Historic Pelham

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Laying of the Cornerstone of the Parish House at Christ Church on June 10, 1928

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On Sunday, June 10, 1928, more than two hundred Pelhamites gathered for an historic event. They gathered to lay the cornerstone of the Parish House of Christ Church. As the local newspaper reported, "Another page of Pelham's history will be turned Sunday with the laying of the corner stone of the new parish house of Christ's Church at Pelham."

Beyond the magnificent excitement of the laying of the cornerstone for such an important structure, there also was excitement for the installation of a bronze box "time capsule" inside that cornerstone to document a little of the history of the Town of Pelham's oldest church. The ceremonies that included the installation of that time capsule were impressive and well documented. Today's article describes a little of those ceremonies.

The late spring day was picture perfect. The foliage was bright green and the sky was a rich, deep blue. Immediately following the morning service, everyone present formed into a procession. First came the Cross. Behind it were the girls', boys' and men's choirs. Behind the choirs, came the church banner. Next were the graduates of the program to train Sunday School teachers -- the "teacher graduates." Alumni of the Sunday School followed next with the flag, followed by the master of ceremonies, the superintendent of the Sunday School, the church wardens, the vestrymen, and the donor of the land (Mrs. Frederick H. Allen, owner of the Priory adjacent to Christ Church). Behind Mrs. Allen were members of the Young People's Service League, the Woman's Auxiliary, the Women's Guild and the Guild of the Nazarene. Directly in the rear of the procession came the remainder of the congregation.

A platform had been built near the site of the cornerstone laying. The procession reached the site and gathered round. Rev. J. McVickar Haight, of course, first led the gathering in prayer. Then, the Senior Warden of the Church, Albert Ritchie, delivered brief words of welcome. Rev. McVickar followed with the day's address in which "he outlined the work of the various committees and all those taking part in the campaign" to erect the Parish House. Rev. Haight closed his remarks saying the new Parish Hall "shall ever be a symbol of faith, especially dedicated to youth."

The cornerstone ceremony ended with two important events. First, the Reverend B. J. Mortlock read an important poem written by William Jay Bolton, one of the sons of Christ Church founder Robert Bolton. The poem was entitled "The Foundation Stone." It is believed that the same poem was read at the laying of the foundation stone of Christ's Church in 1843. Second, a list of the items to be deposited within the bronze box time capsule embedded within the cornerstone was read. The ceremonies ended with a prayer and a blessing by Reverend J. McVickar Haight.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the simple Parish House cornerstone ceremony attended by so many Pelhamites near the intersection of Shore Road and Pelhamdale Avenue on June 10, 1928 is how similar the ceremony was to so many others in our town -- from the laying of the Christ Church cornerstone on April 28, 1843 through the laying of so many school cornerstones and other cornerstones throughout our town during the last 150 years.

"AS THE CHRIST'S CHURCH GROUP WILL LOOK AFTER

CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARISH HOUSE

The new building, the Corner Stone of which will be laid Sunday

is at the left of the picture. The present Church structure is at

the right with the Nanette Bolton Memorial Building in the center."

Source: Cornerstone of Parish House To Be Laid Sunday --

Rev. J. McVickar Haight Will Officiate at Ceremonies After

Commencement Exercises At Christ's Church -- Members Of

Sunday School Will Assist In Program. Building to Be Erected on

Property Donated By Mrs. Allen, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 8, 1928,

p. 1, cols. 1-5 & p. 8, col. 4. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

* * * * *

"Cornerstone of Parish House To Be Laid Sunday
-----
Rev. J. McVickar Haight Will Officiate at Ceremonies After Commencement Exercises At Christ's Church
-----
Members Of Sunday School Will Assist In Program. Building to Be Erected on Property Donated By Mrs. Allen.
-----

Another page of Pelham's history will be turned Sunday with the laying of the corner stone of the new parish house of Christ's Church at Pelham. The Rev. J. McVickar Haight, rector of the church, will officiate. He will be assisted by members of the Building Committee who raised the funds to build the parish house and members of the Sunday School, for whose interests the new building is being constructed. The ceremonies will be well attended, as there are many who are interested in the Church.

The history of the Pelhams is most intelligently read in the history of its churches. Christ's Church, established by the Rev. Dr. Bolton in 1840, has been termed the cradle of Pelham's history. Its tradition is entwined in the history of the town, and those responsible for its progress were largely responsible for the progress of the Pelhams also.

The laying of the cornerstone will follow immediately after the Commencement exercises of the Sunday School. There are eleven teacher graduates who will receive diplomas. They are George Campbell, Marjorie Chittenden, Mary Knowles Higgins, Phyllis McV. Haight, Marion Lewis, Ruth Mortlock, Howard Mahler, Margaret Stobie, Ann Stobie, Gertrude White and Edward Pearson. Gertrude Dyer is honor student. She will be succeeded by Ann Elizabeth Dauchy. Donald Mortlock will be Master of Ceremonies.

