=> Forming => History => Notes on the first century
=> Forming => History => Notes on the first century
This material is taken from a pamphlet bound with a red flock cover bearing the title
Trinity Church
1855 1955
No author is named, although Fr Houghton is usually described as the author. No reason is given for its publication. No sources are explicitly identified, although vestry notes seem to be used.
Please identify any errors in this version, produced by OCR of the original text, and post-editing.
Notes on the
History of Trinity Church
Haverhill, Mass.
1767
The Rev. Moses Badger, resident of Haverhill, appointed missionary for New Hampshire by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel under the direction of the Bishop of London. Officiated in the villages of this area, married into the Saltonstall family, left New England during the Revolution.
1773
The Rev. Rana Cossit, referred to as "incumbent of Haverhill parish"' worked as assistant to Badger until Revolution. Licensed by Bishop of London to Haverhill Parish on March 27, 1773.
1773 - 1820
Occasional services held.
1821
Regular services held for six months, average attendance 60, conducted by The Rev. Doctors Wainwright and Easton of Boston and Moses of Newburyport, with Mr. Hovey and Mr. Duncan as lay readers. James H. Duncan a young lawyer at this time later became a member of Congress. Services held in a hall near the Ferry Way on Water St. Mr. Hovey's death ended this attempt.
1823
Services resumed as result of efforts of A. W. Thayer. The Rev. J. C. Richmond of' Dover officiated several times in the Baptist meeting house and the Rev. B. C. Griswold in the Universalist meeting house. Sectarian jealousy and the Thayers' moving away ended this attempt.
1833 1835
Services held by the Rev. S. G. Richmond.
1835
Bishop Griswold visited Haverhill and held two services in the Summer St. meeting house. But "in consequence of the jealousy of the Baptist clergy of the neighboring towns, who cautioned the brethren against inviting any more Episcopal clergymen to preach, further efforts were abandoned."
1855
Services held regularly in the Central Hall on Vestry St. On June 17, 1855, a Sunday School was established by Charles Wingate and B. R. Downes with the advice of the Rector of Christ Church, Boston, the latter supplying Bibles and Prayer Books. The School met on High St. Services held in the Unitarian meeting house and later in the Centre meeting house. The "vestry" of the latter was engaged as a place to hold services 1) by vote of a meeting held in the Unitarian meeting house under the guidance Of D. I. Packard of Lawrence. Three services held every Sunday morning afternoon and evening.
1855
Oct. 8
Central Hall, Vestry St., a meeting called by the Hon. N. S. Howe, justice of the peace for the county of Essex. "This being the time and place duly appointed for the purpose of organizing into a Corporation a Religious Society in connection with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America in the town of Haverhill aforesaid, in conformity with the provisions of the twentieth chapter of the Revised Statues."
Elected:
Senior Warden, Charles Wingate
Junior Warden B. R. Downes, Jr.
Clerk and Treasurer, Edward F. Adams
Vestrymen, John Blore, Edward F. Adams, James C. Howe, J. B. Morrill, H. A. Page, George Ames
Eighteen people voting
Moved to invite the Rev. William C. Brown its rector. (Resident of the Diocese of' Missouri, temporarily officiating in Philadelphia)
1855
Oct. 10
First vestry meeting at office of N. S. Howe. Voted: To find a place to worship and to "engage" a choir Nov. 20 Voted: To raise money for a church building
Dec. 13
$1100.00 raised for building fund Donated: A Bible mid Prayer Book for the "desk," and two prayer books for the communion table", by James C. Merrill and his Sisters.
Dec. 20
A "Communion service" presented anonymously, "an elegant gift" given in "a delicate manner."
1856
Jan. 3
Reported by Mr. Downes "that nothing further could be done in reference to a place of worship in the Unitarian church." First every member canvass voted.
Feb. 9
"The committee reported that the Methodist Vestry in their opinion IS not suited for the purpose required."
Feb. 12
Voted to offer $100 for land (90 X 103) at Corner of Cherry and Newcomb Sts. belonging to Mr. H. Kimball.
Feb. 19
Above-mentioned land purchased "But an an unforeseen difficulty had arisen in consequence of Mr. Marsh's owning three feet of land next to the Street." Moved to buy two lots on Vine St. at not exceeding $1350 and if' impossible to obtain, to negotiate for purchase of two other lots on Vine St. owned by Mr. Tyler at not exceeding $850.
Mar. 15
None of lots on Vine St. could be bought.
