University of Virginia Library

HISTORY
OF
St. John's Church
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA,
From 1884 to 1904.

By J. STAUNTON MOORE.

AUTHORIZED BY THE VESTRY.

St. John's Church 1903. With New Tower.

INTRODUCTION.

A history of Henrico Parish, and particularly of old St.
John's Church, has been a long-felt want, embracing as it
does statistical information, historic facts and Church data
that are obtainable from no other source than its old records.
Convinced of the importance of such an undertaking and impressed
with this public need, the Vestry of St. John's
Church, on the 4th day of February, 1902, on motion of
Mr. G. G. Minor, adopted the following resolution unanimously,
That a committee be appointed, to be known as
the Committee on St. John's History, whose duty it shall
be to gather from time to time material looking to the publication
of a history of St. John's Protestant Episcopal
Church. Members are as follows: J. S. Moore, Chairman;
Cyrus Bossieux, Senior Warden; John F. Mayer, Junior
Warden; P. R. Carrington, W. W. Davies. The committee
met and delegated the compilation of the work and the
writing of the history to its Chairman, Mr. J. S. Moore.

Many of the records of St. John's have been lost or destroyed,
and some of those in possession of the Church are
fragmentary and imperfectly kept; hence this compendium
is necessarily incomplete and contains errors and important
omissions. The records since 1860 are fairly well kept, and
are in good condition.

During the period of the administration of Rev. William
H. Hart (the exact date does not appear), the congregation
was composed chiefly of "Heads of Families," and the members
of the same, very few of whom were communicants. A
list is given showing "Heads of Families" 63, members 204,
of whom only 42 were communicants.

In 1840 Mr. Hart gives the list of communicants as only
41 in number. At another period he gives the list of communicants
as only 21, including the minister and his wife,

and six of these belonged to the Adams family. The Church
at this time was at a very low ebb.

During the Rev. J. H. Morrison's incumbency, it appears
that the congregation was composed of "pew holders." A
list given by him in 1845 shows 45 by name, but it does not
state how many of these were communicants.

Rt. Rev. Lewis William Burton, when rector of St. John's,
commenced the annals of the Parish and Church, and at the
earnest solicitation of the Vestry, he kindly completed his
labor of love after he became Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington,
Ky. His annals of Henrico Parish are embraced in
this volume. It was also deemed proper to include in this
volume the portraits of all the Bishops of Virginia, the ministers
and assistant ministers of St. John's Church, the portraits
of Col. Wm. Byrd, Jr., who donated the grounds upon
which the old Church stands; the site was then known as
"Indian Town Hill"; of the Rev. Alexander Whitaker (the
"apostle"), the first Episcopal minister of Virginia; of
Patrick Henry, whose eloquence served to render the old
Church famous; of the Church itself, with its furniture, etc.
A copy of the Old Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, with
notes by Dr. R. A. Brock, from 1730 to 1773, with its quaint
entries, is also embraced in this volume.

As the compiler of this work and as chairman of the Committee
on the History of St. John's, I desire to testify to the
faithfulness of the individuals of the committee, and to tender
publicly my thanks for their helpful aid and cordial
co-operation. Each has rendered efficient assistance, and
without their help in getting together the portraits and other
work my task would have been prolonged and difficult. I
am under special obligation to Mr. W. W. Davies and Mr.
P. R. Carrington for pictures of the Bishops and ministers
that were unobtainable through any other source; and to Mr.
Carrington for data, the result of tireless energy and deep
research. Captain John F. Mayer has, during the progress
of the work, shown that courtesy of manner and obliging
disposition that have always characterized his individuality.
Captain Cyrus Bossieux has by his prompt attendance at the
meetings of the committee lent the encouragement of his
presence and counsel. In fact, no chairman could have had

more enthusiastic and interested associates than I have been
blessed with. It was our sad misfortune to lose by death
one of our companions, who was always the first to be present
whenever a meeting of the committee was called, and who
was deeply interested in the department he was so well qualifid
to fill—the collection of portraits.

In the midst of our labors, in December, 1903, our associate,
Mr. William Williams Davies, was called to his eternal
rest. The deaths in this family within a period of two
months have been peculiarly touching and distressing. About
the middle of November last his eldest daughter was stricken
and died; she was the light of his life, the apple of his eye, the
pride of his soul. Mr. Davies, though a man of strong will
power, was physically weak and never recovered from this
blow. He was completely crushed. Soon after her death
he gave up, and had a premonition of his own approaching
end; but he never lost interest in the work of the committee
as long as he drew breath, and his love for the Church never
waned. One of the last acts of his life was to donate by will
a "Davies Memorial," to cost $1,500. To this munificent bequest
Mrs. Davies has added the further sum of $500, making
the total "Davies Memorial" $2,000. Mrs. Davies has also
presented St. John's Sunday school with a splendid organ.
Two days before his death the writer sat at his bedside and
held in his grasp his feeble hand as he talked about the work
upon which we were engaged, evincing to the last the keenest
interest. A few days after Mr. Davies' death his other
daughter and the last of his children succumbed also to the
grim tyrant, leaving his widow entirely alone.

Mr. Davies was entirely conscious of his condition. No
fear of the future seemed to disturb his mind; having lived a
godly life, he died the death of the righteous. He exhibited
in his last moments that courtesy and consideration for
others that characterized him in his daily life, and a chivalric
feeling, a sympathetic thought, worthy of a Chevalier Bayard
or a Sir Philip Sidney. A few moments before he drew
his last breath he turned to his wife at his bedside and said,
quietly and calmly, at the same time lovingly patting her
hand: "Little Marie, go out for a little while, I don't wish
you to see the last struggle"; but his wife, with true devotion

and nobility of womanhood, replied: "Willie, for seventeen
years I have been to you a faithful wife, and I will not desert
you now!" Thus passed away one of the most kindly
and courteous of gentlemen. Let us trust

I think it but proper I should pay this tribute to one associated
with us in this work, and who was so deeply interested
in its success.

The committee is greatly indebted to Dr. R. A. Brock, the
distinguished historian and antiquarian, for placing at its
disposal inscriptions from tombstones and monuments of St.
John's Church-yard, taken soon after the late civil war.
Many of these tombstones have since been destroyed by the
elements and the disintegration of time; and but for Dr.
Brock it would have been impossible to have secured them.
Dr. Brock not only placed his copies of these inscriptions at
our disposal, but has kindly added brief annotations to many
of them that make them interesting and instructive.

Our beloved Bishop, R. A. Gibson, has also added to the interest
of this volume by his entertaining sketches; as has our
beloved rector, R. A. Goodwin, in contributing sketches of
some of the Bishops of Virginia. We are also under many
obligations to Mr. W. G. Stanard, of the Virginia Historical
Society, for brief biographical sketches of the same character.
We are also greatly indebted to Mr. D. C. Richardson for permitting
us to take from his notes of Henrico County Court
Records, the list of marriages of Henrico Parish from 1682
to 1765. This list of marriages was copied by Mr. P. R.
Carrington. I should also be remiss in my duty if I did not
acknowledge the helpful services of my wife and my daughter,
Mrs. Alice Moore Franklin, who have rendered material aid
in the verification of this work—the only aid in this line that
I have had during the tedious task. We are also indebted to
Miss Stella Williams, Miss F. P. Gretter and Miss Pearl
Bodeker, for pictures and portraits.

Every effort has been made, but without success, to obtain
the picture of Rev. David Griffith, the first Bishop-elect of
Virginia. We have also been unable to obtain a picture of
the Rev. Wm. Stith, the distinguished Virginia historian and
the first rector of St. John's Church. The only thing we
have been enabled to secure is the coat of arms and the autograph
of Mr. Stith.

This volume contains the names of two thousand communicants,
all of whom were connected with St. John's since 1860.
This does not include the special lists of "pew holders,"
"heads of families," etc., prior to 1860. Of these two thousand
souls, 559 are males and 1,441 females, showing that the
women still maintain their reputation for zeal, piety and devotion;
they were in the days of old first at the sepulchre
and the last at Calvary, and to their fidelity and faithfulness
are due, in a great measure, the growth and usefulness of old
St. John's.

The number of marriages given is 779, of which 340 are
since 1860. In this number are not included the marriages
from the records of Henrico county.

The number of baptisms, 1,922, of which 1,308 are since
1860.

The number of burials, 1,335, of which 1,103 are since
1860.

The number of confirmations during the administrations
of Dr. Weddell, Rev. L. W. Burton, and Rev. R. A. Goodwin
is 925; the records previous to this date are fragmentary and
incomplete.

This entire work has been a labor of love without any remuneration
or reward—other than the pleasure derived from
duty performed by all engaged and enlisted in the enterprise.

If what we have collected and put in shape for the present
and future generations shall prove of interest and use, we
shall have accomplished our object and gained our reward.

HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
From 1884 to 1904.

BY J. STAUNTON MOORE.