The property on which the new building is to be erected was donated by Mrs. Frederick H. Allen, of Bolton Priory, in memory of her mother, Adele Livingston Sampson and her daughter, Mary Dorothy Allen.

A bronze box will be placed in the cornerstone. It will contain the following: The name of the donor of the land; the names of the Building Fund Committee; rector, warden, vestrymen, curate, Sunday School Superin-
(Continued on page 8)

Corner Stone Of Parish House To Be Laid Sunday
-----
(Continued from page 1)

tendent, officers of Women's Auxiliary, Women's Guild, Young People's Service League, active members of the Guild of the Nazarene; Sexton, contributors to the Building Fund, officers, teachers and scholars of the Sunday School, and children who contributed to the Building Fund, copies of The Pelham Sun and New Rochelle Standard Star; a short history of Christ's Church; a short history of the Woman's Auxiliary; names of organist and senior choir together with picture; names of members of junior choir with picture; copy of order of service of laying of cornerstone; names of teacher graduates of Sunday School who received their diplomas at the exercises; copy of poem, 'The Foundation Stone,' written by the Rev. Robert Bolton and read at the laying of the foundation stone of Christ's Church in 1843, also read on this occasion by the Rev. B. J. Mortlock; names of the architect and contractor of the building."

Source: Cornerstone of Parish House To Be Laid Sunday -- Rev. J. McVickar Haight Will Officiate at Ceremonies After Commencement Exercises At Christ's Church -- Members Of Sunday School Will Assist In Program. Building to Be Erected on Property Donated By Mrs. Allen, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 8, 1928, p. 1, cols. 1-5 & p. 8, col. 4.

"HISTORIC CHRIST'S CHURCH PASSES ANOTHER MILESTONE WITH LAYING OF CORNER STONE OF NEW PARISH HOUSE
-----
Impressive Ceremonies Of Dedicating Foundation Stone Follow Sunday School Commencement. Rev. J. McVickar Haight Sets Stone In Place -- Sunday School and Congregation Assist in Program
-----

In a beautiful setting of Nature's handiwork, combined with the dignified robes of the choir and clergy, the cornerstone of the new Parish Hall of Christ's Church was laid on Sunday afternoon. The blue of a perfect June sky, the green foliage and grass, the girls' choir in gray, the boys' and men's choir in white and black, and the black and blue regalia of the teacher graduates made a very colorful picture which was set off to advantage by the weatherbeaten walls of the old Church. Over two hundred people were present to witness the ceremonies, which marked the passing of another milestone in the history of Pelham's oldest church.

At the Sunday School ceremonies in the church before the laying of the cornerstone, diplomas were awarded to the following teacher graduates: Geo. Campbell, Marjorie Chittenden, Mary Knowles Higgins, Phillis Haight, Marion Lewis, Ruth Mortlock, Howard Mahler, Margaret Stobie, Ann Stobie, Gertrude and Edward Pearson.

First prizes for attendance for the year were awarded to the following members of the Sunday School for perfect attendance: Marey Knowles Higgins, Genevieve Platt, Elmore Higgins, Roberta Higgins and Jean Costello. Six children received second prizes for records of only one absence for the year: they were Howard Mahler, Pomeroy Thurber, Frank White, Judson Lodwick, James Walker and Margaret Chenery. Third prizes won by the following boys and girls: Jack Costello, Helen Chenery, Willard Mahler, William B. Moore, Ruth Mortlock, Henry Reis, Richard H. Pratt, Millicent Platt, Robert Walker and John Douglas Walker. Third prize was awarded for records with only two absences.

After the service in the church, a procession formed which moved slowly and reverently behind the cross to the appointed spot. Following the Cross were the girls' choir, the boys' and men's choire, the banner, the teacher graduates, the alumni of the Sunday School, the flag, the master of ceremonies, Donald Mortlock, the superintendent of the Sunday School, the wardens and vestrymen, the donor of the land, Mrs. Frederick H. Allen, the campaign committee, the building committee, the architect and contractor, the Young People's Service League, the Woman's Auxiliary, the Women's Guild and the Guild of the Nazarene. Directly in the rear of the procession came the congregation.

When the assemblage had reached the platform, Mr. Haight led gathering in prayer. Albert Ritchie, the Senior Warden of the Church, spoke a few words of welcome, following which the Reverend J. McVickar Haight made the address, in which he outlined the work of the various committees and all those taking part in the campaign.

In closing, Mr. Haight said that the new Parish Hall shall ever be a symbol of faith, especially dedicated to youth.

Reverend B. J. Mortlock then read a poem, 'The Foundation Stone,' which was written by the Reverend Robert Bolton, the first rector of Christ's Church and read at the laying of the foundation stone of Christ's Church in 1843. A list of the articles to be deposited in the stone was then read. The ceremonies were closed with a prayer and blessing by Reverend J. McVickar Haight.

