and Delaware, S. F. Hotchkin, 1890 - Chapter 16, Church of the Epiphany 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. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 202 CHAPTER XVI. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY.* "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. THE diffusion of spiritual life has made this prophecy good with regard to the thousands on earth and in Paradise who have found salvation in this Church of the Epiphany, and the symbol of spreading light, encircling the initial letters of Christ's holy name, in your chancel well indicates the diffusiveness of Christianity. In A.D., 1833 Rev. Dr. S. H. Tyng took charge of this infant parish; in the cheerful and happy evening of a well-spent life he was grateful to God and man for what he had been permitted to enjoy and accomplish, looking for a glad morrow in the Paradise of God. Both he and his father were baptized by Bishop Bass at his birthplace, Newburyport, Mass. His affectionate father was a godly lawyer, the Hon. Dudley Atkins Tyng. The son lived to a greater age than the father, but in extreme age gladly performed his preaching and other duties while strength lasted. His mother died when he was a child, but a beloved grandmother and maiden aunt brightened his early days. He preached his first sermon after ordination in the church in which he had been baptized, and received his first communion _____ * While the Epiphany is younger than the other parishes treated of, I have added a sketch of its clergy at the request of my friend the Rev. G. H. Kinsolving, the present rector. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 203 At six years of age, the lad went to boarding-school at Quincy, Mass., under Rev. Peter Whitney. He was afterward a lay-reader in that town. He was a pupil at Phillips Academy, Andover, where he received religious benefit from the effects of the young theological seminary, with its religious meetings, and from association with the pious students of the academy, two of whom, Daniel Temple and William Goodell, became foreign missionaries. At Brighton young Tyng studied under Dr. Benjamin Allen, an Episcopalian, who had been a professor in Union College, and the University of Pennsylvania. He was a patient, sympathetic and stimulating teacher. The pupil passed through Harvard College. He played the organ in the church at Cambridge, where he was confirmed by Bishop Griswold. There was a determined will in this lad, and that is useful when it is rightly guided. The young man entered the East India House of Samuel G. Perkins & Co., of Boston. The wife of Mr. Perkins was his father's sister. Edward A. Newton, who married Dr. Tyng's sister, Susan, was a partner. Mr. Newton was living in Calcutta, and the plan was that in two years the new clerk should take his place there. We now find him worshiping in Trinity Church, under the rectorship of Dr. Gardiner. He prospered in business life, and looked forward with pleasure to his Indian sojourn; but one morning, before rising, he seemed to hear a voice, as if the Lord were calling him, and rebuking him for a wasted life. He at once responded to the Divine call, in a prayer devoting himself to God's service, and, thus converted, started on a new life in the service of Christ. He was indeed a new man in Christ Jesus. His after life witnessed the reality of this conversion. A humble Christian woman helped to THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 204 guide him to the truth. He left prospective wealth, and sought true and lasting riches, and a treasure "that fadeth not away in heaven." He determined to enter the sacred ministry, and Rev. James Morse, of Newburyport, encouraged his plans with Christian sympathy. He made the acquaintance of Dr. Dorr, who was entering on a preparation for the ministry. His father, to his great delight, arranged for him to study with the saintly Bishop Griswold, at Bristol, Rhode Island. So God wonderfully guided him. He married the lovely and pious daughter of the bishop, and his veneration and esteem for the Godly father continued through life, for he ever made him his guide and pattern, and he thought the time spent under his care at Bristol a golden spot in his career. In a simple meeting at a farm-house, where the bishop led the service with his Bible and prayer-book, and expounded the Scripture in the crowded rooms, the student was struck with the solemnity of the scene, as well as its sublimity. He learned pastoral work by accompanying the bishop on his merciful errands to the poor. In the bishop's absence, with other students, he conducted social meetings, and spoke extemporaneously, in which work the ruddy youth soon succeeded. These meetings soon fell entirely under his care, and he held service in a school-room. The story of Daniel Waldron, in "The Spencers," narrates the first fruits of his ministry in that sailor boy. A revival demanded three daily services from the young student, and taught him how to do effective work in winning souls to Christ. The bishop was sick during much of this time, but, when he was able, Mr. Tyng brought nearly fifty converts to his house to receive instruction and encouragement. There was a large confirmation. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 205 This zealous worker was ordained deacon in A.D., 1821, in St. Michael's Church, Bristol, by Bishop Griswold, the Rev. Dr. Jarvis preaching the sermon. The newly ordained clergyman visited New York City, where he found a good friend in his former college tutor, Rev. Dr. afterward Bishop, Wainwright, and received kindness from Bishop Hobart, and Dr. Milnor. His first rectorship was at St. John's, Georgetown, D. C. He took this position when he was only twenty-one years old. He married his devoted wife, and opened a private school. After a short and successful rectorship in this pleasant town, he went to Queen Anne parish, Prince George's County, Maryland, which covered an extensive country district, containing a church and a chapel at some distance from the church. Here warm southern hospitality was evinced, and the active rector preached on week-day evenings at houses where families were collected, and the slaves were included in the congregation. He worked beyond the bounds of his wide parish, averaging one hundred miles of horseback-riding a week. Sometimes he would preach in the large rooms of taverns. At times he extended his missionary work to Lower Virginia. He preached boldly, without notes, and God gave him fruits of his labor. In winter he could study in his pleasant rectory, when he traveled less. He taught school during a part of the time in which he held this truly rural parish among southern plantations. From this point Dr. Tyng came to his wondrously successful work in St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia. Here for over two years there was a weekly prayer meeting at six o'clock in the morning. The church on Sundays was crowded, and the services were solemn and impressive, while the rector was strong in his THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 206 personal appeals to duty. Some may yet remember the crowded aisles at the Sunday night services, when the power of God was present to give spiritual healing. The wife of Dr. Tyng died in sublime faith, closing a holy life, at an early age, in 1832. He afterward married Miss Mitchell, the daughter of Thomas Mitchell, of Philadelphia, who proved an excellent consort. When Dr. Tyng accepted this parish of the Epiphany the church had not been erected. He traveled south to enlist interest in a Manual Labor School, and he preached in a theatre in Charleston, where Rev. William Barnwell and his church undertook to have meetings, and the services did much good. Bishop Boone was drawn to Christ by Dr. Tyng's work at this theatre. The corner-stone of Epiphany Church was laid by Bishop White, March 24th, 1834, and on the first Sunday of the following August, the lecture room was used for Divine worship and on the 24th of October following, the Church was consecrated by Bishop White. Dr. Tyng finished his very successful rectorship here in 1845. The Sunday-schools had grown to a wonderful size under his wise guidance. The Doctor visited Great Britain where he made many useful acquaintances among the English clergy. He afterward made several visits to Europe. When he went to St. George's, New York, to take the place of his lamented friend Dr. Milnor, he closed twenty-four years of faithful labor in Philadelphia to enter on a wondrous career of fruitful work in a new city. The son of Dr. Tyng, C. Rockland Tyng, has sent me an extract from a Memoir of his father, which he is about to publish, which states that the new Church of the Epiphany was in quite a suburban position when he felt it his duty to go from his beloved St. Paul's to found THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 207 it. He speaks of the strong interest of the gentlemen engaged in the new work, and how the building was pushed along with rapidity. Dr. Tyng's occasional sermons, to be seen at the Library of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, show some of the main objects which interested him. His sermon on the Duty of Private Judgment pleads for the liberty wherewith Christ made His people free. His plea for union before the Diocesan Convention of 1844, sought "the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" among brethren in the household of faith, looking to Creeds, rather than scholastic definitions, as a basis of unity, which demands Christian life, and an ascription of salvation to Christ's merits. He