MINISTERS OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
The Rev. Mr. Gibson resigned in the month of September, 1811.
In the following February the Rev. Wm. Wilmer entered upon the
charge and continued in it until the 19th of October, 1826, when
he accepted the Presidency of William and Mary College. During
his ministry the old church was enlarged and the present church
built, and the congregation increased manifold. Of Dr. Wilmer I
have already spoken in one of the articles on Williamsburg. I will
only add that the congregation could not have been supplied with
one better calculated to build it up, whether we consider his zeal,
prudence, or ability for the work, in private or public. During his
residence in Virginia he was always sent to the General Convention,
and when there chosen to preside over its deliberations. With his
pen he defended Protestantism against Romanism, and moderate
views of the Church and Sacraments against certain extravagant
ones which were at that early period finding their way among us.
At the resignation of Mr. Wilmer, the Rev. William Jackson was
chosen, but did not enter upon his duties until February, 1827.
Most acceptably and usefully did he labour in this congregation,
until his resignation in June, 1832, when he accepted a call to St.
Stephen's Church, New York. He left St. Paul's and the diocese
of Virginia with the deep regrets of all who knew his amiable
character, heard his excellent sermons, and had opportunity to
appreciate his great worth. The Rev. James T. Johnson was then
elected, and entered upon his duties in the fall of 1833, and continues
the minister until the present time, 1857.
I find one or two things on the records of this parish which are
worthy of insertion. Bishop Madison was applied to to consecrate
the first St. Paul's Church, but declined on account of collegiate
duties, and requested Bishop Claggett to perform the office, which was
done promptly and much to the gratification of all. An instance
of liberality deserves also to be inserted. The first St. Paul's
Church was bought on credit for the sum of three thousand five
hundred dollars. In the year 1813, Mr. Daniel McLean, one of
the vestry, paid the amount and made a deed to the vestry for it.
The second church so exceeded the first in size and expense as to
cost twenty-six thousand dollars.