The younger members of Christ's Church will use the new Parish Hall almost exclusively. Besides the office of the Rev. Mr. Haight, the new building will contain an auditorium and well equipped kitchen on one floor and a large assembly room, a choir room and a storage roomm on the other floor. This hall will be connected to the Annette [sic] Bolton Memorial Building and is being constructed of native stone in the same type of architecture as that originally chosen by the Reverend Robert Bolton."

Source: HISTORIC CHRIST'S CHURCH PASSES ANOTHER MILESTONE WITH LAYING OF CORNER STONE OF NEW PARISH HOUSE -- Impressive Ceremonies Of Dedicating Foundation Stone Follow Sunday School Commencement. Rev. J. McVickar Haight Sets Stone In Place -- Sunday School and Congregation Assist in Program, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 15, 1928, p. 10, cols. 1-2.

* * * * *

I have written about the history of Christ Church on numerous occasions. Below are a few of the many articles on the topic.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2015: Charles Higbee, Eighth Rector of Christ Church in Pelham Manor, 1871-1893.

Tue., Oct. 20, 2015: Address Delivered by Reverend Robert Bolton on April 28, 1843 at the Laying of the Foundation Stone of Christ Church.

Thu., Oct. 15, 2015: The Creation of Christ Church and its Consecration on September 15, 1843.

Tue., Sep. 29, 2015: Christ Church's 80th Anniversary Sermon by Rev. J. McVickar Haight on November 18, 1923.

Fri., Nov. 21, 2014: Another Advertisement for Fair Held in 1842 to Fund Construction of Christ Church.

Fri., Aug. 29, 2014: Announcement of Two-Day Fair in Pelham in 1842 to Raise Money to Build Christ Church.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014: Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.

Fri., Dec. 25, 2009: 1906 Christmas Day Celebration at Christ Church in Pelham.

Fri., Aug. 14, 2009: The Consecration of the Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel at Christ Church in Pelham Manor on April 28, 1887.

I also have written extensively about members of the Bolton Family and the home they built known as the Priory, Bolton Priory, and Pelham Priory. See, e.g.:

Fri., Mar. 20, 2015: Fire in 1932 Devastated the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Thu., Oct. 02, 2014: Brief History of Grace Church on City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1886.

Wed., Sep. 24, 2014: Where Was the Bolton Family Cottage Where Stained Glass Windows Were Created?

Thu., Sep. 04, 2014: The Closing of the Pelham Priory School for Girls in 1882 and the Departure of Head Mistress Nanette Bolton for Europe.

Fri., Aug. 29, 2014: Announcement of Two-Day Fair in Pelham in 1842 to Raise Money to Build Christ Church.

Wed., May 14, 2014: Noted American Novelist Margaret Deland Attended Bolton Priory School in Pelham Manor.

Thu., Sep. 03, 2009: Advertisement for the Pelham Priory School Published in 1881.

Thu., Aug. 13, 2009: History of Bolton Priory Published in 1910.

Tue., Jan. 20, 2009: An Account of the Rev. J. L. Ver Mehr Regarding His Brief Stint as an Instructor of French and Italian at Pelham Priory in 1843.

Fri., Mar. 2, 2007: A Brief Account by American Author Margaret Deland of Her Education at Pelham Priory in the 19th Century.

Thu., Dec. 14, 2006: Items from Bolton Priory in the Collections of The Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture, The New-York Historical Society.

Thu., Nov. 16, 2006: Robert Bolton, Jr.'s Inscription to His Father Inside Book He Authored That Was Published in 1855.

Fri., Jul. 28, 2006: Image of Bolton Priory in the Town of Pelham Published in an 1859 Treatise on Landscape Gardening.

Wed., Jul. 26, 2006: A Brief Account of Visits to Bolton Priory in the Early 1880s.

Wed., July 5, 2006: Bricks Laid by Washington Irving and Ivy from Kenilworth Castle at the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Wed., March 15, 2006: A Biography of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1899

Wed., March 1, 2006: 1909 Real Estate Advertisement Showing Bolton Priory

Wed., Feb. 22, 2006: Doll Depicting Nanette Bolton in the Collection of The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham

Wed., Dec. 7, 2005: The Sale and Subdivision of the Bolton Priory Estate in the 1950s

Tue., Nov. 29, 2005: An Early, Interesting Photograph of Bolton Priory in the Village of Pelham Manor

Wed., Sep. 21, 2005: The Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel Building at Christ Church in Pelham Manor

Tue., Aug. 23, 2005: Society Scandal: The "Strange" Story of Mrs. Adele Livingston Stevens Who Acquired the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Wed., Jul. 13, 2005: 11 Priory Lane: The Rose Cottage

Fri., Jun. 10, 2005: Pelham's Most Magnificent Wedding Gift: The Bolton Priory

Tue., May 3, 2005: Colonel Frederick Hobbes Allen, An Owner of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Thu., Apr. 7, 2005: Another Volume of William Jay Bolton's Sketches and Ruminations Located?