sees a purpose among the Church Clergy to teach, as he expresses it, "that great salvation, which the Father hath offered, and which the Son hath perfected, and which the Holy Spirit applies to the souls of men." He asserts his faith in the Apostolic Constitution of our Church, and its character as the keeper and witness of the truth. There will be unity in the heavenly song before the throne of God and the Lamb, and this heavenly spirit should be found on earth. Then would the world honor us, and useful lives would end in happy deaths of those united here in the Holy Communion by the Spirit in peace and love. Thus did he exhort the Convention. His sermon on the connection between early religious training and mature religion showed his intense interest in Sunday-schools. He preached a special sermon to medical students, and one on the advantages of manual labor in education. Dr. Tyng's earnest Christian faith was the secret of that marvellous success which everywhere attended his labors. His clear voice rang out with power, and his THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 208 sentiments found echoes in many hearts, because he believed what he spoke, and the Holy Spirit blessed the faithful words of this magnetic man, who led thousands to glory. God help us all to imitate that faith. The Rev. James H. Fowles was the next rector of this Church. His earnest and solemn face may be seen in a portrait in your vestry room. It represents a man who thought religion the business of his life. In 1855 his sermons were printed in a volume for the congregation. The biography prefixed delineates a character which endeavored to reflect Christ, and not self, in modesty and humility. Henry Fowles was a lieutenant in the English army, whose grandfather was an officer of some note. This English lieutenant married an Amarican girl, but died at the early age of twenty-two. Your rector was his son James Henry, who was born in Nassau, New Providence, and left as an infant by his father's death. The child was given to God in Holy Baptism by an English clergyman, and found a heavenly Father to take the place of the earthly one. His military father was a member of the Church of England. The mother lived in St. Mary's, Georgia, but died while her son was studying theology. The young man was educated at Yale College and was studious and respected. He graduated in 1831. He studied theology under Rev. Dr. Taylor, at New Haven, and was licensed to preach by the Presbyterians. At Beaufort, South Carolina, in a religious awakening in the Episcopal Church, he was drawn toward her peaceful fold and was ordained by Bishop Bowen. He took charge of a country parish in South Carolina known as St. John's, Berkeley, and was afterward in Edgefield district, where he did good work for Christ. He was after this at Wilton, where he married Miss THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 209 Matilda Maxcy, of Beaufort, South Carolina. It was the custom of the devoted rector to preach to the Negroes on the plantations, which work cost him many fatiguing journeys. He was in St. Bart's parish, where his ministry was "greatly blessed." He loved the church liturgy as a standard elevating the feelings, and thought its effect increased by repetition. He deemed it full of spirituality In A.D., 1845, this good man was called to the rectorship of the Epiphany. Bishop Stephen Elliott, of Georgia, and Rev. Dr. J. R. Walker, of Beaufort, South Carolina, commended him to the vestry. He was sound in doctrine, clear in teaching, and of strong mental power, while a holy and transparent life made him a pattern for his flock. He was universally revered. His first sermon, before he had accepted the call, made a decided impression. The grace of Christ was his favorite theme, as he dwelt on the Redeemer's love to sinful man, ever seeking the Holy Spirit's aid to guide his work. He was bold and energetic in preaching, and in calling the sinful to the refuge in Christ. The purity and sovereignty of God, and the atonement of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit for sanctifications were his peculiar topics. This church was enlarged under his ministry, though it was the largest Episcopal Church in this city. The rector's health was weak, but he toiled in the pulpit and in private, by letter-writing and conversation. In 1849 he went to Great Britain for his health, making Christian friends there. He was sympathetic in his affections. In 1853 he was elected a delegate to the General Convention, but was detained by illness from attending it. He went south to die among Christian friends, THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 210 saying at the last to his wife, "I am going to Jesus, you must meet me there," and laying his hand, chilling in death on her, he blessed her. He died on a Lord's day evening, the 5th of March, A.D., 1854, in his forty-second year. The Philadelphia clergy took action showing their appreciation of their brother. Dr. Stevens, (afterward bishop), in preaching concerning him to the congregation at St. Andrews', spoke of his theology as "eminently Biblical," and said his sermons "were fragrant with the outpoured ointment of the Saviour's name," and that his work was lasting "heart work." Bishop Alonzo Potter, at the funeral, spoke of his "unspotted life," and "resolute spirit." A friend described his great characteristic as "singleness," while his tenderness was likened to that of St. John, and his positiveness to that of St. Paul. Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard, in a sermon preached at his own Church of the Atonement, and at the Epiphany, traced the instructive pastor, and investigating Bible student, who taught the need of the Holy Spirit to comprehend Divine truth, and sought from God his own instruction in heavenly knowledge. Dr. Goddard said that his piety was best seen by those nearest him. He described him as dead to the world, and living in Christ's presence in constant prayer. It was indeed the overshadowing of the mercy-seat which shed such a luster on this servant of God. The Rev. J. Maxwell Pringle has called my attention to his letter describing the death of Mr. Fowles, to the church warden, Lewis R. Ashurst. It was written at the parsonage of Zion Church, Richland, South Carolina, where Mr. Pringle was rector, aad Mr. Fowles died in the house of this Christian brother. The faith and patience of the dying man were sublime. He was frequently quoting texts from the Word of God as to THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 211 the right judgments of God, and the "light afflication" of his servant, who, as a joint heir with Christ, was ready to suffer with Him that he might be glorified with Him. He indeed made his refuge under the shadow of the Divine wings. In prayer he called to mind the Saviour's sympathy with his sufferings. A Psalm sung at his mother's funeral lingered in his memory: "My flesh shall slumber in the ground, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound; Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, And in my Saviour's image rise." He felt the chastening of the Lord to be blessed, and on his death-bed was zealous in calling others to a knowledge of Christ's salvation. The "weary pilgrim," as he often called himself, enjoyed the surrounding beauties of nature in his last illness. He wished to be buried among his flock at this church. As the body failed he desired sanctification rather than a restoration to health. He asked that the hymn "Rock of Ages" be sung, and wanted to die with the "blessed words," as he called them, in his mouth: "Whom have I in heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee." He submitted to God's will, and died in peace. On the Sunday morning of his death he said that it was the time for him to be shaking hands with his Sunday-school children, and he had previously sent love to the vestry and congregation of the Epiphany. In the early evening he crossed his hands on his breast, and gave up his spirit to God. This touching account is in the twentieth annual Pastoral Report of this parish for the year 1854. Bishop McIlvaine wrote Mr. Pringle of his deep interest in the narrative. That southern death-scene brought sadness to many a northern household when this congregation learned of their THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 212 great loss. The granite shaft which draws the notice of the passer in the busy street before your chuch contains the words of Scripture, "The Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth." They well befit this tomb, for the Sovereignty of God was the great thought of him whom it commemorates, and in illness he wished his people to pray rather that God might be glorified than that he might be restored to health. The monument is inscribed: "Erected by a grateful and sorrowing congregation," and gives the date of Mr. Fowles's birth as November 27th, A.D., 1812, and that of his death as March 5th, A.D., 1854. His rectorship of this church is marked as lasting from A.D., 1845 to A.D., 1854. The history of this parish has been wisely preserved by annual printed pastoral reports. Those made by Mr. Fowles show a strong desire for the salvation of the young and old in his flock, and that Christ might be born in them "as the hope of glory." In the report of 1847 the rector pays a loving tribute to Rev. E. J. P. Messinger, who had been brought to Christ by means of Dr. Bedell, but was a devoted and useful member of Epiphany Church, and the teacher of an infant Sunday-school. He died in Africa a few weeks after entering on mission work, testifying to his Saviour's love with his dying breath. A printing-press called the "Messinger Press" was sent to Africa by your Sunday-school, and catechisms and tracts printed by it continued the good work among the heathen, distributing "the words of this life." A tribute to Mrs. Sarah A. Newbold, a female Bible-class teacher who had died in the Lord, closes with the hope of a reunion in Paradise, which hope is now accomplished. Milton Smith, a teacher of an infant class, is also lovingly remembered at his death. The last report of Mr. Fowles was glowing with hope for future parish work. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 213 James H. Fowles, of Orangeburg, South Carolina, the son of your former rector, has sent me additional particulars. The Epiphany sent Mrs. Fowles ten thousand dollars after her husband's death, as a noble gift. She died in Newbury Court House, South Carolina, in 1880, having suffered in Christian patience. There were eight children, but three of whom are now living, one daughter, Miss Eliza Fowles having died while this discourse was preparing. Her's was a triumphant death. The family of Mr. Fowles were all members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Fowles left a deep impression on the southern parishes under his care which is not yet effaced. He wrote a small volume on Baptism, and a preface to Goode's Better Covenant. The Rev. W. O. Prentiss writes me that Bishop Stephen Elliott, and Rev. Dr. Pinckney were ordained with Mr. Fowles. Bishop Howe, of South Carolina, and Rev. J. H. Tillinghast of his Diocese have guided me to information in tracing the life of the Rev. Mr. Fowles. In the offering of the Church of the Crucifition, published in 1850 by Willis P. Hazard, and preserved at the Library of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania I find an interesting missionary sketch by Mr. Fowles of a colored nurse who lived a Christian life, and died in the faith. In 1854 Rev. Dudley A. Tyng entered on the rectorship of this church. A book entitled "Stand up for Jesus," in allusion to his dying words, gives an account of his valuable life. This rallying cry that survived him displayed the character of his earthly work. After leaving the Epiphany the Church of the Covenant was organized by his zeal, though the building was not erected until after his lamented death. This rector was a true man, firm and courageous and honest. He honored his Divine Master in life, and THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 214 glorified him in death. He was injured by an accident at his place in the country, near Conshohocken, on April 13th, A.D., 1858, and died on the 19th, giving up his spirit to the Saviour whom he served. Prayers had ascended for him in the churches of this city, and there was great grief at his death. The Young Men's Christian Association took proper action at his death, and asked the Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard to preach a funeral sermon. They showed deep sorrow at his departure. The funeral was held in Concert Hall, where Mr. Tyng had officiated in the services of his infant church. A vast number of clergy and people assembled at the funeral. Bishop McIlvaine, and Rev. Dr. Charles D. Cooper, and Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard officiated. The great congregation sobbed aloud in their grief. The Bishop, who valued the deceased clergyman "as a dear son," made a touching address commending his character. His first parish was in his Diocese, at Columbus, Ohio, and his second at Cincinnati. He was a devoted workman, anointed with the Spirit of God, and showing forth His grace, and souls were touched and drawn to God by him. He was blessed in dying in the Lord, and resting in Christ. The Bishop in giving this testimony exhorted the clergy to point men to Christ, as their dead friend and co-laborer had done. Dr. Newton testified to the dying grace that came to Mr. Tyng in his dying hour. Bishop Odenheimer and Dr. (afterward Bishop) Howe assisted in the funeral services. The burial was at South Bergen, New Jersey, where Rev. Dr. Dyer officiated. At Christ Church, Cincinnati, Dr. Butler made an address concerning the death of its former rector. At the noon-day prayer-meeting in Jayne's Hall, Philadelphia, which had been THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 215 dear to this clergyman, for two days his death scene was described by a clerical brother, while tears followed the narration. A clergymnn read the verses beginning: "Stand up for Jesus! Strengthened by His hand, Even I, though young, have ventured thus to stand. But soon cut down, as maim'd and faint I lie, Hear, O my friends! the charge with which I die: Stand up for Jesus!" Awhile later than the funeral, Dr. Tyng preached a sermon commemorative of his son. Dudley