News of Pelham Published February 12, 1875

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In early February, 1875 -- much like recent days in 2018 -- the Town of Pelham was in the midst of a brutal cold spell that froze much of Long Island Sound and the waters off the shores of Pelham with ice so thick that people, horses, sleighs, and more could cross on the ice safely from island to island.  The brutal cold, however, did not stop Pelhamites from enjoying an active social life and outdoor sports according to news of the Town published in a Mount Vernon newspaper on February 12, 1875.

In 1875, the Mount Vernon newspaper known as The Chronicle was in its sixth year of publication.  In its earliest days, the newspaper occasionally carried news of Pelham.  In those early days, Pelham Manor had not been settled much.  The settlement of Pelhamville was tiny and, as one might expected, generated little interest or news.  Indeed, most of the population of the Town of Pelham was concentrated on City Island and in the tiny nearby settlement on Shore Road known variously as Bartow, Bartow-on-the-Sound, and Bartow Station.  Thus, the earliest news of Pelham reported in The Chronicle focused on City Island.

In early February, with much of the Sound solidly iced over, Pelhamites were concerned about their safety.  Because it was possible to walk from island to island, prisoners held on Hart Island were escaping in droves -- simply walking away from the island on the ice to City Island and then to the mainland.  According to the February 12 news report, in one week alone "about thirty prisoners" escaped.

Pelhamites also were concerned about local environmental issues in early 1875.  The same news account reported the formation of a "committee" representing Pelham consisting of Town Supervisor James Hyatt, David Carll (shipyard owner and one of the most successful businessmen in Pelham), and Stephen Pell (a notable civic citizen and ancestor of John Pell, nephew of Pelham founder Thomas Pell).  On behalf of Pelham, the committee traveled to Albany to complain to lawmakers that New York City contractors were illegally dumping refuse in the waters between Throggs Neck and City Island risking destruction of the oyster beds in the region, the mainstay of the Town's principal industry involving the planting, harvesting, and sale of oysters.  The committee asked the lawmakers to enforce preexisting law banning such dumping. 

On the lighter side, the news account described a host of social and recreational activities undertaken (or planned) by Pelhamites that brutally-cold February in 1875.  For example, the Merry Ten of City Island planned a grand "calico ball" -- by invitation only -- at Leviness Hall on the evening of Monday, February 22, 1875.  

The "Merry Ten" was a social club based on City Island in the Town of Pelham during the latter part of the nineteenth century.  It seems to have been active from at least the early 1870's through at least the mid 1880's and, indeed, was described in one article published in [1882] as "an old organization of City Island."  See PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], May 30, 1884, Vol. XV, No. 767, p. 3, col. 4 ("Last evening, the Merry Ten, an old organization of City Island, gave a complimentary ball, at Von Liehn's Hotel.").

In 1893, the highly-successful social club spawned a spin-off social club for the younger set known as "The Merry Ten, Jr."   The name "Merry Ten" was associated with unaffiliated social clubs throughout the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  Social Clubs named "Merry Ten" can be found in San Francisco, Yonkers and even Lowell, Massachusetts.  There even was a dime novel story written by Harvey King Shackleford entitled "The Merry Ten; or, The Shadows of a Social Club. A Temperance Story."  I have written before about the "Merry Ten" of City Island.  See Wed., Sep. 03, 2014:  The Merry Ten Social Club of City Island in the Town of Pelham During the 19th Century.  

 Ticket:  "GRAND FANCY DRESS AND MASQUERADE BALL OF

THE MERRY TEN, TO BE HELD AT LEVINESS' HALL, City Island,

On Thursday Eve'g, Feb. 22d, 1872.  TICKETS, ADMITTING GENTLEMAN

AND LADIES, $1.00.  No Gentleman or Lady admitted on the floor, unless

Fancy Dressed and Masked, until after intermission.  J.M. FLYNN,

President. JOHN ADEMA, Sectretary.  M. KNAPP, Vice-President.

R. L. LINCOLN, Treasurer."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

According to the same report, a charitable group named the Society of Earnest Workers formed by members of Grace Episcopal Church on City Island hosted a fundraiser consisting of an entertainment of tableaux and charades at Horton's Hall on the evening of Monday, February 8, 1875.  (A "tableaux," popular at the time, involved posing costumed people, objects and, sometimes, animals to represent a scene, famous picture, statue or the like.)  "Attendance was large" and the entertainment raised more than $10 to support the group's work.

The article further reported that a minstrel entertainment group known as the Stony Swamp Minstrels intended to give "one of their pleasing entertainments" at Leviness Hall on City Island later that month.  Minstrel shows, of course, were 19th and early 20th century entertainments that, sadly, lampooned African-Americans in burlesque settings with comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music performances.  Little is known of this minstrel group that appears to have been based in the City Island region and even owned an ice boat named the "Stony Swamp" that competed in local races.  Hopefully additional research will reveal more about the history of this minstrel group.

The Stony Swamp Minstrels raced their iceboat named the "Stony Swamp" on the ice of frozen Pelham Bay during that brutal cold snap in 1875.  The ice boat raced against other local ice boats including the Town Dock and the Graham.  One such race, held on the ice of Pelham Bay on Saturday, February 6, 1875, was somewhat unusual.  Two ice boats raced a horse-drawn sleigh on the ice.  The ice boats beat the horse-drawn sleigh soundly, beating it by one-third of the distance across the entire bay. 

19th Century Stern Steerer Iceboats Likely Similar to Those

Raced on Frozen Pelham Bay on Saturday, February 6, 1875.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

 And . . . THAT's the way it was in February, 1875, in the Town of Pelham.

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"City Island.

The Merry Ten of City Island will give a grand invitation calico ball at Capt. Leviness' Hall on Monday evening Feb. 22nd.

On Monday evening last the members of the Earnest Workers gave an entertainment consisting of tableaux and charades at Horton's Hall.  The attendance was large and the proceeds netted over $10.

During the past week about thirty prisoners have escaped from Hart's Island and City Island.  People have been crossing from one island to the other for several days.

