Vestry Minutes, 1739—1829

[Vol. 2 TR]

[Together with further portions of Vol. 1 where indicated.]

RECORD of Transactions of the Vestry &c. of Trinity Church in Boston begining from the first choosing of a Vestry there 1739.

1739 April 24th. Being Easter Tewsday The proprietors of Pews in said Church made choice of the following Officers for the Year insuing.

  • William Speakman & Joseph Dowse Church Wardens

  • Messrs. Jno Arbuthnott
  • Willm Coffin

  • Vestrymen
  • Philip Dumersque
  • Lawrence Lutwyck
  • Henry Laughton
  • Rufus Greene
  • Chars. Apthorpe
  • Benja Fanuiel
  • John Merrett
  • Peter Kenwood
  • Thos Aston
  • Jno Hamock
  • James Griffen

John Crosby Clerk

John Oucker Sexton

salary 10/ per week

Salary Eight shilling per week

Att a meeting of the Vestry April 30 1739 at Mr. Verdys.

present Wm Speakman & Joseph Dowse

  • Messrs. John Arbuthnott
  • Thos Aston
  • Phil Dumersque
  • Jno Merrett
  • Henry Laughton
  • Lawr Lutwyck
  • Wm Coffin
  • Rufs Greene
  • James Griffen

They toke into concideration the message delivered yesterday (being the 29th) in the Church by the Revd Mr Davenport from the Revd Mr Commissary Price concerning a promise made by the Late Comittee of this Church of paying in behalf of said Church Six pounds per week for the two ministers (he & Mr. Davenport) service there & that he will not nor suffer Mr. Davenport to performe Service any longer with out haveing said Six pounds per week.

Resolved haveing asked the Necessary Questions of Mess. Peter Luce Thomas Child Wm Price & Thos Greene the said late Comittee concerning any promise by them made in behalf of said Church about paying said Six pounds per week its our oppinion that they never made any such promise.

Voted that the Church Wardens with Messrs. John Arbuthnott Jno Merrett and Thomas Child and Thomas Aston as joined in a Committee do waite on the Revd Mr Commissary Price to accqt him of this our resolve and that as we have been disapointed in our Expectations of being provided with a Minister by this time The Church has now embodied its self for the more Easy and speedy proccuring a Minister that untill they are so provided they cannot consistent to the Intrest of said Church raise money suficient to pay more then four pound per week as formerly Voted by the proprietors & Therefore do Beg & intreat the said Revd Mr. Price that he with Mr Davenport may continue to perform Divine Service in said Church untill they do provide themselves with a Ministr wch they will do with the Uttmost Expedition.

Voted That the same Comittee Wait on the Revd Mr Davenport and desire to know of him Wether he continue in the same mind he was sometime ago (as he accquainted the Late Comittee upon their application to him in behalf of the Church) of being Minister of Trinity Church upon securing to him One Hundreed pounds a Yeare Sterling money.

Voted that the meeting be adjourned ’till Thursday Night May 3d at same place.

May 3d Att an ajournment of Vestry Meeting at Luke Verdy.

Present Both Church Wardens

  • Messrs. Jno Arbuthnot
  • Wm Coffin
  • Ph. Dumersq

  • Vestry
  • Jno Merrett
  • Thos Aston
  • Jno Hamock
  • Benja Fanueil
  • Ruf Greene

The Committee appointed last Monday made report as follows—That they had waited on the Revd Mr. Commissary Price & accqtd him with the Resolve and vote of the Vestry who gave for Answer he would Preach in sd Church according to their request untill we could be supplyed. That they had waited on the Revd Mr. Davenport & accqtd him with their Message who gave for Answer he continued of the same mind of being our Minister upon the conditions as told the late Comitte & as is mentioned in the Message. But that at the same time he had told the Comittee [it] should be with the following restrictions which he still Insisted on for the preserving a good Harmony between him and the Congregation vizt: 1st That the Clerk of the Church might be chosen by them or him but not without joint consent of Both parties.

  1. 2d That no alterations be made at any time by the Congregation to the Altar or Pulpit without his Consent.
  2. 3 That in Caise hereafter any Assistant should be thought conveiniet to said Church such Assistant should be chosen by joint approbation of the Incumbent Minister & people & in Caise the said Minister should at any time think fitt to procure an Assistant at his own Charge he be at liberty to do it. Nevertheless the person to be with joint Consent & approbation of the People.
  3. 4 That at any time when the Minister desired a Vestry meeting the Church Wardens should be oblidged to Call one. And whenever a Vestry was called to meet the Minister (if in Town) should have notice to be present if he pleased, further its to be understood that if the Lord Bishop of London should forbid his removall to Trinity Church its not to be expected of him.

Voted that the foregoing report be refered to the Proprietors & the Saxon warn each proprietor of a Pew to be at the Church Next Sunday that after Service they may consider what may be Necessary relating to a Minister.

May 6th At a Meeting of the proprietors of Trinity Church at said Church Sunday May 6th 1739.

  • present
  • Will Speakman
  • Thos Aston
  • Cord Cordis
  • Joseph Dowse
  • Edwd Carter
  • Jno Gerratt
  • Thos Greene
  • Jno Merrett
  • Ben Fanueil
  • Will Coffin
  • Rufs Greene
  • Thos Child
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Jno Phillips
  • Barth Ballard
  • Edwd Tuckerman
  • Philip Dumersq
  • Lewice Vassall
  • Johnson Jackson
  • James Griffen
  • Ed Dumerque
  • Peter Luce
  • Henry Laughton
  • Henry Price

Then was communicated the report of the Comitee to the Vestry May 3 and allso how farr the Trustees for building the Church had proceeded in relation to the Revd Mr Adington Davenports being Minister of this Church as is mentioned before & the same was Unanimously Approved.

Voted That a Tax of Two shilling a week be laid on the proprietors for Each Pew to commence upon the setlement of a Minister & to continue till the Meeting of the Proprietors at Easter following, unanimous

Whereas the above tax with our reasonable expectations from the Society from Application already made & [furder?] the Church may make We aprehend may not be sufficient to make up what may be wanting for the Suport of a Minister & the annual Charges Voted that the Church Wardens and Mr. Thos Greene do take such Subscribtions of the several proprietors and other well disposed persons as they shall be willing to make for said Use.

Voted. That the Church Wardens & Vestry with the Trustees for Building the Church are impowred to treat with the Revd Mr Adington Davenport about taking such Measure for fixing him our Minister upon the proposall afoot & consistent with former votes, pasd Unanimous Voted that the Church Wardens Vestry & sd Trustees be a Comtee to write such Letters as they see needfull to procure the Revd Mr Davenport our Minister & getting assistance from the Society towards his Support. passd Unanimous

Messrs. Th: Child Benj Fanueil & Jos Dowse are desired to prepare the needful Letters for the Vestry.

May 7 Att a meeting of the Vestry May 7 1739 at Luke Verdys

present: Wm Speakman. Jos: Dowse Church Wardens.

  • Vestry

  • Henry Laughton
  • Lawr Lutwyck

  • Pet Luce

  • Trustees
  • Benj Fanuiel
  • Jno Arbuthnott
  • Thos. Child
  • Phill Dumersque
  • Thos Aston
  • Wm Price
  • Rufus Greene
  • Jno Griffen
  • Thos Greene

The following Letters viz to the Lord Bishop of London to the Secretary to the Society for Propagation of the Gospell to Captain John Tomlinson to Mr. Thos Sandford & to Mr John Merrett are approved of & ordered to be signed & delivered to Mr. John Merrett who is bound to London & who has generously promised the Church his best endeavours to serve them.

Boston May 8th 1739

To the Right Revd Father in God Edmund Lord Bishop of London

May it please your Lordship

The Trustees for building of Trinity Church have some time since accqtd your Lordship of the same. And as the Proprietors have thought fitt to choose Church Wardens & Vestry for the more speedy setling a Minister they think it a duty incumbant on them to address your Lordship as their Diocessan & to Begg your favour & Blessing. Mr John Merrett the bearer of this being one of our Brethren has undertaken to Sollicit the Honble the Society for Propagating the Gospell in foreign Parts for their aid & assistance. He likewise will deliver your Lordship a letter from the Revd Mr Davenport signifying his good will towards Trinity Church & his designe of removal there unless your Lordship forbid. We implore your favourable Indulgence.

May the Allmighty continue you a blessing to the Church under your care is the hearty Prayer of

May it please your Lordship Your Lordships Most

Dutyfull Sons & Servts

sigd by Ch. Ward

Vestry & Trustees.

Boston May 8 1739

To the Revd Dr Davd Humphries

Secrety to the Society for Propagating the Gospell in foreign parts

Revd Sr: The Trustees for Building Trinity Church had the Honr of yours of the 6th of Mar: 1737 wch did come to hand till Aug and was ansd a few days after. As we are uncertain wether it ever came to your hand the Church Wardns & Vestry now presume to Beg the Society would condecend to reconsider the prayer of our former Petition. The true state of our Church the bearer & one of our Brethn Mr. Jno Merrett (to whome for perticulars we refer) is very capable of relating. But in General our Number being so small for want of a setled Ministr with us our Expenses have been so great already & will be so conciderably augmented in finishing the building that at present the tolerable suport of a Minister will be a burthen too heavy for us. We therefore most earnestly implore the Honble Societys aid & relief undr our pressing Difficulty’s & if it would not be judged too great a presumption we would with all Humility request that an allowance of 15£ per Ann: hertofore made to one Mr Grangier a School Mastr in this town (long since absentd) with the like sum in addition to it (if such a favour might be granted) would enable us to furnish our Minister with a decent maintenance tho even then we should not give equal to what other Ministers of this Town receive upon the Success of this adress depend in a great Measure the prosperity of this Church & all our designs for it. God Almighty give us favour before the Society.

We are

Revd Sr the Societys most

Obd Servts

Ch: Wd

Vestry

& Trustees

Captain John Thomlinson

May 8

Sr We being well assured of the Esteem you have for the Church of Engd. puts us on accqting you with one lately built in this Town wch is Named Trinity Church flattering ourselves with yr kind aid & Assistance. Mr. Jno Merrett the bearer of this & one of our Brethn has been so good as to take upon him to apply to the Hon: Society for Propagating the Gospell for their Charitable releif to enable us to suport a Minister for sometime. Your kind advice & assistance to him as it will be a Service to the Church so it will be a great Obligation on Sir

Your Most Obd Hum. Servts

Ch: Wd. Vestry & Trustees

Mr Thos Sandford

Your letr of same tenour as the above to Capt Thomlinson with this adittion. You have already laid us under obligation by your care of the Trustees letters & as you have been at some charge on ’em we have desired our freind Mr J Merrett to repay you. Yor gratefing our request will much serve the church & Oblidge

Sr Yr&c.

May 8

Mr Jno Merrett

Sr: Your Buisness calling you to London, we cheerfully embraced the opportunity to desire your good offer for us. We have wrote by you to the Bishop of London to the Hon: the Society for propagating the Gospell to Captain Jno Thomlinson & to Mr Th: Sandford wch leters we pray your Care of. We have asked for the assistance of 30£ per anm for a few Years, but as we have refered to you for perticulars if it lies in your power to move them to money we doubt not of your endeavour. You know we have made choice of the Revd Mr Davenport for our Minister & if we could be so happy as to obtain that favr before the Society we should be enabled to give him a decent Maintenance. He has wrote the Lord Bishop of London that if we do succed with the Society & his Lordship do not forbid he’l remove to Trinity Church. We desire youl use your indeavours that he be not forbid the circumstans of our Church you well know but we would just remind you of a few perticulars & in order to that refer you to the Minuetts & votes herin inclosed. We have sold 50 pews they are taxed at 20/sterl. per an: wch will raise abt £50 & as their will be neare 40 more on the floor when they are sold & the Church finished we may be able to ease the Society of the Charge. Their is an allowance of 15£ per an: to a School in this Town the last that enjoyd it was one Grangier who has been more then a Yeare absent. Beside this Town is very well supplied with 5 or 6 free schools to wch we all pay & the Masters have handsome suports.

We are aprehensive if we have been misrepresented & some Cloggs laid to our afairs we therefore Beg you’l endeavour to obviate any such in order to which you have the Copy of the Trustees leters to the Bishop of London wherein the Constitution of the Church is fully sett forth & as we never heard from his Lordship we take his Silence as aprobation. We need not mention that should any oppty present for getting any other Benefactions to our Church you would embrace it. Mr Sandford has been at some charge for the Trustees letters we will take it as a favr if youl please to pay him the same we heartily wish you a good Voyage & safe retturn to

Sir, Your most Humbl Servts

the Ch: Wdn Vestry & Trustees

Memm: all the aforesd Leters was signed by the persons present May 7th as per page 4 as before

a Copy of the Minits refered to in Mr Merretts letter.

The Kings Chapell being very full that many could not gett Seats & the accesion to the Church daily increasing & likly to do so could they be accomodated. To incourage this growing prospect many well disposd persons cheifly such as where themselves well accomodated purposed to build a new Church in this Town. Lenard Vassall Esq by their desire purchased a conveinient peice of Land at the So end in Sumer Street & gave his Bond Sep 11: 1728 that if in two years he was repayd the sum he pd for the purchase with Charges &c he would Convey to sundry persons there namd to build a Church. Accordingly

1728

Apr 30 sd Vassall by a deed this day conveyd the same for the sum of 514:7/2d to sundry persons in Trust on Condition that within 5 yrs & 5 months a Church should be built and apropriated to the Worship of God according to the Rubric of the Church of England, on default to return to sd Vassall Sundry persons who gave & lent money to make said purchase & to forward the Building &c October 17 1733 made Choice of Messrs Lenard Vassall Peter Luce Thos Child Wm Price & Thos Greene Trustees to Build said Church & a Deed of Conveyance was made to them in Trust that when Church Wardens & Vestry should be chosen they the Trustees should reconvey the same to them & their Succesors for Ever for sd purposes aforesd.

1730

1733

April 15 The Corner stone was laid wheron was wrote TRINITY CHURCH. This corner stone was laid by the Revd. Mr Commisary Price Apr 15 1734.

1734

Aug: 15th The Church was opened by the Revd Mr Commisary Price preaching there.

1735

Mar: 5th The proprietors & Benefactors duly warned and mett passed a Vote that Hereafter only such persons who where owner’s of Pews should be intitled to Vote for Minister, Officers, & all afairs in the Church.

1735

Oct 16 The Revd Mr Commissary Price & the Revd Mr Davenport began to perform Divine Service alternatly each Sunday by desire of the proprietors of Pews untill they could be supplied with a Minister.

1737

Apr 24th the proprietors of Pews chose Church Wardens & Vestry Men thinking it the most likly means to setle a Minister.

1739

May 6th The proprietors layd a Tax of 2/ per week on each pew to commence upon the setling a Minister.

The proprietors aprovd of the Invitation made the Revd Mr Davenport to be their Minister and impowred the Church Wardens Vestry & Trustees to treat with him in ordr to setle him so consistent with former votes.

May 8th Extracted from the Church Book Examd Jos: Dowse CW Memd. to Mr Merrett. The Church are under Bond & Obligation for large sums of money for which they pay Intrest.

The Church wants a Tower spire Bell besides insides work. There not a Bell in either of the Churchs (Except a very small one at the Chapell) so that we are mostly oblidged to the Meeting House Bells wch are many Handsome ones.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At a Meeting of the Trustees at Mr. Luke Vardy’s on Fryday June 1st 1739

Present

  • Mr. Peter Luce

  • Trustees
  • Mr. Thos. Child
  • Mr. Willm. Price
  • Thomas Greene

Voted that Mr. John Indicott be desired to make a Table for the Alter of Pine, to be five foot long & three foot Broad.

Voted that Mr. James Varney’s bill for Lime amounting too Eleven Pounds Nineteen Shillings be Allowed & that he be paid assoon as Conveniently may be.

[Vol. 2 TR]

Att a Meeting of the Vestry June 1st 1739 at Mr Verdy.

June 1st

  • Present. Wm Speakman
  • Jos Dowse Ch Wardn
  • Messrs Jno Arbuthnott
  • Henry Laughton
  • Rufus Greene
  • Will Coffin
  • Thos Aston
  • Petr Kenwood
  • Lawr Lutwyck
  • and the 4 Trustees.

Voted that the Church Wardens receive from Captain Davise the pew No 54 offered to them for the price of 55£ & that the same be sold for £70.

That they receive from Bartho Balard the pew No 62 & pay him 50£ & the same be sold for 65£.

That as the Church have borowed Money from the Charitable Society & others that the Vestry become bound for the same in the Churchs Name & that the Church be oblidged to Answer such obligations as the vestry are bound for.

That the Revd Mr Price be desired to administer the Sacrements of the Lords super in Trinity Church on Trinity Sunday.

Boston June 2nd 1739

To the Revd Mr. Roger Price

Revd Sr Last Night the Vestry of Trinity Church wth several others desired that the Holy Communion might be administred there on Trinity Sunday. We therefore earnstly desire you’l be so good as to performe the same wch with your answer per the bearer will very much oblige Rev Sr

Your most Hum. Servt.

WS

Ch. Ward

JD

Gentlemen

As the time of my officiating at Trinity Church will be but short I am unwilling to deviate from my accustom’d duty and beg the gentlemen will excuse my not complying with their request

I am your obediant Humble Servant

Rogr Price

Boston June 2

NB Mr Price desired by a line to be excused from the service above desired. Whereupon wrote to the Revd Mr Ading: Davenport.

Revd Sr The Vestry & others of Trinity Church desire you will administer the Holy Communion there on Trinity Sunday. We think it proper to informe you we first applyed to the Rev Mr Commissary Price from wch he desired to be Excused. Your compliance will be very pleasing to many as well as to

Revd Sr Your most Ob: H.S.

Boston June 7th 1739

WS

Ch. Wdns

JD

[Vol. 1 TR]

Sunday June 17th being Trinity Sunday the Holy Communion or Sacrement of the Lords Super was administred in Trinity Church (being the first time) by the Revd Mr Adington Davenport. The Revd Mr. Saml Seabury assisted. [From Vol. 2 TR] About forty Communicants.

[Vol. 2 TR]

To The Church Wardens of Trinity Church

Gentlemen

Your proceeding in opposition to my declard resolution is not in my opinion consistent with that regard which is due to me as minister of that Congregation in which you act as officers, and confirms me in the suspision that you are setting out upon principles not agreeable to the government of the Church of England. This irregularity together with the loss the Kings Chapel sustains by my officiating in your Church has convincd me of the necesity I am under of declining for the future that part of Duty. I therefore give you this notice of it that you may act accordingly. And am

Your Most Humble Servant

Rogr. Price

Boston July the 8 1739.

July 8 Mr. Commissary Price sent a line to the Church Wardens accqtg them the proceeding was displeasing to him so that he would not performe Service any longer in the Church. Upon which they sent the following Answer.

Revd Sr We recd your leter to us dated the 8th inst. & are much concerned & very uneasy that you should think we have proceeded in any thing in opposition to your declared resolution or that we have not payd the regard due to you. If we have been guilty of such a Slight we are very Sorry But assure you we are ignorant of any such thing therefore we pray youl be so kind as to explaine your thoughts. What we have done to cause (much less to confirme) a Suspicion of setting out disagreeable to the Government of the Church of England is unknown to us & pray youl informe us in what it is & assure you we will take your advice very kind. We think in promoting Trinity Church we have no other intention than the Church of England according to the Rubrick to the very best of our knowledge.

We pray & beseach that the Enimies of the Church of Engld may have no cause to boast in any division but that youl be so kind as to continue your service in our Church. We pray your answer & that youl be assured we are with the Greatest regard—

Revd Sr Your most Ob: Hum Servt

WS

Ch. Wd

JD

Boston July 10 1739

To The Church Wardens of Trinity Church

Gentlemen

I shall say no more upon this Subject but that I shall continue in my resolution not to officiate any longer in Trinity Church and leave it to you to guess the reasons. I am

Your Most obedient Humble Servant

Rog: Price

Boston July the 13 1739

July 13th Mr. Price answd he would continue his resolution not to officiate any more in Trinity Church and Accordingly Sunday July 15th No service was performed there.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At a Meeting of the Trustees at Mr. Luke Vardy’s On Tuesday July 10th 1739

Present

  • Capt. Thos. Child

  • Trustees
  • Mr. Willm. Price
  • Thos. Greene

Voted That Mr. Ebenezer Messinger be paid Twenty two Pounds in full for his Bill.

Voted That Mr. Samll. Davis his Bill of Seven Pounds Seven Shillings & Seven Pence be Allowed & that he be paid the Same.

Voted that the following Persons be made Debtors in the Church Books five Pounds for each of their Pews they have had Inlarged in Trinity Church

Mr. Charles Apthorp for two Pews

£10

Mr. Willm. Coffin for one Ditto

£5

Mr. Peter Luce for two Ditto

10

Mr. Thos. Child for two Ditto

10

Mr. Willm. Price for one Ditto

5

Thomas Greene for one Ditto

5

£45

The following Persons have paid five Pounds for Inlargeing each of their Pews which money was paid to Mr. Joseph Dowse & The Church has Credit for the Same the 9th of July 1739 he haveing paid it to the Trustees

Capt. Phillip Bennett

£5

Rufus Greene

5

Joseph Dowse

5

Thos. & John Phillips

5

Willm. Speakman

5

of Ditto for Wm. Haislup

5

Benja. Faneuil

5

Edward Carter

5

Robt. Thomlinson

5

Edwd. Dumaresq

5

Peter Kenwood

5

£55

John Hamock

£10

John Arbuthnot

5

John Merrett

5

Cord Cordis

5

Laurence Lutwich

5

Edwd. Tuckerman

5

Johnson Jackson

5

Phillip Dumaresq

0

Peter De Jersey

5

Thos. Aston

10

Henry Price

5

James Griffin

5

£65

[Vol. 2 TR]

Att a Meeting of the Vestry July 17 1739 att Mr Wm Patins present Wm Speakman Joseph Dowse Church Wardens

Peter Luce Thos Child & Wm Price of the Trustees

  • Vestry

  • Jno Arbuthnott Phil Dumersq Thos Aston
  • Peter Kenwood Rufs Greene Lawr Lutwyck Hen Laughton

Communicated the leters passed between the Revd Mr. Price & the Wardens.

Voted that in order to keep the Church open the Revd Mr. Davenport be desired to performe Divine Service on Sundays after his Duty is over at the Kings Chapell.

Voted that Mr. Jno Merrett have liberty to change his pew No 63 for No 62 formerly Barw Ballard. The consideration moveing the Vestry is Mr Merretts Service for the Church now he is in England.

Voted that Mr. Speakman & Cap Child be desired to ask of the Vestry of Kings Chapell their Intrest to obtain the Communion plates in the hand of Gov. Shute this Church paying all Charges.

To Messrs Wm Speakman & Joseph Dowse Wardens of Trinity Church in Boston,

Gentl. In compliance with your & your Vestrys desire, these are to acquaint you, that when my duty is over in Kings Chappel on Sunday, I will perform Divine Service at Trinity Church in the afternoon about four of the Clock.

I am, Gentl.

Your most humb Servt

Addington Davenport

Boston July 20th 1739

Att a meeting of the Vestry October 21, 1739 in the Church

present both the Church Wardens

Peter Luce Thos Child & Thos Greene Trustees

  • Vestry

  • Jno Arbuthnot. Wm Coffin. Ru Greene. Hen Laughton.
  • Jas Griffen Benja Fanueil Peter Kenwood Vestry

Communicated the Leters recd from Messrs Jno Merrett & Jno Thomlinson.

Voted that letters be prepared to be wrote to London & laid before the vestry too morrow at Luke Verdys.

October 23d the Vestry mett and agreed the following Six letters be sent per Cap. Homans which was signed by the Ch. Wardns Vestry & Trustees.

To: Capt John Thomlinson

Boston Octbr 26 1739

Sr: We have the pleasure of yrs 20 of Augt full of kind expressions to our infant Church. We are exceedingly oblidged to you for your endeavours to serve us and for your generous tenders of further assistance & according to your advice we now repeate our Petione to that Venerable Society for help to maintaine our Minister not doubting but that could we be so happy as to succede with them & gett the Revd Mr Davenport our Minister in a few Years great Accesions would be made to the Church of England in this Town (upon wch the state of the Church thro the Country in a great measure depends) especialy from amongst our Desenting Brethren wch was one of the principall Aims of the first concerned in Erecting this Church & which we Bless God for we begin to see the benefitt. Mr Arnold whome you mentione is not at present in Town but we are informed he has by this same vessell wrote for leave to remove to Marblehead & the people there have desired him their Minister if he succeeds in this their will be his Sallary he recd as an Itenerant Missionary saved to the Society which might give room for the Society to asist us. We would beg your kind interposition wch will much promote the Groth of the Church of Eng. in these parts & greatly oblidge

Sr Your most Obd H:S.

Mr Thos Sandford. Sr: Our freind Mr Merrett has informed us he delivd our leter to you & that you had been very serviceable in your advice to him & very generous in tenders of Service to us for wch we take this oppertunity to retturn our Thanks & beg thee Continuance of your kind office. We now repeate our Petition &c.

(wrote the same as to Capt Thomlinson in a foregoing leter)

Mr John Merrett

Octbr 26 1739

Sr We are to acknowledge the receipt of two of yours Augt 10 & 21 & are much oblidged for your Care & pains in our afairs and wish they had been attended with beter success but are fully sensible of both your & Cap Thomlinson endeavours. According to Cap Thomlinsons advice we now renew our Petition to the Society and as we are informd Mr Arnold has wrote for leave to remove to Marblehead & that people have desired him for their Minister we hope their may be room for the Society to smile on us which we beg youl continue to endeavour. We are surprised to hear any can be so wicked as to sugest this Charitable undertaken of ours to our prejudice. We don’t Doubt Youl endeavour to learn who can be the Author & what the Matter of such representation that we may justifie our selves. We fear the Lord Bishop of London may take amiss our not writing to him (as you inform us you have not delivered our Leter). We pray youl take the trouble to wait on him least the same sugestions should have posesed him and as we doubt not our actings in building a Church must be agreeable to him so we should be glad to have his countenance. Our Church has grown but litle since you left us by reason of Discouragemt we are under not haveing a setled Minister & being liable to be shutt up in evry Mr. Commissary’s Humours as we have already Experienced & wrote you per Capt Jones & are again Threatned. We pray the Care of the inclosed letter left open for your perusal & are with much Esteem Sr

Your M. Ob: H.S.

WS

Ch Wd

JD

& Vestry by name

P[eter] L[uce] & Trustees

Boston Oct 26 1739

To the Honerble Collenel Richd Phillips

Hon Sr: Our freind Cap Peter Kenwood accqtd us with a letter he recd from you wherin you had promised to give us your assistance with the Honble Society for propa the Gospell for a small aid to support a Minister in our Church. We are very much oblidged to you for your offers & as we have not petioned that Venerable Society we begg your kind offices for us. The sum were asking is but 30£ per anm & for a few years till our Church could be finished & filled wch we have great reason to expect from such a help your gratefing our request will much promote the church of England & serve Hon Sr.

Your Hon most O bd H. S.

Octo 26 1739

To the Right Revd. Father in God Stepn: Lord Bishop of Exeter.

May it please your Lordship. Our freind Capta Peter Kenwood informed us that when he was in Exon he had the favour of severall Benefactions perticularly from your Lordship towards our Church called Trinity Church lately built in this Town with conciderable Expence, the several sums as is mentioned below. We have recd & take this opportunity to retturn our hearty Thanks to your Lordship & the other Good Benefactors. We have petitioned the Hon Society for Propa the Gospell in foreign pts for a small assistance of 30£ per anm: for a few years untill we are able to finish the Church & support it our selves, which we have great reason to expect from Accesions dayly Making from our Desenting Brethreen amongst us. If you could interpose in our behalf to that venerable Society wch is the fountain (under God) wch suports the Church of Engld in these parts it would be a great Service. We are may it please Your Lordship

Yr Ld. M.O.Servt & Sons

Names of the Benefactors

22:19/6

Bishop of Exon

£2:2

Dean V Chaptr

5.5

Rev. Mr R Gay

1:1

Mrs. Rachel Hawkins

£4:4

Mr Chrph. Webber

5

Wm Walker

21

The Revd Arch Deacon Kendle

£1:1

Revd Doc. Kendrick

13:6

Jona Rashleigh Esq

5:5

Mr Zchel Davey

2:2

Boston Oct 26. 1739

To The Revd Doct: Beaucroft Secret: to the Honb Society for Propa: the Gospell in forn: parts.

Revd Sr:

We did presume by our Humble petition datd May 8 last to the Honble the Society for propa the Gospel in fr ps to request an aid of 30£ p anm: for a few yrs towards the maintenance of the Revd Mr Davenport for minister of Trinity Church lately built in this Town & if we could have obtained that favour we should be able & would make up for him (sd Mr Davenport) a decent suport who had generously offered to accept of our pressing instances for that end provided we could obtain this favour & the Lord Bishop of London did not forbid.

This petition we are informed was not granted by reason of a vote of the Society not to grant any New Missions under their then Circumstances. Now hopeing Providence may have smilled on the Socty & that they may see cause to revoke that vote we would again in all Humlty repeat our request the same reasons still subsisting for not haveing a setled Ministr. Members or proprietors do not increase & the Charge of Building & suporting lays on a very few. And we have now this to add: we are threatned by the Revd Mr Price that hel not performe service any longer in said Church & so it must be shutt up which will much hinder the designs of the persons first concerned in Building the Church wch was to have room for the accesions from amongst the Desenters & we Bless God we in some good measure see the Effects & have great reason to expect funds could we be able to setle the Revd Mr Davenport Min: & hope could we be so happy as to find favour before the Society in a few years be able to finish the building & Suport it. May our Petition be acceptable & may God Allmighty Bless that fountain the Venerable Society which under God is the Suport of the Church of Engd in this part of the World is the Hearty prayer of Revd Sr The Societys. . . . Most Obd H. S.

WS

Ch

JD

& Vestry & Trustees

The proprietors of Pews mett in the Church & being informed that the Revd. Mr. Commissary Price had acquainted the Church Wardens that unless they would pay him Three pounds per week he would not permitt the Service to be continued in the Church in the Manner he had permitted it but if they would Comply with his demmand he would consent to have the Church Suplyed as now till May next.

November 4

Voted That Three pounds a week be payd to each that is to Mr. Price & to Mr. Davenport untill Easter next. By writen vote.

November 11 1739 being Sunday. The proprietors mett in the Church and being informd of Mr Commisory Price had accqtd the Church Wardens that unless they would pay him Three pound per Week he would not permitt Service to be performed any longer here & that if they would comply with this the Church should Continue to have services as now untill May Next.

Voted that Three pounds p week be paid each Minister till Easter—By written votes.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At a Meeting of the Trustees at Mr. Willm. Pattins on Wednesday November 21 1739

  • Present
  • Capt. Thos. Child

  • Trustees
  • Mr. Willm. Price
  • Thos. Greene

Voted that five Pounds be paid to John Houcker the Saxton for his Extraordinary Trouble in Attending the Workmen when the Pews were Inlarged & the Alter Finished & for levelling the Dirt round the Church. It must not be forgotten that Mr. Willm. Griffith late of Boston deceased, did before his Death give unto this Church Twenty three Pair of Pew dore Hinges.

Boston Nov 27 1739

Mr Thos Sandford Sr: On the other side is Copy of a letter from the Church Wardns & Vestry of Trinity Church per Cap Homans wch I hope you rec. It was undr cover to Mr Jno Merrett expecting to have mett him at London but now hearing he is come away & fearing said Letter may miscarry or bee delayed by his absence would beg youl enquire after the same & see ’em delivered as directed, the letters & the Petition, & pray your Good offices for us. I have wrote the Same to Capta Thomlinson not knowing how Mr Merrett may have left his directions. Pray Excuse this Trouble. I am in behalf of Trinity Church

Sr Yo Ob. H. S.   JD one of the Wardens

same date & same tenour to Capta Thomlinson      Both per Capt Hall

Copy of Papers given to Severall to get Subscriptions: vizt one to Cap Kenwood one to Mr Wm Coffin one to Mr Arbuthnott & one to Mr Rob Thomlinson.

Whereas Trinity Church in Boston remains unflnised and Stands in Need of Help and assistance The Vestry of said Church earnestly desire all well disposed Persons to give what Sums they shall think proper to the Bearer of this in order to enable them to finish the same, which sums Shall be thankfully received & accordingly applyed. Each paper directed to the care of one of the persons above

WS

C. Wardens

JD

[Vol. 2 TR]

1739

Decr 2d The Church Wardens wrote a letter to Capt Andw Woodbury who was bound to the Bay of Honduras to desire him to make Intrest with the Gentelman there to give something towards Trinity Church.

Janry 17 Att a Meeting of the Vestry at Luke Verdy Jan 17 1739 present Joseph Dowse Church Warden

  • Messrs Peter Kenwood
  • Rufus Greene
  • Thos Aston
  • Lawr Lutwyck
  • Jno Arbuthnott
  • Wm Coffin

the Church Wardns & Vestry signed a Bond of Indemnifica: to the Family who have made over the Church &c. to them & Successors for Ever.

Voted that the Church Wardens with Mr Willm Price be a Comittee to build a Pulpit & a vestry room in the Church and the money given to Capn Kenwood & that may be given by voluntary Subscriptions be applyed therfor as farr as it will go.

Janury 30 1739 the Comittee aforesd agreed with Messrs Jno Endicott & Willm Moore Thomas Carpenter to frame build & finish a vestry room 16 feet long 10 wide 10 stud to find all Materials & Stuff. Carpenter Masson Glazeir work & paint for 110£. to make pulpit reading Desk Clerks Desk & Sounding Board agreeable to adraft given them, to find all Matterials & Stuff of all kind (Except Tinners work Carvers work & an Iron to hang the board) for the sum of £145.00.0 and signed Articles for the performance of the Same.

J:D: WP for Trinity Church Jno Endicot Wm More

[Vol. 1 TR]

At a Meeting of the Trustees at Capt. Thomas Childs On Fryday February 8 1739

Present

  • Mr. Peter Luce

  • Trustees
  • Capt. Thos. Child
  • Mr. Willm. Price
  • Thomas Greene

Mr. Luce haveing Lent to Trinity Church £25 the 15th of December 1733 which Sum was Carried to the Credit of Mr. Edward Tothill and Said Luce haveing given the Trustees his Word the Said money is Now Oweing to him Therefore Voted That Said Twenty five Pounds be Transfered from Said Tothills Credit to Said Luce’s Credit.

Voted That Mr. William Price have Credit in his Account for five Pounds he haveing been Charged with Said Sum for Inlargeing his Pew which wee give him he being Intirely Against the Alteration.

Whereas Capt. Thomas Child Lent to Trinity Church Twenty five pounds towards purchaseing the Land which Sum the Trustees thought had been given to Said Church & gave Credit for it Accordingly but Said Child Says he had not given it Therefore

Voted That Capt. Thos. Child have Credit in his Account for Said Sum.

[Vol. 2 TR]

Boston Feb 8 1739/40

Capta McNeal

Sr: As you are bound to the Bay of Honduras we would Begg you would undertake to ask for us of the Good Gentelmeen there their kind assistance towards finishing a New Church lately built in this Town called Trinity Church (where we have often the pleasure to see you). The kind Gentelmn: of the Bay have been very liberall towards Christ Church at the North End of this Town & We doubt not they will be pleased to have the Credit of Contributing towards ours & to have their Names enrolled amongst the Benefactors and to have a Seatt sett apart for them. It certainly will be a Charitable Act. Our Church is large & costly & the undertakers very few. Its likly to be a growing Church. Could we gett some asistance to enable us to finish it it would be a very commodous handsome one. Pray use your best Intrest for us and in our Name assure the Good Gentelmen (who shall be so charitably disposed as to give us any help) our hearty Thanks & uttmost wishes for their prosperity. We wish you a good voyage & safe retturn & are in behalf of Trinity Church

Sr Yr Hum Servt

WS

Ch Wdns

JD

Should you be so prosperious as to gett any thing for us we pray you take care to have it sent us in the best manner you can. Please to take the Names of such Gentelmen who may be disposed to serve us that they be enrolled in Our Book as Bennefactors.

Boston Mar 8 1739 Mr. Peter Baynton Sr: Mr Gooch informed us you had desired him to give in your Name to Trinity Church fifty pounds for wch we take this opportunity to retturn the Thanks of sd Church. We expected to have heard from you relating to an organ wether it could be gott & the Cost & should be oblidged to you yet to favour us with a line concerning the same. As it may be some time before we can accomplish such a work we will with your permission make use of the same on our present work of building & adorning a pulpit &c. & when are enabld to go on with the other repay said Sum towards your desired Use. We are with great regard.

Sr Yr Most Obed: H:S:

WS

Ch Wd

JD

April 8 1740 At a Meeting of the proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Tewsday April 8 1740 the following Officers where duly Ellected for the Yeare insuing.

William Speakman & Joseph Dowse for Church Wardens

Noted that their be Thirteen Vestry men five of which at least to make a Vestry vizt:

  • Vestry Men

  • Messrs Jno Arbuthnott
  • Will Coffin

  • Vestry Men
  • Peter Luce
  • Thos Greene
  • Thos Child
  • Lawr Lutwyck
  • Henry Laughton
  • Rufus Greene
  • Thos Aston
  • Rob Thomlinson
  • Petr Kenwood
  • Jonathn Simpson
  • Benja Fanuiel

Mr John Crosby Clerk & his Salary to be Ten shilling per week.

John Oucker Sexton his Salary to be Ten shilling per week.

May 8 1740 Boston May 8 1740. To the proprietors of Trinity Church vizt (all mentioned by Name as they stand in the Church Book) You are desired and warned to meet this day at Trinity Church this afternoon at Three o Clock to concider what may be needfull relating to a Minister for said Church and to lay a proper assesment &c to support the same. dated at Boston May 8 1740

Wm Speakman

Ch W.

Jos Dowse

The Sexton retturned he had warned evry proprietor According to the above Warning. In the afternoon The proprietors met at said Church ther was then present

  • William Speakman—Joseph Dowse Church Wardens
  • Messrs Lawrence Lutwyck
  • Benja Fanueil
  • Jona Simpson
  • Will Coffin
  • Thos Greene
  • Will Price
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benja Greene
  • Edwd Carter
  • Cord Cordis
  • Job Lewise
  • Petr Kenwood
  • Henry Price
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Henry Laughton
  • John Jones
  • Thos Child
  • Petr Luce
  • Thos Aston
  • Peter de Jersey
  • Saml Banister
  • John Gerratt
  • David Evans
  • The above are proprietors of 32 pews . . . the whole sold are 54

Severall other proprietors sent mesages they where desireous & willing to abide by what the proprietors present did. viz Rob Thomlinson. Charles Apthorpe Johnson Jackson Edwd Dumersque George Whiteclock. Mr. Merrett for Jno Merrett Jonathan Finas Wm Patin.

The proprietors pressent voted unanimously the following votes vizt Whereas Overtures has been made to the Revd Mr Addington Davenport (of this Town) by the proprietors of pews in this Church to be our Minister who had accepted the same on certain Conditions as Mentioned in the Church Book May 3d 1739 which are as follows That the parish Clerk might be chosen by the Minister or proprietors as they pleased but not without joint Consent of Both parties.

That no alteration be made at any time by the Congregation to the altar or pulpitt without the Consent of the Minister.

That in Caise hereafter any Assistant should be thought conveinent to said Church that such assistant should be chosen by joint aprobation of the Incumbant Minister & proprietors & in Caise the said Minister should at any time think fitt to procure at his own Charge an Assistant that he has liberty to do it. Nevertheless the Assistant to be with joint consent and aprobation of the proprietors.

That at any time when the minister desired a Vestry meeting the Church Wardens be oblidged to call one and when a Vestry was called the Minister (if in Town) should have notice to be present if he pleased. And whereas aplication has been made to the Honble Society for the propogation of the Gospell in foreign parts for their assistance which hath not yet been obtained and as the Revd Mr Commissary Price refuses to admitt the Service being performed in this Church as it has hertofore been Therefore it being absolutly Necesary to exert our selves that this Church be not shutt up Voted That the sd Revd Mr Adington Davenport be Minister of this Church agreeable to said proposalls as above mentioned in this vote and that his Salary be One Hundreed pounds Sterling a Yeare to be setled according to Exchange at the Yearly Meetings of the proprietors in Easter week.

Voted That a Tax be laid on the proprietors of Each pew of Two shilling & Six pence per week for the Yeare insuing and that every person putt his Name or the Number of his pew on his Money to enable the Church Warden to give him due Credit.

Voted That Messrs Peter Kenwood Benja Fanueil & Thos Greene be a Comittee to wait on the Revd Mr Davenport and accquaint him of our vote and desire he would come to the Church. The Revd Mr Addington Davenport accordingly came with the said Comittee and accepted the Invitation and thereupon by the proprietors was presented and Inducted into this Church and invested in all the benefits and perquisits of the same and accordingly put into possession (wch is the maner of a donative Church. (vizt Clergymans vade mecum page 83 Vol: 1).

Voted a Copy of this vote and agreements be signed by the Church Wardens & delivered the Revd Mr Davenport.

The following is Copy of a paper proposed & signed in the Church.

Whereas The pews in Trinity Church are not all disposed of which should suport the charge of the same and the proprietors being about setting a Minister in said Church in order to suport the said Charge We the underwritten do promise to pay to the Church Wardens for the time being the severall sums affixed to our Names over and above the assessment laid on the Pews untill the remainder of the pews are disposed of or the Contribution arise Sufficent to suport the same.

dated May 8 1740

++

Wm Speakman £13:0:0 per anum

Wm Price £3: per an.

++

Thos Greene 8

+

Cord Cordis 2:0:0

++

Petr Kenwood 8

Henry Price 2:0:0

+

John Jones 6:10

Decd

Lawr Lutwyck 2:0:0

promise 60/

+

Jno Arbuthnott 5:0:0

+

Frd Johonnott 5:0:0

James Griffen 5:0:0

+

Benja Greene 3:

++

Benja Fanueil 5:0:0

Per de Jersey 3:0:0

Peter Luce 2:10

++

Wm Coffin 10:0:0

+

Jona Simpson 7:0:0

Decd

Rob Thomlinson 6:10:

Hen Laughton 5:0:0

+

Shep Apthorp 5:00

++

Rufus Greene 6:10:

+

Geor Tilley

++

Johnson Jackson 3

March 30, 1741

+

Bel. Bayard

3.

March the 30th 1741: The persons above who have this Mark + promise to continue their Subscribtion the Year Insuing make £90

April 19 1742 those marked ++ promise to continue annother yeare about 80£

[At the meeting of the Trustees of Trinity Church at Mr. Luke Vardy’s tavern May 8, 1740 Mr. John Indicott’s bill for the completion of the church edifice was accepted and other important business transacted. The account of this meeting together with other material on receipts and accounts found in Vol. 1 TR and Vol. 2 TR is given in Appendix A.]

1740

July 4th At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church on Friday July 4 at Mr. Luke Verdys Present

  • Will Speakman & Joseph Dowse/ Wardens
  • Messrs Thos Child
  • Thos Greene
  • Rufus Greene
  • Peter Kenwood
  • Benja Fanueil
  • Jona Simpson
  • Thos Aston
  • Will Coffin

Voted that the Church Wardens receive from Jno Hamock the Pew No 35 offered to them paying him 55£ & That Geor Tilley have the same for said Sum of £55.

No 35

That they allso receive from Wm Hazlup the Pew No 40 offered to them and that Willm Speakman have the same paying sd Hazlup £55.

No 40

That Henry Laughtons Pew No 42 be received (as offered) & Thos Aston have the Same for 55£ to satisfaction of sd Laughton.

No 42

That William Coffin have the Pew No 8 for £55, to be discounted.

No 8

That Henry Standbridge have Pew No 82 for £55, to be discounted.

No 82

That Peter Pelham have the Pew No 88 for £50 (having a post) to be discounted with Thos Phillips Esq.

No 88

That Mrs Anna Wroe have the Pew No 9 for 55£.

No 9

That Will Huntstable have the Pew No 84 for £50 (having a Post). if Memo sd H. had not that pew Rol paying for it.

No 84

That Mr Jas Bouteneau will have the Pew No 51 he may for 70£ notwithstanding the Vote of the Trustees that it be not sold under 75£ (other Book following 54).

No 51

That John Crosby have the Pew No 16 for £55 the present year Salary (as Clerk) be allowed towards payment the remainder to be paid at Easter next

No 16

That we retturn our Thanks to Peter Fanuiel Esq for his Generous offer of £100 towards an Organ. Also to Mr. Petr. Baynton of Philadelphia for his 50£ towards the same.

That if any person or Persons will give or Lend Money or Effects to build the Gallerys the Church Wardens may undertake it in such manner as the Vestry shall direct.

That we meet too morow on the Church land in order to direct the building of a fence.

July 4 1740 The Church Wardens signed Titles of pews agreeable to the above. Vote: for Geor Tilley: for Wm Speakman: for: Thos Aston: for Will Coffin: for Henry Stanbridge: for Anna Wroe all this Date. That for Peter Pelham being dated March 3d past.

Jas Bouteneau title dated July 23d and discounted the said Sum of 70£ with Thos Child who is a Creditor on the Church Books.

Capt John Thomlinson

Boston Jan 18 1740

Sr: Your several letters to the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church came safe to hand and they are very much oblidged to you for your Indeavours and kind expressions for their service in soliciting the Society and I am ordered in their Name to retturn their hearty thanks and allso to begg your continuance to sollicitt in their behalf. We where oblidged to leave the church unfinished in order to support a minister hopeing as soon as the Societys circumstances would permitt we should experience their Bounty and then be enabled to pay of our Debts & finish the Church. Pray be so good as to keep us on your thoughts.

I subscribe in behalf of said Church Sr Your most Humble Serv

Jos Dowse one of the Wardens

Mr Thos Sandford

Boston Janu 18 1740

Sr Your letter to the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church came to their hands. They are much pleased to hear that his Lordship of London consents to & likes their choice of the Revd Mr Davenport. They are allso much oblidged to you for your kind expresions of doing all the service you can to Trinity Ch & I hereby in their Name retturn you their hearty thanks & earnstly intreat your continuance to sollicitt for them to the Honble Society for propogating of the Gospell. The charge of Finishing & supporting the Church & Minister &c is more then our present Infant circumstances can comply with so are oblidged to remaine unfinished, but could we be so happy as to gett a small assistance as we petioned & for a few years we should be able to do very well. Doubt not youl use your best indeavours for us. I subscribe in behalf of Trinity Church Sr Your

per Cap Richards

Most Humble Servt

Jos Dowse Ch. Warden

Majr John Murray

Boston Jan 81740

Sr Your generious Benefaction to Trinity Church in this Town was payd into my hands per Mr Jno Jones sometime ago amounting to 47:1.9d and I am ordered by the Vestry of said Church to retturn their hearty Thanks for the Same and to express their ardent wishes for you and your family’s prosperity hopeing the Smiles of Heaven will attend your undertakings. I Subscribe in the behalf of sd Church and allso for my Self.

Sir Your most Obed most Humble Servant

Jos Dowse one of the Wardens of T:C.

February 7th 1740 Aplication being made to the Revd Ministers by the Justices Selectmen & Overseers of the Poor of this Town that in the present Disstresing time a Collection for the poor thro the Town was proposed. The Revd Mr Davenport communicated the same to the Wardens who toke the oppinion of the Vestry the designe of the Collection being for the poor of the Town in Generall the same was to be put into the hands of the Overseers of the Poor of the Town. The Vestry of this Church redily came into a Complyance with the Motion: which being notified to the Minister the Ministers of the three Churches mett & with the Wardens agreed on the following paper to be Read at the Church’s tomorrow Morning. Whereas the Justices Selectmen & Overseers of the Poor from other knowledge of the great wants and distress of the Town in this Severe Season have proposed a Collection to be made for the Releif of the poor & Needy which being concidered by the Ministers Church Wardens & Vestry they have agreed to recommend the same. Its therefore earnesly desired that this Congregation will come prepared this afternoon for such a Contribution which Doubtless will be a Sacrifice acceptable & well pleasing to God. The money collected is to be put into the hands of the Overseers of Poor for the Releif of the poor in Generall.

1740

Feb 8 This Day agreeable to the Notification on the other side a Collection of One Hundred Thirty three pound 3/2d was made in Trinity Church & payd into the Overseers of the Poor.

Easter Sunday March 29 1741 The following paper per order of the Church Wardens was read by the Clerk. The Proprietors of the Pews in this Church are hereby Warned to meet here to Morrow Morning at ten a Clock. That after devine Service ended thay choose the Officers, lay proper Assesment, on the pews, and do what is Needfull for the Church for the Yeare Insuing.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Anual Meeting of the Proprietors on Monday in Easter Week March 30 1741 the following officers was chosen according to the Constitution of the Church by written votes for the yeare insuing.

1741

March 30

for Church Wardens: Joseph Dowse & Peter Kenwood

for Vestry Men: 12: five of which at least be a Vestry.

  • viz. Messers.

  • Willm. Speakman
  • Thos. Greene

  • Vestry Men
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Benja. Faneuil
  • Peter Luce
  • Will. Coffin
  • Vestry Men
  • Thos. Child
  • Rufus Greene
  • Henry Laughton
  • Jona. Simpson Jr.
  • Thos. Aston
  • James Bouteneau

for a Clerk John Crosby his Salary to be 10/ Ten shillings a Week. The Minister aproved.

for Sexton John Oucker his Salary to be 10/ a Week Ten shillings.

The Exchange from Sterling by which the Minister is to be payd the Yeare Insuing to be reckoned Ten pounds Ten shillings per week this Currancy Equal to 446 per [?].

April the 5th the proprietors Mett and Voted that a Tax of Two shillings & Sixpence a Week be Assessd & layd on the proprietors for Each pew for the Yeare Insuing and evry proprietor put his Name or the Number of his pew with his Money. 2/6 a week

[Vol. 2 TR]

1741

Mar: 31st At a Vestry Meeting at the Church March 31st 1741

present Jos Dowse Petr Kenwood Ch Wardns

  • Messrs Wm Coffin
  • Henry Laughton
  • Rufs Greene
  • Thos Greene
  • Thos Aston
  • Jona Simpson
  • Jas Bouteneau

the Church Warden reported that the two pews wch bellong to the Estate of Lenoard Vassall Esq deed where both defficient in the Taxes the Whole yeare past that he had waited on Sam Sewall Esq the Executr to sd Estate who told him he would not pay the Tax but desired the said pews might be sold & the Church pay themselves & deliver him the Remdr upon which Report the Vestry voted that they would receive said pews and one of them should be sold directly fifty pounds of the money be pd sd Sam Sewal Exec as aforesd the other the Wardens were desired to ask of Majr Vassall Sons if either would incline to buy sd pew & make report to the Vestry.

Voted that Mr Thos Perkins have the aforesd pew reed from Majr Vassall Estate vizt Number Ninty & Six for the Sum of Seventy pounds. Accordingly the same day made out a Title & reed the Money & payd said Saml Sewal Esq Executor as aforesd Fifty pound & as the title given Majr Vassall was not to be found sd Saml Sewall gave a discharge for sd Vassall’s heirs for 50£.

No 96

April 5th. The Proprietors Mett (by ordr of the Ch Wardens) and Voted that a Tax of Two shillings & Six pence a Week be Assesed & layd on the Proprietors for each pew for the yeare insuing and that evry person be oblidged to put his Name or the Number of his pew with his Money to enable the Ch: Warden to give him due Credit.

April

28      At a Meeting of the Vestry at the Vestry Room April 28 1741

Present Joseph Dowse & Petr Kenwood Ch: Wardens

  • Messrs
  • Vestry
  • Men

  • Thos Child
  • Thos Greene

  • Vestry Men
  • James Bouteneau
  • Thos Aston
  • Rufs Greene
  • Benja Fanueil

The Church Warden report that agreeable to a vote of March 31 he had waited on Mr. Lewise Vassall who absolutly refused to buy the pew No 95. He then asked Mr Willm Vassall who was willing & desired he might have sold him said Pew No 95. Accordingly the Vestry Voted that Mr William Vassall have sold to him the Pew Number Ninty & five for the same Sum his Father gave for it viz Fifty pounds on the Concideration of his being the Son of Leonard Vassall Esq & that the Executrs of said Leonard Vassall Esq be paid said Sum of Fifty pounds. They giving a discharge. The deficiency for last Years Contribution to be deducted therefrom.

No 95

Title given April 14 1742

Voted That the Pew No 37 be recd of Captain Jno Hamock (as offered) & he be payd the Sum he gave for the same viz fifty & five pounds.

Voted that the sd Pew No 37 be sold to Mr Joseph Gerrish for the Sum of Sixty pounds.

No 37

Voted That the Pew No 15 be recd of Mr Petr Luce (as offered) & he be pd Fifty pounds for the same the price he gave.

Voted Mr Anthony Davise have sold him the sd Pew No 15 for Fifty and five pounds.

No 15 title

Voted That the Pew No 17 be sold Mrs Eliza Monk for the Sum of Fifty & five pounds.

No 17 title

Voted that the Pew No 81 be sold Mrs Ann Foot for the sum of Fifty & five pounds.

No 81 title

Voted that the Pew No 100 be sold Mrs Marshall for the Sum of Fifty pounds.

No 100

Voted That The Pew No 34 be sold Mr Fredrick Hamilton for fifty pounds when he pays the same. Memordm: he did not pay & so the same was after sold to another.

The Wardens acquaintd the Vestry that Jno Gerratt is deficient the whole year past for the Tax on his pew No 7 or that he hath neglected to put his Name with his money tho often put in mind to do it & that said Gerratt told him he would not submitt so to do. Therefore Voted That unless he emediatly comply with the rules of the Church & put his Name or the Number of his Pew with his money the said Pew be sold & he be payd back £50. This vote to be a precedent.

April 29. Mrs Gerratt wife to the abovesaid John Gerratt brought the Title she had for the sd Pew Number Seven and Joseph Dowse payd her Fifty pounds being the mony she gave for the same.

Memorandum Made out & signed Title (by the Ch: Wardens) September 7th 1741 for pew No 17 to Mrs Monk No 37 to Mr Gerrish No 81 to Mrs Lacrosse [crossed out] No 100 to Mr Marshall as voted above in this page.

Memo: Mr W. Vassalls title not given till April 14 1742 not haveing a discharge from Major Vassalls Executor till the 13th.

At a Meeting of the Vestry at the Church Aug 13 1741.

present Joseph Dowse Ch Warden

  • Messrs John Arbuthnott
  • Rufus Greene
  • Henry Laughton
  • Jonth Simpson
  • Thos Greene
  • Jas Bouteneau
  • Thos Aston
  • Wm Coffin

Voted that the pews in the Gallerys be sold at the following price via Number: 102 & 129 at 30£ each. No 103 104 105 & 126 127 128 be at 35£ each. Number 106 107 & 124 125 be at 37:10/ each & Number 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 & 117 118 119 121 122 123 be at 40£ each & Number 115 116 be at 50£ each & Number 130 & 131 be at 50£ each as marked in the plan, pased Unanimous

2 @ 30

6 @ 35

4 @ 37.10

14 @ 40£

4 @ 50£

30 £1180

Voted that Thos Stevens have leave to Erect at his own charge a pew at the East Corner of the Church at the end of the back sects in the Gallery he enjoying the same during pleasure & paying such assessment or Tax as shall be yearly laid on the same, pasd Unanimous

Voted that John Hooker have leave to Erect a Seat on the North Corner in the Gallery on the same condittion that Stevens have in the foregoing Vote, pasd Unanimous.

Voted that Cap Thos Child have sold to him the pew Number 14 for the Sum of Fifty pounds and he have leave to remove the end partition between that & his other pew Number 45 to the pillar which is in sd pew No. 14.

No 14

Negative only J Arbuthnott Th Greene [This vote is crossed out]

Voted That the Church Wardens be desired to accompany the Minister to Congratulate the New Governour William Sherley Esq (in the Name of this Church) when he is Governour.

Boston Oct 6 1741

Mr Thos Sandford

Sr: The Wardens of Trinity Church in behalf of sd Ch wrote you Jan 8th last retturning you their hearty thanks for your good offices for them and we now take this oppertunity (by the bearer who is a Member with us of sd Ch) to repeate the same.

His Excelcy our Govr who is by his Majty royal favour advanced to the sheaf seat of Government here, to the great pleasure of all of the Ch: of Engld, & we doubt not will tend to its prosperity, he has pleased to say he would write for a Sett of plate & other furniture of a Chappel the usual Bounty of his Majesty to his Governours which when obtained he designed for the use of Trinity Church which afair he committs to the care of Mr Christr Kelby to Sollicitt with the Duke of Grafton the Ld Chamberln of the Houshd. He would presume to ask of you your assistance in this afair. The Charge arrising from this affair Mr Simpson will furnish in our Behalf. We have only to add at present our hearty Wishes for your health & prosperity and are on behalf of Trinity Church Sr Yr most Obed Most Huml Servants

Jos Dowse

CW

P Kenwood

The same Date & the same Tennor

wrote to Capta John Thomlinson.

Boston Octr 7 1741

Mr Jona Simpson

Sr: You being bound to London we take the liberty to trouble you in behalf of Trinity Church the Intrest of which we know you have equaly at heart with us. You have with you letters from his Excelcy the Govr from the Revd Mr Davenport our Minister & from us relating to a Sett of plate & furniture for a Church which by his Excelcys Intrest we hope to obtain. We have taken the freedom to write Mr. Chrs Kelby who by his Exclys appointment has the conduct of this afair that you will furnish him with mony for the Charges which if you’l please to do we will take care shall be remitted speedily we hope per Capt Jones at which time we will furder write to you. We pray youl give your Assistance in this afair & put the Gentelman in mind to have the afair perfected. Mr. Sandford & Mr Thomlinson will allso give any needfull assistance. We desire you to assure both these Gentelmen of the gratefull sence our Church has of their good Offices and esteem ourselves highly oblidged to them. Their is annother affair we recommend to your trouble that is for figures for to put into the Neches of the Pulpit. You know we have long depended on Capta Surrey who undertooke to gett them & carried an exact Modell of the Neches but never heard a Word from him. It may be youl find where he left the Modell. If not Inclosed you have a pattern and its our desire youl get them made & sent per first oppertunity. We mentioned to Capta Surrey we supposed they might be gott for half a Gunea a peice. If we are Mistaken and the cost should be something more we would not begrudge a small Matter but at the same time would not be extravagant, You know our circumstances & so need say no more. We do with all our hearts give you our very best Wishes for your prosperity & safe retturn & are

Sr Yr sincere freinds & most Humb Servts

J Dowse

CW.

P Kenwood

Mr Christo Kelby

Boston October 8th 1741

Sr: His Excelcy the Govr just now acqtd us that he designed to give you the Trouble of Soliciting the Duke of Grafton as Lord Chamberlan of his Majtys Houshold for the usual present of plate & Linnen for the Communion Table, a Bible & prayr Books & Vestments allways granted from the Crown to the Govrs predecessors and His Excelcy intending them when obtained for the use of Trinity Church which at present being very much under our imediate care we earnestly desire that you would use your best Intrest & endeavours for the speedy procurring them which will ever be esteemed as a perticular favour by us and all our Brethren. And as we have the pleasure of hearing you had no small share in the greate but very agreeable Revolution that has lately happned amongst us we make no Doubt you will in this instance be very zealous that our present Govr as he deserves so that he shall want no mark of Royal favour which others have received. Mr. Simpson our Worthy Brother will redily expend what is needfull for this business and as they pass thro the hands of various officers who for the sake of the fees will be glad to dispatch it. We take the liberty to add that if you would condecend to take some litle knowledge of them the matter would be soone concluded. However we intirely submitt the whole to your prudent conduct as much better accqtd with these afairs then we can pretend to. We wish you all possible prosperity & are Sr

Your most Humbl Servts

A Davenport

Jos Dowse

Ch: Wardn

P Kenwood

Novr 3d 1741 At a Meeting of the Vestry at the Church.

present Jos Dowse Pr Kenwood Wardens.

  • Benj Fanuiel
  • Thos Greene
  • Thos Child
  • Thos Aston
  • Rufus Greene
  • James Bouteneau
  • Vestry Men.

Voted that the Pew No 62 be received of Mr John Merrett & he be payd for the same the sum of 55£ that the said Pew No 62 be sold to Mr John Vassall for the sum of Seventy pounds.

62

That the Pew No 18 be sold to Morris for the Sum of fifty pounds the same having a pillar in it.

Whereas Mr Thos Johnson junr has offered to lend his Organ to this Church untill they are otherwaise provided or he has an oppertunity to sell the same to his advantage

Voted That Mr Thos Johnson junr have leave to remove his Organ now in posesition of Mr Debloise at his own charge into the Church there to stand till further orders of the Church. Made out Title for Jno Vassall pew No 62 & delivered.

Boston Nov. 28 1741

To Mr Nicholas Weber at Exceter

Sr: The Revd Mr Gay wrote to Capta Kenwood adviseing him that you had Collected for the use of Trinity Church here Six Guneas which lay redy for his receiving upon advice of which Capta Kenwood advanced & payd the same to the Church. On which we (who have the present care of the said Church) take this oppertunity to express our hearty thanks to you & the other good Benefactors for this & former Bountys to our Infant Church in a part of the World where the Glorious Established Ch: of England is in so low esteem & pray youl take the Trouble to let our Thanks be made known to our Benefactors. May the rich Blessings of Almighty God rest upon you all both in this life & the next is the earnest desire of

per Cap Jones

Sr: Your most Humble Servt

A Davenport Ministr

J Dowse Pr Kenwood Ch.W.

Novr 28 1741

Mr Christr Kelby at London

Sr. The foregoing letter from the Minister & Wardens of Trinity Church was sent you by Mr Simpson who sailed abt 6 weeks ago in the Terible BombKetch who I hope is safe with you. But it[f] should it otherwaise by any Accedent his Excelency has promised to write you a Duplicate relating to the foregoing affair & I have by this same opportunity remitted to Mr Simpson a small Bill of Exchange to defrey the charge thereof which if Mr Simpson should not be arived I desire may be delivred to you for this afair & should it fall short of the Charge, Ill take care you be Honourably repayd. I supose its known at the offices what perticulars are accustomed to be delivred for in the foregoing letter we omitted to mentione amongst other things Pulpit Cushions Carpets & Covring. I subscribe in behalf of Trinity Ch: with much Esteem

per Captain Jones

Sr Your most Humb Servt

Jos Dowse

same date wrote Mr Jona Simpson inclosed a Bill of Excha drawn by Chas Apthorp on Silas Hooper for 16£ Sterling & wrote should Mr Simpson be absent Mr Kelby to have the Bill.

Decr 11 1741 Made out Titles for pew No 15 to Antho Davise

Ditto for No 19 to Capt John Croister

No 100 Received from Mrs Mary Marshall for the sum of £50:0:0

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church March 31 1742 at Mr

1742 March 31

Saml Wetherheads — present

  • Jos Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Petr Kenwood
  • Messrs John Arbuthnott
  • Thos Greene
  • Willm Coffin
  • Thos Aston & Rufus Greene.
  • Vestry Men

Voted That Messrs Indicott & More be allowed their Account of Eighty pounds for Work &c about the Gallerys over and above the 970£ at first contracted for.

Voted That whereas the Treasurer of the Episcopall Charitable Society has in possesition the title of the pew No 66 sold to Mr Edwd Carter wch title he has tendred to the Wardens according to the Rules (allso said Carter has & is deficent in his Contribution more than a Yeare)

Now Voted that assoon as any person apears to the aprobation of the Wardens to purchase said Pew they sell it for 65£ pay the said Treasurer £55 first deducting the Tax due on the same.

Voted that pew No 43 be received from the Executors or Adminrs of Robt Thomlinson decd & he be pd £55 for the same & that sd pew No 43 be sold to Mr Robt Oliver upon his paying 62:10/ for the same. Memo: this pew is esteemed worth 70£ but as Mr Oliver purchased half thereof in Mr Thomlinson’s life time the Church take the Advantage but on one half.

43

Voted that the pew No 89 formerly the property of Cap Phillip Dumersq decd & by him assigned to Jos Gooch be received from sd Jos Gooch & he pd £55 for the same deducting Tax due & that the said Pew No 89 be sold to Nathaniel Dowse for the sum of £70:0:0. pd.

89

Voted that pew No 7 be sold Mrs Mary Marshall for £55:0:0.

Title 7

Voted that pew No 19 is sold Capt Jno Croister his title was dated Decr 11th past £55.

Title 19

Voted that pew No 33 be sold Mr John Hutchinson upon his paying £50:0:0 for the same.

33

Voted That pew No 101 be sold to Thos Powell upon his paying 35£ for the same it being small.

101

Voted That pew No 103 in the Gallery be sold to Mr John Burroughs on his paying £50:0: for the same.

103

Voted That pew No 104 be sold to Richd Colyar for the sum of £35.

104

Voted That pew No 105 be sold to Peace Cazneau upon paying for the same 35£.

105

Voted That pew No 107 be sold to Mr Gregory Hobbs for £37:10/.

107

Voted That pew No 108 be sold to Nathan Brown for £37:10s.

108

That pew No 109 be sold to Capt Lewis Turner paying £40:0.

Title 109

That pew No 110 be sold to      Cutler on payg £40.

110

That pew No 112 be sold to Thos Wharton for £40.

Title 112

That pew No 117 being a Back Corner seat be sold to Thos Stevens he being at the whole charge of building the same & further paying for the property Ten pounds £10.

117

Is the Sexton during pleasure. No 118 as per sale Aug 13 1741.

118

That pew No 119 be sold to Mr Cross he paying £50 being large.

+119

That pew No 121 be sold to Caleb Jos Gray he paying £40.

121

That pew No 122 be sold to Capta John Snow he paying £40:0:0.

122

That pew No 123 be sold to Capta Andrew Mcneal for £40.

Title 123

That pew No 124 be sold ditto

124

That pew No 125 be sold to J Richardson he payg £40.

125

That pew No 3 bellow be sold to James Clark he payg £40.

No 3

That pew No 126 be sold to Wilfret Fisher he payg fourty pd £40.

126

That pew No 133 be sold to John Waghorne for £50:0:0.

Title 133

Voted That John Oucker the Sexton be allowed five pounds for his Extraordinary Service the yeare past while the Workmen have been about the Church.

Att this meeting it was agreed that all the Bonds due from this Church to the Episcopall Charitable Society which are to the amount of £765 should be changed & Brought to one date viz the first day of December past to which time the Intrest was payd up & New Bonds for said Sums should be given by the Church Wardns & Vestry asscertaining the Mony according to the Rules of that Society. Accordingly Bonds where Executed for sd Sum asscertained at 29/per oz of Silver. 3 Bonds viz one for 265 wch is 182 ounces 15 dw .06 gram Executd by Jos Dowse Pr Kenwood Rufs Greene & Jas Bouteneau.

Another Executed by Benja Fanuiel Will Coffin Henry Laughton & Thos Aston for 250£ that is 172 oz 8 dwt 6 gr Silver. And annother Executed by Wm Speakman Jno Arbuthnott Thos Child & Thos Greene for £250 that is for 172:8:6 gr Silver. All to Charles Apthorp who is Treasurer of the sd Society. Wholle Amt is 527oz 11:dw 18 gr Silver & the former Bonds all Cancelled.

April 13. Majr Saml Sewall Execr to the Estate of Lenoard Vassall Esq decd gave an order to the Wardens to Transfer the title of said Vassall pew to Mr Will Vassall wch should be a discharge from Lend. Vassalls Executor.

Att the Yearly Meeting of the proprietors of pews (duely Warned) Munday in Easter Week April 19 1742 where chosen for the Yeare insuieng

on April 19 Eastr Munday

Joseph Dowse and Peter Kenwood Church Wardens

Twelve Vestry men five of which to make a Vestry

  • vizt Messrs

  • Willm Speakman
  • Henry Laughton

  • John Arbuthnott
  • Thos Aston
  • Petr Luce
  • Will Coffin
  • Thos Child
  • Rufs Greene
  • Thos Greene
  • Jas Bouteneau
  • Benja Fanuiel
  • Jonth Simpson

John Crosby to be Clerk his Salary ten shilling a Week whome the Minister approved.

John Oucker to be Sexton his Sallary to be ten shillings a Week.

Voted The Minnister Sallary setled this Yeare at Ten pound Ten shilling per week being about 447 per exchange.

Voted The pews below stairs be Taxed at two shilling & Sixpence a Week those in the Gallery four being larger then the others @ 2/6 pence the others in the front at Two shilling per week & the Back corner ones at One shilling per week & That every person be oblidged to put his name or the Number of his pew with his money to enable the Warden to give due Credit.

Voted That the Wardens are Impowred to lease to Mr James Griffen a passage way of twelve foot wide in the No E. part of the Church land to his Barn. Agreeable to the Vote of the proprietors Jan 26 1738 as Recorded Church Book folio 52 the power to lease the same being then given to the Trustees who omitted to do the same.

Memo he is to fence it & pay 2 oz Silvr per anm for 21 years fr Nov 7 1738. Memo May 4 setled acco with Indicott & More and allowed them for Extraordinary Work on the Gallery &c (having done more then first agreement.) 87:0:0: which makes a Ballance will be due them 40:2/9 when they have finished their being much to do viz 2 pillars undr organ loft, Making & fixing All the Capito[ls] & lining the floor at the stair head, and if required a freize pannell on the top of the Gallery wholle length as first agreed, present at Setling Jos Dowse Pr Kenwood, Wm Price Th Greene Rufs Greene.

[Vol. 1 TR]

1742 August 20 K. George 2d gift to Gov. Shirley.

His Excelency Gov. Shirley delivred to the Wardens for the use of this Church the Bounty he had procured of his Majesty King George the 2d this church paying the fees &c. at the Several Offices which has accordingly been done. The present consists of:

  • Two flagons

  • cont. 181 oz 18 cwt of White Silver ingraved the King’s Arms on it
  • a Chalice, a patteen
  • a Cup, & a Receiver
  • 2 pieces Table Dyaper about 20 yds.
  • 2 Surplices
  • a large Royall Bible
  • 2 Royall Common Prayer Books
  • 12 folio Common Prayer Books
  • a Table Carpett, an Altar Cloth, a pulpit Cloath
  • a pulpit Cushion, 2 Desk Cushons—all of Crimson Damask

Whereas the Cushons for the Desk where too small & the Carpett over large tooke out a Breadth of the Carpett made a proper Cushone for Reading Desk & placed the two small Cushons in the Governours Seat. The Church caused to be inscribed on the plate thus Procured of his Majesty King George 2d by his Excellency Governor Shirley 1742 & the Vestry Voted August 27 that a pew be prepared to accomodate his Excellency when he pleaseth to come to this Church and sent him Three follo. Common Prayer Books he saying he would se them retturned Here followeth a copy of an Instrument given to Gov. Shirley by the Wardens upon receipt of the above.

Inscription

Gov Pew

No 70

Boston August 20, 1742

Whereas we have this day received of his Excellency Willm. Shirley Esq. Governor of his Majesty Provence of the Massachusetts Bay in New England One hundred eighty & one ounces Eighteen peny weight of white plate for the use of Trinity Church in Boston being two flagons one Chalice a Patten a Cup & a Receiver which where delivered to his Excellency Wm. Shirley by the Right Honorable William Lord Abergaveny Master & Treasurer of his Majesty Jewells & Plate & his said Excellcy. hath Covenanted to return the same to the said Lord Abergaveny or his Assignes when he or they shall require the same Now we the Subscribers for our Selves our Heirs Executors & Administrators in the Office of Wardens of Trinity Church aforesaid promise & Covenant to and with the said Willm. Shirley his heirs Executors & Administrators to deliver the plate aforesaid to his said Excelency his Heirs Executors or Administrators on their order when the same shall be required of him or them as is before Mentioned.

Joseph Dowse (seal)      Peter Kenwood (seal)

Witness Addington Davenport to JD

Eliz Whillmott to both

William Shirley junr. to PK

[Vol. 2 TR]

Att a Meeting of the Vestry at the Church August 27 1742. Present Joseph Dowse & Pr Kenwood, Wardens

Augt 27 1742

  • Messrs Benja Fanuiel
  • Rufus Greene

  • Vestry Men
  • Thos Aston
  • James Bouteneau
  • Thos Greene
  • Jonth Simpson

The Wardens reportd that his Excelency Govr Shirley had delivred to them for the use of this Church a Sett of plate & furniture he recd from his Majty K George 2d

viz Plate 2 flaggons a Chalice a patten & a reiceiver

of Linnen 2 pieces, abt 20 yds Tabling Dyaper & 2 Surplices

of Books a large & Royall Bibble 2 Royall Common prayer Books & 12 follo Common prayer Books an Altar Cloath a Table Carpett pulpit Cloath pulpitt Cushon 2 Desk Cushons of Crimson Damask.

Voted that the Wardens retturn the thanks of this Vestry to his Excelcy for his procuring the aforesaid from his Majty.

Voted that a pew be fitted up for his Excelcys accomodation when he pleases to come to this Church that the two pews No 69 & No 70 be made into two square pews one for to accomodate his Excelcy the other for the Wardens. Voted that Danl Rea have the pew No 100 for £55:0.

69

70

100

[For a list of benefactors of Trinity Church, subscribers for the duty and other charges on the plate, and an estimate for the bells for Trinity Church see Appendix A.]

September 20 1742 sent home the Surplice we had borrowed of the Kings Chapell.

Lent his Excelency Govr Shirley three follio Common prayer Books for his own use at the Chapell he saying he would be accountable for the same. Retturned to Christ Church The things we had borrowed of them viz Two Velvet Cushons & covers 2 follio prayer Books a Bible 2 Dyaper Table Cloaths 2 Napkins borrowd October 1737 per receipt recorded foll 42. Church Book.

Which Receipt not being to be found Mr Robert Jenkins Warden of sd Church gave a Receipt for aforesaid articles.

Att a Meeting of the Vestry in Vestry room Nov 22d 1742 present Joseph Dowse Pr Kenwood—Wardens.

1742

Thos Aston Thos Greene James Bouteneau Rufs Greene Benja Fanuiel

The Wardens accquainted the Vestry that Mr Jona Simpson informed them that when he left London Captain John Thomlinson of London said to him that if the Vestry of this Church thought proper to improve him again to ask on their behalf assistance from the Society for Propa the Gospell in foreign parts he beleived he could now obtain it agreeable to wch offer said Mr Thomlinson had allso wrote Mr Benja Fanuiel upon the concideration of which it was Voted that the following petition to the Society be transmited to Mr Thomlinson & that the Wardens write in behalf of themselves & Vestry unto sd Mr Jno Thomlinson & Mr Thos Sandford to desire their good offices in said afair.

Voted that pew No 40 be received from Mr Will Speakman as given up the 20 of last Month for £55 & that sd Pew No 40 be the Property of Petr Fanuiel Esq agreeable to title given by the Wardens the 20 of Octobr last for £70. Voted that the pew No 66 formerly Edwd Carter be now No 66 the property of Will Speakman for £55 the sum he sold the other pew for No 40 which he sold or exchanged to accomodate the sd Mr Fanuiel by desire of the Church.

No 40

No 66.