Apr. 23
Plans 01 Christ Church Waltham procured (Present building follows these plans) Moved to purchase Sawyer lot on White St. at not exceeding $1600. Moved to obtain estimate for cost of cellar and carpentry
Apr. 26
White St. land bought for $1720. Cellar to cost $600 and to be dug by Carleton Sargent. Carpentry to cost $4100 and to be executed by Warren and George Gage.
Apr. 29
Contracts signed. Moved to sell land not needed for church building
Dec. 10
"A sale of pews in Trinity Church was held this day at two o'clock by auction. The following conditions were read at the time as the conditions of sale. Terms of payment: Cash on delivery of deed. All pews will be sold carpeted and the sum of two dollars will be added to the price of the pew for that purpose. Pews will be sold subject to assessment as may be laid by a vote of a majority of pew holders.
May 15
Cornerstone laid, to which a procession moved from the house of Dr. Howe on Winter St. The eventual total cost of the building was $7580.55. (45 50 communicants at this time)
Dec. 25
Christmas Day; first services held in Trinity Church the present building. At this time there were 35 pupils in the Sunday School
1857
Jan. 7
Present church building consecrated
1858
May 29
First rector the Rev. W. C. Brown, resigns to go to Zion Church, Newport, R. 1.
Aug. 11
Moved to invite the Rev. Charles Seymour of Andover as rector at a salary of' $600 per year. Mr. Seymour accepted at $800. (This was apparently a part time job) During the first year and a half the vestry held 26 meetings, most of them at the office of Dr. James C. Howe, or in the Haverhill National Bank building, and then in the church after it was built.
1859
May 10
Mr. Doves hired as organist at $100 per annum
1861
$100 borrowed to pay old debts with the organ as security. ("financial distress caused by the Great Rebellion very seriously affected the majority of the members of the parish")
1863
Sexton, Mr. Goodspeed, hired at $50 per annum.
Oct. 10
First mention of the Ladies. The Family Church Circle gave $100 for repairs to furnace and organ, the money having been raised at a fair. 1865 Church enlarged by addition of chapel (now office, acolyte, and guild rooms) at cost of $3600, financed by selling 25 pews at $100 each In two weeks $3200 was raised After a period of three months and seven special parish meetings the plans were approved.
1868
The Rev. Charles Seymour resigns to become rector of Dubuque Iowa The Rev. James Houghton of' Exeter, N. H.,
called, but declined. $1500 salary offered. The Rev. S. C. Thrall of New Jersey accepts at salary of $ 1600.
July 17
Moved "that pew No. 84 be assigned for the use of the Rector's family and that it be cushioned."
1869
"A communication was received from the sexton, Mr. Whittier, asking for an increase of pay for the ensuing year; he is now getting $75. It was voted that the sexton be discharged and that the members of the vestry assume the care of the church."
Sept.
Bells consecrated. First chime of bells in Essex county. Total cost $2700. Members of the parish and citizens of Haverhill donated $1 each. Ladies raise $307 at a fair. William Blake and Sons of Boston installed bells, total weight 5000 lbs.
Nov. 20
"Present method of volunteer sextons was a decided failure.''
1870
Mr. J. E. Gale donated services as organist from 1860-1870. $200 behind in rector's salary.
1871
May
Committee appointed to request Dr. Thrall to resign as rector Latter declined to communicate with the present vestry.
Committee appointed to ascertain what legal means might be used to remove him from the "rectorship." Committee > went to bishop of the diocese, who said he was unable to advise either party. Resolution voted by vestry to request bishop to remove rector
(Aug. 23)
Resolution sent to bishop. No quorum present at next five vestry meetings, thus necessitating continued adjournment. Hearing that Dr. Thrall would resign provided the original salary of $1600 was restored and paid in full to date, the vestry voted to do so.
(Oct. 3)
No reply received from Bishop Eastburn. Difference of opinion between rector and Vestry as to amount of money due rector. Dr. Thrall resigned Oct 5. Matter finally settled Nov. 9. In all this matter, Mr. Downes was liaison between rector and vestry.
1872
Sept. 18
After parish was without rector for almost a whole year, finally the Rev. C. A. Rand accepted. Mr. Rand was offered $1200, plus moving expense and six Sundays vacation per year, but insisted on $1500. He got it.
1872
Bishop Eastburn died. Trinity Church "reading desk" and pulpit draped in mourning for three days.
1873
Aug. 4
Rector presides at vestry meetings for the first time. Mr. Rand requests a rectory to be provided at parish expense. No action. Mr. Rand was the first rector ever to attend vestry meetings.