The residents of the Island have several ice boats, the Stony Swamp, Town Dock and Graham, in successful operation on Pelham Bay.  The Stony Swamp is owned by the minstrel troupe of the same name.

On Wednesday last several boats were a whole day in getting from opposite City Island to Throggs Neck.

The Stony Swamp Minstrels intend giving one of their pleasing entertainments at Leviness's Hall about the 28th inst.

On Saturday last a race took place on Pelham Bay between two ice boats and a horse attached to a [sleigh] but the horse was beaten one third of the distance across the bay.

On Monday a committee of gentlemen from this place consisting of David Carll, Stephen Pell and Supervisor Hyatt went to Albany for the purpose of protesting against the dumping of refuse matter by the contractors of New York between Throgg's Neck and City Island.  The committee requested our members to use their utmost endeavors to have the law in relation to the above abuse enforced.  It forbids the dumping of all refuse matter one mile from Sandy Point.  This action has been taken in prevention of the destruction of oyster beds beginning that part of the Sound spoken of above as a dumping ground." 

Source:  City Island, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 12, 1875, Vol. VI, No. 282, p. 3, col. 2.

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The Battle Between Christ Church and Grace Church Chapel 1923 - 1925

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The histories of Christ Church in Pelham Manor and Grace Episcopal Church on City Island have been intertwined since Grace Church was first developed as a mission of Christ Church beginning in 1849.  That year, Adele Bolton, a daughter of Rev. Robert Bolton of Christ Church, urged one of her brothers, the Reverend Cornelius Bolton, to offer a Sunday afternoon service every other Sunday for the benefit of the 800 residents of City Island.  The services were held in Union Chapel at the intersection of Tier Street and City Island Avenue. 

With no bridge to City Island from the mainland during this era, Adele Bolton and Cornelius Bolton rowed to the island to oversee the Sunday services until Rev. Cornelius Bolton was called to serve in a parish in Maryland.  Adele Bolton and her sister, Nanette Bolton, continued to minister to the residents of City Island until Cornelius Bolton returned in 1855 to become rector of Christ Church, the church founded by his father in Pelham Manor.  

During Rev. Cornelius Bolton's absence from the area, the tiny little Union Chapel became a Methodist Church.  Rev. Bolton and his sisters, Adele and Nanette, pushed for the construction of a new Episcopal church building on the island and enlisted the services of the students of the Pelham Priory School for Girls to raise money in support of the endeavor. 

Noted City Island resident George W. Horton, Jr. donated land for the church and construction began in 1862.  Construction was completed by 1863.  The church was constructed by ship carpenters from the nearby shipyard founded by David Carll who became a member of the church.  The Church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a stunning stained glass altar window depicting "The Trial of Christ" that was crafted by John Bolton, another son of Rev. Robert Bolton (the founder of Christ Church).  

Grace Episcopal Church in an Undated Photograph Believed to

Have Been Taken in About 1904.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

For more on the history of Grace Episcopal Church and its relationship with Christ Church, see, e.g.:  Thu., Oct. 02, 2014:  Brief History of Grace Church on City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1886.

As one might expect, the two churches were very close.  Christ Church nurtured its new mission.  For decades, the vestrymen of Grace Church voted with the Christ Church vestry.  Christ Church purchased real estate for the benefit of Grace Church.  Indeed, for decades Christ Church in Pelham Manor lovingly supported its mission of Grace Church.

Then, New York City annexed City Island and the surrounding region in 1895.  The futures of the two churches began to diverge.  It all seems to have come to an explosive conclusion during the Roaring Twenties.  

In October, 1922, the vestrymen of Christ Church in Pelham Manor authorized a contract to install Rev. Thomas A. F. Collet as the pastor of Grace Episcopal Church on City Island for a term of one year.  At the time, the Rector of Christ Church was J. McVickar Haight. 

During that year, Rev. Collet became beloved by City Island residents and his new congregation.  There seems, however, to have been an undercurrent of dissatisfaction with Rev. Collet among the leaders of Christ Church in Pelham Manor.  Perhaps, we might speculate, Rev. Collet was steering his new congregation on a course of greater independence from Christ Church and its vestrymen.

The following year, in October 1923, the vestrymen of Christ Church in Pelham Manor decided not to renew Rev. Collett's one-year contract, effective October 15, 1923.  Rev. Collett and his congregation were outraged.

Rev. Collett took the position that his contract extended for another year and that it provided that services must be held "without interruption."  The parishioners of Grace Episcopal Church believed their church was an "independent corporation" not subject to the control of Christ Church in Pelham Manor.  Tensions ran high.  

Rev. Collett showed up at Grace Church for the following service which was a service of holy communion.  He found the church padlocked.  He returned for the regular 11 o'clock service and found that, by then, "the lock had disappeared."  He entered the church. laid his cossack on the altar and his vest on the Bible, and sat in the rear pew of the church.

Christ Church of Pelham Manor had hired a temporary caretaker to keep an eye on the church.  The caretaker had been instructed to call the police and have Rev. Collett arrested if he entered the church.  Within a short time, the caretaker showed up with three policemen.  One of the policemen showed Mr. Collett a letter signed by Rev. J. McVickar Haight of Christ Church "authorizing the arrest of any one who entered the church to attend a service that day, particularly the priest in charge."

Rev. Collett pleaded his case to the police and, in effect, urged them to stay out of the mess.  They diplomatically demurred, indicated that they needed to take up the matter with their Captain, and departed. 

By then, parishioners had begun to gather for a service.  At 11:00 a.m., Rev. Collett arose and told the congregation that he had promised the Bishop that he would not officiate a service and he would keep his promise.  He noted, however, that the service nevertheless "would proceed."  The congregation got the hint.  A woman began to play the organ.  The entire congregation sang hymns.

When the service ended, Rev. Collett refused to leave the church.  Indeed, he planned to handle the evening service the same way.  He even had his wife come to the church and pass him food through an open window so he would not have to depart the building before the evening service which he apparently handled the same way. 

The following Sunday, Christ Church posted a notice that no service would be held at Grace Church and padlocked the church.  This time, Rev. Collett "broke the lock, tore down the notice" and conducted services "as usual."