Memo afterward Mr Speakman Chose No 11 instead of

Copy of the Letters & Petition mentioned in above Vote.

Boston Novr 22 1742

Mr Thos Sandford

Sr: You have by several letters to the Ch Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Ch in this Town given incouragement to ask your assistance in any thing that laid in your power. Perticularly in one of your letters you say you have entered into the Society for Propa the Gospell in forn pts on designe to serve the Churches in these parts agreeable to which incouragement the Wardens & Vestry of said Tr Church have appointed me to write yo in their behalf desireing you would be so kind as to assist in getting their petition (they now again repeat to the Venerable Society) answered. It is inclosed to Captain Jno Thomlinson with whome we beg youl please to consult. We only ask (now as we did formerly) for a small matter & for a few years in order that we may be enabled to go thro our designes to finish this Church. The setling the Revd Mr Davenport for our Minr as we wrote you formerly has been a greate service & could we obtain this to enable us to keep our agreement with him and allso to finish our building it would be a great Credit to the Episcopal Cause in these parts. Your Complying with this request will greatly oblidge them on whose behalf as well as my own I subscribe

Sr:Yr M Obd Hum Servt

Joseph Dowse Ch W

[We] did not presume to mention any sum to the Society but could we obtain 20 or 25£ per anm. it would answr our expectation.

Boston Novr 22 1742

Mr John Thomlinson

Sr: You have been several times troubled by the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church in this Town to appeare & act on their behalf with the Society for Propa the Gospell to sollicitt from them some assistance to which you have generously answered that you would use your endeavours for them and you informed that the request was so reasonable that you did not doubt it would be answered when the Society was in Circumstances. This answer togather with the incouragment given to Mr J Simpson & to Mr Fanuiel for us to renew our aplication occasions this which now covers a petition to that Venerable Society repeating our request for a Small aid and for a few years. We do not presume to direct to them any certain Sum but if it could be obtained 20 or 25£ per anm. would answer our Expectation. We are a young Church burdned with considerable charge & such a help would enable us to gett thro in a few years. We need not mentione to you (who have been in this Country) how pleasing to many it would be to see us stick by the way & not gett thro with our designe to finish and adorne this Church. We are happyly povided with a very sutable Minister and a great prospect under his conduct to make considerable Accestions from the Deserters. We pray your continuance in seeking our Welfare and perticularly in forwarding this petition which will greatly oblidge that Church in whose behalf and by desire of the Vestry of the same I subscribe for them as well as for my self.

Sr Your most Obd H. S. Jos Dowse

CW

Boston Novr 20 1742

To the Revd Doctor Bearcroft

Secretary to the Society for Propa the Gospell in foreign parts

Revd Sr: We have by petition frequently applyed to the Honble the Society for Propa the Gospell in foreign parts That they would be pleased to lend some small aid to Trinity Church in this Town towards maintaining their Minister that they might be enabled to go on to finish & adorne the Church aggreeable to their first intentione. That all addresses of this kind had hetherto proved inefectual the Society have been pleased to declare must be imputed to their Inability.

When this obstruction is removed as we hope it now may be we would again Humbly remind the Society of our Circumstances (which our former petitions have more fully sett forth) nothing doubting but upon consideration of them they will affoard us some litle releife for a few years at least that so we may perfect our designes with relation to this Church for wch we have already Expended and are now indebted large sums which require constant Intrest; Besides the Anual charge of 100£ Sterling to the Revd Mr Davenport our Minister which we have payd for two years past & ’tho we have the pleasure to accqt the Society that the increase of our Church hath equaled if not Exceeded our Expectations yet our load of Debt hath been but litle eased thereby & our only prospect of a tottall deliverance must be from the Goodness of that Society which under God is the life of the Episcopall Church in these provinces. To this Common Sanctuary we now apply & the least will be gratefully accepted by the Society & Revd Sr

Your Most Obd Humb Servts

Jos Dowse

Ch Wardens

Pr Kenwood

  • Vestry

  • Benj Faneuil
  • Ru Greene

  • Vestry
  • Thos Aston
  • J Bouteneau
  • Th Greene

Att a Meeting of the Vestry (duely warned) at Mr Samuel Wetherheads

January 14 1742 present

1742

Jan 14

  • Both the Ch Wardens
  • Messrs Henry Laughton
  • Jonth Simpson
  • Thos Aston
  • Thos Greene
  • Jas Bouteneau

The Wardens report that they have a very conciderable Subscription made by a Number of Gentelmen for an Organ for this Church which Subscribers are desirious that the Church would receive & forward the same in the manner they shall see fit.

Its therefore Voted that the Church Wardens togather with Mr Jas Bouteneau & Mr Jonth Simpson be a Committee to Negotiate the same and it is the desire of this Vestry that John Thomlinson Esqr be employed in London to gett the same purchased & sent in such manner and according to such directions as the Commitee aforesd shall direct to whom this afair is now left.

[For the Organ Builder’s description of the organ and the accounts relating to the organ see Appendix A.]

The said Comittee wrote the following letter per Captain Phillips.

Boston Jan 26 1742

To John Thomlinson Esq

Sr: A number of Gentlemn who have been so liberall as to make a Subscriptn towards an Organ for Trinity Ch in this Town have desired the Vestry to receive & forward the same Which Vestry have appointed us to undertake it in their behalf aggreeable thereto & by this desire we now beg the favour of you to transact this bisiness for us and that as soon as conveiniently may be youl please to procure for us as good an Organ as can be purchased for Three hundred pounds Sterling (which sum is the most we can attain too unless we should have the good fortune to find some kind Bennefactors in England) the same to be compleately finnished and fitting for such a Church wch is of the following dementions vizt 90 feet in length 60 in width 28 feet high in the Stud besides an Arch 10 feet high & 28 broad which makes the wholle hight from the floor to the top of the Arch 38 feet. The Organ Gallery is 12 feet from the floor & from the Gallery floor to the top of the Arch is 25 feet. The front of the Organ Gallery is 15 feet & 12 foot deep. This is mentioned to regulate the Size. As to Quality we desire it to be as good as our money will possibly purchase especialy all things need full in Ch: Musick with the Swell & Echo. As to the Case & Ornaments that we are contented be neet & frugall that so the Inside may affoard to be so much the better. The fashione let be according to what is most Modern & your own Judgment in which we put an intire confidence. We would add our desire that you have leave to have the same approved by good Judges before you are oblidged to receive because at this distance we can’t be able to correct any Error or help our Selves. Dr Berkley (now Bp of Cloyne) presented the Ch in Rhode Island an Organ which has mett with great approbation. We are informed he gave 300£ Sterling for it. If it be so we are fully assured you who we know to be so much better accqt with Tradesmen & making purchases (then he can be supposed to be) can have as good a penny worth as any person & that we & all concerned in this shall find our Expectations fully answered. We pray it may [be] dispatched with all conveinient speed & by the first opportunity Shiped here the Value Insured & that youl please to cause such proper directions to come with it as may make it as plain & Easy to put up as may be we would desire it to be so finnished as to have nothing to do to it when it comes but to put it up.

We shall be as Quick as may be in making remittance to pay for this & Charges. If we should delay any part longer than you are oblidged to pay we will willingly allow Intrest but we beleive shall not be backward. We are promised £190 of Mr Bastido the Engoner at Annapolis wch by first oppty we will remitt, & Mr Apthorp has given some incouragment to supply us with Bills if he should draw upon the wholle. You may depend on us for payment as we do on your Judgement & care of this Affair & are with much Respect Sr Yor Most Humbl Servt

Jos Dowse

Js Bouteneau

Pr Kenwood

Jonth Simpson

Boston Jan 26 1742 Wrote a letter to Collonel Jno Vassall hopeing for his Assistance to Mr Thomlinson towards the Organ & puting him in mind that he was a Subscriber & desired he would please to pay Mr Thomlinson the same. Sent Mr Thomlinson a Copy of the Directions that came with the Rd Island Organ the maker of which we heard was Mr Bridge or Mr Robinson.

April 6 1743 Inclosed to Jno Thomlinson Esq Mr J H Bastido Exchange of 4 [?] 1 [?] for 150£ Ster on the Rt. Honorable and Honorable Principall officers of his Majty Board of Ordnance Tower Londo payable to Jos Dowse 30 days sight & Indorsed to J Thoomlinson towards the Organ.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Yearly Meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews on Easter Monday April 4th 1743. The following offecers where chosen for the Insuing Yeare aggreable to the Rules of the Church viz. Joseph Dowse—Peter Kenwood—Church Wardens. Twelve Vestry Men five of which at least to make a Vestry viz.

1743

Easter

Monday

  • Messrs.

  • Willm. Speakman

  • Henry Laughton
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Thos. Greene
  • Thos. Child
  • Will. Coffin
  • Peter Luce
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benj. Faneuil
  • James Bouteneau
  • Thos. Aston
  • Jonath. Simpson

John Crosby Clerk & his Salary Ten shilling per week.

John Oucker Sexton his Salary Twelve shilling per week & his pew Tax.

Voted that the pews be Taxed, the same price as last yeare. That the Exchange be setled for paying the Minister the same as last Yeare viz. £10.10/ per week. NB The Minister approved the choice of the Clerk.

[Vol. 2 TR]

To The Revd Doer Philip Bearecraft

Secrty to the Society for Propagation of the Gospell in foreign parts.

Charter House Londo

A Letter of Acknowledgt from the Ward & Vestry to the Society for Propa the Gospell &c for a Benefaction in answr to their petition

Revd Sr:

Boston July 4th 1743

Your Letter of Apr 23d brought us the agreeable News of the Societys generous benefaction to our Church here, a favour that challanges our grate full acknowledgements. The only return we are capable of making for the kind Instance of their regard to our well meant Endeavour for promoting the Service of God Which we Humbly beg they would now please to accept of. And we take leave to assure the Society that their Donation shall be religiously applyd to the good use for which it was granted by

Revd Sr The Societys & Your

Most Oblid. Humb Servts

J D

Vestry

P K

P.S. The Ch Wardens have this day agreable to your Directions Drawn on the Treasurer for their sd Donation of 50£.

  • Benja Faneuil
  • Thos Aston
  • Thos Greene

  • Rufus Greene
  • Jas Bouteneau
  • Vestry

Copy of the Bill

Boston July 4 1743

1st Excha for 50£ Ster

Sr: Thirty days after sight of this our first per Exchange our seccond of same Tenor & date not payd please to pay or cause to be payd to John Thomlinson Esq or his ordr Fifty pounds Sterling & charge the same as per Advice of this date from

Sr Your most Obd most Hum Servs

J D

Wardn of

P K

Tr Ch Boston

To Thos Tryon Esq Treasr to the Society for Propa the Gospell in foreign parts

Crutched Fryar’s London

Letter of advice to sd Thos Tryon Esq      same day

Sr: By a letter from the Revd Doctor Bearcraft dated April 23 last from the Charter House London to the Church Wardens & Vestry of Trty Church in Boston they are directed to draw on you for 50£ Sterling towards the finnishing sd Church it being the Society’s bounty for the same.

Agreable therto we have this day draun in favour of John Thomlinson Esq wch doubt not will be complyd with we are for our Selves & the Vestry of sd Church

Sr Your &c

J D

Wdn

P K

To John Thomlinson Esq

Boston July 6 1743

Sr: Yr agreable favrs of Mar 28 past to the Comtte of Trinity Church came to hand per Capta Darling & Capta Foster & was ackordingly communicated. They are very much oblidged to you for your care & success in their behalf with the Society in obtaining for them the donation you mention which was confirmed by a letter from the Secrety by the same opportunity giving directions to draw on their Treasurer for 50£ which now is done payable to you on 30 day sight which please to present & receive. You have allso inclossd a letter of acknowledgement to the Secrty & a letter of advice to the Treasr both of wch pray your care of. Your proceeding relating to the organ is likewise very Satisfactory & hope shall soon see it & doubt not in the least but it will be well pleasing. What you mention about an Organist can’t at present be perticularly answered. There is a person here said to be well skilled in Musick that offers and perhaps when an Organ comes he may be Satisfactory but as this is uncertain you would further much oblidge the Church if youl please to informe the easyest Terms they could be supplyd with a proper person frm London. The Bill of 150£ on the Board of Ordnance its hoped will meet with due Honr. Allso Mr Vassall 20£. This of 50£ now drawn you are desired to make use of the which shall be accounted for here and bestowed according to the designe of the Worthy Society. What you intimate relating to Scituate & Warwick we have caused to be made known. The former have with the Charitable Asistance of our Worthy Minnister pursued the Societys directions and it will be a great pleasure to the lovers of the Ch of Engd here if they succede and get the renewal of the Societys favours.

With great respect in behalf of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church I am Sr Yr &c

J Dowse

Att a Meeting of the Vestry at Cap Petr Kenwoods House Decr 10 1743 present Jos Dowse & Pr Kenwood Wardens

1743

Decr 10

  • Messrs Jno Arbuthnott
  • James Bouteneau
  • Thos Aston
  • Jonth Simpson
  • Heny Laughton

Voted That the pews No 32 & 33 being long pews be altered to two Square pews & that the same be sold unto vizt.

That Pew No 32 Be sold Mr Jno Merrett

32

Ditto No 33 be sold Gillm Phillips Esq for the Sum of £70.

T. 33

Voted that pew No 21 be sold John Savell for 55£ to discount with Pr Luce

T. 21

that Do No 49 (next the Reading Desk) be sold Jno Ranchon for £40

T.49

that Do No 116 be sold Jonth Simpson for £50:0:0 being a large Gallery pew

T 116

That Do No 120 be sold John Durdsen for 40£

T 120

that Do No 133 wch was recd from Jno Waghorne be sold to Philip Mortimore for £50:0:0 the same pd Waghorne

T 133

that Do No 82 recd from Henry Standbridge be sold Jno Roe he havg pd sd Standbridge

T 82

Titles for No 33 49 82 116 Made Jan 10 after 21 120 & 133 made before

A Meeting of the Vestry in the Vestry Room on the 21 of March 1743 present

1743

March

  • Both the Wardens
  • Messrs Thos Aston
  • Rufs Greene
  • Heny Laughton
  • Jonth Simpson
  • Thos Greene
  • Js Bouteneau
  • Wm Coffin

Voted That the pew No 11 formerly Voted to Mr Samuel Banister during his life upon condition he improvd & payd the assessment of the same, as per Church Book foil, may appear, which (by reason he has left the Province) he hath not done for 3 or 4 years past therefore now its Voted said Pew be sold Mr Willm Speakman & that the pew No 66 formerly Voted Mr Speakman be recd by the Wardens in Exchange therefor.

11

Voted Pew No 66 be sold Mr Jos Gerrish for £65 what is due to Messr Gerrish & Barrell to be discounted.

66

Voted Pew No 78 be sold Capta Jas Collingwood for £55 to be discountd with Mr John Jones.

T 78

Pew No 86 be sold Thos Greene for £65.

T 86

Att the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews Easter Monday March 25th, 1744. The following persons Chosen (agreeable to the Rules of the Church) for the Insuing Yeare viz for Church Wardens

Easter

1744

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Peter Kenwood

for Vestry Men 12 five of which to be a Quorum.

  • Messrs Willm Speakman
  • Thos Greene

  • John Arbuthnott
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benja Faneuil
  • James Bouteneau
  • Henry Laughton
  • Jonth Simpson
  • Thos Aston
  • Will Price
  • Will Coffin
  • Thos Perkins

NB Mr William Speakman desired to be excused by reason he was this yeare chosen in the same office at the Kings Chappell where he acceptd.

for Clerk John Crosby his Salary Twelve shillg per week.

Sexton John Oucker his Salary Twelve shillg per week.

Voted The Minister be payd Eleven pounds per week being about 472 per Exchange for the Yeare to come.

Voted The Tax on the pews to be continued the same as Yeare past viz all bellow @ 2/6 a Week the Gallery 2/ except 4 viz No 102 No 118 119 & 133 these @ 2/6 & the back corners 1/. Evry man to put his Name or the Number of his pew with his Mony.

1744

Easter

Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church (duly warned) at Mr Saml Witherheads November 2d 1744 Present

Novr 2

  • Joseph Dowse Warden

  • Messrs Willm Price
  • Thos Aston

  • Vestry Men
  • Vestry
  • Will Coffin
  • Rufs Greene
  • Men
  • Jas Bouteneau
  • Jonth Simpson

The Warden reported that in pursuance to the Vote of the Vestry Jan 14 1742 The Organ is now arrived.

Voted That the same Committee then apointed be desired & hereby impowred to see & gott the same fixed and put up in the Church in the best Manner they see fitt. To whome this buissness is now left in behalf of this Vestry & Church.

Att a Vestry Meeting of Trinity Church Vestry in said Church November 21st 1744 (being duly Warned) Present

Nov

21

  • Jos Dowse Petr Kenwood Wardens
  • Vestry Men

  • Benj Faneuil
  • Thos Greene

  • Vestry Men
  • Thos Aston
  • Rufs Greene
  • Wm Price
  • Jonth Simpson
  • Jas Bouteneau

Voted That Mr Peter Pelham Junior be Organist of this Church from this time untill the Meeting of the Proprietors att Easter Next. His demmand as Salary being £100 per anm but in Concideration that the Church hath been at conciderable charge at this time to purchase & fix the Organ Therfore Voted for his Salary to commence from this time to be Eighty pound per anm old Tenor & at that rate to be payd for the part of the yeare untill said Easter Meeting. Which he accepted.

Voted that the Wardens may cause the Corner pews in the lower part of both the back Isles viz No 26 & 27 in the North & No 75 & 76 in South being all very small be made into Two square pews & sold to Mr Henry Vassall one for one hundrd pound. For £80:0:0 Each.

Voted That Mr John Merrett have the pew No 32 for £70:0:0 old Tenr.

1744

NB Novr 22d 1744 being the Annual publick Thanksgiving The Organ was opened and after Sermon a Collectione was made towards the charge of the Organ & gathered £128:15/ old Tenor.

At a Vestry Meeting of Trinity Church Vestry at Mr Saml Witherhead Feb 14, 1744 present

Feb 14

  • Joseph Dowse Peter Kenwood Wardens
  • Messrs Jams Bouteneau
  • Jonth Simpson

  • Vestry
  • Heny Laughton
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Will Price
  • Will Coffin
  • Thos Aston
  • Thos Greene

A Letter from the Revd Mr Davenport Minister of this Church dated the 12th Instant was read in the Vestry & thereupon Voted that the said Letter should be recorded in the Church Book. Voted that the Wardens be desired to waite on the Revd Mr A Davenport & informe him we have received his letter of the 12th are sorry their is a Neccesity for his absence from us. But do accept of his proposalls in said letter and therefore have ordered the same to be recorded. Do heartily wish him a good voyage & safe & soon retturn to us again.

Voted That the Wardens do agree in the best manner they can to have Rails made & fixed upon the top of the Church the wholle length.

Voted That The same Committee who have been employed in Negotiating the afair of the Organ be desired to return the thanks of this Church to John Thomlinson Esq for his peculiar care & pains in providing so fine an Organ for us.

The Letter mentioned in the above vote is as follows.

To Messr Joseph Dowse & Petr Kenwood Wardens & To the Vestry & Prop of Trinity Church Boston.

Gentelmen. The neare relation subsisting between us renders it an incumbent duty upon me to accquaint you that the present [state] of my Affairs invites or rather demmands my personall attendance for a litle while in England. I have therefore with the advice of some of my freinds (and not without imploring the Divine directione) determined to embark in one of the Mast Ships now at Piscatiqua & with Gods leave purpose to return again at farthest early next fall. Tn the Mean time I have ingadged the Revd Mr Peden & most of the Neighbouring Clergy to officiate in my room who’s Service doubt not will be very acceptable. Or if you think you can more agreeably provide for your Selves it will still be more satisfactory to me for be assured their is no Intrest I have or ought to have more at heart then the prosperity of Trinity Church. I can truly say with the Great apostile my Hearts desire & prayer to God for you & yours is that you may all be saved. This is and allways will be a main article in the daily devotions of

Gentelmen

Yr faithfull & affectionate

Minister & Servant

Addington Davenport

Boston Feb 12th 1744

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Yearly Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews duly Warned On Easter Monday April 15 1745 at Trinity Church by written Vote was Chosen the following Officers for the Yeare Insuing

1745

Easter

  • Joseph Dowse & William Price Wardens

Voted Twelve Vestry men five of which to be a Vestry

  • Chosen Peter Kenwood
  • Will. Coffin
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benja. Faneuil
  • Jas. Boutineau
  • Vestry
  • Henry Laughton
  • Jonath. Simpson
  • Thos. Greene
  • Thos. Perkins
  • Thos. Aston
  • John Merrett

John Crosby for Clerk his Sallary 12/ per week old Tenor.

John Oucker Sexton his Sallary 12/ per week old Tenor.

Peter Pelham, Jr. Organist his Salary One hundred pounds, old tenor per year & £5 per year for a person to assist him blowing &c. the Exchange to pay the Minister by the Same as last yeare.

Voted the pewss be Taxed Six pence each pew per week addittonall to the last years Tax & each person put his Name or Number with his Mony.

Att this Meeting was Communicated a letter from the Revd. Mr. Davenport our Minster dated February 12 past directed to the Wardens Vestry & Proprietors of Trinity Church with the Vote of the Sd Vestry February 14 following: As reccorded in the Vestry Book page 43 which Vote is thus a Letter from the Revd. Mr. Davenported dated February 12 being read thereupon the Vestry Voted that the said Letter should be reccorded in the Church Book & the Warden be desired to informe Mr. Davenport they have received his letter are Sorry their is a Neccesity for his Absence But do accept his proposalls in said letter & therefore have ordered the same be reccorded & heartily Wish him a good Voyage & Safe & soon retturn to us again.

Mr. Davenport

Notice His

gowing to

England

Upon which the proprietors Unanimously Voted That they Approve of & Consent to the afore recited Vote of the Vestry.

Memo: the Letter is reccorded in the Vestry Book page 43 & 44.

The Substance of which is that his Affairs demmanding his Personal apearance in England he had taken his pasage & hoped by Gods blessing to retturn in the Fall (next) in the Mean time had engadged the Revd. Mr. Peden & most of the Neighbouring Clergy to officiate in his Room whos Service he hoped would be acceptable. But if they could more agreeably provide for themselves it would still be more satisfactory to him. Nothing being nor ought to be more at his Heart than their peace & Wellfare.

At the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church duly Warned Mett at said Church Easter Monday March 31 1746.

1746

Easter

The following officers chosen for the insuing Yeare by written Vote Joseph Dowse & Willm. Price Church Wardens.

Voted their be 12 Vestry Men five of whome may make a Vestry.

  • Chosen Messrs.
  • Peter Kenwood
  • Thos. Greene
  • John Arbuthnott
  • Will. Coffin
  • Benja. Faneuil
  • Rufus Greene
  • Vestry
  • Henry Laughton
  • Jas. Boutineau
  • Vestry
  • Thos. Aston
  • Jonathan Simpson
  • John Merrett
  • Thos. Perkins

Peter Pelham Jr. Organist his Sallary One hundred pounds old tenor per annum to five pounds old tenor for an Assistant.

John Crosby Clerk his Salary Twelve shilling old tenor per week.

John Oucker Sexton his Salary Twelve shilling per week old tenor.

Voted Taxes on the pews to continue as last yeare. As to Exchange the Revd. Mr. Davenport being absent the concideration of that postponed ’till his return.

November 18 1746 haveing heard the Mallancholy tidings of the Death of our very Worthy & faithfull Minister the Revd. Mr. Addington Davenport at London September 8 past.

November 18

The Revd

Mr. Davenport

Death

The Wardens signed & caused to be printed the following Notification

The proprietors of the pews in Trinity Church are desired to Meet at said Church to Morrow precisly at 11 o’Clock to consider about and to choose a Minister for said Church in the Room of the Revd. Mr. Davenport Deceased.

Proprietors

Meeting

called

Boston November 18 1746

Joseph Dowse

William Price Wardens

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of the pews in Trinity Church to whome (only) bellongs the right of Presentation of a Minister beeing duly Warned by Leaving a printed Notification at each of their houses.

Ditto

November 19

Mett at said Church on Wednesday the 19 Day of November 1746.

Present both the Church Wardens & Ten of the Vestry.

The Occassion of the Meeting beeing Maturely debated and concidered it was then proposed to be put to Vote whether the proprietors would now proceede to the choice of a Minister for said Church or Not and being put to vote it was carried in the afermative Nemane Contradi[cte] and then the proprietors where desired by written Vote (agreeable to the Established rules of the Church) to proceed to a Choice.

1746

November 19

proprietors

meet about

a Minister

proprietors present

Will. Coffin

2 pews

Will. Speakman

2 Ditto

Thos. Aston

2 Ditto

Antho. Davis

1

John Crosby

1

John Merrett

1

Guilm. Phillips

1

John Arbuthnott

1

John Phillips

1

Jas. Boutineau

1 pew

Benja. Faneuil

1

Jonath. Simpson

2

Jos. Dowse

1

Tho. Greene

2

Will. Price

1

Rufus Greene

1

Edwd. Dumeresq

1

Edwd. Tuckerman

1

Alex. Thorp

1

John Morley

1 pew

Henry Price

1

Peter Pelham

1

Will. Patten

1

Thos. Palmer

1

Dan Rea

1

John Bright

1

Thos. Hake

1

is 33 pews [sic]

sent their proxy Mary Marshall 1 Ann Wroe 1 Na. Dowse 1 J. Dowse Atturney for Peter Kenwood 2 is 5 more

The Church Wardens & Vestry allmost the wholle being present are the proprietors of all pews unsold which are 33. Makes in all 71 pews.

NB four Other proprietors was at the beginning of the Meeting but withdrew before came to vote viz. J. Griffen 2 pews. Will. Vassall 1 pew.

Henry Vassall 1 pew. Jno. Roe 1 pew.

Upon the Consideration of the Loss this Church hath Sustained by the Death of their late Worthy and faithfull Minister the Revd. Mr. Addington Davenport Deceased the proprietors aforesaid proceeded by Written Vote to the Choice of a Succesor as Incumbent Minister of this Church and Upon examining the Votes it appeared that Mr. William Hooper was Unanimously chosen who upon the Bishop of London our Diocesan or some other Bishop granting Him Ordination according to the Rules of the Church of England is Minister of Trinity Church. Voted His Salary to be One Hundred & Ten pounds Sterling money per annum to be payd in Current New England mony at the General Exchange amongst Merchants to be setled Yearly at Easter the Salary to commence from the present time altho He must go to England for Episcopal Ordination and the Church is to undertake to Supply the Vacancy untill His return.

Mr. Willm.

Hooper

chosen

Minister

Voted that the Wardens do in the Name & behalf of the proprietors of the pews Sign a Copy of these Votes & upon Mr. William Hooper signifieng His consent to this Choice the same is to be delivered to Him for His Assurance of this Agreement.

Agreeable to the said votes above a Copy was signed by the Wardens Joseph Dowse, Willm. Price dated November 19. 1746. & the same day delivered Mr. Willm. Hooper who signified His consent by Writting in these words “I Accept of this choice and shall God willing fullfill the Intent of it with all conveiniant Speed. Will. Hooper

Voted, Mr. Jonth. Simpson be desired with Collo. Benj. Pollard to gett a Subscription & Collect the same for the Support of Mr. Hooper, and to defrey His Charges of the voyage &c. Memo, as the Day was very Stormy (by Mr. Hoopers desire) No Committee to wait on Mr. Hooper was appointed but the Wardens. The Wardens when they waited on Mr. Hooper with the foregoing votes of Choice &c. before His acceptance they read to Him the perticular restrictions & Condittions the Late Revd. Mr. Davenport had made with the Church for Himself &c. as are recorded in This Book: folio: 63—which Mr. Hooper declared He was well Satisfied with to be a Rule with Him likewise. Said Rules are recorded in the next page viz. 75.

1746

November 19

Mr. Hooper

chosen

Attr. Jos. Dowse, Warden

[Vol. 2 TR]

Boston Nov. 22 1746.

To the Right Reverend Father in God

Edmund Lord Bishop of London

May it please Your Lordship

Testimonall

of Mr. Hooper

It haveing pleased Almighty God to bereave us of our Worthy Minister the Rev. Mr. Davenport by whome we raised our Expectations of haveing your Lordship good Wishes Communicated to us

Our Church have maturely concidered of Supplying the vacancy and have ellected Mr. William Hooper of this Town to be the Succesor as Incumbent Minister—a Gentelman of approved Conduct, prudence, & piety, upon your Lordship our Diocesan granting him Ordination. Wherefore we the Wardens & Vestry of said Trinity Church in Boston do present the said Mr. William Hooper to the said Living it being One hundred & ten pound Sterling per annum Engaged to him and we hope Your Lordship will approve of him, as he hath lived many years amongst us and behaved unexeptional in his Life & practice. We earnestly entreat your Lordship’s Blessing on our Church & us & beg leave to add we are with the profoundest respect & Duty may it please Your Lordship.

  • Ben Faneuil

  • Vestry

Your Lordship

  • Jno Merrett

Most Obedient Sons & Servants

  • Th. Greene

Jos Dowse

  • Wm. Coffin

Wardens

  • Ruf. Greene

Wm. Price

  • James Boutineau
  • Jon Simpson
  • Hen. Laughton
  • Thos. Aston
  • Jno. Arbuthnott

Boston Nov. 22 1746

John Thomlinson Esq.

Sir: As in several instances you have appeared as a patron to Trinity Church we beg leave to reccomend the bearer Mr. William Hooper, a Gentelman we have ellected to succed the very Worthy Mr. Davenport deceased. This Gentelman for the course of many Years has Maintained a Stedy prudent conduct in the Desenting Way of a Preacher has been highly Esteemed by them, lived an unexceptionable Religious Life and hath left a good living & a favourite congregation for we doubt not the Sincere preference of the Church of England. He now comes home to receive Episcopal Ordination & we shall be highly oblidged for any favours youl please to shew him. We are confident he will give great Satisfaction to the Generality of the Church of England & will be very Instrumental to the groth of it. We flatter our Selves youl excuse this freedom haveing so often experienced your readines to Serve us We take leave to Subscribe with our Sincere respects.

Sir Your Most Obedient Most Humble Servants

J. Dowse

W. Price

Wardens for ourselves & for

the Vestry of Trinity Church

Wrote a letter of same Effect to Mr. Thos. Sandforth

both by desire of the Vestry.

Att a Meeting of the vestry of Trinity Church at the Church on Good Fryday Evening after Service April 17 1747

1747

Ap: 17

present both Wardens.

B. Faneuil J. Bouteneau Th: Greene Ruf: Greene Th: Aston Jno. Arbuthnott Will Coffin Jonth. Simpson.

It was reported that Mrs. Dumeresque was going with her family to England & that as she held a pew in this Church No. 48 as Heir to Geo. Whitlock it was therefore proposed & voted that the Wardens should desire Mrs. Dumeresqu to resign said pew to the said Church & not presume to sell & dispose thereof to any person being contrary to the rules of this church. Agreeable to which vote Jos. Dowse one of the Wardens did accquaint Mrs. Dumeresq thereof & that they were ready to pay the Sum the pew first cost & that after she was gone a yeare the pew would be forfeited to the Church if not tendred.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Yearly Meeting of the proprietors of the pews Easter Monday April 20 1747 at said Church, the proprietors duly Warned made Choice of the following Officers for the Yeare Insuing by written vote viz.

1747

Easter

April 20

Joseph Dowse—William Price Wardens

12 Vestry Men five of which to make a Vestry

viz.

  • John Arbuthnott
  • Thos. Greene
  • Jas. Boutineau
  • Benj. Faneuiel
  • Willm. Coffin
  • John Merrett
  • Henry Laughton
  • Rufus Greene
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Thos. Aston
  • Thos. Perkins
  • Antho. Davis

John Crosby, Clerk, His Sallary to be 12/ per week old Tenor.

Petr. Pelham Jr. Organist. His Salary One hundred & five pound Old Tenor per Annum, he finding all assistance.

John Oucker Sexton. His Salary 14/ per week Old Tenor.

The Taxes of the pews to be those bellow 4/ per week

old Tenor &

every person to mark their money

in the Gallerys 3/ per week

The Exchange setled at £17:10/ per week Old Tenor to pay the Minister.

[Vol. 2 TR]

Att a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church present both the Wardens. Tho. Greene Hen. Laughton Jonth. Simpson Tho. Aston Davis. James Boutineau. Several letters being read informing that Mr. Hooper who this Church hath presented to the Bishop of London for Holy Orders has been opposed by Mr. Commissary Price by representations directly contradicting the Testimonals the Church & many other persons have given The Vestry taking into concideration this unjust behaviour look upon it highly injurious to this Church who are intirely satisfied of the good Character of Mr. Hooper and that this opposition can be designed for no other end then the detriment (as far as laith in his power) of this church. Its is therefore unanimously voted that as a token of this Churchs just resentment of such unchristian usage said Mr. Price be notified that the vestry desire no more of His Service in this Church as they have of late kindly Invited & employed Him to perform and of this discharge the Wardens are desired to give Him Notice.

May 21

Voted that the Wardens Apply to the Rev. Mr. Canner & Mr. Brockwell Minister of the Kings Chappel to desire them to Officiate in Trinity Church untill the said Church is Supplyed. To pay them as paid Mr. Price & Mr. Brockwell.

The Wardens went to the Rev. Mr. Prices House he not being at Home & Saturday Night left a letter there as followeth.

Reverend Sir: We are desired & ordered by the Vestry of Trinity Church to informe you that they have received letters accquainting them that you have unjustly & in an unfair Manner opposed the Rev. Mr. Hooper who this Church hath presented to the Lord Bishop of London for Holy Orders by representing him directly contradictory to their representations which this Church looks upon as highly injurious. They have therefore Unanimously Voted that they desire no further Service from you in said Church. We sign in behalf of an injured Church Reverend Sir:

Your &c.

J D

Wardens

W P

To the Reverend Mr. Price May:21:

The Sunday following Mr. Canner & Mr. Brockwell had promised to comply with the desire of the vestry, but when the Congregation were mett Mr. Brockwell not coming as expected was sent for. He returned answer Mr. Price as the Bishop Commissary had forbid His & Mr. Canner officiating in Trinity Church, so the Congregation dismisted & no Service that Day. The Sunday following Mr. Canner & Mr. Brockwell entered upon the care of Trinity Church & continued so till the arrival of the Reverend Mr. Hooper which was on the 24th of August following.

Upon the News of Mr. Hoopers disapointment in England the Wardens & Vestry of the Kings Chappel sent the following letter to the Bishop of London.

Boston N. E. June 5. 1747.

May it please Your Lordship

Our Bretheren of Trinity Church being under great Dificultys & Discouragements by reason of Mr. William Hoopers Ordination being put off on account as we heare of some representations made of Him to your Lordship as a person whome Common Fame reports to be of bad Morals & Haveing desired Us to acquaint your Lordship of Mr. Hoopers Character so farr as we are able Since His first Setelment in Boston to his Departure last Fall We the Church Wardens & vestry of the Kings Chapell do Solemnly declare that we know not of any Imoralitys he has been charged with since he had been a Dissenting Teacher in this Town but that he has Maintained a very fair Character here, and from His constantly taking his Turn with the rest of the Teachers in this Town in the Weekly Lecture and the Great Love & Esteem His people had for Him till he left them must be of oppinion that He is a Gentelman of Good Morals—all which is Humbly Submitted to your Lordship by your Lordships most Dutyfull Sons &c

Ja Gordon

Wardens

Jno. Box

  • Eliakim Hutchinson
  • Ja Smith

  • Vestry of Kings Chapel
  • Geo. Cradock
  • Edw. Tyng
  • Hen Frankland
  • Ja Forbes
  • Estee Hatch
  • Job Lewis
  • Charles Apthorp
  • Jno Gibbins
  • Silvr. Gardner
  • Tho. Leachmore
  • Chas. Paxton

The Wardens & vestry of Trinity Church wrote to His Lordship of London Insisting upon their presentation of Mr. Hooper and that they found no cause to alter their said Choice & complained of Mr. Prices conduct to Trinity Church &c. They wrote to John Thomlinson Esq. desiring His assistance & promise of repaying all charges he shall be at for our packetts of postage & delivery &c.

Copys are in

the Church

Box

June 8 1747.

Wrote also to Mr. Hooper promising to Stand by the choice we had made of Him &c. Sent the Letters by the Mairmaid Man of War & via Liverpool Captain Jones.

[Vol. TR]

August 24th 1747. The Revd. Mr. William Hooper arrived in Health & Safety from England. Blessed be God.

Att a Meeting at Trinity Church of the Wardens and Vestry present Jos Dowse William Price Wardens

1747

August 28

Mr Hooper

inducted

Thos. Greene, John Merrett, Will Coffin, Thos. Aston, Rufus Greene, Jas. Boutineau, Jonth. Simpson Vestry

Agreeable to the Votes & Choice of the Proprietors of the pews November 19 past The Revd. Mr. Hooper hath proceeded to England and on the 24 Inst. returned & arrived here Haveing Obtained Holy orders. Has now Mett the Vestry and produced a certificate signed Martyn Gloucester dated London June 9 1747 seting forth that on said Day He the said Lord Bishop of Gloucester by Express desire of the Lord Bishop of London did Ordain Mr. William Hooper into Preist Orders.

1747

August 28

Induction of

the Revd. Mr.

Hooper

Also a Certificate signed by Edmund Lord Bishop of London dated London June 10 1747 Licencing said Mr. Willm. Hooper to Preach and Officiate in New England.

Also a Certificate that said Mr. Willm. Hooper had taken the Oaths and Subscribed the Declaration &c. as Needfull after which papers being read &c. the said Wardens & Vestry did in the Name and behalf of the proprietors of the pews who are the patrons of this Church Induct the Revd. Mr. William Hooper into the said Church and envest Him with all the priveledges and perquisetts bellonging thereto as Incumbent Minister of Trinity Church agreeable to the rules of said Church as made with the Revd. Mr. Davenport the first Incumbent as in folio. 63 and again inserted beneath the Revd. Mr. Hooper haveing consented to the same. And the said Revd. Mr. William Hooper is Accordingly put into possesion as in the manner of a Donative Church.

Many other persons of the Congregation being present The Revd. Mr. Hooper performed Divine Service according to the Rubrick & Liturgy of the Church of England.

Fryday August 28, 1747.      Attest Joseph Dowse

Rules & conditions agreed on between the Incumbant of Trinity Church & the proprietors to which the Revd. Mr. Hooper consented.

viz. That the parish Clerk be chosen by the proprietors but that the Incumbants approbation or consent be neccesary.

That no alteration at any time be made to the Altar or the pulpit without the consent of the Incumbent.

That if at any time an Assistant be thought conveinient such Assistant should be chosen by joint consent of the Incumbent and proprietors & in case the Incumbent should see fit to procure at his own charge an Assistant he hath leave so to do Nevertheless such Assistant be by the consent of the proprietors.

That at any time when the Incumbent desires the meeting of a Vestry the Warden, or Wardens shall summon a Meeting & at all times when a Vestry meeting is called the Incumbent have notice (if in Town) to be present if he please.

[Vol. 2 TR]

A Vestry Meeting of Trinity Church on Good Fryday P.M. april 9, 1748. present Both Wardens

1748

April 8

  • Messrs. Benj. Faneuil
  • Jas Boutineau
  • Henry Laughton
  • Rufus Greene
  • Thos. Greene
  • William Coffin
  • Thos. Aston
  • Antho. Davise

proposed that upon concideration of the conciderable deficency of the last years Contribution particular mentione be made in the Notification for the Easter Meeting of the proprietors that they are to make provision for the payment of the same that the proprietors may more Generaly attend.

The Notification to be given by order of the Church Wardens on Easter Sunday at Church be as follows.

The proprietors of the pews in this Church are hereby Notified that they Meet here next Tewsday morn at Ten o Clo: then to choose the officers to Tax the pews & to do what else may be needfull for the Yeare Insuing.

And furthur as the Circumstances of the Church lately has caused conciderable dificency more then the last years assesment will pay off therefore the proprietors are at the said Meeting to provide for payment of the same and its desired they will give their attendance.

The Wardens accquainted the Vestry that Mr. John Merrett had desired to inform that he was removing out of Town & desired his Pew might be kept for him upon the Condition the Church may place in the same whome they please & he will moreover pay the Tax himself, which the Vestry consented too and directed to be recorded.

Voted that the pew No. 98 be received from Captain Peter Kenwood (as offered by his agent Jos. Dowse) & he payd £50. Voted the pew No. 98 be sold Mr. John Gooch for One Hundred pound Old Tenor.

No 98

[Vol. 1 TR]

At a Yearly meeting of the Proprietors of pews on Teusday in Easter week April 12 1748 the following officers were chosen by written Vote.

Easter

1748

April 12th

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • William Price

Voted that the Vestry consist of Eleven five to be a Quorum. The following were chosen

  • John Arbuthnott
  • Henry Laughton
  • Benj. Faneuil
  • Willm. Coffin
  • Thos. Greene
  • Rufus Greene
  • Jas. Boutineau
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Thos. Asston
  • Antho. Davise
  • Benja. Greene

Voted Peter Pelham Jr. Orgainist his Salary to be One Hundred & fifteen pound Old tenor per annum he to provide the Bellows Blower.

John Crosby Clerk salary to be sixteen shilling per week.

[John Oucker] the Sexton Salary to be sixteen shilling per week.

The Exchange for the Minister Salary Twenty One pound Ten shilling per week old tenor.

That there be allowed the Revd. Mr. Hooper for defficency for the yeare past One Hundred & fifty pound Old tenor.

That the pews be taxed the yeare insuing five shilling per week bellow & three shilling per week the Gallery each person to mark his money with his Name or the Number of his pew.

That to make good the Defficency of the past yeare Each pew bellow pay Three pound & in the Gallery Two pound Old Tenor.

[Vol 2 TR]

At a Meeting of the Vestry at Trinity Church on Thursday Nov. 24:1748.

1748

Nov. 24

  • Present Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • William Price
  • Messrs. Benj. Faneuil
  • Rufus Greene

  • Vestry
  • Thos. Greene
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Antho. Davis
  • James Boutineau

Whereas Mrs. Susanah Dumersqu who claimes Heir To Geo. Whitlock deceased the proprietor to pew No. 48 said Mrs. Dumersque hath left the Country more then twelve months & no offer of said pew No. 48 made to the Wardens & Vestry agreeable to the rules of the Constitution of this Church therefore

Voted That the pew No. 48 is forfeited to the Church.

2 Negative marked √

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at said Church Thursday March 23 1748.

March 23

  • Present Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • William Price
  • Messrs. Benj. Faneuil
  • Thos. Aston

  • Vestry
  • Thos. Greene
  • Antho. Davis
  • James Boutineau
  • Benj. Greene
  • William Coffin

Voted that the pew No. 48 (voted by the Vestry Nov. 23 last as forfeited to the Church) shall be sold.

Voted that Mr. Ebenr. Holmes have the pew No. 48 paying One Hundred pound for the same old tenor.

Voted Mr. Stepn. Greenleaf have pew No. 11 for £100 old Tenor.

At a Yearly Meeting of the proprietors of the pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday March 27 1749. The following Officers chosen agreeable to Constitution & rules of the Church.

1749

Joseph Dowse & William Price Wardens.

Voted the Vestry to Consist of Eleven 5 to be a Quorum.

The following persons chose

  • Messrs.

  • Benj. Faneuil
  • Thos. Greene
  • Thos. Aston
  • Rufus Greene
  • Henry Laughton
  • William Coffin
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • James Boutineau
  • Antho. Davis
  • Benja. Greene
  • Stepn. Greenleaf

for Organist Peter Pelham Jr. Salary One Hundred & fifteen pounds per anum.

Clerk John Crosby. Salary Twenty shiling per week.

Sexton John Oucker Twenty shill per week.

Voted The Exchange for the Minister for the year insuing Twenty Two Pounds four shilling per week.

Voted The pews Taxed as last Yeare and the proprietors to Mark their Money with their Names or the Number of pew.

Voted Thirty five pounds be payd the Minister for defficency yeare past.

As the Neccesarys of Life, House rent, & fire Wood have been extraordinary high the Yeare past which hath occasioned the Ministers Salary to be short of His Expences

Therefore Voted That a Colection be made on Whitsunday Next intirely for the Bennefits of the Reverend Mr. Hooper.

Memo: raised £300: Old Tenor & paid accordingly.

[Vol. 1 TR]

Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Church on Thursday the 15 of June 1749.

June 15

Present both the Wardens.

  • Messrs. Benj. Faneuil
  • Thomas Aston
  • William Coffin
  • Antho. Davis
  • Thomas Greene
  • James Boutineau
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benj. Greene

upon information that Mrs. Susa. Dumeresque had by her Attorny Doctor Silvester Gardiner commenced a Law Suit with the Church by a Writt of Ejectmont against Ebonr. Holmes for the pew No. 48 the Church Vestry sold him 23 March past.

Voted that the Church Wardens & Mr. Thomas Greene be a Comittee to defend said Suit in behalf of the Church & to see the same flnaly Isued.

Voted the pew No. 32 be received of Mr. Jno. Merrett (who has resigned) & he payd therfor £70.

Voted that the pew No. 32 be offered & sold to Col. Benja. Pollard for One hundred pound Old Tenor.

No. 32

[Vol. 1 TR]

Att a Meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 16th, 1750, Duly Warned. The following Officers chosen for the Insuing Year.

Easter

1750

  • Joseph Dowse Willm. Price Wardens

Voted That the Vestery cosist of Eleven Five to be Quorum. The Following were chosen

  • Benja. Faneuil
  • Rufus Greene
  • Thos. Greene
  • William Coffin
  • Thos. Asston
  • Jona. Simpson
  • James Boutineau
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Antony Davis
  • John Gooch
  • Benj. Greene

Voted John Crosby Clerk Salary two shillings & Eight pence per Week L. Money.

John Oucker, Sexton, his Salary 2/8 per Week. Lawful money Exchange the Year insuing to be paid 900 per Cent is £21.3/ a Week Old Tennor.

Voted That the Tax of the Pews to Continue as last Year.

[Vol. 2 TR]

Att a Vesstry Meeting of Trinity Church Vesstry at said Church April 5 1751.

1751

Ap. 5

  • Present Joseph Dowse & William Price
  • Messrs. Benj. Faneuil
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Rufus Greene
  • Antho. Davis
  • Thos. Greene
  • Benja. Greene
  • John Gooch
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Thos. Aston
  • Jas. Boutineau

The Wardens report to the Vesstry—that the action between Mrs. Dumeresq & the Church for the pew No. 48 is finished by said Mrs. Dumeresque being defaulted in Court. Wherby the Church is left in quiet possession of said pew.

Wheras the pew No. 39 the property of Geo. Clark Esq. is many years behind in the Taxes due therfore

Voted that said pew No. 39 is forfeited to the Church agreeable to the rules and that said pew No. 39 be sold to Mr. Thos. Goldthwait for the Sum of One hundred pounds Old tenor.

Voted the thanks of the Vestry be given Mr. William Price for a gift of Fifty pounds old Tenor to be applyed towards the painting of the inside of said Church.

Att a yearly Meeting of the proprietors of the pews (duly Warned) at Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 8. 1751.

1751

Chose the following officers for the yeare insuing.

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted there be twelve Vestry men

  • viz. Messrs. Will Price

  • Benj. Faneuil
  • Thos. Greene
  • Thos. Aston
  • Jas. Boutineau
  • William Coffin
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Antho. Davis
  • Benja. Greene
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Benj. Pollard
  • John Gooch

John Crosby Clerk his Sallary 2/8 per week L Money

John Oucker, Sexton Sallary 2/8d per week L. M.

Voted the Taxes of the pews continue as last yeare.

Voted that One Dollar be assesed on Each pew bellow & half a Dollar Each pew in the Gallary toward repairing the Turrett of the Church & other parts and likewise to paint the Outsides of the wholle church which the Wardens are desired to gett done in the best manner they can.

Voted That the Thanks of the Church be given to Mr. Addington Davenport, son of our late Revd. Minister, for his voluntary service to the Church by performing on the organ since Mr. Pelham left us November 1749.

Voted That a Contribution be made next Whit Sunday for the Bennifit of the Revd Mr. Hooper and the wholle then gathered be for him.

Note on whit Sunday a contribution was made & the sum of £266.5/Old Tenor was gathered & paid accordingly.

March 30 1752 Easter Munday. At a Yearly Meeting of the proprietors of the pews of Trinity Church being duly Notified.

1752

Easter

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Munday in Whitsunweek next to Meet at the Church at 11 o Clock & accordingly it was adjourned.

May 18 1752 being WhitsunMonday at the adjournment of the Anual Meeting of the proprietors duly Notified the following officers chosen by written votes agreeable to the rules.

  • Chose Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens.
  • Rufus Greene

Vote 11 Vestry Men five to be Quorum.

  • Benj. Faneuil
  • Will Coffin
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Thos. Greene
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Benj. Pollard
  • Thos. Aston
  • Antho. Davis
  • John Gooch
  • James Boutineau
  • Benj. Greene

Anual Meeting continued.

Voted John Crosby Clerk Salary 2/8d Lawful Money per week.

John Oucker Sexton Salary 2/8 L. M. per week.

Voted the Taxes of the pews be continued as last year.

Voted the Exchange be continued as formerly viz. 133 1/3 L. M. for 100£ Sterling or 900 per Cent. OT.

Whereas the last yeare vote of a dollar a pew for repairs &c. proved insuficent the acct amounting much more Therefore voted that One Dollar a pew below stairs & half a dollar Each pew in the Gallery be further assesed upon the proprietors towards making good the said Insufficency.

At a meeting of the Vesstry of Trinity Church at the House of the Reverend Mr William Hooper’s on Wednesday March 25th 1753.

1753

Vestry Meeting

Relating to

K: Chapel

Congregation

Present The Reverend Mr. William Hooper Minister

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benjamin Faneuil

  • Antho. Davis
  • Thos. Greene
  • Benj. Greene
  • Thos. Aston
  • Vestry
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Jas. Boutineau
  • men
  • John Gooch
  • William Coffin
  • Benj. Pollard
  • Jonathan Simpson

The Reverend Mr. Hooper communicated to the Vestry a letter dated the 19th Instant directed to the Minister, Wardens & Vestry of Kings Chapell in this Town informing that the Proprietors of said Kings Chapell had determined to take down their Church and had directed them to [A large part of this page in Vol. 2 TR is obliterated by an ink spill and the entry has been continued from the Minutes of the Proprietors in Vol. 1 TR and partly duplicated by further minutes in Vol. 2 TR as will appear] [Vol. 1 TR] apply for the use of Trinity Church to assemble in during the performing the same and likewise the Votes of the Vestry of Trinity Church was communicated that were passed relating to said request. Wherby it appears that it was the unanimous oppinion of the Vestry to comply with the desire of said Kings Chappel for liberty for them to meet in Trinity Church & further that in order to accomodate both Congregations it is the oppinion of the said Vestry that the usual time of Service be altered that is for the insuing Summer season until the 1st of October Trinity Church Congregation meat at Eleven Clock a.m. & at four P. M. giving liberty for the Congregation of Kings Chappel to meet as they see fitt so that they order the same to have half an hour at least between the service of the two congregations. And as to the other Six months from October I to April I the meeting of Trinity Church be at Ten a.m. & at Three P. M. that Kings Chappel Congregation may meet in the intermision of the two Services. Voted That the aforementioned Vote of the Vestry be & is approved & Confirmed.

[Vol. 2 TR continuing after ink blot.]

Further Voted that the proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church be Notified on Sunday Next to meet after Service in the afternoon in order to concider of this desire of the Kings Chapell Proprietors & that the preeceding Votes be laid before them.

Voted That the Thanks of this Vestry be given to Mr. Addington Davenport for his greate good Service to this Church by havving performed the Church Musick on the Organ for more then three years past gratis. passed Unanimous.

And that Mr. Davenport be prefered when any Vacant pew falls to the Church that he likes.

Voted the pews No. 4 resigned by the Executor of David Evans deceased for the Sum of £55 old Tenor be now sold to Mr. Rufus Greene for Ten pound Lawful.

And the pew No. 36 resigned by the Admt. of Peter deJersey deceased for the like Sum of £55 old Tenor be now Sold to Mr. Belshazr. Bayard for Thirteen pound 6/8 Lawful Money.

At a Meeting of the proprietors of the pews of Trinity Church on Sunday March 25 1753 in the said Church duly Notified. The letter from the Minister Wardens & Vesstry of Kings Chapel examd.

The votes of the Vestry passed on Wednesday last relating to the request of the proprietors of Kings Chappel where distincly read & upon due and mature concideration the proprietors Voted that the mind of the Minister Wardens and Vestry of this Church as expressed in their votes of the 21st Instant relating to the meeting of this Church & also the liberty granted for the Kings Chappel Congregation to assemble is now by the proprietors aproved & confirmed.

Voted That any further prudentials relating to the accomodating Kings Chappel Congregation not repugnant to foregoing votes be left with the Minister Wardens & Vestry.

Voted that the Reverend Mr. Hooper with the Wardens be desired to return an answer to the Kings Chapel proprietors with the foregoing votes.

Voted That a Colection be made on Easter Sunday Next in the afternoon intirely for the Bennefit of the Reverend Mr. Hooper exclusive of his Salary. Memo, gathered £239 Old Tenor. 3:7.6 more.

At a Meeting of the proprietors of Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 23d 1753. Duly warned.

1753

Easter

The following Officers chose for the Yeare Insuing by written Vote.

Joseph Dowse Rufus Greene Wardens.

Voted Eleven Vesstry men 5 to be a Quorum vizt.

  • Messrs. Benj. Faneuil

  • Vesstry
  • James Boutineau
  • Thos. Greene
  • Thos. Aston
  • Wm. Coffin
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Antho. Davis
  • Benj. Greene
  • Stepn. Greenleaf
  • Benj. Pollard
  • John Gooch

John Crosby Clerk Salary Eight pounds per anum.

John Hooker Sexton Salary 2/8d per week.

The Exchange to pay the Minister continue the Same as last yeare viz. 133 1/3 £ Lawful Mony for £100 Ster. The pews to be Taxed for the yeare Insuing viz. those bellow @ One shilling per week. In the Gallery Six pence per week. Except bellow the following Numbers that have pillars vizt. No. 1: 10: [18?]: [22?]: 24: 80: 84: 88: 92: & also 49 & 101 & evry person put his Name or the Number of the pew with his Money.

Voted to Choose a Comittee to Obtain an Organst for this Church and that the Church will allow Twenty pounds Sterling per Annum for five years for the Organst. Sallary—the Salary to commence from time of Contracting.

Voted that Mr. James Boutineau

  • Mr. John Rowe &
  • Mr. Ralph Inman be the Comittee.

Memo at this Meeting a Subscription was Opened to paint the Inside of the Church.

Memorandum the Comitte above have contracted with Mr. John Rice to be organist agreeable to the above Vote.

Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the said Church on the 17th July 1753 present both the Wardens & Eight vesstry Men viz. Thos. Aston, Thos. Greene James Boutineau, Ben Greene Antho. Davis B. Pollard, Jno. Gooch & Jonth. Simpson.

1753

July 17th

Vertry

Meeting

Voted that we proceed on painting the Inside of the Church of Mohogany Collur the pillars Marble the Capatalls Guilt & the altar decorated as farr as the Money Subscribed will go at the discretion of the Comittee to be chose.

Voted that the Wardens with Mr. James Boutineau be the Comittee.

Voted that the pew No. 66 the property of Mr. Jos. Gerrish be forfeited on account he hath left the Country more thin a yeare & more Tax due theron than the purchase Money for the same.

Voted that the pew No 66 be sold to Mr. Addington Davenport for £100 old Tenor if he like it as per vote of vestry Mar. 21 past.

1753

July 17

Memo as pew No. 48 fell to the Church after Mr. Davenport was accomodated with that in the room of the above.

At the Yearly Meeting of the proprietors (duly Warned) on Monday April 15th 1754 the following officers chosen for the Yeare insuing by written vote.

1754

Easter

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted Eleven Vestry Men five to be a Quorum viz.

  • Messrs. Benja. Faneuil
  • Thos. Greene
  • Thos. Aston
  • William Coffin
  • James Boutineau
  • Jonathn. Simpson
  • Antho. Davis
  • Benja. Pollard Esq.
  • John Gooch
  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • Benj. Greene

Clerk John Crosby Salary £Eight pounds Lawful money per annum.

The apointment of a Sexton be left with the Minister & Wardens.

The salary to be allowed is 2/8d per week.

Voted the Tax of the pews the same as last yeare.

No. 4 pew be sold Mr. Rufus Green for I [smudge] £

36 Ditto      to Balsh Bayard      13: 6/8

[Vol. 1 TR]

The Tax continued the same as last yeare.

Exchange the same.

[Vol. 2 TR]

At a Yearly Meeting of the proprietors of Pews (duly Warned) at the Church Monday in Easter week Mar. 31. 1755. The following Officers by written Vote chosen for Yeare Insuing.

1755

Easter

Meeting

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted that the Vestry consist of Ten five to be a Quoram.

Chose

  • Benj. Faneuil Esq.

  • Vestry
  • Benj. Pollard Esq.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • Messrs. Thos. Aston
  • Will Coffin
  • John Gooch
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Benj. Greene
  • Step. Greenleaf

Clerk John Crosby Salary Eight Pounds Lawful Money per annum.

Sexton Salary to be Two shillings & eight pence Lawful Money per week.

Tax of pews the same as last yeare.

Exchange for Minister Salary the same as last yeare.

Wheras Mr. John Cutler has served the Church several times in the Vacancy of an Organist Voted the Church allow him for the same Twenty pounds Old Tenor, pd.

Voted that a Collection for the Reverend Mr. Hooper be made next Whitsunday.

Voted that the Wardens build a Tomb for the Burial of Strangers each

Corps that is Burried to pay £25 old Tenor.

N.B. on Whitsunday May 18. Collected for the Minister agreeable to the above vote £200: 13/3 Old Tenor.

Copy of Notification given out by the Clerk by order of the Wardens Sunday April 18 1756 (Easter Sunday). The proprietors of the pews in this Church are hereby Notified to Meet here tomorrow at 11 o Clock in the morning to transact the Needfull Business for the yeare insuing.

1756

At the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of the Pews at & in Trinity Church (duly warned) on Monday in Easter Week April 19 1756. The following Officers were chosen by written Vote.

1756

Easter

  • Joseph Dowse Esq.

  • Wardens.
  • Rufus Greene

Voted their be Ten Vesstry men five to be a Quorum.

  • chosen Benj. Faneuil Esq.

  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Vestry
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Benj. Pollard Esq.
  • men
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Mr. Jonathn. Simpson

Clerk John Crosby . . . salary per annum Eight Pounds.

Sexton’s Salary to be Eight Pounds for the Year 1756.

Tax of the pews the same as the last Year.

Ministers Salary that is Exchange to be at the same as last year.

Voted What the Painting cost more then is or shall be gathered for that end shall be charged to the Church.

At an Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews at & in Trinity Church (duly Warned) on Easter Monday April 11th 1757 the following offercers were chosen by Written Vote.

1757

Easter

meeting

  • Mr. Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Mr. Rufus Greene

Voted that Nine be the Number of Vestry Men.

  • chosen
  • Benj. Faneuil Esq.

  • Vestrey Men
  • Thomas Greene Esq.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Stepn. Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Mr. Jona. Simpson Esq.

Mr. John Crosbe Clerk, his Salary £8:13:4 a Year.

The Saxtons Sallary continued at £8 a year.

The Tax of the Pews the same as last year.

Exchange as the last year.

Att an Annual Meeting of the proprietors of Pews (duly warned) on Easter Monday March 27. 1758 the following Officers chosen by written Votes.

1758

Easter

meeting

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted that Nine be the Number of Vestery men.

  • Chosen
  • Benj. Faneuil Esq.

  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Mr. Jonathan Simpson

Mr. John Crosby Clark his Salary £8:13:4 a year.

The Saxton’s Sallary £8 a year.

The Tax of the Pews the same as last year.

Exchange as the last year.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church at Mr. Joseph Ballards, on Fryday Even. January 12: 1759. present Joseph Dowse Warden.

1759

Jan. 12

Vestry

meeting

  • Benj. Faneuil Esq.

  • Jonathan Simpson Esq.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Vestry
  • Thomas Aston
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • Men
  • John Gooch
  • Step. Greenleaf Esq.

The Vestry taking into concideration the distresed curcumstances of the Reverend Mr. Hooper’s family. Mrs. Hooper scarsly recovered from a Wounded hand which she had like to have lost till there Son was seized with a fever which after the most distresing pain and languisment came came to the cuting off a leg & thy & still remains in a grevious condition. Unanimously Voted that a Collection be recommended to the Congregation next Sunday to be gathered the Sunday following the whole collection to be for that use.

The following Notification to be given at Church next Sunday in consequence of the foregoing vote of Vestry. The Congregation are desired to take Notice that the Wardens & Vestry of this Church haveing concidered the Expences of the Reverend Mr. Hooper occasioned by long & grevious Sickness in several of his Family and as many of the congregation have expresed a desire of an oppertunity to contribute to his releif They have unanimously agreed to reccomend a free Collection to be made next Sunday when the whole that is then gathered will be applyd to that use.

January 21 a Collection was made a very full congregation gathered in gold £208. in Silver £266.4/. in Coper. 4:8/ in the wholle £478/12

Collection

Sunday 21st

At a Vestry meeting at the Church Sunday Evening April 8 1759.

April 8

  • present both the Wardens.
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Step. Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Mr. Will Coffin

agreed to recomend to the Annual Meeting that from the Concideration of the Minister’s greater Expences then when first setled with us that an augmentation be made to his standing Salary or Setlement. The Vestry are unanimously of oppinion that the Tax of each pew be inlarged next yeare to a pistareen or One fifth of a Dollar for those pews without pillars & half a pistareen for the Gallary pews which may enable the Church to augment the Salary to four pence weekly Lawful that is 26/2d Lawful per week additional. Likewise agreed that the proprietors be warned on Easter Sunday especially Mentioning that an additianal Tax is proposed therfore desire there general attendance. All to be reported to the proprietors at there Meeting.

Notification given out by the Clerk by order of the Wardens Easter Sunday Ap: 15. The proprietors of the pews in this Church are to Meet here to Morrow at 11 o Clock to transact the usual buisiness for the year. It is desired especialy that a general attendance may given for as much as the Vestry propose as Needfull an Additional Tax on the pews in order to augment the Minister’s salary.

1759

At an Annual Meeting of the proprietors of the Pews (duly Warned) on Monday April 16 1759 being Easter Week at Trinity Church.

Easter

1759

Voted the following Officers for the Insuing Yeare by written vote.

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Nine Vesstry Men vizt:

  • Benj. Faneuil Esq

  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Vesstry
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Stepn. Greenleaf Esq.
  • Men
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Jonth. Simpson Esq.

John Crosby to be Clerk his Salary to be Eight pounds 13/4 per annum.

Sexton’s Salary Eight pounds per annum.

Voted the pews Taxed for the Insuing Yeare vizt. all bellow stairs (except the pillar 10 pews & 4 Small Ones) at a pistareen per week. Those with pillars @ One shilling per week Lawfull. Gallary Pews half a per week.

Wheras the Reverend Mr. Hoopers family is large his Children grown up & so more chargeable then formerly Fireing & Provisions much advanced in price it is Therefore Voted (& Unanimously) that for the Yeare Insuing the Reverend Mr. William Hooper shall have Eight pounds Sixteen Shilling old tenor added to his Sallary. (which will be four pounds Lawful) per week this yeare.

Voted that the Wardens have leave and are impowered to lease to James Griffon for Seven years the peice of Land bellonging to the Church as it is now fenced off for a pasage way to his Barn being 12 feet wide on Bishop Ally adjoining to Land of Joseph Gooch & — feet Deep from said ally allong by said Gooch’s land to his said Griffen’s Barn, he paying One pound Lawful per annum Rent. He also to maintain the fence & not to build on the same.

At a Vestry Meeting at the Vestry room on Sunday October 21 1759 present both the Wardens & James Boutineau Thos. Greene Stepn. Greenleaf Thos. Aston Jonth. Simpson Jno. Gooch Benj. Greene it being represented that Mr. Crosby is incapacitated for the Office of Clerk by Indisposition supposed irrecoverable the Vestry toke into concideration to think of a Sutable person to succeed. Proposed to defer it to Next Meeting.

1759

October 21

Vestry

Meeting

Voted that the pew No. 57 the property of Charles Apthorp Esq. Deceased by received from his Heirs & the same be Sold to Stepn. Greenleaf Esq.

No. 57

The meeting adjourned to the 25th being Next Thursday at this place.

At a Vestry Meeting October 25 present the Same as above. Agreed to adjourn to Sunday Nov. 4 to meet after Service & proceed to Supply the Parish Clerk.

25th

At a Vestry Meeting at the Vestry room on Sunday Nov. 4. 1759 present minister both Wardens & James Boutineau, Step. Greenleaf, Thos. Greene, Thos. Aston, John Gooch, Jona. Simpson, Wm. Coffin, B. Greene.

Nov. 4

Voted Joseph Millar to be Clerk untill the Yearly Meeting of the proprietors & he be desired to Wait on the Minister for his direction.

Memo. the Minister aproved.

Memo. Nov. 14. 1759. A fire hapening in this Town neare Oliver Dock wherby neare 12 houses was burnt & more then 30 familys it was proposed by the Selectmen of the Town to all the Congregations to make a Collection for the Sufferers to be distributed amongst them by Trustees Named by the Select Men which proposal being Notified by the Reverend Mr. Hooper to the Wardens & they to the Vestry the Congregation were accordingly Notified in the Morning of the 18 November & in the afternoon was Generously Collected the Sum of £555 old tenor & payd to said Trustees accordingly. The Trustees Named were Thos. Hamock Esq. Thos. Hubbard Esq. John Phillips Esq. Joseph Dowse Esq. Malatiah Bourn Esq. Sam Grant Esq. & Doctor Silvester Gardner.

1759

Vestry

Meeting

The Wholle Sum Gathered thro the Town was £5294:0/5 Old Tenor.

At a Vestry Meeting in Vestry Room Trinity Church December 11: 1759. Present Both Wardens & all the Vestry Men.

December 11

Voted that a Bell Col. George Williamson of his Majesty’s Regiment of Royal Artillery hath Brought from Quebeck (which he toke at the Reduction of that place last Summer) that it be purchased & Erected on this Church as Soon as may be that a Subscription be made for the payment of the Bell. Accordingly it was bought & Erected & on Christmas Day 1759 first used. Weight 335¼ pound including Claper.

Cost of the Bell vizt. the Bell 335¼ @ 13d Stg . . . £180 old Tenor raised by Subscription which paid for the Bell & more £205

charged to the Church per vote of proprietors

76:

10

281:

10

Mr. Wm. Moore work & Stuff framing &hanging the

same £7:7:4

55:15

£3.4.4

Winter and Smith Iron Works

240:5

Box & Co. Bell rope

7:10

9:5

4:15

Carting & other Expences

281:10

March 31 1760. Sunday. A Vestery Meeting called at the desire of the Reverend Mr. Hooper to concider of a Breif published by the Governour for a General collection for the Suffers by the Great fire which happnd the 20 Inst. Present the Minister both Wardens & five Vestry men viz. James Boutineau Thos. Greene Step. Greenleaf & Jonth. Simpson Esq. & Mr. Ben Greene. It was agreed that the said Breif be read this afternoon & the Collection be made on Thursday being the Annual Fast & the Money gathered put into the hands of the Overseers of the poor & Select Men agreeable to directions in the Breif. Accordingly April 3d being the General Fast in the morning after Sermon there was Gathered £1040:13.3d Old tenor & delivered to Col. John Phillips the Treasurer to the Overseers &c. Whole sum gathred thro the Town was £—

1760

Mar. 31

April 3

At the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of Pews (duly Warned) at Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 7 1760 the following Officers were chosen for the yeare insuing by Written Vote.

1760

Easter

  • Joseph Dowse Esq.

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Whereas some of the late Vestry Men are unlickly to give there attendance the Yeare insuing its agreed to add two more.

Voted that the Vestry consist of Eleven. Five to be a Quorum.

  • Voted
  • Benj. Faneuil Esq.

  • Mr. William Coffin
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Vestry
  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • men
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Jonth. Simpson Esq.
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Stepn. Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Erving Jr. Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.

Voted Joseph Millar Clerk Salary £8 13/4 per annum

his Salary to be Eight pounds thirteen Shill & 4d.

Voted the Sexton’s Salary to be £8:0:0 per annum

Eight pounds per annum

Voted the Tax on the pews to be the same as the last yeare.

Voted the additional Sallary to the Minister as voted the last yeare to be continued the yeare insuing.

Voted that the Charge of Fixing the Bell on the Church be carried to the Church account the Bell being purchased by Subscription as per preeceding page.

Copy of Noteification given by the Clerk by order of the Wardens Easter Sunday March 22. 1761. The proprietors of the pews in this Church are hereby Noteafied to meet here on Tewsday next at 11 o Clock in the morning to choose the Officers, Tax the pews, & to transact the other buissiness needfull for the yeare insuing.

1761

Mar. 22d

At the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of Pews (dully warned) at Trinity Church on Teusday in Easter week being March 24 1761.

1761

Easter

The following Officers were chosen for the yeare insuing By written vote.

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted that Ten vestry men be chosen five to be a Quorum.

  • Voted
  • James Boutineau Esq.

  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • Vestry
  • Mr. John Gooch
  • Jonathn. Simpson Esq.
  • Men
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Stepn. Greenleaf Esq.
  • Jno. Erving Jr. Esq.
  • Mr. Will Coffin
  • John Rowe Esq.

Voted Joseph Millar be Clerk his Salary Eight pound 13/4

is £65 old Tenor

Voted that the Sextons Salary be Eight pounds £8.

Voted the Tax on the pews be the same as last yeare.

Voted the additional Sallary to the minister be continued as the last yeare & as by the proprietors vote Easter 1759.

At a Meeting of the Vestry at Mr. Ballards January 29. 1762.

Present both the Wardens.

1762

Vestry

Meeting

James Boutineau Esq. Thos. Greene Esq. Jonth. Simpson Esq.

Step. Greenleaf Esq. Mr. Wm. Coffin, Jno. Gooch Benj. Greene & Jno. Rowe Esq.

a proposall was communicated to the Vestry from Kings Chappell Vestry that both Churches should unite in Employing Mr. Dipper as an Organist he providing a person under Him & Each Church be equaly and alternatly served by him & said asistant. The proposall was taken into concideration & the following conclusion agreed on that if Mr. Rice did not return next Spring or Summer as he had liberty so long to be absent in that case we would recommend it to the proprietors to agree with said proposall if Mr. Dipper saw meet to tarry and take that chance.

Att the Anual Meeting of the proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church the following officers where chosen by written Vote being Monday in Easter Week April 12 1762.

1762

Easter

April 12th

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted 10 Vestry Men 5 to be a Quorum.

  • chose
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • John Gooch Esq.
  • Jona. Simpson Esq.
  • John Erving Jr. Esq.
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Stepn. Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. Benj. Greene

Joseph Millar to be Clerk his Salary £8:13/4 per annum.

The Sexton Salary £8:0: per annum.

The Tax of the pews continued the same as last yeare & as setled Easter 1759.

The additional to the Minister Salary to be continued as in 1759 vote at Easter.

A Meeting of the Vestry at the Church on Sunday Evening present the Minister & both Wardens.

1762

November 2

  • James Boutineau
  • Jno. Gooch
  • Thos. Greene
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Jno. Erving
  • Ben. Greene
  • Jno. Rowe

being Accquainted that Mr. Millar the Clerk was going to leave the Country on a Voyage some measure was needfull to concider to Supply the place it was agreed to take it under concideration & to adjourn this Meeting to December 5 next.

Att a Meeting of the Vestry at Trinity Church by adjournment present as before the concideration of a Clerk still put of to annother Meeting & adjourned to the 19th Inst.

1762

December 5

At a Meeting at the Church by adjournment the 19 December Voted that Daniel Crosby be Clerk untill the Annual Meeting.

19

Att the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of Pews dully Warned on Monday in Easter week April 4 1763.

1763

Easter

Monday

The following Officers chosen by written Vote.

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted the Vestry to consist of Ten persons five to be a Quorum.

  • chosen
  • James Boutineau Esq.

  • John Gooch Esq.
  • Thos. Greene Esq.
  • Vestry
  • Step. Greenleaf Esq.
  • Jonth. Simpson Esq.
  • Men
  • Jno. Erving Esq.
  • Mr. Wm. Coffin
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Mr. Thos. Aston
  • Jno. Rowe Esq.

Daniel Crosby to be Clerk his Sallary £8:13/4 per annum Eight pound 13/4

The Sexton Sallary to be Eight pound £8:0.0 per annum.

The Tax of the pews continued as last year & as setld 1759.

The additional to the Minister Salary to be continued as at Easter 1759.

Voted that the ground before the Church be paved at the charge of the Church. The Wardens desired to have it done in the best & cheapest manner.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry Room September 4 1763.

1763

September 4

Present the Minister. Both Wardens.

  • James Boutineau

  • Benj. Greene

  • Jonth. Simpson
  • John Gooch
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • John Rowe
  • Will Coffin
  • John Erving

The Heirs of Thomas Greene Esq. lately deceased made known Minister & Wardens to be comunicated to the Vestry that in complyance with a designe he had made they were ready to pay five Hundred pounds Sterling into the hands of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of this Church to be imployd that is the Intrest of it towards an assistant Minister on certain conditions as should be hereafter agreed provided a Sum could be added so as to make provision for such of at least fifty pounds per annum.*

Voted that a Subscription be opened in order to see how farr said proposals would be complyd with.

Att a Meeting of the Vestry in Trinity Church the Warden reported the Subscription was not yet finished. The Vestry adjourned to this day fortnight.

Sep. 25

Att a Meeting by adjournment present the same as September 4 it was voted that the Minister with Joseph Dowse & Stepn. Greenleaf Esq. be desired to prepare proper papers for the Vestry to concider of in order to effect the designe of the Heirs of Thos. Greene Esq.

October 9

Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church in Vestry Room present the Minister Wardens & 7 Vestry men viz. those Sep. 4 Except J. Gooch.

October 23

Voted that the Wardens Notefie the proprietors to Meet on Wednesday the 26 at 10 Clock A.M. to transact such Matters as shall be laid before them.

Copy of the Noteflecaton given by order of the Wardens October 23 & delivred by the Clerk

1763

October 23

The proprietors of the pews in this Church are Notefied to Meet here on Wednesday. next at Ten O Clock in the Morning to concider and transact on such matters as may be thought neccessary.

Adjourned to the afternoon.

Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry Room of said Church Sunday October 23 P. M. by adjournment from the Morning.

Present the Minister both Wardens &

  • Jonathan Simpson

  • Benj. Greene

  • Stepn. Greenleaf
  • John Rowe
  • Vestry
  • Will Coffin
  • John Erving

The Reverend Mr. Hooper comunicated a paper or Instrument from the Heirs of Thomas Greene Esq. deceased which Instrument being read it was Voted Unanimously that they thank fully, accept the Donation designed by Thomas Greene Esq. deceased and compleated by his Heirs & engage hereby for themselves & Successors in Office, that the said donation shall be for ever appropriated as a fund and the Intrest of it constantly apply’d to the use mentioned in the Instrument of Donation and to no other use and that all the other conditions mentioned in said Instrument shall be punctualy comply’d with.