Mon., Apr. 4, 2005: Art and Poetry of William Jay Bolton of Bolton Priory in Pelham

See also Bell, Blake A., A Brief History of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No., 16, Apr. 16, 2004, p. 8, col. 2,

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Labels: 1928, Christ Church, Christ Church Parish House, Church, Churches, Churches in Pelham, Cornerstone, J. McVickar Haight, Robert Bolton, Sunday School, Time Capsule

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The Laying of the Cornerstone of Pelhamville's Church of the Redeemer on June 21, 1892

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For many years a beautiful church building stood in the Village of North Pelham. It was the Church of the Redeemer. The church congregation laid the cornerstone for the structure on June 23, 1892. It stood for many years on Second Avenue in today's Village of Pelham.

The church congregation later built what became its combined Parish Hall and Church located at 20 Fifth Avenue. Today that structure is the Richard J. Daronco Town House that serves as the Town of Pelham's community center.

In 1969, the original Church of the Redeemer was vacant and suffered a terrible fire. Authorities made a decision to raze the structure. Within a short time (1974), the Church of the Redeemer combined with Christ Church in the Village of Pelham Manor to create the Parish of Christ the Redeemer. Three years later the Church deeded the Parish Hall and Church at 20 Fifth Avenue to the Town of Pelham for use as a community center.

1910 Post Card View of the Original Church of the Redeemer.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

The early history of the original Church of the Redeemer is quite fascinating. A simple ceremony celebrated the laying of the cornerstone for the Church of the Redeemer on June 23, 1892. A group of clergy from throughout the region gathered at the site. Mrs. Isaac C. Hill led a children's choir that performed appropriate songs. The Rector, Cornelius Winter Bolton, read an extensive history of the small church and the cornerstone was laid. The cornerstone had a Maltese cross and the date "1892" chiseled on its face. Within the cornerstone, those gathered that day placed a copper box to serve as a time capsule. That time capsule contained a number of items (listed in the article quoted below) including the day's newspapers, 1892 silver coins, church publications, and much more. The time capsule also contained a copy of the history of the church prepared by Rev. Bolton and read at the time of the cornerstone laying.

It is fortunate that Reverend Cornelius Winter Bolton's entire history was published in a local newspaper two days later. As one would expect, it sheds important light on the early history of the Church of the Redeemer.

The cornerstone and the bell from the original Church of the Redeemer now stand as a monument in front of the Richard J. Daronco Town House on Fifth Avenue in Pelham. The recovery of the cornerstone and the rediscovery of the forgotten time capsule within make for a fascinating story as well.

Cornerstone and Bell from the Original Church

of the Redeemer. Now Kept as a Monument in

Front of the Richard J. Daronco Town House on

Fifth Avenue in the Village of Pelham. Photograph

by the Author, 2004. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

On December 18, 1969, a demolition crew worked to demolish the Church of the Redeemer. According to papers in the collection of The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham, "as the steeple roof and large stone chimney fell . . . North Pelham Police Chief Adolph V. Rusillo stopped by." Chief Rusillo asked whether anyone had thought to remove the cornerstone of the building so it could be kept by the congregation at the congregation's new location in the combined Parish Hall and Church at 20 Fifth Avenue. To his surprise, no such arrangements had been made.

Chief Rusillo thoughtfully asked that the cornerstone be removed and saved. As the stone was lifted, a heavy copper box appeared beneath -- an 1892 time capsule placed by the congregation 77 years earlier! Within that time capsule were the items listed by Reverend Bolton when he delivered his remarks at the laying of that cornerstone. (See below.)

Drawing of the Church of the Redeemer,

as it was Planned to be Built, Published

in 1892. Source: Corner Stone Laying --

THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER BEGUN --

A Pretty Edifice For Pelhamville -- HISTORY

OF THE PARISH, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon,

NY], Jun. 23, 1892, Vol. 1, No. 72, p. 2, cols. 2-4.

NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

* * * * *

"Corner Stone Laying
-----
THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER BEGUN.
-----
A Pretty Edifice For Pelhamville.
-----
HISTORY OF THE PARISH.
-----

Tuesday was a great day for Pelhamville, our thrifty neighbor to the east, especially among the parishioners of the Church of the Redeemer the corner stone of whose new edifice was laid with imposing ceremonies by the Rt. Rev. H. C. Potter, assisted by Arch-deacon F. B. Van Kleeck, assisted by the Revs. Charles Higbee, Pelham; Charles Smeck, Norwalk, Conn.; John Drissler, Gouverneur Cruger; Thomas Siel, of New York; John Bolton, Westchester, Pa.; William Samuel Coffey, Eastchester; Stephen F. Homes. Harry I. Bodley, of Mount Vernon. The singing was in charge of Mrs. I. C. Hill, and was rendered by a chorus of children in a manner to elicit warm praise.