As chairman of the Committee on the History of St. John's
Church, it falls upon the writer not only to compile and
gather together the fragments of its history, but to give a
brief epitome or outline of the Old Church since 1884, at
which period the interesting Annals of Henrico Parish, by
the Rt. Rev. Lewis William Burton, end. Mr. Burton, in addition
to his history of Henrico Parish, which he undertook
while rector of St. John's Church, and completed after he
became Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington, Ky., embracing
as it does statistical information, historic research, and ecclesiastical
data, the preservation of which for future use and
reference becomes more valuable and precious as time goes
apace, wrote also the Annals of St. John's Church during his
incumbency. These annals show the growth of the Old
Church in spiritual grace, and its material prosperity. These
details are of inestimable interest and value to the communicants
of the Church, during his administration. They contain
accuracy of detail and incidents, and are written with
that facility of pen and fecundity of thought characteristic
of the man, and are striking evidences of his affection and a
beautiful testimonial of his love for his old parishioners.
But the committee, whilst not only appreciating the narrative
but also reciprocating the generous sentiment and devotion
that inspired it, does not deem the Annals of St. John's
Church of sufficient importance or interest to the public at
large to justify its publication in this volume. The committee,
however, does recommend its publication in full in a
separate volume in the future for distribution to the communicants

of St. John's Church, each one of whom should
cherish it as a souvenir and a testimonial of love; and
would value it as a tie of communion between them and their
late beloved rector. Mr. Burton states in his St. John's
Annals: "They are not intended for publication, but only as
a supply of material from which the future historian is to
extract his facts." And whilst the writer has his doubts as to
whether this sketch is entitled to the dignity of history, and
questions his ability to appear in the role of historian, he will
avail himself of the "supply of material" thus placed at his
disposal by his beloved rector, gleaning and garnering such
facts as time and space will permit, and as he thinks may
best interest the public at large. In some instances the facts
will be stated in the writer's own way; in other instances he
will use not only the ideas, but the language of Mr. Burton,
conceding that if there be any merit in his performance Mr.
Burton is justly entitled to the credit. The difference between
the Annals of Henrico Parish and the Annals of St.
John's Church is this—one is the tender outpouring and evidence
of the kindly love and interest of our beloved rector,
showing his personal relations, his affection, his personality,
his untiring zeal and his work among us, evidenced
in facts, figures and personal incidents that make
them peculiarly charming and dear to those under his charge
during the period in the recital, with which the public has but
slight interest; the other is a matter of more general importance,
covering, as it does, the most romantic and interesting
period in the history of Virginia. The writer was a frequent
attendant at the services of St. John's under the rectorship
of the late lamented Alexander W. Weddell, but in
those days his religious opinions and convictions had not
crystallized into faith sufficiently strong to justify his becoming
a communicant. He had the pleasure of Dr. Weddell's
acquaintance and enjoyed his friendship as a man and
brother Mason for several years before his death, and discussed
with him freely in a friendly and social way many
doubts that beset and perplexed him on religious matters.
Dr. Weddell preached at him many sermons that came from
the heart of this good and faithful minister, but it was not
until Mr. Moody's first visit to Richmond, and under his
benign influence, plain and practical teachings, that the
writer, coupled with Dr. Weddell's kindly ministration,
induced was to cast all his burdens on our Saviour's shoulders,
and to bury his doubts in the bosom of His love.

Dr. Weddell impressed the writer as being liberal, broad-minded,
free from cant and hypocrisy. Plain, simple and
unaffected, devoid of slang and free from technical terms.
He formed his opinions not in the academic schools, but from
practical experience—from actual contact with men. His
horizon of thought was bounded by no narrow limits; he
thoroughly understood human nature. He did not look down
upon humanity from an exalted pedestal. He took mankind
as he found it, not as he thought it should be. He had
familiarized himself with man's nature "in the tented field"
as a Confederate soldier; he knew its capacities, its aspirations,
its fallibilities. He exercised patience, temperance
and moderation in treating its limitations. He was never
pessimistic in his religious views or dogmatic in his discourses
or self-conceited in his opinions. A beautiful optimism
pervaded his thoughts and breathed in his utterances.
A wonderful patience and submission during his lingering
illness pervaded his conversation, and governed his actions.
Many a time has the writer on his way to his home taken
him "up the hill" in his buggy, when scarcely able to walk,
yet still trying to perform his appointed duties. Nature
cast him in an heroic mould, not only physically, but endowed
him mentally with those graceful virtues calculated to
win human hearts, and enshrined his soul in those lovely
traits of character that endeared him to all who knew him.
He was indeed a—

When he died a pall was cast not only over the Church he

J. Staunton Moore. Editor and Compiler.

had so faithfully served and loved so well, but over the entire
community; yet we are consoled with the reflection that—

The restoration—aye, it may be truthfully said the resurrection—of
St. John's Church is due to the strenuous efforts
and consecrated labors of Dr. Weddell. When he took
charge in 1876 there were but 118 communicants. By his
earnest zeal, his affability, his sincere piety, he increased the
number the first year to 221, the membership continuing to
increase yearly until he rested from his labors, adding during
the eight years of his ministerial work 506 communicants,
and presenting for confirmation 243—the largest increase, up
to that time, in the annals of the Church since its foundation.
But St. John's Church for the past forty years has been peculiarly
a Church of transition. The constant change of the personnel
of the congregation has been remarkable, and probably
unparalleled in Church history. The tendency to "move up
town" by the residents of the Old Hill as the city grows westward
has been going on from year to year, thus causing a
shifting membership—here to-day, gone to-morrow! The
tale is told "in mournful numbers" as the words "removed"
or "transferred" appear opposite the names on the communicant
list.

When the Rev. Lewis William Burton (under whose rectorship
the writer became a communicant of St. John's)
succeeded to the rectorship in 1884, there only remained 276
communicants as the result of the indefatigable work of the
lamented Weddell. Mr. Burton was called from St. Mark's,
Cleveland, Ohio. He took up the work with that energy and
devotion characteristic of the man. In addition to a fine
presence and intellectual physique, he possessed in a remarkable
degree those personal qualities of mind and manner that
at once favorably impressed all who met him. In the prime
of life, active, zealous, full of divine fire, he at once set to
work to build up Old St. John's. Tasteful and possessing a
tact that at once gave him intuitive perception and apprehension

of what was best to say and do under all circumstances;
courteous, kindly, sympathetic, but not familiar, he at once
won the hearts of his congregation. His enunciation clear,
his language chaste, his utterances distinct—a master of elocution—he
was happy in communicating his ideas. His
preaching, non-Calvinistic, yet thoroughly orthodox, was of
an inspiring, hopeful, trustful, helpful nature, that soon
filled every seat in Old St. John's, and held his audience with
breathless attention. Under his teaching he inspired all who
heard him with faith, hope and trust; those who doubted had
their doubts removed, those who believed were strengthened
in their faith. Mr. Burton, during his pastorate of nine
years, added to the communicants of St. John's 563, presenting
for confirmation 337, but the same change of domicile, the
same tendency to move westward, was going on, and when the
Rev. R. A. Goodwin, our present rector, succeeded the beloved
Burton, the number of communicants was only 442. Mr.
Goodwin during the ten years he has been rector, by his faithful
ministration and devotion to duty, has added 521 communicants,
presenting for confirmation 345 persons.

By comparing the work of these efficient ministers, it will
be seen that (in round numbers) Dr. Weddell added 48 communicants
and presenting for confirmation on an average
30 persons annually. Mr. Burton averages 63 communicants
and 37 confirmations during the nine years of his
rectorship. Mr. Goodwin has in the ten years he has been
with us averaged 52 communicants and 34 confirmations.
During Dr. Weddell's administration, including the number
of communicants then on the Church roll, there were
506; Mr. Burton added 563 and Mr. Goodwin 521, making
1,590 persons, and yet to-day, owing to reasons already
assigned, we have but 565 on the roll. It will thus be seen
that Dr. Weddell planted, like Paul of old, and that Mr.
Burton and Mr. Goodwin watered and God gave the increase,
and we rejoice in the fact that Old St. John's, that has
experienced so many mutations and has known so many
vicissitudes of fortune, fire and war, time and change, storm
and tempest, has Phœnix-like survived them all and stands
to-day clothed in her chaste and comely garment of spotless
white, amidst her green setting, old in years and yet young

and vigorous in good works! St. John's, the Mother Church
of the Parish, and the Mother of Missions, has again and
again been bereft of her children. At periods of her history
it is true her doors have been closed, no voice was heard
from her pulpit, no songs or chants echoed within her silent
and hallowed precincts. Her walls have reverberated to the
mad shouts of a brutal foe, who laid his sacrilegious hand
upon her sacred altar. Twice has her tower been dismantled
by storm and tempest, but she has not been left desolate nor
comfortless nor forsaken. The places of those who have
passed away or moved to other sections of our city have been
supplied by others, and we rejoice in the fact that to-day she
is stronger spiritually and materially than at any period in
her history. She is still the shrine at which worshippers assemble
to pay that homage to Deity that is essential to civilization,
good morals and just government. She is still the
Mecca to which pilgrims travelling from after turn to draw
fresh inspiration, and the spot where patriotism delights to
point as the place where the fires of liberty were lighted.
The fact that this old Church has survived so many disasters
and mutations is the best evidence that she has been under
God's special care. The fire upon the altar at times burned
low, and the glory above the mercy seat had almost departed,
but His Shechinah still dwelt among His people. In her
old age she has been thrice blessed; the three ministers who
have for the last quarter of a century presided over her destinies
have so endeared themselves to the people of old St.
John's that in their hearts they are known as Weddell, the
lamented; Burton, the beloved; and Goodwin, the faithful.
The individuality of these three faithful ministers has been
such as to warrant at least in the heart of the writer the above
appellations—not that either would be the less lamented had
he been taken from us as Dr. Weddell was, nor that they
were not all beloved and all equally faithful in the performance
of their duties, but each possessed sui generis, certain
qualities of mind and manner, that can only be distinguished
by some affectionate cognomen; for we are told: "There is
one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another
glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another
star in glory."