Voted That The Reverend Mr. Hooper the Minister, Joseph Dowse one of the Wardens & Stepn. Greenleaf Esq. of the Vestry be desired to wait on the Heirs of the Late Thos. Greene Esq. with the thanks of the Minister Wardens & Vestry for their ready and generous offer of their Father’s Intended donation and to acquaint them that they have by a Subscribtion of the Gentlemen of Trinity Church raised the Sum of £500 Sterling required on their Part, and that they are ready to receive the Donation as soon as the Heirs conveinanly can pay it to them that they the said Trustees may proceed to apply the wholle according to the attentions of the Donors.

Voted That they also present the Thanks of the same persons to the Widow of said Thos. Greene Esq. for her Zeal in Forwarding said Affair and her chearfull consent in behalf of the Minors.

Voted That the whole Sum of one thousand pounds Sterling when received from the Heirs of Thos. Greene Esq. & the funeral Subscribers a List of whome is to be enter’d in the Church Book, be put out to Intrest on good Security and the Annual Income thereof be applied by the said Minister, Wardens and Vestry for the Time being for the Suport of an assistant Minister as before expressed.

List entered

in the Church

or

proprietors

Book follo:

90.

Voted That a Treasurer be chosen & Appointed for the aforesaid purpose to continue in said Office untill another be chosen in his Stead.

Voted That all the aforesaid Votes passed this Day be communicated to the Proprietors at their next Meeting.

Att the Meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church (regually Warned) Wednesday October 26th 1763 att said Church. The Wardens informed the Proprietors that the Heirs of Thomas Greene Esq. had by an Instrument in Writing made the Minister Wardens and Vestry of this Church Trustees for Receiving and Managing a Donation of Five hundred Pounds Sterling for the Uses and Condittions mentioned therein which Instrument being read and after due Consideration it was Unamously Voted the said Instrument be Recorded in the Proprietors Book. Which Instrument is as followeth.

1763

October 26

We the Subscribers being the Children & Heirs of the Late Thos. Greene Esq. of Boston in compliance with a Design formed by him before his Death & in honour to his Memory Do hereby give in Trust to the Present Minister Wardens, & Vestry of Trinity Church in Boston aforesaid, and to their Successors in Office forever, The Sum of Five hundred Pounds Sterling money of Great Britain, to be by them applyed to be the Following Use & no other vizt.

As a perpetual Fund for the Supporting a Clergyman of the Church of England who is to be employed as a Constant Assistant to the Incumbant, or Stated Minister of said Church except when the said Minsiter Wardens & Vestry for the time being shall think it proper that he should be emploied in Supplying any other Episcopal Churches in or about Boston when they may be Vacant by the Death Sickness or otherwise Necessary absence of their Stated Minister the whole Direction of which to be always Vested in said Trustees provided that the said Trustees so procure the like Sum of Five hundred pounds Sterling to be added to this Donation & do Continually appropriate the Intrest of the whole Sum of One thousand pounds Sterling towards providing & Supporting an Assistant Minister as aforesaid, & to no other Use whatsoever. Provided also at the Election or presentation of the First Assistant be in the Minister Wardens & Vestry of said Trinity Church & in Us the said Heirs together with such persons as may Join in Raising the said additional Sum (if they Desire it), But in all after Elections of an Assistant the Right of Voting shall be in the said Trustees for the time being, and in as many of Us the Subscribers Heirs, as shall then Continue to belong to said Church, and after Our Decease the sole Right of Election or presentation shall remain for ever in the Minister Wardens & Vestry of said Trinity Church together with the Eldest Son in the Male Line of the Family of our said Father, who shall then be Living Provided He shall then belong to said Church, But it is to be Understood, agreeable to the Originall constitution of said Church, that any Assistant so chosen shall Always be a person acceptable to & approv’d by the said Incumbant or Stated Minister of the Church.

As to the perticular method of Improving the aforesaid Donation in the Best manner for answering the Design of it, We hereby Submitt it to the present Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church to form such Rules as they shall think convenient or necessary for managing the same & rendering it Effectual & permanent.

Signed

Thos. Greene

John Greene

Dan Hubbard

Nath. Greene

I sign with consent of my Guardian Joseph Greene.

I sign with consent of my Guardian David Greene.

I the Guardian of the Above Minors Do Consent. Martha Greene

Voted unanimously That the proprietors fully agree and consent that the terms and conditions made in the said Instrument be the rule and methoude by which an Assistant Minister for this Church be appointed

Then was read the Votes passed by the Vestry. October 23d Instant after reading of which it was unanimously Voted That the proprietors fully approve of said vestry votes.

Voted (unanimously) That the Thanks of the proprietors be given to the Heirs and to the Widow of said Thomas Greene Esq. on the same occasion and in the same manner as the Minister Wardens & Vestry have done in the said votes. Mr. Dowse & Mr. Greenleaf be desired to present the same. There ends the proprietors Meeting.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church togather with the Heirs of Thomas Greene Esq. and the Subscribers to Mr. Green’s Establishment for an Assistant Minister for said Church who are by said Establishment the Electors for the first Assistant. All duly Warned by sending the Sexton to each person.

October 26

1763

The Reverend Mr. Hooper as Moderator of said Meeting opened the designe of the Meeting by reading the Instrument of Donation from the Heirs of Thomas Greene Esq. and after Mature concideration it was put to vote whither the Electors would now proceed to the choice of an Assistant Minister upon said Establishment. Voted in the afirmative unanimously. Then the Electors proceeded by Written Vote & unanimously made choice of Mr. William Walter. Voted that the Wardens with Messrs. Thos. Greene John Green Nath. Greene and John Rowe Esq. be a Comittee to wait on Mr. Will Walter accquainting him with the unanimous Choice of the Ellectors to be an assistant to the Incumbent Minister of Trinity Church when he shall have obtained Ordination from the Bishop of London or some other Bishop. That his Sallary is to be Sixty pounds [:] Sixty pound Sterling per annum being the income of Intrest of One thousand pound Sterling which is a fund for said Establishment to be payd him by the Minister Wardens & Vestry aforesaid who are the Trustees for the same and have the Sole regulation & direction of this Establishment. The assistant is also upon desire of said Trustees to supply any Church in and about Boston that may be vacant by the death Sickness or other neccessary absence of their stated Minister. Then the Meeting was adjourned to Sunday next the 30 Inst. to meet after Evening Service to receive the report of said Comittee.

At an adjournment of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church to gather with the other Electors of an Assistant on Mr. Greene’s Establishment. The Comittee apointed to wait on Mr. William Walter made return that they had been with him & comunicated the Vote of the Electors & received an Answer in writing which was read and is as follows.

Oct. 30

1763

Boston October 29th 1763

Pleased with your Unanimity Gentlemen and Sensible by this Act of your affection for me, I chearfully accept your kind Invitation on the Terms specified in you Vote, tho diffident of my Abilities to perform so arduous a Task. The acknowledged Character however of the present worthy Minister & your whole Society gives me confidence therein & bids me to promise my Self I shall want nothing in his or your Power to render my future Life Easy & Happy while it shall be my constant Study by Divine Help to answer the great End of my Settling among You,

Walter

After reading the foregoing Answer Voted That the Minister & Wardens do in the Name & Behalf of this Meeting sign a Coppy of the Electors Votes and that the same be Deliver’d to Mr. W. Walter for his assurance of this agreement.

Attyd.

Signed Wm. Hooper Minister

J. Dowse

Wardens

R. Greene

Att a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry Room October 30th 1763 present The Minister, both Wardens & seven Vestry Men. Voted John Erving Jr. Esq. To be Treasurer to the Trustees for Mr. Greene’s Establishment.

Voted That the Duty of the Assistant shall be to read prayers & Preach once every Sundy Morning or Evening as shall be most conveniat for the stated Minister, read prayers Alternately on the Holy Day & to perform the whole parochial Service when the Minister shall be sick or otherwise necessary Absent.

Voted That if at any time a diference of opinion shall happen between the Minister and Assistant as to any part of Duty which the former may require the latter the same shall be refeer’d to, & determined by the Wardens & Vestry.

Voted That the Assistant shall not preform any Part of Duty that is Attended with a Perquisett, without the Consent of the Incombant or Stated Minister.

Voted That if the said Assistant should accept of any Envetation to remove from this Service it is expected that he shall repay or cause to be repaid such Sum as shall be Advanced to him for his proceeding to England to obtain Orders.

The four foregoing Votes of the Minister, Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church relating to the Duty and Expectation of and from the Assistant are such as I am fully contented with to be a Rule for me.

W. W.

Memo.

Mr. Simpson advanced

£40

Mr. Dowse

40

on account as above

£80.

A Coppy of the Presentation of Mr. Walter to the Lord Bishop of London.

To the Right Reverend Father in God

Richard Lord Bishop of London.

These are to Certifie your Lordship that Mr. Wm. Walter, a young Gentleman well known among us, for his good temper, great Prudence, uncommon Probity sober & pious Conversation, being Unanimously chosen Assistant Minister to the Incombant or Rector of Trinity Church in this town of Boston in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay New England, We the Minister Wardens & Vestry of the Church aforesaid to whome the power belongs Do hereby Nomanate & appoint the aforesaid Mr. Wm. Walter to Preform the said Office of Assistant and do promise to pay him the Yearly sum of Sixty pound Sterling for his Maintenance being the Lawful Intrest of One thousand Pounds, Sterling Settled as a perpetuall Fund for that Purpose & to continue him in said Office untill he shall be otherwise provided of some Exclesiastial Preferment Unless by any Fault by him Commited, he shall be Lawfully Remov’d from the same. Witness Our hands this day of November in year of Our Lord 1763.

Signed

Wm. Hooper Minister

Joseph Dowse

Wardens

Rufus Greene

  • Wm. Coffin

  • Vestry Men
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Ja. Boutineau
  • Jona. Simpson
  • John Rowe
  • John Erving Jr.

[Vol 1 TR]

A List of Subscribers to Thomas Greene Esq. Establishment for An Assistant Minister for Trinity Church viz.

John Rowe Fifty Pound Sterling

£50

Jonathan Simpson Thirty Pounds

30

John Erving Jr. Thirty Pounds

30

John Hamock Twenty Pounds

20

James Murray thirty Pounds

30

John Borland thirty pounds

30

Joseph Dowse Ten pounds

10

William Gould Ten pounds

10

James Lloyd Ten pounds

10

Benja. Faneuil Jr. Ten pounds

10

Stephen Greenleaf Ten pounds

10

James Griffin Twenty Pounds

20

Robert Gould twenty pounds

20

William Coffin Ten Pounds

10

Joshua Richard Jr. Ten pounds 10/

10.10

Micheal Trolett Ten pounds

10

James Boutineau fifteen pounds

15

John Head Ten pounds

10

John Gooch Ten Pounds

10

Samuel Hughes ten pounds ten shillings

10.10

Rufus Greene Ten pounds

10

Benjamin Greene Ten Pounds

10

Benja. & Edwd. Davis Ten Pounds

10

Robert Gordon Ten pounds

10

Thomas Aston Ten pounds

10

James Perkins Ten Pounds

10

Joshua Lorring Ten pounds

10

A List of Subscribers to Thos. Greene Esq. Establishment continued

Eben Z. Winter

Five Pounds

£5

Samuel Calef

Nath. Dowse Five Pounds

5

Fitch Pool Five Pounds

5

Johnson Jackson Five Pounds

5

John Cutler Five Pounds

5

Thomas Procter Four Pounds

4

William Speakman Five Pounds

5

Peter Nogues, Five Pounds

5

Richard Green Four Pounds

5

William Frobisher four Pounds

4

John Hamock Jr. five pounds

5

Willm. Patin & Will Davis Two pounds 2/

2.2

John Timins five pounds five shillings

5.5

This delivred into the hands of John Erving jr. Esqr Treasurer

to the Minister Wardens & Vestry for this Establishment

Further Nath. Bethune Esqr. has promised to pay on

this Establishment twenty four shilling per an. being

the Intrest of Twenty pound Sterl.

It was agreed by the Minister & Vestry that Mr. Walter should be allowed Eighty pounds Sterling for his Expense going to England & return which Sum was raised viz.

a Number of the congregation such as had not subscribed to the above subscribed to the amount of

old Tenor 145. is in

Sterling £24. 10

The heirs of Thos. Greene Esq. paid 3 months Intrest of the

£500 being from his death to the time of the donation is 7.10/

Sterling

7.10

advanced upon the growing Intrest of the stocks 8 months which

sum Jonth. Simpson Esq. was so generous as to advance

40.

agreed to Debit the Church account with the remainder

18.

80.

[Vol. 2 TR]

List of Subscribers to pay Mr. Walter charges going to England. 1763.

Old Tenor

Jabez. Hatch

£2:10

Nath Coffin

5:

Jno. Crosby

5:

Jas. Gooch

6.15

Jane Eustice

36:00

[?] Cockrain

2.5

Jno. Fairservice

6.15

Jas. Gardner

2:15

Geo. Bethune

10:10

Wm. Sheaff

2.5

John Coffin

5

Nath. Hatch

18

Will Price

2:5

Ro. Jarvis

2.5

Sl. Harris

2.5

Jno. Morley

5

Jno. Gooch Jr.

7.10

Jas Gooch Jr.

Chas. Pelham

2:16

Dan Rea

5

Thos. Aston

9

R. Mortimore

4.10.

Ralph Fisher

5.5

Langley

5

153:11

Interest received of Mr. Greene’s

Heirs 3 mo. to Nov 1

75:

To the Church from Interest

advanced

by Jonth. Simpson

180:

From Capatal

91:

500—80 £ Ster

[Vol 2 TR]

Att the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church Regually Warned Easter Monday April 23d 1764 the following Officers were Chosen by written Vote for the Year Insuing.

  • Joseph Dowse Esq.

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

Voted that ten Vestry Men be Chosen. Five to be a Quorum.

  • James Boutineau Esq.

  • Vestry Men

  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Jon. Simpson Esq.
  • Jno. Erving Esq.
  • Mr. Wm. Coffin
  • Jno. Rowe Esq.
  • Mr. Benj. Greene
  • Jno. Gooch Esq.
  • Dr. Thos. Aston
  • Mr. Thos. Greene

Daniel Crosby—Clerk his Sallery Eight pounds thirteen shillings per annum.

The Sextons Sallery Eight pounds per annum.

The Tax of the Pews as Last year.

The Additional to the Ministers Sallery to be Continued as of Easter 1759.

Voted that Eighteen pounds Sterling be taken out of the Churchs Stock being the balance advanced to Mr. Walter besides the Subscriptions for his Expence in going home to be Ordaind.

At a Meeting of the Vesstry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room on Sunday July 22d. present the Reverend Mr. Hooper Minister

1764

Jos. Dowse & Rufus Greene Wardens

James Boutineau Jona. Simpson Wm. Coffin Benja. Greene Jno. Erving Jr. John Rowe John Gooch.

The Reverend Mr. William Walter being returned from England communicated to the Vestry his Certificate for Holy Orders & his License from the Lord Bishop of London to preach in New England. He was received as the Assistant Minister of this Church agreeable to the Institution made by the Heirs of the late Thomas Greene Esq. & this Church as recorded page 90.

Voted that the reading Desk be inlarged so as to accomodate two Ministers. That the pew No. 49 be taken in partly for the Clerk’s Desk & the remainder into the Ministrial pew.

[Loose Leaf Insert]

1764 Aug. 2d Altering the Reading Desk fit for two Ministers & Clerk Desk &c.

To William Moore Acc

8 Day work himself @ 5/10

3.14.8

8 Day Cris Bowen 4/

125 feet Board. 12/6. Nails hinges &c 14/5

1. 6.11

38.1:10d OT

Lawfull

5.1.7

To Will Grey upholdsters

33.18/

To Jno. Nowel painting.

At a Meeting of the Vesstry of Trinity Church in the Vesstry room August 26.

Aug. 26

Present Jos. Dowse & Rufus Greene Wardens

James Boutineau Jona. Simpson John Gooch Stephen Greenleaf Jno.

Erving Jr. William Coffin John Rowe Benj. Greene

Voted that The Treasurer to the Minister Wardens & Vesstry be directed to commence his payment for the Salary to the Assistant Minister from the first of March as his licence from the Bishop being the 29 of February.

The Meeting adjourned to September 2d at the same place.

September 2d Vestry mett & adjourned to the 9th.

September 9 Vesstry mett at the Church Rev. Mr. William Hooper present & Both Wardens & all the Vestry except Thomas Greene.

Voted The Wardens accquaintd the Vestry that Mr. William Millar Book seller of this Town had presented the Church with two follo, common prayer Book for the use of the reading desk. The Vestry unanimously Voted their Thanks to him & desired Mr. Dowse to present the same.

Adjourned to the 16th in the same place.

Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room on Sunday September 16. Present the Reverend Mr. Hooper one Warden viz. J. Dowse &

Sep. 16

  • Jonth. Simpson
  • William Coffin
  • James Boutinea
  • John Erving
  • Step. Greenleaf
  • Jno. Gooch

Voted that if Mr. John Banister will give a Quit claim for the Church & Land apertaining & will warrant for himself & his heirs that in that case he shall have a pew granted to him & them Submiting to the Rules as other proprietors of pews.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room the 28 of October 1764. Present Jos. Dowse Rufus Greene Wardens Will Coffin Jonth. Simpson James Boutineau Step. Greenleaf John Gooch Jno. Erving Jr. & John Rowe.

October 28

The Vote of the 16 September was taken under concideration & Voted that the Wardens with James Boutineau & Jonth. Simpson Esq. be a comittee to treat with Mr. Banister in conformity to the said Vote of the 16 of September past which accordingly the said Committee Waited on Mr. Banister but he refused to enter into any terms.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry room December 2d 1764.

December 2

Present the Reverend Mr. Hooper Minister

  • Joseph Dowse & Rufus Greene Wardens
  • William Coffin
  • Jonth. Simpson
  • James Boutineau
  • Stepn. Greenleaf
  • John Gooch
  • John Erving Jr. &
  • John Rowe

The Wardens accquainted the Vestry that they had been served with a process of Ejectment for this church & land by John Banister to answer at the next Inferiour Court in this County to be held at Boston the first Tewsday in January upon which the Vestry Voted that a Committee be chosen to defend the churches claim against the said suit. Voted that the Wardens with Stepn. Greenleaf Esq. & James Boutineau Esq. be the Comittee.

1764

December

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry room January 6 1765.

1765

January 6

  • Present the Reverend Mr. Hooper Minister.
  • Rufus Greene Warden
  • James Boutineau

  • Vestry
  • John Gooch
  • Jonathan Simpson
  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • John Row
  • Thomas Greene

Voted that John Rowe Esq. & Jonathan Simpson Esq. be Aded to the last Committee.

Voted that the Above Committee have full power to enter into terms & agreements with Mr. John Banister relateing to Trinity Church and to defend the Churchs claim against said Banister’s suit.

Att the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church duly warned Easter Monday April 8 1765 the following officers were Chosen by Written Vote for the Year Insueing.

1765

April 8

Voted Rufus Greene & Stephen Greenleaf Esq. Wardens

Voted that the Vestry to consist of twelve persons 5 to be a Quoram.

Chose Vestrymen

  • Voted Joseph Dowse
  • John Gooch

  • William Coffin
  • John Erving Jr.
  • James Boutineau
  • Thos. Greene
  • Jona. Simpson
  • Samuel Hughes
  • Benja. Greene
  • James Perkins
  • John Rowe
  • Gillam Phillips

Voted Daniel Crosby to be Clerke his Sallary £8:13:4

The Saxton Sallary to be £8:0:0

Voted John Cutler to be Organist his Sallary £26:13:4

Voted the Addition to the Reverend Mr. Hoopers Sallary be continued as

Voted at Easter Monday 1759.

Voted that the thanks of the Church be giving to Joseph Dowse Esq. for his long Services as Warden of this Church.

The Question being put whether the proprietors will make an Addition to the present Establishment of the Reverend Mr. William Walter’s Sallary of fifty pounds Sterling per annum Voted in the Affirmative.

Voted Unanimously that the Sum of Fifty pounds Sterling per annum be paid to the Reverend Mr. William Walter during his Continuing an Assistant Minister to this Church.

Voted That the Church Wardens be desired to wate on the Reverend Mr. William Walter and inform him of the foregoing Vote & deliver him a Copy thereof Signed by them in behalf of the proprietors for his Security for their payment of the same.

Voted that the pews on the lower floor of the Church which ware formerly taxed Nine Shillings Old tenor be taxed this year at one Shilling & Sixpence lawful money each pew.

Voted that the pillar pews & two smal pews on the lower floor be the same as last year.

Voted that the Gallery pews be taxed this year Eight pence lawful money.

[Vol .1 TR]

Inventory of the furniture bellonging to Trinity Church.

  • a large folio. Bible
  • large Royall prayer Books
  • 10 common folio. Ditto
  • 3 Silk Damask Cushons      2 for Reading Desk
  • 1 for pulpit
  • A Silk Damask Carpet for Communion Table
  • a Ditto Altar Cloath
  • Two Ditto Valance for pulpit & Desk
  • One Ditto for Governor seat
  • Two small Cushons for Ditto of same
  • Chairs & Cushons of Harrateen
  • Two Surplices
  • Two Table Cloaths      6 Napkins of linen
  • a peice of Damask for Ditto not made up.
  • a Black Gown for the Clerk
  • Cushons for the Altar
  • plate—Two flagons
  • a Cup & Cover
  • a Dish or Receiver
  • a Patten or Calice
  • a Basson for Baptisim

April 8 1765      Att.

  • Joseph Dowse

  • Wardens
  • Rufus Greene

[Vol. 2 TR]

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry room.

1765

May 5

Present Rufus Greene & Stephen Greenleaf Wardens

  • James Boutineau
  • James Perkins

  • Vestrymen
  • William Coffin
  • Gillam Phillips
  • Jonathan Simpson
  • Thomas Greene
  • Benjamin Greene
  • John Gooch

Voted that Mr. James Griffin have liberty to Sett the posts for a fence on the west part of the land belonging to Trinity Church he building the fence and keeping it in good repair.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry room

1766

January 19

  • Present Rufus Greene

  • Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • James Boutineau
  • Jno. Erving

  • Vertry Men
  • William Coffin
  • Thomas Greene
  • Jona. Simpson
  • Gillam Phillips
  • James Perkins
  • John Row

Whereas Henry Vassell Esq. has offered to the Church Wardens & Vestry his Pew No. 76 for £13:6:8 & if we will excuse his paying one year’s tax he will give the Curtins and Cushings belonging to said Pew to the Church. Voted that we except of his offer of his Pew No. 76 as above and that the Wardens are desired to pay him for the same.

Att the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of pews in Trinity Church duly warned Monday in Easter week March 31 1766 the under officers ware chosen by written votes for the Insuing year.

Voted Rufus Greene & Stephen Greenleaf Warden’s.

The Vestry to Consist of 12 persons 5 to be a quorum.

  • Voted Joseph Dowse Esq.
  • Mr. John Gooch

  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Mr. John Erving Jr.
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Mr. Thomas Greene
  • Mr. Benja. Greene
  • Mr. Samuel Hughes
  • Mr. Jona. Simpson
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. John Rowe
  • Mr. Gillam Phillips

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clark his Salary to be £8:13 4

The Saxton Salary to be Eight pounds £8:0:0.

Voted the Addition to the Reverend Mr. William Hooper Salary be Continued as at Easter 1759.

Voted that the pews on the lower floor of the Church be Taxed for the Year Insuing 18d. per week Except eight piller pews & two small ones.

Voted that the 8 piller pews & the 2 Small ones be taxed the year Insuing 12d. per week & the Gallery pews 8d. per week.

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to next Monday.

April 7 Att an Adjournment of the proprietors meeting this day Voted Mr. John Cutler be the Organist of this Church the Insuing year with a Salary of Twenty pounds Sterling for his Servis upon Condition he Admits of any Other person to play the Volintary whome theb Wardens and Vestry shall think proper to Appoint for that purpose.

At the Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room December 21 1766.

  • Present Rufus Greene

  • Wardens
  • S. Greenleaf Esq.
  • William Coffin James Boutineau John Rowe John Gooch

  • Vestry
  • John Erving Samuel Hughes Gillam Phillips James Perkins

Voted that we receive of Mr. William Corbett the pew No. 99 & that Mr. Jaber Hatch have the same he paying twenty pounds lawful money for said pew No. Ninety Nine to the Wardens.

At a meeting of the Vestry regularly call’d this day upon the sudden Death of the Reverend Mr. Hooper Aprill 14th 1767.

Present the Wardens & a great Majority of the Vestry.

Voted That a proprietors Meeting be call’d to morrow at 12 o’Clock in order to provide for the Funeral & to advise what may be further necessary to be done on this melancholly Event.

Voted That the Reverend Mr. Walter be desired to preach a Sermon at the funeral, that Expresses be sent off to the neighbouring Ministers to request their attendance on Fryday next and that Messrs. Jonathan Simpson, John Erving & James Perkins be a Committee of the Vestry to wait upon Mrs. Hooper & the family and to assist Them in everything proper to be done till the proprietors can meet to give further orders, and that the Vestry be adjourn’d till tomorrow Twelve oClock 15th. The proprietors having met according to the warning & Voted unanimously to be at the whole Expence of the funeral of their late most worthy & beloved Minister and desired the Wardens & Vestry to prepare everingthing proper and Necessary for the Solemnity—the Vestry met again agreable to Adjournment and

Voted That the pulpit & Reading Desk be decently cover’d with the best black Cloth, and that after the funeral Solemnitys Shall be over, the Cloth shall be given to the Reverend Mr. Walter the Assistant Minister.

N.B. The proceedings of the proprietors at their meeting on Easter Monday the 20th Aprill 1767 (being regularly warn’d) are Enter’d in the proprietors Book fol: 96 [as follows].

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of pews in Trinity Church duly Warn’d on Monday in Easter Week April 20th 1767. Before their going upon the Choice of Officers for the year, a Question was mov’d as to the right of representation in voting, and it was determin’d by a Unanimous Vote (at a very full meeting) that each pew always was & now is entituled to one Vote in all matters whatsoever relating to the proprietorship; That in the absence of a proprietor from any Meeting his oldest Son present, or any other person appointed by such proprietor shall be entituled to vote in his room, such other person producing the appointment in writing, also that every person who is seated in a pew by the proprietor & pays the Tax thereof is to be allow’d a Vote in the absence of his Constituent provided he produces his desire in Writing to that purpose.

1767

April 20th

The following Officers for the year ensuing were then chosen by written votes viz.

  • Stephen Greenleaf

  • Church Wardens
  • William Coffin

Voted That the Vestry consist of Twelve persons, five to be a quorum.

  • Voted
  • Joseph Dowse
  • Rufus Greene
  • Benja. Greene
  • James Boutineau
  • John Gooch
  • Gillam Phillips
  • Vestry
  • Jonathan Simpson
  • James Perkins
  • John Erving
  • Men
  • John Rowe
  • Samuel Hughes
  • John Greene

Voted Daniel Crosby Clerk & that his Salary be Eight pounds 13/4d per annum.

Voted Josiah Williams Organist, his Salary to be Twenty Six pounds 13/4d per annum.

Voted That the Sextons Allowance be Eight pounds per annum.

Voted That the Tax on the pews be the same as last year.

Voted That one hundred & ten pounds Sterling (being the annuall Salary originally settled on our late Minister the Revd. Mr. Hooper) be paid the ensuing year to his Widow for the Support of her Family.

Voted That a Collection be made at the Church next Sunday to defray the Expence of the Funeral and that the Surplussage (if there be any) be given to Mrs. Hooper.

Voted That a Vault be built under the Chancel to be appropriated for the use of Mr. Hooper’s Family & the future Ministers of this Church & their familys, and that the Wardens be desired to give orders for the Same when they think best.

Voted That the thanks of the proprietors be given to Mr. Rufus Greene for his long and faithful Services as one of the Wardens of this Church.

Voted That the Thanks of the proprietors be also given to Mr. John Cutler the late Organist for his Service he having now desired to resign. The meeting was then adjourn’d without day.

[Vol. 2 TR]

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room March 13th 1768.

  • Present
  • Stephen Greenleaf

  • Wardens
  • William Coffin

James Boutineau, Rufus Greene, Gillam Phillips, John Rowe James Perkins, Jonathan Simpson, & John Greene Vestry Men.

Voted That the Wardens be desired to send printed Notifications to all the proprietors of pews to meet at this Church on the 4th of Aprill next being Easter Monday, in order that they may then proceed to the Choice of a Minister of the said Church if they shall think proper.

Voted That the pew No. 121 in the Gallery be sold to Mr. John Bell for Six pounds lawful Money.

Voted That the pew No. 6 on the lower floor be sold to Mr. John Cutler for the Sum of £17:6:0 being the same price with his other pew.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room April 3d 1768.

Present the Wardens & most of the Vestry.

Voted That Three pounds Six Shillings & Eight pence be paid to Mrs. Mary Hooper being the Sum due to her late Husband for the last Easter Sunday & omitted being paid by Mr. Rufus Greene the then Senior Warden.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Annual Meeting of the proprietors of pews in Trinity Church duly warn’d on Monday in Easter Week, April 4th 1768.

1768

April 4th

Voted That Stephen Greenleaf be the Senior Warden Moderator for the present Meeting. The following Officers were then chosen by Written

Vote for the year insuing viz.

  • Voted
  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • Wardens
  • William Coffin

Voted That the Vestry consist of Twelve persons, five of whom to be a quorum.

Voted That the following persons be Vestry Men for the year viz.

  • James Boutineau
  • Messrs. Rufus Greene
  • Jonathan Simpson
  • James Perkins
  • John Rowe
  • Saml. Hughes
  • John Gooch
  • Benja. Greene
  • Gillam Phillips
  • John Greene
  • John Erving
  • Johnson Jackson

Voted That Daniel Crosby be Clerk with a Salary of £8.13.4

Voted That Josiah Williams be Organist with a Salary of £26.13.4

Voted That the Sextons Allowance be Eight pounds.

Voted That the Tax on the pews be the Same as last Year.

The proprietors then took into consideration the expediency of making Choice of a Minister for this Church conformable to a printed notification for that purpose. There being a very full Meeting the question was put, Whether they would now proceed to the Choice & it pass’d in the Affirmative. Also determin’d that it should be done by Written Vote, & that the Sum to be Allow’d for the annual Salary should be inserted at the same time in each vote.

The votes being accordingly brot in it appear’d that the Revd. Mr. William Walter was unanimously chosen to be the Incumbent Minister of this Church, & that his Salary be One hundred & fifty Six pounds Sterling per Annum to commence from this time (being Easter Monday) upon his declaring his Acceptance of the Cure & undertaking to do the whole Duty thereof as was done by the former Incumbents.

Voted That the Thanks of the proprietors be given to the Revd. Mr. Walter for his extraordinary Care & trouble in doing the whole Ministerial Duty of this Church since the decease of their late Incumbent and that forty pounds Sterling be allow’d & paid him out of the Church as a Gratuity for the Same.

Voted That Stephen Greenleaf & William Coffin, the Wardens, with Jonathan Simpson, John Rowe & James Boutineau members of the vestry be a Committee to wait on the Revd. Mr. Walter in behalf of the proprietors with a Copy of the foregoing votes desiring his Acceptance of their invitation & requesting his Answer as soon as may be Convenient, and that at the same time they deliver him a Copy of the Rules & Conditions agreed on between the proprietors & the former Incumbent as recorded in the proprietors Book Fol. 63 & 75 in order to have his consent to the Same.

A Letter from Mrs. Hooper relict of the late Revd. Mr. Hooper then presented to the proprietors by Joseph Dowse as follows.

Gentlemen—I take this first opportunity of gratefully acknowledging your kind & liberal bounty to me at your last yearly meeting, which has been an ample & comfortable Support to me. I return my Sincere & hearty thanks to you who are a Community to which my Deceas’d Husband was most tenderly united. I esteem this remarkable instance of your liberality & kindness as a dispensation of our Gracious & Heavenly Father who has promis’d to be the widow’s God, & pray that He will please to Shower his Blessings on you, both as a Community & every one in particular and as I shall fix my reliance on that Divine Being so I will not doubt the continued kindness of those who have so distinguishly remember’d there deceas’d Minister in his disconsolate Widow.

I am with the tenderest Sense of Gratitude

Gentlemen Your very Obliged Servant

Mary Hooper

To the proprietors of

Trinity Church Assembled

at their Anniversary Meeting

Easter Monday 1768

Voted that the foregoing Letter be enter’d in the proprietors Book.

A Question being mov’d that an Annuity be settled on Mrs. Hooper during her Widowhood. It pass’d in the Negative.

Voted That fifty pounds Sterling be allow’d & paid to Mrs. Mary Hooper the widow of the late Revd. Mr. William Hooper towards the Support of her Family for the ensuing year, and the Wardens are desired to wait on Her and inform her of the Same.

Voted That the Thanks of the proprietors be given to Joseph Dowse Esq. for his long & faithful Service to this Church.

At a meeting of the proprietors this day (after Divine Service was over). The Committee appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Walter with a Copy of the votes pass’d on the 4th Inst. relating to him, inform’d the proprietors that they had accordingly waited on him, and had, by the Wardens, receiv’d the following answer.

1768

April 14

To the proprietors of Trinity Church

Gentlemen—Your Choice of me after so long an acquaintance, to be the Incumbent Minister of your Church, The ample Support you tender me— Your unanimity—Your vote of Thanks with a Gratuity of Forty pounds Sterling for my extra Service in the year past, are so many Testimonies of your unfeign’d affection as constrain one to Accept with gratitude your Obliging Invitation. I have only to assure you that I entertain a pleasing Sense of your past favours & to ask your prayers for me that my Services among you may be as useful & acceptable in the future as heretofore, and I am now

Gentlemen with most Sincere Attachment

Yours entirely

W. Walter

Boston April 6

1768

To the Copy of the Rules & Conditions presented to him for his Consent He Subscrib’d the following answer viz. The above Rules & Conditions are agreable to me.      W. Walter

The Question being put, whether the answer received from Mr. Walter was acceptable to the proprietors it pass’d in the affirmative, also voted that The Wardens & Vestry be desir’d to give him Induction which was accordingly done in the usual Form in the Body of the Church by the Senior Warden taking him by the hand a quorum of the Vestry being present & declaring that in the name & behalf of the proprietors (who are the patrons) He did Induct him into the Church, Investing him with all the priviledges & Immunities thereof agreable to their Constitution, and to the said Rules & Conditions to which he had Subscribed.

[Vol. 2 TR]

July 31 At a meeting of the Vestry at the Vestryroom this day. The Wardens and most of the Vestry Men present

Voted That it be recommended to the proprietors to have a Collection next Sunday for the poor Sufferers by fire at Montreal agreeable to the Governor’s Brief; and that the Money collected be paid to the provincial treasurer.

[Vol. 1 TR]

At the Annual meeting of the proprietors of pews in Trinity Church duely warn’d on Monday in Easter Week March 27th 1769 the following Officers were chosen for the year ensuing by written votes viz.

1769

  • Messrs. William Coffin &
  • Wardens
  • John Rowe

Voted That the Vestry consist of Twelve persons, five of whom to be a quorum.

Voted That the following persons be the Vestrymen for this year.

  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • John Erving
  • Rufus Greene
  • Gillam Phillips
  • Benjamin Greene
  • James Perkins
  • John Gooch
  • John Greene
  • James Boutineau
  • Johnson Jackson
  • Jonathan Simpson
  • John Cutler

Voted That Daniel Crosby be the Clerk, his Salary to be £8.13.4

Voted That Josiah Williams be Organist, his Salary to be 26.13.4

Voted That the Sextons Allowance be 8.

Voted That the Tax on the pews on the floor be Ten Shillings Old Tenor except the pillar pews, which are to be, as last year, @ 7/6 and that the Gallery pews be, as last year, @ 5/

Voted That there be a Collection for the benefit of Mrs. Hooper & her Children on a proper day to be appointed for the same by the Revd. Mr. Walter.

Voted That the Thanks of this Church be given to Stephen Greenleaf Esq. late Warden for his past Services.

[Vol. 3 TR]

  • Christmas Day

  • Ashwednesday

The Organist is desird to attend the

  • Good Fryday

afternoon on Each of these Days.

  • Fast Day
  • Thanksgiving Day

1769

October 22 Att a Meeting of the Church Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church

  • Present
  • William Coffin

  • Church Wardens
  • John Row Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Gillam Phillips
  • Rufus Greene
  • James Perkins
  • James Bouteneau
  • Johnson Jackson
  • Jona. Simpson
  • John Cuttler

Voted that John Bell have the Pew No. 112 provided he Gives up his Title to Pew No. 121 and pays Forty Shillings.

1769 Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church October 26 1769.

Present

  • William Coffin

  • Church Wardens
  • John Row Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.

  • Vestrymen
  • James Bouteneau
  • Rufus Greene
  • John Erving
  • Jona. Simpson
  • Gillam Phillips
  • Ben. Greene
  • Johnson Jackson
  • John Cuttler

Voted That Messrs. Faneuill & Bouteneau be paid £23:-:- Lawfull mony being a Debt Due to them from the Church   £23

Voted Mr. John Row be paid £32      pd £32

Voted Wm. Coffin be paid £55 old Tenner an old Debt   7:6:8

Voted Jona. Simpson be paid £26:13:4      £26:13:4

Voted Mr. Joseph Dowse’s Account be Settled & the Ballance paid him by the Church Wardens.

Voted Ralph Inman be paid £13:6:8 for the Pue that was given John Bannister   £13:6:8 paid

Voted Thatt the Church Wardens Borrow the above Sums of John Erving Jr. Esq. as Treasurer to the Fund for an Assistant Minnister.

1770

Aprill 16 Att an Annuall Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church duly Warned on Monday in Easter Week Aprill 16th 1770.

The following Officers for the Year ensuing were Chosen by Written Votes Vizt.

  • William Coffin

  • Church Wardens
  • John Row Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • Gillam Phillips

  • Rufus Greene
  • Johnson Jackson
  • Ben. Greene
  • Jno. Cuttler
  • Vestry Men 5 to be
  • Jas. Bouteneau
  • John Greene
  • a quorum
  • Jona. Simpson
  • Jas. Perkins
  • John Erving
  • Henry Laughton

Voted Daniell Crosby to be Clark with a Salary £8:13:4. per annum

Voted Josiah Williams Organiste      Ditto      £26:13:4

Voted That the Sextons Allowance be      £8

Voted That the Taxes on the Pews on the floor be One Shilling & 4d that

Those with Pillers in them      12d.

Voted that there shall be a Collection for the Bennifitt of Mrs. Hooper

When the Minnister & Wardens shall appointe & give Notice.

November 25 Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church the 25th November 1770.

  • Present William Coffin

  • Wardens
  • Jno. Row Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.

  • Vestry Men
  • Ja. Bouteneau
  • Rufus Green
  • Jno. Erving
  • Jona. Simpson
  • Ben. Green
  • Henry Laughton
  • Jas. Perkins
  • Johnson Jackson
  • Jno. Cutler

Voted that Capt. Robert Jarvis have the Pew No. 67 in Exchange for his Pew No. 77 he paying the Difference.

1770

May 6th Att a Meeting of the Church Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church Vizt.

  • Present
  • Wm. Coffin

  • Wardens
  • John Row
  • Ja. Bouteneau
  • Johnson Jackson
  • Rufus Green
  • John Greene
  • Gill. Phillips
  • John Cuttler
  • Jas. Perkins
  • Henry Laughton

Voted Mr. Jona. Simpson have Liberty to Build a Vault under said Church for his and familys Use paying 10 Dollars.

Voted That there be a Vault built under said Church at the Expence of the Church for the Use of the Present & Future Minnisters of this Church & Familys.

December 6th Att a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church December 6. 1770.

  • Present Wm. Coffin

  • Wardens
  • John Row Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.

  • Vestry Men
  • James Bouteneau
  • Rufus Green
  • Jona. Simpson
  • John Erving
  • Jas. Perkins
  • Henry Laughton
  • Johnson Jackson
  • John Cutler

Voted That the Church Warden give Mr. Ben. Faneuill Jr. a Title of the Pew No. 53. He giveing up his Fathers Title.

Voted That the Church Wardens agree with Mr. David Propert to be Organist of this Church untill Easter next at The Rate of Forty pounds Sterling per annum.

December 7th Agreeable to the Vote of Yesterday wee have contracted with Mr. David Propert to be Organist of Trinity Church.

Voted thate Capt. Robert Jarviss have Pew No. 67 he giveing up his Title to Pew No. 77 and paying Four pounds Lawfull.

1770

December 16th Att a Meeting of the Church Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church Vizt:

  • Present William Coffin

  • Wardens
  • John Row Esq.
  • Rufus Green
  • Jno. Erving
  • Jona. Simpson
  • Johnson Jackson
  • John Cutler
  • Henry Laughton

Voted That John Jones officiate as Sexton untill Easter Next.

1771

March 17 Att a Meeting of the Church Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church

  • Present Wm. Coffin

  • Wardens
  • John Row Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Jas. Bouteneau
  • Rufus Green
  • John Erving
  • Jas. Perkins
  • Henry Lawton
  • Johnson Jackson
  • John Cuttler

Voted That the Wardens waite on Governour Hutchinson to congratulate him upon his being appointed Commander in Cheif of this Province and to Acquaint him that the State Pew in Our Church was at his Service when it suted him or any of his family to come to Church.

At an Annuall Meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church duly warnd on Monday in Easter Week the 1st Aprill 1771.

The following officers for the year Ensuing were Chosen by Written Votes.

  • Voted
  • John Rowe

  • Church Wardens
  • John Erving

Voted 12 Vestry men whereof 5 to make a Quorum.

  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Mr. Henry Laughton
  • Mr. Rufus Green
  • Mr. Johnson Jackson
  • Mr. Benj. Green
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard
  • Jonathan Simpson Esq.
  • Mr. Benja. Faneuill

Voted Daniel Crosby to be Clerk for the Ensuing year and his Salary for the year £8:13:4

Voted That the Church Wardens pay Mr. David Propert at the Rate of forty Pounds Sterling per annum as Organist of this Church to this Time.

Voted That David proport be Organist for the Year Ensueing & his Salary per Annum 53:6:8.

Voted John Jones Sexton & his Allowance this Year 8:.

Voted That the Thanks of this Society be given to Mr. William Coffin for his Good Services as Church Warden, passed Unanimously.

Voted That the Pews on the Lower Floor pay 1/4 per Week.

That the Pews with Pillows pay 12d. per Week.

That the Pews in the Gallery pay 8d. per Week.

Voted That there be A Collection for the Benefit of Mrs. Hooper when The Reverend Mr. Walter & Church Wardens think most Convenient.

Voted That the Pew No. 52 which is at present Occupied by the Reverend Mr. Walter & Family Should be free from Taxation.

At An Annuall Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church dully Warn’d on Monday in Easter Week the 20th Aprill 1772.

The Following officers for the Year Ensueing were Chosen by written Vote.

  • Voted
  • John Rowe

  • Church Wardens
  • John Erving

Voted Twelve Vestry Men whereof 5 Shall make a Quorum.

  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • James Boutineau Esq.
  • Mr. Henry Laughton
  • Mr. Rufus Green
  • Mr. Johnson Jackson
  • Mr. Benja. Greene
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • Jonathan Simpson Esq.
  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard
  • Mr. William Coffin Jr.
  • Mr. Benj. Faneuill

Voted Daniel Crosby Clark for the Ensueing Year and his Salary £8:13:4

Voted David Propert Organist his Salary 53:6:8

Voted John Jones the Sexton to be alowd 8:

Voted that the Pews on the Lower floor be 1/4d Lawfull Mony per Week.

that the Pews with Pillows 12d. per Week

that the Pews in the Gallerys 8d. per Week.

Voted that there be a Collection for the Benefit of the Widdow of the Late Reverend Mr. Hooper & that the Minister & Church Wardens fix the Time & give notice the Sunday before of the morning of the Sunday following to the Congregation.

At A meeting of the Church Wardins & Vestry of Trinity Church after Service in the afternoon Sunday July 26 1772.

  • Present
  • John Rowe

  • Church Wardens
  • John Erving
  • James Boutineau Esq.

  • Vestry Men
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Mr. Rufus Greene
  • Mr. Jonathan Simpson
  • Mr. Henry Laughton
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard
  • Mr. Benja. Faneuill

Voted That the Church Wardens Employ Some Carpenter to Repair the Fence the Backside of the Church and for the better Accommodation of the Street, the Fence is to be Run in A Line with the Church, which takes in about four foot of the Churches Ground.

memorandum Mr. Rowe Laid before the Church Wardens & Vestry a plan for order to Reduce the Roof of Said Church.

At an Annual Meeting of the proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church duely Warned on Monday April 10th 1773.

The following Officers for the Year Ensuing were Chosen by written votes.

  • Voted
  • John Rowe

  • Church Wardens
  • John Erving

Voted Twelve Vestry Men whereof five shall be a quorum.

Voted the same Gentlemen as last Year.

Voted Mr. Dan. Crosby Clerk £8:13:4 as Salary for the Ensuing Year.

Voted Mr. David Propert Organist untill the adjournment.

Voted John Jones Sexton. Salary as usual.

Voted Pews as usual.

Voted that a Commitee be appointed to examine the Wardens Accounts & report the State of the Churches Accounts as soon as maybe.

That the Commitee consist of three vizt:

  • Mr. Rufus Greene
  • Mr. Richard Greene
  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard.

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to the Second Tuesday of May & the proprietors be notified by the Sexton.

Voted also that the Church Wardens make Such Repairs on Trinity Church as are at present Needfull.

Tuesday, May 18, 1773

At an Adjournment of the foregoing Meeting Present

  • William Coffin Jr.
  • Richard Greene
  • Rufus Green
  • William Coffin Jr.
  • Benj. Greene
  • Johnson Jackson
  • James Perkins
  • John Coffin
  • John Bell
  • My Self

Adjournd furthr untill Whitsunday after Service in the Afternoon.

Voted Mr. Proport to assist as Organist untill that time.

The Meeting at Whitsunday adjournd untill further notice from the Church Wardens Vestry & proprietors.

Thursday 7th Oct. 1773

At a meeting of the Wardens & vestry & the heirs of the Late Thomas Greene Esq. as Trustees of the Establishment for an Assistant Minister of Trinity Church they being warned by the Wardens to meet on that Occasion.

  • Present
  • John Rowe

  • Wardens
  • John Erving
  • Jana. Simpson

  • Vestrymen
  • Stephen Greenleaf
  • Benja. Greene
  • William Coffin
  • Jno. Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Henry Laughtone
  • Joseph Greene

  • Heirs of the Late Thomas Greene
  • Nathaniel Greene

Voted That an Invitation be given to Mr. Samuel Parker of Portsmouth to be an Assistant Minister of this Church provided he be agreeable to the Reverend Mr. Walter the present Incumbent and that the whole annual Income of the fund appropriated for the Support of an Assistant be paid him by the Treasurer appointed on that foundation, his Salary to commence from the day on which he may receive regular Ordination.

Voted That the proprietors of this Church be warned to meet at the Church tomorrow at Ten O clock in the morning then to be informed of the foregoing votes and desired to join the Trustees in making what further Addition to the fund as may be judged necessary to induce Mr. Parkers acceptance and Enable him to proceed to London as soon as convenient.

Friday 8th October 1773

Att a meeting of the proprietors duely warned

Voted That upon Mr. Parkers declaring his acceptance of the Invitation of the Trustees upon the Establishment for an assistant Minister & be approved of by the Reverend Mr. Walter the Wardens of this Church be directed to pay him annually out of the church Stock so much money as with the produce of that fund shall make up his Salary One Hundred & Ten pounds Sterling a year so long as he shall continue in that Office.

Voted unanimous That Eighty pounds Sterling be allowed Mr. Parker to Enable him to proceed to London for Ordination and that the money for this purpose be at present borrowed on the credit of this church.

Voted That the proprietors desire the wardens & Trustees to write Mr. Parker a Letter & inclose him the foregoing votes & another Letter to the Reverend Mr. William Walter on the same Subject.

Mr. Samuel Parker

Boston 11th October 1773

Sir

We have the pleasure to acquaint you that on Friday 8th Instant the proprietors of Trinity Church mett & unanimously chose you their assistant minister. It is by their desire that we now transmitt you a copy of the vote & of what was further done in the affair.

We enclose [for] Mr. Walter a Letter expecting it will meet him at Portsmouth which we desire the favour of you to deliver. The proprietors tho’t it most regular to inform Mr. Walter of their proceedings tho they had the happiness previous to the choice of knowing his Mind: that he wold most cheerfully concur with them; youll be pleas’d to consult Mr. Walter on what may be further necessary. We would also acquaint you that His Majesty’s Ship Lively will sail from hence to England in a forth-night. We hope you will order your business so as to Embark in her as Capt. Williams the Commander is a Gentleman much Esteemed he will render your passage very agreeable. We are with much Sincerity

Dear Sir your Aff Friends &

very humble Servants

John Rowe

Wardens

John Erving Jr.

The Reverend Mr. William Walter

Boston October ii 1773

Dear Sir

The Evening you Left Boston Mr. Parker came to Town. You unluckely miss’d each other in passing Charlestown Ferry. We should have been happy had you been with us in our deliberations about Mr. Parker. Mr. Parkers voice is approved off by all & he appears to be a Sensible worthy man. I think our Church will be happy with him.

The Gentlemen of the vestry with the heirs of Mr. Greene have desired Mr. Erving & me to write him a Letter & inclose him copy of the votes which we have passed on this Occasion which is by this Opportunity enclosed. He will communicate the same to you. I dare say they’ll be approved off by you & him. Every proprietor present was much pleased & every vote unanimous. Youll receive this from him. You & he will consult together & we all wish for his answer of acceptance by you.

I remain Dear Sir your affectionate Friend

& most Humble Servant

John Rowe in behalf of

Mr. Erving & self

Portsmouth

Boston 18 October 1773

Gentlemen

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 11th Instant Inclosing the Votes of the Trustees of the Green Foundation & the proprietors of Trinity Church inviting Me to be their Assistant Minister. I acknowledge my Self greatly Obligd to that Respectable Society whose Commission you Execute for their favourable thoughts of me as well as to the Reverend Mr. Walter for his Ready & hearty concurrence with your Votes and beg the Favour that you will Return them My Sincere thanks for their Generous offer for my Encouragement.

For this Testimony of Regard from so Respectable a Body of Gentlemen I find a peculiar Satisfaction. Encouraged by that well known affection & Esteem which your Society have always born to their Ministers & by the Amicable Character of the Worthy Gentleman whose Labours for your happiness it will be my Business to assist I now Declare my Acceptance of your Invitation.

As Matters of a Different nature have for some years Past engrossed my whole attention it would be more agreeable to me & perhaps more advantageous to your Church that I should Spend the Ensueing Winter here to prepare my Self more fully for the Important Duties of the ministerial Character.

Should Such a Delay be thought Inconvenient and Indispensable I Submit to embark this Fall but Fear it be Impracticable for me to take Passage in the Livily if She Sails So Soon as you Inform Me. If She Should not Sail So Soon I will endeavour to be ready to go in her. Others ways I must Secure a passage in Some other Ship.

I Can only add my Earnest Prayers that this Connection between us may continue happy & agreeable to All Concernd and that there may never be Occasion for your Repenting your Choice nor my Acceptance of the Invitation.

I am Gentlemen with the highest Esteem & Respect

your most devoted & humble Servant

Samuel Parker

John Rowe & John Erving Jr. Esqs.

The Forgoing is Coppy of a Letter wrote by Mr. Samuel Parker to our Letter of the 11th Current.

Coppy of the Reverend Mr. Walters approbation of the foregoing Proceedings & Coppy of the Votes transmitted to Mr. Parker & by him presented to the Reverend Mr. Walter at Portsmouth.

The above Votes passd by the Trustees of the Green Foundation during my necessary absence are agreeable to me and I most heartily approve of & Joyn in the Choice of Mr. Samuel Parker to be Assistant Minister of Trinity Church.

William Walter

October 13 1773

Mr. Samuel Parker

Boston October 25 1773

Dear Sir

We received the favour of your Letter dated 18th Instant by The Reverend Mr. Walter wherein you acknowledge ours of 11 October with the Votes of the Proprietors of our Church transmitted to you & declare your acceptance of their Invitation.

Upon our receival of this your Epistle the Society were Reassembled & the contents communicated to the Members which altho’ they were very pleasing we are yet to inform you the General wish is that you would Embark for England this Fall if possible. The Church are far from pressing this matter beyond your convenience but hope you may be in readiness to take passage with Capt. Calihan who commands a good Ship owned by Major Hubbard, who will sail from hence in 10 Days. We are all of us desirous of having this business Speedily compleated that we may as Early as possible enter upon a Connection so very promising to us.

You have been pleased to remark that our Society have borne the greatest Esteem & affection to their Ministers. With Gratitude we acknowledge that we have Hitherto been favourd with gentlemen in the Ministry distinguishd by their Amiable dispositions who have fully Contributed their part in the General Harmony which has Subsisted & which we flatter ourselves from the present prospect must continue among us. We are with Great Sincerity Dear Sir

Your affectionate Humble Servants

John Rowe

John Erving Jr.

“Tis probable Capt. Calihan may Sail on Monday or Tuesday next week. This for your Government.

The Following are Votes of Rules for the observation of the Assistant Minister of Trinity Church as per Coppy October 30th 1763.

Voted That the Duty of the Assistant Shall be to Read prayers & preach once every Sunday—Morning or Evening as Shall be most Convenient for the Stated Minister. To Read prayers alternately on the Holy Days. To perform the Whole Parochial Service when the Minister Shall be Sick or otherways necessary Absent.

Voted That if any Time a Difference of Opinion happin between the Minister and assistant as to any Part of Duty which the Former may Require of the Latter The Same Shall be Referrd to & determind by the Wardens & Vestry.

Voted That the assistant Shall not perform any Part of Duty that is attended with a perquisate without the Consent of the Incumbant or Stated Minister.

Voted That if the Said assistant Should accept of any Invitation to Remove from this Service it is expected that he Repay or cause to be Repaid Such Sum as Shall be advancd to him for his Proceeding to England to Receive Orders.

The Foregoing Votes of Rules of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church Relating to the Duty of Expectation off & from the assistant are Such as I am fully Contented with as a Rule for me. Boston November 2d 1773.

Samuel Parker

To The Right Reverend Father in God Richard Lord Bishop of London May it Please your Lordship

The Bearer Mr. Samuel Parker a Gentleman educated at the University of Cambridge in New England well known among us for his Sober Life amiable Disposition of Religious Character being unanimously chosen Assistant Minister to the Incumbent or Rector of Trinity Church in Boston New England aforesaid.

We the Said Rector the Wardens & Vestry of Said Church together with the Heirs of Thomas Green Esq. Deceasd to whom alone belongs the Right of Presentation of Said office Do hereby Present to your Lordship the Said Samuel Parker praying that your Lordship will be pleasd to admit him to the Order of Preisthood.

And Wee do hereby Promise and Engage to pay him the Said Samuel Parker the Annual Sum of One hundred & ten pounds Sterling So Long as he Shall Continue in the Office of Assistant Minister in Said Church after he Shall have Receivd your Lordships Approbation aforesaid.

We are your Lordships most Obedient & most humble Servants

William Walter Minister

John Rowe

Church Wardens

John Erving Jr.

  • Rufus Greene

  • Jonathan Simpson
  • Stephen Greenleif
  • William Coffin
  • James Boutineau
  • Vestry
  • James Perkins
  • Benjamin Fane will Jr.
  • John Cutler
  • Johnson Jackson
  • Daniel Hubbard

  • Nathaniel Greene
  • Heirs of Thomas Greene Esq. Deceasd
  • Joseph Greene

At an Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church,

(duly warned) on Monday 4th April 1774. The following officers of the ensuing Year were Chosen, by written Vote.

  • John Erving

  • Church Wardens
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • James Boutineau Esq.

  • Mr. William Coffin
  • Mr. Rufus Green
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Jonathan Simpson Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.

Vestry Men, the Number twelve whereof five are to be a quorum.

  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. Henry Laughton
  • Mr. Johnston Jackson
  • Mr. Benj. Faneiul
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • George Bethune Esq.

Voted, Unanimously Daniel Crosby, Clerk for the ensuing Year with a salary of Eight pounds thirteen Shillings & four pence per annum.

Voted John Jones, Sexton, for the ensuing year his Salary, Eight pounds per annum.

Voted Mr. David Propert Organist, for the year ensuing his Salary at Forty Pounds lawful money. Subject to the directions of the Church Wardens.

Voted That the Donation of Mr. John Pattin being Forty pounds lawful money be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Green Foundation, in Addition to that Fund.

Voted The present Wardens give their Bond for Eighty pounds Sterling to John Rowe Esq. Treasurer to the Charitable Society being the Sum borrowed of that Society for the deframent of Mr. Parkers expences to England.

Voted John Rowe Esq., Thanks, for his good Services to the Church, during five Years he was Warden.

[The Records of the Vestry and Proprietors of Trinity Church from April 4th, 1774 to April 8, 1776, are missing. See entry of June 29, 1783. All Vital Statistics of the Church were kept by the Reverend Samuel Parker during this period and appear in Appendix D.]

[Vol. 4 TR]

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church 1776 duly warned on Easter Monday April 8th 1776, the following Officers were chosen & the following Votes were passed viz.

  • John Rowe Esq.

  • Wardens
  • Daniel Hubbard Esq

Voted That Nine Vestry Men be chosen, five to be a Quorum. Voted

  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. Rufus Greene
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • Mr. John Timmins      Vestry Men
  • Mr. Richard Greene
  • Mr. Joseph Greene
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene junr
  • Mr. Edward Davis

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby, Clerk, His Salary £8.13.4 per Annum

Voted Mr. John Jones, Sexton, His Salary £8 per Annum

Voted That Mr. Cutler be desired to play the Organ the year ensuing.

Voted That the Pews be rated as usual 1/4 per Week.

On a Motion made & seconded, That a Committee be chosen to wait on 1776 the Revd. Mr. Parker & have a Conference with him upon the State of this Church, Voted in the Affirmative. Voted That the Committee consist of Five—

  • Voted John Rowe Esq.

  • Daniel Hubbard Esq.
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • be the Committee
  • Mr. John Timmins
  • Mr. Richard Greene

The following Address signed by Thomas Bulfinch Esq. in Behalf of the Proprietors of Kings Chapel was read & considered.

INASMUCH AS the Number of those who are of the Episcopal Church in this Town, is become so small as to render it difficult for them to support more than one Clergyman with Credit, And as the Kings Chapel by being situated nearly in the Centre of the Town, will accommodate each Church better than either of the other Churches would. It is therefore proposed by the Proprietors of Kings Chapel to the Proprietors of Trinity Church whether it will not be most adviseable & aggreeable to join in one Communion & to desire the Revd. Mr. Parker to perform divine Service statedly at Kings Chapel. An Answer to this Proposal is requested on Easter Monday or as soon as is convenient.

Thomas Bulfinch in Behalf of

Proprietors of Kings Chapel

To the Proprietors of Trinity Church

Boston April 4 1776.

Voted That an Answer to the Request of Thomas Bulfinch Esq. &c. be prepared & laid before the Proprietors at the Adjournment of this Meeting. Voted That This Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday Eleven oclock.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Wednesday April 10 1776 by Adjourment from Easter Monday.

1776

The Committee appointed to wait on the Rev. Mr. Parker reported that they had conferrd with him on the State of this Church & proposed the following Votes which were unanimously accepted & voted viz.

WHEREAS The Incumbency of this Church is now vacant by Reason of the Absence of the Rev. Mr. Walter, & it is expedient for the Welfare & good Government of this Church, that some Person should be chosen & invested with the full Powers & Privileges of an Incumbent agreeable to the Constitution of this Church & the Rules & Conditions to which former Incumbents have agreed & subscribed

THEREFORE VOTED That the Rev. Mr. Samuel Parker our Assistant Minister on the Greene Foundation be invested with all the Powers Privileges & Immunities of an Incumbent Minister of this Church agreeable to the Constitution thereof & the Rules & Conditions aforesaid for & during the Term of one Year, or until the next annual Meeting at Easter.

Provided the Rev. Mr. Walter should not before that Time return to his Charge as Incumbent Minister in which Case the said Mr. Parker is to resign & surrender up the said Powers Privileges & Immunities to the former Incumbent.

VOTED That in Case the Rev. Mr. Walter should not return to his Charge as Incumbent Minister of this Church in Course of the ensuing Year commencing at Easter, That there be paid to the Rev. Mr. Parker in Addition to his Salary of £146.13.4 as Assistant Minister, the Sum of £13.6.8 in Consideration of his performing the whole Ministerial Duty of this Church both as Incumbent & Assistant Minister on the Greene Foundation for the Year ensuing, & in Proportion thereto for such time as he shall perform the Duties of both.

The following Answer to the Proposal signed by Thomas Bulfinch Esq. in Behalf of the Proprietors of Kings Chapel was read & Voted that the Wardens be requested to sign it & send it to Doctor Bulfinch.

To the Proprietors of Kings Chapel

Gentlemen

It is with Grief & Concern that we behold the Church of England, thro’ the unhappy State of this Country reduced to so small a Number in this Town, & especially that a Sister Church of such a respectable Figure as yours has always made is not only from the same Cause so much curtailed in its Numbers, but also deprived of both its Ministers. Your Proposal to us to join in one Communion we consider as not only advisable, but assure you it will be perfectly agreeable to us. But at the same time we cannot either with Justice to ourselves or the other Proprietors of this Church who are now absent, consent that divine Service should by our Minister be performed statedly at Kings Chapel We feel ourselves disposed from all the Ties of Christian Fellowship to accommodate you as far as lies in our Power & sincerely wish to join in Communion with you. But the Shutting up our own Church & removing our stated Place of Worship would be attended with so much Inconvenience to Individuals, & as we apprehend Detriment to ourselves as a Society, that we hope we shall not be judged by you as chargeable with a Breach of the Laws of Christian Charity & Kindness, if we refuse to comply with your Request. Any of your Number who are desirous of joining with us at our Church by applying to the Wardens shall be accommodated with Seats & be heartily welcome to partake with us in all the Ordinances of the Gospel.

Boston April 10 1776

John Rowe

Daniel Hubbard Wardens

The following Account current was sent in by the Rev. Mr. Parker & laid before the Proprietors viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with S. Parker

To my Salary as per Agreement from February 24 1774 to

February 24 1775      £110 Sterling      £146.13.4

1775

February 21

To Ditto from February 24 1775 to February 24 1776 at

Ditto

146.

13.

4

To Ditto from February 24 1776 to April 8th 44 Days

17

13

Lawful Money

£311.

0.

CONTRA CR.

By Cash recd. of Col. Erving in part Salary

21.

0.

0

By Ditto recd. of Ditto

41.

0.

0

By Ditto Ditto Ditto

12.

0.

0

By Ditto Ditto Ditto

72.

13.

4

By Ditto recd. of Messrs. Smith & Atkinson & Mr. Jos.

Greene for their Taxes per Order of Col. Erving

10.

10.

8

By Ditto of Mr. Richard Green for Ditto per Order

1.

18.

0

By Ditto recd. in Contribution from Sunday 17 March to

Easter Sunday 7 April 1776

4.

4.

3

£163.

6.

3

Boston 8 April 1776      Balance Due

147.

14.

Errors excepted

£311.

0.

1776

February 24

April 8

1774

July 13

September

1775

January 16

April 13

November 29

1776

January 23

April 7

pr Samuel Parker

Voted That the foregoing Account be accepted & that the Wardens pay to Mr. Parker the above Balance.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church on Thursday the 18 Day of July 1776.

1776

The Revd. Mr. Parker informed the Wardens & Vestry that he could not with Safety perform the Service of the Church for the future; as the continental Congress had declared the American Provinces free & independent States, had absolved them from all Allegiance to the British Crown & had dissolved all political Connection between them & the Realm of England. That he was publickly interrupted the Lords Day preceeding when reading the Prayers in the Liturgy of the Church for the King, & had received many Threats & Menaces that he would be interrupted & insulted in future if the Prayers for the King should be again read in the Church; & that he was apprehensive some Damage would accrue to the Proprietors of the Church if the Service was in future carried on as had been usual. And therefore desired their Counsel & Advice.

Wherefore the said Wardens & Vestry taking the Matter into Consideration, after maturely debating thereon, it appeared evident that the Temper & Spirit of the People in this Town was such that they would not suffer any Prayers for the King to be publickly read in divine Service, & that there was no other Alternative but either to shut up the church & have no public Worship; or to omit that Part of the Liturgy wherein the King is prayed for. And as there are many Persons of the Episcopal Persuasion who cannot conscientiously attend the Worship of Dissenters, & to whom it would be a great Detriment & Grief of Mind to have no Place where they can attend the Worship of God according to their Consciences; The Wardens & Vestry conclude that it would be more for the Interest & Cause of Episcopacy & the least Evil of the two to omit Part of the Liturgy than to shut up the Church. And hoping in this sad Alternative it will not be imputed to them as a Fault or construed as a Want of Affection for the Liturgy of the Church, if under these Circumstances they omit that Part of it in which the King is mentioned. Therefore Voted That the Rev. Mr. Parker the present Minister of this Church be desired to continue officiating, & that he be requested to omit that Part of the Liturgy of the Church which relates to the King, & that the Omissions be as follows.

In the Petitions & Responses after the Lords Prayer in the Morning & Evening Service, the following be wholly omitted, O Lord save the King, And mercifully hear us when we call upon thee. The two Prayers for the Kings Majesty & the Royal Family in the Morning & Evening Service be omitted, & that the Prayer for the whole Estate of Christ’s Church militant be used at Evening Prayer instead of the three Prayers for the King, Royal Family & Clergy, omitting these Words of it. And especially thy Servant George our King, that under him we may be godly & quietly governed, unto his whole Council & to all that are put in Authority under him. That the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th & 20th Petitions of the Litany & the Collects in the Communion Service for the King be omitted, & that no other Alterations be made, nor any Additions be Substituted.

Voted That the Proprietors of Trinity Church be warned to meet the next Sunday Morning before the usual Time of Service, & these Votes be laid before them for their Concurrence & Assent.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday the 21st Day of July 1776 The foregoing votes of the Wardens & Vestry of said Church containing the Method proposed for carrying on the Service of the church in future & the Reasons therein alledged for omitting Part of the Liturgy were read & considered, & it appearing absolutely necessary that some Alterations be made in Order that the Proprietors may worship in Safety & without Interruption. Voted unanimously That we concur with the Wardens & Vestry in the proposed Omissions & Alterations, & that the Revd. Mr. Parker the present Minister of this Church be requested to make the necessary omissions & perform the Service as is therein proposed.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church duly warned on Easter Monday March 31st 1777 the following Officers were chosen by written Vote & the following Votes were passed. Viz:

1777

  • Daniel Hubbard Esq

  • unanimously chosen Wardens
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene

Voted That the Thanks of the Proprietors be given to John Rowe Esq. for his good Services as a Warden the year past.

Voted That there be eleven Vestry Men chosen, Five to be a Quorum.

  • Voted   Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. Rufus Greene
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • Mr. Richard Greene      Vestry Men
  • Mr. Joseph Greene
  • Mr. Edward Davis
  • Mr. Thomas Amory
  • Mr. George Bethune
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Mr. Nathl. Greene

Voted That the Sum of Seventy five Pounds Lawful Money be given to the Revd. Mr. Parker as a gratuity for his extraordinary Services the year past.

Whereas The Revd. Mr. Walter the late Incumbent of this Church is still absent & the Time for which the Revd. Mr. Parker was invested with the Powers Privileges & Immunities of an Incumbent Minister of this church expired at Easter & it is necessary for the good government of the church that the Vote passed at the last Easter Meeting be renewed. Therefore Voted That the Revd. Mr. Parker still continue Incumbent Minister of this church & that he be invested with all the Powers Priveleges & Immunities of an Incumbent Minister for & during the Term of one year or until the next annual Meeting of the Proprietors at Easter. Provided the Revd. Mr. Walter should not before that Time return to his charge as Incumbent Minister, in which Case the said Mr. Parker is to resign & surrender up the said Powers Priveleges & Immunities to the former Incumbent.

Voted That there be paid to the Revd. Mr. Parker, in consideration of his performing the whole ministerial Duty of this church both as Incumbent & Assistant Minister in Addition to his Salary of £146.13.4, as Assistant Minister the Sum of £61.6.8 for the year ensuing & in Proportion thereto for such Time as he shall perform the Duties of both.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary for the year ensuing to be Twelve Pounds Lawful Money.

Voted Mr. John Jones Sexton. His Salary for the year ensuing to be Eleven Pounds Lawful Money.

Voted That in Consideration of Mr. William Selbys having acted as Organist the greatest Part of the year past, there be a public collection for his Benefit on such a Day as the Revd. Mr. Parker shall appoint.

Voted That the Tax of the Pews on the lower Floor for the year ensuing be 1/6 per Week. The Pillar Pews 1/2. The Gallery Pews 9d.

The following Account current was sent in by the Revd. Mr. Parker & laid before the Proprietors

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with S. Parker.

To Balance of Account exhibited last year

£147.

14.

To my Salary as Assistant Minister from Easter 1776

to Easter 1777 £110 Sterling

146.

13.

4

To the Addition voted last year

13.

6.

8

To Cash paid Mr. Jones in Part of his Salary

7.

0.

0

To Ditto paid for Spruce & charcoal

1.

14.

0

Lawful Money

£316.

8.

0

1777

March 31

By Cash received for Arrearages on the following Pews due at

Easter 1776 viz.

No.

4

£3.

8

No

55

£3.

8

6

1.

12

57

1.

8

10

14.

4

59

5.

4

12

1.

17.

1

63

13

14

2.

11

83

1.

12

15

3.

8

84

2.

11

18

13

89

1.

12

37

3.

8

94

3.

8

39

3.

8

95

3.

8

41

2.

2

97

3.

8

47

1.

13.

3

98

18

£24.

14.

8

115

3.

14

£26.

5.

4

24.

14.

8

£51.

0.

0

£51.

0.

0

By Cash received of Mr. Benja. Greene Interest Money

on the Green Foundation

70.

6.

0

By Ditto of Mr. Hubbard being the whole Amount of

Contribution from Easter 1776 to Ditto 1777

181.

6.

2

£302.

12.

2

Balance Due

13.

15.

10

Boston March 31 1777

£316.

8.

0

1777

Voted That the foregoing Account be accepted & that the Wardens pay to Mr. Parker the above Balance.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Monday 28 April next.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Monday the 28th Day of April 1777 by Adjournment from Easter Monday. There being but few Proprietors met, It was Voted to adjourn the Meeting to Sunday the 4th Day of May next after Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Sunday the 4th May 1777 by Adjournment from Monday 28 Day of April. The following Report was made. The Minister & Wardens of the Church report to this Meeting That in Consequence of the Vote passed on Easter Monday respecting the Collection for the Benefit of Mr. Selby the Organist, Mr. Parker appointed Sunday the 13 Day of April for said Collection having given Notice thereof the Sunday preceeding, & that on said Day there was collected for Mr. Selby the Sum of £41.3 Lawful Money which Sum has been accordingly paid to him.

Voted That Mr. William Selby be Organist the ensuing Year & that there be paid to him in Consideration thereof out of the Church Stock the Sum of Twenty Pounds Sterling. And that there be a Subscription or Collection for him at the close of the year as shall be thought most expedient.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church duly warned on Easter Monday April 20 1778 the following Officers were chosen by written vote & the following votes were passed viz.

1778

  • Daniel Hubbard Esqr.

  • Unanimously chosen Wardens
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene

Voted That there be ten Vestry Men chosen, five to be a Quorum.

  • Voted
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • Mr. Richard Greene
  • Mr. Joseph Greene
  • Vestry Men
  • Mr. Edward Davis
  • Mr. Thomas Amory
  • Mr. George Bethune
  • Mr. Nathl. Greene

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary to be for the year ensuing £20 Lawful Money.

Voted Mr. John Jones Sexton. His Salary to be for the year ensuing £18 Lawful Money.

Whereas It was voted the year past that there be a collection or Subscription for the Benefit of Mr. Wm. Selby Organist at the close of the Year as should be thought most expedient.

Voted That there be a Collection for Mr. Selby on such a Day as the Revd. Mr. Parker shall appoint.

Voted Mr. Wm. Selby Organist the ensuing Year with a Salary of £26.13.4 Lawful Money & that there be a Subscription or collection for him at the close of the Year as will be deemed most expedient.

Voted That there be paid to the Revd. Mr. Parker the Sum of £100 L. Money to make up the Deficiences of the Year past.

Voted That Mr. Cutler join the Wardens as a Committee to wait on those Persons who pay Taxes for several Pews in this Church but who are not Proprietors to know if they are willing to accede to a Proposal of the Proprietors to double the Tax on the Pews the ensuing Year.

1778

Voted That the Vote passed at the last Easter Meeting respecting the Incumbency of this Church be renewed & stand in force in every Part of it the year ensuing until next Easter.

Voted That the Consideration of the Ministers Salary for the year ensuing be postponed to the Adjournment of this Meeting.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account to the Proprietors.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens

1778

1778

Errors excepted.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Friday next 11 oClock AM.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Friday

April 24 1778 by Adjournment from Easter Monday. There being but a thin Meeting, it was Voted to adjourn the Meeting to Sunday next after Service PM.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday 26th April 1778 by Adjournment from Friday 24 April.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews for the ensuing year be doubled.

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary for the year ensuing shall be £3 Sterling per Week. Said Sum to be made good to him at the End of the Year. And that all the Money that shall be collected be paid to him.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

MEMORANDUM, On Sunday May 3d 1778 There was a public Collection for the Benefit of Mr. Selby the Organist in Consequence of the Vote passed at the Easter Meeting, when there was collected the Sum of £85.3 Lawful Money which was accordingly paid to him.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity October 18 1778

1778.

The Wardens represented that the Finances of the Church were very low by Reason of the great Depreciation of the present Currency, that the Church was in Arrearage to the Revd. Mr. Parker more than £200 & that Mr. Selby the Organist is much dissatisfied with the Sum voted him last Easter & prays an Augmentation thereof & some Money advanced to him. Whereupon

Voted that the Proprietors of Pews in said Church be warned to meet on Sunday next October 25 after Service PM to see if they will raise a Sum of Money by a larger Tax on the Pews or otherwise to discharge the Debts of the Church, & whether they will make an Addition or Allowance to Mr. Selby.

Voted That the State Pew be stripped of its Hangings Cushings & Books & that the Wardens place some Person or Persons in it who will pay a Tax therefor.

Whereas the Pew No. 32 late the Property of Col. Pollard Deceased has by the Nonpayment of the Taxes become forfeited to the Church & is still occupied by the Heirs of Said Col. Pollard & no Taxes have been paid thereon

Voted That the Wardens be requested to wait on Mrs. Pollard with an Account of the Taxes due thereon from Easter 1776 to the present Time, & to inform her that upon Refusal of paying said Taxes the Doors of the Pew must be shut against her and her Family. And that the Wardens in Case said Taxes are not paid, place some Person in said Pew who will pay the Taxes thereof.