The history of the parish was prepared and read by the Rector, C. Winter Bolton, which appears in full in this connection.

The architect of the new edifice was Henry S. Rapelye, of this city; W. A. Thomas, of Rye, mason; builder, James Thompson, of Rose Bank, Staten Island; metal work, Richard V. Drake, Mount Vernon; slating, F. T. Rich; glass, Tyrolese Art Glass Company, of New York.

HISTORY.

This Parish was commenced in 1859-'60 by Miss Nanette Bolton, of Pelham Priory, who was asked to come over and hold a Sunday school by a resident of the place as they had no religious worship there. The first service was held in the orchard under the trees. Miss Bolton was assisted by the lady teachers residing with her. Soon after this the Misses Schyuler [sic] were urged to join the mission party, and the work was committed into their hands. A service was held by the Rev. John Bolton in the upper room of the R. R. depot.

After this the loft of a carpenter's shop was obtained which the people had to ascend by means of a ladder.

The classes from the first were well attended by adults and children. At length the use of the school house was procured. Here services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Lyle, Rector of Christ Church, Pelham. The building was unusually full. This continued for two years. Mr. Schuyler, Senior Warden of Christ Church, united with the Rector in trying to obtain a site and building for permanent worship. They succeeded in buying the present lot on Fourth avenue, and also an old carpenters shop which was moved and placed on the lot. Money was raised by subscription among friends to pay for it. But the work was suddenly arrested by the death of Mr. Schuyler in 1865. During the absence of Misses Schuylers Miss Bolton again assumed charge.

The Rev. Mr. Lyle resigned Christ Church, Pelham, to return to the mission in China, and the Rev. Mr. Harding was called to the Parish Church. In 1869 the Misses Schuyler returned to work at the request of Miss Bolton who found that her duties at home required all her time.

In 1870, on the resignation of Mr. Harding, the Rev. Mr. Higbee, present incumbent, was called to the parish. He thought it would be to the interest of the mission to throw it on its own resources. The services of a student from the General Theological Seminary were secured and Mr. Pentreath commenced as a Lay Reader. In February, 1872, he called a meeting of the villagers for the purpose of organizing a parish, and it was Resolved, 'That they incorporate as a distinct church and parish to be known as The Church of the Redeemer, Pelhamville.'

The first wardens were Wm. H. Sparks and James Parish. The vestry were Ed. A. Patterson, Jas. W. Roosevelt, Chas. Barker, Wm. H. Johnson, John Case, Frederick Wahl, Wm. H. Penfield and William H. Leonard. The first vestry meeting was held on March 6th, 1872. The church at Pelham then handed over to them the deed of the property.

Robt. W. Barnwell, another student, succeeded Mr. Pentreath. The Rev. Dr. Coffey, rector of St. Paul's, Eastchester, kindly officiated when either of the sacraments were desired. From 1872 to '80 the parish was served by students. There was no visible growth in the place, rather a backward tendency, and it was a constant anxiety to all interests to sustain and provide for its support.

At the expiration of 18 months Mr. Barnwell was ordained, and left. The Rev. Mr. Howell, rector of Grace Church, City Island, was requested to take charge of the work in connection with his own. This he did for a short time until he removed to New York City.

The neighboring clergy were then asked to look after the little parish and give an afternoon service. This they kindly consented to do for some time.

Again it was thought wise to look once more to the seminary for a student, and Mr. Beavan took charge of the work. He was followed by Mr. Nelligan, but in his health soon failed and he died in Bellevue Hospital, New York.

Here a cloud arose and threatened the welfare of the parish for a few months. During this period it was thought best to return the deed of the property to the rector, wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, Pelham, to prevent its passing into the hands of another denomination. On the return of spring the clouds began to disperse. The Misses Schuyler and Miss Bolton again rallied to the rescue, and the services of the Rev. Mr. Lewis, of New York City, were secured. This arrangement lasted for about a year, when he left for England.

I was strongly urged to take charge of the work, which I did on the first Sunday in November, 1880, and found an interesting male Bible class under the charge of Miss Fanny Schuyler, a female Bible class under Miss Bolton's care, while the smaller children were grouped in classes under different teachers. There were 21 families and 18 communicants on the roll. There was only a Sunday afternoon service. The next Sunday we commenced a morning service as well as the afternoon. The two services have been sustained ever since.

The first thing to be done was to reorganize the parish without delay, and a request was made to the rector, wardens and vestry of Christ Church to return the deeds of the property which had been entrusted to their care. This they kindly granted.

It was felt necessary that the rector should live among the people. There being no house, it was proposed to build a parsonage. In the fall of 1886 the rectory was completed and has been occupied ever since.