The battle was begun.  Now it was time for lawyers.  Attorneys for Christ Church promptly obtained a temporary injunction against Rev. Collett to keep him from entering Grace Church and conducting services.

Christ Church sought an injunction against Rev. Collett.  At a hearing held in New York Supreme Court in White Plains on November 2, 1923, counsel for Rev. Collett argued that Grace Episcopal Church was not a mission or chapel of Christ Church but, instead, was an independent church that could decide its own destiny.  Attorneys for Christ Church, of course, argued the contrary and sought a permanent injunction against Rev. Collett entering the church and conducting services.  Justice Morschauser of the Court asked for briefs and allowed the temporary injunction to continue while it considered the matter.  

The Court continued the injunction and set the matter for a prompt trial held on November 27, 1923.  At trial, attorneys for Christ Church were able to demonstrate that the longstanding relationship between the two churches had never changed and that the vestrymen of Grace Church voted with the Christ Church vestry "which gave the latter control."  The Court entered a permanent injunction against Rev. Collett.  

Now the appeal began.  It took more than a year, but in early March, 1925, the New York Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed entry of the permanent injunction "barring the Rev. Thomas A. F. Collett from acting as vicar of Grace church chapel at City Island, a branch of Christ Church of Pelham Manor."

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"PASTOR IS OUSTED; PARISH STIRRED UP
-----
Protest Meeting to Be Held Friday on City Island -- Attorneys Engaged.
-----
FOUND CHURCH PADLOCKED
-----
Sat With Congregation and Took Part In Service Without Vestments.
-----

A meeting of the parishioners of Grace Episcopal Church, City Island, has been called for Friday night in the Masonic Hall to protest against the dismissal of the Rev. Thomas A. F. Collett, who has been in charge for the last year.  Mr. Collett was dismissed, effective Oct. 15, last, by the vestry of Christ Church, Pelham Manor, of which the Rev. J. McVickar Haight is the rector.  The meeting is also called to reorganize the vestry and to determine where the temporalities are.'

Both sides have retained counsel, and Mr. Collett has secured George Gordon Battle as his personal counsel.

The vestry of the Pelham Manor Church claims that the City Island Church is a part of the parish of the former, and that it had the right to dismiss Mr. Collett.  Many parishioners of the City Island Church claim it is an independent corporation.  Mr. Haight on Saturday pasted a sign on the City Island church stating no services would be held there the next day.

When Mr. Collett arrived at Grace Church last Thursday morning in time for the service of holy communion he found a padlock on the door, for which he had been given no key.

Mr. Collett came back in time for the regular 11 o'clock worship.  By then the lock had disappeared.  He entered the church and having previously promised Bishop Herbert Shipman that he would obey the instructions of Bishop Manning and not officiate as priest, he laid his cossack on the altar and his vest on the Bible.

The priest then sat down in the last pew in his shirtsleeves.  He had been there only a short time when three policemen walked in accompanied by the temporary caretaker of the church who had been placed there by the Pelham Manor Church authorities.  One policeman showed Mr. Collett a letter signed by Mr. Haight authorizing the arrest of any one who entered the church to attend a service that day, particularly the priest in charge.

Mr. Collett asked permission to go to the rectory and produce a paper.  He returned with a document which was the Church's contract that 'services must be maintained without interruption.'  He showed this to the police and they seemed to think after reading it that they had no cause for arresting him.  They asked to take it to their Captain.  This Mr. Collett granted.

By then parishioners had begun to gather.  At eleven o'clock Mr. Collett arose in the pew and told his people he had promised the Bishop not to officiate and he must keep his promise, but that the service would proceed.  A woman played the organ and the congregation sang hymns."

Source:  PASTOR IS OUSTED; PARISH STIRRED UP -- Protest Meeting to Be Held Friday on City Island -- Attorneys Engaged -- FOUND CHURCH PADLOCKED -- Sat With Congregation and Took Part In Service Without Vestments, N.Y. Times, Oct. 30, 1923, p. 21, col. 5.  

"Reserve Decision In Pelham Church's Injunction Case Against Rev. Collett
-----

White Plains, Nov. 3 (I. N. S.) -- Decision was reserved yesterday by Supreme Court Justice Morschauser here on the motion of Albert Ritchie, counsel for Christ Protestant Episcopal church, Pelham, for an injunction restraining the Rev. Thomas Collett, former assistant pastor, from holding services of any nature in the parish house of the church.  The rector is the Rev. McVicker [sic] Haight.

It was alleged that the Rev. Mr. Collett has insisted on holding services at the parish house of Christ church on City Island, known as Grace church, although his affiliation with Christ church parish to conduct services at the City Island parish house expired October 1, last.

Through counsel, James Crosby, of Scarsdale, Mr. Collett stated he was appointed to serve at Grace church by the bishop of the diocese and that Christ church, Pelham, and Grace church, City Island, are in no way connected.  According to Ritchie, Mr. Collett insisted on conducting the morning service at Grace church October 21.

'You can understand the disgraceful scene that this created,' said Ritchie.  'The defendant even refused to leave the church when the service was completed, and stayed all day, and had his wife bring him his dinner, passing it to him through a window, so that he could conduct the evening service.'

The next Sunday, according to Ritchie, Christ church closed and padlocked City Island church, but the Rev. Mr. Collett broke the lock, tore down the notice which had been posted that the only service would be held at Pelham and conducted as usual.

Counsel for the defendant contended that the City Island church was not a mission or chapel of the Pelham Manor parish but was an independent church and that only a question of law was involved in the suit.

Justice Morschauser directed briefs be submitted and pending his decision he ordered that the injunction against the defendant assistant rector be continued."

Source:  Reserve Decision In Pelham Church's Injunction Case Against Rev. Collett, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 7, 1923, p. 11, col. 2.  

"RECTOR SAYS VICAR VIOLATED ORDERS
-----
Held Service in City Island Church After Being Ousted, He Tells Court.
-----
AUTHORITY IS QUESTIONED
-----
Plea to Dissolve Injunction Heard in White Plains -- Decision Is Reserved.
-----
Special to The New York Times.