The Rev. Lewis William Burton was called to the rectorship
of St. John's January 28, 1884, and preached his first
sermon on Easter Sunday, April 13, 1884. On assuming
charge of St. John's, Mr. Burton, like the general of an army,
took his survey of the field of his future operations and laid
off his plan of campaign. The problems confronting him
were not only those already adverted to, the tendency of the
population westward, but he found his territorial responsibility
embraced (1) Church Hill; (2) the southernmost portion
of Shockoe Valley (say from the river to Broad street,
and from Fifteenth street eastward to the foot of Church
Hill, and along Main street to Twenty-eighth street); and
(3) the parts known as Rocketts and Fulton. These three
neighborhoods were so geographically separated that one
church building would not suffice them. Those living in the
valley were unwilling to climb the hill to attend the old
Church. The three neighborhoods were also socially divided.
He found a mission established by Dr. Weddell in Shockoe
Valley doing good work amongst a class that had no church
near them; but recognizing the need of a mission in the section
known as Rocketts and Fulton, six months after his
arrival he established the enterprise known as the Weddell
Mission Sunday School. In 1886 this school had grown to
141 officers, teachers and scholars. He also gave the name
of "Calvary" to the mission established by Dr. Weddell in
Shockoe Valley at Nineteenth and Main streets, and which
was afterwards transferred and maintained for many years,
under the charge of Sergeant B. F. Howard, at the old
Mason's Hall on Franklin street between Eighteenth and
Nineteenth.

To assist in these missions the Rev. W. B. Everett, M. D.,
was made missionary assistant of St. John's in 1885. With
Easter, 1885, Mr. Burton instituted a custom which still
continues.

The four Sunday schools (St. John's, Calvary, Weddell
and Good Shepherd) were assembled in the Church; the
Good Shepherd (colored school) sitting in the gallery. A
printed programme would guide the exercises, some special
device would characterize the same; a wooden light-house
was built with large blocks; flowers were combined with

names or designs, etc., texts or catechism were recited, carols
sung, addresses delivered; reports were read by the superintendents
of the different schools. These festivals are much
enjoyed by the children and the Church is generally packed
on these occasions. In 1885 Mr. Burton organized a junior
branch of the Parish Brotherhood.

When Mr. Burton took charge of St. John's in 1884, he
found the church nearly $500 in debt, and at the end of his
first year there was also a deficit in current expenses. This
unbusiness-like condition confronted him—how to live within
the income or how to make the income adequate to the expenses.
He determined to attempt the latter solution of the
problem by adopting the weekly pledge and envelop system.
This plan worked so well that beginning with 1887 the Church
not only paid its current expenses, but its contingent fund up
to and including the year 1893, the last year of his pastorate.
Mr. Burton is an admirable financier, and would make a
good banker or a successful business man in any line. In
1886 the alms basin now in use and formerly belonging to
Old Westover Church was bought and presented to St.
John's by Edmund A. Saunders and Richard L. Brown in
behalf of their little daughters, Mamie and Bessie, and is so
inscribed in large letters punctuated by a cross pattee around
the rim. On the base of the plate is the following original
inscription, "Ex dono D'nae—Sarah Braine," and a hall
mark, indicating its origin—1694-1695. In the centre of
the basin is an ingenious monogram in script letters two and a
half inches long, which spells out the name of Sarah Braine.
The rim of the basin is in simple repousse work, of what
might be called pie crust shape. In June, 1886, the Vestry
determined to restore the sound board to its place. It had
been taken down years before, and had been lying in the
Brick School-House. It was placed in its present position
and the pulpit steps were placed on either side of the panel
and pulpit. In order to restore the sound board it was sent
to a furniture establishment. In grinding through the successive
layers of graining and through a coat of white paint
and gold to the original wood, was found the design of a circle
with inlaid nose, eyes and mouth, and with rays (also
inlaid) diverging from it, alternately waving and straight.

This old sound board that drank in the eloquence of Henry,
and has heard the voices of so many who have ministered to
the congregation assembled in Old St. John's now stands as
it did originally. In 1886 Mr. Burton tried the experiment
of a cornetist in the choir, with such gratifying results that it
was continued during his entire incumbency. Under the inspiration
of Mr. Burton's ministrations, the spirit of improvement
took possession of the congregation, and extensive
repairs were made both to the exterior and the interior of the
old Church. The ceiling and walls were calcimined in
colors, with simple ornamentations, the chancel richly decorated,
the wood and pews revarnished, the chancel platform
raised; the position of the gates in the rail were changed to
their present position. The Vestry room was renovated and
made comfortable and convenient. New carpets were laid on
the floor, and, in fact, so many changes were made that one of
the most venerable and respected parishioners said when the
changes were contemplated, that "this Colonial Church in
colors would look like a highly ornamented bonnet on an old
lady's head," but the result was so satisfactory that all agreed,
including the person who made the remark, that the change
was for the better. At this time Captain John A. Curtis and
wife presented a new communion table, and Mr. and Mrs.
E. A. Saunders a prayer desk. These improvements cost
about $1,000. At a meeting of the Vestry in March, 1887,
it was decided that so much of the gallery as lay east of the
organ (which was then in the gallery) be set apart for colored
people.

On the 4th of June, 1887, a great sorrow came upon our
beloved rector and his wife; their only child, a beautiful and
promising boy, who had been born to them in the rectory
June 10, 1885, Lewis James Hendree Burton, was folded in
the arms of the Good Shepherd. In their deep distress the
rector and his wife had the heartfelt sympathy, not only of
the congregation, but of the entire community. On January
5, 1888, the Rev. Pike Powers, D. D., was called to become
the assistant minister of St. John's, in charge of Weddell
Memorial Chapel. One characteristic of St. John's since its
revival under the lamented Weddell has been its deep interest
in missionary work. It is not only the Mother Church
of the Parish, but the mother and founder of missions.

Weddell Memorial Chapel was completed and open for services
the first time November 20, 1887. Previous to the
building of the chapel the mission had been conducted in
other buildings. The first communion occurred December
18, 1887. The entire cost, not including the land and other
things donated, was a little over $4,000, and in January,
1889, the chapel was out of debt; and in the following month
of March it was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. F. M. Whittle.
One of the lots upon which Weddell was built was donated by
the open-handed and liberal hearted P. H. Mayo, Esq.

In May, 1882, that saintly soul, Mrs. James M. Estes, now
gone to her reward, began a mission Sunday school for
colored children in a basement room of her residence. The
first attendants were four small boys, but the room soon filled,
and the school was removed to the Brick School-House in the
Church yard. One hundred scholars were soon enrolled.
Owing to the sickness of Dr. Weddell the school waned, and
after his death it was disbanded.

In the fall of 1884, under the rectorship of the Rev. L. W.
Burton, the school was reorganized under the name of the
Good Shepherd, and met in the Brick School-House. In
1885 the enrollment was, officers, teachers and scholars, 133.
In January, 1887, it had increased to 148. This good work
had so grown under Mr. Burton's indefatigable efforts that
in January, 1889, fifty applicants had been turned away for
lack of teachers and room.

Realizing the necessity for larger accommodations for mission
work among the colored people, upon the suggestion of
Mr. Burton to Mr. E. A. Saunders, who was always ready
and willing to respond to appeals of this character, a lot on
Twenty-eighth street between L and M was cheerfully donated
by him and his wife, and the chapel on this lot was
given the name of "Good Shepherd."

The building on this lot was formerly St. James', in St.
Peter's Parish, New Kent county, Virginia, which stood
on the land of Mrs. Sally D. Duval. This lady and Mrs.
E. T. Drew were the sole surviving members of St. James',
and they were about to leave the county. The church was
rapidly falling to decay and would go with the land when
sold, and Mrs. Duval desired to see the building utilized by

the Church which had erected it. Moreover, it had been built
under the rectorship of Mrs. Drew's first husband, the Rev.
John T. Points, who had died as the rector of St. John's.
Thus his first and last labors would be brought together. It
was thus presented to St. John's Church, and was transferred
to the lot upon which it now stands. The removal and transfer
of the building cost, not including the furniture, about
$900. This building was open for service October 7, 1888.
While the building stood in the county of New Kent, some of
the pew ends had been appropriated for head boards for the
graves of soldiers. When restored to their place in the
church at Richmond, the epitaphs rudely carved upon them
were allowed to remain. It was especially through the
interest of Miss Julia C. Emery, General Secretary of the
Woman's Auxiliary, who secured in April, 1889, $300 from
the "Society of the Double Temple" of New York, that the
indebtedness involved in erecting this chapel was paid.

