Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to replace the irreparably deteriorated original. It was scanned using Xerox software and equipment at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using CCITT Group 4 compression. The digital data were used to create Cornell's replacement volume on paper that meets the ANSI Standard Z39.48-1984. The production of this volume was supported in part by the New York State Program for the Conservation and Preservation of Library Research Materials and the Xerox Corporation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1994.Tuer- ■■ '\U- • ' , ^ \ ; STATEMENT OF FACTS SUBMITTED BY THE RECTOR, WARDERS AND VESTRI ' ttwist mntA m THE VILLAGE OP TARRYTOWN. DECEMBER 28, 1863. 2Ccro~$0rk: JOHN W. AMERMAN, PRINTER, No. 47 Cedab-street. 1864.STATEMENT, OF FACTS, &o. A meeting- of the Yestry of Christ Church, Tarrytown, was convened by the Rector, 5 Resolved, That all appropriations and collections of money made by this Church and its Chapel of St. Mark’s, for the sup- support of said Chapel or its Sunday School, and also for the Parish School, be paid over to the Parish Missionary Commit- tee, to be expended only by order of the said committee for the best interests of the Church; and that they report annually their proceedings to this Yestry, at its first meeting after Easter; and oftener, if required by the Rector or Yestry. Resolved, That this report, and a copy of the foregoing res- olutions, be referred to the Parish Missionary Committee for its action. In pursuance of these resolutions, the following persons were elected members of the said committee: . Mr. N. B. Holmes, * Mr. J. M. Knowlton, Mr. Charles Rhind. At meetings of the said committee, the following persons were added to their number: Rev. J. Selden Spencer, Rev. Edmund Guilbert, Mr. D. S. Gushee, Mr. D. D. Foote, the two latter being members of the congregation worshipping at St. Mark’s Chapel. It may be proper here to state, that in the year 1862, the congregation of Christ Church paid a debt of $1,000, in conse- quence of liabilities incurred in missionary operations in Beek- mantown. The Parish Missionary Committee, on investigating the affairs of the Chapel, found that in addition to the sum of about $600, as above stated, which it was necessary to raise in order to liquidate the debt; it would be requisite to provide for the annual expenses of the Chapel and Parochial School, the sum $1,100. It was resolved to lay before the congregations of6 Christ Church and St. Mark’s Chapel a printed appeal, sug- gesting that subscriptions should be made for these objects. An amount was raised nearly sufficient to pay off the debt, viz.: From Christ Church, $511.56; from St. Mark’s Chapel, $30.01; making altogether, $541.57. But the subscriptions toward the future annual support were only as follows: From Christ Church, $286; from St. Mark’s Chapel, $90; making $376. Subscriptions beyond the above amount, pledged by certain parties at Beekmantown, to the amount of $150 per annum, were not paid. The Parish Missionary Committee adopted, as one of its by- laws, that a Supply Committee should be appointed, on whose authority only, disbursements should be made by their Treas- urer. It was also jResolved) That a Visiting Committee of three be appointed at every monthly meeting to visit the Parish School, and examine its condition and its course of instruction, and report thereupon at the next stated meeting. The first committee appointed under this resolution consisted of Rev. Mr. Spencer, Mr. Knowlton and Mr. Gushee; and the matter of collecting, ar- ranging and supplying deficiencies of the Parish and Sunday School libraries was referred to this committee, These resolu- tions were adopted October 5th, 1863. The resolution in re- ference to the libraries was passed in consequence of the Rev. Mr. Guilbert having called the attention of the committee to the deficiencies in the libraries, and asked an appropriation to supply them. At the stated meeting of the committee, held on the 2d No- vember, 1863, the following report was made by the Visiting Committee: To the Missionary Committee of Christ Churchy Tarrytown: The undersigned, members of a committee appointed at the last monthly meeting of the Parish Missionary Committee of Christ Church, Tarrytown, to visit and report upon the present condition of the Par- ish School, the number of scholars, etc., respectfully report:7 That they visited said school on the morning of Friday, the 30th day of October, 1863, and found in attendance Rev. Mr* Guilbert, Miss Leonard, (the teacher,) and 29 scholars, male and female. After morning service, consisting of a portion of the Psalter, a chant and appropriate Collects, with a Litany, conducted by Rev. Mr. Guil- bert'; the first, or advanced class commenced its exercise in reading from the Fifth Reader; that the reading was well conducted and highly CTeditable to both scholars and teacher; that your committee listened to the reading of said class, and then, their, time being limited, Rev. Mr. Spencer requested