WHITE PLAINS, N. Y., Nov. 27. -- Trial of the action brought by Christ Church Vestry of Pelham Manor and its rector, the Rev. J. McVickars [sic] Haight to oust permanently the Rev. Thomas A. Collett as vicar of Grace Episcopal Church at City Island, and for complete control of the pastorate, came up today before Supreme Court Justice Morschauser.

Resolutions were submitted by Albert Ritchie, in behalf of the Pelham Manor Parish, to show that the latter parish purchased the real estate of the City Island church, and that its vestrymen voted with the Pelham Manor vestry, which gave the latter control.  Harry S. Abbott of Pelham Manor, warden and clerk of the Christ Church Vestry, testified that a resolution was adopted electing Mr. Collett as vicar for one year from Oct. 15, 1922.

On June 19, 1923, the minutes showed that the rector of Christ Church, who had charge of City Island Parish, reported dissatisfaction, and the vestry decided not to renew the contract with Mr. Collett after the expiration of the term.

William C. Prime, who represented Mr. Collett, insisted that Christ Church had no control over Grace Church because it was a separate parish.

The Rev. Mr. Haight testified that after the Sunday following Oct. 18 he went to City Island to hold services and that Mr. Collett met him outside the church.  'Mr. Collette [sic],' he said, 'came to me and said:  'As assistant rector I demand that I take charge of the services in this church.'  I told him he could take no part in the services.

'I went into the vestry room to put on my vestments when I heard a noise in the church.  I saw Mr. Collett come through the communion rail and place his hat on the altar and he began the communion service.  I let him proceed.'

This, the witness said, was in violation of the order of Bishop Manning.  

Attorney Prime raised the point that Grace Church Parish was incorporated in 1880, and that the corporation had not been dissolved.

Mr. Collett denied that he had placed his hat on the altar, and insisted that he had been engaged for the position of vicar by the rector and vestry of the parish as well as by the Bishop of the diocese.

So many intricate questions of law were involved in the suit that Justice Morschauser reserved decision and directed that briefs be filed."

Source:  RECTOR SAYS VICAR VIOLATED ORDERS -- Held Service in City Island Church After Being Ousted, He Tells Court -- AUTHORITY IS QUESTIONED -- Plea to Dissolve Injunction Heard in White Plains -- Decision Is Reserved, N.Y. Times, Nov. 28, 1923, p. 18, cols. 2-3.  

"Collett Barred From Vicarage Of City Island Chapel
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Court of Appeals Upholds Supreme Court Decision That Christ Church Pelham Manor Has Ecclesiastical Authority
-----

The Court of Appeals, this week, unanimously confirmed the decision of Justice Morschauser, of the Supreme Court in barring the Rev. Thomas A. F. Collett from acting as vicar of Grace church chapel at City Island, a branch of Christ Church of Pelham Manor.

Collett had a contract dating from October 15, 1922 for a period of one year, which was not renewed at expiration.  When his contract expired he defied church officials and forced the issue into the courts.  Claiming that contract covered period of two years.

The church officials claimed that Collett broke into the church on October 28, 1923 and held services.  An injunction to restrain Collett from entering the church premises was obtained from Justice Morschauser about one year ago."

Source:  Collett Barred From Vicarage Of City Island Chapel -- Court of Appeals Upholds Supreme Court Decision That Christ Church Pelham Manor Has Ecclesiastical Authority, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 6, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 1, p. 6, col. 3.

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Christ Church's 80th Anniversary Sermon by Rev. J. McVickar Haight on November 18, 1923

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On Sunday, November 18, 1923, the congregants of Christ Church in Pelham Manor gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the church.  In honor of the anniversary, the rector of the church, J. McVickar Haight, delivered a lovely sermon recounting the history of Christ Church.  The sermon was so interesting that the local newspaper, The Pelham Sun, published it in its entirety five days later.  That article, with the complete text of Rev. Haight's sermon, appears at the end of today's posting followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"Photograph by S. Roots

THE REV. J. McVICKER [sic] HAIGHT"

Photograph of Rev. J. McVickar Haight

in 1929 Taken at Camp Pasquaney

School in Hebron, NH.  NOTE:  Click on

Image to Enlarge.

John McVickar Haight (known as J. McVickar Haight) was born October 11, 1882.  He was a son of Effie Kneeland Haight and Charles Coolidge Haight.  He met and married Elsie Stanton, a great granddaughter of John Harper, one of the founders of Harper Brothers Publishers.  The couple had two children:  John McVickar Haight Jr. and Phyllis Haight (who married William Mitchell Robinson of Rutherford, N.J.)  

For several years before 1917, J. McVickar Haight served as the Civilian Chaplain at the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station.  He was called in 1917 by the Vestry of Christ Church to serve as the rector.  While he was at Christ Church, Parish Hall was built and the Sunday School grew into a successful institution with over two hundred pupils.  He authored a book on The History of Christ Church.

Rev. Haight resigned as rector of Christ Church in 1935.  Thereafter he became the rector of St. Luke's Church in Tuckahoe, New York.  In 1937 he was instituted as the tenth rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Harlem.

He and his wife lived in Pelham for 23 years (a number of those years in a home located at 118 Clay avenue.)  They also owned a cottage on Newfound Lake near Bristol, New Hampshire where they spent time during many summers.  In 1941, Rev. and Mrs. J. McVickar Haight purchased a 150-year-old farm on the Pemigiwasset River about 3-1/2 miles east of Bristol, New Hampshire on Route 104.  The couple moved to the farm where Rev. Haight began rural church work under Bishop John Dallas of New Hampshire.  

Reverend Haight died in 1965 at the age of 83.  He is buried in Heath Cemetery in Bristol, Grafton County, New Hampshire.  

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Below is the article containing the text of the sermon Reverend Haight delivered on November 18, 1923 regarding the history of Christ Church in honor of the 80th anniversary of the church.