NB Col. Jona. Pollard discharged the Arrearages on the fore mentioned Pew from the year 1765 to the present Time.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church October 25 1778

1778

October

A State of the Church being laid before the Proprietors & the Wardens informing them that they had waited on most of the Occupants of Pews that were not Proprietors & that they were willing to accede to whatever the Proprietors should agree to, the Question was put whether the Proprietors would lay an additional Tax on the Pews for the Remainder of the present year Voted in the Affirmative.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews be doubled to commence on Sunday next November 1st. Lower Floor to be 6/ Pillar 4/8 Gallery 3/.

Voted That there be a public Collection for Mr. Selby the Organist on the next Sunday or such other Day as Mr. Parker shall appoint.

Voted That the Wardens should call in all the Taxes & settle all Accounts quarterly. And that the Wardens & Vestry Men be empowered to settle quarterly & every Quarter the Exchange that will make good Mr. Parkers Salary of £3 Sterling per Week.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

November 9 1778 In Consequence of the above Vote respecting the Collection for Mr. Selby, Sunday the 8th of November was appointed by mutual Consent of Mr. Parker & Mr. Selby Notice thereof being given on the preceeding Sunday, & there was accordingly collected for Mr. Selby £100 Lawful Money which was this Day paid to him.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church 25 Day of November 1778.

1778

November 25

A Table of the Exchange of Guineas with the present Currency being laid before this Meeting & the same appearing to be just

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary for Six Months from Easter last be settled according to said Table of Exchange; & that the Wardens be desired to calculate what £3 Sterling per Week will amount to for said Six Months from Easter according to said Table.

The Question was put at this Meeting whether the Vestry would advise that any of the Pews which are the Property of the Church shall be sold, It was voted in the Affirmative.

Pursuant to the above the Wardens calculated Mr. Parkers Salary for Six Months from Easter in the following Manner.

From April 19

to June 28

10

weeks

@

16

Dollars

for

1 guinea

£137.

10

July

4

Ditto

@

17

Ditto

for

Ditto

58.

8

August

5

Ditto

@

18

Ditto

for

Ditto

77.

5

September

4

Ditto

@

20

1/3 Ditto

for

Ditto

69.

16

October

3

Ditto

@

265

Ditto

for

Ditto

64.

7

26

Weeks

£407.

6

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church January 22d 1779

1779

January 22

A Continuation of the Table of Exchange of Guineas with the present Currency to the 19 Instant being laid before this Meeting

Voted That Mr. Parkers Salary for the last Quarter be settled according thereto which is as follows.

From October 22

1

week

@

25

Dollars

for

1 Guinea

£21.

8.

6

November

5

Ditto

@

27

Ditto

for

Ditto

115.

14.

2

December

4

@

31

Ditto

for

Ditto

106.

5.

8

January

3

@

35

Ditto

for

Ditto

90.

13

weeks

£333.

8.

4

At this Meeting a State of the Finances of the Church was considered & it appearing that the Taxes of the Pews in said Church will not raise Money sufficient to discharge the Debts that will be due from said Church at Easter next, but that said Debts will then amount to at least £250 or £300 more than said Taxes will raise

Therefore Voted That the Proprietors of said Church be warned to meet the next Sunday after Evening Service, that a State of the Finances of the Church may be laid before them & they be desired to consult upon Ways & Means to raise Money to discharge the Debts that are now & will at Easter be due from said Church.

Sunday January 24 1779 There being but few Proprietors at Church Nothing could be done respecting the foregoing Vote of the Wardens & Vestry only that the Proprietors be warned to meet the next Sunday.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church the 31st Day of January 1779.

January 31

The foregoing Vote of the Wardens & Vestry being read and it appearing that the Taxes upon the Pews will not raise Money sufficient to defray the Expences of the current year & that the Church will be considerably in Debt at Easter & the Proprietors being unwilling to tax the Pews any higher than they already assessed

Therefore Voted That there be a public Collection for the Benefit of the Church on Sunday next in order to raise a Sum of Money to be appropriated to defray the Expences of the Church the current Year. And that the Sexton wait on those Persons who occupy the Pews with a Copy of this Vote that they may be made acquainted with the Intention of the Proprietors in recommending a Collection.

The next Sunday the Church was not opened by Reason of Mr. Parkers being unwell; & public Notice of said Collection was given on Sunday February 14 & the Collection made on Sunday 21 February when the Sum of £186.11.3 was collected for the Church.

The Exchange of the present Currency from January 3d to Easter being from 35 to 46 2/3 Dollars for a Guinea Mr. Parkers Salary was settled by the Wardens for the last Quarter as follows:

April 3

From January

18th

3

weeks

@

37

1/3

Dollars

for

1 Guinea

£96.

0.

0

February

3

Ditto

@

39

2/3

Ditto

for

Ditto

102.

0.

0

March 2

2

Ditto

@

42

Ditto

for

Ditto

72.

0.

0

March &

1 April

3

Ditto

@

46

2/3

Ditto

for

Ditto

120.

0.

0

11

£390.

0.

0

13

333.

8.

4

26

407.

6.

The whole year

50

Weeks from Easter 1778 to

Easter 1779

£1130.

4.

4

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Tuesday April 6 1779 the following Officers were chosen by written Vote & the following Votes were passed viz.

1779

Easter

April 6

  • Daniel Hubbard Esq.
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene   unanimously chosen Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • Mr. John Cutler
  • Mr. Richd. Green
  • Mr. Joseph Green
  • Vestry Men
  • Mr. Edward Davis
  • Mr. Thomas Amory
  • Mr. George Bethune
  • Mr. Nathl. Greene
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk his Salary for the ensuing year to be £50.

Voted Mr. Jones Sexton his Salary to be £40.

Voted That Mr. Parkers Salary for the year ensuing be £3 Sterling per Week & that said Sum be made good in the present Currency & be settled according to Exchange of Guineas monthly & every Month be paid up.

Voted That the Tax of the Pews below be Nine Shillings per Week except those that have Pillars in them & the two Wall Pews nearest the Doors on each Side the Church, to be 7/6.

The Gallery Pews to be 4/6.

The Proprietors taking into Consideration the matter of the Incumbency of the Church & whether they should proceed to the Choice of an Incumbent It was voted that the Wardens be a Committee to wait on Mr. Parker & confer with him upon the Subject & make Report at the Adjournment of this meeting.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to next Sunday after Evening Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday April 11 April 1779.

The Wardens not being ready to report to this Meeting relative to the choice of an Incumbent, it was moved that the Meeting be adjourned three Weeks longer. A Letter from Mr. Selby, expressing his Dissatisfaction with the Salary paid him last year & refusing to accept it, was read, & it was Voted That the Wardens be desired to wait on Mr. Selby & see what his Demand upon the Church for his last years Salary amounts to & make Report at the Adjournment.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday May 2 after Evening Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday May 2 1779.

The Wardens reported that they had had a Conference with the Revd. Mr. Parker relating to the Incumbency of this Church who had sent an Answer in Writing which is as follows.

To the Proprietors of Trinity Church

Gentlemen. As my Advice has been requested respecting the Incumbency of Trinity Church I have only to say that I think myself too much interested to be advised with upon the Subject. As I am ignorant of any other Person being concerned in the Choice than the former Incumbent & myself, my Opinion on the Subject must naturally be supposed to be partial. However this I declare that I wish not anything to be transacted prejudicial to the Interest of the former Incumbent for whom I retain a great Friendship & to whom I have been laid under many Obligations, & therefore would not wish to have any Votes passed that will operate to his Disadvantage. You, Gentlemen, are better Judges of the State of public Affairs than I can pretend to be, & therefore can best judge whether it is necessary to proceed to the Choice of a new Incumbent.

Should you judge it necessary to proceed to such a Choice, & at the same Time think that the Assistance of the Greene Foundation is not necessary to the Support of a Minister, I shall acquies in your Determinations. I heartily wish Unanimity may prevail in all your Meetings & that the Interest of the Church & of this Society in particular may be promoted by your Proceedings.

I am Gentlemen your most obliged

humble Servant

Sunday May 2d 1779

S. Parker

The foregoing Answer being read & the Matter debated

Voted That the Proprietors of the Pews in Trinity Church be notified & desired to meet at said Church on Monday the Tenth Day of May Instant at 11 oClock AM to consider of & choose an Incumbent Minister for said Church, & That the Wardens sign & cause to be printed a Notification for that Purpose & send one to each Proprietor.

A Proposal from Mr. Selby respecting the Deficiency of his Salary last year & what he expected for the future was read & thereupon Voted That here be a public Collection in order to make good the Sum voted last Easter to Mr. Selby & that it be calculated at the same Rate Mr. Parkers Salary was settled.

Voted That Mr. Wm. Selby be Organist the present year & That his Salary be £20 Sterling to be made good according as Mr. Parkers Salary shall be settled, & that there be a Subscription for him in the Course of the year.

Voted that this Meeting be Dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Monday the 10th Day of May 1779.

1799

May

The Wardens having in consequence of a vote passed at the last Meeting caused to be printed & sent the following Notification to each Proprietor viz. The Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church are notified & desired to meet at said Church on Monday next the 10th Day of May instant precisely at Eleven OClock to consider of & to chuse an Incumbent Minister for said Church.

Daniel Hubbard

Boston May 5 1779

Benja. Greene

Wardens

The Question was put whether the Proprietors would then proceed to the Choice of an Incumbent Minister for said Church which being opposed, & the matter debated it was proposed to adjourn the Meeting for four Weeks.

Voted that instead of the Collection proposed at the last Meeting to make good the Sum voted last Easter (1778) to Mr. Selby that there be a Subscription for that Purpose.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the Seventh Day of June next at Eleven o’Clock AM.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Monday June 7th 1779.

June

The following Letter from the Revd. Mr. Parker was sent to the Proprietors viz.

To the Proprietors of Trinity Church in Proprietors Meeting assembled June 7 1779.

Gentlemen. When the Proposal for proceeding to the Choice of a new Incumbent for this Church was first made & you, by the Wardens desired my Opinion upon the Matter, I had not then considered and thought of it so maturely as I should have done, but since the Adjournment of the Meeting I have more maturely weighed the matter in my own Mind, & upon the whole am of the Opinion that it will tend more to the Peace & Prosperity of the Church that the Matter be postponed a few Months longer, or if it is agreeable to you till Easter next. I have some Doubts arising in my mind related to the Expediency of proceeding to a Choice at present & therefore with all Submission to your Judgments would propose that a vote similar to those that have been passed for three years relative to uniting the Incumbency & Assistancy be now passed, this Meeting be dissolved, & the Matter be taken up anew when a Majority of the Proprietors shall think best. I mean not Gentlemen to dictate to you what should be done as it is an Affair of Delicacy, but as you were pleased to ask my Opinion before, & I had not then sufficiently weighed the Matter, I thought it could not be taken amiss at this Time to be explicit. But entirely submit my Opinion to be received or rejected as you think proper. I have the Honour to be Gentlemen your most obliged humble Servant

S. Parker

Monday Morning June 7 1779

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday June 13 after Service PM.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church Sunday June 13 1779 by Adjournment from May 10th.

June

The Matter respecting the Incumbency of the Church was again debated at this Meeting, the Proprietors then Present being

  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. Greene
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Rowe
  • 2 Pews
  • Mr. Rich. Greene
  • Mr. Nathl. Greene
  • Mr. Cutler
  • Mr. Davis
  • Mr. Bethune
  • Col. Hatch
  • Vestry Men
  • Mr. Gooch
  • Mr. Laughton 2 Pews
  • Mr. Rea
  • Mr. Crosby
  • Mr. Richardson
  • Mr. Powell
  • Mr. Bell
  • Mr. Longley

On Motion made it was put to Vote whether this Church has now an Incumbent Minister or not. The Votes being taken by Yeas & Nays It was voted that the Church has not an Incumbent Minister. 12 Nays 4 Yeas

Col. Hatch & Mr. Bethune withdrew before coming to the above Vote.

Mr. Davis & Mr. Benja Greene did not give their Votes.

Voted That the Wardens issue a printed Advertisement to all the Proprietors to meet at this Church on Sunday next June 20th at five OClock PM then to proceed to the choice of an Incumbent Minister for said Church.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday next June 20th.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church June 20 1779.

1779

June

Present Mr. Jabez Hatch

2 votes

Elias Warner

1

Edward Davis

2

John Cutler

2

Eleazar Johnson

1

Robt. Jenkins

1

Stephen Cleverly

1

Wm. Gooch

1

Joseph Head

1

John Bell

1

George Langley

1

Jeffry Richardson

1

Nathl. Greene

2

Benja. Greene

1

Joseph Laughton

4

Danl. Hubbard

did not Vote

11

11

22

Voted unanimously Revd. Samuel Parker Incumbent Minister of Trinity Church with a Salary of Three Pounds Sterling per Week to be made good to him.

Voted That the Wardens be a Committee to wait on the Revd. Mr. Parker with a Copy of the Proceedings of this Meeting & to receive his Answer.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to next Sunday after Evening Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church June 27 1779.

June

The Wardens reported that they had waited on the Revd. Mr. Parker with a Copy of the Proceedings of the last Meeting & that he had sent the following sealed Answer viz.

To the Proprietors of Trinity Church

Permit me Gentlemen to express the grateful Sense I retain of that Kindness & Affection which I have experienced from you ever since my first Connection with this Church and more particularly for the recent Instance of your favourable Opinion of me in electing me to the Incumbency of it. Your Inclination to set me at the Head of this Society after so long Acquaintance, tho the Doing it has been attended with some circumstances that must give Pain & Uneasiness to a feeling Mind, demands my most grateful Acknowledgments. The orphan State of an episcopal Church in this Country (for such I take it for granted you all profess yours to be) affords Matter of Discouragement to any one to undertake the Charge of one, & the peculiar State of this Church in Particular rather aggravates than diminishes the Difficulty. As this is an Affair of the utmost Consequence & Importance to me, as involving in it in a great Measure my future Happiness or Disquiet in this World & my everlasting Happiness or Misery in another I must in Addition to your former Favours request the Indulgence of a little Time before I give a final Answer to your choice. I must persist in this Request because as I hinted to you before you proceeded to a choice, I have some Doubts in my Mind which I cannot remove without consulting some Records & Authors that I cannot immediately come at. But be assured Gentlemen that I have the Honour, the Welfare & Prosperity of this Church & the temporal as well as spiritual Welfare of every Member of it much at Heart & sincerely wish that all your public Proceedings as well as private Conduct may finally terminate in the future Peace & Prosperity of the former & the everlasting Good & Happiness of the latter.

I am Gentlemen with the greatest Esteem & Regard your most

obliged humble Servant

Boston June 26 1779

Samuel Parker

The foregoing Letter being read on a Motion made Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday July 25 1779 after Evening Service & that the Wardens in the mean Time wait on the Revd. Mr. Parker & acquaint him of the Time to which this Meeting is adjourned & that the Proprietors then expect his final Answer.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday July 25 1779 by Adjournment from June 27.

1779

July

The following Answer from Revd. Mr. Parker was received & read.

To the Proprietors of Trinity Church

Gentlemen

I have already in my Letter of June 26 expressed the grateful Sense I retain of your Affection to me & particularly for the Honour you have conferred upon me by your Vote of June 20 electing me Incumbent Minister of Trinity Church & now declare my Acceptance of your Choice; at the same time begging your Prayers for me that my future Services & Labours among you may be both useful & acceptable. You must be sensible Gentlemen under what peculiar Disadvantages I have now accepted your Invitation & what Difficulties & Temptations my Situation exposes me to, & therefore must intreat you to regard my future Conduct with an Eye of Charity & Candour & not of strict Severity. At a time when so great a Diversity of Sentiment prevails, those whom Providence has placed in public Stations are liable to censure for every failure incident to human nature, but while I conscientiously discharge my Duty, which I shall by divine assistance sincerely endeavour to do, I doubt not I shall meet with your Approbation. Tho I profess, Gentlemen, not to be seeking yours but you, my Duty to myself & family requires me to take notice of a matter relating to the weekly Stipend you are pleased to allow me. Your Vote expresses the Sum of Three Pounds Sterling to be made good. But the Question is, how is the Exchange to be settled by which it is to be made good. Hitherto it has been done according to the exchange of hard money, tho I have been a great Sufferer by not having the Money paid as it became due, the Exchange being much higher when Payment has been made than when the Sum was settled. But now there is no such thing as Exchange of hard money at least within my Knowledge & therefore no Standard fixed to calculate by. Indeed were the three Pounds to be paid in Specie, the present advanced Price of the necessaries of Life would reduce it near 50 percent & that Sum in hard Money would not purchase more than the one half would in former Times. Was the Exchange to be fixed according to the Necessaries of Life, Bread, Meat & Fuel, it would be but equitable & not exceed, if equal, what the other Ministers in this Town are allowed, who are at no Expence for Houserent or Firewood. You will find by Calculation that Twenty Cords of Wood at the present Price & my house-rent will amount to near as much as the annual Salary calculated at what, I hear, is the present Exchange of hard Money.

I submit this to your Consideration & relying on your Generosity doubt not you will do what is equitable & just.

I am Gentlemen with most sincere Attachment

your very humble Servant

S. Parker

Boston July 23d 1779.

The foregoing Letter being read, It was voted that the Answer is satisfactory & that it be accepted.

Voted That the Wardens be desired to give the Revd. Mr. Parker Induction & invest him with all the Powers & Immunities thereof according to the Constitution of this Church.

Voted That the matters referred to in Mr. Parkers Letter of July 23 be considered at some future meeting of the Proprietors & that this meeting be dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday September ber 19 1779.

September

Whereas the present Tax on the Pews will not raise Money sufficient to defray the Expences of the Church the current year, & in order that Tax on the Pews which falls equally upon all both rich & poor may not be raised at present Voted That there be a Subscription among the Proprietors & Parishioners & that the Sexton wait on each Parishioner with a Subscription Paper that he may give according to his Ability.

A Subscription being set afoot accordingly there was subscribed & paid by said Parishioners the Sum of £730.8 which was accordingly appropriated to defray the Expences of the Church

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday January 16th 1780

1780

January

The Wardens acquainted the Proprietors that the present Tax on the Pews was so low by reason of the rapid Depreciation of the Currency that the Church was already greatly in Debt & would be much more so at Easter. Whereupon Voted That the Tax on the Pews below from this time till Easter next be 30/ per Week except the Pillar & 2 Wall Pews next the Doors which shall be 22/6 & the gallery Pews 15/.

Voted That the Wardens be a Committee to consider the case of Widows & other Persons unable to pay the Tax of their respective Pews & make them such Abatement as their Circumstances require.

Voted That any Persons who will pay one shilling in hard Money towards the Tax of their Pew shall have credit for Thirty Shillings.

Voted That each Proprietor & Occupant of a Pew be desired to advance thirty Dollars the next Sunday in order to raise Money to discharge the Arrearage due to the Revd. Mr. Parker.

Voted That the Sexton wait on the Non Proprietors with a copy of these Votes.

Voted That this meeting be dissolved.

The Proprietors present at the foregoing Meeting were Mr. Hubbard & Mr. B. Greene Wardens. Messrs. Perkins, Amory, Cutler, Davis, Hatch, N. Greene, R. Greene, I. Greene of the Vestry, Messrs. Johnson, Rea, Richardson, Bell, Longley, Jenkins & Crosby.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday March 27 1780 the following Officers were chosen by written Votes & the subsequent Votes were passed viz.

1780

March 27

  • Daniel Hubbard Esq.
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene
  • unanimously chosen Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richard Green
  • Joseph Greene
  • Vestry Men
  • Edward Davis
  • Thomas Amory
  • George Bethune
  • Nathaniel Greene
  • Jabez Hatch

Voted That the Tax of Mr. Crosbys Pew for the year past be given to him.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk His Salary for the ensuing to be £8.13.4 Lawful Money to be made good according to Exchange.

Voted John Jones Sexton; His Salary to be £8 per Year to be made good according to Exchange.

Voted Mr. John Cutler Organist.

Voted That a Tax of forty Dollars be laid on the floor Pews except those that have Pillars & the two small Pews near the side Doors upon which a Tax of Thirty Dollars & a Tax of Ten Dollars on the Gallery Pews be immediately assessed & collected to make good the Deficiency of the Assessments for the last year.

Voted That a Tax of Seven Dollars on the lower floor Pews of five Dollars on the Pillar Pews & the two small Pews near the side Door & three Dollars & an half on the Gallery Pews be laid to defray the Expences of the ensuing Year.

Voted That the Tax of Mr. John Cutlers two Pews for the last Six Months be given to him in consideration of his having officiated as Organist for that time.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

At the foregoing Meeting the Wardens exhibited the following Account

1780.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens

1779

To Cash paid Revd. Mr. Parkers Balance of last Account

£75.

9.

5

To paid for setting Glass

24

To Expence of printing Notifications 120/

7.

4

To Cash paid for Brushes

84/

To Ditto for 18 Bushels

Charcoal £21.12

25.

16

To Ditto for Spruce

12.

0

To Mr. Selbys 1/2 year Salary

188.

16

To Ditto Mr. Crosby 1 Year Ditto

50.

0

To Ditto Mr. Jones 1 Year Ditto

40.

0

To Ditto for opening a Tomb

6.

0

To Ditto for Collecting Subscription Money

30.

0

To Ditto for Mr. Fillis

18.

0

To Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1779 to Easter

1780 51 Sundays

£4756.

0

£5209.

11.

5

By Cash received for Arrearages of 1778

55.

4.

3

By Ditto by Subscription

730.

8

By Ditto Amount of Taxes paid on Pews from Easter 1779

to Easter 1780 with Trans. Money

3338.

15.

1

£4124.

7.

4

Boston March 27 1780

Balance

1085.

4.

1

£5209.

11.

5

May

June

November

1780

March

Errors Excepted Dan Hubbard

Benja. Greene

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church legally warned on Friday June 9 1780.

1780

June 9

Present Danl. Hubbard Benja. Greene, Stephen Greenleaf Edwd. Davis James Perkins John Cutler Richd. Green Nathl. Greene Joseph Greene Jona. Pollard Danl. Crosby Robt. Jenkins Danl. Rea Mr. Powell Mr. Groves Mr. Frobisher.

Whereas the constant Depreciation of the present Currency renders it impossible to tax the Pews in said Church in Paper Money in such a Manner as not to fall short of the encreasing Expences of said Church Therefore Voted That for the Remainder of this year ending with Easter next the Taxes of the Pews on the lower floor shall be a Pistareen a Week except those which have Pillars & the two small Pews next the Doors which shall be one Shilling hard money & the Gallery Pews half a Pistareen, to be paid either in hard Money or in Paper at the current Exchange at the Option of the Parishioners. The Exchange to be settled at the time of Payment & not at the Time of the Tax becoming due. And whereas great Inconveniences have arisen from the Taxes not being paid as they become due, by which Means those who pay weekly are subject to make good the Depreciation that happens from others paying only yearly or halfyearly, It is therefore earnestly requested of the Proprietors & Occupiers of Pews that they would pay their Taxes weekly or at least monthly which will be a saving of much Expence & be more convenient to the Wardens. Voted That the Sexton wait on every absent Proprietor & every Occupier of a Pew with a Copy of this Vote that they may be acquainted therewith.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 16 1781 the following Officers were chosen by written Votes & the subsequent Votes were passed vizt.

1781

  • Daniel Hubbard Esq.
  • Mr Benjamin Greene
  • unanimously chosen Wardens

Wardens

  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq. Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richard Greene
  • Joseph Greene
  • Vestry Men
  • Edward Davis
  • Thomas Amory
  • Geo. Bethune Esq.
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.
  • Mr. Nathl. Greene

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary for the year ensuing to be Nine Pounds Lawful Money.

Voted That Mr. Cutler be allowed Twenty Pounds Sterling for his Care of & playing on the Organ the Year past, he to pay out of said Sum whoever has been employed by him in that Service.

Voted Mr. William Belstedt Organist for the Year ensuing. His Salary to be Twenty Six Pounds thirteen Shillings & four Pence.

Voted John Jones Sexton with a Salary of Eight Pounds.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews be the same the ensuing Year as were voted in June last. Viz. the Pews on the lower floor 1 Pistareen per Week except those that have Pillars in them & the two small Pews near the Doors which are to be one Shilling & those in the Gallery half a Pistareen per Week.

Voted that this Meeting be dissolved.

At the foregoing Meeting the Wardens presented the following Account of the Wardens which was read & accepted viz.

1781

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens

To Balance of last Account paid Mr. Parker

£1085.

4.

1

To paid Mr Cunningham for setting Glass

43.

13

To Ditto Mr. Gilbert for Shovel for Vestry Room

4.

4

To Mr. Jones 1/2 Year Salary

280.

0

To Printing Hymns

135.

0

To Ditto for Spruce

42.

0

To Ditto Mr. Cunningham for setting Glass

75.

0

To Ditto for 15 Baskets Charcoal

76.

10

To Mr. Jones 1/2 Year Salary

300.

0

To Ditto Mr. Gilberts Account

30.

0

To Mr. Crosbys Salary

650.

0

To Ditto Mr. Fillis Ditto

300.

0

To Ditto for the Organ

2000.

0

To Ditto Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary 55 Weeks

15848.

0

£20869.

11.

1

Balance in hands of Wardens

75.

18.

5

£20945.

9.

6

CR

By Arrearages on Pews due last Easter April

£366.

16.

3

By additional Tax assessed at Easter last

881.

12.

3

By Cash for Use of a Tomb for Mrs. small

225.

0

By Amount of Contribution paid on Pews from Easter

1780 to Easter 1781

19472.

1

£20945.

9.

6

1780

April 10

23

June

December

1781

March

1780

April

December 30

1781

Boston April 16 1781

Errors excepted

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church legally warned May 27 1781.

1781

Voted That all the Money that has arisen upon the Tax of the Pews & the Transient Money up to Easter 1781 over & above what shall discharge the Debts of the Church accruing from Easter 1780 to Easter 1781 be given to the Revd. Mr. Parker as a Gratuity to him on Account of the high Price of the Necessaries of Life.

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Parker’s Salary for the Year ensuing commencing at Easter last be Six Pounds per Week to be paid in Gold or Silver.

Voted That Whereas by the total Stoppage of the old continental Currency & the Uncertainty of the Exchange between the new Emission & hard Money, the Accounts of the Church cannot be regularly kept, the Proprietors and Occupiers of Pews be desired to pay the Tax assessed on their Pews at Easter last in hard Money only.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Tuesday April 2 1782 the following Officers were chosen by written Votes Viz.

1782

  • Messrs. Daniel Hubbard
  • Benjamin Greene      Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richard Green
  • Joseph Green      Vestry Men
  • Edward Davis
  • Thomas Amory
  • Nathl. Greene
  • Col. Jabez Hatch

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary to be £9.

Voted Mr. William Belstedt Organist. His Salary £26.13.4.

Voted Mr. John Jones Sexton. His Salary £8.00.

Voted That Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary be £6 per Week the Year ensuing.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews the Year ensuing be 1/4, the Pillar Pews & the two small ones 1/ & the Gallery Pews 8d.

Voted That this Meeting be dissolved.

The following Account was presented & accepted viz.

The proprietors of Trinity church their Account current with Wardens

1781

To Cash paid 12 Baskets Charcoal

£0.

10.

0

To Ditto paid Mr. Cunningham mending Glass

6

To Ditto for Spruce

12

To Ditto for Brushes

15

To Ditto paid Mr. Cunningham mending Glass

8

To the Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1781 to

Easter 1782 50 Weeks at £5 per Week

300.

0.

0

Carried up

£302.

11.

0

Brot up

£302.

11.

0

To Cash paid Mr. Belstedt one Years Salary

26.

13.

4

To Ditto paid Mr. Crosby one Ditto

9.

To Ditto paid Mr. Jones one Ditto

8.

To Ditto paid Mr. Fillis one Ditto

4.

To Cash paid the Revd. Mr. Parker the arrearages due

last Easter as per Vote of Proprietors 27 May 1781

53.

14.

5. ½

£403.

18.

9 ½

CR.

By Cash for Use of a Tomb for Mrs. Small

£3.

0.

0

By Cash in Contribution from Easter 1781 to Easter

82

266.

19.

10

By Balance due last Easter in Paper £75.18.5

1.

0.

3 ½

By Cash received for Arrearages due last Easter

52.

14.

2

Balance Due to Wardens

80.

4.

6

£403.

18.

9 ½

1781

November 13

15

December

1782

February 15

March 31

Boston March 31 Errors excepted

Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene      Wardens

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church on Monday Evening August 26 1782.

The Wardens acquainted the Vestry that Application had been made to them by the Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston for the Use of said Church to perform some Pieces of Music for the Benefit of the Poor in the Almshouse. Whereupon Voted That Liberty be granted for the Use of said Church for the Purpose aforesaid. Provided That the Music to be performed be only sacred Music & not intermixed with Songs or any Pieces levitous or unbecoming a Place appropriated solely to the Worship of the Deity. Provided also That if any Damage should accrue to said House by Means thereof, that it be repaired out of the Money raised by the Sale of the Tickets. And as it will be necessary that the Prayer Books & Cushions be removed out of the Pews, which will be no small Labour & Trouble, it is expected that the Sexton of said Church be paid for removing & replacing the same.

A true Entry of said Votes Attest Samuel Parker Minister

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church October 13 1782.

1782

October 13

The Revd. Mr. Parker communicated the following Letter from the Wardens of the Chapel addressed to the Proprietors of Trinity Church Viz.

The Proprietors of the Chapel having engaged a Gentleman to officiate for them in the Capacity of a Reader & designing soon to return to their former place of Worship cannot but express their warmest acknowledgments to their Brethren of Trinity Church for the kind Accommodation which they have afforded them during their attendance on divine Service at their Church. This Testimony of Love & Friendship towards them when they were destitute of a Pastor & thereby otherwise deprived of worshipping in a way most agreeable to them, will leave the most lasting Impressions upon their Minds. They cannot sufficiently testify their Sentiments of Gratitude & Respect to their worthy Pastor the Revd. Mr. Parker for his many agreeable useful & instructive Lessons. They hope to preserve a friendly Intercourse & Exchange with them & that they may be favoured occasionally with his Assistance in administering the Ordinances of Baptism & the Lord’s Supper.

They wish Grace Mercy & Peace may be multiplied unto them & subscribe themselves their Brethren in the Faith & Fellowship of the Gospel.

Boston October 13 1782

Thomas Bulfinch

Wardens of the

James Ivers

Chapel

The Proprietors of Trinity Church.

The above Letter being read Mr. Parker put the Question to the Vestry whether (as the Gentleman engaged by our Brethren of the Chapel is not in holy Orders) it would be agreeable to them that the Person so engaged should officiate once a month at Trinity Church in Exchange with Mr. Parker.

Voted in the Affirmative.

Voted also That the Revd. Mr. Parker be desired in the Name of this Church to answer the Letter from the Proprietors of the Chapel so far as it relates to the Acknowledgments made to the Proprietors of this Church & that as far as relates to himself he act therein as his Judgment shall direct.

A true Record of the Votes passed at said Meeting.

Attest Samuel Parker Minister.

To the Proprietors of the Chapel.

Gentlemen

October 16

Having communicated your Letter to the Vestry of Trinity Church as you will perceive by the above Votes I am desired in the Name of said Church to inform you that they are happy in the Reflection that they have been [able] to accommodate in some measure according to their Wishes their Brethren of the Chapel during the time they have been destitute of a Minister & thereby deprived of worshipping God in a Way most agreeable to them.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church unite their Wishes with those of their Brethren of the Chapel that a friendly Intercourse & Correspondence may be maintained & preserved between the two Churches & as an Evidence of their Desire hereof they have freely given their Consent to admit the Gentleman they have engaged in Capacity of a Reader to read the Service & a Sermon in their Church while their Minister occasionally officiates with you.

Be kind enough Gentlemen to accept my Acknowledgments for the Sentiments of Gratitude & Respect you are pleased to entertain for me, for the Candour & Kindness with which you have received my ministerial Instructions & for the polite & obliging manner in which you have testified the same.

Be assured Gentlemen I shall always esteem myself happy in being instrumental in promoting the Prosperity of your Church & shall with the greatest Alacrity assist you in any offices peculiar to the ministerial character as well as in all other Respects.

With my earnest Prayers to the great head of the Church that your Society may be abundantly watered with divine Influences & be built up in our most holy Faith

I subscribe myself Gentlemen your devoted Servant

in the Gospel

S. Parker

Boston October 16 1782

The Wardens of the Chapel.

To the foregoing Letter the following Answer was made.

Revd. Sir

Your Favour of the 16 of October was laid before the Proprietors of the Chapel & very gratefully received. They esteem themselves happy in your ready Compliance with their request of administering the Ordinances of the Gospel occasionally to them. Hope it will be convenient & agreeable to you to make an Exchange on Sunday next when Mr. Freeman will be prepared to officiate with you.

I am Revd. Sir with very great Respect & Esteem your most obedient and very humble Servant

Thos. Bulfinch

Boston November 12 1782

Revd. Mr. Parker

On Sunday November 10 the Revd. Mr. Parker gave Notice to the Congregation of Trinity Church that he should officiate the Sunday following at the Chapel & that Mr. Freeman the Person engaged as a Reader there would read the Services & Sermon at Trinity Church. But the Wardens of the Chapel insisting that Mr. Freeman should be permitted to read the Communion Service in the Altar at Trinity Church & the Revd. Mr. Parker not consenting thereto, the Proprietors of the Chapel voted that the proposed Exchange be postponed. And at a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church November 17 1782 Mr. Parker laid before them the above correspondence & the Reason of postponing said Exchange. Voted that his Conduct herein be approved of.

1782

November 17

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 21 1783 the following Persons were chosen by written Votes viz.

1783

  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Benjamin Greene      Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richard Green
  • Joseph Greene      Vestry Men
  • Edward Davis
  • Thomas Amory
  • Nathaniel Greene
  • Jabez Hatch

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk his Salary £9 per Year.

Mr. William Belstedt Organist his Salary £26.13.4 per Ditto.

Mr. John Jones Sexton his Salary £8 per Ditto.

Voted John Jones four Pounds on account of extraordinary Services & his having had an expensive Family.

Voted The Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary be Six Pounds per Week the ensuing Year.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews the Year ensuing be 1/4, the Pillar Pews 1/ with the two small ones & the Gallery Pews Eight Pence.

The Wardens presented the following Account to the Proprietors viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church their Account current with the Wardens

1783

To Balance of last Years Account

£80.

4.

6

To Cash paid Edmd. Ranger per Bill

11.

1.

10

To Ditto paid Benjamin Greene £4.7.2 Ditto Samel.

Whitwell 72/

7.

19.

2.

To Ditto paid Perez Morton Esq. for Balance of Pew

No. 25

14.

13.

4

To Ditto paid Wm. Belstedt ½ Years Salary

13.

6.

8

To Ditto Cunningham & Edes £8.4 Ditto Jno. Bell for

joyce 37/4

10.

1.

4

To Ditto paid Bell in part Account £22.18. Ditto Jona.

Gilbert 17/8

23.

15.

8

To Ditto paid Mr. Etheridge 60/ Ditto Mr. May for

Plank 24/

4.

4.

0

To Ditto 11 Baskets Charcoal 11/ Ditto for Spruce 12/

1.

3.

0

To Ditto printing Hymns 18/ Jno. Jones Salary £8.0.0

8.

18.

0

To Ditto Mr. Belstedt ½ Year Salary

13.

6.

8

To Ditto Mr. Crosby Ditto £9. Ditto Mr. Fillis Ditto £4

13.

0.

0

To Ditto paid Revd. Mr. Parker his Salary 55 Weeks @

120/

330.

0.

0

To Cash overcredited last Year

1.

15.

10

£533.

10.

0

Contra Cr

By Cash for Arrearages due last Easter

£90.

8.

By Ditto in Contribution from Easter 1782 to Easter 1783

370.

17.

3

By Balance due to Wardens

72.

4.

£533.

10.

0

1782

April

July

August

October 15

Boston April 21 1783

Errors excepted      Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene      Wardens

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church June 29 1783.

1783

Voted That the Minister & Wardens be requested to write to John Erving Esq. late Warden of said Church & earnestly desire him to transmit the Records of this Church now in his hands to the present Wardens by Capt. Callahan & that said Callahan be authorised to give Mr. Erving a Receipt for the same if required.

Voted That Capt. William Davies be allowed to build a Tomb under the Church of the common Size, he paying Six Pounds therefor to the Use of the Church.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 12 1784 the following Officers were chosen by written Votes.

1784

  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Benja. Greene      Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richd. Green
  • Joseph Greene      Vestry Men
  • Edwd. Davis
  • Thorns. Amory
  • Nathl. Greene
  • Jabez Hatch
  • George Lush

Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary £9 per Annum.

William Belstedt Organist. Salary £26.13.4

John Jones Sexton. Salary £8.

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary for the present year be £6 per

Week.

Voted unanimously £1.0.0 per Week to the Revd. Mr. Parker for the present year in addition to his Salary for extra Expences.

Voted the Tax on the Pews for the present year be 1/8. The Pillar Pews

in the same Proportion.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens

1784

April

To Balance of years Account

£72.

4.

To Cash paid Mr. Jones additional Salary

4.

0.

0

To Ditto paid Jno. Innis Bill 37/10 Ditto Edmd. Ranger

Ditto 19/

To Ditto Jno. Bell Balance Account £23.1.7. Ditto B.

Greene junr. Nails 5/5

26.

3.

10

To Ditto paid Mr. Belstedt ½ Years Salary

13.

6.

8

To Ditto paid for Charcoal

12.

0

To Cash paid Gray & Badgers Bill for mending Windows

£0

8.

4.

To Ditto Wm. Cunningham 24/ Ditto Andrew Hawkins 6/

To Ditto Timo. Lewis for Spruce 12/ Ditto Jno. Gil

berts Bill 11/2

2.

13.

2

To Ditto Mr. Crosbys Salary

9.

0

To Ditto Mr. Belstedt ½ Year Ditto

13.

6.

8

To Ditto Mr. Jones Salary £8. Ditto Mr. Fillis Ditto £4

12.

0.

0

To Ditto Revd. Mr. Parkers 51 Weeks @ 120/

306.

0.

0

Contra

459.

15.

By Cash for Arrearages due at Easter 1783

£47.

17.

4

By Ditto for use of Tomb for Mr. Doverson’s child

1.

10

By Ditto for Ditto for Mr. Laurens

3.

0

By Cash in Contribution from Easter 1783 to Easter

1784

321.

11.

8

By Balance due to Wardens

85.

1.6

£459

15

1784

April

1784

Boston April 12 1784

Errors excepted

Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene

Memo. Pew No. 65 given to the Church by Mr. Johnson Jackson was sold to Mr. Richd. Green for £18. May 14. 1783.

Pew No. 18 resigned to the Church by Mr. R. Green was sold to Mr. George Lush May 14 1783 for £12.0.0.

Pew No. 19 resigned to the Church by Mr. James Gooch for £13.10 was sold for the same Sum to Mr. Samuel Smith April 30 1783.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church May 2d 1784.

1784

May

Present the Minister Wardens & Eight Vestry Men

Whereas this Church now stands indebted to the Boston Episcopal Charitable Society in two Bonds, the one for £57.0 & the other for £106.13.4 with the Interest due thereon; & Whereas the said Society did at their annual Meeting held on Easter Tuesday Vote that all obligations given to any former Treasurer for the Use of the late Episcopal Charitable Society be called in as soon as may be & renewed in the name of the Boston Episcopal Charitable Society. Therefore Voted That the Wardens of this Church with Col. Hatch & Mr. Richd. Green be a Committee of this Church to renew said bonds & they are hereby authorised & empowered to execute a Bond for the principal Sum now due & so much of the Interest as the Wardens are not able to discharge, to said Society which shall bind this Church & be valid to all Intents & Purposes.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church July 19 1784

July

Whereas it is necessary that the outside of this Church be new clapboarded & otherways repaired before it goes further to decay. In order to raise Money to defray the Expence thereof Voted That a Subscription be opened among the Parishioners who are hereby requested to subscribe according to their abilities to so necessary & useful a Purpose.

Voted That the Wardens with Mr. Richd. Green be a Committee to wait on the Parishioners with a Subscription Paper & to collect the Money or other articles that any Person shall be disposed to give.

Voted That the same Persons be a Committee to procure the necessary Materials & to agree with suitable Workman to perform the same at so cheap a rate as possible & to lay out so much Money in repairing & painting the outside of the Church as shall be collected.

Voted That when the Building is new clapboarded, said Committee have it well painted of a Stone colour.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church September 16 1784.

1784

September

Present the Minister Wardens & Seven Vestry Men.

Whereas the slaunt Roofs of this Church require shingling immediately & the Subscription for raising Money to repair the outside of said Building is not sufficient to defrey the Expence of Clapboarding & painting the same.

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to hire as much Money as will defrey the Expence of shingling said side Roofs & complete the other Repairs, & to repay the same out of any Money that can be raised by the sale of such Pews as belong to the Church or by a Tax upon the Pews the next Year.

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to sell the Pew No. 75 (or State Pew) & any others that belong to the Church to raise Money to defrey the Expence of the aforesaid Repairs.

We the Subscribers do hereby promise to pay to Messrs. Danl. Hubbard Benja. Greene & Richard Green or their Order the Sum of Money or other Articles affixed to our several & respective Names for the purpose of repairing & painting the outside of Trinity Church in the Town of Boston.

Subscribers Names Sum

John Rowe

£6.

0

Saml. Breck

3.

0

Geo. Lush

1.

0

Willm. Davies

1.

4

Thorns. Ivers

1.

8

Danl. Hubbard

1.

8

Benja. Greene

1.

8

Richd. Green

1.

8

John Cutler

1.

8

James Hughes

14

John Amory

1.

8

Thorns. Stickney

12

Oliver Smith

1.

4

Elisha Doane

1.

8

Mary Coffin

18

Sarah Creese

1.

8

Nathl. Glover

1.

4

.8

Wm. Tudor

1.

8

Joshua Blanchard

12

Charles Sigourney

1.

0

James Perkins

1.

8

Joseph Head

1.

8

£32.

16.

8

Brot up

£32.

16.

8

Wm. Deblois

1.

0

Edwd. Davis

1.

0

B. C. Cutler

1.

0

Jno. Amory Jr.

1.

8

J. Richardson

3.

0

Saml. Smith

1.

0

Jos. Greene

1.

0

Samp. Reed

1.

0

Saml. Richards

12

Wm. Cheever

1.

8

Wm. Lambert

1.

0

J. Greenwood

12

Josiah Knap

1.

0

Wm. Foster

1.

10

Jabez Hatch

3.

0

S. Danforth

1.

8

Thoms. Amory

1.

8

S. Greenleaf

1.

4

S. Walter [?]

1.

0

Wm. Turner

1.

0

Jno. Williams

1.

0

Wm. Frobisher

12

£59.

18.

8

Brot up

£59.

18.

8

M. Bicker

1.

8

Jn. Clarke

12

Dr. Lloyd

1.

8

Dan Rea

12

Mrs. Jones

6

Mrs. Waters

18

Leo Jarvis

1.

8

R. G. Amory

1.

8

M. Brimmer

1

8

Jona. Simpson

3.

0

Jn. Bell

1.

8

Robt. Jenkins

1.

G. W. Speakman

15

Moses Wallack

12

D. Crosby

1.

0

Wm. Molineaux

1.

0

Jno. Haskins

1.

0

Jno. Woart

12

S. Dunn Jr.

1.

Geo. Bethune

1.

8

Martha Greene

6.

0

David Greene

1.

0

N. Abraham

12

Theo. Dehon

12

Leo Borland

18

Cash

18

Jos. Foster

1.

0

£98.

7

.8

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday March 28 1785.

1785

March

The Following Officers were chosen by written Votes.

  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene      Wardens
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richd. Green
  • Joseph Greene      Vestry Men
  • Edwd. Davis
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.
  • Messrs. George Lush
  • Davis Greene
  • Samuel Smith

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk His Salary £9 per Annum.

Mr. Willm. Belstedt Organist. His Salary £26.13.4

Mr. John Jones Sexton. His Salary £8.0 per Annum.

Voted Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary be £6 per Week.

Voted Unanimously £1 per Week to Revd. Mr. Parker for the present in Addition to his Salary for extra Expences.

Voted the Tax on Pews be the same as last Year.

Voted Unanimously Mr. John Cutler be added to the Committee for repairing the Church.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account at this Meeting viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens.

To Cash paid Revd. Mr. Parker Balance last Years Account

£85.

16.

3

To Ditto paid Charitable Society their bond dated December 1741 for 172 oz. 8 Dw 6 gr. Silver at 6/8

57.

9.

5

To 13 Years & 5 Mon. Interest on Ditto

44.

4.

5

To Ditto paid Ditto their Bond dated April 41774 for £80 Sterling

106.

13.

4

To 10 Years & 1 Mon. Interest on Ditto

64.

10.

4

To Cash paid Messrs. Gray & Badgers Bill

1.

8.

2

To Ditto for Spruce 12/ To Ditto for Charcoal

1.

1

To Cash for a Gown for Mr. Crosby

2.

8

To Ditto paid Mr. Crosby’s Salary

9.

To Ditto Mr. Belsted’s Ditto

26.

13.

4

To Ditto Mr. Jones’s Ditto

8.

0

To Ditto Mr. Fillis Ditto

4.

0

To Amount of Pews No. 75 & 77 transferred to Account repairing Church

40.

To Cash for printing Hymns

.15

To Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1784 to Easter 1785 50 Weeks @ 140

350.0

To Cash paid Mr. Gilberts Bill

4

£804.

3.

7

By Cash received for Arrearages of Taxes on Pews to Easter 1784

43.

1.

4

By Ditto from Treasurer of Greene Foundation per Voteof Trustees

94.

0.

11

By Committee’s Bond to Charitable Society

175.

0.

By Cash of Richd. Green for Pew No. 65

18.

0

By Ditto Capt. Callahan for Pew No. 75

24.

By Ditto of Jeffery Richardson for Pew No. 77

16.

By Amount of Contribution paid on Pews from Easter 1784 to Easter 1785

330.

19.

2

£701.

1.

5

Balance Due

103.

2.

2

804.

3.

7

1785

March

Boston March 28 1785

Errors excepted

Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene

No. 13 £2.2 omitted in Credit which makes the Balance £101.0.2 carried to next years account.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry Church held April 28 1785.

1785

April 28

  • Present
  • The Minister
  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. Greenleaf
  • Mr. Rowe
  • Mr. Cutler
  • Mr. Richd. Green
  • Mr. Jos. Greene
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. Lush
  • Col. Hatch

A Petition from Mr. Belstedt the Organist was laid before the Meeting praying for some assistance. Voted That a Collection be made for him on Sunday May 8th.

A Letter from the Church Wardens of St. Pauls in Falmouth Casco Bay was read praying for Assistance to rebuild said Church. Voted that as a Society we have been at great Expence in repairing Trinity Church, we are not able to assist said Church in a public manner but if any Individual chooses to subscribe for said Purpose, we recommend the same as a pious Charity.

Voted That the Pews No. 7, 26, 48, 51 & 80 in Trinity Church be sold, & the original Sum for which said Pews were sold to the last proprietors be paid to those who have a Lawful claim for the same.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Churchheld July 31 1785.

July 31

The Revd. Mr. Parker laid before the Meeting sundry papers relative to the proceedings of several Conventions of the Clergy & lay Delegates of the Episcopal Church, & also a proposal from a Committee of the Clergy of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, to chuse a Delegate to meet in a Convention proposed to be held at Boston Wednesday September 7 1785 to deliberate upon some plan of maintaining uniformity in divine Worship & adopting such other measures as may tend to the Union & prosperity of the Episcopal Church in the American States.

Upon which it was thought best that the Proprietors of this Church be notified to meet & the proposal made to them, & that in the mean time Revd. Mr. Parker be requested to attend a Convocation of the Bishop & Clergy of Connecticutt to be holden at Middletown on Wednesday August 3d in order that this Church may be acquainted with the proceedings of those churches that are compleat in all their officers.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday August 14 1785.

1785

August 14

The Revd. Mr. Parker was reported to the Meeting what had passed at the Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry July 31st & also read the report of a Committee chosen by the Clergy of Connecticutt in Convocation assembled to attend & advise with the Bishop of said State for the purpose of making such Alterations in the Liturgy of the Church as should be thought necessary & agreeable to the Churches in the American States & then proposed to said Proprietors to chuse one or more of their Members to attend a Convention of the Episcopal Churches in the States of Massachusetts Rhode Island & New Hampshire to be holden at Boston September 7 1785. Whereupon it was Voted That Stephen Greenleaf Esq. & Mr. Benjamin Greene be requested to meet in said Convention as Delegates on behalf of this Church.

N.B. The following Pews were sold the present Year

1785

January 5th No. 75 was sold to John Callahan for

£24.

0

May 16 No. 75 was sold to David Greene by way of Exchange with John Callahan for No. 47

January No. 77 sold to Mr. Jeffery Richardson for

16.

0

May 5 No. 113 sold to Mr. Green Pierce for

7.

0

9 No. 51 sold to Thomas Ivers Esq. for

24.

0

No. 122 sold to William Wittington for

7.

0

July No. 7 sold to John Woart for

18.

0

No. 48 sold to Sampson Reed for

20.

Paid to Attorney of Nathl. Hatch Esq. £5.0.0

October No. 80 sold to Mr. John Taylor

12.

123 sold to Mary Voax & Eliza Adams

7.

November 28 No. 36 Title exchanged from S. S. Blowers to

Dr. S. Danforth

December 20 No. 33 sold to William Tudor Esq. for 24 & £15 paid to the Attorney of the Executor of Mary Phillips & £15 to the Attorney of Mrs. Boutineau for No. 51.

August I [?] No. 6 Mrs. Sarah Gould paid £18 for her Title & one given to Leo. Jarvis Esq. for £18. Deed dated June 25 1785 & exchanged for No. 68.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held December 19 1785.

1785

December

Voted That a Subscription be opened among the Parishioners of said Church to defray the Expence of learning such Persons of both Sexes belonging to said Parish, as incline to learn to sing Psalm tunes; & that it be recommended to said Parishioners to become Subscribers thereto in order to the better & more agreeable performance of that excellent & sublime part of Devotion.

Voted That Pew No. 102 be appropriated for a term not to exceed one Year for such persons as chuse to set in it who are capable of leading in the Singing.

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to sell those Pews, the Proprietors of which have left the Church & no heirs of such proprietors living in this Town, & the original Sum paid for such pews by the last Proprietors be paid to the legal heirs of such Proprietors. And Whereas no Tax has been paid for more than a Year on several Pews in said Church

Voted That the Wardens be directed to sell them or to place some persons therein who will pay the Taxes assessed thereon regularly.

August 5 No. 45 Mrs. Sheafe sold to Mrs. Troutbeck with Deed & Bond for £30.0.

1785

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Committee for repairing said Church.

To Cash paid Stephen

Wales 3000m Clapboards at 120/per m

18.

To Ditto paid Ditto

1000 Ditto

6.

To Ditto paid Saml. Dillaway 250 Ditto

1.

10

To Ditto paid Ditto 40 feet Plank & carting Ditto

8.

8

To Ditto paid Thorns. Clement 406 ft. Boards & carting

4.

6.

7

To Ditto paid Callenders Blake for Boards & Joists

10.

7.

6

To Ditto paid Jona. Amory 32m 6d. Nails

9.

12

To Ditto paid Wm. Wr. Wallis for Nails

2.

16.

6

To Ditto paid John Bells Account for Clapboarding &c.

68.

8.

10

To Cash paid Stephen Bruce for Paint & Oyl

20.

.8

To Ditto Green & Cleverly for Brushes

. 6

.8

To Ditto Benja. Roberts Bill for painting

£9.

14.

10

To Ditto Mr. Flicks Ditto Ditto

1.

15.

9

11.

10.

7

To Wm. Bentlys Bill for 25 m Shingles @ 20/

25.

0

To Stephen Wales 10 m Ditto & Carting

10.

9

To Mr. Cole painting 3 front Doors

2.

To paid Hastings & Ripley 35 Nails

5.

5

To Ditto Rum & Sugar, Brads Putty 24 Nails

.14

.10

To Ditto Wm. Foster & Co. for Paint

6.

To Ditto Stephen Wales for Lumber

3.

9.

11

To Ditto Joseph Greene for Paint

2.

14

To Ditto John Cutler per Bill

11.

16.

6

To Ditto John Bell per 3 Accounts

14.

18.

6

To Ditto Richd. Green Nails 11/2 Jona. Gilbert Account 17/6

1.

8.

8

£237.

4.

5

To Cash paid Treasurer Greene Foundation

30.

0

To Ditto paid Wardens & credited in the General Account of Easter 1786

27.

10.

1

£294.

14.

6

Contra Cr

By Cash received of Sundry Persons for their Subscription

for Repairs per List

98.

7.

6

By John Bell for Boards & Joist

1.

10

By Richd. Green for Nails

5.

17

By Pew No.

75 sold John Callahan

24.

By Ditto No.

77 Jeffery Richardson

16.

By Ditto 9

William Davies

18.

By Ditto

33 William Tudor Esq.

24.

By Ditto

48 Sampson Read

20.

By Ditto

51 Thomas Ivers Esq

24.

By Ditto

80 John Taylor

12.

By Ditto

113 Green Pierce

7.

By Ditto

122 Mr. Whittington

7.

By Ditto

123 Mrs. Vokes & Adams

7.

By Cash borrowed of Greene Foundation

30.

£294.

14.

6

February 10 Pew No. 9 sold to William Davies for

18.

0

April 17 No. 99 Title given up by Col. Hatch for £19 & sold to Wm. Lambert for same Sum

19.

0

No. 3 A Title was given to Wm. Todd & his Note taken for the value but never paid.

May 23 No. 31 sold to Dr. James Lloyd for £16 paid to Attorney Joshua Loring

No. 11 one half sold to Mary Waters for

9.

August 20 No. 53 sold Mr. Henry Smith for

21.

Mr. Faneuils Attorney paid £20.

No. 110 sold Dr. Oliver Smith for

7.

Paid Mr. John Cutler £7 for Title.

November 20 No. 111 sold to Wm. Whall for

7.

No. 109 sold to Matthew Bailey

7.

No. 133 Title given up by Mrs. Waters & she paid £6.13.4 April 1789

September 28 No. 97 & 22 Titles given to M. Brimmer & Bond taken.

1784

August 16

1785

June

1786

April

1784

September

November

1786

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 17 1786.

1786

April 17

The following Officers were chosen by written Votes.

  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard.
    • Wardens
  • Mr. Benja. Greene
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • John Rowe Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richard Green
  • Joseph Greene
    • Vestry Men
  • George Lush
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.
  • Messrs. Samuel Smith
  • David Greene
  • Robert Jenkins
  • William Tudor Esq.

Voted Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary to be £12.

  • William Belstedt Organist. His Salary £26.13.4
  • John Jones Sexton. His Salary £8.

Voted unanimously Revd. Mr. Parker’s Salary be £6 per Week.

Voted £1 per Week to Revd. Mr. Parker in Addition to his Salary for extra expenses.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews continue the same as last year.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church on Account with Wardens

1785

To Ballance due per Settlement

£101.

0.

2

To Cash for Spruce & Charcoal

1.

4.

0

To one Years Interest on £175 Bond due to Charitable Society May 25

10.

10

To Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1785 to Easter 1786 55 Weeks at £7

385.

0

To Mr. Belstedt’s Salary one Year

26.

13.

4

To Mr. Crosbys Ditto

Ditto

9.

0.

0

To Mr. Joness Ditto

Ditto

8.

0.

To Mr. Fillis’s Ditto

Ditto

4.

0.

£545.

7.

6

By Arrearages of Taxes due Easter 1785

£85.

14.

3

By Use of Tombs for 1 Man & 2 children

6.

0.

0

By Cash in Contribution from Easter 1785 to Easter 1786

351.

14.

7

By Balance bro’t from Account Repairs

27.

10.

1

£470.

18.

11

Balance Due

74.

8.

7

£545.

7.

6

March 28

1786

April 17

1786

April

1786

July 23

Boston April 17 1786

Errors excepted

Wardens

Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church on Sunday July 23 1786.

1786.

July 23

Voted That Messrs. Richd. Green Willm. Tudor Samuel Smith & John Cutler be a Committee to compleat the Subscription to defray the Expence of the Singing School & make report of their proceeding herein at the Adjournment of this Meeting.

Voted That this Meeting be adjournment [sic] to Thursday next the 27 Inst. at the Revd. Mr. Parkers.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at Revd Mr. Parkers July 27 by adjournment from July 25 1786.

1786

July 25

A Petition of several Persons in the County of Worcester in behalf of Dr. Samuel Stearns praying for a Contribution to release him from goal &c. was read & the Question moved whether the Vestry would recommend to have said Petition read in Church, it was Voted unanimously in the negative.

Voted That the Committee chosen on Sunday last to complete the Subscription to defray the Expence of the Singing School take the whole Direction of said School & continue it as long as they can procure Money to defray the Expence thereof.

Revd. Mr. Parker then reported the Proceedings of the Convention of Clergy & Lay delegates &c. held at Boston July 20 respecting the alterations in the Liturgy & Offices of the Church, & after duly considering the same it was thought best to adopt the alterations proposed by said Convention held September 7 1785 & the Psalms as revised & selected by a Convention held at Philadelphia September 27 1785 & Voted that the same be laid before the Proprietors of this Church on Sunday next.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church July 30 1786.

1786

July 30

Voted unanimously that the Alterations & Omissions in the Liturgy & Offices of the Church as proposed by a Convention held at Boston September 7 & 8 1785 & continued by several Adjournments to July 20 1786 & then recommended to the several Churches in this State be adopted in this Church & that the Service be performed conformable thereto on the second Sunday in August.

On Motion that the Psalms as revised & selected by a Convention held at Philadelphia September 27 1785 & reprinted in their prayer Book with part of the Hymns suited to the feasts & fasts of the Church &c. be adopted in this Church. Voted unanimously in the affirmative.

Voted That said Psalms as selected by said Convention together with a part of said Hymns be reprinted at the Expence of this Church & that 100 or 150 Copies thereof be given to such Persons belonging to this Church as are not of ability to purchase them at the discretion of the Minister the remainder be sold to the Parishioners.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 9 1787.

The following Officers were chosen by written Votes.

  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richd. Green
  • Joseph Greene
  • George Lush
  • Vestry Men
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.
  • Messrs. Samuel Smith
  • David Greene
  • Robt. Jenkins
  • William Tudor Esq.
  • Nathl. Greene Esq.

Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. Salary

£12.

0.

0

Mr. William Belstedt Organist

£26.

12.

4

John Jones Sexton

8.

0.

0

Voted unanimously Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary £6 per Week.

Voted £1.0.0 per Week to Revd. Mr. Parker in addition to his Salary for extra expenses.

Voted That the Tax of the Gallery Pews be /9

Pews below 1/8. Those with Pillars 1/2 ½

The Wardens exhibited the following Account viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account current with the Wardens

To Balance due

£74.

8.

7

To Cash paid at Convention

£0.

4.

6

To a prayer book to print Psalter

6.

To Peter Edes printing 600 Psalters

29.

2.

5

Saml. Webb folding & stitching Ditto

3.

15.

6

33.

8.

To Cash paid James Perkins Attorney to B. Faneuil for Pew No. 53

20.

To John Cutler for Pew No. 110

7.

To Cash for brushes

0.

9.

0

Iron shod Shovel

6.

8

Charcoal 8/ Spruce 12/

1.

1.

15.

8

To Linen to mend Surplice

9.

To Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter April 16th to this Day 51 Weeks @ £7

357.

To Int. paid Charitable Society

£10.

10

Jno. Bells Bill

4.

2.

10

Jos. Sprague Glazier

19.

1

15.

11.

11

To Wm. Belstedt’s Salary

26.

13.

4

Daniel Crosby

12.

0.

0

Jones £8. Fillis £4.

12.

0.

0

paid F. Green mending Windows

1.

Jona. Henry Mason

.

10.

5

51.

4.

9

£560.

18.

4

1786

April 17

July 20

September

December

1787

April 8

Contra Credit

By Cash received for Psalters

17.

2.

7

By Ditto Henry Smith Pew No. 53

24.

0

Ditto O. Smith Pew 110

7.

Ditto M. Bailey   109

7.

Ditto Wm. Watt   111

7.

By Arrearages due Easter 1786

77.

8.

8

By Contribution received from Easter 1786 to Easter 1787

304.

7.

9

By Use of Tomb for Interment of Mr. Sharp

3.

446.

19.

0

Balance carried to new Account

113.

19

.4

Boston April 9 1787

£560.

18.

4

1786

July

1787

April 9

Errors excepted

Danl. Hubbard

Benj. Greene

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held April 11 1787.

1787

Voted That Mr. Cutler & Mr. Richd. Green be a Committee to build a new Tomb under this Church to bury Strangers in at the right hand of the Cellar Door under the Altar.

April 11

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held May 18 1787.

May 18

  • Present
  • The Minister
  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. Greene
  • Mr. Cutler
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. R. Green
  • Mr. N. Greene
  • Mr. David Greene
  • Mr. Lush

Voted That Mr. Cutler & Mr. R. Green be a Committee to see that a Drain be cut from the Southeast Corner of the Church into the common shore in the Street near the corner of Capt. Lydes house at the cheapest rate it can be done.

Voted That the same Committee cause a fence to be erected across the Passageway to Mrs. Goulds Barn with a large Gate to accommodate Carriages to said Barn.

July 28 Pew No. 108 sold to Edward Hill £7.0.0

No. 119 sold to Stephen Bailey for 8.0.0

No. 67 Title given up & Robt. Jarvis Attorney paid £17.6.8.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday March 24 1788.

1787

The following Officers were chosen by written Votes viz.

  • Mr. Daniel Hubbard
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Benjamin Greene
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Mr. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Richard Green
  • Joseph Greene
  • George Lush
  • Vestry Men
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.
  • Messrs. Samuel Smith
  • Robert Jenkins
  • William Tudor Esq.
  • Nathl. Greene Esq.
  • Mr. David Greene

Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. Salary £12.0.0

Mr. William Belstedt Organist. Salary 26.13.4

Mr. John Jones Sexton      Ditto   8.

Voted Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary be £6 per Week.

Voted That the Tax of the Gallery Pews be /9d. per Week.

Pillar Pews below 1/2 ½ Others in the side Aisles 1/8.

Pews in the middle Aisle 2/ per Week.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account current with the Wardens.

To Balance due

£113.

19.

4

To Cash paid J. Hughes for Pews No. 33 & 51

30.

0.

0

To Ditto C. Gore for Pew No. 67

17.

6.

8

To Ditto for filling 4 bbls. Water

4.

0

To Ditto mending Altar Window

3.

0

To 1 Yrs. Interest to Charitable Society

10.

10.

0

To Coal 6/ Spruce 12/

18.

0

To Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter April 8 1787 to this day 50 Weeks @ £7

350.

0.

0

To Wm. Belstedts Salary

26.

13.

4

Daniel Crosbys Ditto

12.

0.

0

Jno. Jones’s £8. Wm. Fillis’s £4.

12.

0.

0

To Jno. Cutlers Account for Bricks &c. for tomb & Drain from the Church

22.

12.

6

Jno. Bell the Carpenters Bill

5.

19.

6

Stephen Wales for Lumber

3.

13.

10

Jona. Gilberts Ditto

4.

10

£606.

5.

0

1787

April 9

May 19

October

December

1788

March 24

By Cash received of Jno. Woart Pew No.

7

18.

0.

0

By Ditto Stephn. Bailey

119

8.

0.

0

By Ditto Edwd. Hill

108

7.

0.

0

By Arrearages received

72.

17.

7

Ditto

13.

0.

11

By Contribution

308.

1.

1

£426.

19.

7

Balance due

179.

5.

5

£606.

5.

0

1787

April

October

March

24

Boston March 24 1788

Errors excepted

Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room June 13 1788

1788

June 13

  • Present
  • Minister
  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. Cutler
  • Mr. R. Green
  • Mr. Jos. Greene
  • Mr. Lush
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. Jenkins
  • Mr. Hatch
  • Mr. D. Greene
  • Mr. N. Greene

Voted That Mr. Cutler & Mr. Hubbard be a Committee to consult with some suitable person to examine the Organ & agree with him to repair the same at the cheapest rate.

Inasmuch as it does not appear by the Records of this Church that ever any Conveyance was made of the Pew No. 90 in said Church to the late William Bowdoin Esq., yet as it is possible there may be an Omission in said Records Voted That provided the Heirs of said William Bowdoin Esq. can produce a Deed or Title to said Pew No. 90 or other sufficient proof that the said Wm. Bowdoin Esq. paid to said Church any Consideration for said Pew; the Wardens pay to said Heirs the sum mentioned in said Title or the Consideration that it can be made to appear said Wm. Bowdoin paid therefor. And that in the mean time the Wardens be authorized to sell said Pew to any other Person.

Voted That a fair Record of the Titles of all the Pews be made in the Church Books.

April 3 No. 43 Indemnification taken from Edwd. Davis Attorney to Thoms. Oliver & he paid £16.13.4.

1788

June No. 43 sold to Mr. Gilbert Deblois for 26.13.4.

No. 87 sold to Mr. Josiah Knapp for 18.0.0.

April 11 No. 107 sold to Capt. Haskins for 3.10 & Gregory Hobbs Title to one half given up.

1789

June 2 No. 34 & 35 Titles given up by Mr. Cutler.

No. 35 Title given to B. C. Cutler for his fathers.

1788

No. 56 Dr. Gowen paid £13.6.8 for Bannisters title & Deed given to Mr. John Cutler for No. 34 & the Sum paid Dr. Gowen deducting balance paid of 13/4.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 13 1789.

1789

The following Officers were chosen by written Votes viz.

  • Messrs. Richard Green.
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • Stephen Greenleaf Esq.
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Joseph Greene
  • George Lush
  • Jabez Hatch Esq.
  • Messrs. Samuel Smith
  • Vestry Men
  • David Greene
  • Robt. Jenkins
  • William Tudor Esq.
  • Nathl. Greene Esq.
  • Danl. Hubbard Esq.
  • Mr. Benja. Greene

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. Salary £12.

Mr. William Belstedt Organist £26.13.4

John Jones Sexton 8.0.0

Voted That Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary be £6 per Week.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews be as follows

Gallery Pews /9d. Pews with Pillars below 1/2 ½

Side Aisle Pews 1/8. Middle Aisle Ditto 2/ per Week.

Voted That the Thanks of the Proprietors be given to Daniel Hubbard Esq. & Mr. B. Green for their Services as Wardens for many Years past.

Voted That Wm. Tudor Esq. & Mr. Oliver Smith be a Committee to wait on the Proprietors to see what Sums they will pay in Advance upon the Tax of their Pews for the present Year in order to discharge the Debt due to Revd. Mr. Parker.

The following Account was exhibited by the Wardens viz.

1789

Dr. The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account current with Wardens

To Balance due per Settlement

£179.

5.

5

To Cash paid cleaning & repairing Organ

9.

0.

0

To Ditto paid Edward Davis for Pew No. 43

16.

13.

4

To John Sprague Glaziers bill

.5

.0

To Coal & Spruce

.18.

To John Bell Carpenters Bill

1.

15.

6

To 1 Years Interest to Charitable Society

10.

10.

To Revd. Mr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1788 to Easter 1789 55 Weeks @ 120/

330.

0

To Wm. Belstedt one Year

26.

13.

4

Daniel Crosby Ditto

12.

0

John Jones Ditto

8.

0

Wm. Fillis Ditto

4.

0

To John Haskins 1/2 Pew No. 107 Deed received

3.

10

Mary Waters Pew No. 133

6.

13.

4

Green & Cleverly Nails

10.

5

Balance of Pew No. 34

13.

4

£610.

7.

8

1788

March 25

July

December

1789

March

April 13

By Cash of Deblois Pew No. 43

26.

13.

4

Ditto Josiah Knap      87

18.

0.

0

Arrearages received

59.

2.

10

By Contribution received from Easter 1788 to 1789

355.

16.

5

By Cash Mr. Stoughton for Use of Tomb

3.

0

By Ditto John Haskins Pew No. 107

7.

0

By Ditto Mrs. Waters half Pew No. 11

9.

0

£478.

12.

7

Balance due

131.

15.

1.

£610.

7.

8

1788

June

1789

April

Boston April 13 1789

Errors excepted

Danl. Hubbard

Benja. Greene

At a Meeting of the Ministers Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room May 17 1789.

1789

  • Present
  • The Minister
  • Both Wardens
  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. Jos. Greene
  • Mr. S. Smith
  • Mr. Lush
  • Mr. Jenkins

The Wardens gave Information that Capt. James Scott had presented to Trinity Church a very handsome Clock which he had procured in London; that they had ordered the Words, the Gift of Capt. James Scott 1789 to be written in capital letters on the face of it & had caused it to be fixed up in the front of the Organ Gallery.

Voted That the Wardens be requested to wait on Capt. Scott & return him the Thanks of this Church for his generous Present & beg of him to accept the same.

Voted That the Wardens procure a Bell to be affixed to said Clock to strike one each hour, at the Expence of the Church.

Voted That a Note of hand given by the Wardens of this Church in the Year 1769 to Jona. Simpson Esq. for £20 Sterling now in the hands of his Nephew Mr. Jona. Simpson of Cambridge be adjusted & settled.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room September 5 1789.

  • Present
  • The Minister
  • Mr. R. Green
  • Mr. H. Smith
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. J. Greene
  • Mr. Lush
  • Col. Hatch
  • Mr. Jenkins
  • Mr. Tudor
  • Mr. N. Greene

Revd. Mr. Parker acquainted the Wardens & Vestry of the general state of the Episcopal Church in the united States, & the agreeable Prospect there is now of a Union of the whole in Consequence of the proceedings of the Clergy of Massachusetts & New Hampshire held at Salem on June 4 1789; & laid before the Meeting a Journal of the general Convention of the Churches in the Southern States holden at Philadelphia from 28 July to 8th August last, & sundry Letters from Rt. Revd. Bishop White & a Committee of said Convention directed to the Clergy of this & the State of New Hampshire, by which the Churches in said States are invited to join in an adjourned Convention to be holden at Philadelphia on the 29 Inst. &c.

Which being considered

Voted unanimously that it is expedient, & that the Revd. Dr. Parker our Rector be requested to attend the general Convention to be holden by adjournment at Philadelphia the 29 Inst. as a Delegate of the Clergy of said Church in this & the state of New Hampshire agreeably to his Appointment at a meeting of said Clergy holden at Salem on the 4th June last, & that he be advised to proceed & act accordingly.

The Wardens laid before the Vestry a Letter directed to the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church from the Wardens & Vestry of St. Pauls Church Newbury port, proposing a Convention of Lay Delegates to be holden at Salem on the 16th Instant for the purpose of chusing one or more Lay Delegates to attend the general Convention at the adjournment aforesaid.

Voted That as a clerical Delegate is already appointed at [sic] attend said general Convention at the adjournment aforesaid on behalf of the Clergy of this & the state of New Hampshire, the said proposed Convention of Lay Delegates at Salem is altogether unnecessary, & that in our Opinion the Letter from the Wardens & Vestry of St. Pauls Church tends to excite a Jealousy & Division between the Clergy & Laity of these States.

Voted That the Wardens with Mr. Tudor be a Committee to answer the Letter from the Wardens & Vestry of St. Pauls Church stating our reasons for not complying with their proposal.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 5 1790.

1790

The following Officers were chosen by written Votes.

  • Mr. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Henry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Joseph Greene
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Samuel Smith
  • David Greene
  • Robert Jenkins
  • William Tudor
  • Nathl. Greene
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Benja. Greene
  • Eleazer Johnson
  • John Haskins

Daniel Crosby Clerk. Salary £12 per Annum.

William Belstedt Organist. Salary £26.13.4.

John Jones Sexton. Salary £8.

Voted Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary £6 per Week.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews below be 1/8 those with Pillars 1/2 & those in Gallery /9, per Week.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens.

To Balance of last Years Account

£131.

15.

1

To Mr. Popes Account altering the Clock

1.

1

To Timber for Posts per Dillaways Account

.14.

5

To painting Ditto

.6.

Carried over

£133.

16.

6

1790

Brought over

£133.

16.

6

To Brushes Nails &c.

7.

1

To paid Bond due to Charitable Society Principal & Interest

192.

7.

1

To paid James Bowdoin Jr. Esq. for Pew No. 90

13.

10

To Jones for Charcoal & Spruce

1.

1

To Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1789 to Easter 1790 51 Weeks

306.

0.

0

To Mr. Crosby’s Ditto

12.

To Mr. Belstedts Ditto

26.

13.

4

Mr. Jones   Ditto

8.

0

Mr. Fillis   Ditto

4.

0

To John Innis Account mending Glass

.8.

6

To a Book for recording Baptisms &c.

.17

£699.

0.

6

1790

Contra Cr

By Arrearages received

£84.

6.

3

By Cash of Oliver Smith Treasurer of Greene Foundation per Vote of Trustees July 18 1789

209.

4

By Amount of Contribution from Easter 1789 to Easter 1790

255.

15.

10

By Balance

149.

14.

5

£699.

0.

6

Boston April 5 1790

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Henry Smith

To Messrs. Richard Green &

Wardens of Trinity Church.

Henry Smith

1790

April

Gentlemen

Whereas an Assessment on the Pews of said Church as voted at a Proprietors Meeting on Easter Monday last has occasioned much Uneasiness among many of the Proprietors. We request that you would call a Meeting of the Proprietors as soon as may be that the said assessment may be reconsidered & such other steps taken as may quiet the minds & do equal Justice among all the Proprietors of said Church.

Boston April 8 1790

  • Samuel Wallis
  • Josiah Knap
  • Robert Jenkins
  • John Taylor
  • Leonard Jarvis
  • Nathl. Greene
  • Wm. Tudor
  • John Haskins
  • Joseph Head
  • Samuel Smith
  • Jeffrey Richardson
  • Joseph Laughton
  • Eleazer Johnson

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church called in Consequence of the above Request held May 3 1790.

May

Voted unanimously that this meeting be adjourned to Sunday the 16 Inst. & that the Sexton notify all the Proprietors to attend said Adjournment.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held May 16 1790 by Adjournment from May 3d.

The Matter of the Petition of sundry Proprietors respecting the Assessment laid on the Pews in said Church was considered & debated, Whereupon

Voted to reconsider the Vote passed at the Easter Meeting respecting the Assessment of the Pews.

Voted that the Pews in the middle Aisle be assessed 1/10 per Week those in the side Aisles be 1/6 except those which have Pillars which shall be 1/2 & those in the Gallery /9d per Week.

N. B. Nineteen Proprietors were Present.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held August 22 1790.

1790

August 22

Present the same Persons that were at the Meeting of the Trustees of the Greene Foundation held this day.

Voted That the Wardens procure a blind or Shade for the outside of the Altar Window, to prevent the frequent breaking of the glass &c. provided the Expence does not exceed fifteen Dollars.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held September 26 1790.