The lot on which the rectory stands was bought by the vestry, and Mrs. H. H. Seaver very generously gave the remaining three lots, on one of which the church is now being built.

We have at present 47 families belonging to the church, with 57 communicants and a Sunday school of over 50 children.

We would take this opportunity to thank the neighboring clergy for all their past favors; and Almighty God for His protecting care and many blessings.

THE CONTENTS OF THE BOX.

A Bible and Prayer Book.
Copy of the last General Convention.
Copy of the last Journal of the Diocese of New York.
Digest of the Canons.
Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of New York. 1888.
83d Report of the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society. 1891.
The Church Almanac for 1892.
Whittaker's Churchman's Almanac for 1892.
Copy of the New York Churchman, June 18, 1892.
Copy of The Parish Visitor for June, 1892.
A 'History of the Parish,' as read by the rector.
Silver coins for 1892.
Copy of the New York Tribune for Jun. 21, 1892.
Copy of the Mount Vernon Chronicle.
A list of the present church officers, Sunday School teachers and choir."

Source: Corner Stone Laying -- THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER BEGUN -- A Pretty Edifice For Pelhamville -- HISTORY OF THE PARISH, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 23, 1892, Vol. 1, No. 72, p. 2, cols. 2-4.

* * * * *

I have written about the Church of the Redeemer on a number of occasions. For examples, see:

Fri., May 02, 2014: Early History of the Church of the Redeemer in the Village of North Pelham.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014: Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.

Wed., Nov. 08, 2006: The Time Capsule in the Cornerstone of the Church of the Redeemer in the Village of North Pelham.

Wed., Mar. 15, 2006: A Biography of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1899.

Mon., Mar. 07, 2005: What is That Bell Resting on a Stone Pedestal in Front of the Richard J. Daronco Townhouse at 20 Fifth Avenue?

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Labels: 1892, 1969, Charles Higbee, Christ Church, Church of the Redeemer, Cornelius Winter Bolton, Nanette Bolton, Richard J. Daronco Town House, Time Capsule

Thursday, May 14, 2015

When School Board Balked, Pelham Heights Resident Donated a School, Furnishings and Paid Teachers With His Own Money

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The original Colonial School once stood on the site of today's Colonial Elementary School in Pelham Heights. The first Colonial School was built in 1900. The poorly-designed structure was a two-story brick building with four classrooms and a wooden staircase so noisy that multiple accounts indicate that teachers had to stop lessons when students or visitors moved up or down the staircase. An image of the original Colonial School appears immediately below.

First Colonial School that Stood on the Site of

Today's Colonial Elementary School in an Undated

Photograph, Circa 1905. Source: Pelham Union

Free School District No. 1, [Untitled History of District

Schools], p. 4 [Unnumbered Pages], Visited May 10, 2015.

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

Most Pelhamites believe that the first Colonial School built in 1900 was the first school that stood in Pelham Heights. That, however, is not the case. Indeed, the population of the area was so sparse in the early 1890s that the School Board balked at spending taxpayer funds to provide a local school. Thus, a local resident and developer donated use of a building, purchased school furnishings, and even hired and paid teachers with his own funds to provide a small school for Pelham Heights children.

From the very outset of the development of Pelham Heights by Benjamin L. Fairchild and others, the developers recognized the need for a local school to facilitate the sale of the newly-developed plots in the area and to encourage prospective buyers to move to the area and build lovely homes. With these considerations in mind, Benjamin L. Fairchild lobbied the local School Board to make available public funds to permit the education of local children in Pelham Heights rather than forcing those children to attend the distant Pelhamville School House. According to Fairchild, however, "the School Board thought the number of school children in the Village of Pelham [today's Pelham Heights] insufficient to justify expenditure of public funds."

Consequently, Benjamin L. Fairchild made available to the School Board at no charge a private residence that had been occupied by one of his family members, John F. Fairchild, located at Loring Avenue and Second Street for use as a local school for the children of Pelham Heights. He also purchased school furniture and hired and paid teachers with his own funds to start the school. According to Benjamin L. Fairchild in remarks made at the laying of the cornerstone for today's Colonial Elementary School on November 1, 1926, "for several years to give the few children then here school accomodations I felt compelled to give over for their use without charge a private house and to personally purchase school furniture and employ school teachers." (See below for full article.) The image below, from an article published in 1926, depicts the structure first used as a school in Pelham Heights.

"THE FIRST SCHOOL IN PELHAM HEIGHTS

The residence of John F. Fairchild, built in 1890 at the

southeast corner of Loring Avenue and Second Street"

Source: Hill, Isaac C., PELHAM'S EDUCATIONAL

SYSTEM IN ITS EARLY DAYS, The Pelham Sun,

Oct. 15, 1926, p. 17, cols. 1-5.