"INTERESTING HISTORICAL SERMON DELIVERED BY PASTOR AT CHRIST'S CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE
-----
Eightieth Birthday of Pretty Church on Pelhamdale Avenue Commemorated by Large Congregations Last Sunday.
-----

The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Christ's Church brought large congregations to the services on Sunday.  The Rev. J. McVickar Haight preached a special sermon which outlined the history of the church, taking for his text Genesis 28:17, 'This is noe other but the house of God and this is the gate to heaven.'  There was so much historical interest in his remarks that The Sun publishes it in full herewith.  Mr. Haight said:

How true these words are as we assemble in this beautiful church.  A few years ago Bishop Shipman came here for the first time, and after carefully looking about the Church said, 'This building is filled with the atmosphere of worship;' and this is true because this building was planned, built, beautified and dedicated by persons whose hearts were full of the love of God and their fellow-men.

Reverend Robert Bolton was the founder of this parish.  He was born in Savannah, Ga., on the 10th of September, 1787, and was the son of Robert Bolton, the cotton king of Savannah.  He was sent to England on business, and there he met and married Anne Jay, the daughter of the Rev. William Jay of Bath, England.  Mr. Jay gave permission for his daughter to marry on condition that the young people would not go to the 'wilds of America.'  So Mr. Bolton and his wife settled down to a peaceful life in England, but after Mr. Jay died and because of financial reverses Mr. Bolton decided to bring his wife to America.  They bought a place in Bronxville where they expected to make their home but for reasons they felt that this was not a good place for them to live, and they decided to mmove to Pelham Manor where Mr. Bolton bought what is now known as the 'Bolton Priory,' property where he built the large house where he lived for several years.  This house was designed after the Norman style and bears the date of 1838.

Mr. Bolton was ordained Deacon at St. Paul's Church, Eastchester, on the 25th day of Juy, 1837, by Bishop Onderdonk, and preached the same year, the 12th of November, by the same Bishop.

Life at the Priory was very charming.  Mr. Bolton and his wife had five sons and nine daughters, though two of the daughters died while quite young.  They published a little paper in the household called the 'Pelham Chronicle,' which consisted of poems and articles and bits of humor.  It was for the amusement of the family living in the 'wilds of the country.'

One of the rooms of the Priory was a large hall which Mr. Bolton called the 'Armory.'  Here he gathered together the children of the neighborhood for Sunday School and the older people for Sunday services.  Very shortly after this his congregation outgrew the hall and he and his sons decided to build a church.  They went to a sooded spot of their estate near the cow lane which is now Pelhamdale Avenue, and there they laid out the church, and on April, 1843, the foundation stone was laid by Mr. Bolton and his five sons.

The following poem, which was published in 'The Harp of Pelham,' a little book gotten out by Mr. Bolton and his family, must have been used at the time of the dedication of this stone.

'The Foundation Stone.'

Head of the Church! with light divine
Deign on thy people's works to shine,
And make the building now Thine own, 
By blessing this, 'The Corner Stone.'

Hence let the gospel's joyful sound
Enlighten every desert round
And here let sinners find the road
That leads them to the Lamb of God.

Oh Thou! who wast Thyself the stone
Which haughty builders did disown
Let this Thy house uninjured stand,
Establish'd by Thine own right hand.

The 'corner stone' surmounted thus
Shall be a footstool to the cross,
The Church a fruitful garden prove,
To train us for the Church above.

On September 15th, 1843, the church was consecrated by Bishop Onderdonk.  The church was built of Gothic style and was beautified by Mr. Bolton and his five sons.  The large East window, which was directly above the altar, is the first stained glass figured window to have been made in this country, and was probably made by William Jay Bolton.  All the windows in the old church were made by some member of the Bolton family -- a number of them are copies from Salisbury Cathedral.  On either side of the present main entrance of the door are two windows which were made by Robert Bolton in 1850.  One bears the Pell coat of arms and the other the Bolton coat of arms.  Under the large window was a Reredos [Ed. Note:  a screen or a decorated part of the wall behind an alltar in a church] made by John Bolton in 1853.  It is handsomely carved and painted and is divided into five panes, the entire one of which bears the sacred initials of Christ; the other four contain the Creed, the Lord's prayer and the Ten Commandments.  The old Communion table was also made by one of the Boltons, as was the Communion rail, which is said by Mr. Lamb, the ecclesiastical artist, to be one of the finest communion rails in the country.

The old pulpit was also designed and made by one of the Boltons.  Originally it had a flat soundinug board over it.  I wish that this sounding board might be replaced.

The marble font, which was originally used in the church, was given by Miss Clark.  The organ was situated in the loft over the main entrance of the door in 1887.  This organ was enlarged and a beautiful case was put about it which bears this inscriptioin:  'Praise Him in the psaltery and hary; praise Him in stringed instruments and organs; praise Him in sound of the trumpet.'

The Christ's Church was attached a parochial free school for male and female children of the neighborhood.  At first it had 15 male aand 20 female scholars.  This building was erected in about 1845.  The door of this building is most interesting as it is a Norman arch executed in brick.  It is said that Mr. Bolton could not get anyone to execute the arches so he made them himself.  It is interesting to note that all the sons of Mr. Bolton were ordained into the ministry, and Reverend Cornelius Winter Bolton returned to Christ's Church as its rector several years later.

In 1861 a Mission was commenced at City Island.  The Sunday School at Pelhamville and City Island was started largely through the personal efforts of Miss Nanette Bolton, Miss Fanny Schuyler and Miss Grace Schuyler.  Miss Fanny Schuyler and Miss Cornelis Jay Bolton organized the Woman's Auxiliary of the Board of Missions, and for many years Miss Fanny Schuyler was the inspiring leader of the parish branch of the Woman's Auxiliary.

We gleaned the following from the rector's report of 1861:

'Pelhamville.  This mission established some two years since has continued to flourish with the most blessed results during the past year, amply compensating the loving and Christian hears who first organized and still under God continue to nourish it.'

'City Island.  A church is in the course of erection.  $1,358 has been most generously contributed for this glorious purpose by the ladies connected with the Pelham Priory, exclusive of $600, promised by the Islanders, one of whom, Mr. George Horton, gave the ground for the church and $100 toward the funds.  The building will cost $3,000.  Already there is a good and active congregation and a flourishing Sunday School.'