The Chapel of the Good Shepherd was consecrated by the
Rt. Rev. F. M. Whittle, the Rev. James B. Funsten preaching
the sermon; the rector, the assistant minister, Rev. Pike
Powers, and the rector's brother-in-law, the Rev. Arthur M.
Backus, of the Diocese of Massachusetts, were present.

Bishop Whittle, in his Council address, 1889, in speaking
of churches consecrated, made the following remarks: "In
1889, March 31st, Weddell Memorial Chapel, a very pretty
and comfortable building in Fulton, a neglected suburb of the
city of Richmond.* * *

"May 5th, Chapel of the Good Shepherd, a very nice and
comfortable church for colored people, also belonging to St.
John's, Richmond. This chapel is the outgrowth of a Sunday
school commenced by a devoted lady in her kitchen, who
has now the happiness of seeing a flourishing school and the
church services regularly conducted in a suitable and sacred
building."

Mr. Burton was never satisfied unless he was continually
progressing. The establishment of two missions in a field
where none before had existed would have satisfied an ordinary
mind, but his active brain and zealous heart and consecrated
life, whose motto was "Onward, Christian Soldier,"
were not content unless he was continually advancing the
banner of the Cross.

Under a strong appeal preached December 18, 1887, from
the text (Mark 13: 34), "To every man his work," the
various voluntary organizations of the Church were banded
and united together in a St. John's Union. Its motto was,
"Laborers together with God"; its principle, "To every man
his work." At the annual meetings the various organizations
composing the Union submitted their reports for the year.
Included within the Union were the choir and the Sunday
schools as institutions belonging to the spiritual administration
of the rector.

There was a pleasant emulation and an individuality about
these organizations that made them vie with each other in
showing good results, that added a zest to their labors, and
made them work more effectively and efficiently. With all
his other work our beloved rector also found time one night in
each week to teach a Bible class to aid the teachers in preparations
for their instruction.

With his own hand he prepared and had printed service
leaflets containing selections from the Book of Common
Prayer and from the Hymnal for the use of the Sunday
schools. Under his administration not only were the home
schools self-supporting, but, in addition, missionary scholarships
were sustained as follows: The Eliza Carrington Scholarship,
the Solomon Memorial Scholarship, and St. John's
Sunday school also united with those of the Diocese in the
support of diocesan missions during Lent. The organizations
combined in the Church Union at the latter's organization
were:

The Brotherhood, devoted to parochial, benevolent and missionary
work.

The Sisterhood, devoted to parochial, benevolent and general
missionary work.

The Guild, devoted to parochial, charitable work, particularly
the clothing of destitute Sunday school children.

The Little Gleaners, devoted especially to missionary work
in all departments, and incidentally to ministering to the
needy in the parish.

The Knights of Temperance, devoted to sobriety among
young men and boys. Of the five organizations above mentioned,
all except the Knights of Temperance had been started

under Dr. Weddell's ministry. When it is remembered that
most of these organizations met weekly, and that the rector
was frequently present at their meetings, some idea may be
formed of his busy life and the great tax upon his time and
energy.

Not satisfied with these various societies, another organization,
called the Junior Aid Society, was instituted in 1890,
under the auspices of the rector's charming and devoted wife.
This society was composed of young ladies who stood between
the Little Gleaners and the Guild, and, in addition to the parochial
work, supported by their industry a scholarship at
Cape Mount, Africa, and also assumed the rent of an aged
and faithful, but indigent member of the congregation.

Again, in 1901, did our rector show his zeal in good works
by establishing the St. John's Chapter of St. Andrew's
Brotherhood.

Still another organization came into existence in 1893,
entitled St. John's Missionary Association.

In addition to these various organizations of the Mother
Church, the missions also had their appropriate societies, at
which the rector was sometimes present, he being ex-officio
chairman of all of these organizations.

In addition to the above societies, there were Committees
on the Sick, a Committee on Burials, a Committee on Church
Decency and Order, and a Committee on Strangers and Absentees,
and a Charitable Committee, which was the first
formed, and one of the most important; the objects and aims
of these various committees are indicated by their respective
names.

It would not do to fail to mention in connection with these
Church committees the "Committee on Entertainments," of
which Mrs. R. L. Brown was chairman, a position for which
she was exceptionally fit; by these entertainments considerable
sums of money were raised for paying church debts and
making improvements and for charitable and pious work. The
character of the entertainments was always simple, refined,
elevating and instructive, and promoted good fellowship and
friendly intercourse amongst the congregation, and enabled
many persons who were not pecuniarily able to contribute to
the support of the Church to utilize their time and services
in her behalf.

Besides the entertainments, where cream and cake and
oysters and coffee in season were sold at moderate prices,
there were birthday offerings, excursions, lectures, etc.

Through these instrumentalities the hungry were fed, the
naked clothed, and the poor had the Gospel preached to them.
As an evidence of the appreciation the Vestry had for these
entertainments, the following preamble and resolutions were
unanimously adopted on the 4th day of October, 1890:

Whereas the Committee on Sociability and Entertainments
of St. John's Church Union, together with the other members
of the Church and friends outside, have within the last two
years, by two large entertainments, requiring most skilful
management and indefatigable labor, contributed upwards of
$2,000 for the payment of debts and improvement of buildings;
therefore be it

1. Resolved, That we, the Vestry of St. John's, do cordially
acknowledge the peculiar ability of the committee in
making a success of church entertainments, and do most
heartily thank them and all their co-laborers for their great
and kindly help.

2. Resolved, That the rector be requested to read this, our
action, to the Church Union at its next meeting; and that the
Register of the Vestry be also requested to spread the same
on the minutes of the Vestry.

In these entertainments objectionable features were eschewed
and they were not only exceedingly popular with our
congregation, but deservedly so with the community at large.
In these amusements the wife of the rector was the soul and
the spirit. By her charming manner and pleasant address
she was indeed a help-meet and an inspiration not only to her
husband, but to the congregation. It would seem almost impossible
for one man to attend to all the above enumerated
functions, preach three times a week, visit the sick, and attend
to all parochial duties, and yet Mr. Burton did all this,
and in addition served on the Executive Committee of the
American Church Missionary Society, and was a representative
of the Church Temperance Society of the Diocese of Virginia,
and was Vice-President of the Richmond Protestant
Episcopal Missionary Society, as well as a member of the
Executive Committee of the Diocesan Missionary Society;

a member of the Standing Committee of the Council on
Church Property, and examining chaplain of the Diocese.
With all these multifarious duties and responsibilities, is it
any wonder our beloved rector's hair became prematurely
gray? but gradually as his cares and labors increased, until it is as
white as the driven snow, but his face is still young, his step
elastic, and his eye as bright as of yore.

The Vestry purchased the present rectory, then in the occupancy
of Mr. Burton, in April, 1888, at a cost of $3,100;
it was fitted up in a convenient and attractive manner for the
use of the rector and his wife, at an additional cost of about
$1,600.

The old parsonage on Twentieth street was sold the same
year for $3,250, therefore there was nearly an exchange in
money value.

In May, 1887, the Vestry gave to Mr. R. L. Brown and the
rector permission to occupy, each of them, one of the window
frames on either side of the chancel and within it with a
stained glass memorial window. The one on the right was
erected to the little boy of the rector, Lewis James Hendree;
the one on the left was erected to the two little children of
Mr. R. L. Brown. In November of the same year (1888) the
memorial window to the late Allen Y. Stokes was placed. Mr.
Stokes was for many years a communicant and Vestryman of
St. John's.

Owing to the weakness of the tower and the supposed effect
upon the tunefulness of the organ, which was at that time
situated in the gallery, the bell was tolled and not rung with
but one exception during the entire rectorship of Mr. Burton.
The organ was moved to the main floor of the church under
Mr. Goodwin's administration, and since that time its joyous
peals and clear notes ring forth to gladden the hearts of the
community.

The old bell that formerly hung upon St. John's and known
as the "Henry Bell," was for many years in use in the town

of Martinsville, Va., and called the children to the public
schools. It was donated by the town to the Virginia Historical
Society, of this city, and is now in their possession.
This famous bell called together the Virginia Convention of
March, 1775, and beneath it Patrick Henry made his liberty
speech.

On June 5, 1888, it was ordered by the Vestry that the
approach to the communion rail and kneeling at it by the
communicants should be made easier and more dignified by
removing one of the front pews of the transept rows that flank
the chancel on either side, and by replacing it by an upright
panel. At this time the arrangement, which still continues,
was made as to the manner in which the communicants
should come to the Lord's Table and retire from it. Those
first to commune were to come from the western aisle and
remain till all then kneeling had communicated; and while
they were retiring those from the eastern aisle could come
without collision.