A. Tyng was born January 12th, 1825 at a country parsonage in Prince George's County, Maryland. As a scholar at St. Paul's Sunday-school, in Philadelphia, his father noticed his intense enjoyment in singing Bishop Heber's beautiful hymn, "Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning." The lad was a grandson of Bishop Griswold and the spirit of his grandfather and of his father and his devoted mother shone out in his life. He had a precocious intellect, and at six read Latin authors. He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania. His fine character displayed itself in every relation of life. He felt called to a high religious life in boyhood. He became a student in the Theological Seminary of Virginia, near Alexandria, and was cheerful and energetic in mission work there, and that School of Prophets has long been renowned for its missionary spirit, and many foreign missionaries have gone forth from its halls to heathen lands. In 1846 he was ordained at Alexandria by Bishop Meade. The young clergyman assisted his father for eight months in New York, and went thence to labor in Columbus, Ohio, and thence to Charlestown, West Virginia, and thence to Cincinnati. His ministry was honored and successful. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 216 As he rode home from the city on the Sunday preceding his fatal accident, he told his waiting wife of the sweet communion he had held with God in that evening ride, while she spoke of the early death of the devoted Summerfield, whose memoir she had been reading, little thinking that in a few days she should be called to bend over the sick-bed of her own husband and witness his departure. When told by his father that he must die, he replied that he had rather be with Jesus than with his dearest earthly friends. His dying message to the clergy and his congregation was, "Let us all stand up for Jesus." When dying, he struck up the hymn "Rock of Ages," when those about him hesitated to do so in their sorrow, though they followed such a leader, and it was fitting that a song should close a life which was to be renewed in a land of sacred song. The dying clergyman addressed his wife and children tenderly, and gave them his parting kiss, and begged his father to kiss him, and then bade him a lasting good-night as when a child, tired of play, he had gone to his evening's rest. Later, when the name of father and wife failed to stir his failing powers, that of Jesus brought joy and an acknowledgment of calm trust, as in the like case of Bishop Beveridge, and he declared himself perfectly happy in the words which had been his mother's dying testimony. Rev. Dr. Kingston Goddard preached a funeral sermon to over seven thousand persons. He dwelt on his perseverance, humility and forgiveness, and earnestness in the thought of death in addressing others when in full life himself, for he always loved to hold forth the Cross of Christ. Dr. Goddard expressed the wish, "May his death be the planting of a seed that shall spring up in a glorious harvest." THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 217 Rev. H. N. Strong preached a sermon entitled a "Tribute to the Worthy Dead," at Peoria, Illinois, in St. Paul's Church, of which some of the Tyng family were members. The preacher declared that Dudley Tyng "Had not lived in vain, for his life was a gift to men. At his youthful feet the gray-haired sire listened and learned wisdom; up to his high moral attainments, his compeers in years looked with earnest desires to emulate his worth; and the lambs of his flock fed fearlessly from his hand." Dudley Tyng was an earnest preacher, as an extract from his sermon on "The True Refuge in the Day of Calamity," which I will quote, indicates: "Shall the exceedingly great and tender love of Christ our Saviour be unavailing to win back our souls from the sins for which he died to deliver us? Shall it be insufficient to attract the sinner from all earthly refuges to His own blood-stained cross?" This clergyman was very energetic and earnest in his advocacy of the cause of temperance. He resigned this parish in 1856. The Rev. William Otis Prentiss assumed the rectorship of the Epiphany in 1857. The late Francis Wells, in his "Sketch of Fifty Years" of parish life, states that this clergyman was a friend of Mr. Fowles, and that he was a preacher of remarkable power. His parish esteemed and loved him, and he served his Divine Master to good effect. At the close of a year of peaceful happiness personal matters of obligation drew him back to South Carolina whence he had come. He wrote a beautiful letter to the vestry concerning his pleasant intercouse with them and the congregation. He now resides in Charleston, and is rector of Trinity Church, Edisto Island, St. James's Church, Santee, and THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 218 Christ Church, Wiltown. He has kindly furnished information for my sketch of Mr. Fowles, one of his revered predecessors in this parish. The Rev. John W. Cracraft was elected to the rectorship in December, 1858, and took up his work in January, 1859. He was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, in 1822, being of English and Scotch descent. He studied in Lane Theological Seminary, Cincinnati, and the Theological Seminary at Gambier, Ohio, graduating at Gambier in 1846. Mr. Cracraft was ordained a deacon by Bishop McIlvaine, and entered on his labors at Mansfield, Ohio, organizing the parish, and building a fine brick church. In 1847 Bishop McIlvaine ordained him to the priesthood. He was in Peoria, Illinois, where he built and afterward enlarged a church, closing a successful rectorship to organize the Church of the Ascension, Chicago. I recollect hearing him preach in Chicago, and considering him earnest and impressive. He was afterward chaplain of Kenyon College, and rector of Harcourt parish, at Gambier. Many of the collegians were drawn to the Lord's service during his ministry, and several became clergyman, among whom was the Rev. Charles McIlvaine, the son the Bishop. In 1862 Mr. Cracraft resigned the Church of the Epiphany, and returned to Ohio. He has since been at Galesburg, Illinois, and Elyria, Ohio, and is now rector at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where the Lord has blessed his labors. He has written two volumes, and several pamphlets of a religious character. In 1862 the Rev. Dr. Richard Newton became rector of the Epiphany. He has but lately gone from us, his character was made up of cheerfulness, faith and earnestness. His quick step and bright eye and lively REV. DR. RICHARD NEWTON. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 219 manner betokened perpetual youth in old age, and he quaffed freely of "the river of life" which sustains life in apparent decay. He worked bravely to the end of life in useful writing and ministerial labor. He was plain and simple, but ardent, and saw Christ in everything as his facile pen delineated his thoughts for thousands to read. His beautiful sermon on "The Romance of Revelation" shows how he exultingly saw the poor sinner raised from the dust to sit with princes by the grace of Christ. The Rev. W. W. Newton has prepared a touching and simple Memoir of his father, which is prefixed to the book of the Doctor's sermons entitled, "The Heath in the Wilderness," that being the subject of the first sermon. This affords us means of giving details of the life of this rector, who for eighteen years ministered in this church. With good lay help the new rector paid a heavy debt which was a weight upon the parish. Dr. Newton was a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, where he had graduated, and edited the periodicals of the Sunday-school Union, and wrote books for children, while the American Bible Society and the Philadelphia Divinity School, and the Episcopal Hospital were cared for by him. He also journeyed and labored for the Evangelical Knowledge, American Church Missionary and Evangelical Education Societies. Bishops A. Lee, Johns and Eastburn, and Drs. Vinton and Stone were special friends of his. In 1870, Dr. Newton and Rev. Dr. Charles D. Cooper traveled in Europe and the Holy Land, and even in travel the indefatigable author kept his pen busy in the early morning. He loved to acquire and impart information, and it became the habit of his life. His Life of Christ for the Young was issued in numbers. Eighteen THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 220 different languages spread abroad his books for children and in Paris, or Madrid, or Rome, or Siam, or Hindoostan, or China, or Japan, or Sweden, or Holland, you might behold children following the teaching of your rector, while the Dacota Indian, or the Zulu or Grebo, in Africa, read in his own tongue these Christian instructions given with life and power. His novelty and variety in addresses to children were remarkable, and his earnest manner fastened the thoughts. Spurgeon called him the "Prince of children's preachers." One has classed Dr. Newton's sermons for children with Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, in their power to interest the little folks. The wealth of illustration of this writer was the result of much study and care. Dr. Newton was hospitable, and also very charitable to the needy. In summer vacations he loved to secure the company of his friend, Rev. John Wilson, who was a fellow-pupil at the Manual Labor Training School, in Brandywine Hundred, Delaware, under the care of Rev. Dr. John B. Clemson. In 1881 Dr. Newton resigned the rectorship of this church, as the mental strain of work had proved too great for