In 1920, Grace Church, City Island, became part of this parish.

'David's Island Hospital.  A kitchen has been built upon the Island with sleeping apartments and servants employed, and the ladies in turn devote a week-day and night in ministering to the sick and wounded soldiers.  Garments furnished to the sick and wounded 3,224, boots and shoes 286 pairs, sheets 321, other garments to the value of $318.'

David's Island is now Fort Slocum.  

On Hart's Island there was a military rendezvous where the Rector of Christ's Church held frequent services.

In 1866 the parochial school was closed because a public school was started in Pelham Manor.  

In 1872 the Church of the Redeemer, Pelhamville, was incorporated as a separate parish and severed its connection with the mother parish.  

The eldest daughter of Mr. Bolton's was Nanette Bolton.  For many years after her father's death she conducted a school for young ladies in the Bolton Priory, and when she died in 1884, her former pupils and friends raised a fund to erect the Nanette bolton Memorial Building, which was placed close to Christ's Church.  With one of the gifts came this message:  'Nothing seems too good for me to give in memory of that dear friend who was chosen by my dear mother to lead me in the paths of righteousness.'  This building is now used for our Sunday School.

In 1893 Reverend Alfred Francis Tenney became Rector.  The outstanding event of his rectorate was the enlargement of the church which was done in 1910 at a cost of $13,000.  The church owes it Mr. Tenney's untiring efforts that the enlargement fits in so perfectly with the spirit of the old church.

Five years ago Reverend J. Mcvickar Haight became Rector, and in 1920, the old system of renting pews was abolished and all pews were declared free and unassigned.

As we think of the love and interest of the founders of this parish we raise our hearts in gratituded to God for this beautiful church, hallowed by the prayers and devotions of these saintly men and women.  Let us learn to love this beautiful building and to make it indeed our religious home, and let us seek to beautify and adorn it still more, for there are several improvements which we should make at this time.  The lighting fixtures are out of date and very trying to the eyes -- new ones should replace these.  We need a new and larger organ to lead our choir and congregation in singing the praises of God.  The church should be redecorated and we should raise an adequate endowment fund, but above all let us catch the inspiration of the missionery spirit of the early members of this parish, aand let us give and work for things outside this parish, catching from this building the inspiration which will help us in all our lives." 

Source:  INTERESTING HISTORICAL SERMON DELIVERED BY PASTOR AT CHRIST'S CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE -- Eightieth Birthday of Pretty Church on Pelhamdale Avenue Commemorated by Large Congregations Last Sunday, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 23, 1923, p. 7, cols. 1-4.   

"Rev. And Mrs. J. McVickar Haight Leave To Live In New Hampshire
-----

The Rev. and Mrs. J. McVickar Haight of Clay avenue moved on Wednesday to their new home in New Hampshire.  They have purchased a 150 year old farm on the Pemigiwasset River, 3-1/2 miles east of Bristol on Route 104.  Rev. Haight will do rural church work under Bishop John Dallas of New Hampshire.  The Haights have been spending their Summers on Newfound Lake near Bristol, where they have a cottage, a spot well known to their many Pelham friends.

Mr. and Mrs. Haight and their two children, John McVickar Haight, Jr., and Phyllis, now the Mrs. William Mitchell Robinson of Rutherford, N.J., have resided in the Manor for the past 23 years.  Mr. Haight was called in 1917 by the Vestry of Christ Church.  Prior to that time he was Civilian Chaplain at the Pelham Bay Naval Training Station.

During his ministry at Christ Church, Parish Hall was built and the Sunday School grew into a successful school of over two hundred pupils.  Mr. Haight endeared himself to his parishioners by his personal interest and by his firm belief in the powers and comforts of prayer especially in times of illness.  He is the author of a book on The History of Christ Church.  After his resignation as rector of Christ Church in 1935, Rev. Haight became the rector of St. Luke's Church in Tuckahoe.  

Mrs. Haight is the former Miss Elsie Stanton, great granddaughter of John Harper, one of the founders of Harper Brothers, publishers."

Source:  Rev. And Mrs. J. McVickar Haight Leave To Live In New Hampshire, The Pelham Sun, May 29, 1941, p. 5, cols. 1-2.  

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Brief History of Grace Church on City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1886

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Among the many beautiful churches built in the Town of Pelham is Grace Church, built in 1862-1863 on City Island when that area was part of the Town of Pelham.  Grace Church is located at 116 City Island Avenue, Bronx, New York.

The origins of Grace Church extend back to 1849 when Adele Bolton, a daughter of Rev. Robert Bolton of Christ Church in Pelham Manor, urged one of her brothers, the Reverend Cornelius Bolton, to offer a Sunday afternoon service every other Sunday for the benefit of the 800 residents of City Island.  The services were held in Union Chapel at the intersection of Tier Street and City Island Avenue.

With no bridge to City Island from the mainland during this era, Adele Bolton and Cornelius Bolton rowed to the island to oversee the Sunday services until Rev. Cornelius Bolton was called to serve in a parish in Maryland.  Adele Bolton and her sister, Nanette Bolton, continued to minister to the residents of City Island until Cornelius Bolton returned in 1855 to become rector of Christ Church, the church founded by his father in Pelham Manor.

During Rev. Cornelius Bolton's absence from the area, the tiny little Union Chapel became a Methodist Church.  Rev. Bolton and his sisters, Adele and Nanette, pushed for the construction of a new Episcopal church building on the island and enlisted the services of the students of the Pelham Priory School for Girls to raise money in support of the endeavor.  

Noted City Island resident George W. Horton, Jr. donated land for the church and construction began in 1862.  Construction was completed by 1863.  The church was constructed by ship carpenters from the nearby shipyard founded by David Carll who became a member of the church.

The Church building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a stunning stained glass altar window depicting "The Trial of Christ" that was crafted by John Bolton, another son of Rev. Robert Bolton (the founder of Christ Church).

"The Trial of Christ" by John Bolton,

The Altar Window of Grace Church, City Island.

