Christ Church ~ American Bible Society
Christ Church
This ancient edifice was first established in 1695, having been
erected under the auspices of the Rev. Mr. Clayton. It was,
originally, it appears, only one story high, and according to
the best evidences that can be obtained, it was even so low in
the ceiling, my to be easily touched by persons with uplifted
hands. The bell which was used to summon the people to churchy
was hung on a large tree, in front.
In 1710, it appears to have been enlarged, by far more
commodious edifice, which was run up, over the old, where they
continued to worship, until the new structure was completed, or
so far advanced as to enable the congregation to worship in it.
In 1727, the western end of the Church, as it is now presented
to the observer, was erected. The eastern side put up in 1731.
The towering steeple, the most lofty in the city, was elevated
in 1753 -54. The solemn style of the architecture which prevails
throughout the edifice, is like that adopted in the execution of
the "Old State House," and is said to have been introduced by a
physician of Philadelphia, Dr. John Kearsley, who was popular in
his profession, in those days. It is constructed with brickwork
throughout.
The steeple, which has been often extolled, for its chaste
simplicity of construction, in the most elegant variety of
architectural forms, was elevated, it would appear, as a
peculiar Monument of Philadelphia. The war having ended in 1784,
a lottery was authorized to raise "£1012 10 s. 3," for aiding
the construction of a steeple on "Christ Church,'' which amount
was so raised. There was also a lottery, for the benefit of the
vestry, and the whole amount raised by lottery, appear to have
been $36,000. The steeple is one hundred and ninety-six feet in
height. The cost of the steeple was £2,100, and the eight bells,
imported from England, cost £900. The whole weight of the bells,
8160 lbs. the tenor one weighing 1800 lbs. When they were first
put up, they were a great novelty, and when chimed, people came
from the neighboring villages, to listen to their musical tones.
The bells were taken down at one time, and sunk in the Delaware
River, to keep them from falling into the hands of the British;
but again hung up immediately, on the evacuation of the city.
Amid these revolutionary scenes, too, the spirit of
Independence, could no longer brook the appearance of the Bust
of King George, carved in relief, in front. Some brave patriots
procured gladder, and ascending with a hatchet, chopped off his
head, leaving the crownless trunk, a warning to all future
oppressors, of the inalienable rights of man.
Some of the original Communion Plate of the Church, was
presented by Queen Anne, in 1708.
The ministerial offices were holden by several successors to the
Rev. Mr. Clayton.
The Rev. Mr. White was installed, as an assistant, of the Rev.
Mr. Peters, in 1772, who was finally, consecrated Bishop of the
Episcopal Church, in 1787, which office he continued to fill,
over one of the most respectable Churches in America, through
all the trying scenes of the revolution, and the various
vicissitudes of our infant republic, until death gathered him to
his Fathers, to reap the Rewards of a Life, adorned by the
purest principles of Christianity.
American Bible Society
The following remarks on the necessary efforts, to give a due
circulation to the Sacred Scriptures, is from a Letter addressed
to the Editor of the "Presbyterian"; and as it presents a warm
appeal in behalf of the BIBLE, it is not necessary to apologize
for its insertion in a work, professing to give a brief account,
of the City of Brotherly Love, the Head Quarters of Religious
action and feeling.
"Nearly ten years have now elapsed, since the American Bible
Society Resolved, in connection with its local auxiliaries, to
supply every destitute family in the country, with a copy of the
Holy Scriptures Before the close of three years, this noble work
was nearly accomplished: half a million of families were thus,
put in possession of the sacred oracles.
Good and great benefits have resulted, as we have already seen,
though the extent of this good, will never be known until all
men are gathered before Him, who has declared, that "His Word
shall not return unto Him void." Since this general supply of
the country, seven or eight years have passed by. A
re-examination of a few counties, in the states of Vermont, New
York, and Ohio, during the last years, has convinced the
Managers of the Parent Society that an appalling destitution of
the scriptures again prevails, in almost every part of the land.
They feel a deep and anxious solicitude that now investigations
should be made in every state and county, and that ALL our
dwellings should once more, be furnished in some way, with the
Word of God. They are resolved to do their part, in effecting
such a supply; and they beg leave to urge upon conductors of
auxiliary societies, the importance of an early attention to the
same. By a little prompt and energetic action, the members of
each local society, can be convened, exploring committees can be
appointed, books can be ordered, for cash or short credit, or if
needful, solicited gratuitously, and the destitute thus be
supplied. Many of those local societies, are in a languishing
condition, and need to be roused: They are the best of all
instrumentalities, for the wide distribution of the scriptures:
But they require the watchful and encouraging attention of their
respective officers, and of all, who would perpetuate our civil
blessings, or prepare men for the retributions of a coming
world.
But the Managers of the American Bible Society, have a further
subject to present, namely, the growing demands for the
scriptures in foreign countries.
In addition to frequent calls from Canada, Texas, Brazils, and
the West Indies, they have still more extensive, and urgent
applications, from Southern Russia, Greece, Persia, India, and
the Sandwich Islands. From one Missionary station alone, they
have a repeated solicitation for $25,000, to aid in printing and
circulating the scriptures; from another station $10,000; from
two others, $3,000; from another $2,000; and from several
$1,000. Applications for aid, to the amount of $42,300 are now,
before the Board, and after a conference with the officers, of
the several Missionary societies, Presbyterian, Episcopal,
Methodists, Board of Missions in Boston, &c. they see not how
they can well avoid paying out, from $25,000 to $30,000, before
the next annual Meeting in May; if this sum can possibly be
obtained. Within a few days, an urgent call has been presented
from Persia, for means to print the Bible, in Syriac, at
Ooroomiah, and other calla equally important, from the Society's
Agent, in the Levant towards publishing the Armenian, and the
Hebrew Spanish scriptures. It is respectfully asked, that the
above statements may receive attention. Clergymen it is hoped,
will spread the facts given, before their respective
congregations, and encourage auxiliary societies, to engage at
once, either in the supply of their own destitute families, or
in raising means to supply the destitute, abroad.
Nothing can be more certain to a Protestant, than that millions
of Bibles must be prepared, and circulated, before the world is
converted to Jesus Christ. They roust be furnished too, by those
who possess, and appreciate the Bible.
The time is come, to prosecute this work on a large scale; the
doors are open, in almost every land; Christian Missionaries and
Agents are abroad, eager to prepare and circulate, this Sacred
Volume; all things seem to be ready, and invite to action. Our
desire, and Prayer to God is, that the cause of this Bible may
this year, receive a new impulse, throughout the length and
breadth of our land."
Among the numerous Benevolent Societies in this City, the Bible,
Tract, Missionary, Education, and Sunday School, sustain an
intimate connection. Each is necessary in its place; and all
combined, form a comprehensive, well organized and efficient
system of Agencies, for the spread of the Gospel. Each has its
peculiar claims, and the arguments for each, are weighty; and
must carry conviction to every candid, and unprejudiced mind.
History of Philadelphia
|