September 26

Revd. Dr. Parker laid before the Vestry Letters from Revd. Dr. Bass & Revd. Mr. Fisher proposing that a Convention of clerical & lay delegates from the Episcopal Churches in this Commonwealth be held at Salem on Tuesday October 5 for the purpose of considering the doings of the late general Convention at Philadelphia & to prepare an ecclesiastical Constitution for the Church in this State & to report to the several Congregations, & to act on any other matters that may be thought fit. Which being considered it was thought expedient that the Proprietors of this Church be notified to meet & consider the Subject matter of said Letters.

Voted That the Wardens be requested to notify the Proprietors of this Church to meet on Wednesday the 29th Instant to consider the expediency of sending Delegates to said proposed Convention.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held September 29 September 1790.

September 29

The Expediency of sending Delegates to a Convention proposed to be holden at Salem on Tuesday October 5 was considered & debated & the Constitution framed by the general Convention holden in Philadelphia in October last was read.

Whereupon

Voted That three Delegates be appointed on behalf of this Church to attend the Convention proposed to be holden at Salem on Tuesday October 5.

Voted that Wm. Tudor Esq. Dr. Oliver Smith & Mr. John Cutler be the Delegates on behalf of this Church & in case those Gentlemen or either of them shall not be able to attend, that Mr. Richard Green & Mr. Henry Smith be desired to attend said Convention in the room of those of the former who shall not be able to attend said business.

Voted That said Delegates use their Endeavours that an Ecclesiastical Constitution for the Church in this State be prepared & sent to the several Episcopal Congregations, who shall be requested to report their approbation or disapprobation thereof to an Adjournment of said Convention & that the consideration of the proceedings of the general Convention be deferred till the revised form of Prayer be received & the several Churches have time to consider the same.

Voted That for the future when any Vestry Meetings are to be held on a Sunday the Sexton notify the members on the Saturday preceeding unless upon urgent Occasions, the business necessary to be transacted not being known on the preceeding day.

Voted That the Wardens be requested to take proper measures to recover the Rent due from the Estate of the late James Griffin, & the matter of the Land now included in the Church yard belonging to said Estate be settled, & some new Agreement made respecting the passage to said Griffins Barn, which they are empowered to make on the best Terms they can.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church October 24 1790.

The Delegates appointed to attend a Convention of the Episcopal Churches in this State at Salem October 5 made report that said Convention had agreed on a form of Government for said Churches, which being read

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday January 3 1791 & that said Constitution then be considered.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held November 14 1790.

1790

November 14

  • Present
  • The Minister
  • Both Wardens
  • Mr. Hubbard
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. Smith
  • Col. Hatch
  • Mr. Jenkins
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. Haskins

Revd. Dr. Parker acquainted the Wardens & Vestry that Mrs. Rowe had presented to Trinity Church 26¼ oz. Silver plate for the purpose of having the same made into a Communion Cup for delivering the wine at the Administration of the Lords Supper, the Communicants at said Church being so numerous as to make two Cups necessary & expedient.

Voted That the Thanks of the Church be given to Mrs. Rowe for her handsome Donation & that the Minister & Wardens be a Committee to wait on Mrs. Rowe & return her the thanks of this Church for the same.

Voted That the Minister & Wardens be a Committee to get a handsome Communion Cup made of the nett proceeds of said plate & that Mrs. Rowes Name be engraven on the same as the Donor in such a manner as they shall judge most honorary.

And Whereas it will be most convenient that both the Communion Cups should be similar & the present one being unhandy & containing more Silver than is necessary Voted That the said Committee have the same new modelled & that two handsome Cups of 20 or 25 oz. each be made out of said Plate, & that the same Inscription be on one as is at present on that obtained from Governor Shirley.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at Mr. Cutlers November 30 1790.

November 30

  • Present
  • The Minister
  • Both Wardens
  • Mr. Cutler
  • Mr. Tudor
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. Jos. Greene
  • Mr. S. Smith
  • Col. Hatch
  • Mr. N. Greene
  • Mr. Jenkins
  • Capt. Haskins

An Application was made by Revd. Monsr. L. de Rousselet Minister of the Catholic Church thro’ the Revd. Dr. Parker for the use of Trinity Church to read the Prayers of the catholic Church over the body of Monsr. de lar[?]ive Treasurer General of the Island of Gaudeloupe & its dependencies & who had been entombed under said Church.

Voted unanimously that Revd. Monsr. L. de Rousselet have liberty to perform the funeral Service according to the Rites of the Catholic Church in Trinity Church on Thursday next, or at any other time he shall see convenient.

Voted That in order that the Congregation of Trinity Church may become acquainted with the new form of Prayer agreed upon by the general Convention held at Philadelphia in October 1789 that notice be given next Sunday that divine Service will be performed according to the same on Sundays December 12, 19, 26 & January 2 1791 on Christmas day & other holidays intervening between 12 Inst. & January 3d 1791 at which time the Proprietors are to meet to take into Consideration the new Constitution framed by the Convention held at Salem October 5 1790 & to consider the Expediency of adopting said form.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held December 5 1790.

December 5

Present the same Persons as at the Meeting of the Trustees of the Greene Foundation held this day.

A Letter of Thanks from Revd. Mr. L. de Rousselet for the Use of said Church on Thursday last was communicated by Revd. Dr. Parker & read.

Whereas it will tend much to the Comfort of the Congregation to have Stoves in said Church

Voted That Mr. S. Smith Mr. Joseph Greene Mr. R. Green, Mr. Oliver Smith & Mr. H. Smith be a Committee to raise money by Subscription to purchase one or two Stoves & cause the same to be put up in said Church in such place or places as shall be most convenient & have the same done as soon as possible.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held on Monday January 3 1791 by Adjourment from October 24 1790.

1791

October

The Constitution for the government of the Episcopal Churches in this Commonwealth framed by the Convention of Clergy & lay Deputies holden at Salem October 6 1790 was considered & the Question put whether this Church would chuse Delegates to attend a Convention proposed to be holden at Boston on Tuesday January 25 & voted in the Affirmative.

Voted That Mr. Richard Green Mr. Henry Smith & William Tudor Esq. be Deputies on behalf of this Church to attend said Convention.

Voted That as there are but few Proprietors present this Meeting be further adjourned to Sunday January 16 after Evening Service to instruct said Delegates respecting the ratifying said Constitution.

Voted That the new form of Prayer be continued in Use in this Church till the Meeting of said Convention.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held on Sunday January 16 1791 by Adjournment from January 3.

1791

January

The Question was put whether the Proprietors would instruct their Deputies chosen the 3d Instant to ratify & confirm on behalf of this Church the Constitution of Government for the Episcopal Churches in this Commonwealth &c.

Voted unanimously in the Affirmative.

The Proprietors also expressed their Approbation of the Constitution & form of Prayer framed & revised by the general Convention holden at Philadelphia October 1789.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church held on Easter Monday April 25 1791.

1791

April

The following Officers were chosen.

  • Mr. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Henry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Joseph Greene
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Samuel Smith
  • David Greene
  • Vestry Men
  • Robert Jenkins
  • William Tudor
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Benja. Greene
  • John Haskins
  • Joseph Head

Daniel Crosby Clerk. Salary £12.

William Belstedt Organist. £26.13.4.

John Jones Sexton. £8.0.0.

Voted Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary £6 per Week.

Voted The Taxes of the Pews be as follow Middle Aisle 1/10 Side Aisle & Wall Pews 1/6 Pillar Pews 1/2 ½ Gallery /9d per Week.

Voted That whenever it shall be necessary to call a Meeting of the Vestry, each Member shall be served with a Notification.

Voted That the East End of the Church be new clapboarded & painted in the course of the Summer.

Voted That William Tudor Esq. & the two Wardens be Delegates to attend the annual Convention in May.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account.

1791

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens.

To Balance last Year

£149.

14.

5

Mr. Gilberts Account 5/2 Mr. Bells Ditto 166/4

8.

11.

6

Mr. Innis’s Ditto 23/2 Green & Cleverlys Ditto 48/8

3.

11.

10

Charcoal & Spruce 21/ Prayer Book for Clerk 6/

1.

7.

0

Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary 55 Weeks @ 120/

330.

0.

0

Mr. Crosbys Ditto £12. Mr. Belstedts Ditto £26.13.4

38.

13.

4

Mr. Jones Ditto & Account £8.9. Mr. Fillis Ditto £4.

12.

9.

0

£544.

7.

1

By Arrearages received

£138.

16.

7

By Amount of Contribution from Easter 1790 to 1791

247.

12.

0

By Cash for Use of Tomb

3.

0

By Ditto Mr. Longley for Pew No. 14

14.

0

By difference of No. 19 & 67 Mr. S. Smith

6.

10

By Ditto 21 & 90 Mr. R. Jenkins

4.

13.

4

By Balance

129.

15.

2

£544.

7.

1

April 25 1791

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Henry Smith

Pew No. 14 Title of Cox & Berry given up & sold to Mr. George Longley for

£14.

No. 19 Title of Mr. Samuel Smith given up

No. 67 sold to Mr. S. Smith for No. 19 &

6.

10

No. 21 Title of Mr. R. Jenkins given up

No. 91 Mr. Bowdoin paid for his right

13.

10

& Indemnification taken dated January 27 1790

& Pew sold Mr. R. Jenkins for No. 21 &

4.

13.

4

No. 45 Mr. Troutbeck paid £30 & bond given by Mr. Tudor & a Pew sold Mr. Jno. Hubbard

30.

0

No. 40 Mr. Jones gave bond dated May 23 1791 & Pew sold Mr. Thomas Perkins for Mrs. Jones’s Right & for

6.

0

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church held on Easter Monday April 9 1792.

1792

The following Officers were chosen

  • Mr. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Henry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Joseph Greene
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Samuel Smith
  • David Greene
  • Vestrymen
  • Robert Jenkins
  • William Tudor
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Benjamin Greene
  • John Haskins
  • Joseph Head

Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary £15.

Mr. William Belstedt Organist. Ditto £26.13.4.

Mr. John Jones Sexton.      Ditto £9.0.

Voted The Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary £6 per Week.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews remain the same as last Year.

Voted That the Wardens with William Tudor Esq. be Delegates to attend the State Convention to be held in Boston the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

Voted That a List of the Deficiencies of Taxes on Pews be laid before the Proprietors by the Wardens on Easter Monday annually.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account.

1792

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens.

1792

To Balance last Year

£129.

15.

2

Mr. Gilberts a/c 4/8 Mr. Annis s ditto 8/4

.13.

0

Charcoal & Spruce 21/ 2 Cord Wood & sawing 37/

2.

18

To Fixing Stoves & lighting fires

1.

13.

3

Printing Notifications of Ditto Deeds 6/

.12

Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary from Easter 1791 to 1792

300.

0

Mr. Crosbys Ditto £12. Mr. Belstedts Ditto £26.13.4

38.

13.

4

Mr. Jones Ditto £8. Mr. Fillis s Ditto £4

12.

£486.

4.

9

By Arrearages received

£137.

12.

0

By Amount Contribution from Easter 1791 to 1792

245.

7.

7

By difference of Pew No. 77 & 99 of Mr. Richardson

3.

0.

0

By Ditto 99 & 34 of Mr. Lambert

1.

0.

0

By Cash received of T. Perkins Pew No. 40

6.

0.

0

By Ditto of Mr. G. Deblois Pew No. 6

18.

0

By difference of No. 6 & 68 Mr. L. Jarvis

2.

0

By Cash in part of Pew No. 21 of Mr. Connor

6.

0

By Ditto for Use of Tomb

6.

0

By Balance due

61.

5.

2

£486.

4.

9

April 9 1792

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Henry Smith

Pew No. 77 Title given up to Church & also No. 99

No. 99 sold to Mr. Richardson for No. 77 &

£3.

0.

0

No. 34 sold to Mr. Lambert for No. 99 &

1.

0.

0

October 6 No. 6 Title given up by Mr. Jarvis & sold to Mr. Geo. Deblois for

18.

0.

0

October 6 No. 68 sold to Leond. Jarvis for No. 6 &

2.

0.

0

April 2 No. 35 B. C. Cutters Title given up & sold to Capt. S. Dunn for said Title

17.

6.

8

No. 108 Edward Hills Title given up for

7.

0

& sold to Elkanah Cushman for

7.

0

No. 121 Sold to John Annis for

7.

10

No. 107 Deed exchanged from Capt. Haskins to Dr. John Haskins junior

1791

1792

At a Meeting of Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church duly warned held on Sunday April 15 1792.

1792

The Votes of the Trustees of the Greene Foundation passed April 12 1792 were read & also the Instrument of Donation from the Heirs of the late Thomas Greene Esq. & the Question was put whether the Proprietors so approve of the choice of the Revd. Mr. Gardner as assistant Minister of this Church as that they will grant him the Sum of Six Pounds for the present Year. The Yeas & Nays being taken it passed in the Affirmative. Forty two Yeas. Ten Nays.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held July 8 1792.

Voted That Mr. H. Smith Mr. Tudor & Mr. Hubbard be Delegates on the part of this Church to attend a Convention of the Episcopal Churches in this Commonwealth proposed to be held in this Town on Thursday the 19th Inst.

Voted That the Wardens be a Committee to get the Church whitewashed & repaired where necessary.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held Sunday [no day given] 1792.

  • Present
  • Minister
  • both Wardens
  • Mr. Perkins
  • Mr. B. Greene
  • Mr. Jos. Greene
  • Mr. Jenkins
  • Col. Hatch
  • Mr. Tudor

Voted That the Wardens be authorized to run the new fence from the Corner of the Church on a Strait Line to the Corner of a Shed standing on Mr. Colson’s Land leaving Six feet in Bishops Alley to be resumed again whenever the Wardens & Vestry shall chuse.

Voted That the Curtain in the Altar Window be replaced & that the Church be charged with the Balance due to Mr. Parker for the same.

Voted That the Vestry Room be painted of a light stone Colour & be papered.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room December [no day given] 1792.

The Wardens laid before the Meeting an Application from Harrison G. Otis Esq. Attorney to Mr. Robt. Hallowell accompanied with the Deed of Pew No. 51 late the Property of James Boutineau Esq. & requesting Possession thereof for Mr. Hallowell as Assignee of Mrs. Boutineau. But it being made to appear that James Hughes Esq. by a power of Attorney from Mrs. Boutineau dated in March 1776 was authorized to dispose of her real Estate & did actually sell said Pew to the Church in April 1787 & was paid the original Cost thereof & that the Wardens afterward sold said Pew to the late Thorn. Ivers Esq. the Vestry are of Opinion that Mrs. Boutineaus Title to said Pew was extinguished by the Act of her Attorney & that the Property of said Pew is legally vested in the heirs of the said late Thomas Ivers Esq.

Whereas this Church has suffered great Inconvenience from having the Property of a number of the Pews vested in Persons who have long since left the Church & many of them out of the Country & have no heirs belonging to the Church to whom said Pews can descend Therefore Voted That the Pews numbered 52, 54, 95 & 116 being the Property of Persons who have for seventeen Years past left this Country & have no heirs here to inherit said Pews, be sold by the Wardens for the most they will bring & the price the original Proprietors paid for the same be paid to the Agent or Attorney of said Proprietors upon their delivering up the original Title or otherways indemnifying the Wardens from future Demands.

And Whereas the Proprietors of the Pews numbered 84, 88, 91, 92 & 93 being in the Country have long since left the Church & have not offered said Pews to the Church agreeably to the Tenor of their Deeds. Therefore

Voted that the Wardens be authorized to make sale of said Pews as soon as Purchasers appear, making in all Cases the first offer to the present Occupant, & the original Cost be paid to those who can shew a legal Title to the same.

And Whereas It is of Consequence to the peace & harmony of this Church that the Property of all the pews should be precisely ascertained

Voted That it be recommended to those who are the Proprietors of Pews by descent to have their Titles changed by delivering up to the Wardens the original Title by which said Pews are now held & taking a Deed in their own Name. The persons now claiming the Property indemnifying the Wardens from all Demands of Coheirs & other Persons in all Cases where they have not in their possession the original Titles.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church held on Easter Monday April 1 1793.

1793

April

The following Officers were chosen by ballot

  • Mr. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Henry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • Robert Jenkins
  • John Cutler
  • William Tudor
  • Joseph Greene
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Vestry Men
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Benja. Greene
  • Samuel Smith
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • Joseph Head

Voted That the Salary of the Revd. Dr. Parker be Six Pounds per Week for the Year ensuing.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary £15.

Voted John Jones Sexton Salary £9.

Voted That William Belstedt act as Organist until the Vestry shall take further Orders & that he be paid at the Rate of £26.13.4 while he is permitted to continue in that office.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews be the same as last Year.

Voted That the Wardens with Capt. Haskins be Delegates to attend the State Convention to be held at Boston the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church April 7 1793.

1793

April 7

  • Present
  • Minister
  • Wardens
  • All Vestry except Mr. B. Greene

Voted That if Mr. John Amory will say positively that he ever had any Title to Pew No. 4 that he be paid the Consideration thereof & that said Pew be sold. The former Deed to Mr. Rufus Greene having been given up & it not appearing by the Records that any other title was given.

Voted That Messrs. Samuel Smith & Jabez Hatch be a Committee to get a Plan of a Porch or Portico with a Colonnade for the South end of the Church & endeavour to ascertain the Expence of executing said plan & report to this Meeting on this Day fortnight.

Voted That Pew No. 54 late the Property of Jona. Simpson Esq. be sold to Mr. Joseph Head for Thirty Pounds.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to this Day fortnight.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held April 21 1793.

April 21

The Committee chosen the 7th Inst. reported an elegant plan for a Colonnade at the front End of the Church but not having had time to consult with Workmen as to the Expence it was

Voted That the Proprietors be notified to meet on Thursday the 25 Inst. to consult & advise respecting the carrying said plan into Execution, & the Committee be requested in the mean time to ascertain as near as may be the Expence.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held April 16 1793.

1793

April 16

Whereas certain unprincipled Persons devoid of all sense of decency & virtue did on the night of the 15 Instant break into this Church & steal therefrom two large folio Prayer books bound in red Morocco & one other folio Prayer book of a smaller size, forced open & broke a number of the Keys of the Organ, cut & despoiled the Cushion in the Pulpit and other Cushions & the Damask furniture, injured the Clock & broke a number of squares of Glass in the Windows &c. And as it is the Duty of all Societies to detect such Enormities & bring to Punishment the Perpetrators

Voted that the Wardens offer a Reward of One hundred Dollars for the Detection & Conviction of the Persons concerned in the above Sacrilege.

Voted That Mr. John Cutler be a Committee to get the Organ repaired & that the Wardens have the Cushions & Damask furniture mended.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Thursday April 25 1793. There being but few Proprietors present

Voted That the Meeting be adjourned to Sunday the 28th Instant & that in the mean time the Sexton notify all the Proprietors to attend.

At a Meeting held April 28 1793 after Evening Service

The Plan for a Colonnade for the South end of this Church was laid before the Proprietors & highly approved. But inasmuch as the Expence of carrying the same into Effect is estimated at three thousand Dollars which Sum appears to be more than can easily be raised

Voted That the Matter subside for the present.

Voted That the Thanks of the Proprietors be given to the Committee for their Zeal & Attention to this business, & that the Wardens be requested to make suitable returns to Mr. Bulfinch for his elegant & much admired Plan.

N. B. Mr. Bulfinch refused to accept any pecuniary Reward for his Trouble.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account at the Easter Meeting April 1[?] 1793.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Wardens

1793

To balance brought from last Year

£61.

5.

2

To Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary

306.

0.

0

To Crosby’s Ditto £15 Jones’s Ditto £9. Fillis’s Ditto £4

28.

0.

0

To Belstedts Ditto

26.

13.

4

To Balance due to Dr. Parker for Curtain

11.

3.

4

To Cash paid Revd. Mr. Gardner per Vote

6.

0.

0

To Sundry Accounts for Repairs of Church

112.

11.

0

To 1 ½ Cord Wood & Sawing

1.

14.

6

To paid for putting up Stoves

.10.

0

Charcoal & Spruce

1.

1.

0

To Cash paid Mr. Hill in full for Pew No. 108

7.

0.

0

Ditto Madam Apthorp for No. 85

11.

2.

3

Ditto Dr. Lloyd for Wm. Vassals No. 95

11.

2.

2

£584.

2.

9

By Arrearages received

£159.

7.

8

By Cash of Elkh. Cushman for Pew No. 108

7.

10.

Ditto Capt. Connor Balance No. 21

7.

10.

By Mr. Thorns. Russel for Use of tomb

3.

0.

Ditto Mr. Geyer for Ditto

3.

0

Ditto Capt. Wales for Ditto

3.

0.

0

By Ditto Jno. Collins for part Pew No. 126

3.

15.

0

Ditto Mr. Morey difference between 126 & one half No. 3

2.

6.

8

Ditto Jas. Liswell [?] one half No. 3

9.

0.

0

Ditto Dr. Lloyd for No. 52

30.

0.

Shubael Bell for No. 78

16.

0.

Ditto Mr. Tuckerman for Use of tomb

3.

0.

Ditto Mr. Benja. Greene for Ground for Tomb

6.

0.

By Cash in Contribution

255.

6.

5

Balance Due

55.

7

£564.

2.

9

By Ditto Stephn. Higginson No. 85

20.

0.

0

£584.

2.

9

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Henry Smith

April 1[?] 1793

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 21 1794.

1794

The following Officers were chosen by ballot

  • Mr. Richard Greene
  • Wardens
  • Mr. Henry Smith
  • Messrs. Jas. Perkins
  • Robert Jenkins
  • John Cutler
  • William Tudor
  • Joseph Greene
  • Daniel Hubbard
  • Vestry Men
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Benja. Greene
  • Samuel Smith
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • Joseph Head

Voted Dr. Parkers Salary be Six Pounds per Week.

Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary £15 per Annum.

William Belstedt Organist Salary £26.13.4.

John Jones Sexton Salary £9.0.0

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews be the same as last Year.

Voted Messrs. Richard Greene Henry Smith & John Haskins be Delegates to attend the State Convention to be held at Boston on Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday Evening next after Service to consider of an Addition to Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary.

The Wardens exhibited the following Account.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens.

To Balance brought from last Year

£55.

7.

0

To Cash paid for Chairs for Vestry Room

5.

0.

10

To mending Organ 24/ Advertising a Reward &c. 9/

1.

13.

0

To Charcoal Wood Sawing, fixing Stoves & Spruce

3.

18.

0

To John Bells a/c Repairs

1.

4.

9

Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary

330.

0.

Crosby’s Bellstedts Jones & Fillis Ditto

54.

13.

4

To Cash paid John Amory for Pew No. 4

10.

0.

To Jona. Simpson for Pew No. 54

16.

0.

To Balance Due

15.

1.

8

£492.

18.

7

Account continued

By Cash in Contribution

£237.

9.

5

By Arrearages received

155.

7.

6

By John Collins Balance Pew No. 126

3.

15.

By Samuel Richards Pew No. 91

2.

15.

By Uriah Cotting Pew No. 19

18.

0.

By Oliver Smith Pew No. 95

20.

0

By George Burroughs No. 4

18.

0.

By Jos. Head difference No. 15 & 54

16.

6.

8

By Capt. Haskins for Ground for Tomb

6.

0.

0

£492.

18.

7

Errors excepted

per Richard Green

Henry Smith

21 April 1794

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held April 27 1794 by Adjournment from Easter Monday.

April 27

On Motion

Voted unanimously that the Sum of Twenty Shillings per Week be added to Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary for the present Year.

Pews sold & Titles exchanged

1793

No. 21 sold to Patrick Connor for £13.10

126      John Collins      7.10

No. 4 John Amory was paid £10 for his Title

1794

& sold to Geo. Burroughs      18.0

No. 54 sold to Jos. Head for No. 15 & 16.6.8

No. 15 sold to Dr. Peters for 16

No. 95 sold to Oliver Smith 20

91 sold to Samuel Richards 18

19 sold to Uriah Cotting 18

No. 52 sold to Dr. Lloyd 30

85 sold to Stephen Higginson 20

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held August 2 1794.

1794

Whereas the Honorable James Sullivan has erected a Woodhouse on his Land opposite the Church within twelve feet of the Corner of said Church & has left a Passage of less than Eight feet between his Woodhouse & the Land belonging to said Church whereby said Building will be much endangered by fire & has laid the Foundation of another building within six feet of the Land belonging to Trinity Church to the great Inconvenience of the Street called Bishops Alley.

And whereas the Wardens & Vestry of said Church did in the Year 1772 for the better accommodation of said Street direct their fence to be run on a Line with the Corner of said Building leaving in said Street more than four feet to be resumed again when the Wardens & Vestry shall think fit. And in the Year 1792 did leave out on the North East Corner of the Land belonging to said Church Six feet of Land to accommodate said Street to be resumed as aforesaid, which by the erection of said Buildings will become very narrow & inconvenient for Carriages

Voted That the Wardens together with Mr. Samuel Smith be a Committee to wait on the Honorable Mr. Sullivan & represent to him the Danger & Inconvenience accruing to this Church by erecting his Buildings so near the bounds of his Land & request him to remove them farther off for the greater Convenience of passing said Street & for the better Security of this Church in Case of fire.

N. B. Mr. Sullivans Answer is on file.

Voted That the Proprietors of this Church be notified to meet after Evening Service tomorrow to see if they will take some measures for the relief of the Sufferers by the fire in Boston of July 30 1794.

Pew No. 93 sold to Mrs. Russel for £20

April 21

81      to Mr. John Hunt for 18

126      to Mr. John White for [no sum given]

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday August August 13 1794.

1794

August

Voted That Mr. Henry Smith Mr. Samuel Smith & Mr. Joseph Head be a Committee to obtain Subscriptions of the relief of the Sufferers by the fire which happened in Boston on the 30th Inst.

And that Revd. Dr. Parker & Mr. Joseph Foster be a Committee to join with Committees from other Parishes to distribute the Money that may be collected among the Sufferers.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church December 3 1794.

December

Voted That Mr. Samuel Smith William Tudor Esq. & Col. Hatch be a Committee to consider what Alteration can be made in the Chimney in the Vestry Room for the Convenience of kindling Charcoal for Stoves & to prevent the present Inconvenience & Danger arising from fire & that no Stoves be supplied with Coals from the Vestry Room till such Alteration be made.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church December 281794.

Voted That the Vestry approve of the Wardens employing Mr. Spear to lead the Singing, his pay to be left to the determination of the Proprietors at Easter.

Voted That the Southeast Corner Post near the Street be removed further in to make the Street rounding & a large Stone be placed against it.

Voted That a Folio prayer Book be presented to Revd. Daniel Burhans for the Use of the Church in Lenox &c. in the County of Bershire. [sic]

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 6 1795

The Following Officers were chosen by ballot.

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Hanry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • Robt Jenkins
  • John Cutler
  • William. Tudor
  • Joseph Greene
  • Vestry Men
  • Danl. Hubbard
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Benja. Greene
  • Samuel Smith
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • Joseph Head

Voted That the Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary be Six Pounds per Week & in consideration of the high Price of the necessaries of Life Twenty Shillings in Addition be paid him the ensuing Year.

Voted Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary £15.

Voted That the Salary of the Organist be £26. 13. 4.

Voted That the Wardens with Mr. John Cutter be a Committee to look out for & agree with an Organist.

Voted That the Appointment of a Sexton lay with the Minister & Wardens, his Salary to be £9.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews be the same as last Year.

Voted That Richard Green Henry Smith & William Tudor be Delegates to represent this Church in the annual Convention on the last Tuesday in May next.

Voted That Mr. Spear be paid £15 per Year as Leader of the Singing from the time he was first employed.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church August 23 1795.

August 23

Voted unanimously that the Revd. Dr. Parker be paid One Hundred Pounds as a gratuity till Easter next on account of the high price of the Necessaries of Life.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Easter Monday March 28 1796.

1796

The following Officers were chosen by ballot

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • John Cutler
  • Joseph Greene
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Samuel Smith
  • David Greene
  • Robert Jenkins
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Danl. Hubbard
  • Benja. Greene
  • John Haskins
  • Joseph Head

Voted That the Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary be Six Pounds per Week. And in consideration of the high price of the necessaries of life Twenty Shillings per Week in addition be paid the ensuing Year.

Voted Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary £18.

Voted Wm. Belstedt Organist Salary £26.13.4.

Voted John Green Sexton Salary £12.

Voted Mr. Spear Leader of the Singers Salary £15.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews be

Middle Aisle

31 Cents

Side Aisles

25

Those with Posts

20

Front Gallery

12½

Back   Ditto

9

Voted That a Form be printed to bind those who take Pews to secure the Payment of the Taxes.

Voted That Richard Green Henry Smith & Wm. Tudor be Delegates to represent this Church in the annual Convention to be holden at Boston on the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

At the Proprietors Meeting April 6 Easter Monday 1795 the Wardens presented the following Account

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c with the Wardens

1795

To Cash paid for Books dttd [sic] the poor per Vote

£5.

2.

4

To Short weight in piece Gold paid Dr. Parker

5.

6

To a Ladder 6/Charcoal & Spruce 21/ Wood & sawing 38/

3.

5.

To putting up Stoves 29/6 Paving round Posts 3/6 Codline 4/

1.

17.

To Jona. Gilberts A/c

11.

5

Dr. Parkers Salary 50 Weeks @ 140/

350.

Mr. Crosbys Ditto £15 Mr. Belstedts £26. 13 .4

41.

13.

4

Mr. Jones Ditto 180/ Mr. Fillis ditto 80/

13.

To paid Mr. Whittington for Pew No. 122

7.

To difference between Cost of Stoves & sum subscribed

7.

11.

9

To paid Mr. Spear

4.

16.

To Ballance

46.

7.

10

£481.

10.

2

Contra Cr.

By Balance last Year

£15.

1.

8

By Arrearages received

180.

19.

5

By Cash in Contribution

238.

9.

1

By ditto of Mrs. Russell for Pew No. 93

20.

By ditto of John Hunt for Pew No. 81

18.

By ditto of Capt. Davies for Liberty of building Tomb

6.

By ditto of Jacob Rowe for Use of Tomb

3.

£481.

10.

2

Boston April 6 1795

Errors excepted

Richard Green Warden

Mr. Whittington paid for Pew No. 122 £7.0.0

No. 68 was received back from Leond. Jarvis for 20

& sold to Nathl. Brinley December 6 for 20

At the Proprietors Meeting on Easter Monday March 28 1796 the Wardens presented the following Account.

1796

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c with Wardens

To Cash for mending Christening Bason

£10.

0

To Expence of taking down & putting up Stoves & Repairs

2.

14.

9

To Charcoal & Spruce

1.

8.

To Dr. Parkers Salary 51 Weeks

357.

To Gratuity paid Ditto per Vote of Proprietors

100.

To Mr. Crosbys Salary £15 To Mr. Belstedts Ditto 26.13.4

41.

13.

4

To Mr. Jones 90/ Mr. Green 90/ Mrs. Fillis 80/ Mr. Spear 300/

28.

To Shubael Bells A/c £5.4.9 Paid for sheer Lead 23/6

6.

8.

3

To paid Joseph Cordis for Pew No. 93

11.

13.

4

To paid Shubael Bell for Pew No. 78

16.

£565.

7.

8

Contra Cr.

By Balance last Year

£46.

7.

10

By Cash in Contribution

257.

19.

4

By Arrearages

176.

12.

6

By Cash for Use of Tomb

1.

10.

By Daniel Carney in part of Pew No. 24

3.

By Dr. Peters for Use of Tomb

1.

10

By Mr. Scholtz for Pew No. 22

14.

By Thomas Dickason for Pew No. 20

20.

By Stephn. Cleverly for Use of Tomb for Mr. Lambdin

3.

By Balance due

41.

8.

£565.

7.

8

Boston March 28 1796

Errors excepted

Richard Green Warden

Pews transferred this Year

No. 20 to Thomas Dickason for

£20

No. 22 to Mr. Scholtz for

14

Joseph Cordis paid for Pew No. 93

11.

13.

4

Shubael Bell for No. 78

16.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 17 1797 being an annual Meeting.

1797

April 17

The following Officers were chosen by ballot viz.

  • Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • James Perkins
  • Benjamin Greene
  • John Cutter
  • Joseph Head
  • Joseph Greene
  • John Haskins
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Samuel Smith
  • Men
  • George Deblois
  • David Greene
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Robert Jenkins
  • Willm. Tudor

Voted That Dr. Parkers Salary be Six Pounds per Week & an addition of twenty Shillings per Week.

Voted That One Hundred Pounds be paid to Dr. Parker for the Year past as an Allowance for the enhanced price of Provisions.

Voted Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary 70 Dollars.

Voted That the Wardens & Mr. John Cutter be a Committee to agree with & appoint an Organist his Salary 100 Dollars.

Voted That the Salary of the Sexton be 50 Dollars.

Voted That the Tax of the Pews in the Middle Aisle be thirty two Cents per Week. Side Aisle & Wall Pews 26 Cents. Pillar Pews twenty Cents. Gallery front Pews 12½ Cents. Gallery back Pews 9 Cents.

Voted That Richard Green Henry Smith & Stephen Higginson be Delegates to represent this Church in State Convention to be holden at Boston on the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Sunday September 3 1797.

1797

September 3

A Letter from Revd. John S. J. Gardner assistant Minister of this Church to the Proprietors informing them that he had an Invitation to take Charge of Trinity Church Newport & that the Income from the Greene Foundation was not adequate to his Support &c. was read. See said Letter on file.

Whereupon after debate

Voted That desirous of retaining the Revd. Mr. Gardner as our Assistant Minister & of affording him a decent & comfortable Support, a Committee be appointed to wait upon the Proprietors & Occupants of Pews both on the lower floor & in the Gallery to obtain their Consent to pay for the present Year one Dollar on each pew in addition to the tax assessed upon their Pews at the last Easter Meeting.

Voted That sensible the Money which may be raised by the mode stated in the preceeding Vote will be insufficient for the object contemplated, It is recommended to such of the Proprietors & Occupants of the Pews as have Ability & Disposition to raise a further Sum by voluntary Subscription.

Voted That the abovementioned Committee be Messrs. Thomas C. Amory Thomas Brewer & Samuel Dunn.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to Sunday the 10th Inst. after Evening Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church held by Adjournment from September 3 to September 10 1797.

The Committee appointed at the Meeting September 3 not being ready to make Report, Voted that said Committee pay to the Revd. Mr. Gardner whatever Sum they shall collect by Subscription & return a List of said Subscriptions &c. to the Wardens.

Boston October 20 1797

Report of the Committee

We the Subscribers being appointed a Committee to obtain the Consent of the Proprietors & Pew Occupants at Trinity Church for laying a Tax of one Dollar on their respective Pews for the present Year to be collected at Easter next for the benefit of Revd. Mr. Gardner & for other purposes set forth in a vote of the meeting held 3 September 1797 Report the names of such persons as have given their consent to the abovementioned Tax, & have the Satisfaction to find only one Dissentient to said Object. Having received of five Persons viz. Mr. S. Smith, G. Deblois E. Davis T. Brewer & S. Dunn, we intend paying the same five Dollars to the Church Wardens.

We have further experienced great readiness & chearful Acquiesence to a Voluntary Subscription for the further Aid of Mr. Gardner & have the pleasure to hand the Wardens a List of the Subscribers; the aggregate Amount Four Hundred & Twenty Dollars paid to Mr. Gardner to whom we have written, copy of which is annexed with his Answer. See Letters Subscription &c. on file

Thomas Brewer

Thomas C. Amory

Memo.

Nett Proceeds of Fund in the Year 1797

538.

18

Collected by Tax on Pews paid in 1797

60.

by Subscription paid October 1797

420.

$1018.

18

Nett Proceeds of Fund in 1798

589.

46

Collected by Tax on Pews not paid in 1797

14.

by Subscription in 1798

367.

970.

46

Nett Proceeds of Fund in 1799

595.

82

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 9 1798 being an annual Meeting.

1798

The following Officers were chosen by ballot viz.

  • Messrs. Richard Greene
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • Messrs. Jas. Perkins
  • John Cutter
  • Joseph Greene
  • Benja. Greene
  • David Greene
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Samuel Smith      Vestry Men
  • William Tudor
  • Joseph Head John Haskins
  • Stephen Higginson
  • George Deblois
  • Samuel Dunn

Voted That Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary be twenty Dollars per Week & an Addition of three Dollars thirty three cents 1/3.

Voted Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary Seventy Dollars

Voted William Belstedt Organist Salary one hundred Dollars.

Voted That the Sextons Salary be Fifty Dollars.

Voted That the Sum of three Hundred thirty three Dollars thirty three Cents be paid to Revd. Dr. Parker for his Services the Year past as a Compensation for the extra prices of Provisions &c.

Voted That Col. Hatch Mr. Cleland Mr. Jno. Amory be a Committee to raise a Subscription for Revd. Mr. Gardner.

Voted the Tax on Pews Middle Aisle thirty Six Cents. Side Aisle Pews 29 Cents. Pillar ditto 22. Gallery ditto 15.

Voted That the Wardens agree with a suitable Person to Lead in the Singing.

Voted That Messrs. Richard Green Henry Smith & Stephen Higginson Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in the next State Convention to be holden in Boston.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church on Sunday November 11 1798.

1798

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to get the Pipes of the Stoves repaired or replaced with new ones & in such form as they shall think best.

At the Proprietors Meeting in April 1797 the Wardens presented the following Account viz.

1797

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens

Dr.

To Balance due last Year

£41.

8.

0

To binding 2 folio Prayer books

1.

To printing Assessment Accounts

1.

12.

To Expences of Stoves

1.

19.

To Tuning Organ

1.

10.

To Wood & Sawing Ditto & Charcoal

3.

17.

6

To Spruce

.12.

To paid for carting Gravel

.18.

To paid Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary 55 Weeks

385.

To Ditto Mr. Crosbys

.18.

To Mr. Belsteds to January 97

19.

19.

10

To John Greens Ditto

12.

To Mr. Fillis s Ditto to January

3.

To Mr. Spears Ditto to 13 February

13.

5.

4

To Mr. Lebar’s 16 Weeks @ 12

9.

12.

To Mr. Bender for Waterboard

.9.

9

To Heirs of Matthew Bailey for Pew No. 109

7.

To Mr. Warren deputy Sexton

1.

£521.

13.

5

Cr.

By Arrearages received

£163.

17.

4

By Contribution from Easter 1796 to Easter 1797

259.

2.

1

By Cash for sale of Pew No. 78 to Wm. Tyler

18.

By Ditto for No. 109 to Geo. Lintz

8.

2.

By Ditto for No. 15 to John Stoddard

18.

13.

4

By Ditto for Use of Tomb

3.

0

By Ditto for Ditto

3.

By Balance due to Wardens

47.

18.

8

521.

13.

5

Balance carried forward £47.18.8=

$159.

78

Boston March 16 1797

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Henry Smith

Pews transferred this Year

Matthew Bailey Heirs paid for No. 109

£7.

0

& sold to Geo. Lintz for

8.

2

No. 78 sold to William Tyler for

18.

No. 15 sold to John Stoddard for

18.

13.

4

At the annual Meeting of the Proprietors in April 1798 the Wardens presented the following Account viz.

1798

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c with the Wardens

Dr.

To Balance brought from last A/c

159.

78

To Dr. Parkers Salary 51 Weeks

1190.

To Ditto per Vote

333.

34

Mr. Crosbys Ditto

70.

Mr. Belstedts Ditto

100.

John Greens Ditto

50.

Mr. Grossman Dept. Sexton

15.

Expence of Stoves taking down & putting up & Repairs

17.

50

To Wood & sawing Ditto

10.

75

Spruce

2.

To paid Estate Oliver Smith for Pew No. 110

23.

33

To paid for Posts

3.

$1974.

70

Cr.

By Arrearages paid

$613.

89

By Cash in Contribution from Easter 97 to 98

780.

33

By Cash for Pew No. 110

27.

By Ditto for No. 24

43.

33

By Ditto for Use Tomb

Capt. Connor

10.

Mr. Vane

10.

Mr. Jenkins

10.

Mrs. Metcalf

10.

Capt. Connor

10.

Mr. Burroughs

10.

By Ballance due

450.

15

$1974.

70

Boston April 8 1798

Errors excepted

R. Green

Wardens

H. Smith

Pews transferred this Year

Estate of Oliver Smith was paid for Pew No. 110

$23.

33

No. 110 was sold to [no name given] for

27.

No. 24      to John White for

43.

33

No. 68 received back from Nathl. Brinley & he paid

20.

& sold to Samuel G. Perkins for

20.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church Easter Monday March 25th 1799.

1799

The following Officers were chosen by Ballot viz.

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • Messrs. James Perkins
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • Samuel Smith
  • Benjamin Greene
  • Joseph Greene      Vestry Men
  • John Cutter
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Jabez Hatch
  • George Deblois
  • Joseph Head

Mr. William Belstedt Organist Salary $100

Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary 70

John Green Sexton Salary 50

Voted That Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary be Twenty three Dollars thirty three Cents per Week. And that three Hundred thirty three Dollars thirty three Cents be added to his Salary for the last Year in Consideration of the increased Expence of Living.

Voted That the Taxes of the Pews be as the last Year viz.

Middle Aisle

36 Cents

Side Ditto

29

Pillar Ditto

22

Gallery front

15

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to agree with some suitable Person to lead in the Singing for three Months to be continued or discontinued at the discretion of the Wardens.

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Gardner be allowed & paid the Sum of Eight Hundred Dollars for the Year ensuing including the Proceeds of the Greene Foundation, the Deficiency thereof to be paid from the funds of the Church.

Voted That the Wardens with Stephen Higginson Esq. be Delegates to attend & represent this Church in the Convention of the Protestant Church in this Commonwealth to be holden at Boston the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

The Meeting was dissolved.

The Wardens presented the following Account viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c with the Wardens

Dr.

To Balance last Year

$450.

15

To Dr. Parker Salary 50 Weeks

1166.

66

To Additional Ditto Voted at Easter

333.

33

To Mr. Crosbys Ditto

70.

To Mr. Belstedts Ditto

100.

To John Greens Ditto

50.

To Mr. Grossman Deputy Sexton

15.

To Mr.S.      Ditto

50.

To repairing & making new Pipes of Stove & putting up

194.

81

To J. Thompson A/c for Rods

15.

96

To Wood & Sawing Ditto

8.

To Spruce & Charcoal

5.

To paid for Pew No. 8

41.

80

To Ditto for No. 55

50.

To Ditto for No. 22

44.

44

$2495.

15

Cr.

By Arrearages received

$666.

31

By Contribution from Easter 98 to Easter 99

$823.

52

By difference between Pew No. 8 sold G. Pierce & No. 113 received from him

43.

30

By Cash for Pew No. 113 sold to [no name given]

27.

By Ditto for Pew No. 88 sold to Wm. Lovering

50.

By Ditto for Pew No. 55 sold to Dr. Lloyd

100.

By Ditto for No. 17 sold Wm. Frobisher Jr.

70.

By Ditto for Use Tomb

10.

By Ditto for Ditto

10.

By Balance to new A/c

695.

2

$2495.

15

Boston March 25 1799

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

H. Smith

Pews transferred this Year.

No. 8 Paid Heirs William Coffin

$41.

8

sold to Green Pierce for

70.

30

No. 113 paid to Green Pierce for Ditto

27.

sold to [no name given] for

27.

No. 55 paid to Heirs Joseph Dowse

50.

& sold to Dr. Lloyd for

100.

No. 88 sold to Wm. Lovering for

50.

No. 17 sold to Wm. Frobisher for

70.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room November 24 1799.

1799

A Letter from Revd. Dr. Parker was read, stating that the Church was in Arrearage in the Payment of his Salary above $1000 & requesting that some Mode might be adopted for a more punctual Payment thereof & suggesting several Matters to the Consideration of the Vestry. Where-upon after several Remarks made upon the Subject of said Letter It was Voted that it be committed to Stephen Higginson & William Tudor Esqs. to consider & report what Methods shall be adopted to avoid the Inconveniences of the present Mode.

Voted That this Meeting be adjourned to this day fortnight to receive the Report of said Committee.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room December 8 1799 by Adjournment.

The Committee appointed at the Meeting of November 24 made the following Report which was unanimously accepted viz.

Whereas It fully appears from the Representation of the Wardens that the Proprietors of several Pews are greatly in Arrears of the Taxes assessed for the last & preceeding Years, notwithstanding the Tenure by which such Pews are held is on the express Condition that the Proprietors shall punctually discharge all such Taxes as shall be annually assessed on the same.

Therefore Voted, In order to discharge the Debts due from said Church, That the Wardens of this Church be & they are hereby authorized & directed to make sale of each & every such Pew, the Proprietor of which shall be found deficient in the payment of the Taxes aforesaid, immediately after the Expiration of the first Week of the ensuing Easter. The said Wardens to give each of said delinquent Proprietors due Notice of this Vote under their hands at least one month previous to such Sale. And after first deducting the Sum due from such Proprietors, shall pay over to them or their legal Representatives the Surplusage of the Money arising from such Sale.

And Whereas some Doubts have arisen upon the Construction of the Deeds of the Pews in this Church, to avoid which Difficulties in future & that the wording of those Grants may be clearly understood, Be & It is hereby Voted and Ordered that the following shall be the Form of all Deeds hereafter to be executed by the Wardens of this Church in the Grant of any Pew that hereafter may be sold viz.

We

Wardens of Trinity Church in

Boston in Consideration of the Sum of

paid us by

for the Use of said Church, the Receipt whereof we acknowledge, Do hereby grant & assign to the said

a Pew in said Church in the

numbered

And in behalf of said Church We do covenant & agree with the said      & his Heirs, that he & they shall Have Hold & Enjoy the same on the following Conditions, that is to say, that he & they shall punctually discharge all such Taxes & Assessments as shall shall from time to time be imposed upon said Pew by a Majority of the Proprietors present at any legal Meeting. And in Case of a default of payment of such Taxes for more than the Space of one Year from the day of assessing the same, the said Pew shall revert to said Church. And the said Wardens for the time being shall again sell the same & after first deducting the Taxes that shall or may be due upon said Pew together with all contingent Charges, said Wardens shall pay over the Surplusage to the said      or his legal Representatives.

And in case the said      & his heirs shall leave said Church, he or they shall surrender up said Pew numbered to the Wardens for the time being within Six Months after their leaving said Church upon the Wardens paying him or them the Sum expressed above & in default thereof said Pew is & shall be forfeited to the said Church. And in Case of said Wardens refusing to take said Pew at the Price aforesaid then the said      or his Heirs shall have the right of disposing of the said Pew to any Person who will submit to the above Conditions & the Rules of the Church. Witness our Hands & Seals at Boston this      Day of

in the Year of our Lord 18

Wardens

Voted That the Wardens procure the foregoing Vote & the Form of Deeds aforesaid to be printed.

An an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 14 1800.

The following Officers were chosen by ballot.

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • Messrs. John Cutter
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • William Tudor
  • Benja. Greene
  • George Deblois
  • Vestry Men
  • Joseph Greene
  • Joseph Head
  • David Greene
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Samuel Smith

William Belstedt Organist

Salary $100

Daniel Crosby Clerk

80

John Green Sexton

70

Voted That Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary be Twenty three Dollars thirty three Cents per Week & that three hundred thirty three Dollars thirty three Cents be added for the Year past in Consideration of the increased Expence of living.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews be 40 Cents for Middle Aisle 32 Cents side Aisle, 22 Cents Pillar & 15 Cents front Gallery.

Voted That Revd. Mr. Gardner be allowed as much from the Church as will with the proceeds of the Fund make his Salary for the present Year Eight Hundred Dollars.

Voted That the Wardens be authorized to employ some suitable Person to lead in the Singing.

Voted That the Wardens of this Church & Stephen Higginson Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in the next annual state Convention to be holden in Boston.

The following Account was exhibited by the Wardens.

1800

April 14

The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Wardens.

To Balance last Year

£695.

2

To Dr. Parkers Salary

1283.

33

To Crosby’s Ditto

70.

To Belstedts Ditto

100.

To Jno. Greens Ditto

50.

Bellows Blower

15.

Singing Leader

50.

Dr. Parker per Vote

333.

33

Taking down & putting up Stoves

6.

32

Spruce & Charcoal

5.

Wood & Sawing

11.

8

Jn. Green 3 Days Work

4.

Printing Deeds &c.

3.

Repairing Drain

7.

75

Jas. Liswell for Pew No. 3

30.

Miss Hughes for Pew No. 64

66.

33

$2730.

16

By Arrearages received

$758.

29

By Contribution

1019.

41

By Cash of Cazneau for ½ Pew No. 3

30.

By Ditto Jas. Scott for No. 25

60.

By Ditto Use of Tomb

5.

By Ditto Ditto

10.

By Cash Saml. Prince for Pew No. 64

133.

33

By Balance due

714.

13

$2730.

16

April 14 1800

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Henry Smith

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 6 1801.

The following Officers were chosen by ballot.

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • Henry Smith
  • Messrs. John Cutter
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • William Tudor
  • Benja. Greene
  • George Deblois
  • Vestry Men
  • Joseph Greene
  • Joseph Head
  • David Greene
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Jabez Hatch
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Samuel Smith

Voted That the Sum of one hundred Twenty five Dollars be the Salary of the Organist & for keeping the Organ in repair.

Voted That Mr. Von Hagen be Organist the present Year.

Voted That if Mr. Von Hagen will not accept the Office the Wardens & Vestry are impowered to provide an Organist.

Voted That Daniel Crosby be Clerk, his Salary $80.

Voted That $70 per Annum be allowed Jno. Greene as Sexton.

Voted That Dr. Parkers Salary be $ 23.33 Per Week.

Voted That a Grant of $400 be made to Revd. Dr. Parker for the Year ensuing.

Voted That Mr. Gardners Salary be made equal to the Sum of $800 per Annum.

Voted That the Tax on the Pews be the same as last Year.

Voted That the Wardens provide a proper person to lead the Singing.

Voted That the Wardens with Stephen Higginson Esq. be a Committee to represent this Church in Convention the Year ensuing.

The Wardens presented the following Account current.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church Dr. to Wardens

To Balance due last Year

$714.

13

Dr. Parkers Salary 51 Weeks @ 23⅓ D.

1190.

Cash paid Revd. Mr. Gardner

251.

21

Dr. Parker per Vote

333.

33

Paid Mr. Crosby

80.

Ditto Mr. Belstedt

79.

Singing Leader

50.

John Green Sexton

70.

Mr. Grossman Bellows blower

15.

John Appleton’s A/c Work on Church

8.

75

Wood Sawing Charcoal & Spruce

31.

75

Mending Chair in Vestry room

1.

50

Repairing the Organ & Assistance

36.

Putting up & taking down Stoves

5.

50

Jno. Bells A/c for Work on Church 7 Years

74.

24

Mr. Ellis s A/c for Lumber

28.

72

Paid Wm. Woart for Pew No. 7

60.

Paid Mr. Stoddard for Pew No. 15

62.

23

$3090.

86

April 6

Contra Cr.

By Arrearages received due 1800

$895.

1

By Contribution last Year

1047.

4

By J. T. Apthorp for Pew No. 7

100.

By Jos. Nancrede for No. 15

100.

By Christo. Smith for No. 1

50.

By John Franks for No. 127

28.

By Use of Tomb

5.

By Ditto

10.

By Ditto

5.

By Balance

850.

81

$3090.

86

Boston April 6 1801

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Henry Smith

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church April 26 1801 for the Choice of a Warden in the room of Mr. Henry Smith deceased.

Mr. George Deblois was unanimously chosen.

Whereas a Vote passed at the annual Meeting at Easter for a Grant to Revd. Dr. Parker of $400 for the Year ensuing, which Vote being reconsidered & instead of the Year ensuing, It is to be considered understood & recorded that said Grant be made for the Year past.

At a Meeting of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church Sunday [no date given] 1801.

Upon Application of sundry Persons that Pews may be built at the South end of the Church. Voted that the Wardens be a Committee to consult with the Proprietors of the Pews at that end of the Church to see if they will consent that the backs of said Pews may be lowered to accommodate those to be built at the South end & to report this Day fortnight.

At a Meeting of said Wardens & Vestry by Adjournment The Committee reported that the Proprietors of the Pews at the South end of the Church were not willing to have the backs of said Pews lowered for reasons by them alledged. Whereupon Voted That the Wardens with Mr. Samuel Smith be a Committee to get a Plan & an Estimate of the Expence of erect [ing] a Porch at the South end of the Church & to make Report at the Annual Meeting at Easter next.

The Wardens with Mr. Smith having pursuant to the foregoing Vote published Proposals for building a Brick Porch at the front of the Church & having thereby estimated the Expence made Report April 25 of the same which being considered it was judged by the Proprietors that the present State of the building would not warrant any new Addition to the same & that it would be more adviseable to devise ways & means to build a new Church.

1802

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 19 1802.

April

The following Officers were chosen by ballot viz.

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • George Deblois
  • Messrs. John Haskins
  • William Tudor
  • John Cutler
  • Joseph Head
  • Benja. Greene
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Vestry Men
  • David Greene
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Samuel Smith
  • James Lloyd
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Amory Jr.

Voted That One hundred Twenty five Dollars be the Salary of the Organist & keeping the Organ in repair.

Voted Mr. Von Hagen Organist for the present Year & if he does not accept the same that the Wardens & Vestry be empowered to provide another.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary $80.

Voted John Green Sexton. His Salary $70.

Voted Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary be $23.33 Per Week.

Voted That a Grant of four hundred Dollars be made to Revd. Dr. Parker for the Year past.

Voted That Revd. Mr. Gardners Salary be made equal to $800 per Annum.

Voted That the Tax of the Pews be the same as last Year.

Voted That the Wardens provide a suitable Person to lead in the Singing.

Voted that the Wardens & Stephen Higginson Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in the State Convention the Year ensuing.

The Wardens presented the following Account current.

1802

The Proprietors of Trinity Church Dr. in Account current with the Wardens.

To Balance due last Year

$850.

81

Dr. Parkers Salary 54 Weeks @ 140/

1260.

Cash paid Revd. Mr. Gardner

150.

68

Paid Dr. Parker per Vote

400.

Paid Mr. Crosby the Clerk

80.

Paid the Leader of the Singers

46.

Paid Mr. Von Hagen the Organist

125.

Paid Mr. Green the Sexton

70.

Paid Mr. Grossman Bellows Blower

15.

Paid Wood Sawing Charcoal & Spruce

16.

20

Paid mending & cleaning Windows

34.

41

Paid Josha. Ross A/c making Fence between Griffins Est. & Church Land

16.

74

Paid putting up & taking down Stoves

5.

50

Paid John Appletons A/c Masons Work

2.

25

$3072.

59

Contra Cr.

By Arrearages received to Easter last

$711.

1

By Contribution from Easter 1801 to 1802

1110.

2

By Mr. Lindt Difference between Pew 109 & 100

39.

66

By Mrs. Hunt for Pew No. 18

70.

By Mr. Gibson for Pew No. 77

60.

By Mr. Hodgdon for Pew No. 109

30.

By Capt. Haddaway for Pew 121

30.

By Mr. Carney for Pew No. 101

50.

By Joseph Stevens for Pew No. 108

30.

By Debt due from Estate Jas. Griffin

91.

94

By Use of Tomb Mr. Frobishers child

5.

By Ditto Mr. Passerar

10.

$2237.

63

By Balance due

834.

96

$3072.

59

Boston April 19 1802

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Geo. Deblois

Voted That the Meeting be adjourned to Sunday next after Morning Service & that the Clerk notify accordingly. At which Meeting the Committee reported & the Vote passed recorded on the other Side.

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 11 1803.

1803

The following Officers were chosen by ballot viz.

  • Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • George Deblois
  • John Haskins
  • Joseph Head
  • Benja. Greene
  • Samuel Dunn
  • David Greene
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Vestry Men
  • Samuel Smith
  • James Lloyd
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Amory Jr.
  • William Tudor
  • Stephen Codman

Voted Mr. Von Hagen Organist his Salary $ 125 & for keeping the Organ in repair, & upon his declining to accept, the Wardens & Vestry to provide another.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk. His Salary $80.

Voted John Grossman Sexton. His Salary $70.

Voted Dr. Parkers Salary be $23.33 Per Week.

Voted a Grant of $400 to Dr. Parker for the year past.

Voted That Revd. Mr. Gardners Salary be made equal to $800 per Annum.

Voted That the Tax of the Pews be the same as last year.

Voted That the Wardens provide a suitable person to lead the Singing.

Voted That the Wardens & Stephen Higginson Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in Convention the year ensuing.

The Wardens presented the following Account current.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church Dr. To the Wardens

1803

April 11

To Balance from last year

$834.

96

To Dr. Parkers Salary 51 Weeks @ $23.33

1190.

To Ditto a Grant made him

400.

To paid Mr. Gardner in full to last Easter

449.

45

To paid Mr. Crosby his Salary

80.

To paid Mr. Sangar leading the Singing

50.

To paid Mr. Von Hagen the Organist

125.

To paid the Sexton

70.

To paid the Assistant Ditto

15.

To paid for Wood & sawing Charcoal & Spruce

21.

18

To paid Russel & Cutlers A/c printing

4.

75

To Ditto Minzies A/c mending Stoves

6.

85

To Ditto John Appletons A/c

3.

25

To Ditto Ross’s A/c

3.

To Ditto James Thompsons A/c mending Grate &c.

6.

92

To Ditto John Bells A/c 2 years

8.

25

To Ditto for Shingles & Nails

2.

$3270.

61

Due to Revd. Mr. Gardner to Easter 1803

122.

21

$3392.

82

Contra Cr.

By Arrearages of 1802

$674.

63

By Contribution from Easter 1802 to 1803

1095.

21

By Cash of Mr. Barker for Pew No. 79

100.

By Ditto of Ditto for Use of Tomb for a Child

5.

By Cash of Shubel Bell & Ralph Reed for a Tomb

100.

By Cash raised by Tax for the Assistant Minister

63.

50

By Cash from Treasurer of Green Foundation

60.

By Balance due to Wardens

1294.

48

$3392.

82

Boston April 11 1803

Errors excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

At an annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the 1804 Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 2 1804.

There being but few Proprietors present it was Judged best to postpone the usual business to a fuller Meeting. On Motion therefore Voted to adjourn to Sunday next after Evening Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Sunday April 8th 1804 by Adjournment.

The following Officers were elected by ballot.

  • Messrs. Richard Green
  • Wardens
  • George Deblois
  • Stephen Higginson Esq.
  • Samuel Smith
  • Capt. Haskins
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Joseph Head
  • Vestry Men
  • Dr. James Lloyd
  • Benjamin Greene
  • Stephen Codman
  • David Greene
  • Thomas Perkins
  • William Tudor
  • John Amory

Voted Mr. Von Hagen Organist Salary $125 per Annum.

Voted Mr. Daniel Crosby Clerk Salary $80 Ditto

Voted John G. Grossman Sexton Salary $70 ditto

Voted The Revd. Dr. Parkers Salary $23.33 per Week.

Voted $400 to Revd. Dr. Parker for the Year past.

Voted That Revd. Mr. Gardners Salary be made equal to $800.

Voted That Mr. Tudor, Mr. Head & Mr. Benja. Greene be a Committee to examine into the State of the Church, its Income & Expences, & also into the Situation of Pew No. 90 & make report at the Adjournment of this Meeting.

Voted That the Wardens procure a suitable Person to lead in the Singing.

Voted That the Honorable Mr. Higginson & the two Wardens be Delegates to represent this Church at the Convention of the protestant Episcopal Church of the State of Massachusetts to be holden at Boston on the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next.

Voted That this Meeting be further adjourned to Sunday the 15th Instant after Evening Service.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on April 15, 1804 by Adjournment from April 8th.

The Committee appointed to examine into the State of the Church, its Income & Expences &c. made the following Report.

That after the receipt of all the taxes that can be collected up to Easter 1804 there will be a Deficiency of Eleven Hundred Dollars. In order to defrey in part the Arrearages for the Year 1803, The Committee propose

That a Subscription be offered to the Proprietors & Occupants of the Pews who attend Church but pay no pew Tax who may thus contribute to help the Church out of debt.

And that said Committee consist of Mr. George Higginson Mr. Joseph Sewall & Mr. [no name given] who are appointed to obtain said Collection.

That in order to raise the Money absolutely necessary to meet the

Debts & Sums voted for the ensuing Year the Taxes of the Pews be as follows.

Middle Aisle Pews

60

Cents per Week

Side Aisle   Ditto

45

Ditto   Ditto

Pillar   Ditto

30

Ditto

Gallery Ditto

15

Ditto

If the whole of this Tax should be collected there will be a Surplusage of $330 to go in discharge of the present Arrearages.

The Committee further recommend that in every Case the Conditions of the Deed where the Taxes on the Pew are not paid be fully enforced. And that in every Case where a Proprietor shall leave the Church it shall be the duty of the Wardens to tender the Price expressed in the Deed of his Pew to the Person or Persons entitled to receive the same, & to give notice that the Pew has accordingly reverted to the Church. And in all Cases where the Wardens shall sell any pew it shall be at public Auction.

The Committee beg leave further to recommend that in order to discharge the large Debt due to Dr. Parker that Gentlemen be requested to advance at least one half of the Taxes assessed on their Pews for the present Year.

The foregoing Report being read & considered by Paragraphs Voted unanimously that the same be accepted.

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church, specially assembled, on the Melancholy Occasion of the Death of our beloved Rector, the Right Revd. Bishop Parker, December 7th 1804. Deeply impressed with the Loss which this Church has Sustained by this Distressing Event, & in Order to render proper Testimonials of Publick respect, to the Memory of our Deceased Pastor

Voted That a Committee be appointed to wait on the Revd. Mr. Gardner the Assistant Minister of this Church and to request that he would prepare a Suitable Discourse to be delivered at the Interment of Bishop Parker on Monday next.

Voted the following Gentlemen be the said Committee viz.

  • Wm. Tudor Esq.
  • David Greene Esq.
  • Thomas Perkins Esq.
  • Mr. Joseph Head
  • & Mr. Samuel Smith.

Voted that the Wardens make Provision for covering the Pulpit, Reading Desk, & Wardens Pew, & such other parts of the Church, with Black Cloth, or such Materials as the above Committee shall Advise.

Voted that the above Committee of the Vestry be appointed with the Wardens to make such Arrangments as may be Necessary to have the Funeral conducted with all Possible regard to the Publick Expectations, & the respectful & Affectionate Sentiments of the Congregation of this Church.

Voted that the Wardens call a meeting of the Proprietors of this Church on Sunday next, that they may adopt such further measures with respect to the Unfortunate Family of our revered deceased Friend as they shall think Proper.

At a proprietors meeting at Trinity Church, on Sunday the 9th December 1804.

Voted that the Expences attending the Funeral of the late Bishop Parker, such as puting the Family and Church into mourning &c. shall be paid by the Proprietors.

Voted that the late Bishops Salery be continued to the Widow Parker untill further Orders.

Voted that a Committee be appointed to wait on the Congregation &c. for a Subscription to be applyed for the Benefit of the Widow Parker & her Family.

Voted that the said Committee consist of two, viz. Mr. Saml. Smith & Mr. George Higginson.

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry room December 11, 1804.

Voted that the thanks of this Church be given to the Revd. Mr. Gardner for his Sermon preached yesterday at the Interment of our late Rector, Bishop Parker, & that he be requested to furnish a Copy of the same for the Press.

Voted that a Committee consisting of Mr. Benja. Greene Sr. & Mr. Tudor wait on Mr. Gardner for the above purpose & that they be authorized to Contract with some Printer for five hundred Copies for the Use of the Congregation.

Voted that the Wardens be requested to return the thanks of this Meeting to the Vocal Performers who Assisted at the Solemnities of the Church yesterday at the Funeral.

Voted that this meeting have a grateful Sense of the kind & Efficient Services of Mr. John R. Greene at the Funeral Procession & that the Wardens take care to return our Thanks to that Gentleman upon this Occation.

Voted that the Wardens call a Meeting of the Proprietors next Sunday, after morning Service, in Order that they may determine upon the Mode of defraying the Expences of the Funeral.

They are requested to collect the different Bills thereof to be laid before the Congregation.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church, holden on Sunday the 16th December 1804.

Voted that a Committee of five persons be appointed to Assess the Pews to defray the Expences of the Funeral &c. of their late Rector, Bishop Parker.

Voted that Wm. Tuder Esq. Rufus G. Amory Esq. & Messrs. Joseph Head, Stephen Codman, & Joseph Foster be that Committee.

Voted that this meeting be dissolved.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church, holden at said Church on Sunday the 13th January 1805, the Committee, appointed to Assess the Proprietors for payment of the Accounts of Expences attending the Funeral of their late Rector, reported that they had assessed the proprietors to the best of their Judgment amounting to $1233.

Voted that the Said report be Accepted by the Proprietors.

Voted that a Committee of One be chosen to pay off the Accounts for said Funeral.

Voted Mr. Joseph Foster be that committee.

Voted that the Proprietors be recommended to meet at Trinity Church on Sunday next to take into Consideration the Choice of another Rector.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church, holden at said Church on Sunday the 20th of January 1805.

Voted That the proprietors of this Church are now ready to proceed to the choice of a Rector.

Voted That the Rectorship of this Church be offered to the Revd. Mr. Gardner.

Voted That a Committee of seven be chosen to Confer with the Revd.

Mr. Gardner and that the following Gentlemen be of the said Committee viz.

  • Adam Babcock
  • Stepn. Higginson Esq.
  • David Greene Esq.
  • Benja. Greene
  • Rufus G. Amory Esq.
  • Stepn. Codman, and
  • Jonathan Jackson Esq.

Voted That the following Copy of a Letter received by the Wardens & Vestry, from the Widow Parker, be recorded in the Church Books. Gentlemen

The Affection and respect you have been pleased to show towards my Departed Husband, and the Generosity to his Family excite Emotions of Gratitude I feel my self inadequate to Express. The heavy Affliction which his loss has thrown me into, had so far engrossed my mind as almost to exclude every other Thought. But Reflection and a sense of the Duties I owe to my Friends and Family, Obliges me to relinquish this retreat, and Acknowlidge my Gratitude for their exertions for me and my Children. That your loss may be fully made up in a Successor is the Ardent Prayer of The Afflicted

Boston January

1805

Anne Parker

To Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church

Sunday, December 23, 1804

At a meeting of the Contributers to a Subscription raised in Consequence of the decease of the Respected and Right Reverend Doctor Samuel Parker, late Bishop of Massachusetts & Rector of Trinity Church

David Greene Esq. was Elected Chairman

&

Mr. John Gore Clerk.

Voted That the amount Subscribed be appropriated as the Foundation of a permanent fund for the relief of the Widows and Orphan Children of the Clergy of Trinity Church and for such other Objects connected with said Church as may be for the Benefit thereof.

Voted That a Committee be chosen to report at the next meeting their Opinion of the most elegible mode of investing the Sums Subscribed, and of regulating the concerns of the fund hereby created.

Voted That the Committee beforementioned consist of seven, and that it be composed of Stepn. Higginson, Wm. Tuder, James Lloyd Rufus G. Amory, Adam Babcock, Gardner Greene & David Greene Esq.

Voted That Saml. Smith & Geo. Higginson Esq. be added to the Committee.

Voted That the meeting be now adjourned, to meet on Sunday next 30th Current, at Trinity Church, after divine Service in the morning.

David Greene Chairman

John Gore Clerk

Sunday December 30 1804

At a meeting of the Contributors to a Subscription raised in Consequence of the decease of Bishop Parker by Adjournment from the 23d. Instant.

The Committee appointed at the last meeting made a Report, in the following words viz.

The Committee appointed to make known their Opinion of the most elegible mode of investing the amount Subscribed in Consequence of the decease of the Respected and Right Revd. Bishop Parker late Rector of Trinity Church & for regulating the Concerns of the fund created therefrom      Report

1st That the amount now raised by Subscription be appropriated for the Establishment of a Fund to continue forever, to be denominated The Widow & Orphans fund, the Interest & proceeds of which fund untill it amount to the Sum hereafter mentioned, shall be devoted exclusively to the Support and maintenance of the Widow or Widows, the Orphan Child or Children, who may be in need thereof of the Rector or Rectors of Trinity Church, in the Town of Boston & State of Massachusetts.

2nd That the Funds now Established shall at all times be under the direction and Government of the Wardens & Vestry of said Church, and their Successors in office, for the purposes hereinafter designated.

3d. It shall be the Duty of said Wardens and Vestry to invest, or cause to be invested by such Persons as may be appointed therefor, the amount received from the present Subscription, and all uninvested Sums, that may hereafter in any way whatever be added to this fund, in the name of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church, as trustees of the Widow & Orphans fund, within one Month from the receipt thereof, in the funded Debt of the United States or of this State; or in the Stock of the Bank of the United States or of any incorporated Bank in the Commonwealth, or in Real Estate, or in a Bond or Bonds, or other Obligations of Individuals, indisputably secured on Real Estate within the Town of Boston (which Real Estate whether owned or taken as collateral security shall always be insured against the risk of Fire) in any or all those Modes at the discretion of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church, and the same in whole or in part, to dispose of exchange and reinstate at their pleasure Provided that the said Wardens, nor either of them, nor the said Vestry nor any member thereof, shall at any time borrow, hire, Use, or Employ the whole or any part of the said Fund, or the Interest or proceeds thereof, for his or their own purposes.

4th That the Capital of this fund shall never be reduced on any Account whatsoever. That two thirds of the Wardens and Vestry duly convened at any meeting, for the purpose shall be necessary to pass any resolution with regard thereto. That if the whole or any part of the Interest, or rents or proceeds of said fund shall not be paid over or invested within Six months after its receipts, that each of the said Wardens, and each member of the said Vestry, shall be liable in his Individual Capacity for the Interest of the said sum, that may be so neglected to be improved, from its receipt, untill its payment or investment, unless such Warden or member of the Vestry shall have entered his protest on the records of the Church against the Neglect of the said Trustees, and the proprietors of the Church are hereby requested to attach this Condition to an Acceptance of the office of a Warden, or to an Appointment as one of the Vestry of the Church and the said proprietors and their Successors are hereby fully empowered to enforce the Observance of this Article.

5th It shall be the Duty of the said Wardens & Vestry to receive the Interest or proceeds of the present capital of said fund, and to pay the same (always without diminution of the Principal) Semiannually to Mrs. Anne Parker widow of the late Bishop Parker, during her natural Life for the Support of herself and the minor Children of the said Bishop, and in Case of the Death of Mrs. Parker, during the Nonage of any of the said Children, the Wardens & Vestry of the Church shall Appropriate the income of this fund, or such part thereof, as they shall think Necessary for the Education and support of such minor children untill they shall severally attain the Age of Twenty one years. And on the payments ceasing to Mrs. Parker, and her present Children then the said Interest or proceeds shall be paid to the Widow or Orphan Child or Children of any future Rector of this Church, and provided at the time the payments shall cease as before mentioned, there shall not be living any Widow or minor Child, or Children of a deceased Rector of Trinity Church, then in such case, it shall be the Duty of the Wardens & Vestry to receive the Interest and proceeds of said fund & to reinvest the same, so as to Accumelate and add to the Capital of this fund forever & whenever the interest or proceeds thereof without diminution of the principal, shall exceed the Sum of one thousand dollars annually, then it shall be the duty of the said Wardens & Vestry to reinvest such surplus income & to Create therewith new funds in the following Order.

To wit

A fund for the widows & minor child or Children of the Assistant Minister of Trinity Church untill the Interest thereof amount to Eight hundred dollars per annum.

A fund for the support of the dignity of the Bishop of Massachusetts, when such Bishop shall be the Rector of Trinity Church, untill the Interest thereof amount Annually to the Sum of Three thousand dollars, Provided no diminution shall be made in the Salery usually paid to said Rector on Account of the income He may enjoy from this fund.

In all cases one fund to be compleated before another shall be commenced. The Interest or proceeds of such funds to be paid to the Persons entitled to receive them Semiannually forever.

6th Neither the Widow, nor any Minor Child or Children of any future Rector of this Church, shall be entitled to, or receive the Benefit of this fund, provided such Widow have in her own right, and that of her Minor Child or Children a Clear Annual income amounting to One thousand Dollars nor the Widow or Minor Children of any Assistant Minister from the fund to be hereafter Raised for them, provided they posses a Net income of Eight hundred dollars per Annum.

7th In case at any time hereafter there shall be living at the same time, two or more Widows, or the minor Children of two or more Families, who by the provisions of the funds before mentioned may be entitled to the Benefit thereof then the proceeds of the fund or funds shall be divided among the said Widows and Children in such manner and in such proportions as the Wardens & Vestry of the Church for the time being may Judge to be needfull and proper.

8th When the Capital fund of this establishment shall have Accumulated so as to yield a Sum Annually which shall be more than Sufficient to provide for the Appropriations before made, then such Surplus shall be applied to the use and benefit of the Bishop, Rector, Assistant Minister, or to such other Object Connected with this Church, as the Wardens & Vestry thereof, for the time being may in their Judgment deem fit and Advisable.

9th Neither this fund, nor any future funds emanating therefrom, nor the proceeds, nor any part or parcel thereof shall ever be Subject to any expence whatever, for or on Account of an Attendance by the Wardens & Vestry of the Church, to the concerns thereof.

10th It shall be the duty of the Wardens & Vestry to render an Account of all there transactions with regard to the present fund, and to the future funds herein contemplated, to the proprietors of Trinity Church once in every year at the Annual meeting of said Proprietors at Easter.

11th It is hereby recommended and requested that these doings, and the foregoing resolves, be entered on the records of Trinity Church, in Testimony of the creation of the fund now Established in perpetual support of the said fund and in Evidence of the Regulations thereof.

12th That the Chairman and Clark of this meeting do attest to these proceedings and deliver a fair Copy thereof duly authenticated to the Wardens of said Church, in order that they may become a matter of record as aforsaid.

Stephen Higginson per Order

which Report being read it was Noted that the same be accepted.

Voted That Mr. Samuel Smith & Geo. Higginson be requested to invest the Money subscribed as directed by the report of the Committee, & when compleated to deliver the same to the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church.

Voted That the Thanks of this Body be given to Mr. Smith & Mr. Higginson for their Attention & Exertions in Obtaining Subscriptions.

The meeting was then dissolved.

David Greene Chairman

John Gore Clerk

Boston December 8 1804. Sincerely lamenting the sudden death of our late beloved Rector, Bishop Parker, & gratefully impressed with a Sense of his eminent Publick Services & more Especially of those for so many years exhibited to the Congregation of Trinity Church in particular, & feeling it a duty to make some fixed provision for his Widow & minor Children and to perpetuate the Advantages of an Annuity now contemplated to be raised for the Benefit of the Widow & Orphan Children that may be left by the future Ministers of this Church.

We the Subscribers agree to pay the Sums respectively Subjoined to our Names as a fund for raising an Annuity for the Benefit of Mrs. Anne Parker during her Life and at and after her decease to be directed to the Benefit of the Successive Clergymen of said Parish, agreeable to such Rules as may be adopted by the Trustees of such Fund, to be hereafter Appointed.