Grace Episcopal Church in an Undated Photograph

Believed to Have Been Taken in About 1904.

Undated Post Card View of Grace Episcopal Church, Ca. 1906.

Adele Bolton, a Founder of Grace Episcopal Church,

City Island, in an Undated Nineteenth Century Photograph.

I have written about Grace Church before.  See:

Fri., Jan. 5, 2007:  The Early Years of Grace Church, City Island -- Once a Church in Pelham. 

Fri., Apr. 04, 2014:  Death During Evening Service: The Shocking Death of Rev. Joshua Morsell of Grace Episcopal Church in the Town of Pelham.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes the text of a brief history of Grace Church published in 1886 as part of the celebration of the 1885 centennial of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of New York.  The brief history is followed by a citation to its source.  

"GRACE CHURCH, CITY ISLAND,

Was organized in 1862.  The first services were held in May, 1861.  The church was built in 1863.  The rectors have been:  Rev. William V. Feltwell, 1868; Rev. George Howell, 1871; Rev. Joshua Monsell, D.D., 1874, and Rev. John McCarthy Windsor, since 1885, and at present, incumbent.  A rectory was procured in 1868.  There is a record of 108 baptisms and 87 have received confirmation.  The record of communicants is incomplete; the present number is 52.  The wardens in 1862 were George W. Horton and Charles Stoltz, Jr.; in 1872, George W. Horton and E. L. Worden, and Jacob Ulmer, junior warden from 1882.  The church lot was given by Mr. George W. Horton and his wife, Margaret, of City Island, and the church was erected largely under the generous auspices of the Misses Bolton, of Pelham Priory.  For several years it was part of the property and under the control of Christ Church, Pelham, whose assistant minister resided on the island and officiated as its pastor.  Thus, Rev. Mr. Bartow, Rev. Mr. Cheevers, and Rev. Mr. Feltwell were successively in charge, the latter becoming its rector in 1868.  The records of the parish have been imperfectly kept; and the testimony on which the above facts are based, gathered chiefly and necessarily from persons connected with both churches, is, in some respects, conflicting."

Source:  Wilson, James Grant, ed., The Centennial History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of New York 1785-1885, p. 356 (NY, NY:  D. Appleton and Co., 1886).  

To read more about the history of Grace Church, see:

Grace Church City Island - History, Part 1 (visited Sep. 28, 2014).

Grace Church City Island - History, Part 2 (visited Sep. 28, 2014).

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Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

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Death During Evening Service: The Shocking Death of Rev. Joshua Morsell of Grace Episcopal Church in the Town of Pelham

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A sad chapter in the history of Pelham religious organizations is the tragic death of Rev. Joshua Morsell, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church on City Island in the Town of Pelham during evening services at the Church on Sunday, December 16, 1883.  The event was so tragic and shocking that accounts of Rev. Morsell's death appeared in newspapers throughout the eastern United States.  At the end of today's Historic Pelham Blog posting, I have transcribed a number of such articles and obituaries of Rev. Morsell recounting the events of that sad day.  

City Island once was part of the Town of Pelham before its annexation by New York City in the mid-1890s.  In the early 1860s, the family of Rev. Robert Bolton (who built Bolton Priory and Christ Church in Pelham Manor) developed a new Episcopal Church on City Island. I have written before of the early years of that important Pelham church.  See Fri., Jan. 5, 2007:  The Early Years of Grace Church, City Island -- Once a Church in Pelham.  

According to tradition, in the mid-19th century, perhaps as early as 1849, one of Rev. Robert Bolton's daughters who lived with the family at Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor, Adele Bolton, rowed a little boat across the waters off Rodman's Neck to City Island to bring the Gospel to inhabitants of City Island. Cornelius Winter Bolton, one of Adele's brothers, preached when he could to the City Islanders.  In about 1857, however, the City Islanders arranged for the Rev. M. M. Dillon to minister to their needs.

Adele Bolton, a Founder of Grace Episcopal Church,

in an Undated Nineteenth Century Photograph.

Grace Episcopal Church in an Undated Photograph Believed

To Have Been Taken in About 1904.

Undated Post Card View of Grace Episcopal Church, Ca. 1906.

According to a history of Grace Church City Island:

"The birth of Grace Church took place in 1849, when the Reverend Cornelius W. Bolton and Adele Bolton, son and daughter of the rector of Christ Church in Pelham Manor, New York, visited nearby City Island, which until 1895 was part of the town of Pelham. There he found a population of 800 souls "almost entirely neglected and destitute of the means of grace [and] offered them a Sunday afternoon service, every second Sunday, which was readily accepted and largely attended." The services were held in Union Chapel, a charming Picturesque cottage that still stands at the corner of Tier Street and City Island Avenue. 

Reverend Bolton subsequently moved to a parish in Maryland, and when he returned in 1855, he became rector of Christ Church, Pelham, following in his father's footsteps. He again visited City Island and renewed the offer of his services, but by then Union Chapel had become a Methodist church, so he had to look elsewhere for a location. In the meantime, Adele and her sister Nanette Bolton had remained intensely interested in the work of the church and in spreading the Gospel to Island residents. Adele is said to have been rowed to City Island from the mainland one Sunday a month to minister to the fledgling congregation, as there was no bridge at the time. 

In 1862 the Reverend M. M. Dillon, then pastor of Christ Church, reported that "a church is in the process of erection" on City Island (its total cost being $3,000, including contributions from the "young ladies of Pelham Priory" and City Island residents and $944 collected by Adele Bolton herself). The land was donated by G.W. Horton Jr., who served as church warden for 41 consecutive years, from 1866 to 1906.

The Bolton family was known for its artistic creativity, especially in the design and manufacture of stained glass. "The Adoration of the Magi" window at Christ Church (the first known figurative stained-glass window made in America) was designed and made by Cornelius’s brother William, assisted by their brother John. Grace's altar window, picturing "The Trial of Christ," was created by John Bolton, who was also an Episcopal priest, having been ordained at Christ Church, Pelham. John fashioned his window after a version made by William for the church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn. There has been much comparison of the two windows and opinions expressed as to which is of higher quality, but each has merit (although Grace parishioners tend to prefer John'’s version). 