During the year of 1891 a valuable addition was made to
the communion vessels by the bequest of $100 by Miss Nannie
M. Sheilds, a faithful and lamented parishioner. Through
her sister, Miss Cornelia R. Sheilds, was purchased a solid
silver chalice and paten, which formerly belonged to an old
James River Parish. The chalice is of unusual size, ten and
three-eighths inches high, its cup four and a half inches deep.
The old chalice to which it became a companion is seven and
six-eighths inches in height, with a cup three and six-eighths
inches in depth. The paten is seven inches in depth. Both
are engraved with a design somewhat similar to that discovered
in repairing the sound board—alternate straight and
curved rays. In the centre of the design upon these silver
cups is the monogram I. H. S., superimposed upon what
seems to be an Archbishop's crozier. The hall mark indicated
them to be upwards of a century old. In 1892 ventilators
were introduced in the ceiling. In the same year Mr.
L. Stern presented the Church with a handsome clock, and
Mr. Peyton R. Carrington, with his wife, Mrs. Sarah J.
Carrington, presented the Church with two handsome hymn
tablets, which were placed upon the south wall in the centre
panel on either side of the chancel. On the 29th of February,

1892, under the auspices of the Committee on Church
Decency and Order, a brass font ewer was purchased. An
overhanging sycamore tree had been largely responsible for
rotting the shingles of the Church roof. Permission was
obtained from the city authorities to cut it down. It was a
sad though necessary sacrifice to make to the far more important
welfare of the Church building. It was one of the most
beautiful, largest and oldest trees in the Church yard. It
stood close to the northeast corner of the Church. Its branches
hung over the portion in which Patrick Henry spoke. It
was certainly a good sized tree in his day. It was older than
any portion of the Church. If its leaves could have heard,
its heart remembered and its branches whispered to us of the
burning words it heard that day, and of the knots of patriots
that gathered under its shadow at that time to discuss with
bated breath the questions of that eventful period! Its trunk
averaged four feet in diameter; its age was estimated at 170
years. Grasped in its gnarled roots was a skull, face downward,
which certain Hamlets standing around declared to be
an Indian's, and perhaps apostrophized, as the Prince of Denmark
did poor Yorick's.

Sentiment, feeling, appealed in vain to the woodmen to
spare that tree. The wood from this tree was preserved for
souvenirs. It was made into canes and crosses and sold to
the thousands of tourists who visited the old Church, and
nearly $200 was realized from these sales. Some idea may
be formed of the number of visitors when it is stated by the
keeper that from 1888 to 1891 there were 11,924 visiting the
old Church. The wear and tear upon the carpet of the
Church was considerable; one eager souvenir collector was
detected tearing off a scrap of the cushion in "Patrick
Henry's pew." Finally an alms box for the benefit of the
missions of St. John's was conspicuously placed in the pew
during week days. It was observed by the sexton that itinerant
patriots and prying antiquarians were noticeably less
eager to be able to say that they had stood where Henry stood,
and indeed often gave but a passing glance to this sacred
spot, when the shrewd cicerone, in pointing it out, directed
his finger at the alms box. In 1889 the city lowered the
grade of Twenty-fourth street, involving the removal of between

six and eight feet in the middle of the square between
Broad and Grace streets, building a new brick wall on that
side, surmounted with a tasteful iron railing. The yard was
graded down to it. This closed the entrance to the Church
yard, which had been its west side. The steps and gate were
removed to Grace street near the corner of Twenty-fourth,
so as to be convenient for access to the brick chapel, and so as
to afford to those coming from the southwest a more direct
approach to the Church. Afterwards the wall on Broad
street was lowered and improved in the same way, affording
a better view of the Church from the street. The northern
half of the burying ground belongs to the city; the southern
half to the congregation. The control of the whole is vested
in the city. The buildings, except the keeper's lodge, are
under the exclusive jurisdiction of the congregation. The
City Council annually appoints a Committee on St. John's
Burying Ground, and appropriates regularly a sum for the
keeper's salary and another for the maintenance of the
grounds. In 1889 the Brick School-House was put in thorough
repair and was used during Mr. Burton's rectorship as
now for the Primary Sunday School, for the meetings of the
Vestry and some of the societies, committee meetings, etc.

In 1892 the frame school building was repaired and enlarged
to its present dimensions at a cost of about $1,000.

We now again take up the story of the missions. The Rev.
W. B. Everett, M. D., served as assistant minister from February
18, 1885, to March 19, 1886; the Rev. Pike Powers,
D. D., from January 5, 1888, to June 30, 1890; the Rev.
C. R. Kuyk, from October 6, 1891, to June 15, 1893; the
Rev. J. H. Burkhead, from May 7, 1895, to June 1, 1897; the
Rev. E. B. Snead, from February 1, 1900, to June 15, 1903.

In 1891 the Sunday school at Weddell had increased to
200 scholars. Nine years after Calvary Mission was started,
Sergeant B. F. Howard, superintendent, reported 183 children
as having joined St. John's Sunday school during this
period, and sixty-three from its neighborhood as having united
with St. John's. The conditions that called for the establishment
of Calvary Mission having ceased to exist, this mission
was discontinued in 1902. At the time this enterprise was
started by Dr. Weddell there was no mission or church in

that immediate vicinity. Some years ago the Presbyterians
built at the corner of Nineteenth and Franklin the beautiful
little brick church known as the Hoge Memorial. More recently
the Methodist Church established a mission in the old
building, formerly known as the Union Hotel, at the corner
of Nineteenth and Main streets. These two enterprises filled
the place and supplied the needs of the people in this neighborhood
so that Calvary Mission was no longer necessary.

Not only did St. John's prosper in a material sense under
the admirable and efficient rectorship of Mr. Burton, but two
especial seasons of spiritual revival in St. John's congregation
were vouchsafed us by God's Holy Spirit. A series of
meetings in conjunction with the Rev. John B. Newton, rector
of Monumental Church, were held by the rector in 1887;
these meetings were held nightly, and were attended by a
large and deeply affected congregation. Again in 1891, the
rector, assisted by Dr. Newton and the Rev. H. M. Jackson,
the rector of Grace Church, awakened great interest; many
souls were gathered into the fold as a result of these two
especial revivals. In January, 1893, the hour of service was
changed from 8 o'clock at night to 5 P. M., which still continues.
These services are much better attended and are
more popular than were the nightly services. Three unusual
services belong to the period which we are now covering.
On February 5, 1889, the rector arranged with the Vestry
for a service, to be held in St. John's Church April 30th
following, commemorative of the centennial of the inauguration
of George Washington as first President of the United
States. The service was held in response to the proclamation
of the President and the Governor of Virginia. It was
felt that no place for such a service could be more fitting than
old St. John's. The Episcopal clergy of the city of Richmond
and Manchester not only participated, but also united
in an urgent printed invitation to the congregations and to
the brethren of the different denominations to attend. It
was on a Tuesday at 8:15 P. M. that the service was held.
A printed order of service was prepared by the rector, with
the approval of Bishop Whittle, copying a form compiled by Dean, afterwards Bishop, Hale, which was as nearly as possible
a reproduction of that used by Bishop Prevoost when,

after the inaugural exercises in New York, the President proceeded
on foot to St. Paul's Church, and the Bishop of New
York, as chaplain of the Senate, there conducted services.
An impressively eloquent sermon was preached by Bishop
Randolph. Fourth of July services were held in St. John's
in 1890, on Friday, at 10 A. M., in response to a suggestion
by the public press. It was urged by the rector as a means
of promoting sectional harmony, as the associations both of
the Fourth of July and St. John's Church belong to a common
noble past; but being obliged to leave the city because
of recent sickness in his family, the Rev. J. B. Funsten,
rector of Christ's Church, generously accepted the chairmanship
of the Committee on Arrangements. The address was
delivered by Rev. W. W. Landrum, D. D., of the Second
Baptist church, in Richmond, and was pronounced by those
who heard it to be characteristically bright and able as well
as appropriate. On June 10, 1891, there was a memorable
celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
erection of St. John's Church. The Vestry and the congregation
united with the rector in elaborate and extensive
preparations. The Bishops manifested their deep sympathy.
The clergy and Vestries of all the other churches in the
Parish of Henrico and those of Meade Memorial Church,
Manchester, were invited. The Governor and officers of the
State government, the Mayor, City Council and the municipal
officers had seats reserved for them. A souvenir programme,
containing the services prepared by the rector based
upon the office for the consecration of churches, was approved
by the Bishop of the Diocese and handsomely printed. It
contained on the front of its enamelled cover a wood cut of
the Church and yard from a photograph taken by Mr. W. W.
Davies, of the Lee Gallery. As an appropriate memorial
of the occasion, the Vestry determined to purchase the handsome
lectern that now ornaments the Church. It was suitably
inscribed:

"A Thank-offering to God
by the Congregation, on the 150th Anniversary
of the erection of St. John's Church,
Richmond, Virginia,
June 10th, 1741-1891."

It was sincerely meant by the people of the congregation to
be a testimonial to their gratitude for His signal mercies so
long bestowed upon St. John's. It was duly in its place on
the appointed day, and upon it lay a new and handsome
Bible, presented by Captain and Mrs. Cyrus Bossieux.