David Sears

800

Mrs. Rowe

500

Gardner Greene

500

Stepn. Higginson

500

John Amory

400

James Perkins

300

James Scott

300

Rufus G. Amory

300

Eliza. Amory

100

Thomas C. Amory

300

Jonathan Amory

300

Joseph Head

200

John Gore

200

Geo. Higginson

200

James Lloyde Junr.

300

Thos. Perkins

200

Elizabeth Temple

100

Adam Babcock

150

Benja. Greene

100

Benja. Green Jr.

100

5850

Josiah Knapp

100

Robt. Hallowell

100

Thos. L. Winthrop

100

William Tuder

100

Stepn. Codman

100

David Greene

100

Henry Higginson

100

Joseph Sewell

100

William Lambert

160

Miss Crease

50

Mr. R. Greene

50

David I. Greene

50

Joseph Foster

50

Henry Jackson

30

Nathl. Tucker

50

Geo. Burroughs

50

John Smith

50

Henry Wainwright

30

Nathl. Ingersoll

50

Uriah Cotting

300

Mary Hubbard

30

1750

Gardner L. Chandler

50

Jeffry Richardson

30

Standfast Smith

50

Stepn. Debloise

30

Patrick Conner

50

Anne Smith

30

Margret Coffin

20

William Cleland

30

Thos. Hadaway

4

S. Bell

10

Josh. Lee Jr.

50

Josh. Tilden

50

Wm. Shimming

30

Thos. Haskins

10

Ralph Haskins

20

Wm. Powell

200

John Wyre

10

James Whaling

10

A. G. a Friend

30

C. Barker

20

Jos. Laughton

10

Geo. Batteman

10

Thos. Danforth

30

Wm. Dehone

50

James Lloyde

100

S. G. a Friend

20

Wm. Smith

5

Adam Smith

5

John T. Apthorp

100

Josh. Ripley

25

Jonathan Jackson

50

Daniel Carney

20

S. Powell

20

Geo. Longley

20

Stepn. Cleverly

10

The Lintz Family

30

Josh. Milner

10

Wm. Leveritt

5

Wm. Whall

10

Rufus Farnum

5

749

Saml. Smith

200

Mrs. Jeffries

40

Edward Davis

50

Saml. Dunn

50

James S. Lovell

5

Robt. H. Gardner

150

Geo. Debloise

20

David Dehone

50

Elkanah Cushman

15

John Maynard

10

Ester Sprague

50

Josh. Hall

30

Thos. Williams

100

Edward Cazneau

10

1300

749

1750

5850

$9649

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church holden at Trinity Church January 27, 1805.

Messrs. S. Smith & Geo. Higginson the Committee of the Subscribers to the Widows & Orphans Fund, having delivered at this meeting into the hands of the Wardens & Vestry as perpetual Trustees of said Fund Bank Stock & Stock of the United States with other Specialties & Cash to the amount of Nine Thousand Six Hundred & forty nine Dollars, together with the Original Subscription paper & in full discharge of their Commission.

Voted Unaniously

That the same be accepted & that the Thanks of the Trustees be given to those two Gentlemen as Evidence of the high Sense that the Wardens & Vestry have of their uncommon Exertions & indefatigable Services throughout this Important Bussiness.

Voted Unanimously

Gardner Greene Esq. be the Treasurer of this Fund, and that the Stock, and all other papers relating to the Fund be deposited with him for the Purposes intended by the Creation of the Same.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday the 10th February 1805 the following Report was presented by the Commitee Chosen the 20 January 1805.

Gentlemen

Your Committee appointed 20th January 1805 to Confer with the Revd. Mr. Gardner beg leave to report that after mature consideration of the Subject they Unanimously agreed to recommend to the proprietors on the Appointment of the Revd. Mr. Gardner to the Rectorship of Trinity Church, to engage to pay him an Annual Salery of two thousand Dollars to commence at Easter next, that in the meantime He shall continue to receive the Assistants Salery, and that the Incumbents Salery shall be paid to Mrs. Parker untill that time.

And your Committee further agreed to Recommend to the Proprietors of Trinity Church that on Account of the high prices of every Article of Support, their be added to the Revd. Mr. Gardners Salery Five hundred Dollars for the ensuing Year, beginning at Easter next, all which is most Respectfully submitted by your Bretherin and Servants

per Order      Adam Babcock

Boston 10th February 1805

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church, duly warned by Notifications, signed by the Wardens (& sent to each of their Houses) holden at said Church on Sunday the 10th February 1805 after Divine Service in the Morning.

It appearing to have been the invariable practice of this Church to elect their Minister & other Officers by written Votes, Therefore Voted That the Proprietors proceed to the Choice of a Rector by Ballot.

Voted That a Committee of two be chosen to collect the Votes.

Voted That Messrs. Cleland & Chandler be the Committee for that purpose.

After collecting the Votes, the Committee declared that there were sixty five Voters, and that their Votes were Unanimously for the Revd. John Silvester John Gardner.

Voted That there shall be paid to Mr. Gardner a perminant Salary of two thousand Dollars per Annum, to Commence at Easter next, & that in the mean time he shall Continue to receive the Assistants Salary, and that the Incumbents Salery shall be paid to Mrs. Parker untill that time.

Voted That on Account of the present high prices of every Article of Support the further Sum of five hundred dollars shall be paid to Mr. Gardner for the Year ensuing, commencing at Easter next.

Voted that a Committee of three be chosen to wait on the Revd. Mr. Gardner to present him with a Copy of these Votes & to request his answer in Writing.

Voted That the two Wardens & Mr. David Greene be this Committee.

Boston 12 February 1805. We the Committee appointed to wait on the Revd. Mr. Gardner hereby certify the foregoing to be a true Copy of the Record of the Transaction of the proprietors of Trinity Church.

Richard Green

Wardens

Committee

Geo. Debloise

David Greene

I agree to the Articles above mentioned & Accept of the choise made by the Church, the Duties of which I hope with the divine Assistance that I shall be enabled to Discharge.

J. S. Gardner

Rules & Conditions agreed on between the Incumbent Minister of Trinity Church & the Proprietors in Order to preserve constant Harmony between them viz.

That the Parish Clark be chosen by the Proprietors, but that the Incumbent’s Approbation & Consent be necessary. That no Alteration at any time be made to the Altar or the Pulpit without the Consent of the Incumbent. That if at any time an Assistant be thought Convenient, such Assistant shall be chosen by joint Consent of the Incumbent & Proprietors. And in Case the Incumbent should see fit to procure at his own Charge an Assistant, he hath Leave so to do, nevertheless such Assistant to be with the Consent of the proprietors.

That at any time when the Incumbent desires a Meeting of the Vestry, the Wardens shall summon a meeting. And at all times when a Vestry is called the Incumbent shall have notice (if in Town) to be present if he pleases.

Copy from the Proprietors Book fol. 63 & 75

Richard Green

Wardens

Geo. Debloise

I agree to the Rules and Conditions contained in this paper.

J. S. Gardner

The Wardens Account omitted last Easter

The Proprietors of Trinity Church Dr.

1804 April 2 Ballance due last year

1294.

48

To Dr. Parkers Salery 51 Weeks at 23⅓

1190.

ditto per Vote of Proprietors

400.

Crosbys Salery

80.

Singing Leader

50.

Organist

125.

Sexton & Bellows Blower

85.

Wood, Sawing & Charcoal

17.

12

paid printing tax Bills

5.

33

Minzies Account fixing Stoves

13.

41

paid Gooding, Appleton & Abbots Accounts

4.

35

paid Grosman for Cleaning Tomb

18.

paid Proportion of the Drain

32.

5

paid Ellis’s Account for Lumber

8.

1

paid Saml. Richard for Pew No. 91

60.

ditto John Franks for 126

27.

ditto Mr. Nancreed for 15

100.

due to Mr. Gardner

146.

21

$3655.

96

Cr.

By Arerages received

653.

10

By Contribution

1154.

23

By Cash of Capt. Jackson for Pew No. 91

100.

By ditto of Mr. Shimming for 15

120.

By ditto of Mrs. Badger for Rent

13.

33

By ditto of Mrs. Hunt

10.

By ditto of Mr. Plumbeck

10.

ditto of Mr. Couper

5.

ditto of Mr. Shimming

10.

ditto of Mr. Whaling

10.

ditto of Mr. Plumbeck

5.

ditto of Mrs. Lintz

10.

By Ballance due

1550.

30

$3655.

96

Boston 2 April 1804

Errors Excepted

Richard Green

Wardens

Geo. Debloise

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church, on Sunday the 14th April 1805, after divine Service P.M.

Voted that the Revd. Mr. Gardner be inducted as Rector of said Church tomorrow at a quarter past ten Clock A.M. the Ceremony to be after the same manner as performed at the induction of the late Revd. Mr. Walter as mentioned on the Record of said Church.

Voted that Mrs. Parker (widow of our late Rector) be Accomodetad with a Pew for her Self & Family, free of Taxes.

At an Annual meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 15th 1805 the following officers for the year ensuing were chosen by ballot viz.

  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Joseph roster
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Capt. Haskins
  • Benja. Greene
  • David Greene
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Saml. Smith
  • Vestry
  • Saml. Dunn
  • James Lloyd
  • Stephn. Codman
  • Thos. Perkins
  • Jno. Amory
  • Richd. Greene
  • Geo. Deblois
  • Geo. Higginson

Voted That the Wardens be empowered & desired to engage an Organist for the Church & to give him a Salary not exceeding $150.

Voted That James Cooper be Clerk of this Church for the year ensuing at a Salary of $100.

Voted That John G. Grossman be Sexton for the year ensuing with a Salary of $70.

Voted That a grant of $400 be made to the family of the late Bishop Parker for his past services.

Voted That the Wardens & S. Higginson be delegates to attend the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church to be holden at Boston on Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May next, & to represent the Church therein.

Voted That a Committee of Three be now appointed to examine into the Affairs of the Church & to report the ways & means for paying the expenses of the year ensuing.

Voted also That the same Committee examine into the Accounts of the late Wardens & give them a discharge if found correct.

Voted That the Wardens & Mr. Benja. Greene be this Committee.

Voted That the thanks of the Proprietors of this Church be given to the late Senior Warden Mr. Richd. Greene for his long & able Services.

Also to Mr. Geo. Deblois the late Junior Warden.

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to appropriate a pew for the use of the family of our late Rector free of expense.

Voted That the meeting be adjourned to Sunday next.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church at the Vestry room on Sunday April 21st by adjournment from Monday April 15th 1805.

The Committee appointed at the last meeting made the following report.

The Committee appointed by the Proprietors of Trinity Church at their meeting on Easter Monday the 14 inst. to examine into the affairs of the Church & to report the ways & means for paying the expenses of the Year ensuing have attended to the Business & after mature consideration have agreed to the following report which is respectfully submitted.

That the present Taxes on the Pews are as high, in their opinion, as they ought to be or the interest of the Proprietors will admit. That as the Income of the Church according to the present Assessment on the pews will not meet the estimated expences by $400. The Committee reccommend that application be made to the General Court at their next Session for an Act of Incorporation to enable the proprietors to assess whatever deficiency may annually arise upon the Personal property of the proprietors & Occupants of pews in this Church.

Joseph Foster

Committee

Joseph Head

Benja. Greene

Voted unanimously That the Report of the Committee be accepted.

Voted That a Committee be chosen to apply to the General Court for an Act of Incorporation of this Society.

Voted That this Committee consist of three.

Voted That Wm. Tudor, Joseph Head & Adam Babcock be of the Committee.

Voted That the Taxes on the pews be the same as last Year.

The following Account was omitted by the Wardens of the last Year

1805

April 14

Proprietors of Trinity Church Dr.

To balance last year

1550.

30

To Dr. Parkers Salary

1260.

To Cash to Ditto by Vote

400.

To Ditto Paid Mr. Gardner

151.

29

To Mr. Crosby’s Salary to 19th December

56.

To Mr. Cooper’s Ditto from 25 December to Easter

24.

To Mr. Von Hagen’s Salary

150.

To Mr. Sanger’s Ditto

50.

To Mr. Grossman’s Ditto

70.

Bellows Blower

15.

To Cash paid Hathaway for Pew 12

30.

To Ditto paid Bayley for Pew 119

26.

65

To Ditto paid Longley for Pew 115

22.

23

To Ditto paid Jenkins Heirs for 90

70.

To paid Mrs. Frobisher for 17

70.

To Ditto Mr. White for 24

53.

33

To Ditto putting up & taking down Stoves

5.

20

To Ditto mending windows

8.

55

To Wood & Sawing & Charcoal

20.

75

Brushes & Brooms

1.

50

Leverett’s bill for [?]

6.

Printing Notifications

4.

Bell’s Account for 2 Years

19.

75

Trott’s bill repairing Clock

4.

$4068.

55

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church at said Church on Sunday 10th Febry 1806.

Voted to reconsider the Vote of the proprietors for an application to the legislature for an act of incorporation passed April 21st 1805.

Voted That the Committee appointed to apply to the legislature be directed to withdraw their petition.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church (legally warned) on Monday April 7th 1806. The following officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing.

  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Joseph Foster
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Capt. Haskins
  • Benja. Greene
  • David Greene
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Saml. Smith
  • Saml. Dunn
  • Vestry
  • James Lloyd
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thos. Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richd. Greene
  • George Deblois
  • George Higginson

Voted That the wardens engage an organist & fix his salary & repair the organ at their discretion.

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary for the year ensuing be $2000.

Voted That James Cooper be Clerk with a salary of $100.

Voted That John G. Grosman be sexton with a salary of $80.

Voted That the leading Singer have a salary of $50.

Voted unanimously that the Church be thoroughly repaired.

Voted that the Taxes of the pews be the same as last year.

Voted That the wardens & Mr. Davd. Greene be a Committee to represent the Church in Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in May next.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Sunday, April 20th, after morning Service.

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at said Church Sunday April 13th 1806. The Heirs of the late Martin Brimmer Esq. made a claim for the Pew No. 84 in said Church late the property of Jno. Morley deceased. Voted that the wardens be a Committee to enquire into the merits of the claim of the Heirs of the late M. Brimmer Esq. & to report at the next meeting & they are also directed to look into the forms, if any, that have been observed heretofore in the transfer of the pews in the Church.

Voted That the Treasurer of the Widow-Orphans Fund be directed to pay the Widow of the late Bishop Parker $150 quarterly untill the prems paid for the eight per cent Stock shall be reimbursed from the surplus of the Interest.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Sunday next after Divine service in the morning to meet at the Vestry Room.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens of said Church

To Cash paid sundry Expenses per bill of Mr. Gossman

25.

12

To Ditto paid for one Load Hemlock brush

4.

To Ditto paid Geo. Shintz for painting back steps

4.

To Ditto paid Andrew Green’s bill repairing Stove funnel

15.

90

To Ditto paid Mr. Fessenden for wood & bark per bill

15.

50

To Ditto paid Expenses clearing the Strangers tomb

27.

To Ditto paid Thomas Codman for mending the Windows

3.

06

To Ditto paid A C[?] Trott for cleaning & repairing the Clock

2.

50

To Ditto paid Gilbert Dean printing 1000 Notifications

5.

To Ditto paid Jno. Bells a/c for sundry repairs per bill

27.

47

To Ditto paid Nathl. Thayers bill for Nails

92

Jabez Ellis for lumber per

bill

4.69

5.

61

To Ditto paid Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary

2000

Amount voted him on Settlement

500

2500

To Ditto paid Mr. Von Hagen organists salary

150

To Ditto paid Mr. Jas. Cooper Clerk salary

100

To Ditto paid Mr. Grossman Sexton Salary

70

To Ditto paid Mr. Sanger Singer Salary

50

To Ditto paid Mr. Grossman Bellows blower Salary

15

2885.

To Ditto paid Jno. G. Grossman sundry Expenses per bill

3.

12

To Ditto paid Mr. Leverett Commission on Sale of Pew No. 24

2.

52

$3025.

80

1805

December

18

1806

January 20

February 24

April 2

4

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens of said Church

By Cash received of Mr. Kupfer for pew No. 24 at Auction

101.

By Ditto received of Mr. Richd. Green

200.

By Ditto received of Mr. Jos. Rowe for back Taxes on his Fathers pew

16.

20

By Ditto received for the Use of the Strangers Tomb

10.

By Ditto received for Ditto

Ditto

10.

By Ditto received of Mr. Richd. Green

350.

By Ditto received of Ditto

164.

68

514.

68

By Ditto received for use of the Strangers Tomb

10.

By Ditto received for Taxes

1728.

78

2590.

66

Balance due the Wardens

435.

14

$3025.

80

1805

July 24th

August 24

October 21

November 22

December

1806

February 11

April 3d

6

Boston April 7th 1806

Errors Excepted

signed Joseph Foster

Wardens

Joseph Head

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at said Church by adjournment Sunday April 20th 1806. Voted That the Wardens of this Church be authorized to borrow money sufficient to make the repairs on the same.

Voted That the Proprietors of this Church may sell their pews for such prices as they will command first obtaining the consent of the Wardens of the Church.

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held by adjournment in the Vestry Room on Sunday April 20th 1806 upon application of the Widow & Heirs of the late Martin Brimmer Esq. for a deed of Pew No. 84 formerly the property of John Morley Esq. Voted That the Wardens be directed to grant a deed of said pew to the abovementioned they having made it appear that the property is vested in them.

Voted That in order to render the property in the pews more clear & certain the Wardens be authorized & requested to obtain a correct list of the present Proprietors as far as they can, & to have all future transfer of pews recorded in a Book kept for that purpose, & to regulate anew the form of the Deeds hereafter to be given in such manner as shall leave the proprietors at liberty to sell on such terms as they please but reserving to the Wardens a right to enquire into & approve of the character of the person who may appear as purchaser agreeably to a Vote of the Proprietors this day passed.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday March 30th 1807 the following officers were appointed for the year ensuing.

  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Joseph Foster
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Capt. Haskins
  • David Greene
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Saml. Smith
  • Saml. Dunn
  • James Lloyd
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richd. Greene
  • Geo. Deblois
  • Geo. Higginson
  • David Sears

Voted That the Revd. J. S. Gardiners salary be $2000. Two thousand Dollars.

Voted That James Cooper Clerks salary be 100. One Hundred Dollars

Voted That John G. Grossmans Sextons salary be 80. Eighty Dollars

Voted That the wardens with Messrs. Geo. Higginson, Jno R. Parker be a committee to improve the present mode of singing in the Church.

Voted That David Greene Esq. with the Wardens be Delegates to represent the Church in the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in May next.

Voted That the sum of five Hundred Dollars be raised by a tax on the Pews to be levyed in proportion to the ordinary tax they pay for the express purpose of paying the balance due on the repairs of the Church.

Voted That the Wardens engage an organist & fix his salary at their discretion.

Voted That the taxes of the Pews be the same as last year.

The Treasurer of the Widow & Orphans Fund presented his Accounts for the last year which were approbated.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens of said Church

To a Balance due the Wardens by Adjustments

435.

14

To Cash paid Advertizing Notices respecting Incorporation

6.

63

To Ditto paid Tom. Lewis for Pine & Hemlock Brush

4.

To Ditto pd. Saml. H. Parker printing Deeds of the Pews

12.

75

To Ditto pd. Andrew Green repair the funnel of Stove

6.

95

To Ditto pd Jabez Hatch’s bill wood & Bark

12.

25

To Ditto pd. Mr. Grossman for sundries per bill

21.

48

To Ditto pd. Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary

2000.

Mr. Von Hagen Organist

150.

Mr. Jas. Cooper Clerk

100.

Mr. Sanger 1st singer

50.

Mr. Grossman Sexton

80.

Mr. Grossman for Bellows blower

15.

2395.

To Cash pd sundry repairs of the Church viz.

James Bird Carpenter’s bill

152.

38

Ths. Codman Painter & Glazier’s ditto

489.

Theodore Brook Masons ditto

90.

D [?] C. Curtis bill of Lumber

164.

33

Nathl. Thayers bill of Nails

31.

28

Labour of cleaning after repairs

16.

50

943.

49

$8837.

69

To Balance due the Wardens per Adjustment

412.

96

To the Amount borrowed for cr side

700.

8 months Interest

28.

728.

1806

April

May 5

December

“ 26

“ “

1807

March

March

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens of said Church

By Cash received of Mrs. Haddaway for back levy due Easter 1805

34.

70

By Ditto of Joshua Blanchard for

Ditto

Ditto

18.

38

By Ditto of Mrs. Tyler for

Ditto

Ditto

17.

62

By the Use of Strangers tomb for burial of Mrs. Moore

10.

By Ditto

Ditto

of 2 persons

20.

By Ditto

Ditto

“ Mrs. Whall

10.

By Ditto

Ditto

“ Mrs. Mutzenburger

10.

By Ditto

Ditto

“ Mr. Rothe

10.

By Ditto

Ditto

“ Mrs. Peak

10.

By Cash received on Taxes due 1805–6

729.

18

By Ditto received on Taxes due 1806–7

1855.

05

2584.

23

By the Amount of 700 borrowed as follows

30 July 1806 of Mr. Joseph Head

200

of Mr. Geo. Higginson

250

of Mrs. J. C. Amory

250

700.

3424.

73

Balance due the Wardens

412.

96

$3837.

69

Boston March 30th 1807

Errors Excepted

Signed

Joseph Foster

Wardens

Joseph Head

1806

April 10

16

20

28

July 8

November 28th

December 3

“ 13

1807

January 20

At a meeting of the Proprietors & occupants of Pews of Trinity Church held at said Church on Sunday May 31st 1807.

The following Letter from the Revd. John Sy. Gardiner Rector of said Church was read

copy

Boston May 30th 1807

Gentlemen

When the Committee appointed by the Church confered with me respecting the terms on which I would accept the Rectorship, I informed them that I thought twenty five hundred dollars not more than an adequate compensation for discharging the duties of so important an office nor more than many other clergymen received considering they are furnished with a House & fuel where the congregation was numerous.

I considered the Society of Trinity Church as extensive & respectable as any whatever & that it was but just that its Rector should be equally well provided for: more especially as my duty would be more arduous than that of other ministers since I had no prospect of an Assistant & should enjoy few or no opportunities of exchanging.

The Committee proposed a permanent salary of two thousand Dollars and a grant of five hundred. To this I assented presuming that the grant would be continued, for I had previously refused the offer of Two thousand only.

Much to my surprize & disappointment however I have lately discovered that the grant was discontinued after the first year at the very time too when the Salaries of other Clergymen were raised in consequence of the depreciation of money & the increased price of every article of life. The salary of Dr. Kirkland was raised last year from sixteen hundred to more than two thousand dollars though he is a single man without a family & his society by no means so large as ours. The salary of Mr. Freeman, at the Chapel, was at the same time considerably augmented.

I ask for no increase of Salary but merely that my engagement made with the Committee should be fulfilled: which engagement was for the annual sum of twenty five hundred dollars.

I throw myself on the justice of the Church & request you Gentlemen to have the goodness to lay before the proprietors this statement of facts.

With respect & esteem I have the honor to be

Gentlemen

Your obedient humble Servant

John S. Gardiner

The Wardens of Trinity Church

After considering the subject of the same

Voted unanimously That a grant of five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Mr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary from Easter 1806 to Easter 1807.

Voted unanimously That a grant of five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Mr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the present year from Easter 1807 to Easter 1808.

Voted That the Wardens assess the first sum of five hundred Dollars on the property of the Proprietors & occupants of pews in this Church to the best of their judgment.

Voted That twenty per cent or one fifth part be added to the taxes of the pews for the present year to raise the sum granted in addition to Mr. Gardiners salary from Easter 1807 to Easter 1808.

At a meeting of The Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry Room of said Church Sunday December 20th 1807.

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Gardiner be requested to make such a Selection of Psalms & Hymns, from the various collections, as he may judge proper for the use of the Congregation of Trinity Church.

Voted That Mr. Geo. Higginson be a Committee to superintend the printing of the Selection.

Voted That when the books shall be completed a meeting of the Proprietors be called to devise the mode of defraying the expense.

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church as Trustees of Widows and Orphans Fund Monday April 18th 1808.

Voted That the Wardens be a Committee to advise with the Treasurer of the Fund respecting the Exchange of one denomination of Stock for another or vesting the same & reinvesting it in any manner they may think for the interest & advantage of the same.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday April 18th 1808. The following Officers for the year ensuing were chosen by Ballot.

  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Joseph Foster
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Capt. Haskins
  • David Greene
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Saml. Smith
  • Sam Dunn
  • Jas. Lloyd
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richard Greene
  • George Deblois
  • David Sears

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary for the year ensuing be $2000. Two thousand Dollars.

That a grant of $500. Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Mr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary for the present year (unanimously).

That James Cooper be Clerk with a salary of $100 one Hundred Dollars.

That John G. Grossman be Sexton with a salary of $80. Eighty Dollars.

That the Wardens & David Greene Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in May next.

That P. A. Von Hagen be Organist for the year ensuing.

That the Wardens be a Committee to agree with the Organist for his salary.

That the taxes on the Pews the same as the last year.

That the same additional assessment be laid on the pews for the purpose of raising the money for Mr. Gardiner’s extra Grant as was laid last year.

That the thanks of the Proprietors of Trinity Church be given to Messrs. Geo. Higginson & Jno. R. Parker for their exirtions as Committee for improving the Church music & Singing.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens of said Church

To a Balance due for adjustment

412.

96

To Cash pd. Mr. Gardiner—Grant from Easter 1806 to 1807

500.

“ pd. Jos. Head money borrowed of him

200.

10 mo. 26 days Interest

10.

87

210.

87

To Ditto pd. J. Carlmany [?] inc.[?] Codman

money borrowed of them

250.

Interest

16.

67

266.

67

To Ditto

pd.

John Ellm [?] Carpenters Bill

5.

John G. Grossman’s bill for Sunday expenses

16.

47

pd.

Mr. Proutys Bill for Glazing

1.

75

To Ditto

Mr. White Carpenters bill

1.

50

Jno. Frank for 2 Casks Lime in July

4.

33

S. H. Parker for Blank Deeds per Bill

8.

75

To Ditto

B. Fessenden for Wood per Bill

12.

Andrew Green for new Funnell per Bill

98.

40

S. Higginson & Co. money borrowed of them

250.

18 months Interest

22.

18

272.

18

Jesse [?] Herring of Dedham for Spruce December 22d

4.

removing & repairing the Organ, Seats for the Singers & printing morning & evening Hymns per a/c

307.

34

Jno. Elms Carpenters Bill

5.

75

Jas. Thomson Blacksmiths Bill

26.

39

Jno. G. Grossmans Bill for Sundrys

3.

79

pd.

Revd. Mr, Gardiners Salary

2000.

Grant per vote of the Society

500.

2500.

Mr. Von Hagen Organist

200.

Mr. Jas. Cooper Clerk

100.

Mr. Grossman Sexton

80.

Grossman Jr. Bellows Blower

15.

2895.

Saml. H. Parker printing Hymn Books

19.

25

$5072.

40

To the Old A/c for Balance due the Wardens

1642.

27

1807

March 29

June 10

23

September 20

November 10

16

20

December 8

14

31

1808

January 1st

26

Cr. The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c with Joseph Foster &

Joseph Head as Wardens of said Church

By Cash recd. for the Use of the Strangers Tomb for 2 Children

10.

By Ditto as per Assessment recd. of Sundry Persons

705.

By Ditto recd. for Use of the Strangers Tomb

for Mrs. Lightman [?]

10.

By Ditto “ “ for Mrs. Wallace

10.

By Ditto “ “ for Mr. Butler

10.

By Ditto “ “ for Mr. Pierce

10.

By Ditto “ “ for Mr. Clark by Mr. Connor

10.

By Ditto recd of Tax from 1806 & 7

670.

72

of Tax due from 1807 & 8

1414.

04

of Assessment for Revd. Mr. Gardiner

269.

36

of Assessment for Repairs

300.

01

for 11 New Deeds

11.

3430.

13

By the New A/c for the Balance due the Wardens

1642.

27

$5072.

40

Boston April 18th 1808

Errors Excepted

Signed

Joseph Foster

Wardens

1807

May 10

July 1st

22d

October 19

November 6

1808

January 29

March 7

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church as Trustees of “the Widows & Orphans’ Fund,” held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Sunday January 1st 1809.

Voted That the Treasurer be & is hereby authorized to sell assign & convey all the Eight per ct. Stock of the United States standing in the name of the Trustees of said Fund.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday April 3d 1809 the following Officers for the year ensuing were chosen by Ballot.

  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Joseph Foster
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Stephen Codman
  • Capt. Haskins
  • Saml. Smith
  • Thomas Perkins
  • David Greene
  • Saml. Dunn
  • John Amory
  • David Sears
  • Jas. Lloyd
  • Richard Greene
  • Geo. Deblois

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Gardiners salary for the year ensuing be Two thousand Dollars.

That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to Mr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the present year.

That James Cooper be Clerk with a salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That John G. Grossman be Sexton with a salary of Eighty Dollars.

That P. A. Von Hagen be Organist with a salary of Two Hundred Dollars.

That the Tax on the Pews be the same as last year.

That the money for Mr. Gardiners additional grant be raised by assessment on the Pews as last year.

That the Wardens & David Greene Esq. be a Committee to represent this Church in the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in May next.

That the Wardens issue a Deed to Thomas Brewer for Pew No. 34 he having lost or mislaid his former Deed.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

To Balance due per adjustment at Easter last

1642.

27

To Cash pd. Jabez Hatch for ¾Cord Bark dlld. November last

6.

75

To Ditto pd. B. Fessenden for a Cask Lime per bill

2.

To Ditto “ Thos. Holland’s bill for Wood

15.

75

To Ditto “ Col. May assiss’t for Constables

16.

25

To Ditto “ Eben Eatons Bill for a funnell

111.

20

To Ditto “ John G. Grossman’s bill for sundry Expenses

14.

72

To Ditto “ for Spruce

4.

To Ditto “ J. H. Fosters Bill mending Cushions

.75

To Jno. R. Parkers a/c of Expenses for Music & Tuition

64.

10

To an Error in Stating the Amount of Geo. Higginson’s A/c for the Repairs on the Organ $307.34 for $387.34

80.

To John G. Grossman’s bill for sundry Expenses

5.

25

To S. Coolidge bill for Glazing

1.

87

322.

64

To the Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary

2000.

Grant per vote of the Society

500.

2500.

Salary for Mr. Von Hagen Organist

200.

Ditto of Mr. Jas. Cooper Clerk

100.

of Mr. John G. Grossman Sexton

80.

Bellows Blower

15.

2895.

To 10 per ct. of Loss on $370 Farmers Exchange Money recd. by Mr. Gardiner at the Massachusetts Bank

37.

To Cash pd. for a Tin Stove

6.

$4902.

91

To the Old A/c for the Balance due for adjustment

$1396.

49

1808

April 18

May 6

September 1st

“ 16

November 11th

“ 18th

“ 24

December 21st

1809

January 7th

April 1st

1809

April 3

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

By Cash recd. of Jabez Hatch for Taxes due

8.

55

By due from 1805 & 1806 $22.95. due from 1806 & 1807 23.85

46.

80

55.

35

By Cash recd. for Taxes due from Mrs. Haddaway 1807

16.

50

By Ditto recd. for Taxes due on Pews 113 & 115 ’06 & ’07

15.

90

32.

40

By Burials in the Strangers’ Tomb

Child of Mr. Humbeck[?]

5.

Mr. Leroyd [?] & his Son

15.

Two Strangers drowned

20.

Mr. John Jackson

10.

Mrs. J. R. Parker

10.

Mrs. North

10.

70.

By Cash recd. for Six Deeds of Pews

6.

By Cash recd. for Taxes due at Easter 1808

1409.

13

By Ditto recd. for Ditto due at Easter 1809

1813.

94

3222.

07

By Amount of Subscriptions by list recd.

120.

3506.

42

Balance due Wardens to [ ] a/c

1396.

49

$4902.

91

Boston April 3d 1809

Errors Excepted

Signed

Joseph Foster

Joseph Head

Wardens

1808

May

September 2d

1809

April

Memo, of Tombs under Trinity Church as copied from the Book of the Superintendant of the Burial Grounds who saith that he obtained his information relative thereto from Tomb Stones & from other sources as he could.

No.

1

Green

2

Benjamin Pollard—Blanchard J. Window

3

Charles Harrison—Dr. Sprague Dedham

4

Ministerial

5

John Head

6

Jonathan Simpson

7

John Haskins

8

Wm. Davis

9

Thomas Child

10

Peter Luce—Stranger’s Vault

11

William Price

12

Thomas Green

13

William Speakman

14

Joseph Dowse—Strangers

0

Stranger’s, Small Vault

15

Wm. Patten—Lambert

16

Stephen Greenleaf—Jno. T. Apthorp

17

Ann Foot

18

Daniel Rea—Joseph W. Homer

19

Phillipe Benest

20

James Griffin

Laughton

21

Jabez Hatch

22

Daniel Carney

Dumaresque

23

William Coffin

24

Ann Parker

25

Stranger’s Vault

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday April 23d 1810. The following Officers for the year ensuing were elected by Ballot.

  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Joseph Foster
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • William Tudor
  • Saml. Smith
  • Saml. Dunn
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richard Greene
  • George Deblois
  • Geo. Higginson
  • David Sears
  • Gardiner Greene

Voted That the Revd. Mr. Gardiner’s Salary for the year ensuing be Two thousand Dollars.

That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Mr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary for the present year.

That James Cooper be Clerk with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That John G. Grossman be Sexton with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That The Wardens & David Greene Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in May next.

That The Wardens be a Committee to engage an Organist & fix his Salary.

That the Tax on the Pews be the same as last year.

That the money for Mr. Gardiners additional grant be raised by assessment on the Pews as last year.

That the thanks of the Society be given to the Choir.

That the Wardens with Stephen Higginson & Wm. Tudor Esqs. be a Committee to wait on the Revd. Mr. Gardiner & consult with him on the expediency of settling an Assistant minister.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head (Wardens)

To Cash pd. Jos. Scotts bill (Carpenter)

1.

97

To Ditto “ Theoph Lyon’s bill for a Cask Lime

1.

75

To Ditto “ John G. Grossman’s bill for Sundries

20.

07

To Ditto “ Munroe, Francis & Parkers bill for Printing

2.

50

To Ditto “ for Spruce to ornament Church at Christmas

4.

To Ditto “ Thos. Holland for Wood per bill

18.

To Ditto “ for 6 [cart?] Oak wood

5.

25

23.

25

To Ditto “ John R. Parker’s bill for musick for Organ Loft

30.

50

To Ditto “ John G. Grossmans bill for Sundries

13.

37

To Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary

2000.

Grant voted

500.

2500.

Salary of Mr. Von Hagen Organist

200.

Ditto of Mr. James Cooper Clerk

100.

Ditto of Mr. Jno. G. Grossman Sexton

80.

Bellows Blower

15.

2895.

To Wm. Goodrich for mending & tuning the Organ as per Contract

100.

3092.

41

To Balance due the Wardens per a/c Easter 1809

1396.

49

$4488.

90

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head (Wardens)

By Subscription recd. from Gardiner Greene

10.

“ Rufus G. Amory

5.

“ John Amory

5.

20.

By Cash for Stranger’s Tomb for

10.

ditto for Child of Mr. Kupfer

5.

ditto for Mr. Blasland

10.

ditto for John Smith

10.

35.

By Cash recd. from Gardiner Greene for Rent of Pew No. 60 50 weeks

29.

29.

By Ditto recd. of Robt. Hallowell

5.

Patrick Grant

5.

John B. Fitch

5.

15.

By Cash recd. for 7 Deeds of Pews

7.

By Amount of Taxes recd. due Easter 1807 & 1808

165.

28

By Amount of Taxes recd. due Easter 1808 & 1809

1124.

88

By Amount of Taxes recd. due Easter 1809 & 1810

2009.

18

3299.

34

By New Account for a Balance

3405

34

due the Wardens

1083.

56

$4488.

90

Boston April 23d 1810

Errors Excepted

signed

Joseph Foster

Joseph Head

Wardens

1809

April 5th

July

1810

February 4th

March 1st

April 10

“ 20th

April 23d

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at said Church on Easter Monday April 15th 1811.

The following Officers were chosen by ballot for the Year ensuing

  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • William Tudor
  • Saml. Smith
  • Saml. Dunn
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richard Greene
  • George Deblois
  • Geo. Higginson
  • David Sears
  • Gardiner Greene

Voted That a grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Mr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary for the present year.

That Mr. James Cooper be Clerk with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That John G. Grossman be Sexton with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That the Taxes on the Pews be the same as last year.

That the money for Mr. Gardiners additional grant be raised by assessment on the Pews as last year.

That the Wardens & Mr. David Greene be a Committee for the purpose of engaging an Organist for the year ensuing at such a Salary as they may think proper, provided it shall not exceed $200: and to take such other suitable measures respecting the Regulation of the musick of the Church both vocal & instrumental as shall best subserve the general Harmony.

That the thanks of the Proprietors of this Church be presented to Mr. Saml. H. Parker & the gentlemen who compose the choir for their attention & performance.

That the Wardens with David Greene Esq. be Delegates to the Convention of the Episcopal Churches to meet in this town in May next.

That the particular & unanimous thanks of this meeting be given to Mr. Foster & Mr. Head for their great care in placing the affairs of the Church both pecuniary & otherways in such a situation as to meet our perfect approbation.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c current with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens

To balance of a/c due at Easter per adjustment

$1083.

56

To cash pd. Grossman’s bill putting up Stoves

12.

44

“ John Elms carpenter per bill

14.

89

“ Thos. Holland for Wood & Bark per bill

22.

25

To Ditto “ Grossman’s bill for matts, brooms, &c.

7.

38

“ for Spruce to dress the Church

4.

To ditto pd. Thos. Holland for ½ cord Wood

4.

To ditto pd. J. G. Grossman taking down Stove per bill

12.

To ditto pd. Sawing wood & piling the bark

2.

63

79.

59

To Cash pd. Revd. Mr. Gardiner’s Salary 2000)

2500.

Grant 500)

To Ditto pd. Mr. Cooper Organist

200.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Cooper Clerk

100.

To Ditto pd. Jno. G. Grossman Sexton

100.

To Ditto pd. Bell for blowing bellows

15.

2915.

$4078.

15

To the Old Account for balance due

$913.

85

1810

April 22

November 10

December 10

“ 20

1811

February 26

April 13

April 15

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c current with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens

By Cash recd. of the following Gentlemen viz.

John B. Fitch

5.

Patrick Grant

5.

Wm. D. Sohier

5.

Nathl. Amory

5.

Stephen Jones

5.

Robert Hallowell

5.

Capt. Nathl. Ingersoll

5.

35.

By Cash recd. for the burial of Mrs. Byrnes

10.

ditto of Revd. Mr. Palmer

10.

ditto of Mr. Canning

10.

30.

00

By Cash recd. of Mr. G. Greene Rent of Pew No. 60

30.

By Amount of Tax on Pew 107 due at Easter 1808

14.

56

By Sundry Taxes recd. due Easter 1809

46.

30

By ditto

ditto Easter 1810

919.

13

By ditto

ditto Easter 1811

2083.

21

By Cash recd. of Mrs. Christie and Miss Vinal for 2 Seats in Gallery

2.

10

3065.

30

By Ditto recd. for 4 New Deeds of Pews

4.

3164.

30

By New account for the Balance

913.

85

$4078.

15

Boston April 15th 1811

Errors Excepted

signed

Joseph Foster

Joseph Head

Wardens

1810

November

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at said Church on Easter Monday 30th March 1812.

The following Officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing

  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • David Greene
  • William Tudor
  • Samuel Smith
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Rich’d. Greene
  • George Deblois
  • David Sears
  • Gardiner Greene

Voted That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Mr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the present year.

That Mr. James Cooper be clerk with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That John G. Grossman be Sexton with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

That the taxes on the Pews be the same as the last year.

That the money for Mr. Gardiner’s additional grant be raised by assessment on the Pews as last year.

That the Wardens be a committee for the purpose of engaging an Organist for the year ensuing at such Salary as they may think proper provided it shall not exceed Two Hundred Dollars, and to take such other suitable measures respecting the regulation of the musick of the Church both vocal and instrumental as shall best subserve the general Harmony.

That the Wardens with David Greene Esq. be Delegates to the Convention of the Episcopal Churches to meet in this town in May next.

Dr.   Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

To balance due on the old a/c for adjustment

913.

85

To Cash pd. J. G. Grossman’s bill of Sundries

3.

75

To Ditto pd. John Elm Carpenter repairing roof of Chancel

17.

97

To Ditto pd. Mr. Grossman’s bill for sundry expenses

18.

50

To Ditto Cleaning & repairing the Clock

2.

50

To Ditto pd. Mr. Lewis of Dedham for spruce

4.

To Ditto paid Thomas Hollands bill of wood

26.

62

To S. H. Parkers bill of Expenses at Christmas

10.

50

To John G. Grossmans bill of sundry expenses

17.

17

To Thomas Holland for half Cord of wood

3.

75

1018.

61

To Amount of Revd. Mr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.

annual grant

500.

2500.

To Ditto of Mr. Hewett’s Organist

200.

To Ditto of Mr. Cooper’s Clerk

100.

To Ditto of Mr. Grossman’s Sexton

100.

To Ditto of [no name given] bellows blower

15.

2915.

$3933.

61

To balance due on the old a/c

963.

88

1811

April 15

July

September

November 4

“ 18th

December 12th

1812

January 20

March 25

March 30th

Cr.   Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

By Cash for the burial of Mr. Shaw

10.

By Ditto for the burial of Mr. Fulerton

10.

By Ditto for the burial of Mr. Milners child

5.

By Ditto for the burial of Mr. Mokes child

5.

By Ditto recd. of Gardner Green interest on $500 one year being valued amount of pew occupied by him, No. 60

30.

By half the proceeds of sale of Pew No. 12 (Ellery)

22.

55

By one year tax on pew No. 25 Jas. Scott from 1808 & 1809

28.

08

By amount recd. of Taxes due from Easter 1809& 1810

64.

55

By amount recd. of Taxes due from Easter 1811&1812

1927.

57

By Cash recd. for the burial of Mrs. Hinkley

10.

By Cash recd. for 6 Deeds of Pews recorded

6.

2969.

73

By the New Account for the balance carried forward

963.

88

$3933.

61

Boston 30th March 1812

Errors Excepted

signed

Joseph Foster

Joseph Head

Wardens

1811

May 6th

July 19th

November

December 26th

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at said Church on Easter Monday April 19th 1813. The following Officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing

  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • William Tudor
  • Samuel Smith
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richard Green
  • George Deblois
  • David Sears
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Vestrymen

Voted That the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd.

Mr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the year ensuing.

That the appointment of a Clerk be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that his Salary be one Hundred dollars for the year ensuing.

That the appointment of a Sexton for the year ensuing be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that his Salary be One Hundred Dollars.

That the Wardens be a Committee to engage an Organist at such salary (not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars) as they shall think proper.

That the Wardens with Stephen Higginson Esq. be Delegates to represent this Church in the Episcopal Convention in May next.

That the Tax & Assessment on the Pews be the same as last year.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity in Account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head, Wardens

To balance of last account for Adjustment

963.

88

To Cash pd. Eben. Goodrich tuning Organ February

25.

To Ditto pd. John G. Grossman’s bill

17.

To Ditto pd. Greene & Vose for an Iron Stove

28.

pd. Ebenr. Eaton’s bill part of a funnell

24.

30

52.

30

To Ditto “ Mr. Lyon’s bill of a Cask Lime (dlld. August)

1.

50

To Ditto pd. John G. Grossman’s bill

12.

60

To Ditto pd. Bill for music at Christmas

15.

To Ditto pd. Jas. Thompson Blacksmith’s Bill

8.

14

To Ditto pd. Timy. Lewis for Spruce &c. at Christmas

4.

To Ditto pd. truckage of Stove to the Church

.50

To Ditto pd. Mr. Bradlee for 2 tin pans for the Stove

2.

To Ditto pd. John G. Grossman’s bill

14.

75

To Revd. Mr. Gardiners Salary

2000.

Grant made him at Easter

500.

2500.

To J. Hewitt (Organist)

200.

To E.N. Glover (Clerk)

100.

To John G. Grossman Sexton Bellows blower

115.

2915.

To Cash pd. Ths. Holland for Wood & Bark

28.

68

4060.

25

To Balance due the Wardens in Old a/c

$949.

47

1812

March 30

May 4

November 6th

December 17

26

January 18

“ 27

“ “

“ “

“ “

April 13

“ 17

“ 19

Cr   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head, Wardens

By Cash recd. of Gardr. Greene for rent of Pew No.

60.

30.

By Ditto “ of Mr. Eaton for the old Stove

12.

By Ditto “ for the Burial of Mrs. Hayley

$10.

Mr. Barnes

10.

Mrs. Johnson

10.

Mrs. Boyd

10.

Mr. Stuart

10.

50

By Cash recd. of Robert Hallowell

5.

By Ditto for 3 Deeds of Pews

3.

By Amount of Back Taxes (due from 1809–1812)

1124.

88

By Amount of Taxes recd. from 1812–1813

1885.

90

3010.

78

3110.

78

Balance carried to N/a

949.

47

4060.

25

Boston 19 April 1813

Errors Excepted

signed

Joseph Foster

Joseph Head

Wardens

1812

November 10

December 19

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday April 11th 1814. The following Officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing

  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Stephen Higginson
  • John Haskins
  • William Tudor
  • Samuel Smith
  • Samuel Dunn
  • Stephen Codman
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • George Deblois
  • Richard Green
  • David Sears
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Vestrymen

Voted That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary for the year ensuing.

Voted That the appointment of a Clerk be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that the Salary be after the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the appointment of a Sexton be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that the Salary be after the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the Wardens be a Committee to engage an Organist at such Salary (not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars) as they shall think proper. Voted That the Wardens with Gardiner Greene & Jas. Lloyd be Delegates from this Church to the Episcopal Convention in May.

Voted That the Taxes on the pews be the same as recommended in the Report of the Committee on the Income & Expenses of the Church presented & adopted April 15th 1804 vizt.

on Pews in the Middle Aisle      60 cts. per week

“ in the side Aisles      45 “ “ ditto

“ containing Pillars      30 “ “ ditto

“ in the Galleries      15 “ “ ditto

Voted That Twenty per ct. or one fifth part be added to the taxes of the pews for the present year to raise the sum granted in addition to Dr. Gardiner’s salary as has been the case since the year 1807.

At a Meeting of the Vestry

Held at Trinity Church, on Sunday, April 17, 1814, it was Voted, That whereas, at a meeting in the year 1812 of the Episcopal churches in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont, composing the Eastern Diocese, it was requested, that a collection should be made on the two succeeding years, from all the churches in the diocese, in order to enable the Bishop to supply those Episcopal congregations who were incompetent to the maintenance of a settled clergyman, occasionally with religious instruction; and also to enable him to publish such pious and moral tracts as might in his judgment conduce to the promotion of piety in general, and the diffusion of the Episcopal tenets in particular:

And whereas the triennial meeting of all the Episcopal churches in the United States is to be holden on the third Tuesday of May of the present year in the city of Philadelphia, for the purpose of ensuring uniformity in worship, suppressing irregularities, and preserving a strict conformity to the doctrines and canons of the Episcopal church in America, and as the interests and harmony of the church may be promoted by a representation from the Eastern churches; and the REV. DR. GARDINER having been elected as the clerical delegate to attend the General Convention; the vestry recommend, that a collection be made from this church, on Sunday next the 24th instant, immediately after divine service in the morning, for the objects before mentioned; and that of the amount then collected, the sum of two hundred dollars be appropriated to defray the expenses of the Rev. Delegate in his attendance on the convention in Philadelphia, and that the residue be applied under the direction of the Bishop to the benevolent and pious purposes recommended by the convention of the diocese.

At a Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church in the Vestry Room on Friday March 24 1815 The Revd. Dr. Gardiner read the following letter.

“Mrs. Hannah Smith requests the Revd. Dr. Gardiner to inform the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church that she presents for the use of the Said Church four pieces of plate of which she begs their acceptance.

Federal Street

March 22d”

Whereupon it was voted That the Revd. Dr. Gardiner be requested to write to Mrs. H. Smith a letter expressive of the high sense entertained by the Wardens & Vestry of her liberal donation.

“Boston March 25 1815

Madam

I am requested by the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church to express to you their gratitude for your magnificent presents which they accept with pleasure. That the Giver of all good may long continue a life devoted to the interests of religion & charity is their sincere desire, no less than the earnest prayer Madam of your obliged & obedient Servant.

J. S. S. Gardiner

Mrs. H. Smith”

Dr.   Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head wardens.

To balance due Wardens by old a/c

949.

47

To Cash pd. Sawing 3/2 Cords Wood & take in [?] bark

2.

83

To Ditto Joseph Stevens for a Cask Lime

2.

To Ditto Joseph P. Bradlee repairing funnell of Stove & putting up

37.

75

To Ditto pd. Mr. Lewis of Dedham for Spruce

4.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Goodrich repairing the Organ

50.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Grossman’s bill for Sundries

9.

24

To J. Hewitt for sundry Expenses at Christmas for music &c. per bill

12.

50

To S. H. Parker for a Record book for “Widows & Orphans Fund”

15.

To Thos. Holland for Wood & bark for the Stoves per bill

31.

88

To Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s salary

2000.

Grant

500.

2500.

To Elisha N. Glover Clerk’s salary

100.

To J. Hewitt Organist’s ditto

200.

To John G. Grossman’s Sexton ditto

100.

Bellows Blower

15.

2915.

4029.

67

To the ballance due the Wardens per adjustment

864.

51

1813

April

November 8

“ 10th

“ 17th

December 16

1814

January 6th

“ 10

1814

April 4

Cr.   Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head wardens.

By Cash recd. for burial of a Child of Thos. Neil

5.

By Ditto

ditto

of Mr. Beath

10.

By Gardiner Greene for rent of pew No. 60

30.

By Cash recd. of Wm. Burroughs for ½ Pew No. 3 (for taxes due)

55.

By Ditto for burial of Mr. Smith’s Child

5.

By Cash recd. from Jabez Hatch for taxes 1809–1811

51.

28

By Ditto “ from Widow Hunt 1810–1811

10.

75

By Ditto on taxes due from 1811–1812

144.

30

By Ditto on taxes due from 1812–1813

956.

10

By Ditto on taxes due 1814

1894.

73

3057.

16

By Cash recd. for 3 deeds of Pews since last Easter

3.

3165.

16

Ballance due Wardens to new a/c

864.

51

$4029.

67

Boston 11th April 1814.

Errors Excepted

signed

Joseph Foster

_____________

Wardens

1813

September 12

October

November 5

“ “

December 24

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens

To a balance due per adjustment

864.

51

To Cash pd. Expense of taking down Stoves &c. per bill

6.

To Ditto pd. Munroe & Francis Printing

3.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Southworths bill for Sundries

16.

25

To Ditto pd. Mr. Holland for 3 Cords wood

30.

pd. Smith a black man for sawing & piling

2.

32.

To Ditto pd. for 2 Chairs for Wardens’ Pew & Cushions

12.

To Ditto pd. for 7 loads Gravel & spreading

6.

90

To Ditto pd. for 3 Matts @ 75 cts.

2.

25

To Ditto pd. Goddard & Lyon for 3 qr Cord bark per bill

8.

25

To Ditto pd. Sexton for Coal for the Vestry

6.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Lewis of Dedham for Spruce

4.

To Ditto pd. putting up Stove & funnell in November

5.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Hewitt for music at Christmas

6.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Willard for Cleaning Clock

2.

To Ditto pd. S. Hastings Glazing Windows

2.

62

To Ditto pd. clearing Strangers large tomb

20.

To Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.

Annual Grant

500.

2500.

Mr. J. Hewitts (organist)

200.

Mr. Elisha N. Glover (Clerk)

100.

Thomas South worth (Sexton)

100.

Benja. R. Grossman Bellows blower

15.

2915.

$3911.

78

To the Old a/c for the ballance

$929.

51

1814

April 11

“ 18

“ 20

October 1

31st

November 17

“ 25

December 6

“ “

7

15

1815

January 4

“ 16

March 25

March 27th

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens

By Gardr. Greene for Interest on Valuation of Pew 60

30.

By the privilege of the Strangers tomb viz.

Mr. Plumbeck’s Child

5.

Mr. Whalan

10.

Mrs. Pope [?]

10.

Mrs. North’s Child

5.

Mr Bigelow

10.

40.

By Amount of Taxes recd. due from Easter 1811–1812

26.

55

Ditto “ “ “ from “ 1812–1813

204.

10

Ditto “ “ “ from “ 1813–1814

979.

97

Ditto “ “ “ from “ 1814–1815

1700.

65

2911.

27

By Cash recd. for 1 Deed of a Pew

1.

2982.

27

Balance due the Wardens

929.

51

$3911.

78

Boston 27th March 1815

Errors Excepted

Joseph Foster

Joseph Head

Wardens

1814

October 1st

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday March 1815. The following officers were elected by ballot for the year ensuing

  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens

Vestry

  • Stephen Higginson
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Richard Green
  • George Deblois
  • David Sears
  • Gardr. Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Saml. Dunn
  • Jonathan Amory Jr.
  • Thomas L. Winthrop

Voted That the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for this year.

Voted That the appointment of a Clerk be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that the salary be after the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the appointment of a Sexton be likewise referred to the Rector & Wardens & that his Salary be at the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the Wardens be a Committee to engage an Organist with a Salary not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That Gardiner Greene & James Lloyd Esqs. be Delegates from this Church to the Episcopal Convention.

Voted That the Taxes on the Pews be the same as last year.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

To the balance due at Easter last per adjustment

929.

51

To Cash pd. for a Load of Gravel at the gateway

.75

To Ditto pd. S. Townsend for building fence, finding Lumber &c.

50.

To ditto pd. Thos. Southworth’s bill for Sundries (as Sexton)

8.

25

To ditto pd. Thos. Holland for Wood & bark per bill

30.

To ditto pd. Andw. Green repairing funnell & putting up

49.

To ditto pd. Mr. Southworth for Coal for the Vestry

6.

To ditto pd. J. & J. Prouty’s bill painting fence &c.

7.

33

To ditto pd. Thos. Southworth’s bill for paving &c. after Storm

12.

To ditto pd. for 4 large matts $1.10

4.

40

To ditto pd. Thos. Southworth’s bill for bushes &c.

3.

25

To ditto pd. Mr. White putting up boards over stove pipes

2.

172.

98

To Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary as Rector

2000.

annual Grant

500.

2500.

Mr. Hewitt’s Salary as Organist

200.

Elisha N. Glover Clerk

100.

Thos. Southworth Sexton

100.

Bellows Blower

100.

15.

2915.

4017.

49

To the Old account for the balance due

804.

01

1815

July 1st

“ “

22

October 28

November 8

December 6

1816

January 18

“ “

“ “

“ “

“ “

1816

April 15

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

By Gardiner Greene for Rent of Pew No.

30.

By Sundry Burials Strangers Tomb

viz.

Mrs. Stapely [?]

10.

Mrs. Wolcott

10.

20.

Mrs. Stockwell

10.

Mrs. Brown

10.

20.

Mr. E. Scovell

10.

2 Children

10.

20.

By Cash recd. of G. Green & Mr. Babcock for 4 assessments for Doctr. Gardiner due from Mrs. A. Greene to Easter 1815

18.

80

78.

80

By amount of Taxes recd. due from Easter 1813–1814

157.

45

ditto “ “ “ 1814–1815

1125.

85

ditto “ “ “ 1815–1816

1815.

38

3098.

68

By Cash recd. for 6 deeds of Pews

6.

3213.

48

Balance due the Wardens

804.

01

4017.

49

Boston

Errors Excepted

April 18th 1816

Joseph Foster

Wardens

1815

November 18

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Easter Monday April 1816 the following Officers were elected by ballott for the year ensuing viz.

  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • Wardens
  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Richard Green
  • James Lloyd
  • William Tudor
  • George Deblois
  • Jonathan Amory Jr.
  • Thomas Perkins
  • David Sears
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John Amory
  • Gardiner. Greene

Voted That the Sum of Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the ensuing year.

That the appointment of a Clerk be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that his salary be after the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

That the appointment of a Sexton be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that the salary be after the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

That the Wardens be a Committee to engage an Organist with a Salary not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars per annum.

That the Taxes on the Pews be the same as last year.

That the Wardens with Gardiner Greene & James Lloyd be Delegates to the Convention of Protestant Episcopal Churches to be holden in this town in May next.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Monday April 7th 1817 being Easter Monday. The following Officers were elected by ballott for the year ensuing.

  • Joseph Head
  • Joseph Foster
  • Wardens
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Willm. Tudor
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John Amory
  • Richard Green
  • George Deblois
  • Gardiner. Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Jonathan Amory Jr.
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Joseph Sewall
  • Vestry.

Voted that the Sum of Five hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the year ensuing.

That the appointment of a Clerk be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that his salary be at the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

That the appointment of a Sexton be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that the Salary be after the rate of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

That the Wardens be a Committee to engage an Organist with a Salary not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars per annum.

That the taxes & assessment on the pews be the same as last year.

That the Wardens with Gardiner Greene & James Lloyd be Delegates from this Church to the Convention of Protestant Episcopal Churches to meet in this town in May next.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head wardens.

To balance due on last years a/c

804.

01

To Cash pd. Wm. Goodrich’s bill for repairs on the Organ

100.

To Ditto pd. J. Jenkins bill for Shingling Church

331.

To Ditto pd. Southworth (Sexton) bill for Sundries

7.

To Ditto pd. S. H. Parkers bill for Prayer Book for Organ Loft

14.

25

To Ditto pd. Southworth for Charcoal for the Vestry

6.

To Ditto pd. ditto for sundry Expenses by bill

11.

98

To Ditto pd. Ebenr. Goodrichs bill repair the bellows of Organ

21.

To Ditto pd. Saml. Perkins for painting Steps &c. per bill

11.

80

To Ditto pd. James Fallick for work done in Vestry by bill

14.

88

To Ditto pd. Thomas Holland for Wood by bill

31.

80

To Ditto pd. J. & J. Proutys bill for Glass & mending Windows

6.

70

To Ditto pd. Thos. Southworth per bill

1.

1361.

12

To Revd. Dr. Gardiners salary as Rector

2000.

Grant voted

500.

Dr. G. K. Jacksons salary

Organist

200.

Mr. Elisha N. Glovers ditto

Clerk

100.

Mr. Thoms. Southworths ditto

Sexton

100.

Bellows Blower

15.

2915.

$4276.

12

To balance due the Wardens per adjustment

$1018.

88

1816

April 15

June 4.

August 1

October 8

November 19

December 12

1817

January 8

February 1

“ 15

March 24

“ 27

April 4

1817

April 7

Cr   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head wardens.

By Cash recd. of Gardr. Greene for Interest on $500 being the valuation of pew No. 60 for one year

30.

By the burial of

Mr. Pye

$10

of Mr. Cazneau

$10.

20.

Child of Mrs. Mells

5

child of Mr. Dumbeck

5.

10.

of Capt. Mackey

10.

of David Sears

10.

20.

of Mr. Schovell

10.

of Mrs. North of an English-

10.

20.

of a Child

5.

woman

10.

15.

85.

By Cash recd. of Wm. Rowson for Pew 102 in Gallery

80.

By Deeds of 5 pews

5.

By taxes recd. due in 1814–1815

113.

20

By ditto “ “ “ 1815–1816

991.

12

By ditto “ “ “ 1816–1817

1787.

19

By sundry rects. from the backseats in the Gallery

29.

33

2920.

84

By amount recd. for subscriptions & assessments

136.

40

3257.

24

Balance due the Wardens

1018.

88

4276.

12

Boston April 7th 1817

Errors Excepted

Joseph Foster

Wardens

1816

September

April 5

At the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Monday March 23d 1818 being (reputed) Easter Monday. The following officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing viz.

  • George Brinley
  • Joseph Head Jr.
  • Wardens

On motion of Thomas L. Winthrop Esq. it was voted unanimously That the thanks of the Proprietors of this Church be given to Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Esq. who retire at their own request from the office of Wardens, for their very assiduous, efficient, & acceptable services for thirteen years past.

  • Vestry
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • George Deblois
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Jonathan Amory Jr.
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Joseph Sewall
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head

Voted that Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary for the year ensuing.

Voted that Charles Pinckney Sumner be Clerk the year ensuing with a Salary of one Hundred Dollars.

Voted That Thomas South worth be Sexton with a Salary of $100.

Voted That the appointment of an Organist be referred to the Rector & Wardens & that his salary be after the rate of Two Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the Taxes & assessment on the Pews be the same as last year.

Voted That George Brinley Gardiner Greene James Lloyd & Jno. Amory Esqs. be Delegates to represent this Church in the Convention to be Holden in Boston in May next.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head as Wardens

To the Balance due per account

$1018.88

To Cash pd. Mr. Jackson (organist) for Chant

Books

15.

To Ditto pd. Thos. South worth (Sexton) Sundry

Expenses

7.50

To Ditto pd. Joseph Jenkins’ bill for New Front

Doors

215.21

To Ditto pd. B. Adams bill for repairs in the

Organ loft

1.

To Ditto pd. Southworths (Sexton) bill for cleaning

Windows &c

33.37

To Ditto pd. Mr. Lewis of Dedham for Spruce for

Xmas

6.

To Ditto pd. Mr. Willard for repairing & cleaning

Clock

3.

To ditto pd. Thos. Hollands bill for Wood & Bark

25.

To Ditto pd. the Sexton’s bill for sundries

6.42

312.50

1817

April

July 19th

October 22

“ 24

December 4

“ 17

1818

January 8

March 2

To the Revd. Dr. Gardiner

Salary

$2000.

Annual Grant of

500.

2500.

To Cash pd. Dr. Jackson’s (organist)

Salary

200.

To Ditto pd. Elisha N. Glover’s (Clerk)

Salary

100.

To Ditto pd. Thos. South worth (Sexton)

Salary

100.

To Ditto pd. the Bellows Blower

15.

2915.

3227.50

Salary

$4246.38

To the New a/c for the Balance as adjusted

$796.77

Cr. The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with Joseph Foster & Joseph Head Wardens

By Cash recd for the burial of Mrs. Pritchett

10.00

By Gardiner Greene Esq. for Rent of Pew No. 60

30.00

By Cash recd for the burial of Mrs. Pacall [?]

10.00

By do recd for the burial of Miss McFarlane

10.00

By do recd for the burial of Mr. Twentyman

10.00

By sundry Subscriptions, vizt.

1818

March 23d

1817

June 10th

September 29

October 4

Wm. D. Sohier $5

Joseph Head Jr. 5

Saml. Hubbard 5

George Bethune 5

Chas. Knapp 5

Dr. Robbins 5

30.00

By Cash for the burial of Mrs. Hewis

10.00

March

By Taxes recd due

1814 & 1815

$

65.60

1815 & 1816

200.20

1816 & 1817

1139.61

1817 & 1818

1805.90

3301.31

By Sundry Assessments made

11.30

By sundry taxes ree’d from persons of Colour

23.00

By Cash ree’d for 4 new deeds

4.

148.30

3449.61

Balance due the Wardens carried to New a/c

769.77

4246.38

Boston March 23d 1818

Errors Excepted

Signed

Joseph Foster

Wardens

Joseph Head

On Sunday March 29th 1818. In compliance with the recommendation of the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese the Rt. Revd. Alex N. Griswold a Collection was made amounting to Eighty one Dollars which sum was paid by the Wardens to the Treasurer of the Bishop’s Fund.

On Christmas day the annual collection for the Poor amounted to Three Hundred & forty Dollars.

[added]

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday January 17th 1819 regularly notified: The Rector Wardens & Vestry communicated the doings of the Trustees of the Greene Foundation in relation to the election of the Revd. Mr. Jarvis as assistant Minister, when it was voted to adjourn this meeting to Sunday next the 24th.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at said Church on Sunday January 24th 1819 (Stephen Codman Esq. having been chosen Moderator) It was moved & seconded That the Proprietors of this Church do cordially acquiesce in the Election of the Revd. Mr. Jarvis by the Trustees of the Greene Foundation as Assistant minister of this Church agreeable to provisions of that Institution.

The meeting was then dissolved.

At the Annual meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Monday April 12th 1819 being Easter monday the following officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing

  • George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr.—Wardens
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Wm. Tudor
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Vestry
  • Jona. Amory Jr.
  • Thos. L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp men
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • John Hubbard

Voted That Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary the year ensuing.

Voted That the appointment of a Clerk be referred to the Rector & Wardens with a salary of one Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the Rector & Wardens be empowered to engage a suitable person as Organist with a Salary of Two Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the Wardens be authorized to appoint a Sexton with a Salary of one Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the thanks of the meeting be offered to the Wardens for their acceptable services the year past.

Voted That the thanks of the Proprietors be offered to Messrs. John Rowe Parker & Matthew S. Parker for their long continued zeal & attention to the music of the Church & also that the same be extended to the gentlemen of the Choir.

Voted That the taxes on the pews be the same as last year.

Voted That the Wardens with Gardiner Greene & James Lloyd Esqs. be Delegates from this Church to next Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

Dr. The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

“ “ “

N. Thayers bill of Lead

1.74

“ “ “

Charles Stimpson 1 Ream Notifications

7.50

“ “ “

T. Southworth’s bill Sundry Expenses

24.62

“ “ “

S. Cummings repairing Stoves

46.

“ “ “

Jos. French

ditto

ditto

2.38

“ “ “

Jas. H. Foster for Curtain

7.

“ “ “

Thos. Holland’s bill of wood

30.

“ “ “

James Page’s

“ paving

22.25

“ “ “

Thomas Southworth’s bill Spruce &c.

25.50

“ “ “

Joseph Jenkins Repairs

25.

“ “ “

Thomas Southworth’s sundry Expenses

12.92

“ “ “

Hick’s bill of Trunk for Papers of G. Foundation

3.

“ “ “

John R. Parker’s bill Chaunts

3.

“ “ “

S. H. Parker’s Bookes for Organ Loft

7.50

“ “ “

Simeon Dow’s bill of Wood

6.

“ “ “

Thos. Southworths sawing wood 67 cts. for Repairs 2.

2.67

“ “ “

Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.

“ “ “ Grant

500.

2500.

Dr. Jackson’s Organist

200.

C. R. Sumner’s Clerk

100.

Thomas Southworth’s Sexton

100.

Richd. White Organ blower

15.

2915.

To Cash on hand to Cr. New a/c

86.87

$3228.95

1818

July 23

September 12

November 28

December 11

“ 15

“ 18

“ 20

1819

January 1st

“ 12

“ 14

“ 18

March 17

“ 24

“ 24

“ “

April 12

Cr. The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr.   Wardens

By Cash recd. for sundry Burials in Strangers Tomb

165.

By Ditto of G. Greene Esq. for Rent of Pew No. 60

30.

By Ditto of sundry persons subscription for wood viz.

Dr. E. H. Robbins

$5.

W. D. Sohier

$5.

S. Hubbard

5.

Thos. A. Dexter

5.

T. C. Amory

5.

Geo. Bethune

5.

30.

By Ditto for uncollected

Taxes in 1816–1817

94.80

Ditto

ditto in 1817–1818

337.30

432.10

By Ditto for Taxes from 1818 to 1819

2565.85

By Ditto for six new Deeds

6.

Boston April 12th 1819

3228.95

Errors Excepted

signed George Brinley

Joseph Head Jr.

Wardens

Balance from Old Account

86.87

1818

July

On Sunday April 18 1819 There was collected to be placed at the disposal of the Rt. Revd. Bishop of the Eastern diocese one hundred Dollars which was paid by the Wardens to the Treasurer of the Bishop’s Fund.

On Christmas day the Annual Collection amounted to Two hundred & Seventy Dollars.

At the Annual meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 3d 1820.

  • George Brinley &
  • Joseph Head Jr. were reelected Wardens
  • Stephen Higginson
  • Thomas Perkins
  • John Amory were elected
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Jona. Amory Vestrymen
  • Thos. L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • John Hubbard

Voted That Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary the year ensuing.

Voted That the Appointment of a Clerk & a Chorister be referred to the Rector & Wardens with such salary or salaries as they shall deem proper.

Voted That the Rector & Wardens be authorized to engage an Organist with a Salary not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars.

Voted That the appointment of a Sexton be referred to the Wardens with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars per annum.

Voted That the Taxes & Assessment on the Pews be the same as last year.

Voted That the Wardens with Gardiner Greene & James Lloyd Esqs. be Delegates to the next Episcopal Convention of this State.

On Sunday April 16th 1820 There was collected to be placed at the disposal of the Rt. Revd. Bishop of the Eastern Dioces for supplying vacant Churches with preaching &c. Eighty Four Dollars which was paid by the Wardens to the Treasurer of the Bishops Fund.

On Sunday November [no number given] There was collected in conformity to the XX Canon One Hundred & twenty Dollars which was remitted to the Rt. Revd. Alexander Viets Griswold.

On Christmas day the Annual Collection amounted to $260.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

To Cash pd. J. M. Snelling, transcribing Records of Greene

Foundation

10.

Ditto

Benja. Loring for Book for Records

15.50

25.50

To Ditto

Jos. Callender for plate for Trunk

1.

“ “

R. B. Stratford for bills for Easter

6.

“ “

A. Willard Repairs of Clock

2.

“ “

Thos. Southworth taking down Stoves

3 Casks

Lime & mending Glass

14.25

“ “

Thos. Southworth 3 Cords wood laying hearth

brushes,

mending Glass &c. as per his bill

33.50

“ “

Thos. Holland’s bill of Bark

5.25

“ “

Levi Hawke’s Repairs of Funnell

19.80

“ “

Th. Southworth for pointing Windows with mortar

9.75

“ “

John R. Parkers bill of Chaunts

4.50

“ “

R. B. Stratfords Christmas Bills

5.

“ “

Th. Southworth for Spruce & Nails at Christmas

19.

“ “

Will Goodrich repairs of Organ one year

25.

“ “

Tho. Southworth Clearing Vault, Coal & Glass & pullies to Doors

14.25

“ “

Ths. Holland for Load Wood

5.25

Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.

pd. him on a/c of Annual Grant

144.75

Dr. Jackson organists Salary

200.

C. R. Sumner Clerk “

114.

Th. Southworth Sexton 100 R. White 15

115.

2573.75

$2763.80

1819

April 15

May 5

June 7

“ 14

July 22d

October 13

November 22d

“ “

“ “

December 21

1820

January 1st

“ 10

March 25

“ 28

“ 30

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

By Balance in Cash from a/c rendered

86.87

By Cash for use of Strangers’ Tomb for

burial of Mrs. Minn

10.

“ “ Mr. Cashman

10.

“ “ Mrs. Hardy

10.

“ “ Betty Davison

10.

“ “ Child of [no name given]

5.

“ “ Mrs. Dukes

10.

“ “ Child of John Mott

5.

60.

By Cash for Pew No. 124 sold Gard. Green Esq.

75.

“ “ for Recording 6 Deeds

6.

“ “ Rent of Pew No. 60 of G. Greene Esq.

30.

By Cash use of Strangers tomb for burial of Mrs. Fullick

10.

“ “ for Taxes due 1817–1818

28.10

1818–1819

351.38

1819–1820

2116.45

2495.93

$2763.80

1819

April 27

August 10

“ “

September 16

October 4

November 6

“ 22

1820

January 12

February

Boston April 3d 1820 Errors Excepted

signed George Brinley

Joseph Head Jr.   Wardens

Taxes due the Church this day

1816–1817

3.53

1817–1818

30.50

1818–1819

257.27

1819–1820

1058.05

1349.12

Due Revd. Dr. Gardiner on a/c Grant this day

355.25

Balance from Old Account

80.87

At the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Easter Monday April 23d 1821 Joseph Head Esq. was chosen Moderator.

  • George Brinley &
  • Joseph Head Jr. were reelected Wardens.

The following gentlemen were elected to compose the Vestry

  • Stephen Higginson
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Jona. Amory
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • John Hubbard
  • Henry Hubbard
  • Standfast Smith

Voted That Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his salary the present year.

Voted That the appointment of a Clerk & Chorister & assistants be referred to the Rector & Wardens with salaries not exceeding in the whole Two Hundred Dollars.

Voted That the appointment of a Sexton be referred to the Wardens with a salary not exceeding One Hundred Dollars.

Voted That the taxes & assessment on the Pews be the same as last year.

Voted That Gardiner Greene & Joseph Head Esqs. be Delegates to the next Convention of this State.

Voted That the Rector & Wardens be authorised to engage an Organist with a Salary not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars.

On Sunday November 24th 1821. In consequence of a Circular Letter from the Rt. Revd. Philander Chase Bishop of Ohio a Collection was made for the Benefit of the Episcopal Missionary Society of that State & the sum contributed amounting to One Hundred & fifty-seven 76/100 Dollars was paid by the Wardens to the Revd. Philander Chase Jr.

At the annual collection to be placed at the disposal of the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese made on Sunday next Succeeding Easter April 27th 1821 One Hundred & one 76/100 Dollars were collected & paid by the Wardens to the Treasurer of the Bishops Fund.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c current with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr.   Wardens

To Cash pd. Revd. Dr. Gardiner balance last year

355.25

“ “ Thomas Southworths bill of Lime &c.

10.03

“ “ Loss on Exchange of depreciated money

5.83

“ “ Thomas Southworth—putting up Stove Glass

6.37

“ “ Chas Bellamine’s[?] bill of wood

17.

“ “ Levi Hawkes repairing funnell

3.50

“ “ Th. Southworths bill Charcoal

6.

“ “ Ditto Ditto 2 Stoves for Organ loft Spruce & Bark

41.50

“ “ Ditto bill of wood & mending Glass

6.

“ “ James Sharps bill of Musick

7.85

“ “ Thos. Southworth brushes & mending Glass

3.87

“ “ Further loss on depreciated money

3.40

Revd. Dr. Gardiner

2000.

Records of Trinity Church, Boston

353.50

Miss Brown Organist

200.

J. Sharp Clerk & Chorister

150.

Thomas Southworth Sexton

100.

R. White bellows Blower

15.

2818.50

3285.120

Due Revd. Dr. Gardiner this day on a/c of Grant

46.50

1820

April 10

29

July 22

October 22

“ “

“ “

“ 27

1821

January 1

“ 23

March 27

April 21

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c current with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

By Cash burial of Whitman in Strangers tomb

10.

“ “ “ Thos. Allen “ “

10.

“ “ “ burial Nancy Cushman “ “

10.

“ “ of Jas. Rowe in part of Jacob Rowe’s note

for Pew No. 92 March 28th 1796

50.

“ Cash burial of Child of Buckinham

5.

“ “ of Mrs. Whall

10.

“ “ “ “ Thomas Carters Son

10.

“ “ “ “ Mrs. Cole

10.

“ “ “ “ Mr. Williams’ child

5.

“ “ “ two burials names forgotten

20.

“ “ Recording of 4 Deeds of Pews

4.

“ “ Rent of Pew No. 60 of Gardiner Greene Esq.

30.

“ “ John Amory tax of Gallery Pew his proportion

3.

“ “ Taxes Collected since Easter viz.