the teacher, Miss Leonard, to examine a class in spelling. Miss Leonard stated .that her class in spelling generally re- cited in the afternoon, and, probably, had not yet prepared their les- son for the day; whereupon Rev. Mr. Spencer expressed a wish to hear one of the previous day’s lessons, when Rev. Mr. Guilbert directed the teacher to go on with the reading, and not to vary from her usual order of exercises. The class inthe Fourth Reader then proceeded with its exercises, not quite as well as the previous one, but on the whole very favorably com- paring with it, taking into consideration the difference in age and the experience and practice of its members. That, after reading by this class, your committee having been prevented, as above stated, from making any special examination of the above classes, or of any class, except those reciting early in the morning, withdrew from the school, Rev. Mr. Guilbert stating that he denied the right of the Vestry, or of this committee, to assume any thing more than the direction and super- vision of the financial affairs of the school. Your committee also report, that it appears from the teacher’s regis- ter'of said school, that the total attendance is between 40 and 50 scholars. All which is respectfully submitted. '. „ (Signed,) J. Selden Spencer, J. M. Knowlton. From this action on the part of Mr. Guilbert, it would ap- pear that his ©pinion was, “ that a committee, consisting of one wardert, two vestrymen, two clergymen and two members of St. Mark's congregation, was appointed for the sole purpose of auditing the bills of expenses for the Chapel and schools !53 At an adjourned meeting of the Parish Missionary Commit- tee, Nov. 9th, 1863, it was8 Resolved, That in consequence of a conflict of opinion in re- gard to the powers and duties of the Parish Missionary Com- mittee having arisen between said committee and the Rev. Mr. Guilbert, the case be referred to the Yestry for their action, and that the Rector be requested to call a meeting for that ob- ject, as early as consists with his convenience. Subsequent to the action of the Yestry, an extra meeting of the Parish Missionary Committee was called by the Chairman, on November 25th, 1863, at which the following members were present: Rev. Mr. Spencer and’ Messrs. Holmes, Gushee, Poote, Knowlton and Rhind. The Secretary read the following copy of the minutes of the Yestry of Christ Church, at a meeting held Nov. 18th, fur- nished by the Clerk of the Yestry: At a meeting of the Yestry of Christ Church, Tarry town, held at the residence of the Rector, on Wednesday, November 18th, 1863 : Present,—The Rector, Dr. Creighton; Warden, Mr. Merritt; Yes- try, Messrs. Wilson, Rhind, Perry, Knowlton and Odell. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The subject brought before the Yestry was, the formation and min- utes (showing the acts) of the “ Parish Missionary Committee” which were submitted for the approval of the Yestry. Whereupon the following resolution was unanimously adopted: Resolved, That the action of the u Parish Missionary Committee” as set forth in their report, now submitted, accords with the resolutions from which they received their authority, and in which their duties are defined; and with the powers the Yestry intended thereby to convey. Adjourned. (Signed,) Tarry town, Nov. 18 th, 1863. Jacob (?dell, Clerk. TJpon this confirmation of the action of the committee by the Yestry, the Rev. Mr. Guilbert sent in his resignation, (to take effect Dec. 1st,) as assistant to Dr. Creighton.. The Secretary further submitted a statement showing, as per Treasurer’s report, that the amount of subscriptions received for the support of the Chapel was.................... $121 41 Amount to be collected,.............................. 150 00 $271 41 Probable avails of school bills,.......•....... 20 00 $291 41 , Amount of bills certified by the Supply Committee, and estimates of payments due to Dec. 1st,... 333 00 Leaving a deficiency of....................... $41 59 It must be borne in mind, that no further funds could be col- lected by the committee until the 1st of May, 1864, a period of five months. It was estimated that the expenses for this period would amount to at least $500. It was, therefore, unanimously Resolved, That, in consequence of the funds subscribed for the support of St. Mark’s Chapel, and the Parochial School connected therewith, having been exhausted; the committee feels itself reluctantly compelled to recommend that the Paro- chial School le closed. Resolved, That the Committee having been informed that the Rev. Mr. Guilbert had resigned his office of Assistant to Dr. Creighton ; it is of opinion that it is inexpedient to appoint a successor, until the funds placed at the disposal of the Com- mittee would warrant it. In consequence of the sickness of Dr. Creighton, the fact of some of the members of the Yestry being necessarily in the city during the day, and the darkness of the night; it was con- sidered expedient to avail of the presence of the Wardens and Vestrymen at the Church