Bishop Whittle, in reply to the application of the rector,
declared that his pastoral as to the use of flowers in the
churches of Virginia did not refer to sesqui-centennials,
and the ladies tastefully decorated the Church. The Bishops
and clergy vested in the robing room and were led by
the Wardens and Vestrymen of St. John's and by the other
Vestries of the Parish and of Manchester to the front doors
of the Church. There the two Bishops entered first, each of
them by one of the aisles, Bishop Whittle to the right and
Bishop Randolph to the left, leading the clergy, who divided
in following them, in antiphonal reading of the 24th Psalm.
The Rt. Rev. H. M. Jackson, D. D., Bishop Coadjutor of
Alabama, was also present on the occasion. The service was
read impressively by the Bishop of the Diocese; the sermon,
a powerful and telling one, was delivered by the Assistant
Bishop. In the evening, after appropriate services provided
for in the souvenir programme, a carefully prepared address
was delivered by the Hon. Wm. Wirt Henry, a grandson of
him who had given special historical distinction to the spot.
Mr. Henry led before the congregation in animated procession
the chief men of his grandfather's time, whose bodies
were now lying in the Church yard. The congregations on
both occasions were such as to justify the preparations. And
the occasion, worthily commemorating the erection of the
Church building, made that fane even more important and
sacred and dear in the estimation of the people of Richmond.
Growing out of the interest thus quickened, Mr.
Joseph W. Johnston presented to the Church a Bible and
Prayer Book printed in 1770.

Mr. Burton had his convictions and was firm in the maintenance
of the principles of the Church. With him there
was no compromise with evil, and yet he was not conceited
or self-opinionated. He did not think "he knew it all."
He not only did not deprecate, but encouraged well meant
and friendly criticism. On several occasions the writer took

the liberty of commenting on his discourses; sometimes he
agreed and at other times he differed with him, but he always
received Mr. Burton's thanks and his assurance that the
criticisms were not only helpful, but encouraging. He liked
to know the opinions of thoughtful people of his efforts.
Any comments made by his hearers were not deemed presumptuous
if made in the proper spirit, but were appreciated
and received prompt and courteous acknowledgment.

It is said that death always chooses a shining mark, and
it is equally as true in regard to Church "calls." In May,
1893, it was whispered that our rector had a "call"; it was
soon ascertained that he had had two calls. Hope and doubt,
fear and trust beset our minds; an air of sadness, of expectation,
of subdued excitement pervaded our congregation. It
is true that theoretically an Episcopal minister is "called"
for life; but if they are called to greener pastures or better
prospects, or if they think duty impels them and that they
can do more good elsewhere, they always hearken to the
"call." These rumors were confirmed when our beloved rector
announced at a Vestry meeting held May 11, 1893, the reception
of two "calls"—one to Moore Memorial, Richmond,
and the other to St. Andrew's, Louisville, Ky. He expressed
affection for each Vestryman and for the congregation; spoke
of the many ties that bound him to the old Church. No
pecuniary consideration entered into the question; he hoped
to be governed entirely by a sense of duty. He requested the
Vestry to talk freely, and to place before him every argument
for remaining, and, above all, to pray. The Vestry exhausted
every argument in their power and expressed in
warmest terms their sincere affection, giving reasons from
their standpoint why he should remain. On the afternoon of
May 15, 1893, the ladies of St. John's congregation met at the
"Old Carrington Mansion," the residence of Mrs. A. W.
Weddell, and one hundred and seventy-five names were signed
to a touching address asking Mr. Burton not to leave.

On May 17th a meeting of the congregation was held in
the Church to give them an opportunity to express their views
and feelings in regard to the matter; whereupon a committee
was appointed, consisting of J. S. Moore, F. P. Gretter,
D. C. Richardson, F. J. Craigie, and George L. Currie,

which presented the following resolutions, which were unanimously
adopted, and it was further ordered, "That the secretary
be requested to send a copy thereof to the rector, who
was then absent at Winchester, Va., and to enter a copy of the
same on the Church records, according to custom, and to
publish the same in the Southern Churchman":

"It having come to the knowledge of this congregation that
our beloved rector, Rev. Lewis William Burton, has received
a most flattering call to St. Andrew's Church, in Louisville,
Ky., and has the same under present consideration, we desire
hereby to express our sincere affection for him personally,
and our hearty appreciation of his earnest and devoted consecration
of time and talents to this congregation and community,
as well as to every good work in this city and the
Diocese of Virginia.

Confident that in reaching a decision upon this most important
question our beloved rector will be actuated only by a
high sense of duty as to where lies his field of greater usefulness,
we would place before him in detail the great work
that by the blessing of Almighty God he has conducted with
such signal success—

1. The congregation of old St. John's has been growing
steadily under his faithful ministry.

2. A flourishing mission in Fulton, known as Weddell
Memorial Mission.

3. A mission in the Valley, known as Calvary Mission.

4. A colored mission, known as the Good Shepherd Mission.

5. His position as Vice-President of the Richmond City
Missionary Society.

6. His position as one of the examining chaplains of the
Diocese of Virginia.

7. His prominence in the James River Convocation.

8. His position and relations to the clergy of the city, both
in our Church and those of other denominations.

9. The high estimation in which he is held by the community
at large.

Believing that there can be no broader field for his faithful
labors, and none where they can be more needed or more
highly appreciated, we trust that he may be so guided by the

Holy Spirit that he may still find his path of duty to lie in
our midst, and we pledge our continued and increased efforts
to the upholding of his hands in his many and arduous duties.

[Signed]

J. S. Moore,

F. P. Gretter,

D. C. Richardson,

F. J. Craigie,

Geo. L. Currie,
Committee.

To these public protests were added the pleadings of individuals—many
of them special friends. The difficulty of
our rector's deciding as to the course of duty and the pain in
determining to remove from St. John's cannot well be
imagined. In the mean time hope and doubt beset the congregation.
It was with no little apprehension and anxiety
that the congregation assembled on Sunday, May 21, 1893,
when our beloved rector, with a care-worn face, showing the
great strain he had undergone, announced his text (I. Samuel
20: 22, 23): "Go thy way; for the Lord hath sent thee away.
And as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken of,
behold the Lord be between thee and me forever." The fear,
the premonition of our loss, was confirmed, and before the
sermon was ended tears, from eyes not accustomed to weep,
could be seen trickling down the cheeks of many present.

The congregation accepted the inevitable, fully satisfied
that our rector had been influenced and actuated solely by his
sense of duty. The bond of sympathy, the ties of affection,
of congeniality and spirituality were at last to be severed.
It was deeply affecting when each in turn the congregation
approached the chancel and shook his hand and bade him
good-bye; but the affection and regard in which Mr. Burton
is held by the congregation of St. John's Church has been
strongly evinced since he left us.

At a meeting held on the 14th of October, 1894, a committee
was appointed to "draft resolutions expressive of the
sympathy of the Church with its former beloved rector, who
had recently been called to mourn the death of his honored
father."

At a meeting of the Vestry held December 10, 1895, the

Vestry tendered "their heartfelt congratulations to Rev.
Lewis William Burton on his election to the Bishopric of the
Diocese of Lexington, Ky."

At a meeting of the Vestry held May 5, 1896, and again
October 4, 1896, motions were offered and unanimously
carried "cordially inviting Rt. Rev. Lewis William Burton to
visit and preach at our Church at any time that it may suit
his convenience." Since Mr. Burton has left us he has on
two occasions accepted these invitations. He has on each of
these occasions been welcomed with open heart and outstretched
arms and with a love that can only be severed by
death, and that will linger in the countless realms of eternity.
To sum up Mr. Burton's administration, when he
came to St. John's, 1884, he found the Church not only in
debt, but its revenues insufficient to meet current expenses.
He found that the contingent fund had not been paid in full
for some years. He established two thriving and prosperous
missions. When he left us the Church was entirely out of
debt, the contingent fund fully paid up, and the congregation
largely increased in numbers.

Mr. Burton, in his "Succession of Ministers of Henrico
Parish," has an interregnum of sixty-six years between Thos.
Bargrave and James Blair, and one of thirty-five years between
George Robinson and James Keith. These hiatuses,
we think, are partially filled by the records from Henrico
county court-house. The records show that previous to 1716,
one, the Rev. Jacob Ware, was minister of Henrico Parish
for a period of twenty years. The same records also show
that in 1701 Claude Philippe de Richebourg[1] is mentioned as
minister of Henrico Parish. The Rev. William Fenney or
Finney is also mentioned as minister of Henrico Parish,
June 5, 1727; the last named was an M. A. of Glasgow University.