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

In 1910, Pelham opened a new, large school that served for a number of years as both a high school and elementary school: the Siwanoy School. Upon the opening of Siwanoy School, the first Colonial School closed its doors. Within a few short years, however, as the population of Pelham Heights began to grow very quickly, the first Colonial School building was reopened and another nearby residence was arranged to serve as an "annex" to the small Colonial School. The School Board rented that residence, located at 105 Boulevard, to serve as a school for the overflow of pupils who could not be fit into the first Colonial School Building.

1918 Annex to First Colonial School, a Residence

Located at 105 Boulevard. Source: Pelham Union

Free School District No. 1, [Untitled History of District

Schools], p. 4 [Unnumbered Pages], Visited May 10, 2015.

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

According to a brief history of Colonial Elementary School prepared for the Pelham Union Free School District No. 1:

"Sometime prior to 1921, the [first Colonial School] was condemned by the State Board of Education. With enrollment still on the rise, the Board of Education approved a new Colonial School, regretting only that it 'could not provide more playground space for the children now attending and those that will attend.'

The cornerstone ceremony ceremony took place on Nov. 21, 1926 and the school was completed in 1927, dedicated to 'the truth and virtue in the interest of the children who will begin their education there.' In his address, James Elliott, chairman of Building and Grounds Committee of the Board of Education, added, 'The little (children) attending this school from five to 12 years of age are passing through their most receptive age. Let us all strive together, parents and teachers, to develop these young people entrusted to our care into useful and happy citizens of our great country."

Source: Pelham Union Free School District No. 1, [Untitled History of District Schools], p. 4 [Unnumbered Pages], visited May 10, 2015.

Laying of the Cornerstone of Today's Colonial Elementary School

on November 21, 196. Source: Pelham Union

Free School District No. 1, [Untitled History of District

Schools], p. 4 [Unnumbered Pages], Visited May 10, 2015.

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

Today's Colonial Elementary School in an Undated

Photograph, Ca. Early 1930s. Source: Pelham Union

Free School District No. 1, [Untitled History of District

Schools], p. 4 [Unnumbered Pages], Visited May 10, 2015.

NOTE: Click Image to Enlarge.

Below is an extensive article with photographs regarding the cornerstone-laying ceremonies. The material appeared in the November 26, 1926 issue of The Pelham Sun.

"Corner Stone Of New Colonial School Laid By Judge Wahle With Impressive Ceremonies Witnessed By Large Crowd
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Board of Education, and Officials of Three Villages Take Part in Programme -- Congressman Fairchild Urges Adoption of School Flag With Three Stars Symbolizing Unity of Action by Three Villages
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The Pelham spirit of interest in the development of its school system was evident on Sunday afternoon when despite the bitterly cold wind about six hundred people turned out to witness the ceremonies in connection with the laying of the new $260,000 grade school on Highbrook avenue. The exercises were dignified and impressive and the laying of the cornerstone was accomplished in due form with the use of the square, the evel and the plumb, master implements of the builders' craft.

On a platform erected around the cornerstone were seated members of the Board of Education, President L. Ogden Thompson, Vice-President William L. Dench, Trustees Elliott, chairman of the building committee; Clare Fairbank, George Lambert, Wm. G. Luke, Henry B. Nevins, and Jacob A. Wirth, together with Henry H. Fox, president of Pelham Manor; George W. Lahey, president of Pelham; Thomas J. James, president of North Pelham; Congressman Ben L. Fairchild, Revs. Herbert H. Brown, Lewis G. Leary, J. McVickar Haight, and Wm. Milton Hess. Town Historian, John M. Shinn, marshal and officials of many town organizations.

Members of the Board of Education and village officials gathered at Memorial High School and marched to the site with an escort furnished by Pelham Post American Legion composed of Kneeland S. Durham, Jr., Charles Foster, Charles Hardy and Elmer Davis carrying national and legion emblems.

Proceedings opened with bugle call by bugler from Fort Slocum, and the singing of America; invocation Rev. Herbert H. Brown.

Judge Chas. G. F. Wahle, who presided, then called upon L. Ogden Thompson to speak.

After expressing his gratification at the spendid attendance, Mr. Thompason said the increase in the registration of pupils in our school system over a period of five years has been so large that the Board of Education's programme for school extension has met with many delays, and proved a source of great inconvenience to parents and children alike.

The occasion of the laying of this cornerstone of Colonial school will afford relief and pleasure to parents and children who have necessarily been on part time.

With the completion of this building and the Hutchinson school now under reconstruction the part time sessions will terminate.

Pelham's great charm as a residential locality will attract many others who are seeking a home life with the best church and school environment and within at least two years the school property owned by the district south of Boston Post road must be provided with a building permitting of enlargement to accommodate the great growth of Pelham Manor; and to this subject your Board of Education must give serious consideration early in the new year.

Trustee James Elliott, chairman of the building and grounds committee, presented a formal report stating that the erection of the new school had reached the stage where the cornerstone was ready to be laid.