1874
Envelope system adopted by vote of vestry, but not put into effect at this time.
1876
Jan. 31
"Communication from Mr. Wingate was read, asking permission to organize a new parish within the limits I of Trinity Church." No action taken at this time.
Apr. 19
Voted "that a balance sheet of the monthly receipts and expenses be prepared once each month and that the same be read from the 'desk' and also that a copy be posted in the Vestibule.''
Aug. I
Voted "that Mr. Rand he notified that on and after the first of September the Vestry will not he held responsible to him for more than is received front the Offertory on each and every Sunday after deducting the necessary amount for the running expenses of the Church, the payments not to exceed $1500 per year.
Aug. 31
Voted: "that the vote passed at the last meeting in relation to the Rector's salary be rescinded." Carried 4 3. Rector in the chair.
1876
Oct. 9
Voted: "Salary of rector shall be at the rate of $1300 per year, that a special offering he taken semi annually for the benefit of the rector."
Dec. 26
Voted: "that the rector's salary be at the rate of $1500 per year. Parish fair held in Haverhill City Hall.
1877
Easter offering $271. Rector chosen moderator of annual meeting for first time.
Sept.
Rector states he must have $1500 per year or go elsewhere.
1879
May 6
Salary of organ blower increased to 50 cents per week because of extra services being held.
1880
James E. Gale retires after being organist for 20 years without compensation.
1882
Church has new slate roof. (still there)
1883
Dec.
Mr. Rand resigns because of ill health. Granted leave of absence.
1881
Jan. 18
'Mr. Rand drowned at sea; the steamer "City of Columbus," upon which he was proceeding to Florida, having been wrecked on Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard.
1885
Jan 14
One year later, after four clergymen had been invited and declined to accept rectorship (salary $1200), the Rev. David Ayers accepted. Ringer of chimes voted salary of $36 per annum.
1887
Plans made to build "parish rooms" at cost of $1364 and "parsonage" at cost of $1483.
1888
Annual meeting held three times because treasurer's report was not ready. "The report was finally received and though not fully satisfactory was accepted. Receipts $5620.87 Expenditures $5696.23 Deficit 75.36
Brass rood screen given by Mrs. William 11. Kimball. Salary of rector increased to $1500. Branch of Girls' Friendly Society formed, Jan. 11.
1890
New font. Voted: "that Mr. Hussey be empowered to preserve order at all church services, acting in conjunction with the Vestry."
1891
"Body of the church is terra cotta, the pillars and rafters of bronze green, while the ceiling is two shades of old yellow. The chancel and ceiling being peacock blue, the main wall of blue with dull gold texture work, the frieze being of old yellow with dull gold hand modeled texture work. The whole work is artistic to the highest degree . . . " (no comment)
Nov. 2
Present gold cope worn at service. Present altar consecrated. Ohio stone. Also six altar candlesticks and processional cross given. During the rectorship of Fr. Avers and through him the tradition of Catholic ceremonial albeit arty and individualist at first, was established.
1895
Voted: that "kneeling crickets be secured. (!!!) Parish began year free of debt for almost the first time in its history.
1898
"The rector stated that the Rev. Mr. Peaslee of St. John's wished to start a mission at Walnut Square. The rector also said that Mr. Peaslee had invited clergy to assist, whose views would retard his labors of thirteen years in this parish." Voted: not to allow the mission to be established.
"The Choir now includes 20 boys' voices and about 12 tenors and basses. The highest class of church music is used; Gounod, Mozart, Stainer, and Stanford. (no comment)
Nov. 13
The term "Father" to designate a priest first appears in the records.
1899
Voted: to investigate the cost of lighting the church by electricity.
1902
Panels for the reredos arrive from England, firm of John Hardman.
1903
Fr. Ayers resigns. The Rev. William 0. Baker accepts call at salary of $1500.
1904
Voted: that the treasurer employ the Misses Nellie Harlow and Nancy Sawyer to collect delinquent pew rentals on a basis of 10 percent commission.
1906
Voted: that the sexton be instucted to use a cotton cloth in dusting the pews
June 3
Voted: "that the Vestry decline to send delegates to the semi annual meeting of' the archdeaconry of Lowell to be held in Winchester with the Parish of the Epiphany because of the theological position of its rector, the Rev. John W. Suter, who, according to the public press, declares himself in agreement with Dr. Crapsey, and be it understood that this action is not taken to show any disrespect to the Archdeaconry of Lowell but because the Vestrymen do not wish to seem to countenance the teaching of Dr. Suter by going to his church."