endurance in his writing and his parochial labors. He was made Rector Emeritus, but in 1882 resigned that position to take up his final rectorship at the Church of the Covenant. As he had held the parish once occupied by Dr. Tyng so now he assumed one which Dudley A. Tyng, another Epiphany rector, had once had in charge. Here for five years he did a good work, toiling to the end of life. The son of Dr. Newton well makes the morning and evening prayer and communion with God elements in his success in Christian work. To his trust in God, as he journeyed on to appear before Him in Zion, must THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 221 be added that faithful system of work which could allow no waste of precious time. The beloved wife of the Doctor died at their Chestnut Hill home, in 1887, and he soon followed her to the land where there are no separations. He preached a sermon in memorial of the wife, on "Equality with Angels, the Christian's Portion for the Future," and one more sermon at his celebrated children's service, and then those eloquent lips ceased to utter the truths of God in public with the exception of some burning words in favor of the Unity of Christendom, before the Church Unity Society, at St. Stephen's Church. One month from the day of his wife's funeral his soul left the body to be "with the Lord." In his last sufferings in his study, his prayer and communion with God grew stronger as the flesh grew weaker. Old parishioners conversed lovingly with the dying man concerning the years that were past. The good pastor's last act was to pray earnestly for the present and absent members of his family by name, and then he slept on earth, to awake in glory. After death he lay among his precious books in his library, but he had now learned to read in a language which needs no such toilsome aids to thought, and the equality with angels of which he had just preached was his in prospect. The funeral passed from Chestnut Hill to the Church of the Covenant, on the 28th of May, A.D., 1887, and the burial was at Laurel Hill. The familiar black cap was one his head, as he lay in his coffin, while he was arrayed in his susplice, and a copy of his book, "The Rills from the Fountain of Life," was in his hand. At the funeral, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Watson read a poem on a visit to the tomb of Dr. Arnold, of Rugby, written by his son, showing the power of the remembrance of a noble life. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 222 In family and church relations, Dr. Newton was ever faithful, and when his pure life closed many were ready to declare that his work had been well done, but the Master's commendation was better than the praise of men. Dr. Newton had chosen his last resting place at Laurel Hill, on the bank of the beautiful Schuylkill, and there he rests by the side of his wife, waiting the time when Christ shall call his people home. A granite block, with its blessed cross, marks the graves of these servants of God, who are pronounced blessed by the Spirit as among those happy ones who have died "in the Lord." Would that we all might know the power of such words, and that they might befit our epitaph. Your present rector, Rev. George Herbert Kinsolving, is the seventh rector of the parish. He came here in A.D., 1881, having then resigned the rectorship of St. John's Church, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His Christian name recalls one of the purest clergyman who ever adorned the annals of the church of England, while the father of you rector is a clergyman in Virginia, and one brother is rector of Christ Church, Brooklyn, while another is a missionary in Brazil. Your rector was educated in the University of Virginia, and at the Theological Seminary at Alexandria, in the same State. He has continued the good work of your former rectors, and the pastoral reports show the varied labors of laymen and laywomen to aid him in advancing the interests of the parish. Give him an abundance of kindly words and helpful deeds, for the clergyman needs such assistance in his struggles against sin and Satan. Other parishes appreciate his earnest and faithful preaching, as the many invitations to preach among them indicate. May he be still more successful in building up the kingdom of Christ in your midst. THE CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY. 223 We have been commemorating the clergy in this discourse, for they were shining lights, but the laity are also commanded to let their light shine. It is an individual duty to let your light shine in your house, and thus to glorify your Father in heaven. The angel said unto Daniel the prophet, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever;" and so this divine and heavenly light will shine more brightly in the perfect day.