In calling upon Judge Wahle to lay the cornerstone President Thompson referred to the fact that he had also officiated in like capaity in the foundation stone of Siwanoy school and Memorial High School.

Judge Wahle prefaced his remarks by stating that he had been asked to perform the somewhat unusual but now frequent laying of a cornerstone in Pelham's greate school system. It was an indication of the right kind of patriotism when the taxpayers of Pelham were ready to build schools to give to their children the kind of education which is the fundamental of our national being. He had been taught that no one should enter upon a great undertaking without invoking the help of God. He thereupon called upon the Rev. F. McVicakar Haight to ask a blessing on the work of those who were to erect the building and those who would be pupils and teachers in the building.

Isaac C. Hill, former school superintendent then deposited in the cornerstone a sealed copper box containing memorials.

School Superintendent Elmer A. Arapid then read a list of the articles within the box as follows: Programme of present exercises; annual report of Board of Education for 1926; minutes of Board of Education realting to the authorization and construction of four Pelham schools; signatures of all pupils in Pelham schools; year book published in 1922, containing facsimile of bronze tablet bearting names of all those of Peham who in the Army and Navy of the U.S. took part in the Great War; the building programme authorized February 14, 1924; copy of local papers; copy of Pelham Sun containing pictures of graduating class of 1926; programme of Pelham Sesqui-Centennial pageant, October 16, 1926; assortment of coins of U.S. currency bearing date of 1926; minutes of Board of Trustees, village of North Pelham meeting of November 4, 1926; last report of Pelham National Bank; list of membership of Manor Club; Men's Club; Pelham Comfort Society; Parent-Teachers' Association; Walsh Marvel Post Veterans of Foreign Wars; Pelham Fire Department; Pelham Manor Fire Department; silken flag around which is wrapped a list of the membership of Peham Post No. 50, American Legion, and a telephone directory.

L. Ogden Thompson then spread the cement for the sealing of the cornerstone which was lowered into place.

John M. Shinn, former member of the faculty of Pelham's oldest school then officiated as marshal, delivering the tools of the buiders' craft to Thomas J. James, president of the village of Pelham, who was assisted by Gordon Stone, a schoolboy, in squaring up the stone.

George W. Lahey, president of the village of Pelham, who was assisted by Gilbert Parker, a schoolboy in leveling up the stone.

Henry H. Fox, president of the village of Pelham Manor, who was assisted by Robert Montgomery, a schoolboy, in testing the stone with the plumb.

Judge Wahle then declared the stone to be well and truly laid.

The ceremonies of consecrating the stone with corn, wine and oil was then proceeded with. Miss Edith Young, Miss Harriett Shaw, and Miss Ethel Tuttle, presented the offerings to Judge Wahle who scattered them upon the stone.

Judge Wahle then declared the stone duly laid and consecrated. Marshal John M. Shinn confirming it after inspection. The tools of the builders' craft were then presented to Architect Van Vleck.

Congressman Ben L. Fairchild made his remarks briefly on account of the cold. He said:

'As the stone laid today is the corner stone of this spendid new structure of Colonial name associated with memories of colonial days, may the event of this day be the corner stone of our reconstruction in the Pelhams to a fervid applied patriotism, such as moved our forefathers to the great and glorious constructive deeds to which we owe our liberties as citizens under the greatest system of government ever devised by the mind of man. May the benediction prove to be a salutory of this renewed consecration of our lives and the lives of our children.

'I might stop right here but that I want to take this occasion to express the appreciation that everyone in the Pelhams must feel towards the School Board. Mr. Thompson, the President, and the members of the Board have given unstinted of their time and energy, and now is culminated a happy solution of difficult complex problems.

'And how the Pehams have grown! We have had here today Mr. I. C. Hill (who was a member of the School Board when existed the first and only little school in the Pelhams), depositing the box with its historical contents in the corner stone of this larger colonial structure. I recall when the School Board thought the number of school children in the Village of Pelham insufficient to justify expenditure of public funds, and for several years to give the few children then here school accommodations I felt compelled to give over for their use without charge a private house and to personally purchase school furniture and employ school teachers.

'Pelham has now become a leading educational center and today it is in our hearts to give to the men in and out of office, under whose jurisdiction our school system has been so splendidly developed, the high commendation they richly deserve.

'As the stars in the blue field of Old Glory represent the union of states in our national system of government, may the erection of this building suggest a school district flag with thhree stars, one for each village, typifying a perpetual bond of sympathy, a feeling of unity lasting always, among the villages of the Union Free School District of the Town of Pelham.'

Proceedings closed with the singing of the 'Star Spangled Banner,' and the benediction pronounced by Rev. Wm. Milton Hess."

Source: Corner Stone Of New Colonial School Laid By Judge Wahle With Impressive Ceremonies Witnessed By Large Crowd, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 26, 1926, p. 5, cols. 1-5.