If you look upward into the rafters at Grace Church, you will see evidence of craftsmanship of a different kind---that of ship building, for the church was actually constructed by carpenters from the nearby David Carll shipyard, the first yard of its kind on City Island. The architecture of the church is termed “carpenter Gothic,” a popular late Victorian style, but if you can imagine the church being upside down, you can see that the configuration of the beams resembles that of a ship’s hull. David Carll was a vestryman of the church for 24 consecutive years, from 1866 to 1889. 

In 1906 New York City began to widen City Island Avenue, and the church building incurred damages as a result of the project, which was completed in 1908. That year the church was wired for electricity for the first time, and the following year a church bell was installed in the belfry. In 1912 money was finally received from the city to pay for damages to the property, and some of these funds were used to raise the church building by five feet. Other improvements were made to the property over time, including the construction of a parish hall and the acquisition of a rectory. In 2007 Grace Episcopal Church was named to the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance.

In 2008, during the replacement of the church roof, Grace's original wooden cross was removed and donated to the City Island Historical Society and Nautical Museum. In its place are two new handmade crosses, constructed of wood and copper, which will be enduring symbols of God's grace for future generations."

Source:  Grace Church City Island, The History of Grace, available at http://www.gracecityisland.org/#!__history (visited Mar. 22, 2014).  

*     *     *     *     *

Transcribed below as research notes are some of the many obituaries and articles about the death of Rev. Joshua Morsell.  

"OBITUARY.

On Sunday night last the Rev. Joshua Morsell, rector of Grace church, entered the church as usual at the hour for service and passing to the vestry room, robed himself in his surplice and re-entered the church; as he did so he made a faint sign and feebly asked for some one to open a window.  The members of the congregation seeing that the rector was in distress, went to his assistance.  Messrs. Robt. Vickery and Jacob Ullmer being the first to reach him.  He had himself opened a window and was in the act of falling, when Mr. Vickery caught him and gently seated him in a chair, where he almost immediately expired, of heart disease.  The funeral took place on Wednesday last from the church, and the remains were interred on City Island.  A number of clergymen from the surrounding country attended the funeral."  

Source:  OBITUARY, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Vol. XV, No. 744, Dec. 21, 1883, p. 3, col. 3.  

"SUDDEN DEATH IN THE CHANCEL 
-----

The Rev. Dr. Joshua Morsell, rector of Grace Protestant Episcopal Church at City Island, died suddenly on Sunday evening in the chancel of the church.  He had just begun the service, when he became pale and appeared to be faint.  He asked that a window might be opened.  These words were the last spoken by him.  Immediately afterwards he swayed backward and was caught as he fell by one of the persons present.  His death followed almost instantly.  

He was a man of learning and ability.  He was born in Calvert County, Maryland, and was descended from one of the oldest families of the State.  His education was received at Kenyon College, Ohio.  This institution conferred on him the degree of A.M.  He studied law and was admitted to the bar, but renounced that profession to enter the ministry of the Episcopal Church.  His title of Doctor of Divinity was conferred by the University of Maryland.  He was always a zealous and faithful pastor and a safe guide in his pulpit ministrations.  He leaves a wife and one son, the Rev. William C. Morsell, of Philadelphia."  

Source:   SUDDEN DEATH IN THE CHANCEL, New-York Tribune, Dec. 18, 1882, p. 2, col. 5.

"OBITUARY.
-----

The Rev. Dr. Joshua Morsell, Rector of Grace Church, City Island, died suddenly in his church on Sunday last when in the act of beginning the service, clad in his ministerial robes.  The congregation was shocked to see their venerable rector tottering toward a window which he wished to open; as he fell two of his parishioners were just in time to catch him in their arms and the good man died soon after in a chancel chair in full sight of a horrified and dismayed congregation.  

The Rev. Doctor Morsell was a man of rare qualities and attainments.  He was thoroughly a christian gentleman.  No higher praise can be accorded to any man.  A deep and thorough scholarship was joined with the manners of a born and bred gentleman of the highest school.  The Rev. Doctor, though a man of seventy years of age, was as bright and buoyant in disposition as any one in the community.  He was the light and cheer of every sircle; a man of sunshine to an eminent degree, and so genial and kindly was he that one could not know him without loving him, and it is safe to say that he had not an enemy in the world.  A native of Maryland, Doctor Morsell was rector of a leading church in Washington in the times of Webster, Clay, and Calhoun, and many a valuable reminiscence could he bring forth of those exciting days.  After a life of the most exemplary activity in his holy calling, a noble, good and most lovable minister of the gospel has gone to rest in Euthanasia for the manner of his death, while it must have greatly shocked his congregation of witnesses was that which any faithful clergyman ought desire, a touching and fitting end to a long life of faithful [illegible] in the gospel of Christ his Master, whose departure from this world was staged in a striking degree [illegible] his disciples with uplifted hands, he was carried up into heaven.  The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Higbee of Pelham Manor, assisted by the Rev. Mr. [illegible] of New Rochelle, the Rev. Mr. [illegible] of Westchester and the Rev. Mr. [illegible] of Easthcester.  There were also present the Rev. Mr. [illegible] of New York city, the  [illegible] Episcopal Bishop [illegible] and was very highly [illegible]."  

Source:  OBITUARY, New Rochelle Pioneer, Dec. 22, 1883, p. 2, col. 1.  

"Rev. Dr. Joshua Morsell, while conducting the services in Grace church. City Island, Westchester county, N. Y., Sunday, motioned for a window to be opened and sank down in the pulpit as if in a faint. He was found, however, to have died from heart disease."

Source:  [Untitled], Arkansas City Weekly Traveler, Jan. 2, 1884, p. 4.  See also [Untitled], Daily Charlotte Observer [North Carolina], Dec. 22, 1883, p. 4 (same); [Untitled], Shenango Valley News [Greenville, Pennsylvania], Jan. 25, 1884, p. 7 (same); [untitled], The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Dec. 18, 1883, p. 2 (same). 
    

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