The Rev. R. A. Goodwin, of Petersburg, was called to St.
John's Church by the Vestry June 8, 1893. Mr. Goodwin
accepted the call June 19, 1893, to assume the rectorship on
the 15th of September next, on which date he assumed
charge of St. John's, where he has been and is now laboring

faithfully and efficiently in the cause of Christ. His interest
in the missions established by Mr. Burton has manifested itself
in earnest zeal and untiring efforts. In fact, he took up
the entire work of the Church just where Mr. Burton left off,
and the spiritual and material welfare and machinery of the
Church has known no diminution or change. His faithfulness
at the bedside of the sick, his constant attendance and
sympathy when in trouble amongst the bereaved, who have
been bowed down with grief, has been one of the characteristics
of his personality and his ministerial functions. His
earnestness, his thorough consecration to duty, his sincere
piety have endeared him to old St. John's, and have bound
him to the congregation with the strongest ties of respect and
affection. One of the first suggestions made by Mr. Goodwin
to the Vestry was one looking to the establishment of a permanent
endowment fund for the support of missions, which,
however, has only met with partial success. It was also at
his suggestion and urgent appeal in 1895 that a deaconess was
employed (the first in the history of the Church in Virginia),
whose duty is to visit the poor and the sick of the
parish, to make known their necessities and minister to their
wants, all which has resulted in much good and has been of
material assistance to him in his labors. Bishop Whittle
thought so well of this appointment that in his report to the
Council in 1897, he says: "In St. John's Church, Richmond,
I had the great satisfaction of setting apart Miss Mary E.
Jones for the office and work of a deaconess, she being the
first of this order in the Diocese; the service was most solemn
and impressive."

The memorial tablet that now hangs on the walls of the
Church to the Rev. Robert Rose was placed with consent of
the Vestry by his lineal descendants in February, 1894. The
organ, which for many years stood in the gallery of the
Church, was moved to the main floor of the Church in June,
1894.

A legacy for Weddell mission, amounting to $739.54, from
the late W. J. Cussens, of Richmond, was received June 6,
1894, by the Vestry; the amount left by his will was $1,000,
but as some of his heirs were not of age and the adult legatees
tendered this amount in settlement, sooner than resort to

litigation, the Vestry accepted this amount and the trustees
were authorized to expend $39.54 of this sum on Weddell
Chapel, and to invest the remainder at interest.

At a meeting of the Vestry held October 2, 1894, the following
letter was read and entered on the minutes:

The Vestry having no authority over the grounds, no action
was taken except to acknowledge the letter, and to suggest
to Mr. Page that he apply to the Council Committee on
St. John's Church Yard.

A called meeting of the Vestry was held after morning
service Sunday, September 1, 1895, and suitable resolutions
adopted expressing the sympathy of the Vestry and congregation
with our bereaved pastor in his deep affliction, occasioned
by the death of his beloved wife. As an evidence of the
affection in which our pastor's wife was held, an endowment
fund of $200, to be known as a memorial to Mrs. Mary E.
Goodwin, was raised by the congregation and turned over to
the trustees for investment. December 10th of the same

year, Miss Emma Lacy requested that she or her administrator
be allowed to place a memorial window in St. John's
Church to her parents and brother, to cost not less than $500,
subject, "The Transfiguration," which was granted on condition
that the design be first approved by the rector and
Vestry.

Subsequently the family of Mr. James W. Shields, for
many years a Vestryman and Senior Warden of the Church,
made a similar request, which was granted on the same conditions.

At a meeting of the Vestry held June 2, 1896, a letter was
received from Lewis H. Blair, Thomas M. Rutherfoord and
A. Beirne Blair, grandsons of Geddes Winston, requesting
permission "to replace the present tombstone erected to their
ancestor, Geddes Winston, who died June 9, 1784, * *
which is about to fall to pieces from age." This letter was
referred to the Council Committee on St. John's Church
Yard.

The spire of St. John's Church having been blown down
by the hurricane that passed over the city Tuesday night,
September 29, 1896, at a meeting of the Vestry held October
6th, it was resolved that a tower similar to the one shown in
a picture in the possession of Mr. W. W. Davies be erected
(this being the original tower), and this tower to be surmounted
by a cross. It was also resolved at this meeting
that the Vestry be constituted a committee with the assistance
of the presidents of the various societies of the Church
to solicit subscriptions to build the tower called for by the
resolutions of the Vestry. It was not only decided to replace
the steeple, but to paint the interior and the exterior of the
Church, also to take out the lights in the windows and replace
the same with cathedral glass.

In 1898 a special committee was appointed by the Vestry,
consisting of Mr. J. S. Moore, Chairman; Cyrus Bossieux,
Senior Warden; Captain John F. Mayer, Junior Warden;
Dr. L. C. Crump and Mr. F. J. Craigie, to look into the cost
of the needed repairs to the Church building, and the putting
in of a ventilator, painting, calcimining or frescoing the
walls, carpeting the aisles and chancel and varnishing the interior
woodwork—the said committee to solicit bids for the
proposed improvements and report to the Vestry. Under
this resolution the Church was renovated and restored to its
present condition. At this time the shingles were removed
from the roof and tin substituted.

At a meeting of the Vestry held October 4, 1898, resolutions
were adopted expressive of sorrow at the death of Mr.
E. A. Saunders, "who for many years was connected with
this Church as a communicant and Vestryman, in which
connection, by his kindness of heart, his personal liberal
nature, his sincere piety and devotion to duty, he won our
love and esteem." A copy of these resolutions was ordered
to be spread upon the minutes and a copy sent to his bereaved
wife.

At a meeting of the Vestry held January 3, 1899, it was
requested that the Brotherhood of St. Andrew of this Church
furnish six of its members to act as ushers, to take up collection
on Sunday afternoon and at Wednesday night service,
the object being to interest young men in Church work.

At a meeting of the Vestry March 14, 1899, a committee
was appointed "to draft suitable resolutions of respect to our
deceased friend and Vestryman, Dr. L. C. Crump," and that
a copy of said resolutions be sent to the family and entered
upon the minutes, which were adopted. During this year
extensive repairs, costing about $1,200, were made to the
rectory, rendering it more convenient and comfortable, and
enhancing the value of the property.

At a meeting of the Vestry November 7, 1899, voluntary
pledges for an indefinite period from four persons were made,
amounting to $550, to pay the salary of an assistant at Weddell
Chapel, and the Committee on Weddell were authorized
to employ an assistant minister.

At a called meeting of the Vestry November 22, 1899, to

consider the resignation of Miss (Bettie) E. A. Fitzwilson,
the blind organist, on her proposed removal to New York,
the following resolutions, offered by Mr. J. S. Moore, were
unanimously adopted:

Whereas the Vestry of St. John's P. E. Church is in receipt
of the resignation of Miss E. A. Fitzwilson, who has
served as organist for more than a quarter of a century:

Resolved, That the Vestry with deep regret accepts the
same, begging to assure her of our high estimation of her
faithful services through so many years, her lofty devotion
to duty, her consecration of effort. The magic of her hand,
the symphony of her mystic touch, will long linger in our
hearts as a pleasant memory, a sacred benison, when her
presence is no longer with us.

Resolved, That in the sad bereavement (the death of her
sister and mother) that has been the occasion of her resignation,
the Vestry tenders its sincere and heartfelt sympathy,
and indulges the hope, in the providence of God, that in her
new home amongst strangers in a strange land a happy future
awaits her, and we trust she may find many friends and
form pleasant ties and associations that will surround her and
guard her with the same watchful care, the same tender affection,
cordial appreciation and sincere good-will which she
has ever enjoyed with her Richmond friends in old Henrico
Parish.

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered on the minutes,
and a copy of same be duly certified to Miss Fitzwilson under
the signature of the rector and register.

Minutes on the death of Mrs. Caroline Shields, the wife
of our late Senior Warden, James W. Shields, and one of the
most faithful workers and liberal contributors to Church
work, were made by the Vestry April 3, 1900. Of this
saintly soul it was truly said:

At a Vestry meeting held January 1, 1901, Mr. J. S.
Moore offered the following minute, which was adopted and
placed on record:

"In sad remembrance of the ending of the nineteenth,

and in joyful commemoration of the twentieth century, the
rector and Wardens of old St. John's Church had the bell
solemnly tolled for five minutes before 12 o'clock on the
night of the 31st of December, 1900, and for five minutes
after 12 o'clock on the morning of January 1, 1901, it
was merrily rung—thus ringing a requiem to the dying year
and century, and giving a glad greeting to the new; and as
the bell tolled sad and low we could hear it speak in tones
reluctant: But as the solemn sound ceased and the joyous peal thrilled
upon the ear expectant, we could hear the old bell singing
triumphantly:

The Cussen Fund, in 1892, was appropriated to the building
of a Sunday school and Guild room on the lot at Weddell
Chapel, and to repairs on the chapel.

The application, March 31, 1902, of George Pickett Mayo,
an old Sunday school scholar of St. John's Church, a candidate
for ordination as deacon, was cordially endorsed by the
Vestry.

A memorial window erected to the memory of the Lacy
family by Miss Emma Lacy was placed in St. John's in
1902, and the Shields' window some time prior to this.

About this time it was ascertained that the Church tower
was in a dangerous condition, and it was ordered taken down
and rebuilt.

At a meeting of the Vestry after the return of our rector
from his summer vacation in 1902, thanks were tendered Mr.
F. J. Craigie "for his most efficient and highly enjoyed services
rendered as a lay reader at the Sunday morning services
during the rector's absence."