1818 to 1819

74.32

1819–1820

717.90

1820–1821

2315.90

3108.12

3285.12

1821

April 21

1820

April 5

May 18

“ 26

July 20

August 23

October 27

1821

January 14

“ 20

“ 30

March

Taxes remaining due at Easter 1821

1816–1817

3.55

1817–1818

30.25

1818–1819

182.22

1819–1820

340.15

1820–1821

858.60

1414.77

Boston April 25 1821

Errors Excepted

George Brinley

Joseph Head Jr.   Wardens

The annual collection at Christmas 1821 amounted to Two hundred & fifty dollars.

At a meeting of the Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Hall of the Massachusetts Bank on Monday February 25th 1822. Present both the Wardens, Messrs. Greene, Lloyd, Winthrop, Apthorp, Amory, Foster, Head & John Hubbard.

On motion of Col. Apthorp It was voted

That a Committee of three be chosen to examine the deeds, documents & proofs of the Land belonging to Trinity Church and to report on the nth day of March next such a statement of Facts relative to the rights of the Church as they may be able to furnish from such examination. Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Apthorp & Mr. Foster were chosen on said Committee. The meeting was then adjourned to Monday nth March.

At a meeting of the vestry of Trinity Church held on Monday March nth 1822 by adjournment from February 25th. Present the Rector, Wardens, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Greene, Mr. Amory, Mr. Foster & Mr. Apthorp. Mr. Lloyd, Chairman of the Committee chosen on the 26th inst. presented the following Report.

The Committee appointed agreeably to a vote of the Vestry on the 25th Ult. respectfully report that they have attended to the duty assigned them and from an examination of certain deeds & conveyances now in the keeping of the Wardens, & partly founded on a Judgment of Court and formal delivery of possession by the then Sheriff of the County, and from the records & papers of the Church It appears,

1st That the lot of land fronting on Summer street in Boston whereon Trinity Church now stands, on the 25th April 1728 belonged to and was in possession of Leonard Vassall Esq. then a respectable inhabitant of the Town, & which estate is described in the words following to wit—‘his the said Leonard Vassall’s messuage or dwelling house and land situate lying & being in Summer Street, so called at the south end of Boston; butted & bounded as follows—vizt. southerly on said Street there measuring eighty six feet, easterly on Bishops lane there measuring one hundred sixty nine feet, northerly on the heirs of John Valentine Esq. deceased there measuring forty five feet, westerly on land of the heirs of John Marion deceased there measuring on a straight line one hundred twenty nine feet ten inches, then northerly again on land of said Marion’s heirs there measuring twenty seven feet, then running northerly by said Marions land until it comes to said Valentine’s land forty feet six inches, more or less, or however otherwise bounded or reputed to be bounded, with all the privileges and appurtenances, reversions and remainder thereunto belonging.’

2nd That the said Leonard Vassall by his deed duly executed bearing date April 13th 1730 and recorded by John Ballantine, the Registor, with Suffolk deeds Lib. 44 fol. 157 in consideration of the receipt by him of £574.7.2d in good public bills of credit of the province, conveyed the said before described premises to John Barnes, John Gibbens & William Speakman in special trust, for the following, and for no other use, intent, or purpose whatsoever: That the said Barnes, Gibbens & Speakman or any of them in absence of the other should within five years & five months from the nth day of April 1730 procure or cause to be built on the said lot of land a building or Church for the worship of God and for the decent and regular performance of divine praise according to the forms of the Episcopal Church, or as then called the Church of England; or in default of erecting the said building for the purpose and within the time aforesaid, the said lot of land should revert to the said Leonard Vassall, his heirs or assigns, he or they paying the sum of £450 therefor and no more.

3rd That on the 28th February 1735 the said Trustees John Gibbens & Wm. Speakman (the other Trustee John Barnes being stated to be absent) and the contemplated Church being then erected but not finished, conveyed by their deed under said date, the lot of land aforesaid with the Church erected thereon, to Peter Luce, Thomas Child, William Price and Thomas Greene, being a Committee chosen from among divers persons who had advanced sums of money for the purpose of erecting said Church to the end that the same might be completed, and that the said lot of land & building should be holden by the said Trustees, until, by a sale or alienation of the pews or seats of the Church or otherwise the money expended in the erection thereof should be reimbursed & paid to the several piously disposed persons who had advanced the same: and that immediately thereafter, and on their being indemnified for contracts on account thereof The said Trustees should convey the said premises, with the building erected thereon, to the Wardens & Vestry of the Church to be held by them, & their successors, for the purposes aforesaid forever, which deed is recorded with Suffolk deeds March 9th 1935, by Samuel Gerrish then Register L 52 fol. 95.

4th That on the 10th October 1739 The said Peter Luce, Thomas Child, William Price, & Thomas Greene being a Committee and Trustees as aforesaid by their deed under the same date acknowledge the receipt & reimbursement of all monies advanced for building the said Church and of a guaranty against all contracts by them made for account thereof, and conveyed the said lot of land with the building thereon to William Speakman & Joseph Dowse as Wardens and to John Arbuthnot, Philip Dumaresque, Charles Apthorp, Benjamin Faneuil, John Merrit, John Hammok, Thomas Austin, Henry Laughton, Peter Kenwood, Rufus Greene, Lawrence Leutwick and William Coffin as the Vestry of said Church, being called Trinity Church, and to their successors forever, in trust & on condition that the said edifice or building shall be improved & appropriated for the public worship of God, according to the forms and usages of the then Church of England. That the right of presentation of the Minister, of Ministers of said Church shall be, and always remain in the proprietors of said Church, or a major part of them, each pew entitling the owner thereof to one vote. And that all votes for the choice of a Minister, or Ministers, and the officers of the said Church and their Salaries shall be by written votes & not otherwise which said deed is recorded in the Registry of deeds for the County of Suffolk May 9th 1740. L 59. fol. 46.

From all which it is apparent that the Proprietors of the Church have been in actual possession and public improvement of the premises for religious purposes under a previously valid title for nearly eighty three years—To wit—from the 10th October 1739 to the present date the nth March 1822, being a period of more than double the longest time required by an existing law of the Commonwealth to vest a complete right in the actual possessor of real property without any other source of title or claim whatsoever. The right in fee of the Church to the property before described in the opinion of the Committee can therefore admit neither of contest nor of question.

In reference to the piece of land on the North side of the lot belonging to the Church, which has for many years been leased for a passageway, it appears from the records that in November 1738 Mr. James Griffin, the proprietor of the land westwardly adjoining, desired the Trustees would give him a lease for a way of twelve feet on the North part of the Church land adjoining to Joseph Gooch’s land on such terms as the Trustees should think proper; who were in the succeeding January empowered to lease unto Mr. Griffin the passageway asked for, upon condition of his fencing it out, keeping the fence in repair, and paying two ounces of silver per annum for the use of the Church for twenty one years.

On the expiration of which period at a meeting of the Vestry held at Easter 1759 it was voted that the Wardens should be empowered to lease to James Griffin the passage way of twelve feet in width as then fenced off, for seven years, he paying twenty shillings per annum therefor and maintaining the fence & not build thereon, which rent is credited in an account between the Church & Rufus Greene under date of June 1766 as seven pounds received in Cash of Henry Laughton for seven years rent of a passage way to Mr. Griffins Barn; and in the same account current a further credit is given of one pound being for one year’s rent of said passage way due April 16th 1767. Subsequently to which last mentioned date no entry is found in relation to this subject until April 1802, when a credit is given in the account of the Wardens copied into the Church Books of 91 Dollars 94 cents as a Debt due from the Estate of James Griffin, but the records for the intervening period are defective; none existing from 1769 to 1776, while it is evident from a minute at the close of the last account in the first book, that one of the Record books of the Church has been lost or mislaid.

The deficiency of information respecting the concerns of the Church for this period is however in the present instance in a great measure fortunately removed by an original account under date of May 1801 & signed by Richard Green & George Deblois, Wardens of the Church, which has been obtained from the Widow of the late Bishop Parker, in which credit is given to the Church for the aforesaid sum of 91 dollars & 94 cents; which results from the balance of an account at that time adjusted between the Wardens of the Church and the Estate of James Griffin, in which the latter is charged with the expense of erecting a fence and with thirty two years Rent of the passage way, at 20/ per annum, viz. from April 1769 to April 1801 & credited for fifteen years rent at 10/ per annum, of land belonging to the said estate and taken into the yard of the Church.

Posterior to this date, April 1801, there is no entry on the books of the church relative to said strip of land, or passage way. The Committee therefore think it expedient to recommend that a vote should be passed by the vestry requesting the Wardens to make out an account for the use of the said strip or piece of land from April 1801 to the time of the death of the late Mr. Badger, who had a life estate in the building, to which the passage way aforesaid led, at the rate of 20/ per annum, and deducting therefrom 10/ a year as the rent of a piece of land belonging to the Griffin estate, and now enclosed in the Church yard, & present the same for payment to Capt. Atkins of Dedham, who has heretofore acted as the agent of the late Mrs. Badger & to the Executor or Administrator of her estate. And as the said Griffin Estate is now unsettled, and it may be uncertain to whom the same does descend the Committee further recommend that the Wardens be also requested to give notice in writing to the Tenant of the building to which the passage way aforesaid leads that he will be required to pay a rent of 10/ per annum for the use of said strip of land as a passage way, from the time of the death of the late Mr. Badger, as long as he uses the same, or until the said land may be otherwise improved or disposed of by the Church.

With regard to the land belonging to the Church on Bishop’s alley now Hawley Street, it appears from sundry memoranda and the sketch of a plan of the late Revd. Bishop Parker as well as from several votes of the Vestry at different times relative to the fence on said alley, that a part of the lot on its whole eastern boundary has been left unoccupied or fenced and has been used for some years past as a common road or highway; and as the resumption of the land when it is not particularly wanted by the Church would still further narrow at its narrowest end a great thoroughfare and incommode the public, and possibly lead to an altercation with the municipal authorities, the Committee leave it to the good judgment of the vestry to decide whether they will at this time resume the said strip of land, or suffer the same to remain in its present state, until the space may be wanted for the erection of a new edifice; when it cannot be doubted that the Proprietors on the one part will have every disposition to accomodate the public compatible with their interest & that on the other the City authorities will be equally well disposed to respect the rights and consult the convenience of the Church.

All which is submitted:

Whereupon it was voted

That the Report of the Committee be accepted and the application to Capt. Atkins and the notification to the Tenant of the building therein mentioned be made & given by the Wardens accordingly.

Voted That the Wardens be requested respectfully to ask of the Widow of the late Revd. Bishop Parker, & former Rector of this Church, that she would cause the books & papers of her deceased husband to be examined & have such of them as are unconnected with the Estate of the late Bishop and have reference to the Concerns of the Church delivered for safe keeping to the wardens thereof.

Voted That for the more secure preservation thereof the account settled by the Wardens of the Church with the Estate of Mr. Griffin be entered on the Records of the Church.

Voted on motion of Col. Apthorp That the Wardens be requested to cause an examination to be made of the condition of the Church, and be authorized to adopt such measures as in their opinion will be proper to add to its security in case upon any occasion hereafter such a crowd may be assembled there as might otherwise be attended with danger.

Voted, on motion of Mr. Lloyd, That the Wardens be requested to make suitable compensation to the Porter of the Bank for his services in preparing for the accomodation of the two meetings.

The account referred to in the Report of the Committee is copied on the next page.

The Estate of the late James Griffin Esq. in Summer Street in Account with the Proprietors of Trinity Church

To Rent of passage way from Bishops alley to Barn, on said

Estate from April 1769 to April 1786 17 years at 20/

17.

To Expense of Erecting Fence across said passage way with

large gates said estate being obliged to maintain the fence

9.13.4

To Rent of said passage way from April 1786 to April 1801

15 years at 20/

15.

£41.13.14

$138.94

1787

July 1801 Received the above balance of Ninety one Dollars Ninety four cents of Revd. Samuel Parker Trustee to S. Badger the Usufractuary of said Estate.

signed Richard Green

Geo. Deblois

The Estate of the late James Griffin Esq. in Summer Street in account with the Proprietors of Trinity Church

By ⅓ Cost of erecting a Necessary House for Use of Said

Church The whole by Loring’s a/c being £19.16

6.12

By 15 years Rent of Land belonging to said Estate taken into

the Churchyard

7.10

£14.2

$ 47.

Balance due to the Church

91.94

138.94

1786

1801

Boston May 1801

Errors Excepted

signed

Richard Green

Geo. Deblois      Wardens

At the annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Monday April 8th 1822. The following Officers were elected by ballot for the year ensuing viz.

George Brinley

Joseph Head Jr.      Wardens

Vestry

  • Stephen Higginson
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Jonathan Amory
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • John Hubbard
  • Henry Hubbard
  • Wm. Tudor

Voted That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner 6 in addition to his Salary for the year ensuing.

Voted That the appointment of a Clerk & Chorister and Assistants be referred to the Rector & Wardens with Salaries not exceeding in the whole Two Hundred Dollars.

Voted That the Rector & Wardens be requested to engage an Organist with a Salary not exceeding Two Hundred Dollars.

Voted That the appointment of a Sexton be referred to the Wardens with a salary not exceeding One Hundred Dollars.

Voted That Gardiner Greene & Joseph Head Esqs. be Delegates from this Church to the next Convention of the Episcopal Church in this State.

Voted That the Tax & assessment on the pews be the same as last year & that the Wardens be requested to collect the whole amount on or before the 1st March next.

On Sunday April 21st There was collected to be placed at the disposal of the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese Eighty four 00/100 Dollars which was paid by the Wardens to the Vice Treasurer of the Bishops Fund.

The Annual Collection at Christmas 1822 amounted to $870.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account current with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

To Cash pd. S. R. Parker for Music (omitted last year)

3.

“ “ pd. A. Jenkins repairing Front Steps & Railing

22.38

“ “ “ D. Rea painting

Ditto

1.75

“ “ “ premo. of Exchange on 140 at one per cent

1.40

“ “ “ Revd. Dr. Gardiner due him at Easter

146.50

“ “ “ Exchange of Foreign Bills last year to pay Dr.

Gardiner allowed by Proprietors Easter

Monday

7.

“ “ “ Wm. Goodrich for New Bellows to Organ

75.

“ “ “ Thos. Southworth taking down Stoves, Glass,

Lime &c.

16.50

“ “ “ George Howe’s bill of Wood & Bark

31.67

“ “ “ Thos. Southworth Charcoal Glass & pointing

Windows

18.33

“ “ “ premo. of Exchange on $200 into Boston

money

2.

“ “ “ Geo. Barker’s bill of Chair & Glass for Vestry

Room

7.

“ “ “ Saml. Salisbury proportion of Crossing Stones

in front Church

43.

“ “ “ premo. of Exchange of 120 to Boston money

1.20

“ “ “ Thos Southworth ornamenting Church at

Xmas & sundry small charges

34.50

“ “ “ Levi Hawkes repairing Stoves & funnel

20.

“ “ “ Otis Briggs’ New Cellar Door & Iron work

11.

“ “ “ Th. Southworth Stoves Glass & Brushes

9.25

“ “ “ for Use of Hall at Masschts Bank

2.

“ “ “ Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.

on account of his Grant

332.56

Miss Brown Organist

200.

James Sharp Clerk & Chorister

150.

Tho. Southworth Sexton

100.

R. White Bellows Blower

15.

2797.56

premo. of Exchange on 523 Foreign

money

5.23

3213.70

Due Revd. Dr. Gardiner on account of his Grant

167.44

1821

May 9

“ 10

“ 19

“ 22

“ “

July 16

August 10

October 11

“ 20

“ 29

November 13

1822

January

“ 9

“ 15

March 28

April 6

“ “

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account current with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

By Cash recd. of Jos. Rowe in full of Jacob Rowe’s note for

pew No. 92 in March 1796

52.50

“ “ for the Interment in the Strangers Vault of

8 adults

80.

3 children

15.

95.

“ “ Recording 6 Deeds

6.

“ “ of Mrs. Langdon Elwyn for Rent of Pew No. 60

(beside the Tax)

12.50

“ “ for Taxes collected since Easter 1821 viz.

due from

1819 to 1820

148.5

1820 “ 1821

602.85

1821 “ 1822

2296.80

3047.70

$3213.70

1821

July 10

1822

April 6

Taxes remaining due at Easter 1822

from 1816–1817

3.55

1817–1818

30.25

1818–1819

182.32

1819–1820

190.10

1820–1821

252.55

1821–1822

877.70

Boston April 8th 1822

Errors Excepted

signed

George Brinley

Joseph Head Jr.   Wardens

At a meeting of the proprietors of Trinity Church (warned by notice from the Organ Loft on the preceding Sunday & by written notifications) held at said Church on Sunday July 14th 1822.

Voted on motion of Mr. Dehon. That the Wardens & Vestry be authorized and requested to purchase the Estate adjoining the Church, now belonging to the Heirs of the late Mr. James Griffin if they shall judge it expedient.

Voted on motion of Mr. Head. That the Wardens & Vestry be authorized & requested, in case they purchase the said Estate, to procure on behalf of the Proprietors the funds necessary for the payment of the purchase money.

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Hall of the Masschts Bank August 20th 1822 present The Rector, both Wardens, Mr. Greene, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Apthorp, Mr. Head, Mr. H. Hubbard & Mr. Tudor.

on motion of Mr. Lloyd

Voted That a Committee of three be appointed to consider of the expediency of purchasing the Estate westwardly adjoining the lot of land on which Trinity Church now stands and to report thereon: and in case they deem the purchase expedient, to report the means of obtaining the funds therefor.

Voted That Mr. Head Sr., Mr. Lloyd, and Mr. Greene compose this Committee.

The Collection to be placed at the disposal of the Bishop on Sunday April 6 1823 amounted to $79.78/100 which was paid by the Wardens to the Treasurer of the Bishops Fund.

At a Meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Hall of the Massachusetts Bank on Thursday March 27th 1823. The Wardens having signified their intention to decline any longer continuance in office after Easter Monday a Committee was appointed to designate candidates for the office, solicit their acceptance if chosen, & report at the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors on Easter Monday; with liberty to include in their report such system of Collection of the dues of the Church as shall render the office of Warden less burthensome for the future.

Col. Apthorp & Mr. Amory were chosen to constitute the Committee.

At the Annual meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at said Church on Easter Monday March 31st 1823.

George Brinley Esq. Senior Warden presiding

The Junior Warden being absent Samuel D. Parker Esq. was appointed Secretary pro tempore.

Col. Apthorp Chairman of a Committee appointed at a Meeting of the Vestry on the 27 inst. made the following Report.

The Committee appointed at a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church held in the Hall of the Massachusetts Bank on Thursday last the 27th inst. to take into consideration the subject of the next election of Wardens report

That in order to relieve the wardens from the most unpleasant part of what has been heretofore considered their duty viz. collecting the dues to the Church they recommend that the proprietors pass a vote authorizing the Wardens to employ a suitable Agent to aid them in that duty & that such agent be allowed a suitable compensation for the services he may perform.

The Committee recommend to the Proprietors and occupiers of pews voluntarily to pay their taxes on Easter Monday or at such time & place as shall be designated in the tax bills in order to relieve the Church from the charge of Agency in collecting them as far as may be practicable.

And the Committee further recommend that the Gentlemen who have for several years past acted as Wardens with such fidelity to their trust and with such satisfaction to the proprietors be solicited to allow themselves to be considered Candidates for the same offices the ensuing year, as should this report be accepted their duties will in a great measure be facilitated.

signed

Jno. T. Apthorp

Com

Jonathan Amory

Boston 29th March 1823

Whereupon it was Voted that the Same be accepted.

The following Gentlemen were then elected Officers for the year ensuing viz.

  • George Brinley
  • Joseph Head Jr.   Wardens

Vestry

  • Stephen Higginson
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Jonathan Amory
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • John Hubbard
  • Henry Hubbard
  • William Tudor

Voted That Thomas Southworth be Sexton for the year ensuing & that his Salary be One Hundred Dollars.

Voted That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary for the ensuing year.

Voted That the whole subject of Music including the appointment of Organist be referred to the Rector & Wardens who are hereby authorized to act upon the subject at their discretion.

Voted on motion of Col. Apthorp That the Hon. James Lloyd, Thomas L. Winthrop & Saml. D. Parker Esqs. be a committee to consider of the expediency & propriety of obtaining an act of Incorporation of the Proprietors of Trinity Church & to report at the adjournment of this meeting.

Voted on motion of Mr. Hatch That a Committee be appointed to take into consideration the expediency of a more efficient mode of warming the Church & report at the adjourned meeting. Hon. James Lloyd, Mr. Jabez Hatch & Capt. Samuel Sanger were chosen to constitute this Committee.

Voted That when this meeting adjourn it do adjourn to Monday the 6th day of May next then to be held at the Vestry Room at 11 oclock A.M. The meeting was then adjourned accordingly.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room by adjournment on Monday May 5th 1823.

Voted That, in compliance with the report of the Committee on the election of Wardens &c. made at the last meeting, The Wardens be authorized to employ some suitable person to collect the Dues of the Church & to allow him such compensation as they shall think proper.

Voted That the taxes & assessment on the pews be the same as last year.

The Committee on the subject of an Act of Incorporation made the following Report: The Committee appointed to consider the expediency and propriety of an Act of Incorporation of the Proprietors of this Church respectfully beg leave to report:

That considering the tenure by which the Real Estate belonging to this Church is held, and the probability that it will be expedient before long to purchase & hold other Real Estate, and that by an Act of Incorporation other facilities of managing the affairs of the Church will be obtained, it is the opinion of this Committee that it is proper and expedient that measures should be taken by the Proprietors of this Church to obtain an Act of Incorporation and the Committee recommend that the following Vote be passed.

Voted That the Proprietors of Trinity Church be notified by leaving a printed notification in each pew to attend a Proprietors meeting on the [no number given] day of May current at the Vestry Room at noon to take into consideration and decide if it be their desire that the Wardens & Vestrymen of this Church should be authorized & requested to apply at the next session of the Legislature of this Commonwealth in behalf of the Proprietors of this Church for an Act of Incorporation.

All which is respectfully submitted

[no names given]

Com.

Whereupon it was Voted That the above Report be accepted & that a meeting of the Proprietors of this Church be held for the purpose therein expressed on Monday the 19th inst. at the Vestry Room at 11 oclock in the forenoon.

Mr. Hatch from the Committee appointed at the Annual meeting on the subject “of a more efficient mode of warming the Church” presented their Report which having been read & considered it was Voted, That the subject be recommitted to the same Committee to report again at the next meeting of the Proprietors.

The meeting was then dissolved.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c current with George Brinley and Joseph Head, Jr. Wardens

To Cash paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner for ballance due at Easter

167.44

“ premo. on Exchange Foreign money

1.00

Ditto

Ditto

1.68

2.68

“ Cash paid Otis Briggs repairs of Church and Lumber

27.21

“ “ “ Benja. Clark repairing Organ Loft

4.00

“ “ “ Thos. Barry’s bill 6 Cords of Wood

24.00

“ “ “ T. Southworth Sawing Wood & mending Glass

5.92

“ “ “ Ditto fixing Stoves 3 Casks Lime & Glass

16.00

“ “ “ Ditto pointing Windows, Bark & Coal

17.25

“ “ “ Levi Hawkes bill repairing Stoves etc

26.21

“ “ “ Premo. on Exchange Foreign money

2.00

“ “ “ Th. Southworth bill Spruce & cleaning Vault

27.50

“ “ “ Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.

do on a/c of Grant

204.94

Miss Brown Organist

200.00

J. Sharp Clerk & Chorister

150.00

T. Southworth Sexton

100.00

Jocyling ? Assistant Chorister

50.00

Bellows Blower

15.00

2719.94

Exchange on Foreing money

4.40

3044.55

Due Revd. Dr. Gardiner on a/c of Grant

295.06

1822

April 16

July 8

“ 22

September 9

October 9

November 16

28

1823

January 2

4

Cr   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c current with George Brinley and Joseph Head, Jr. Wardens

By Cash for Interment of Miss Milner in Strangers Tomb

10.00

“ “ of Mr. Elwyn for Rent of Pew No. 60 besides Tax

12.50

“ “ Recording 2 Deeds

2.00

“ “ Taxes collected since Easter 1822 vizt.

from 1819 to 1820

12.50

1820 “ 1821

68.70

1821 “ 1822

640.10

1822 “ 1823

2298.75

3020.05

1823

March 31

1823

January 14

Taxes remaining due at Easter 1823 vizt.

1816–1817

3.55

1818

30.25

1819

182.32

1820

177.60

1821

183.25

1822

235.70

1823

875.75

$169.02

Sum $881.37 is merely nominal the Debtors being insolvent

3044.55

Boston March 31st 1823

Errors Excepted

Signed

George Brinley

Wardens

J. Head Jr.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room of said Church on Monday May 19th, convened pursuant to Notification lodged in each pew on Sunday 18th inst. Twenty five proprietors being present The subject of Application to the Legislature for an act of Incorporation of the Proprietors of this Church having been considered it was voted unanimously, That the further consideration of the expediency of applying to the Legislature of this Commonwealth for an Act to incorporate the proprietors of this Church be postponed to a future meeting of the proprietors, to be held after the Committee of the Vestry chosen on the 20th August last shall have made their report to that body.

The following Report of the Committee on the subject of a more efficient mode of warming the Church was then read.

“The Committee appointed by a vote of the Proprietors of Trinity Church passed March 31st 1823 to take into consideration the expediency of a more efficient mode of warming the Church have had the subject referred to them under their consideration & respectfully Report:—

“That from the age of the building—the thinness of the partition walls & floors—the looseness of the windows in their casements & from the openings between the sides & Sills of the Doors, the House in extreme cold weather is rendered very uncomfortable to the Worshippers attding who are remotely situated from the Stoves, and particularly to those who have their seats in pews adjoining the side aisles; & being perfectly persuaded it is the earnest desire of the Vestry of the Church to contribute to the comfort of the whole congregation as equally as possible while attending public worship. The Committee recommend that before the approach of cold weather the ensuing autumn, that the windows of the Church both above & below should be pointed; the doors taken off their hinges & made to fit closely to their frames; the great doors to be fastened & not opened during the continuance of the cold weather except for funerals & the cracks at the sides, the top, bottom & centre to be secured by slats covered with baize fastened against them; & that an inner portico with a door & spring to keep it closed the whole to be covered with baise be put up at each of the sides doors.

“These precautions the Committee would deem it expedient to have adopted in any event, after which the Church may be additionally warmed by any one of the three following modes which will be succintly stated and left for their selection & adoption, or rejection to the good judgment of the Proprietors.

“1st By the erection, under the Church, of a cellar or Wake field Stove to feed the Church with warm air; several of these are now in use in private houses in Boston, and one has very recently been put up in the new Church of the Universalits in Bulfinch place; from the information the Committee have obtained they have reason to believe that a Stove of this description might be easily built, and safely used in the cellar, & could be erected at an expense of about 800 Dollars without in any way defacing the Church; & that when in use it would create a uniform temperature in the air of the building of about 50 degrees of heat, and could be maintained by a consumption of fuel not much greater, if any larger, than now required for the supply of one of the stoves used in the Church.

“The warm air to be admitted into the Church can be taken from the outside, but the Committee are well aware that strong prepossessions do and will exist against placing a Stove in the cellar of the Church, from the Cemeteries on each side and at the end of it; these objections the Committee decline to take upon themselves the responsibility of combatting.

“The 2d mode is by erecting two additional stoves near the entrance of the Church, and leading the funnells under the galleries and over the side aisles to the upper square of each of the last side windows.

“The 3d is by giving a similar, but opposite direction, to the funnells of the stoves now erected without putting up others.

“If any one of these plans were adopted and if the middle & side aisles were carpetted as is now very commonly done in the Churches in the Southern cities, the Church would become as the Committee are convinced, warmer & more comfortable to its attendants & would be rendered more respectable in its appearance, while the solemnity of the Divine worship would also be promoted by taking off the disturbance unavoidably arising from those who reach the Church after the commencement of the service.

all which is submitted

signed J. Lloyd per order”

Voted That the whole subject embraced in the above Report be referred to a select committee of three persons with instructions to adopt the Wakefield Stove & with discretionary powers regarding all the other details.

Voted That Messrs. R. D. Shepherd, Jabez Hatch & William Dehon constitute this Committee.

Voted That the Wardens be added to this Committee.

The meeting was then dissolved.

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Sunday May 25th 1823. The Committee on the subject of purchasing the Estate next westward of the Church made the following Report.

“The Committee who were appointed by a vote of the Vestry of Trinity Church at a meeting held on the 20th August last to consider of the expediency of purchasing the Estate westwardly adjoining the lot of lands on which Trinity Church now stands and in case they deem the same expedient to report the means of obtaining the funds therefor have taken the subject submitted to them into consideration & respectfully Report That they are unanimously of opinion from the Church being destitute of funds, and from the general state of its financial concerns, that it will be inexpedient on the part of the Proprietors to purchase the land aforesaid.”

Whereupon it was unanimously Voted That the Report be accepted.

On Sunday the 5th October 1823, pursuant to a circular recommendation of the City Council, a collection was made for the sufferers by extensive fires in the towns of Wiscassett & Alna, Me. which occured in the beginning of September ult. & the amount $199.23 paid over by the Wardens to the Clerk of that body.

On Christmas day 1823 There was collected the sum of $270 & on Sunday March 1824 there was collected for the purpose of defraying the Expenses of the Bishop of the Eastern diocese at the triennial Visitation One Hundred & forty nine Dollars & 55 cts. which was paid over by the Wardens.

At the annual meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held at the Vestry Room on Easter Monday April 19th 1824 Gardiner Greene Esq. was chosen Chairman & Joseph Head Jr. Secretary. The following Officers were elected by ballot for the year insuing

  • George Brinley &
  • Joseph Head Jr.      Wardens

Vestrymen

  • Stephen Higginson
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Gardiner Greene
  • James Lloyd
  • Jonathan Amory
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Joseph Foster
  • Joseph Head
  • John Hubbard
  • Henry Hubbard
  • Wm. Dehon.

Voted That the Vestrymen of this Church be a Committee to report at the next annual meeting two suitable candidates to be elected next year as Wardens the present Wardens declining a re-election.

Voted That Thomas Southworth be Sexton the ensuing year with a salary of One Hundred Dollars.

Voted That Five Hundred Dollars be granted to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary for the ensuing year.

Voted that the whole subject of Music including the appointment of Organist Chorister & assistants be referred to the Rector & Wardens and that they be authorized to act thereon at their discretion.

Voted that to meet extraordinary expenses the ensuing year the taxes on the pews in the middle aisle be $41 in side aisle $30 pews including pillars $20 & the residue the same as last year.

Voted That Col. Apthorp Mr. Brinley & S. D. Parker Esq. be a Committee to take such measures with regard to fences & boundary monuments as they shall deem necessary to secure the rights of the Church.

On representation of Mr. Brinley, who stated that at the request of Apthorp Esq. one of the Wardens of [no name given] Church at Quincy the Wardens of this Church had permitted them to use one the Stoves belonging to this Church untill the pleasure of the Proprietors should be known.

Voted unanimously That the said Stove & such portion of the funnell as is in use at Quincy be presented to the Church there.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c Current with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

To Cash pd. Thos. Southworth for Stoves & brushes furnished

last year & not included in former account

6.25

To premium on Exchange of foreign money

3.

“ Cash pd. Dr. Gardiner bala. last year’s Grant

295.06

“ Premium on Exchange for money

1.73

“ M. Sprague altering Chancel Window

2.25

“ Thos. Clark assessment for proportion Convention Dinner

26.57

“ S. H. Parker bill of printing, part done last year

19.35

“ Thos. Southworth Lime & cleaning Vault

20.

“ Hancock’s bill of Wood

20.25

“ premo. on Exchange Foreign money

3.24

“ T. Southworth pointing Windows &c. &c.

15.50

“ Ditto dressing Church at Christmas &c.

26.67

“ Ditto bill of Coal

6.

“ Thomas Perkins Jr. for Curtains to Organ loft procured

20.26

“ M. Bugbee use of Hall of Masschts Bank by him

6.

“ Burroughs bill of Wood

15.

Revd. Dr. Gardiners Salary

2000.

Ditto on a/c of Grant

94.

Miss Brown Organist

200.

Sharp Chorister & Clerk

160.

Southworth Sexton

100.

Walker Bellows Blower

15.

2559.

Matthew Sprague for Interior porches

64.59

E. Glover collecting Taxes

68.26

premo. on Exchange of Money

1.54

3180.45

1823

April 14

May 12

July 19

August 4

September 30

October 9

“ 30

1824

January

March

April 5

“ 8

“ 17

There remains due to Revd. Dr. Gardiner bala. of his Grant

406.

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in a/c Current with George Brinley & Joseph Head Jr. Wardens

By Cash for Interment of a Child in Strangers Tomb

omitted in last a/c

5.

“ “ “ for recording 3 deeds

3.

By Ditto for Internment of Mr. Carter

10.

“ “ “ “ of Mr. Malay’s child

5.

of Mr. Farley [?]

10.

25.

By Ditto of Mrs. Elwyn for pew No. 60 rented to her beside

the Tax

12.50

By Ditto for Taxes collection since Easter 1823

from 1820 to 1821

12.50

1824

April 19

1824

April

June 6

1821 to 1822

37.50

1822 to 1823

592.55

1823 to 1824

2492.40

3134.95

Taxes outstanding at Easter 1825 viz.

1816–1817

3.55

1817–1818

30.25

1818–1819

182.32

1819–1820

177.60

1820–1821

171.35

1821–1822

198.20

1822–1823

282.70

1823–1824

682.10

1728.07

NB The greatest proportion of this amount is merely nominal.

There can be collected only 588. from which deduct

amount due Dr. Gardiner

406.

& there remains only

an available balance of

$182.

Boston April 19th 1824

Errors Excepted

signed

George Brinley

J. Head Jr.

Wardens

3180.45

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry Room on Sunday May 16th 1824 present the Rector, Junior Warden Messrs. Perkins, Amory, Winthrop, Apthorp, Head, Jno. Hubbard & Dehon. The Rector read a statement from Wm. H. Gardiner Esq. relating to the Bequest of the late Mr. Wm. Price* to the Rector & Wardens of King’s Chapel whereupon it was voted that Col. Apthorp & Mr. Dehon be a Committee to take the subject into consideration & report at the adjourned meeting. The meeting was then adjourned to meet at this place on Sunday the 30th inst. immediately after Divine Service in the morning.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church at the Vestry Room on Sunday May 24th 1824 after the evening service present 16 proprietors.

Voted That the Proprietors of Trinity Church agree to annul the Contract by which they hold possession of a piece of Land formerly belonging to James Griffin, but now belonging to the Trustees of the Greene Foundation & that they deliver up the premises to the said Trustees.

Voted That the said proprietors in consideration of the future use of said premises do grant to the said Trustees a right of way over their land belonging to the said proprietors from Hawley Street to the new School houses erected on the land belonging to the said Trustees.

Voted That the Wardens be empowered to carry the preceding votes into effect, and to execute any Deeds which may be necessary for that purpose.

On the 9th May The Annual collection to be placed at the disposal of the Bishop amounted to $93.54 which was paid over by the Wardens to the Treasurer of the Bishop’s Fund.

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church on Sunday May 30, 1824 according to adjournment present the Rector, both Wardens, Messrs. Amory, Apthorp, Dehon, Greene, Head, Jno. Hubbard & Winthrop. The Committee chosen at the last meeting of the Vestry made a report in part & the meeting was then adjourned to meet at the Vestry Room on Sunday June 13 after Morning Service.

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church at said Church on Sunday June 6th 1824 Messrs. Thomas L. Winthrop & Saml. D. Parker were chosen Delegates to represent this Church in the State Convention on the 16th inst. & the Wardens were chosen Delegates to the next Diocesan Convention.

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Vestry Room on Sunday June 13th 1824 according to Adjournment present The Rector, both the Wardens, Messrs. Apthorp, Dehon, Greene, J. Hubbard, Perkins & Winthrop. The Committee on the Communication of Revd. Dr. Gardiner made the following Report.

“The Committee appointed on the 16th inst. Report that they have bestowed as much attention to the subject committed to them as their other avocations have permitted & from examination they find that Mr. Price by his will bequeathed after the death of his wife Sarah Price & his nieces Sarah & Margaret Creese, to the Rector & Wardens of Kings Chapel so called in Boston & to their successors in office in trust forever his brick house with the lands buildings appurtenancies & priveleges thereunto belonging and for the following uses.

“To pay out of the Rents & profits Forty shillings sterling annually to the King’s Chapel Church which shall be kept entire as a fund for said Church and be placed out at Interest upon good security and the Interest only appropriated to said Church forever as the Wardens & Vestry for the time being shall from time to time vote & direct and in no other way or manner. To pay out of the Rents Forty shillings sterling annually for the use of the poor, as after directed.

“The Rector & Wardens to place the remainder of the money annually arising from the Rents at Interest upon good security, to be called in as there may be occasion for repairing, enlarging or rebuilding his said house or any part of the premises and also for keeping his Tomb which is under Trinity Church in good and decent repair. To pay out of the Rents forty shillings sterling annually for the poor of King’s Chapel Christ Church & Trinity Church.

“The surplusage over the above appropriations, if any, is ordered to be put out at Interest by the Minister and Wardens for the time being of said Kings Chapel without making any express appropriation of the principal or Interest.

“The Devise to Trinity Church is in these words ‘In case the Kings Chapel do not accept the Donation, then I hereby give & bequeath all herein before given to & for the benefit of said Kings Chapel to the Minister & Wardens of Trinity Church aforesaid in trust in the same manner and under the same provisions limitations and conditions that it is herein before given to the Minister & Church Wardens of said Kings Chapel.

“It appears that the Estate abovementioned was in the possession of Pelham against whom the Kings Chapel brought a suit & recovered possession upon the ground of their having a better claim than the Defendant who had none. This case is reported in Massachusetts Reports vol. 9 page 501. In the opinion of the Court in their decision it is stated that ‘If by any alteration in their doctrines worship & discipline, this parish has incurred a forfeiture it is for heirs of the testator to avail themselves of it.’ Your Committee are therefore of opinion that a question may fairly be raised whether the Rector & Wardens of Kings Chapel were capable in a legal sense of accepting the bequest at the time when they professed to accept it, and if not whether the claim to it by Trinity Church cannot be substantiated. They think it a question of great difficulty, turning upon very nice points: The identity of the Corporation of King’s Chapel; the validity of the notice of their acceptance of the Donation at the time when the notice was given; the effect of the American Revolution both in Church & state upon the question; there being now no Minister of the Church of England here; The alteration of the Liturgy; the change of doctrine & discipline in Kings Chapel; their departure in many respects from the positive directions of the donor; The laws in our Statute book relative to religious corporations and the numerous decisions in the Massachusetts Term Reports concerning Ministers Parishes Churches &c. which have a bearing upon these controverted points and which, although carefully considered by any man of the highest eminance for his learning & skill, might not produce an opinion upon which great confidence would be placed as to the result of a trial at law upon this Churches rights to alter Price’s bequest, and such a trial must be attended with great expense. Under these convictions at the same time governed by a wish that this business may be conducted with all possible delicacy towards the Rector, Wardens & Proprietors of King’s Chapel, they have arrived at the conclusion that in the first instance a Compromise with them ought to be attempted; and if one can be effected upon equitable terms, so as to prevent any uncomfortable feelings between the two churches, that a proper application should then be made to the Legislature to confirm & render valid Mr. Price’s bequest accordingly. And they advise that a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church be soon convened, and that they be recommended to appoint such a Committee as will be entitled to their entire confidence, to make such a compromise with the Rector, Wardens & proprietors of Kings Chapel as shall by them be deemed advantageous to this Church; and in case of failure in effecting such compromise so to report, in order that ulterior measures may be adopted to establish a claim which, your Committee are of opinion, is a rightful one and which it will then become the duty of the Proprietors of Trinity Church to pursue.

“Your Committee think it their duty also to state that a member of this Church has liberally intimated a disposition (in case it should be decided to prosecute the claim by law) to loan to the Church a considerable sum of money reimburseable at convenient periods.

“Boston May 28th 1824

per order

signed Jno. T. Apthorp”

Voted That the above report be accepted & that the Wardens be requested to call a meeting of the Proprietors to be held at the Vestry Room on Sunday next the 20th inst. after the Evening Service.

At a meeting of the proprietors of Trinity Church duly warned held at the said Church on Sunday June 20th after the Evening Service. Mr. Brinley the senior warden presided & stated to the meeting the object for which it was called which was to ascertain whether the Proprietors would take any measures relative to the Donation in Mr. Prices will & it was then Voted That the Report of a Committee of the Vestry upon this subject be read to the Proprietors at this meeting. Whereupon Col. Apthorp read that Report. After the subject had been discussed, upon motion of Col. Apthorp seconded by the Hon. T. L. Winthrop it was Voted That [no names given] be a Committee with full power & authority to communicate with the Rector, Wardens & proprietors of Kings Chapel upon the subject of Mr. Price’s bequest, and if practicable to make such a compromise with them for the same as said Committee shall deem for the advantage of this Church, & to take such other measures relative to this subject as to them shall seem most for the interest of this Church.

Voted That the said Committee be hereby authorised & empowered to retain such Counsel as they may think proper for the purpose of prosecuting the claim of this Church to the Bequest of Mr. Price, should it hereafter be decided to institute a suit at Law for the recovery of the same.

Voted That this Committee report to the next meeting of the Proprietors.

Voted That the Committee consist of three to be chosen by nomination.

Voted (after the nominations) That John T. Apthorp, Gardiner Greene & Saml. D. Parker Esqs. be this Committee.

Voted to adjourn this meeting to this day four weeks then to meet at the Church after the evening service. Adjourned accordingly.

At an adjourned meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church holden in the Vestry Room on Sunday July 18th 1824.

The Committee appointed at the last meeting upon the subject of Mr. Price’s Donation made the following Report.

“The Committee to whom was referred the subject of Mr. Price’s will beg leave to Report That they have retained the Hon. Daniel Webster as Counsel in behalf of Trinity Church, & have addressed a Letter to Dr. Freeman & the Wardens of Kings Chapel of which the following is a Copy.

“To the Revd. Dr. Freeman

& Joseph May Esq. & Ebenr. Oliver Esq.

“Gentlemen

“Mr. Prices Donation having been a topic of discussion at a late meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church who claim his late Mansion House & Land situated in Cornhill, the undersigned respectfully represent to you that they were elected a Committee upon that subject with discretionary powers to retain Counsel & take such other measures as they should deem most expedient for the Interest of the Church; & they beg leave to assure you, that, while in the discharge of the duty imposed on them they shall be governed by a sedulous regard to the rights of their own Church under the will of that gentleman, no considerations arising from personal difference in theological tenets or from polemical antipathies & prejudices will be permitted to influence their conduct in urging to a final decision the technical niceties & dry matters of Law & fact on which the questions between the parties depend.

“It is in the spirit of that urbanity, with which they hope the controversy will be carried on by both parties if a suit at law is to be commenced that they now address you on the subject; and if there be any move for which you have a preference by which the rights of the conflicting interests under that Testamentary Instrument can be determined in an amicable way, a communication of your wishes, as early as convenient will be received as evidence of the gentlemanly deportment which we doubt not you will always display in the settlement of these controverted points.

“With sentiments of personal respect

We remain Your Humble Servants

signed

Jno. T. Apthorp

Gardr. Greene

Committee of the Proprietors

Saml. D. Parker

of Trinity Church”

Boston July 7th 1824

“The Committee further report that they have not yet received any official answer to their note & beg leave to recommend a further adjournment of this meeting for four or five weeks.

“All which is respectfully submitted

signed   Saml. D. Parker in behalf of the Committee”

Voted that the Report be accepted & that this meeting be adjourned to five weeks from this day then to meet at this place after the Evening Service. Whereupon the meeting was adjourned.

At an adjourned meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church August 22d 1824 at the Vestry Room. The Committee on the subject of Mr. Price’s bequest further Reported as followith.

“The Committee on the subject of Mr. Price’s will beg leave to present the following additional Report. They have received no written reply to the Letter they addressed to Dr. Freeman & his Wardens but were orally invited to meet a Committee of the Proprietors of Kings Chapel consisting of Gen. Sullivan, Ebenr. Oliver, Joseph May & Wm. Minot Esqs. and they accordingly attended on Monday afternoon August 16th. It was supposed that the conversation would have led to a mutual explanation of the sentiments of each party upon the subject; but it was apparent to this Committee that there was much reserve in the other gentlemen & that they sought the interview with a view of sounding & making an experiment upon the feelings, intentions & wishes of this Committee rather than from any desire on their own part to leave the high ground which they thought it expedient for themselves to take. The Committee are brought to this conclusion because a short note from the gentlemen to whom their letter was addressed stating that they were determined to defend their title at all events to Mr. Price’s Mansion House would have been all that was necessary to be done to place the parties in the same situation as they now are & the meeting requested must therefore have had some other view. The Committee did not expect that at the first summons the other party would surrender the property and are therefore of opinion that it is expedient to pursue the usual mode of enforcing a contested claim. The Estate is an extremely valuable one, and the object is supposed to be of such consequence to this Church as will justify the expenses of a law suit in the attempt to recover it. The Committee therefore recommend the following vote to be passed viz.

“Voted That it is expedient to commence without delay an action at law against those who have the possession & who claim title to the Mansion House, Land & appurtenances formerly belonging to the late Mr. Price for the recovery of the same for the benefit of Trinity Church & that the Committee on this subject take proper measures to carry this vote into effect, & that for that purpose they be authorized to borrow at lawful interest the sum of Two Hundred Dollars for one year, and, if the repayment of such Loan cannot be provided for by subscription or otherwise, that at the next annual Proprietors’ meeting on Easter Monday an assessment be made on the owners of pews in this Church for the purpose of repaying said sum & Interest. The Committee would further state that they are not without hopes that a protracted litigation may yet be avoided but are fully persuaded that the desired object will not be obtained without assuming an unequivocal determination to assert the rights of this Church by compulsory process if they cannot be obtained in a more amenable manner. The Committee also recommend an adjournment of this meeting to the third Sunday in October next after Evening Service that they may then state to the Proprietors the situation of this claim, as it may then be necessary for the Proprietors to take some definitive measures on the subject especially if any propositions for an amicable settlement should be made by the other party.

“All which is respectfully submitted

signed S. D. Parker in behalf of said Committee”

Whereupon the Report was accepted the votes recommended adopted & the meeting adjourned accordingly to the 3d [?] Sunday in October.

A notification from the city authorities respecting the repaving of Summer Street & requiring the Proprietors to pave the side walk in front of the Church with Bricks was referred to the Committee on boundaries, chosen at the last annual meeting, to comply with the requisitions of the Law.

The following Vote was then offered by S. D. Parker Esq. & having been seconded passed unanimously. Whereas it is generally known that it is the intention of the owners of the Land on which the Livery Stable recently burnt down in Hawly Street formerly stood to build a new stable, on the same site, and whereas there is a law of the Commonwealth passed the 28th February 1816 enacting that from & after the passing of said Act no building shall be erected in Boston & used & improved as a Livery Stable within One Hundred & Seventy feet of any Church.

Voted That the Wardens of this Church be specially instructed to enforce the provisions of said Law & if any offence shall be committed by the owners of said Land to cause legal process to issue for the recovery of the Penalties therein prescribed.

The meeting was then adjourned to the 3d Sunday in October after Evening Service.

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church at the Hall of the Boston Bank on the 16th day of September 1824 present the Rector, Senior Warden, Messrs. Amory, Apthorp, Dehon, Greene, J. Hubbard, H. Hubbard, Perkins & Winthrop.

Voted That the Minister & Wardens be & they are hereby requested & authorized to appoint William Howard Gardiner their agent & attorney to make peaceable entry, for & in the name of the Minister & Wardens of Trinity Church, (or in the name of the Minister Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church if necessary) into & upon the House & Land formerly of Wm. Price deceased, now in the occupation of Jonathan Stodder & Benjamin C. Frobisher, Jewellers, late No. 39 Cornhill (now called Washington Street) and to take & keep seizin & possession thereof to & for their use, with power to lease the premises from year to year for a term not exceeding three years; to commence & prosecute unto final judgment any suit or suits, and to do any other act or acts necessary to recover secure & maintain their possession, seizin or right in the said Land and appurtenancies or in the Rents & profits of the same; and to substitute one or more agents and attorneys under him for any of the said purposes if he shall think proper.

Voted That a Committee be raised to take into consideration and report their opinion of the best course to be adopted to obtain the means of defraying the expenses that have already been & those that may be incurred by the proceedings in case of Trinity Church against Kings Chapel for the recovery of Mr. Price’s bequests.

Voted That the present Committee on the subject of the Price Donation raised by the proprietors of pews be requested to consider & report on the foregoing subject.

At an adjourned meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on the 17th October 1824 at the Vestry Room.

The Committee upon the subject of Mr. Price’s Will made a further report, stating the Counsel that had been employed in behalf of this Church, viz. Hon. Charles Jackson, Hon. Benja. Gorham, Hon. D. Webster, & Wm. H. Gardiner Esq. had commenced an Action of Ejectment against Messrs. Stodder & Frobisher the Tenants of the Mansion House of the late Mr. Price, and the action would come to trial about the first of December next—which Report is on file, and was read & accepted.

A Vote of thanks was passed to Wm. D. Sohier Esq. who declined taking a retaining fee, but offered his professional services gratuitously.

The Meeting was then adjourned to the 16th January 1825.

At an adjourned Meeting of the Proprietors at the Vestry Room January 16, 1825.

The Committee on Mr. Price’s Donation made a further Report of the progress of the Lawsuit for his Mansion House, and that a Subscription had been successfully opened to defray the expences thereof without resorting to a Tax on the Pews.

The report was read, accepted, & filed.

The Meeting was then dissolved.

At the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church in pursuance of Notice, on Easter Monday, April the 4th 1825 at 11 o’clock A.M.

Joseph Head Esq. was chosen Moderator, and Samuel D. Parker was appointed Secretary of this Meeting.

George Brinley Esq.

and Stephen Deblois Esq. were unanimously chosen Wardens.

The following Gentlemen were chosen Vestry Men, viz.

  • Gardiner Greene
  • John Hubbard
  • Thos. L. Winthrop
  • Joseph Foster
  • James Lloyd
  • Joseph Head
  • Jona. Amory
  • Henry Hubbard
  • John T. Apthorp
  • Wm. Dehon
  • Thos. Perkins
  • Joseph Head Jr.
  • Samuel D. Parker

A Vote of Thanks was passed to Geo. Brinley Esq. and Joseph Head Jr. Esq. for their faithful & acceptable Services as Wardens for the past year.

Voted, That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to Dr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary of $2000.

Voted, That Thos. Southworth be Sexton of this Church for One Year with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

Hon. Thos. L. Winthrop & Saml. D. Parker Esq. were chosen the Lay Delegates to the State Convention; & the Wardens to the Diocesan Convention.

Voted, That the Rector & Wardens appoint & agree with an Organist & Chorister for the year ensuing.

Voted That the Account exhibited by the Wardens for the past year be allowed, passed, & recorded.

Voted, That the Account exhibited by the Treasurer of the Widow & Orphan’s fund be allowed, passed & filed.

Voted, That the same Taxes be assessed on the Pews for the ensuing year as was assessed the last year.

Voted, That when this Meeting adjourns, it be adjourned to the 2d. Sunday in August next after Evening Service then to be held in the Vestry Room.

Voted To adjourn accordingly.

Dr   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in account current with Geo. Brinley & Jos. Head Jr.

To Cash paid Dr. Gardiner Balance of Last Year’s A/ct.

$406.00

“ Thos. Clark’s Bill for Convention Dinner

27.62

“ Otis Brigg’s Bill Carpenters Labour

27.50

“ Thos. Southworth bill Sundries

15.25

“ Otis Brigg’s Bill repair of fence

8.00

“ Luther Eatons Bill of Wood

21.53

“ Thos. Southworth Bill of Sundries

17.50

“ Otis Briggs Bill of fences

23.95

“ T. K. Jones & Co. selling Graupners Pews

3.33

“ Saml. Meats[?] Bill Matts

2.00

“ E. Kingsberrys Bill—Spruce for Christmas

18.00

“ T. Southworth Bill Sundries

2.97

“ “ “ Wood

12.54

“ S. D. Parker’s—repairs before Church

66.60

“ T. Southworths bill wood

9.85

“ B. Loring bill of Blank Book

2.00

“ Mr. Grover 3 per cent Collecting 414.05 of Bills of

1823 to 1824

12.42

“ Revd. Dr. Gardiner’s Salary

2000.00

“ Ditto

Ditto

on a/c Grant

63.23

“ Mrs. Biglow—Organist

200.00

“ Mr. Sharp—Chorister & Clerk

150.00

“ Thos. Southworth Sexton

100.00

“ Jno. Mead—Bellows Blower

15.00

2528.23

“ Premium of exchange of money

3.18

3291.75

1824

May 15

June 16

July 10

August 5

October 8

November 27

1825

January 5

January 22

January 29

March 30

April 2

Balance due Revd. Dr. Gardiner on A/c Salary & Grant

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account Current with Geo.

437.77

Brinley & Jos. Head Jr.

By Cash burial Mr. Smith’s Child

$5.

“ “ Do of Mr. Whall

10.

“ “ Do of a Child

5.

“ “ for recording 2 Deeds

2.

“ Rent of Pew No. 60 over the Taxes

12.50

“ Miss Arnold for 2 Seats in the Gallery for 2 Years

10.

“ Taxes collected since Easter 1824

1822 to 1823

86.85

1823 to 1824

383.90

1824 to 1825

2776.50

3247.25

Taxes remaining due at Easter 1825

1816 to 1817

3.55

181710 1818

30.25

1818 to 1819

182.32

1819 to 1820

177.60

1820 to 1821

171.35

1821 to 1822

198.20

1822 to 1823

196.35

1823 to 1824

298.20

1824 to 1825

624.70

1882.52

Boston April 4, 1825

Errors Excepted,

signed

Geo. Brinley

Jos. Head Jr.      Wardens

3291.75

Easter Monday March 26, 1826

At the Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church in the Vestry of said Church in pursuance of notice,

George Brinley Esq. Senior Warden Presiding.

The following Officers were chosen by ballot for the year ensuing, viz.

  • Samuel D. Parker
  • and Stephen Deblois Esqs.   Wardens
  • Gardiner Greene
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Thos. L. Winthrop
  • John Hubbard
  • James Lloyd
  • Joseph Foster
  • Jona. Amory
  • Joseph Head
  • John T. Apthorp
  • George Brinley
  • Henry Hubbard
  • Joseph Head Jr.
  • & Wm. Dehon
  • Vestry Men.

Hon. Thos. L. Winthrop & Samuel D. Parker were appointed Lay Delegates to the State Convention, & George Brinley Esq. & Stephen Deblois Esq. the Lay Delegates to the Diocesan Convention.

Voted That a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to the Revd. Dr. Gardiner in addition to his Salary of $2000.

Voted, That Thomas Southworth be Sexton for this year with a Salary of $100.

Voted, That the Rector & Wardens appoint & agree with the Organist & Chorister & Clerk limiting the Salary of the Organist to $200 & the Chorister & Clerk’s at 150 Dollars.

A Vote of thanks was passed to the Wardens of the last year for their faithful & acceptable services.

Voted, That the Account of the Wardens now exhibited be allowed, passed, & recorded.

Voted, That the Account of the Treasurer of the Widows & Orphan’s fund be allowed, passed & filed.

Voted, That the same Taxes be assessed on the Pews this Year as last Year.

Voted, That Samuel D. Parker & George Brinley be a Committee to examine the Sums which appear to be due to the Church, and such as they conceive beyond the present hope of collecting to transfer them to Suspension Account.

Voted, That this Meeting adjourn to the 2d. Sunday in May next then to meet in the Vestry room immediately after Evening Service.

The following Report of the Committee on Mr. Price’s Donation was read & accepted.

The Committee on the Subject of Mr. Price’s Will and Donation beg leave further to report.

That the action in the name of “the Minister & Wardens of Trinity Church” against Stodder & Frobisher for the possession of Mr. Price’s Mansion House & Land came on for trial in the November term of the Supreme Court, and the facts relied upon were presented by each party to the Jury, and the Questions of Law were reserved for the decision of all the Judges of the Court. A printed Statement of those facts drawn up by the Counsel and sanctioned by the Court accompanies this Report, and the Committee reccommend that the same should be filed among the Archives of the Proprietors of this Church.

The Reverend Rector of this Church having received some Communications from England, from which hopes are derived that important Evidence may be obtained from that Country, the Counsel for the Church have moved for delay, the Court has not yet determined upon the Question.

Under the circumstances the Committee would reccommend that when this Meeting is adjourned it shall be adjourned to the second Sunday in May next, then to be holden in the Vestry immediately after divine service in the afternoon, at which time a further report relative to this subject, & perhaps a final one, will be made.

All which is respectfully submitted per order of the Committee.

March 27, 1826      Saml. D. Parker—Chairman

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c current with G. Brinley & S. Deblois, Wardens

To Paid Thos. Southworth Bill of Brushes

3.

“ do

do

do for Stoves for Organ loft

2.50

“ “ 2 Memorandum Books for Wardens

.25

“ Thos. Southworth’s Bill for mending Glass &c.

2.75

“ Paid Dr. Gardiner Balance due last year

436.77

“ J. Sharp’s Bill Printing 1823 & 1824 omitted

7.00

“ Thos. Clark for Convention Dinner

35.14

“ Thos. Southworth Bill Sundries

11.50

“ Do

Do

2 Loads of Wood

23.53

“ Thos. Clark’s Bill Diocesan Convention Dinner

36.31

“ Southworth’s Bill of Sundries

14.25

“ Otis Briggs bill repairs 1824 not before presented

3.50

“ Thos. Southworth Bill of Wood

8.40

“ Kingsbury’s Bill—Spruce

18.

“ T. Southworth’s Bill Sundries

1.75

Do

Do

Do of Wood

7.56

“ Stephen Deblois Bill—Sundries—See Vouchers

65.17

“ T. Southworth sundries

3.88

One two Dollar Bill Counterfeit

2.

$683.22

1825

April 11

20

27

June 3

30

July 9

October 22

November 11

December 24

1826

January 5

19

30

March 14

23

Revd. Dr. Gardiner on A/c Salary

1986.13

Mrs. Bigelow—Organist

Do

200.00

Chorister & Clerk

Do

150.00

T. Southworth Sexton

Do

100.00

Jno. Mead Bellows Blower

Do

15.00

2451.13

$3134.35

To Balance due Revd. Dr. Gardiner this day

513.87

“ Do Do J. Glover 3 per ct. on 417.25

12.51

collected of Taxes due from Easter

1824 to 1825

and on 2692.50 from Easter 1825 to 1826

80.77

1826

March 25

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in A/c current with G. Brinley & S. Deblois, Wardens

By Recording 4 Deeds

4.00

“ Rent of Pew No. 60 above Taxes

12.50

“ Taxes collected since Easter 1825

1823 to 1824

95.60

1824 to 1825

329.75

1825 to 1826

2692.50

3117.85

Taxes remaining due at Easter 1826.

1816 to 1817

3.55

1817 to 1818

30.25

1818 to 1819

182.32

1819 to 1820

177.60

1820 to 1821

171.35

1821 to 1822

198.20

1822 to 1823

196.35

1823 to 1824

202.60

1824 to 1825

294.95

1825 to 1826

695.80

2152.97

Boston March 25, 1826

Errors Excepted

signed

George Brinley

Wardens

$3134.35

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Sunday May 14th 1826 after Evening Service, by adjournment of the Annual Meeting,

The Committee, upon the subject of Mr. Price’s Donation, stated that the advices from England had not arrived, whereupon It was Voted, That the Meeting be dissolved.

Quinquagesima Sunday 25 February 1827

There was a collection for the Bishop amounting to Ninety Four Dollars which was paid over to him as per Receipt on file.   $94.

Boston April 16th 1827.

At the regular Annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church at the Church this day, Easter Monday,

George Brinley Esq. was appointed Moderator.

Henry Hubbard & Jos. Head Jr. Esquires, were appointed a Committee to examine the Warden’s Accounts now presented for the year ending this day.

Voted, That said Account be passed & recorded, subject to the revision of said Committee.

The Proprietors proceeded to the choice of Officers for the ensuing year. Samuel D. Parker & Stephen Deblois Esq. were re-elected Wardens by ballot.

The following Vestrymen were unanimously elected by ballot, viz.

  • Gardiner Greene
  • Henry Hubbard
  • Thomas L. Winthrop
  • George Brinley
  • Joseph Head
  • Wm. Dehon
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Joseph Head, Jr.
  • John Hubbard
  • Wm. D. Sohier
  • Jonathan Amory
  • Saml. H. Parker
  • John T. Apthorp
  • & Joseph Tilden Esq.

Thomas Southworth was appointed Sexton for one year with a Salary of One Hundred Dollars.

Samuel D. Parker & Henry Hubbard Esq. were chosen Delegates to the State Convention.

Joseph Head Jr., Saml. D. Parker & Stephen Deblois Esqs. were chosen Delegates to the Diocesan Convention.

Voted, That the Rector & Wardens be authorized to appoint an Organist with a Salary of Two Hundred Dollars and a Chorister with a Salary of Two Hundred Dollars, who is to furnish & pay a Female voice.

Voted, that the Account of the Treasurer of the Widows & Orphan’s fund now presented be allowed and passed.

Voted, That the taxes of the Pews be the same this year as the last year.

Voted, That the taxes on all Pews be payable Quarterly, on the 20th day of March, June, September & December in each year, excepting those Pews whose Owners agree to pay annually on the first day of October.

Voted that the thanks of the Proprietors be presented to the Hon. James Lloyd & Joseph Foster, Esq. for their services to this Church as Vestrymen, they now declining a reelection.

Voted, That as soon as an Assistant Minister be settled on the Greene Foundation, the Salary of the Revd. Dr. Gardiner, as the Rector of this Church, shall be raised, and continued permanent (while he remains Rector, but not to be drawn into a precedent) and be Twenty five Hundred Dollars per annum in consideration of his long services without an assistant to increase the Greene Fund.

Voted That in addition to Dr. Gardiner’s present Salary of 2000 Dollars a Grant of Five Hundred Dollars be made to Dr. Gardiner unless an assistant be settled on the Greene Foundation within the Year, and in such case a rateable proportion of said 500 Dollars be paid to him until his Salary be enlarged according to the terms of the preceeding Vote.

Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned to next Sunday afternoon then to be held in the Vestry, & notice of the adjournment be given in the Morning by the Rector from the altar.

A Vote of thanks to the Wardens for their acceptable services the past year was also voted at this meeting.

Sunday 26 April 1827

At the adjourned Meeting holden this day after service in the afternoon in the Vestry,

Voted, That the Wardens procure new front Steps.

Voted, That the Key of the Cemetery be kept by the Wardens, & that no Tomb be opened by the Sexton without leave of the Wardens, and that it shall be the duty of the Sexton to make a written report to the Wardens of every body deposited, containing the name, and age & in what Tomb deposited; and for neglect of duty in this particular, the Sexton forfeit his office, & that Wardens be authorized to appoint another Sexton, to hold his Office until the Proprietors elect one.

The Committee to whom was referred the Warden’s Account for examination made a report, “that they had attended to that duty and found the accounts correctly cast & fully vouched”; whereupon it was Voted, that the report be accepted, & the Account passed & be recorded.

Voted, To proceed to the choice of another Vestryman, and upon counting the Ballots, it appeared that the Hon. James Lloyd was unanimously chosen.

Voted, That when this Meeting is adjourned it be adjourned to the first Sunday in September next after service in the afternoon to be held in this place.

Voted, To adjourn accordingly.

N.B. This morning there was a collection in the Church for the Bishop’s fund; amounting to 75 Dollars 55 Cents.

Dr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account Current with the Wardens elected 1826.

To Cash paid E. V. Glover, Collection Balance due him

93.29

“ Cash paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner on A/c Balance due him

200.00

“ Cash paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner on a/c

65.00

“ Cash paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner in full of last years Salary

& Grant

248.87

“ Cash paid T. Southworth ¼ Salary 25—Repairs 8.83

33.83

“ Cash paid Dr. Gardiner on a/c of Salary

400.00

“ Cash paid proportion of Convention Dinner

32.62

“ Cash paid Chorister ¼ Salary—S. Davis

37.50

“ Cash paid Organ Blower ¼ Salary

3.75

“ Cash paid Mrs. Bigelow ¼ Salary

50.00

“ Cash pd. S. Davis in full as Chorister,

17.30

“ Paid Sexton ¼ Salary 25.   Coal for Vestry 5.

30.00

“ Paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner on a/c 130 & 140

270.00

“ Paid Mrs. Bigelow—Organist

50.00

“ Paid Mr. Libbey, Chorister,

24.00

“ Cash paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner

130.00

“ Cash paid for Maple wood for furnace

11.31

“ Cash paid Jno. Mead ¼ Salary

3.75

“ Paid Otis Briggs bill of repairs

3.25

“ Paid Ezekiel Kingsbury—Bill of Spruce

18.00

“ Paid for wood for furnace

9.62

“ Do   Do   Do

4.90

“ Paid Mr. Libby ¼ Salary

as Chorister 37.50

Christmas Expenses 2.

39.50

“ Cash paid Dr. Gardiner

300.00

“ Do   Do   Do

200.00

“ Cash paid John Mead ¼ Salary as bellows blower

3.75

“ Cash paid Sexton on A/c Salary & repairs

60.00

“ Cash paid Grimer[?] for splitting wood & for preparing for furnace

1.00

“ P. D. Granger for mending windows

1.20

“ Paid Luther Eaton for Wood

11.24

“ Paid Chapin & Hunting’s Bill of Wood

12.87

“ Paid Revd. Dr. Gardiner on A/c

362.00

“ Paid S. Deblois for sundry repairs

9.75

“ Paid for printing Notifications for Easter Monday

3.00

“ Paid Dr. Gardiner

325.00

“ Mrs. Bigelow’s Balance of Salary in full

100.00

“ Mr. Libbey Chorister 37.50 Mead—Blower 3.50

41.00

3210.80

“ Balance in Warden’s hands for next Acct.

1.95

$3212.75

1826

April 11

May 10

June 1

June 28

July 8

8

13

15

24

August 6

October 1

2

25

November 11

17

December

1827

January

February

April

Boston Easter Monday April 16, 1827

Errors Excepted

Saml. D. Parker for Self &

Stephen Deblois      Wardens

N.B. The Church owes but two Debts

1. A Balance to Dr. Gardiner in full to Easter 1827

513.87

2. A Balance to Glover the Collector

14.37

528.24

and has in Warden’s hands

1.95

and Taxes believed collectable

559.25

561.20

Cr.   The Proprietors of Trinity Church in Account Current with the Wardens elected 1826.

By Cash recd. of Glover, collector of last year’s taxes

259.50

“ Do

Do

Do

to May 2d

91.00

“ Do Mrs. Milner 30. of J. G. Plumbeck 30

60.00

“ Do of Mrs. Hannah R. Amory for Deed of Pew No. 31

1.00

“ Do of H. Bass 12.50 R. Farnam 20, Mr. Fullich 6.25

38.75

“ Do for the following taxes this Quarter viz.

1826

April 11

April 26

May

June 4

June 6

July 1

Pew No.

Pew No.

44 J. Head

41.

57 Col. Apthorp

41.=82.00

63 G. Greene

41.

40 T. Perkins

41.=82.00

38 T. L. Winthrop

41.

39 T. L. Winthrop

41.=82.00

45 Jno. Hubbard

41.

58 Mrs. T. C. Amory

41.=82.00

56 Jona. Amory

41

68 Jona. Amory

41.=82.00

4 Geo. Burroughs

41.

20 T. Haskins

30.=60.00

79 T. Carter

30.

13 W. Dehon

30.=60.00

46 Jos. Tilden

30.

64 R. G. Amory

41.=82.00

36 Geo. Brinley

41.

41 Mrs. Babcock

41.=82.00

53 J. Andrews

41.

48 Mrs. J. Gore

41.=82.00

96 S. Higginson

30.

32 Nat Amory

30.=60.00

60 S. Deblois

41.

For tax, & for Interest 12.

50 =53.50

“ Do for Taxes recd. this Quarter viz.

Pew No.

Pew No.

55 Jas. Lloyd

41.

97 Mrs. Brimmer

30.=71.00

19 Mrs. Cotting

30.

85 D. Eckley

30.=60.00

82 J. S. Cunningham

30.

81 D. Hinckley

30.=60.00

61 Geo. Bethune

41.

35 T. C. Amory

41.=82.00

22 P. Pope

20.

87 Jonah Knapp

30.=50.00

93 S. Smith

30.

76 R. D. Shepherd

30.=60.00

9 W. D. Sohier

30.

51 Mrs. Palmer

41.=71.00

37 H. Hubbard

41.

78 Jas. Perkins

30.=71.00

“ Cash recd. for ½ Pew formerly of Snaith & Foster sold for

Taxes

20.00

By Cash recd. for taxes

Pew No.

Pew No.

2 of Mr. Linzee

30.

80 S.D. Parker

20.=50.00

3 Mr. Burroughs

30.

88 W. Lovering

20.=50.00

7 Mrs. Durivage

30.

90 J. Hancock

20.=50.00

21 S. Gilbert

30.

92 Jos. Rowe

30.=60.00

23 Jona. Simpson

30.

94 Seth Parker

20.=50.00

24 Mrs. Watson

30.

100 A. Thorndike 15.

30.=60.00

W. H. Prescott 15.

30.=60.00

43 Eliza Deblois

41.

112 Chs. Parker 12.50

30.=60.00

59 Ann R. Green

53.50

Mr. Chandler

41.

133 W. Gardner 12.50

53.50

67 Jos. Head Jr.

41.

66 T. Lyman Jr.

41.=82.00

11 Mrs. Orrok

15.

41.=82.00

Miss Moore

15.

30.

14 R. Farnham

20.=50.00

6 Judge Wetmore

30.

10 Jno. Richards

20.=50.00

16 J. Revere

30.

42 Miss Coffin

41.=71.00

47 Madam Powell

41.

33 F. Tudor

41.=82.00

65 Mrs. Richd. Greene

41.

84 W.S. Skinner

20.=61.00

91 W. Foster

30.

95 Mrs. Anna Smith

30.=60.00

62 Rebecca R. Smith

G. Greene

41.

77 Jas. A. Dickson

30.=71.00

52 Mrs. Borland

41.

18 Mrs. S. Powell

20.=61.00

54 P. Morton

30.=71.00

taxes last year

41.

8 Mrs. Milner

30.=71.00

34 Estate of Mr.

25 G. Stuart tax

Lambert

41.

last year

30.=71.00

31 J. Jones

30.

98 S. Deblois

30.=60.00

Madam Amory

102 W. Rowson

12.50

107 T. Bruce

12.50

& for 1825

12.50

25.=37.50

108 Jacob Amee

12.50

109 J. Amee for

½ year

6.50=18.75

113 Madam Jeffries

12.50

119 T. Perkins ½

6.25

Jno. Hubbard

½

6.25

125 Jno. Hock ½

6.25

and Mr. Neville ½

12.50

=25.00

126 Miss Arnold ½

6.25

half unoccupied

6.25

12.50

6.25

Cash for Deed of Pew 77 sold by J. A. Dickson to J. G. Carney

1.00

$3212.75

Boston April 20, 1827. The Subscribers appointed a Committee by the Proprietors of Trinity Church to examine the Accounts of the Wardens for the past year have attended to that duty and found the accounts correctly cast & fully vouched.

(signed)

Henry Hubbard

Joseph Head Jr.   Committee

Boston September 2d. 1827. This Day being the First Sunday in September, to which the Proprietors Meeting was adjourned, a Quorum did not assemble, no business was transacted, and the Meeting was dissolved.

It may however be proper here to record, that since the last Meeting, a Sunday School has been organized in the Parish, and about thirty Children of each sex, making about sixty in the whole, with twelve teachers, have been admitted, & attended after the afternoon Service every Sunday, and, after reciting in their several Classes, assembled around the Altar, read alternate Verses in the Psalms with the Rector, & been dismissed with prayers & the Benediction.

A Library, consisting of upwards of Two Hundred Volumes, has been collected by Donations, & attached to the School. The Scholars, who recite well, are entitled to the Loan of a Volume for a week, exchanging them every Sunday.

Boston January 13, 1828

A majority of the Vestry having made application to the Wardens on the 9th inst. requesting a meeting of the Vestry to be notified to assemble this day in the Vestry after Evening Service, notice was accordingly given by the Wardens, and every Vestryman was present, excepting Hon. Mr. Lloyd, (absent from the City) and Gardiner Greene Esq. (unwell). Both Wardens were present.

The Senior Warden presided.

The following Votes were successively moved, and after debate were passed unanimously. Viz.

Whereas several causes exist which make it desirable that the present old & combustible edifice of Trinity Church should be taken down and replaced by a new and more safe & comfortable Building; and whereas the prosperity and revenue of the Church will probably be increased by enlarging the place of public worship, especially at this time when the Trustees of the Greene Foundation are about to appoint an Assistant Minister in the Church:

Therefore Voted, That the Wardens be directed to call a Proprietors’ Meeting to be holden in said Church on Monday, the Fourth day of February next at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon, to consider & vote upon the following subjects, viz.

  1. 1. Whether the Proprietors will now take measures to take down the present Church Building, and erect a New Church Edifice.
  2. 2. To determine, in case they agree to pull down the Old Building, what compensation shall be paid to the present Pew holders for surrendering the same to the Church.
  3. 3. To decide whether the Congregation can have a place for public worship while the Church is rebuilding.
  4. 4. To determine how the Rector’s Salary shall be raised while there are no Pews on which to assess the same.
  5. 5. Whether they will choose a Building Committee and define their power & duties, and decide upon the instructions and directions to be given to them.
  6. 6. To vote upon and determine all other matters relating to rebuilding the Church which may be proper & necessary for that purpose, and shall be brought before said Meeting, and especially how the monies shall be raised and repaid which are requisite for this project.

Voted, That the Wardens be a Committee to apply to the Mayor & Aldermen to know whether in the event of taking down the Church Edifice, they shall take any of the Church Land for public use.

Voted, That Col. Apthorp, John Hubbard, Joseph Head Jr., & Wm. Dehon, Esquires, be a Committee to make estimates and propose the Plan of a new Church.

Voted, That Gardiner Greene, Jona. Amory and Joseph Tilden Esquires be a Committee to consider and report what compensation can be made to the present Pew Holders for a surrender of their Pews to the Church, and how the same can be paid.

Voted, That Joseph Head Sr., George Brinley and Wm. D. Sohier Esqs. be a Committee to consider & report, whether the Congregation can have another place of worship while the Church is rebuilding and how and in what manner the Rector’s Salary can be raised during the time of the rebuilding.

Voted, That Lieut. Gov. Winthrop, Thomas Perkins Esq. & Wm. Dehon Esq. be a Committee to consider & report how funds can be raised & repaid which may be necessary for rebuilding the Church.

Voted, That Henry Hubbard & Col. S. H. Parker be a Committee to consider & report what is the best manner of disposing of the old Church Building.

Voted, That these Several Committees be requested to report in writing at the next Vestry Meeting.