1907
Voted at annual meeting: to buy property at Main and Howard Streets for $13,000 as site for new church. St. John's Church invited to join with Trinity and together build a new church. Voted also to buy Cook property on Main St. The new church to be called Trinity church and the side chapel St. John the Evangelist. St. John declined and renewed request to build a new church north of 5th avenue. Permission granted, and work was begun on a new St. John Church at 16 Sheridan St.
June
Property at Main and Howard Star purchased. (This at a time when a bank note for $250 had been held for some time, and by October the coal bill for the previous Winter had not been paid)
1908
$59.62 given to foreign missions $48.98 to domestic and $25.95 to diocesan missions for year 1907.
Jan. 7
50th anniversary celebrated; Solemn High Eucharist at 11 o'clock, Bishop Codman of Maine the preacher, Mass in G by Adams.
1909
Cash on hand Jan. 1, $38.09. First mention of St. Vincent's Guild for acolytes. Reported that "the sexton would like someone else to ring the Sanctus and Consecration bells during the cold weather." (These were rung from the tower.)
According to an insurance inventory taken at this time there were among many other things eight sets of altar I hangings, 15 acolyte cassocks, two banners, three censers, two chalices, two crucifixes, 20 wooden and 10 brass candlesticks, six funeral candlesticks, two missals.
1910
Sister Cora Fidelis granted free transportation on Haverhill and Southern New Hampshire Railway Transportation Co.
1911
Mar. 29
"The rector reported that 14 'Passion pictures' had been purchased as a memorial to the Mission. Voted that they be accepted by the vestry on behalf of the parish and same be placed in the church." (The mission was conducted during the first two weeks of Lent by Holy Cross Fathers. Donald H. Morse was the treasurer of the mission)
Apr. 7
Voted "that the stations be taken from the church on Easter Even, the future disposition of the stations to be determined by the vestry at a later meeting."
May 2
"Voted unanimously that the question of replacing the stations be postponed until the next meeting.
Sept. 8
"The loss of the Stations of the Cross from the church was reported and it was voted that Mr. Hussey (member of the vestry) use every means to discover who took them and where they went."
Oct. 4
"Mr. Hussey reported progress on the loss of the Stations of the Cross. "Voted that the committee on buildings and grounds have a new lock put on the parish house door."
1912
Feb. 19
"The Rector informed the Vestry that he had purchased the Stations of' the Cross (apparently a second set) and wished the vestry to accept the same from Mrs. Baker and himself as a gift to the parish. It was voted to accept them."
1913
Apr. 7
First mention of St. Elizabeth Guild. ($100 given to church)
Jan.
Father Baker resigns.
Oct.
The Rev. James Malcolm-Smith called at $1500.
1914
Main St. property sold for $10,500. (at loss of $2500) Voted not to buy Tilton land next door, to Church.
1916
William St. rectory purchased.
1920
Women given vote at annual meetings.
1921
Stations of the Cross still in the church at this time.
1923
Boston Sunday Globe printed in full, under headlines, a sermon by Fr. Malcolm Smith entitled "The Evils of' Prohibition Are Worse Than the Evils of the Saloon It Banished."
1926
Permission granted to St. john's to buy First Unitarian meeting house.
1929
Trinity Church raised three feet and Trinity Hall built underneath it at a cost of $22,241.70. Steeple taken down and present fleche built to replace it.
Dec.
Emmanuel Chapel (present chapel) consecrated in memory of the Honorable William Henry Moody, former Representative in Congress, Attorney General of the United States, Associate justice of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the Navy under Theodore Roosevelt.
1930
Fr. Malcolm Smith resigns.
Oct.
The Rev. Charles 0. Brown called. He had been rector of St. Cornelius Church, Dodge City, Kansas.
1931
First issue of The Messenger. Wardwell organ installed; three manuals, 41 stops, 2500 pipes. Also at this time new pulpit, choir stalls and lighting fixtures.
1930 - 1935
Thirteen stained glass windows installed. (see Book of Memorials)
1943
First of a series of meetings held to consider a union of' St. John's Church and Trinity Church. Union effected during this year and St. John's communicants were present at the annual meeting in January, 1944.
Pew rentals finally discontinued.
Extensive remodeling: new pews and floor, sanctuary dado, new front door.
1944
June
Fr. Brown resigns.
Oct.
Rev. Lewis A. Houghton called as rector from St. Paul's Church, Peabody, Mass.
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