May 5, 1903, a committee was appointed by the Vestry to
express to her sons, Messrs. Joseph H. and James T. Estes,

the sorrow of the Vestry at the death of their mother, Mrs.
James M. Estes. For many years she was an earnest and
faithful Church worker, whose prayers and alms continually
went up to her Heavenly Father.

At a meeting of the Vestry June 2, 1903, notification was
received that Mr. David J. Baldwin, a former communicant
of St. John's, had left a bequest to the Church of $500. At
this meeting Mr. Guy Christian was engaged to take charge
of the work at Weddell Chapel.

Allusion has already been made in this sketch to the
earnest effort of Mr. Goodwin at the beginning of his ministry
in St. John's to raise an endowment fund for missionary
work. It is proper just here to insert the splendid circular
letter issued by the committee.

It is hoped that the reading of the above touching appeal
may reach the hearts of many and kindle the missionary
spirit sufficiently to induce them to respond, and in settling
their earthly affairs to lay up treasures in Heaven, "where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do
not break through nor steal."

To recapitulate, or even briefly sum up the work done by
our faithful Rector, the Rev. R. A. Goodwin, in the ten
years he has been with us, would take more time and space
than is at the command of the writer. In addition to his
pastoral duties, which have always been arduous, his most
earnest efforts have been all along directed to the increase and
extension of missionary work of the Church, and to that
end he has (1) Extended the scope of St. John's Missionary
Society to embrace all branches of missions—parish, city,
diocesan, domestic and foreign. At his suggestion subscriptions
are made by the year to be paid monthly in offertory.
(2) Perfected the organization of the Woman's Auxiliary—divided
into four sections, one of which is at Weddell
Chapel, and all of which sections take part in most of

the branches of the missionary work above mentioned. (3)
Organized the Junior Auxiliary, of which there are two sections,
one composed of girls and young ladies from 12 to 15
years of age, and the other of the smaller Sunday School
children—both boys and girls. (4) Organized the Junior
Brotherhood of St. Andrew. (5) Appointed one Sunday in
each month as Missionary Sunday in the Sunday schools, the
offerings on that day going to foreign missions. (6) Organized
the Ministering League—composed of ladies willing to
assist the Deaconess in her work among the poor and sick.

During Mr. Goodwin's rectorship the choir has been enlarged,
the Church repaired and beautified; cathedral glass
introduced in the windows; the Weddell Memorial chapel
has been enlarged and painted; a new furnace and pews put
in; a Parish room built costing about $2,000, and as already
stated the rectory has been repaired and enlarged, and a
new tower built to the church, costing jointly about $3,000.

The first of last June, notwithstanding all these outlays
and expenditures, there was no debt on the church except for
the new tower—the Easter offering being used for the liquidation
of the debt on the rectory and leaving a balance to
apply to the debt on the tower. The total contributions to
St. John's Church in the last ten years have been nearly
$60,000, of which sum (in round figures) $25,000 has gone
to the regular expenses of the Church—the remainder going
to charities and missions within and without the Parish;
all of this sum has been contributed as free will offerings—
none of it raised by entertainments, fairs, etc.

The percentage of regular expenses to total contributions
is remarkable, if not unprecedented in church history. It
is also encouraging and instructive as showing that as a
Church, though poor, we are not spending as much as half
of our income on ourselves, including repairs, etc. The same
simple worship characterizes St. John's to-day as did that
of our forefathers and as the rubrics direct—no innovations.
We have no Altar, but a Holy Table.

If Bishops Madison and Meade should come back to officiate
at St. John's they would find no change in ritual
or chancel arrangements to perplex and disconcert them, and
our rector has not forgotten the admonition, "Preach the
Word."

Space and time will not permit the mention of the many
kindly acts of our faithful rector. To those of his congregation
who have been afflicted with sickness and death he has
at all times been at their call, without being sent for, if he
knew of the necessity or desire for his presence. To comfort
the distressed, to assuage their grief, to compassionate their
miseries, to alleviate their sorrows, to extend to them the
hand of sympathy, to speak the word of comfort, to sooth
their distress, and to point to the Cross has ever been his
constant and untiring effort and aim, and when he reaches
the golden shores of the New Jerusalem he will certainly
deserve the plaudit of "Well done, thou good and faithful servant,
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."

The present appearance of St. John's Church-yard is quite
different from what it was a half a century ago; it was then
covered with mounds, indicating the resting places of those
who sleep their last sleep beneath the sod that covers them.
In more recent years these mounds have all been levelled,
and the grounds present a beautiful and level surface.

Until the year of 1825, when Shockoe Hill Cemetery was
established, the interments of the dead in the city of Richmond
were chiefly in the grounds of St. John's Church.

In the Manuscript Reminiscences by Rev. Prof. Cornelius
Walker, D. D., referred to by Bishop Burton in his
annals, he says the number of graves and of grave-stones at
that period (1826) was greater than now, especially slabs.
Large numbers have disappeared. He says some years after,
on looking for the head-stone of an old schoolmate, which
stood with that of his father and other members of his family,
he found only the fragment of a single one, all the rest had
gone.

He says as the funerals were frequent, and as St. John's
was then one of the chief burying places, there were
always fresh graves to be seen in some part of the grounds.
It frequently occurred that from the bottom of a newly made
grave fragments from earlier interments were brought up
in digging it. Prof. Walker says he doubts whether there
could be found a spot of any size that had not been used for
burial purposes. In his reminiscences he says one object
of mysterious interest in the cemetery was the vault, lying

between the north door of the Church and Broad street. For
some time it had not been opened, and there was great curiosity
as to its interior. A sad opportunity for such opening,
and for the satisfaction of all such curiosity was presented.
One of our Sunday School teachers, a Miss Weymouth, on a
visit to Norfolk, died there of yellow fever, and in due time
the vault was opened for the reception of her remains. So,
too, among the monuments, there were some noticeable as
connected with the deaths of those of whom they were memorials
and recent enough in point of time to be remembered.
One was of Miss Claxton, not far from the door of the western
transept, dying just before the time of her anticipated marriage.
Another was that of Col. Gamble, between the northern
door and the gate on the cross street, killed by a fall
from his horse. Another was that of a Mr. McCredie, nearly
opposite what is now the Cathedral, hurrying to a fire and
failing to note the hail of the sentry was shot near the capitol;
and still another of a young man, Denoon, near the
gate on Broad street, killed by his employer in a fit either
of business or domestic jealousy, the murderer committing
suicide in jail a few days afterwards. Two others of interest
to the Sunday School scholars were those, two of their number,
of Sarah Haley, a little girl dying in her tenth or
eleventh year, and Charlie Pulling, a little older, killed by
a fall from a horse. The last two have disappeared. The
others, and much the older, still remain.

Some Indian relics having been exhumed in the grounds,
it has been supposed that at one time a portion of them were
used as an Indian burial place. The surface of the cemetery
has been buried over and over again to a large extent, as in
digging new graves the relics of former interments have been
exposed. In instances graves have been opened to receive
others of the same family. It is to be profoundly regretted
that no regular and continuous record of the burials has
been kept. Some years ago there was found in the crypt or
basement of the Church a bronze tablet bearing the name
"John Coles." He was the ancester of the distinguished
family of that name of Albemarle county, Virginia. Several
prominent families, among them the Adams, Carrington and
Pickett, had their private cemeteries. Their remains have

been re-interred in Hollywood—the final interment being in
1884.

Burials of citizens of Richmond were also made in family
cemeteries in the counties adjacent. At "Powhatan," the
seat of the Mayo family, just beyond the eastern limits of the
city, rests the remains of the Mayo, Cabell, Scott, and other
families. And at Shield's place to the west of the city are
the tombs of members of the Robinson and other families.
Here among them is the modest head-stone of Mrs. Jean
Wood, wife of Gov. James Wood, a woman of rare benevolence
of character with poetic ability of high order. There
was also a Jewish burying ground on the south side of Franklin
street, between Twentieth and Twenty-first streets, containing
the tombs of Israel and Mrs. Hester Cohen, covered
in granite masonry.

In conclusion, to those who wish a few moments of rest
and quiet communion with God, we invite you to our old
church-yard, where beneath the green sward "the rude forefathers
of the hamlet sleep." The trees still whisper a
gentle lullaby to the souls of the departed, and the meandering
James murmurs a restful requiem. The breezes speak
softly in sibilant tones of peace as the shadows come and go,
and the sunlight gently kisses the flowers into perennial
bloom as they lift their heads to catch its shimmering light
and to rejoice in its life-giving warmth—verily, a quiet
peaceful, restful spot amidst the noise of commerce and the
sounds of city life where one can turn aside for thought and
reflection.

The attractiveness and beauty of these lovely grounds are in
a great measure due to the constant care and labors of its
courteous and efficient keeper, Antonio (Dodd) Graffigna,
who succeeded his father, who for many years before him was
also its keeper. In addition to his other talents, "Dodd" also
makes the walls of Old St. John's resound occasionally to the
burning words of Henry's fiery eloquence to admiring
strangers, as with voice and appropriate gestures he repeats
the famous speech that echoed within its walls more than a
century and a half ago.