Voted, That when this Meeting adjourns, it be adjourned to Wednesday the 30th inst. at half past three o’clock in the afternoon then to meet in the Hall of the Union Bank in Boston.

The Meeting was then adjourned accordingly.

Attest—Saml. D. Parker   Warden

Boston January 16th 1828

A Meeting of the Wardens & Vestry was holden this Day at request of G. Greene Esq. Treasurer of the Widow & Orphan’s Fund, & upon a statement made by him two votes were passed, viz.

Voted, That Gardiner Greene Esq. Treasurer &c. be authorized to receive payment at the Loan Office of 5000 Dollars United States 6 per cent Stock, now payable. Also

Voted, That said Treasurer be advised to invest the same when received in the Life Hospital Insurance Company.

The Meeting was then dissolved.

Attest, Saml. D. Parker   Warden

NOTIFICATION

Boston Jan. 17th. 1828.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church are hereby notified, That at a special meeting of the Wardens and Vestrymen of Trinity Church in Boston lawfully notified and held in the Vestry of the Church on the thirteenth day of January, 1828—at which were present the Wardens and thirteen Vestrymen, The following Vote was offered, and after debate passed unanimously viz:

“Whereas several causes exist which make it desirable that the present old and combustible edifice of Trinity Church should be taken down and replaced by a new and more safe and comfortable Building; and whereas the prosperity and revenue of the Church will probably be increased by enlarging the place of public worship, especially at this time when the Trustees of the Green Foundation are about to appoint an Assistant Minister in the Church;

Therefore Voted, That the Wardens be directed to call a Proprietors’ Meeting to be holden in said Church, on Monday, the Fourth day of February next, at Eleven of the Clock in the forenoon, to consider, act, and vote upon the following subjects, viz.

  1. 1. Whether the Proprietors will now take measures to take down the present Church-Building, and erect a new Church Edifice?
  2. 2dly. To determine, in case they agree to pull down the old Building, what Compensation shall be paid to the present Pew-holders for surrendering the same to the Church?
  3. 3dly. To decide whether the Congregation can have a place for public worship while the Church is rebuilding?
  4. 4thly. To determine how the Rector’s Salary shall be raised, while there are no pews on which to assess the same?
  5. 5thly. Whether they will choose a Building Committee and define their power and duties, and decide upon the instructions and directions to be given to them?
  6. 6thly. To vote upon and determine all other matters relating to rebuilding the Church, which may be proper and necessary for that purpose, and shall be brought before said Meeting, and especially how the monies shall be raised and repaid which are requisite for this project?

The Proprietors of said Church are therefore hereby further notified, that a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church will be holden at the time and place and for the purposes mentioned in the aforementioned Vote: and a punctual attendance of all the Proprietors with their Deeds or evidence of Title, is requested; and those, who do not attend personally, are desired to appoint proxies in the subjoined form.

Samuel D. Parker

Wardens of Trinity

Stephen DeBlois

Church in Boston.

Form of appointing a Proxy.

I the undersigned Proprietor of Pew No.      in Trinity Church, Boston, do appoint to represent me in all Meetings of the Proprietors of said Church, and in my behalf to discuss and Vote upon all subjects presented to be acted upon at said Meetings, until this power is expressly revoked by a written notice to the Wardens.

Witness my Hand this      day of January, 1828.

Witness to the signature.

At a Meeting of the Vestry this Day January 30 1828 according to adjournment at the Hall of the Union Bank, the Several Committees appointed on the 13th inst. made reports in writing, which were read, debated, accepted and ordered to be filed, except the Report as to Compensation to Pew Holders, which was recommitted to the same Committee for amendment, & when amended by them it was ordered to be filed.

The Meeting was then dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church on Monday the fourth Day of February 1828 in the Church, in pursuance of a Notification, a copy of which is hereto annexed, relative to rebuilding the Church, (which notification was served by being sent to the Dwelling Houses of the Proprietors, being posted upon all the Doors of the Church, & being left in every Pew, and all done fourteen Days before said Meeting,) the Senior Warden presided, & stated the object of the Meeting, why it was called at this time, what the Vestry had done, & read all the Reports of the various Committees on file.

The proxies were then called for, received, and filed.

Before the debate was opened upon the main subject, there was a discussion how the Votes should be taken, which resulted in this Vote:

Voted, That when the Question is taken upon the first Article in the Notification, it shall be taken by yeas & nays in the following manner. The Moderator shall begin at Pew No. I & call the Numbers of the Pews in their order & the name of the Proprietor, & ask for his Vote Yea, or Nay, and record the Vote, & declare the result.

The Proprietors were then addressed by the Senior Warden, by Col. Apthorp, Joseph Rowe Esq., W. D. Sohier Esq., Dr. Robbins, & other Gentlemen. After much discussion, the Question was put in these Words, Will the Proprietors now take measures to take down the present Church-Building and erect a new Church Edifice? And the result of the Vote was as follows, viz.

Pews No.

1 voted

nay

2

yea

3

4

yea

5

nay

6 silent

7 silent

8

nay

9

yea

10

yea

11

nay

12

nay

13

yea

14

nay

15

yea

16 silent

17 Do

18

nay

19

yea

20 silent

21

yea

22

yea

23 silent

24 Do

25 Do

Pews No.

26

No Pews To these Numbers

27

28

29

30

31 Do

32

yea

33

yea

34

yea

35

yea

36

yea

37

yea

38 silent

39

yea

40

yea

41

yea

42

yea

43 silent

44

yea

45

yea

46

yea

47

yea

48 silent

49 Clerk’s Box

50 Rector’s Pew

Pews No.

51

nay

52 silent

53

nay

54

nay

55 silent

56

yea

57

yea

58

yea

59

yea

60 (belongs to the Church)

61 silent

62

nay

63

yea

64 silent

65

nay

66 silent

67

yea

68

yea

69 Church Wardens

70

No Pews now With these Numbers—removed 50 years ago.

71

72

73

74

75 voted

yea

76 voted not at all

77 voted

nay

78

nay

79

nay

80

yea

81

yea

82

yea

83 silent

84 silent

85

yea

86 silent

87 silent

88

nay

Pews No.

89 silent

90

yea

91 silent

92

yea

93

yea

94

yea

95

yea

96

nay

97

yea

98

yea

99

yea

100

yea

101

nay

Gallery

102

yea

103 silent

104 silent

105 silent

106 silent

107

yea

108

nay

109

nay

110

yea

111

yea

112 silent

113 silent

114

nay

115

nay

116

nay

117 silent

118 silent

119 Do

120 Do

121

nay

122

nay

123

yea

124

yea

125 silent

126 Do

127 Do

128 Do

Gallery

129 Do

130 Do

131 Do

132 Do

133

yea

134 silent

135 Do

Gallery

136 Do

137 Do

138 Do

139 Do

140 Do

141 Do

Whole Number of Votes

76

yeas

51

nays

25

76

Majority 26 of yeas

Thus the Question was settled in the affirmative.

The Church owns many of the Pews in the Gallery & some on the lower floor, for which no Vote was given. It was contended that all the Pews the Church owns should be added to the majority of yeas, but no Vote was taken on this subject.

After this Vote was taken and the result was declared by the Moderator, there was much desultory conversation, and finally a formal motion was made, seconded & passed, viz. Voted, That the remaining Articles (not acted upon) in the Notification be referred to the Wardens & Vestry to consider, and report to the Proprietors such measures as they should recommend to be pursued relative thereto, and their report be made at the adjournment of this Meeting. Then Voted, That the Report of the Wardens & Vestry be printed & left in the Pews prior to the Meeting.

Also Voted, Unanimously, That the thanks of the Proprietors of this Church be presented to the Wardens & Vestry of St. Paul’s Church for the brotherly kindness manifested in their Votes of the 24th January last for the accommodation of the Congregation of this Church; and also to the Rector & Senior Warden for the Christian sentiments accompanying the Communication of their proceedings; and that the Wardens of this Church be directed in behalf of the Proprietors thereof to reciprocate the expression of friendly regard, & express our best wishes for the prosperity of St. Paul’s Church.

It was then Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Monday the 18th inst. then to meet in the Church at three o’clock in the afternoon.

Attest   Saml. D. Parker, Senior Warden

At a Meeting of the Vestry February 8th 1828 called by the Senior Warden in consequence of the Proprietors’ appointing them a Committee to consider & report upon the Articles not acted upon at the late Proprietors’ Meeting, which Vestry Meeting was holden in the Hall of the City Bank, & was attended by 13 Vestrymen & both Wardens, the following report was agreed upon, after much discussion, & ordered to be signed by the Chairman, & printed, and left in each Pew of the Church before the next Proprietors’ Meeting, viz.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church by their Vote of the 4th inst. having referred the last five articles in their Notification to the Wardens & Vestry for consideration and report, the Wardens & Vestrymen have attended to the several subjects, and beg leave respectfully to report, that they recommend to the Proprietors for discussion, & adoption, if they please, the following Votes; viz.

  1. 1. Voted, That the Proprietors proceed to the choice of a Committee, whose duty it shall be to appoint three disinterested persons, one from the Congregation of Christ Church in this City, one from the Congregation of St. Paul’s Church, and one from the Congregation of this Church, none of whom shall be Proprietors of Pews in Trinity Church, to be Appraisers of the value of each of the Pews in this Church, regarding both the relative position in the Church, & the relative value thereof as estimated in the ratio & proportion of the taxes assessed thereon for the last three years; and their valuation shall without appeal or alteration be considered the compensation each Pew-holder shall receive for his Pew, to be paid according to law; and that said Appraisers be requested to complete their appraisement & return before the first day of March next.
  2. 2dly. Voted, That the deciding upon a place of public worship for the Congregation while the Church is rebuilding be referred to a Committee now to be chosen, whose duty it shall be to report at the Annual Meeting on Easter Monday.
  3. 3dly. Voted that the Rector’s Salary for the year commencing at Easter 1828 shall be raised by assessing on the Pews at Easter next and before the Church is taken down, the same sums as assessed at Easter, 1827, and if not paid before the sales of the new Pews, then to be deducted out of the appraised value of the Pews of the delinquent Pew-holders before they are settled with and paid for the same.
  4. 4thly. Voted, That a Building Committee consisting of Seven of the Congregation be chosen by ballot by the Proprietors, and that they have power, and it shall be their duty, to decide upon the Plan and materials of the new Church, to make contracts for its erection, to make sale of the old Building, to provide a suitable place for the Organ and other property of the Church; to borrow upon the best terms, & issue promissory Notes, at the lowest rate of interest possible, for such sums of money & at such periods of repayment as they think best, not exceeding in any event or under any circumstances Forty thousand Dollars, (any excess above that sum to be at their own risque & responsibility, & not on the liability of the Proprietors without an express Vote) pledging the proceeds of the sales of the new Pews after paying for the old Pews, & also the policy of assurance from Fire, for the repayment of such loans; to make sales of the new Pews in such manner and upon such terms as to them seem best—to purchase the Griffin Estate, if need be, provided the City Authorities contribute Five Thousand Dollars for widening Hawley Street, to negotiate with the City Authorities upon this subject, always stipulating that in no event shall the Cemetery be disturbed or injured;—to appoint a Secretary who shall be one of their number or one of the Congregation, whose duty it shall be to record all the Votes & proceedings of the Building Committee, & attest their Promissory Notes given for Loans; to pay over to the Treasurer appointed by the Proprietors all monies received for their promissory Notes; to draw orders on the Treasurer for payment for the work & materials of the new Church—and to procure Insurance of the new Building from damage by fire from the time it is roofed, & so long as they think expedient, and to pledge the monies arising from any loss under said Assurance to the payment of the monies borrowed. But the Building Committee are to be expressly directed not to take any step towards taking down the old Church & rebuilding, until the negotiation with the City Authorities be completed and definitively recorded in the public records.
  5. 5thly. Voted, That the Proprietors choose by ballot a Treasurer, to perform the duties of the office prescribed by the Statute, to attest & record all Notes issued by the Building Committee for monies borrowed; to receive the Monies obtained by loans, to pay the orders drawn on him by the Building Committee, & to pay no money but upon the Vote & under the express directions of the Building Committee.

All which is respectfully submitted, by order of the Committee.

Samuel D. Parker, Chairman

After this Report was read & accepted, it was Voted, To adjourn this Meeting to this day week, then to meet at the City Bank at half past three o’clock.

Attest S. D. Parker Warden

February 15, 1828.

At a Meeting of the Vestry according to the Adjournment, the Report agreed upon at the last Meeting was reconsidered & amended & then passed unanimously. The Amendments were as follows viz. In the first Vote the word March was erased, & the word April inserted—being the last word but one. In the fourth Vote after the words “disturbed or injured,” insert the words “by them”—also erase the word “one” before “stop” & insert the word “any” And add to the fourth Vote these words— “And further it is voted, that in case the City Authorities do not, on or before the first day of April next, by a sufficient vote, bind the City, either to pay the Proprietors for the Land of the Church to make Hawley Street twenty three feet wide (including the Land of the Church now used as part of said Street) the sum of Five thousand Dollars—or to surfer the Proprietors to retain all the Land they now own, without any interference by the City Government, or any person or persons acting under their orders or in their behalf—then and in such case, all acts, votes, matters & things having relation to the rebuilding the Church, or making preparation therefor, shall be, and hereby are declared to be, absolutely null & void.”

Thus amended the Chairman was requested to have it printed & left in the Pews on the preceeding Sunday.

The Meeting was then dissolved.

Boston February 18th 1828

At a Meeting of the Proprietors at the Church according to the adjournment on the 4th inst.

The proceedings of the last meeting were read.

The Report of the Wardens & Vestry, which had been printed & left in the Pews, was then read, and it was Voted, To consider the Votes separately.

The first Vote was read, discussed & adopted—and it was voted, that the Committee consist of three, & be nominated from the Chair. The following gentlemen were nominated & chosen, viz.

  • Gardiner Greene Esq.
  • Col. Apthorp &
  • Daniel Carney Esq.

Mr. Carney begged to be excused & was excused & Mr. Jabez Hatch was nominated & chosen.

The second Vote was then read & adopted, & a Committee of three nominated & chosen in same manner, viz.

  • Jona. Amory
  • Wm. Dehon
  • &
  • Henry Hubbard, Esquires.

The third Vote was then read & adopted.

The Fourth Vote was afterwards read & adopted—and Mr. Pope & Mr. Eckley appointed to receive & count the Votes for the Building Committee who reported that the following Gentlemen were elected, viz.

  • Col. Apthorp
  • Geo. Brinley
  • John Hubbard
  • Wm. Dehon
  • Joseph Head, Jr.
  • Wm. D. Sohier
  • &
  • Edwd. H. Robbins Jr. Esquires

The Fifth Vote was then adopted, & a Treasurer was balloted for—and Jona. Amory Esq. was chosen.

Afterwards John Hubbard, Joseph Head Jr. & Joseph W. Revere, Esquires, were appointed a Committee to solicit persons to take Pews in the new Church, & to loan money to build the same.

Then Voted, That when this Meeting adjourns, it adjourns to Easter Monday, the time of the annual Meeting of the Proprietors.

Voted to adjourn accordingly.

Attest   Saml. D. Parker—Warden.

Annexed is a Printed copy of the Report as amended & acted upon.

The Proprietors of Trinity Church are hereby notified, that their Meeting on the 4th inst. was adjourned to Monday the 18th of February 1828, at three o’clock in the afternoon at the Church, at which time and place will be submitted to their consideration, the following

REPORT:

The Proprietors of Trinity Church by their Vote of the 4th inst. having referred the last five Articles in their Notification to the Wardens and Vestry for consideration and report, the Wardens and Vestrymen have attended to the several subjects, and beg leave respectfully to report, That they recommend to the Proprietors for discussion, and adoption, if they please, the following votes; viz.

  1. 1. VOTED, That the Proprietors proceed to the choice of a Committee, whose duty it shall be to appoint three disinterested persons, one from the Congregation of Christ-Church in this City, one from the Congregation of St. Paul’s Church, and one from the Congregation of this Church, none of whom shall be proprietors of pews in this Church, to be Appraisers of the value of each of the Pews in this Church, regarding both the relative position in the Church, and the relative value thereof as estimated in the ratio and proportion of the taxes assessed thereon for the last three years;—and their valuation shall without appeal or alteration be considered the Compensation each Pew-holder shall receive for his Pew, to be paid according to law: and that the said Appraisers be requested to complete their Appraisement and return before the first day of April next.
  2. 2. VOTED, That the deciding upon a place of public worship for the Congregation while the Church is rebuilding, be referred to a Committee now to be chosen, whose duty it shall be to report at the annual Meeting on Easter Monday.
  3. 3. VOTED, That the Rector’s Salary for the Year commencing at Easter 1828 shall be raised by assessing on the Pews at Easter next, and before the Church is taken down, the same sums as assessed at Easter 1827, and if not paid before the sales of the new Pews, then to be deducted out of the appraised value of the Pews of the delinquent Pew-holders before they are settled with and paid for the same.
  4. 4. VOTED, That a Building Committee, consisting of seven of the Congregation, be chosen by ballot by the Proprietors, and that they have power, and it shall be their duty, to decide upon the Plan and Materials of the new Church—to make Contracts for its erection—to make sale of the old Building—to provide a suitable place for the Organ and other property of the Church—to borrow upon the best terms, and issue promissory Notes, at the lowest rate of interest possible, for such sums of money, and at such periods of repayment, as they think best, not exceeding in any event, or under any circumstances, FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, (any excess above that sum to be at their own risque and responsibility, and not on the liability of the Proprietors without an express vote) pledging the proceeds of the sales of the new Pews, (after paying for the old pews,) and also the policy of Assurance from Fire, for the repayment of such loans—to purchase the Griffin Estate, if need be, provided the City Authorities procure and contribute Five Thousand Dollars for widening Hawley Street;—to negotiate with the City Authorities upon this subject, always stipulating that in no event shall the Cemetery be disturbed or injured by them—to appoint a Secretary, who shall be one of their number, or one of the Congregation, whose duty it shall be to record all votes and proceedings of the Building Committee, and attest all their Promissory Notes given for loans:—to pay over to the Treasurer appointed by the Proprietors all monies received for their promissory Notes;—to draw orders on the Treasurer for payment for the work and materials of the New Church—and to procure insurance of the new Building from damage by fire from the time it is roofed, and so long as they think proper, and to pledge the money arising from any loss under such insurance to the payment of the monies borrowed. But the Building Committee are expressly directed not to take any steps towards taking down the Old Church and rebuilding, until the negotiation with the City Authorities be completed, and definitively recorded in the public records. And further it is voted, that in case the City Authorities do not, on or before the first day of April next, by a sufficient vote, bind the City, either to pay the Proprietors for the Land of the Church to make Hawley Street twenty-three feet wide, (including the Land of the Church now used as part of said Street,) the sum of Five thousand dollars,—or to suffer the Proprietors to retain all the Land they now own, without any interference by the City Government, or any person or persons acting under their orders or in their behalf—then, and in such case, all acts, votes, matters and things having relation to the rebuilding the Church, or making preparation therefor, shall be, and hereby are declared to be, absolutely null and void.
  5. 5. VOTED, That the Proprietors choose by ballot a Treasurer, to perform the duties of the office prescribed by the Statute, to attest and record all Notes issued by the Building Committee for monies borrowed, to receive the monies obtained by loans, to pay the orders drawn on him by the Building Committee, and to pay no money but upon the Vote and under the express directions of the Building Committee.

All which is respectfully submitted,

By order of the Committee,

Samuel D. Parker, Chairman.

Boston February 8, 1828.

[Separate lists of subscribers to second church edifice and pledged pew holders found with the Trinity Records]

We the Subscribers do hereby agree to loan to the Proprietors of Trinity Church in Boston, on the Building Committee’s Promissory Note, the several sums set against our respective names; to enable them to rebuild the Church: Provided we agree upon the rate of Interest & the Church be rebuilt within two years; & that we have the right at all events, if we please, to take pews at the fair value in payment.

Boston February 15th 1828

  • James Perkins
  • four Thousand Doll.
  • Sarah Perkins by J. Perkins
  • one thousand
  • Gard. Greene
  • Three Thousand Dollars
  • John Hubbard
  • three thousand dollars
  • Joseph Head
  • Two thousand dollars
  • Joseph Tilden
  • one thousand dollars
  • Hannah R. Amory by Joseph Tilden
  • one Thousand dollars
  • Jonathan Amory
  • Two thousand dollars
  • Thos. L. Winthrop
  • Two thousand dollars
  • W. D. Sohier
  • One thousand Dollars
  • Geo. Burroughs
  • One thousand dollars
  • George Brinley
  • Fifteen hundred Dollars
  • Thomas Perkins
  • Two thousand dollars
  • Augustus Thorndike
  • Five hundred Dollars
  • E. H. Robbins
  • one thousand dollars
  • Sarah Brimmer by M. Brimmer
  • five hundred dollars
  • Martin Brimmer
  • five hundred dolls.
  • Sam Gilbert
  • five hundred dollars
  • Rowe
  • One thousand Dollars
  • W. H. Gardiner
  • five hundred Dollars
  • Henry Hubbard
  • One thousand Dollars
  • Wm. H. Prescott
  • one thousand Dollars
  • Paschal Pope
  • five hundred dollars
  • Joseph W. Revere
  • Five hundred Dollars
  • J. Cunningham
  • Five hundred Dollars
  • Anne Smith
  • One thousand Dollars
  • Margaret Coffin
  • One thousand Dollars
  • William Dehon
  • Five hundred
  • Martha Babcock
  • Five Hundred
  • Jos. Russell
  • One thousand Dollars
  • Jno. T. Apthorp
  • Five hundred dollars
  • Joseph Head Junr.
  • Five Hundred Dollars
  • Sam H. Parker
  • Five Hundred Dollars
  • Saml. D. Parker
  • Five Hundred Dollars

We the undersigned Do hereby agree to purchase the number of Pews set against our names in the new Edifice of Trinity Church about to be built provided they can be bought at the fair value; & the Church is built within two years.

Boston February 15th 1828

James Perkins

one

Gard. Greene

Two

John Hubbard

Two

Sarah Brimmer

one

by M. Brimmer

Saml. Gilbert

One

Joseph Head

Two

Joseph Tilden

one

Hannah Amory

one

by Joseph Tilden

Jonathan Amory

Two

Thos. L. Winthrop

one

Theodore [?] Jr.

one

Ralph Hawkins

one

David Eckley

one

W. D. Sohier

one

Geo. Burroughs

one

George Brinley

one

Thomas Perkins

one

William Dehon

one

Wm. Shimmin

one

Augs. Thorndike

one

E. H. Robbins Jr.

one

Standfast Smith

one

[?] Rowe

one

W. H. Gardiner

one

Henry Hubbard

one

Jos. Russell

one

Saml. Parker

one

Wm. H. Prescott

one

Josiah Knapp

one

Elizabeth Milner

one

one

Joseph W. Revere

one

J. Cunningham

one

Anne Smith

one

Margaret Coffin

one

Martha Babcock

one

Jno. T. Apthorp

one

Joseph Head Junr.

one

Sam. D. Parker

one

Original Subscriptions

&

Loans of Proprietors

to

New Church Edifice

Boston April 7th 1828

This Day being Easter-Monday, & the time of the annual Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church, & the time to which the Special Meeting of the Proprietors about rebuilding the Church was adjourned, the Proprietors met at the Church at Eleven o’clock in the forenoon & proceeded to business.

The Senior Warden stated that he had received a Copy of a Vote of the Trustees of the Greene Foundation passed yesterday, which he was requested to submit to the Proprietors of the Church. The Vote of the Trustees was then read, & is as follows,

“Whereas the Trustees of the Greene Foundation are about to elect an Assistant Minister, and though by the terms of the Instrument creating this Fund, such election may be made without having recourse to the Proprietors, yet being unwilling to exercise the power vested in them before the pleasure of the Proprietors in this particular is known;—

Voted, That the Proprietors be requested to express their opinion of the Revd. George W. Doane, & whether if the Trustees elect him, such election would be satisfactory.”—

which being read, thereupon It was

Unanimously Voted, That the Proprietors of the Church entertain a very favourable opinion of the Revd. George W. Doane, and that if he be elected by the said Trustees, the election will be satisfactory to the Proprietors and that a copy of this Vote be transmitted to said Trustees.

The proprietors were then requested to bring in their ballots for Wardens & Vestrymen, and Gen. J. T. Winthrop & Jos. Rowe Esq. were appointed a Committee to receive & count the Votes. The last year’s Wardens having declined a re-election,

Henry Hubbard Esq.

&

George Brinley Esq. were elected Wardens.

Mr. Hubbard begged to be excused from serving, whereupon Voted to excuse him & to ballot for some other person to be Senior Warden, Mr. Brinley stating that he would serve as Junior Warden, but not as Senior Warden.

Then Edward H. Robbins Jr. Esq. was elected Senior Warden for the year ensuing.

The Committee reported that the following Gentlemen were elected Vestrymen, the Proprietors having voted to chuse Thirteen, viz.

  1. 1. Gardiner Greene Esq.
  2. 2. Hon. Thomas L. Winthrop
  3. 3. Joseph Head Esq.
  4. 4. Thomas Perkins Esq.
  5. 5. John Hubbard Esq.
  6. 6. Jonathan Amory Esq.
  7. 7. Col. John T. Apthorp
  8. 8. Henry Hubbard Esq.
  9. 9. Wm. Dehon Esq.
  10. 10. Joseph Head Jr. Esq.
  11. 11. Wm. D. Sohier Esq.
  12. 12. Col. Saml. H. Parker
  13. &
  14. 13. Hon. Joseph Tilden

Wm. D. Sohier Esq. then proposed the following Vote of thanks, which was passed, viz.

Voted, That the thanks of the Proprietors be offered to the late Wardens for their services during the two last years, and particularly for the readiness with which they undertook and the ability with which they performed the duties, which unexpectedly devolved on them the past year.

It was then Voted that the Salary of the Sexton should be one Hundred Dollars per annum, and that hereafter instead of being elected by the Proprietors, that the Rector & Wardens be authorized to appoint the Sexton, and that he hold the office during their pleasure, removeable whenever they please.

Samuel D. Parker & Henry Hubbard Esq. were chosen Delegates to the State Convention.

Joseph Head Jr. Esq. & Samuel D. Parker were chosen Delegates to the Diocesan Convention.

Upon the subject of Music, it was Voted, That a sum not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars be appropriated for Music, including the Organist’s Salary, & the payment of Choristers, and that this sum (or so much as may be necessary,) be expended under the Direction of the Rector & Wardens, who have authority to agree with the Organist & Choristers.

Also Voted, That Mr. Jubal Howe be paid for his past services as one of the Choristers at the rate of Seventy five Dollars per annum from the time he commenced singing in the Church to this date.

Henry Hubbard & Joseph Head Jr. Esquires were chosen a Committee to examine & pass upon the Warden’s Accounts. Then it was Voted, That the Wardens Account for the past year be allowed & passed & recorded when certified by said Committee. The same Committee was appointed to examine the Account of Gardiner Greene Esq., Treasurer of the Widow & Orphan’s Fund.

Voted, That the taxes on the Pews in this Church be the same as were assessed on the same pews last year—payable in conformity to last year’s Vote.

The Proprietors then proceeded to the consideration of the business referred to this Meeting relative to rebuilding the Church edifice, and the Senior Warden read a Vote passed by the Mayor & Aldermen of the City of Boston on the 25th of February last, that no attempt would be made without the consent of the Proprietors of the Church to widen Hawley Street to the Westward of the present east line of the Church.

Whereupon upon the motion of W. D. Sohier Esq. it was Voted, That the Building Committee be, and they hereby are authorized to execute & perform any & all the duties & powers assigned & given to them by the Vote of the Proprietors appointing said Committee, by a Sub-Committee appointed by them, and also that all acts, matters, & things within the limits of the Powers granted to said Building Committee may be effectually ordered, directed, done & performed by a majority of said Building Committee.

Voted, That the Building Committee shall regard the Vote passed on the 25th of February last in the Board of Aldermen of the City of Boston, as a compliance with the requisitions contained in the Vote of the Proprietors appointing said Committee, & shall proceed to fulfil the purposes, for which they were appointed, without any other or further Acts or Vote on the part of the City Authorities.

The several Votes which passed at the Proprietors Meeting of the 18th of February last were then read, and to prevent any Question from arising as to their force and validity, they were severally considered, confirmed, and Voted again at this Meeting, & the choice of the Committees appointed in pursuance of those Votes was confirmed.

The following Report was made by one of those Committees, was read, & was then Voted to be accepted & recorded, viz.

Boston April 7, 1828

The Committee chosen on the 18th of February last by the Proprietors of Trinity Church to appoint the Appraisers of the value of the several Pews have attended to the duty assigned to them & beg leave respectfully to report,

That they appointed Mr. William Appleton of St. Paul’s Church, Mr. John Rice, of Christ Church, and Dr. Edward H. Robbins of Trinity Church, (none of whom are Proprietors of Pews in this Church) to make the said Appraisement; that those Gentlemen were kind enough to undertake that Labour, and that they have made a report of their valuation, which is herewith presented to the Proprietors.

All which is respectfully submitted by

Gardiner Greene, Chairman in behalf of the Committee

The Report of the Committee of Valuation was in these words on a Plan of the Ground floor & Gallery Pews—The Committee appointed to appraise the Pews in Trinity Church report the Value of the Pews as appears on this plan marked in Red Ink.

John Rice

Wm. Appleton

E. H. Robbins Jr.

Boston March 18, 1828

From said Plan the Pews appear to be valued as follows

Dollars
Pew No.

1 is valued at

40.00

2

70.00

3

75.00

4

75.00

5

75.00

6

70.00

7

60.00

8

60.00

9

60.00

10

50.00

11

70.00

12

75.00

13

75.00

14

50.00

15

75.00

16

75.00

17

75.00

18

50.00

19

75.00

20

75.00

21

75.00

22

50.00

23

60.00

24

60.00

25

60.00

31

120.00

32

130.00

33

160.00

34

105.00

35

110.00

36

115.00

37

120.00

39

125.00

40

130.00

41

130.00

Pew No.

42 is valued at

130.00

43

130.00

44

130.00

45

125.00

46

120.00

47

115.00

48

110.00

49 Clerk’s Box

50 Rector’s Pew

51

95.00

52

100.00

53

105.00

54

110.00

55

115.00

56

120.00

57

125.00

58

130.00

59

130.00

60

130.00

61

130.00

62

130.00

63

130.00

64

125.00

65

120.00

66

115.00

67

110.00

68

105.00

75

130.00

76

120.00

77

60.00

78

60.00

79

60.00

80

50.00

81

75.00

82

75.00

Pew No.

83 is valued at

75.00

84

50.00

85

75.00

86

75.00

87

75.00

88

50.00

89

75.00

90

75.00

91

70.00

92

50.00

93

60.00

94

60.00

95

60.00

96

70.00

97

75.00

98

75.00

99

75.00

100

70.00

101

40.00

Gallery

102

40.00

103

25.00

104

30.00

105

25.00

106

30.00

107

30.00

108

25.00

109

30.00

110

30.00

111

25.00

112

30.00

113

30.00

114

25.00

115

30.00

Gallery

116 is valued at

30.00

117 not valued

118 Do

119

30.00

120

30.00

121

25.00

122

30.00

123

30.00

124

25.00

125

30.00

126

30.00

127

25.00

128

30.00

129

30.00

130

25.00

131

30.00

132

25.00

133

40.00

134

no value set on these back pews

135

136

137

138

139

140

141

142

143

144

145

146

147

148

149

Total

$8750.00

The Committee appointed to report upon the place where the Congregation might assemble for public worship while the Church is rebuilding made a report, recommending worshipping at St. Paul’s Church in the morning from 12 to 2 o’clock, & in the Evening from 5 to 7 o’clock—which report being read, and debated, It was Voted, that the same be not accepted, many Gentlemen stating their belief that such arrangement would interfere with the Communion Service & Sunday School of St. Paul’s Church. It was afterwards Voted, That the Rector & Wardens be authorized to procure a place for public Worship while the Church is rebuilding.

The business of the Meeting being thus completed, it was Voted, That this Meeting be dissolved.

Attest, Saml. D. Parker

late Warden & Moderator

Annexed is the Warden’s Account for the past year with copy of the Certificate of the Committee appointed to examine & pass upon the same.

Memorandum—Stephen Deblois Esq. who hired Pew No. 60 in the Broad aisle belonging to the Church gave notice that he should surrender it this Day, & pay the Rent no longer.

Dr. Trinity Church in Acct. Current with S. D. Parker & Stephen Deblois

Wardens chosen at Easter 1827.

Cr.

To Cash paid Mr. Willard Repairing Clock

2.00

“ “ “ for Certificate of Interments in Cemetery

1.25

“ “ “ Oliver Downing’s Bill, New Steps &c.

72.97

“ “ “ Revd. Dr. Gardiner in full of Balance due last year

513.87

“ “ “ Dr. Gardiner on account of this Year’s Salary

2100.83

“ “ “ for Convention Dinner

37.93

“ “ “ Miss Glover in full for singing

25.00

“ “ “ Mr. Libbey, Chorister’s Salary

150.00

“ “ “ Balance due E. V. Glover

15.12

“ “ “ Otis Brigg’s Bill—Repairs

10.50

“ “ “ David Nagles’ Bill

20.00

“ “ “ Mrs. Bigelow—Organist’s Salary

200.00

“ “ “ Mr. Noyes’ Bill for Glazing

10.95

“ “ “ McCue, Bellows Blower

3.75

“ “ “ R. P. & C. Williams’ Bill

37.58

“ “ “ Mr. Lock’s Bill—Sea Coal

16.83

“ “ “ paid for 3 Stoves

20.75

“ “ “ Andrew Green’s Bill, Funnel &c.

83.59

“ “ “ paid for Charcoal

13.16

“ “ “ E. Kingsbury for Spruce

10.00

“ “ “ Mr. Fuller for Plan of Church Land

3.00

“ “ “S. H. Parker—for Music Books &c.

20.62

“ “ “ Mr. Burrough’s Bill of Wood

32.00

“ “ “ Mr. Moore’s Bill

21.50

“ “ “ J. L. Scarlett—Bellow’s Blower

8.00

“ “ “ Thos. Austin’s Bill

9.25

“ “ “ Mr. Southard—Sexton in full to Easter 1828

114.75

“ “ “ Henry Appleton, Cleansing furnace

2.00

“ “ “ Matthew Lodge’s Bill

5.50

“ “ “ Beal’s & Homer’s Bill

3.75

Amount Carried over

$3566.45

1827

April 17

to

April 7

1828

Cr. Trinity Church in Acct. Current with S. D. Parker & Stephen Deblois Wardens chosen at Easter 1827.

By balance in Warden’s Hands last Year

1.95

“ Recd. for Deposits in Tombs

viz. Mr. Cooper

10.

Mr. Patrick Conner

10.

Mrs. Passarow

20.

40.00

“ for Deeds of Pews

5.00

“ Collected of back Taxes due before Easter 1827—as follows—

Pew No.

1

12.50

5

30.00

12

30.00

15

30.00

25

30.00

54

41.00

83

30.00

86

30.00

89

30.00

101

12.50

104

12.50

105

12.50

301.00

Pew No.

110

12.50

111

12.50

114

20.00

115

116

117

7.50

120

12.50

121

12.50

124

12.50

127

6.25

129

12.50

130

25.00

131

5.00

138.75

301.00

439.75

“ Wood on hand last Spring bought by Sexton

2.00

1828

April 7th

“ Taxes collected from Easter 1827 to Easter 1828—being

assessed on Easter Monday 1827. Viz

Pew No.

1

12.50

2

30.00

3

30.00

4

30.00

5

30.00

6

30.00

7

30.00

8

30.00

9

30.00

10

20.00

11

30.00

12

30.00

13

30.00

14

20.00

15

30.00

16

30.00

church

17

00.00

18

20.00

19

30.00

20

30.00

21

30.00

22

20.00

23

30.00

24

30.00

25

00.00

26

no

27

28

such

29

30

pews

31

30.00

32

30.00

33

41.00

34

41.00

35

41.00

36

41.00

37

41.00

38

41.00

39

41.00

40

41.00

41

41.00

42

41.00

43

41.00

44

41.00

45

41.00

46

41.00

47

41.00

48

41.00

49 Clerk’s

50 Rector’s

51

41.00

52

41.00

53

41.00

54

41.00

55

41.00

56

41.00

57

41.00

58

41.00

59

41.00

60

53.30

Pew No.

61

41.00

62

41.00

63

41.00

64

41.00

65

41.00

66

41.00

67

40.00

68

40.00

69 Wardens

70

no much Pews

71

72

73

74

75

30.00

76

30.00

77

30.00

78

30.00

79

30.00

80

20.00

81

30.00

82

30.00

83

30.00

84

20.00

85

30.00

86

30.00

87

30.00

88

20.00

89

00.00

90

30.00

91

30.00

92

20.00

93

30.00

94

30.00

95

30.00

96

30.00

97

30.00

98

30.00

99

30.00

100

30.00

101

12.50

102

12.50

103 Vacant

104

12.50

105

12.50

106

6.25

107

12.50

108

12.50

109 refused

12.50

110

12.50

111

12.50

112

12.50

113

12.50

114

surrendered

115

116

117

00.00

118

00.00

119 half

6.25

1188.00

120

12.50

1771.00

carried over

3447.70

Dr. Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens of 1827.

To Amount of Debit brought over

$3566.45

1828

April 7

N.B. The extra incidental expences of the Church this last year,—in putting up New Steps to the front doors, & other repairs,—in the New Stoves & Funnel.

—in Sea-Coal & other fuel—

—in the Sunday School—Books for Choristers—and in the measures for rebuilding the Church—have increased the ordinary expences of the Church beyond the whole Balance due to the Rector $399.17, which but for these extra expences would have been paid, and left the Church out of Debt.—that one being the only Debt known to be due at Easter 1828.

Cr. Trinity Church in Account with the Wardens of 1827.

By Amo. of Credit brought over

$3447.70

By taxes of Pews collected viz.

Pew No.

121

$12.50

122

12.50

2 years

123

25.00

124

12.50

½ vacant

125

6.25

Do

126

6.25

127

6.25

vacant

128

0.00

129

12.50

130

12.50

vacant

131

00.00

vacant

132

00.00

133

12.50

118.75

No taxes recd. for Pews of any higher number

$3566.45

Boston Easter Monday April 7.1828.

Errors Excepted—

Saml. D. Parker for himself &

Stephen Deblois      Wardens

Indorsed on the original Account is this Certificate—viz.

Boston April 12th 1828. The Subscribers appointed a Committee by the Proprietors of Trinity Church to examine the Accounts of the Wardens for the past year, have attended to that duty, and found the Accounts correctly cast and duly vouched.

Signed—Henry Hubbard

Joseph Head Jr.   Committee

April 18th 1828.

The proprietors of Pews No. 25, 89, 103, 109, 117, 118, 119, 125, 126, 127, 128, & 131 having refused to pay the Taxes assessed on them at Easter 1827, they were according to public notice put up at Public Auction & sold by Mess. F. K. Jones & Co. Edward H. Robbins Jr. Warden purchasing them on account of This Church.

No.

25

1.00

89

1.00

103

.50

109

.50

117

.50

118

.50

119

.50

125

.50

126

.50

127

.50

128

.50

131

.50

Attest E. H. Robbins Jr.

Warden

May 11th 1828

A meeting of the Proprietors of this Church was held at the Church, on the eleventh day of May A.D. 1828 at 4½ of the P.M. in consequence of a request made by the Building Committee notice of said Meeting & the purposes for which it was called having been given by posting notifications in the front doors of the Church & placing printed Notifications in each pew fourteen days prior to the day appointed for the Meeting.

The building Committee having apprised the proprietors that the purchase of the Griffin Estate was necessary to enable them to build the new Church & stated the propriety of conferring further powers upon said Committee, in reference to certain particulars, it was,

Voted that for the purpose of erecting the new Church of such dimensions, as will afford the requisite accomodation for the present proprietors & others, who may join this Society & of such external appearance, as will satisfy the just expectations of the public—the building committee be & they are hereby fully authorised & empowered to purchase, for & in behalf of the proprietors of this Church, the messuage & land, known as the “Griffin-Estate” & lying on the West side of the land, now owned by the Church, at a price equal to its present actual cost to The Trustees of the Greene Foundation—to borrow the money to pay for said land, upon the credit of this Church, at such rate of Interest, payable at such times & in such manner, as the said Committee shall think proper & determine.

And in case the said Committee shall not be able to obtain the amount of money required to pay for said Estate upon the credit of this Church then

Voted that the building-committee be & they are hereby authorised to purchase said Estate & reconvey it in Mortgage to The Trustees of the Greene Foundation (if they consent to such arrangment) to secure the payment of the price with interest at such time, as shall be appointed by said Trustees.

Voted that the building committee be & they are hereby authorised to sell & dispose of such part of the land belonging to the Church on Hawley Street, or make such contract in relation thereto, for the purpose of widening said Street, and to ask & receive such compensation therefor, as the said Committee shall think the interest of this Church requires.

Voted that the building Committee be & they are hereby authorised to make any & all agreements, with the proprietors of tombs under the Church for the removal or rebuilding of the same, which said Committee may think proper; and if it shall be found expedient or necessary to deprive any such proprietor of the tomb, he now owns, said Committee are authorised to make him such compensation therefor in money or by granting him a new tomb, as may be agreed between such proprietor & said Committee.

Voted that any & all contracts & engagements made by the said Building Committee with any person or persons, in relation to or for the purchase of said Griffin Estate, shall be considered obligatory upon the proprietors of this Church & shall be duly performed by them. It was then Voted that this Meeting be dissolved.

Attest   E. H. Robbins Jr.

Warden

On Sunday August 3d. 1828. The Holy Communion was administered in the old Church for the last time, (The Rector being absent for the recovery of his health) by the Rev. Geo. W. Doane the assistant minister; who also in the afternoon preached the last sermon from 1st Samuel 7th Chap. 12 verse. “Then Samuel took a stone & set it between Misper & Shem, & called the name of it Ebenezer saying, hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” Notice was given at the same time that the congregation, during the rebuilding of the church, would assemble at Boylston Hall.

Attest—George Brinley Jr. Warden

August 31st 1828.

At a meeting of the proprietors of Trinity Church held in Boylston Hall agreeable to notice.

Voted That the Wardens of Trinity Church be authorised & are hereby authorised, to obtain the use of Boylston Hall from the Handel & Hayden Society for the use of the Proprietors of Trinity Church during Sundays, Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, Christmas, Fast & Thanksgiving days, at a Rent not exceeding $400 per annum or in that ratio untill Trinity Church is rebuilt or ready for occupancy. The expense of Fuel to be paid by the Handel & Hayden society.

Voted That the Wardens of Trinity Church be & are hereby authorised to charge the rent of said Hall to the Proprietors of Trinity Church in their annual accounts current with said Church for the ensuing year.

Attest

George Brinley Jr. Warden

September 21st 1828

At a meeting of the proprietors of Trinity Church held in Boylston Hall agreeable to legal notice, each proprietor having a printed notice more than 14 days prior to said meeting.

George Brinley Esq. Junior Warden presided in the absence of the Senior Warden. William D. Sohier Esq. was chosen Secretary for this meeting.

The purposes of this meeting having been stated by the chairman, the following preamble & votes were passed. Whereas the office of Treasurer of the fund for the purpose of rebuilding Trinity Church being vacant by the decease of our late Treasurer Jonathan Amory Esq;

Voted That we proceed to the choice of a Treasurer to fill the vacancy. Whereupon Joseph Tilden Esq. was unanimously elected.

Voted That the Treasurer now chosen be & he hereby is authorised & empowered to examine pass & approve (if he finds them correct) the accounts of John T. Apthorp Esq. Chairman of the building committee, upon whom devolved the management of the money concerns relative to building the new Church, during the sickness & since the death of Jonathan Amory Esq. late Treasurer of the Proprietors of Trinity Church.

Voted That all notes heretofore issued by the Building Committee which have not been attested or countersigned by the late Treasurer shall be deemed & held to be valid & as effectual, as if the same had been so attested or countersigned.

Whereas in conformity with a vote of the proprietors of this church, passed on the 11th day of May last the Building-Committee did, on the first of July last, purchase in behalf of this Church the “Griffin Estate” of the Trustees of the Greene Foundation, at the price of Seven thousand, eight hundred & seventy five dollars 6/100 (being the actual cost thereof to said Trustees). And whereas it was agreed that a note for the said sum, payable on or before the expiration of ten years from said first day of July, with interest payable half yearly, should be given by this society to said Trustees and that said Estate should be reconveyed in mortgage to said Trustees to secure the payment of said note according to its tenor.

Voted That the Wardens of this Church be & they are hereby authorised to carry into effect the agreement aforesaid by giving said note & mortgage in behalf of this Society.

Voted That the vestry-men of this Church be and they are hereby requested to give their consent that the Wardens may make a conveyance of said “Griffin Estate” in mortgage to said Trustees of the Greene Foundation for the purpose above stated.

Voted That the Building Committee be and they are hereby authorised to build & erect any and all such tombs under the New Church, as they may deem proper, and also make sale and dispose of such tombs, or of sites for tombs, when and as they think expedient. And said Committee are hereby empowered to use and apply the monies arising from such sales to and for the payment, in whole or in part, of any debts due, or which may hereafter be owing from this Society.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to this day four weeks being 19th October next to meet in Boylston Hall immediately after the Morning service.

Attest George Brinley Junior Warden

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church held September 21st 1828, George Brinley Esq. being Chairman.

Voted That in pursuance of the Vote of the Proprietors of the Church, we consent, empower and authorise the Church Wardens to grant and convey in mortgage to the Trustees of the Greene Foundation the messuage and land called the Griffin Estate to secure the payment of a note for Seven thousand eight hundred and seventy five dollars 6/100 given or to be given by said Wardens in behalf of this Society to said Trustees for the price of said Estate & payable on or before the expiration of ten years from the first day of July last with interest to be paid semiannually.

George Brinley, Chairman

September 15th 1828

The Corner Stone (i.e. the first stone of the Superstructure of the new Church at the South Easterly angle above the base course of large stones) was laid in the manner following viz. At 11 o’clock A.M. the Rev. Mr. Doane delivered an appropriate prayer, composed for the occasion, standing upon the stone before it was laid. The Rev. Dr. Gardiner read a copy of the inscription on the plate to be deposited. The deposit (hereafter described) was then laid by the Chairman of the Building Committee upon the corner base stone when Mr. Wallace and Mr. Nichols the head masons spread the mortar, the workmen by machinery then raised the corner stone, which had previously been excavated for the purpose of receiving the deposit & lowered it into its place. Dr. Gardiner striking the stone with a hammer, stepped upon it, declared it laid, and delivered a suitable address, stating distinctly, among other things, the reasons of our preference for the Episcopalian Doctrine and closed the ceremony with a short prayer and benediction. Upon this occasion the spectators of both Sexes were numerous, considering that it was the wish of the Building Committee to avoid all unnecessary parade. The following is a copy of the inscription on the plate.

Trinity Church

Built A.D. 1734      Rebuilt A.D. 1828

Rt. Rev. Alexander V. Griswold Bishop of the Eastern Diocese.

Rev. John Sylvester John Gardiner, D.D. Rector

Rev. George Washington Doan A.M. Assistant Minister

Edward H. Robbins Jr. Esq.

George Brinley Esq.      Wardens

John Trecothick Apthorp Esq.

George Brinley Esq.

John Hubbard Esq.      Building Committee

William Dehon Esq.

Joseph Head Jr. Esq.

William Davies Sohier Esq.

Edward Hutchinson Robbins Jr. Esq.

The plan of this Church was designed by George Watson Brimmer Esq. and the corner stone was laid 15th Sept. 1828.

The silver plate with the foregoing inscription engraved upon it, the news-paper called the Columbian Centinel of the 13th of April 1828 and the Episcopal Watchman of the 6th of September 1828 containing reminiscences of Trinity Church and the following coins

  • One Silver United States Dollar dated 1803
  • One ditto do do Half Dollar dated 1828
  • One “ “ “ Quarter Dollar “ 1825
  • One Silver United States Ten cent piece dated 1827
  • One “ “ “ Five “ “ “ 1805
  • Two Copper “ “ One Cent “ “ 1828
  • Two “ “ “ Half Cent “ “ 1804

were placed in a tin can soldered tight, this was enclosed in a glass box hermetrically sealed and this together with a pamphlet containing an account of all the proceedings of the convention of this diocese were enclosed in lead also soldered and constituted the deposit above alluded to.

October 27th 1828

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church duly convened by written notification to meet at the house of George Brinley Esq. at 7 o’clock P.M. The Rev. Dr. Gardiner, Gardiner Green, Col. Apthorp, Dr. Robbins, Jos. Tilden, Wm. Dehon, Jos. Head, Joseph Head Jr. Samuel H. Parker & George Brinley being present it was

Voted The Vestry are of opinion that it will be of great importance that Daniel Webster Esq. who has been retained in the case of Trinity Church vs. the Kings Chapel be engaged to argue that case at the next term of the Sup. Jud. Court and they recommend the Committee be authorised by the Proprietors to take measures relative to that subject, so to engage him.

Voted that the meeting be adjourned sine die.

Attest   E. H. Robbins Jr.

Warden

November 9th 1828

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held in Boylston Hall immediately after divine service in the morning according to legal notice, a letter was read from the Rev. George W. Doane making application in behalf of the new Church in Ashfield Mass. & Trinity Church in Brooklyn Con. for such part & portion of the Curtains cushions and table furniture belonging to Trinity Church lately demolished as the proprietors might see fit to bestow, and it was

Voted That the curtains, cushions and table furniture be given to the said Churches & that the subcommittee of the Building committee are directed to carry the same into effect.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned till Sunday the 23d. November, after Divine service in the morning.

Attest   E. H. Robbins Jr.

Warden

November 16th 1828

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church held at Boylston Hall agreably to notice, at the request of John T. Apthorp, Gardiner Greene & Sam. D. Parker Esqs. (Committee on the Price donation) it was

Voted That John T. Apthorp & Gardiner Greene Esquires be a committee to make & execute in the name & behalf of this Vestry & jointly with the Rector & Wardens and with the committee of the Proprietors of pews, any agreement which the said Committee of the Proprietors of Pews may see fit to make with Jonathan Stodder & others and with the Rector, Wardens & Vestry of Kings Chapel for the final settlement and compromise of the Suit now pending against them for the recovery of the Price estate.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned sine die.

Attest   E. H. Robbins Jr.

Warden

November 23d. 1828

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held pursuant to adjournment of which notice was given on the last & present Sabbath from the Desk the Committee appointed on the 20th June 1824 for the purpose of communciating with the Rector, Wardens & Proprietors of Kings Chapel upon the subject of Mr. Price’s bequest made the following report.

The Committee to whom was committed the subject of the Donation of the late William Price referring to their several reports in part heretofore made beg leave respectfully to make their final Report.

The Supreme Judicial Court having set aside the verdict in favour of the Tenants in the suit at law commenced by the Rector and Wardens of Trinity Church against Messrs. Stodder & Frobisher tenants of the Price mansion house under leave from the Rector & Wardens of King’s Chapel who came into that suit in aid of their said tenants & became parties defendant therein.

And said Court having ordered a new trial in order to ascertain whether a Jury would infer from lapse of time, loss of evidence, uninterrupted possession, uncomplaining, acquiesence, and other circumstances that Dr. Caner, & his Wardens did in fact, before the revolutionary war, accept the Trust in manner prescribed in Mr. Price’s Will, notwithstanding that no record of such acceptance now appears.

This cause was set down for trial by a new Jury at the commencement of the present November term of the Court; but before the time of trial arrived, the Counsel for Trinity Church named in our former reports notified your Committee that the Counsel of the other party proposed a compromise and they requested a meeting of the Committee for that purpose, giving an unanimous opinion that under the peculiar circumstances of this case, and the known equal decision of the Judges upon the question of law upon which the action will finally turn, it was adviseable and expedient to make a Compromise, rather than hazard a final loss of the whole object sued for. The committee under the direction of the very respectable counsel to whose advice they owed defference & regard, met the other party, but could not consent to their terms of compromise. After some debate and delay, other terms were finally agreed upon, and the Committee in pursuance of the authority given to them by the Vote of the Proprietors, & in the exercise of their best judgment, have executed jointly with the Rector, Wardens & Committee of Trinity Church Vestry a Contract duly executed also by the Minister, Wardens, & Committee of the Vestry of the Kings Chapel, which contract they hereunto annex and they beg that it may be taken as a part of this Report. [The text of this contract is not contained in the Records.]

Your Committee felt the weight of responsibility under which they acted, and well considered the subject in all its bearings, and requested the advice of the Counsel not only learned as Lawyers but as Gentlemen of intelligence experience and honor: and they hold the written opinions of the Hon. Charles Jackson, Hon. Daniel Webster, Hon. Samuel Hubbard, Hon. Benjamin Gorham, William Davies Sohier Esq. and William Harvard Gardiner Esq. unanimously recommending that measure.

It would enlarge too much this Report to spread on the record the various considerations which governed the Committee, but they will ask leave to communicate them viva voce to the Proprietors.

And now having conducted this arduous business to a close, so far as respects the attainment of the object for which this Committee was appointed, and hoping that their doings will be approved by their constituents, they respectfully request to be discharged from further attention to this subject, the agreement having already been performed so far as taking possession of the demanded premises by the Ministers & Wardens of this Church under a judgment & writ of possession from the Supreme Court, thus completely vesting the title & income in them.

But before closing this Report, the Committee ask permission to suggest, that as it is a part of the agreement that the Rector & Wardens of Trinity Church should execute the Trust in conformity to the will of Mr. Price, it will be expedient to keep a careful complete and seperate record of all proceedings relative thereto, that if hereafter by any lawful authority enquiry should be made concerning the premises, the evidence may be satisfactory & conclusive: and that as the labour of keeping such a Record, showing an exact conformity to the will in all its various particulars, will be great, requiring skill & industry, and as the duties of the Wardens, already arduous enough for gratuitous services, will necessarily be increased, it will also be expedient that a person should be duly appointed Clerk & Treasurer of the Trustees under the Will of Mr. Price, removeable at pleasure, whose duty it should be, under the direction of the Rector & Wardens, who appoint him, to keep said Record, collect the Rents, pay over the disbursments according to the provisions of the Will & the terms of the agreement aforesaid, & aid the Minister & Wardens in the management of the Real estate & in the discharge of the Trust and said Clerk and Treasurer should be required annually to transmit a Copy of the Account & statement of the concerns, receipts and payments of said Trust-estate and funds to the Senior Warden of this Church to be submitted to the Vestry and to the Proprietors, & recorded in the Records of said Proprietors; and the compensation of said Clerk & Treasurer should be twenty five dollars per annum for services as Clerk, and five per centum on the Rents collected, for his duties as Treasurer; which salary and compensation should be deducted from the surplus income before any division is made; and a proper compensation to the Sexton & for fuel annually during the Lectures should also be deducted from the surplus income before any division thereof is made.

The Committee would also respectfully suggest that some provision should be made to pay the counsel who have been employed, & that at some convenient time the monies advanced by individuals to carry on this lawsuit should be refunded to them with interest out of the fruits thereof.

All which is respectfully submitted

Signed

John T. Apthorp

Gardiner Greene   Committee

Sam. D. Parker

Nov. 23d. 1828

Which report being read was accepted.

A letter from William H. Gardiner Esq. communicating the information that the suit brought by the Rector & Wardens of this Church to recover the estate devised to them in and by Will of William Price deceased had terminated in a compromise with the Rector and Wardens of Kings Chapel was read.

Voted unanimously That the thanks of the Proprietors be presented to the Committee for their fidelity and perseverance in the prosecution of the claim of this Church against the Rector and Wardens of the Kings Chapel and in bringing the same to a satisfactory result.

Voted unanimously That the thanks of the Proprietors be offered to Samuel D. Parker Esq. for the zeal and ability with which he has discharged the arduous duties which devolved upon him as member of said committee.

Voted unanimously That the thanks of the Proprietors be also offered to William D. Sohier Esq. for the aid he gratuitously rendered at the request of the counsel employed in behalf of this Church.

Voted That Joseph Tilden Esq. and William D. Sohier Esq. be a committee to consider and advise the Proprietors as to the measures to be adopted for the management of the Price Estate and the fulfilment of the engagement entered into by this Church with the Rector and Wardens of the King’s Chapel. And also for the due regulation of the fiscal concerns of this Church.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Sunday the 14th December next immediately after divine service in the morning.

Attest   E. H. Robbins Jr.

Sunday December 7th 1828

At a meeting of the Vestry of Trinity Church held in Boylston Hall

It was stated by the Junior Warden that great inconvenience would arise in performing the service on Christmas day in Boylston Hall on account of its being a Market day. Whereupon it was

Voted that the wardens be requested to obtain the first Church in Chauncy place for the use of Trinity Church the ensuing Christmas.

The meeting was then adjourned sine die

Attest

George Brinley Junior, Warden

Monday Dec. 8th 1828

The following letter was rec’d from the Committee of the First Church in Chauncey Place.

Boston Dec. 8th 1828

The undersigned Committee of the First Church in Chauncey Place, having understood, that the use of their House would be acceptable to the Trinity Church Congregation for the ensuing Christmas, do respectfully offer it to them for that occasion.

Signed

James Morrill

Josiah Bradlee

Chas. Sprague

Jos. S. Buckingham

Eben. Chadwick

Dan. Messinger

Daniel L. Gibbens

David Francis

to which the following answer was sent.

Boston, Dec. 9th 1828

To/ James Morrill, Josiah Bradlee, Chas. Sprague, Jos. T. Buckingham, Eben. Chadwick, Dan. Messinger, Dan. L. Gibbens, David Frances, Esquires.

Gent.

The Rector, Wardens & Vestry of Trinity Church, have rec’d. your communication of the 8th Inst. as a Committee from the First Church in Chauncey Place, kindly tendering the use of your Church to the congregation of Trinity Church for the ensuing Christmas. The Rector, Wardens & Vestry for themselves, & in behalf of the congregation of Trinity Church, accept with pleasure the kind offer; & beg leave to add, that the value of the accomodation is much enhanced by the very prompt & acceptable manner it has been tendered. Respectfully

Signed

George Brinley one of the Wardens of Trinity Church

Sunday December 14th 1828

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held in Boylston Hall by adjournment, George Brinley Esq. Junior Warden presiding.

The committee appointed the 23d. ultimo made the following report which was unanimously accepted.

The Committee appointed on the 23d. ultimo “to advise the Proprietors as to the measures to be adopted for the management of the Price Estate & the fulfilment of the engagements, entered into with the Rector & Wardens of the King’s Chapel; & also for the due regulation of the fiscal concerns of this Church”

Respectfully report That by the recovery of the real estate devised by Mr. Price, the Minister & Wardens of this Church are obliged to assume the duties of Trustees for the performance of the Will of the testator: And by the covenants entered into with the Rector & Wardens of the Kings Chapel, in relation to that property, this society become responsible for the due preservation of the Trust premises, the collection of the rents & the due application thereof conformably with those covenants.

Your committee are of opinion that unless the care & management of this Estate are made the peculiar duty of some competent agent, this Society will not only become subject to reproach but be exposed to legal claims for the non observance of the engagements made with the Kings Chapel. They therefore recommend that the Minister & Wardens of this Church should be empowered to appoint from year to year a suitable person to see that all things, which ought to be performed by this Society under the Indenture, made with the Kings Chapel, be punctually & honourably performed according to the true intent of that instrument to perform all the duties of a Clerk & Treasurer of the Trustees of the Price donation; To keep full & exact records of the doings of said Trustees & of all acts done for the fulfilment of said Price’s Will concerning the trust premises and the performance of the covenants of this Society; To collect the rents of said Estate, as they accrue, superintend all repairs ordered to be made on said estate; to disburse all monies required for the execution of the trust, which devolves upon the Rector & Wardens of this Church, and after this payment is made and all expenses incident to the management and reparation of the trust-premises are defrayed, to retain and keep safely deposited, one moity of the residue of said rents & the produce of the estate for the use of Kings Chapel, and to pay the same only to the person or persons authorised to receive it in behalf of said Church, and to render an account of all receipts & expenditures annually to the Proprietors of this Church on Easter Monday.

The performance of the various duties here supposed will require the devotion of much time & be attended with a degree of responsibility which no member of this Society can be with propriety asked to assume without an adequate reward: it is therefore recommended that the sum of Twenty five dollars per annum and five pr. cent, on the amount of rents collected, should be granted for the services required.

And that this society may be guarded from loss it is advised that said Clerk & Treasurer be required to give a bond with one surety in the penal sum of one thousand dollars to the Rector & Wardens, with a condition providing for the faithful discharge of his duty in the several particulars above mentioned.

In respect to the other subject submitted to their consideration, your Committee, in consequence of the indisposition of the Senior Warden have not been able to obtain the information requisite to enable them to report at this time; they therefore ask that further time may be allowed for the completion of their duty in this particular.

Signed

Joseph Tilden

William D. Sohier   Committee

A letter was read from the chair, from Doctor Phelphs directed to the Minister & Wardens of Trinity Church, stating that Mrs. Staniford the widow of the late Jos. Staniford who fell from the Walls of Trinity Church now building in Summer Street on the 8th inst. & expired, was in want of pecuniary assistance, and requested that a subscription should be made by the Proprietors of Trinity Church for her relief. Whereupon it was

Voted That the subject be referred to the Building Committee.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned sine die.

The Wardens were requested to notify each Proprietor either by a written or printed Notification that a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church would be held at Boylston Hall immediately after divine Service in the afternoon on Sunday the 4th of January next, and that among other matters concerning the Church it would then be shewn to the Proprietors what has been done by the Building Committee, what remains to be done for the completion of the new Church and what additional monies are required for that purpose. And that as it will be a meeting of importance their punctual attendance is requested.

Attest—George Brinley Junior, Warden

Sunday January 4 1829

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church, held in Boylston Hall after Divine service in the afternoon, each proprietor having been notified by a printed notification fourteen days previous that among other matters which would come before them the Building Committee would report to the proprietors what had been done by them, what remains to be done, and what additional monies are required for the completion of the new Church, the Chairman of the Building Committee made the following report.

The Building Committee appointed by the Proprietors of Trinity Church on the 18th day of February 1828 and empowered by a vote then passed and also by a Vote of the seventh day of April last, to carry into effect their determination to take down the old & to erect a new Church, in pursuance of their duty now report in part upon the subject committed to them as follows.

By virtue of the authority given to them by said Votes, they proceeded to obtain subscriptions for loans for the aforesaid purposes and succeeded in procuring them to the amount of Thirty nine thousand five hundred dollars: they then after much deliberation adopted a plan of a building in the Grecian style of Architecture, the model being that of Saint Philipe in Paris; but upon further reflection, this was abandoned and a plan presented by Geo. W. Brimmer Esq. was substituted, as being in their opinion better adapted for a religious edifice and one that would be probably constructed at a less cost. Estimates were then furnished by persons conversant with the subject generally and who were entitled to credit from their experience, from which a hope was entertained, that the expense of the projected building would not much exceed Forty thousand dollars, the sum they were authorised to borrow and which sum having been stated in the first vote of the Proprietors relating to this subject, probably led to the general expectation that it would be sufficient to effect the purpose intended. Your Committee were aware that estimates for buildings of magnitude are rarely entitled to full and entire confidence for their accuracy and that any calculations made for one of the novel description their plan exhibited, could not be implicitly relied on, as it was to be built with uncommonly heavy materials, they however felt warrented in proceeding under a conviction that great additional funds would not be required & anticipating that the satisfaction resulting from the execution of their adopted plan and its mode of construction would induce the proprietors cheerfully to acquiesce in granting such further sums as might be necessary to complete the building, and which they confidently expect, will not be deemed an unreasonable excess over and above the estimates referred to, after the causes of that excess shall have been pointed out. Premising that your committee are fully persuaded that no want of care and proper econemy is to be detected in any of the proceedings of any of the parties engaged in prosecuting this undertaking, they account for the necessity which occasions this requisition in the following manner viz. 1st By the necessary enlargement of the plan of the New Church, in consequence of the annexation of the Griffin Estate to the original lot of land upon which the old Church stood, this gives the Proprietors the advantage of as capacious a building as the two lots would afford and is as beneficial an appropriation of that Estate as could be made. It will be recollected that when the vote was passed authorising the Building Committee to borrow $40,000 the expectation was that the New Church was to be built within the limits of the land then owned by the Society, for which purpose that sum would have been nearly competent. 2d. by the additional cost incurred by building the upper part of the walls thicker than was originally planned, which in the opinion of the mechanics employed became necessary in the progress of the work for the safety of the building. 3d. By the ornamental part of the work in front, which tho not extensive was found to be more costly than, at first, it was supposed it would be. 4th. By the several bills for extras, which the estimates did not embrace. 5th By the cost of making new tombs, as substitute for the old ones which were necessarily destroyed for the purpose of laying the foundation of the Church omitted in the estimates. 6th By the greater degree of labour than was contemplated in the raising the heavy materials of which the Church is composed and 7th By hiring the mechanics by the day to perform the work (the only efficient mode of erecting such a building). These items the Committee trust will satisfactorily explain the causes of the excess of the cost of the new building beyond the original calculations, for the completion of which more funds will be requisite. Your Committee think themselves fortunate, under these circumstances in not having made contracts for building the walls (which they were upon the point of doing) for in that case they have no doubt that the contractors would either have been ruined or their work would not have been acceptable and moreover another season would have been far exhausted before the Church would have attained its present condition, which condition is as follows viz. all the walls are compleated except about forty feet of the Tower, which is to be finished next Spring, the Stone having been contracted for, the floor & galery frames are on: the roof of the body is perfected as to wood work & the slating is nearly compleated: lumber enough, or nearly so, for the pews, floor & all other purposes has already been purchased. Insurance has been effected on the Church for Fifteen thousand dollars for one year from the 17th December last, the time when it was roofed and the Proprietors will determine whether or not to insure a larger sum.

The Committee submit, whether upon a just consideration of all things connected with this subject, their duty has not been vigilantly and faithfully performed, as well as that of the Superintendant and mechanics employed, they believe that as far as they have proceeded, an examination of the building both as to its materials and workmanship will result in the approbation of the Proprietors and that the Society should the Church be finished with the same care and attention with which it has thus far been built, will have a spacious, solid, durable and convenient structure for religious worship, with a neat and sightly interior & of an appropriate & imposing exterior, well calculated for its use & highly ornamental to the City, advantages more than equivalent to the whole cost of its erection. The Committee here remark that in the demolition of the Old Church evidences of its decay were too apparent to admit of any doubt of the necessity of a new one. They also state for the information of the Proprietors that they own a lot of land in the rear of the Church containing about 2300 square feet which can be disposed of if necessary. The amount of monies already expended and due for materials &c. had is about 36,000.00 dollars of which has been paid at this time $21847.55. There remains to be done by the Carpenters, the furrings of all the walls & ceilings, pews, galleries, organ loft, stairs, doors, columns, chancel, pulpit, desk, roof of Tower, all the floors, window frames & sashes: by the Masons laying the walls of the rest of the Tower, lathing & plaistering, laying stone steps, paving and building fences. By the Painters all the painting & glazing. The organ is to be repaired and the following materials will be wanted viz. lime & sand for mortar, stone steps, stone for fences, iron railings, furniture, hardware, nails and such additional lumber as may be necessary as well as sundry incidental expenses which cannot be enumerated, which the committee are of opinion would not be safe to estimate the cost of at a sum less than $10,000. They therefore close this part of their report by recommending the adoption of the following vote. Voted that the Building Committee be and they hereby are empowered to borrow for the purpose of finishing the new Church a sum not exceeding Ten thousand dollars in addition to the Forty thousand dollars they were authorised to borrow by the vote passed on the 18th of February last.

per order

signed      John T. Apthorp Chairman

Boston Jan. 2d 1829

Whereupon after discussion a motion was made by Sam. D. Parker Esq. that the Report be accepted; which passed. Upon motion of Samuel D. Parker Esq. it was

Voted That the Building Committee be & they hereby are authorised & empowered to borrow for the purpose of finishing the New Church a sum not exceeding Ten thousand dollars in addition to the Forty thousand dollars they were authorised to borrow by the vote passed on the 18th of Feb. last.

Voted That the wardens of Trinity Church be authorised and are hereby empowered to borrow the sum of one thousand dollars for the term of four months on interest for the purpose of meeting the current expenses of the Church.

On motion of William D. Sohier it was

Voted That Joseph Tilden Esq. Treasurer be & he hereby is authorised to pay out of any monies in his hands to the Treasurer of the Greene Foundation the amount of interest which has accrued or shall accrue on the note of this Society given for the price of the Griffin Estate purchased of said Trustees, provided however that no more than one years interest shall be paid by virtue of this vote.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Sunday next to meet in Boylston Hall immediately [after] the Evening Service.

Attest   George Brinley Junior, Warden

Sunday Jan. 11th 1829

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held by adjournment in Boylston Hall, George Brinley Junior Warden presiding.

The Committee appointed the 14th ultimo made the following report which was unanimously accepted.

The Committee appointed on the 14th ultimo to ascertain what measures should be adopted in relation to the management of the Price Estate & to the fiscal concerns of the Church now discharge the remaining part of their duty by reporting.

That they have been furnished by the Senior Warden with his account current with the Church by which it appears that the amount of the assessment made on the Pews last Easter, the sum of Seventeen hundred & fifty two dollars has been realised which altho it did not enable the Senior Warden to discharge the obligations of the Church with punctuality, has defrayed the expenses of the society since Easter last & has cancelled the ballance of the Rectors salery then in arrear with the exception of the trifling sum of Fifty two dollars 58/100. There is now owing to the Senior Warden the said sum of $52.58 and thirty one dollars 11/100 for interest on monies advanced by him to pay the salaries of the different officers of the Church at the time they became due. All which will appear upon reference to the account herewith submitted.

It seems probable that only a small part of the uncollected Taxes will be obtained as the pewholders, from whom they are payable intend to leave the Church to withhold their respective assessments from the appraised value of the pews. The eventual payment of these taxes may be certain, but as the receipt of them is thus unreasonably postponed, they do not supply the means of an honorable & just compliance with the engagements of the Society. The quarterly payments of the different salaries for the first of the present month with the Rent of the Boylston Hall & other minor expenses, amounting to about the sum of One thousand dollars are not provided for & the like sum for similar purposes will be payable on the first of April next. That the Wardens may possess the means requisite to meet these claims it is recommended that they should be authorised to borrow from time to time such sums of money at interest as will enable them to defray the expenses of Public worship & pay the just debts of the Church with proper punctuality, and that this society shall stand pledged to refund such loans out of the first monies which shall be at their disposal.

Your Committee further report it has long been a cause of just complaint that the Wardens of the Church have been obliged to advance money for the use of the Society or to suffer those, who place reliance on their good faith, to be disappointed in the receipt of the salaries due them & be exposed to much inconvenience by the want of means to meet their own engagements. By the advances thus extorted from the Wardens the credit & honor of the society have partially been preserved, but the evil calls loudly for a remedy. Your committee are of opinion that an adequate remedy for this evil can most readily be obtained by a proper provision in the deeds to be given of the pews in the New Church by which the owner shall be obliged to pay at least one half the annual Tax in advance so that funds shall always be ready to meet the debts of the Church as they become payable.

And to render this remedy effectual your Committee advise that care of the money concerns of the Church shall no longer be imposed upon the Wardens, but that the management of the pecuniary affairs of the society should be entrusted to a collector or treasurer who shall be held to a faithful discharge of his duty and be adequately rewarded for his services.

Jan. 9th 1829

Signed

Joseph Tilden

Wm. D. Sohier   Committee

Voted that Wm. D. Sohier & George Brinley be a Committee to report at the adjourned meeting upon the propriety of having a Treasurer appointed at Easter Monday next & prescribing the duties of the office & the compensation to be allowed.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Sunday preceding Easter Sunday to be held in Boylston Hall immediately after the morning Service.

Jan. 9. 1829

Attest George Brinley Junior, Warden

Sunday April 12th 1829

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held by adjournment in Boylston Hall (the Junior Warden presiding) the Committee appointed the 9th of Jan. last made a report which after considerable discussion was recommitted and Samuel D. Parker Esq. added to the Committee.

Voted That the Proprietors meeting on Easter Monday for the choice of officers & transacting the customary business for the ensuing year, be held in Boylston Hall at 11 o’clock A.M.

Voted That this meeting be adjourned to Easter Sunday to meet in Boylston Hall immediately after the evening service.

Attest   George Brinley

Sunday April 18th 1829

At a meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church held in Boylston Hall after divine service in the afternoon according to adjournment

The Committee to whom was referred the Report of a former committee upon the subject of a Treasurer and relieving the Wardens from a portion of their labours, have taken said Report into a new draft and beg leave to Report

That it is expedient that a Treasurer be annually chosen on Easter Monday for one year & until a new Treasurer is chosen to succeed him. That for the ecclesiastical year commencing on Easter Monday 1829 & ending on Easter Monday 1830 the Treasurer of the Church shall not be required to collect the Pew Taxes & defray the current expenses of the Church, but his duties shall be confined wholly to those pecuniary transactions which concern the building of the new Church & are provided for & required by the Statute laws of the Commonwealth.

That for the year ensuing commencing on Easter Monday, but for no other year, all the other duties of the Treasurer shall be discharged by an officer to be elected on Easter Monday & called Vice Treasurer & Collector, whose especial duty it shall be to collect all debts due & which become due to the Church for Pew rents, assessments, Taxes & subscription, & otherwise (except for sales of Pews & Tombs, which it is always to be the duty of the Treasurer to recieve) and the Vice Treasurer & Collector shall perform all the pecuniary engagements of this Society with the Rector & others (except for building the New Church) in due season, & disburse all monies appropriated by the Proprietors at the Annual Easter Monday for the Support of Public Worship & accept & pay all the orders & drafts of the Wardens for such expenses as are within their peculiar province to provide for & render his account to the Wardens ten days at least before Easter Monday, & at such other time as the Wardens may require & request.

That when the Collections made by the Vice Treasurer and Collector are not sufficient to defray the current expenses of the Society for Salaries, the Vice Treasurer & Collector shall have power with the written consent & approbation of one or both Wardens to borrow the necessary sum of money for that purpose, and to execute a Promissory Note therefore on Interest in the name of the Proprietors, and said Note to be first attested & approved by one or both Wardens, & an entry thereof be entered on the Records of the Proprietors, of its sum, date, time of payment, rate of interest, & the person to whom payable, & said Vice Treasurer & Collector shall take proper measures to raise funds for the payments thereof.

That the Vice Treasurer & Collector shall be entitled to recieve a suitable compensation for the duties & responsibilities he is to assume which compensation shall be fixed by the Wardens and allowed in the settlement of his Account.

That after Easter 1830 all the duties of the Vice Treasurer & Collector shall be discharged by the Treasurer, & no Vice Treasurer & Collector shall be chosen.

That the Wardens of this Church shall be relieved hereafter from the labour & duty of collecting the taxes & dues, & paying Salaries.

Wm. D. Sohier

George Brinley   Com.

S. D. Parker

Which Report having been read was accepted and the meeting adjourned.

Attest   George Brinley Warden