on Thanksgiving day, to hold an informal meeting, after service ; and submit to them the fore- going action and resolutions of the committee. The two10 “Wardens and five Vestrymen were present, (constituting a quorum,) and the^ unanimously concurred in the necessity of their proceedings, and approved of their action. Rev. Mr. Guilbert having resigned as Assistant to the Rec- tor on the 20th of November ; on the 30th of the same month a petition was presented to the Rector as follows: To the Rectdr, Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church, Tarrytown: Gentlemen,—Having heard of your determination, as expressed through the Parish Missionary Committee, to discontinue the work at Beekmantown, we, the undersigned, members of the congregation worshipping in St. Mark’s Chapel* feeling a deep interest in the pros- perity of the Church, in our portion of the village, woiild respectfully submit the following for your prayerful consideration. The services of the Chapel are now well attended, both morning and evening. The Sunday-School is in a flourishing condition, and numbers nearly 130 scholars. These facts added to another, namely, the recent increase in our communicants by members of the Church newly settling among us, prompts us to inform you that we feel, in view of the action of your committee, strong enough in numbers and in means to carry on, with- out calling upon the Parish Church for aid, the work at St. Mark’s Chapel ourselves; and further, we would state, that we, whose names are appended, have already subscribed a sum which will comfortably support the clergyman whom we may call to take charge of our spir- itual interests. We would, therefore, that we may prevent the almost irreparable consequences which would ensue were the resolutions of the commit- tee carried out, and St. Mark’s be closed, ask for permission to organize ourselves into a separate Parish, elect our own Vestry, and, with the energy which is always felt by those who have only themselves #to depend upon, prosecute the work in the field which Providence has more especially assigned to us. In conclusion, we desire to express our thanks to you for your past generosity, and to assure you that it is only because we feel that we11 have long enough been a burden to you, that we now desire to take care of ourselves. (Signed,) Frederic Beekman, I). S. Gushee, . Henry Storms, Daniel D. Foote, William Saunders, Thomas Hamill, Francis B. Bayles, G. H. Reed, Samjjel E. Fisher, Munson J. Lockwood, William Evans, William Wesley. To this application the following reply was made : Messrs. Foote and Beekman, Gen. Storms and others : Gentlemen,—I have received your communication in behalf of the congregation, worshipping at St. Mark’s Chapel; and the importance of the subject is such, that at present, owing to the state of my health, I cannot decide upon it myself or bring it before the Yestry, and must, therefore, defer the whole subject to another opportunity; or, if the congregation of St. Mark’s Chapel feel strong enough to maintain an assistant, I will appoint him. (Signed,) W. Creighton. Beechwood, Dec. 3, 1863, Thursday morning. The next communication, made to the Hector was as follows: Tarrytown, December 5, 1863. Wm. Creighton, D. D. i Rev. and Dear Sir,—Yours of 3d inst., relating to the petition of the congregation of St. Mark’s Chapel, was duly received, and has been laid before the male members thereof. It is deeply regretted that you were unable to give it the attention that its importance required, as it is hoped that you will refer this to the Yestry of Christ Church for their immediate action.12 There is a spirit of zeal manifested of going ahead in the work of building up the Church in Beekmantown, and strength to carry it on, which cannot be overlooked. The growth which is already made must go on and increase, or it will dec'ay. In behalf of the congregation, and more especially of those members of it who signed the petition which is in your hands, I answer your note, and although I deeply regret the bringing before you of any worrisome question under your present state of health, still I feel that it is a duty that I owe to the Church to which I look for the accomplishment of the great work of Christianity in its highest order; and I cannot refrain from urging the necessary action that shall give to us a Church under our own management. For without that we cannot be strong enough to do all the work that is needed to be done. The disposition to maintain the work here is local; and the determi- nation is to create a new and independent parish. Therefore, do let us carry on the work, and though we be under our own local direction, we shall be one with Christ’s Church, and with the Church everywhere in carrying out the Church’s work. May God bless you. Yours very truly, (Signed,) D. D. Foote. The Bector sent the following reply : Beechwood, December 7, 1863. D. D. Foote, Esq.: Dear Sir,—I have received your letter, December 5th, in reply to mine, relating to the petition of St. Mark’s Chapel ; and notwithstand- ing the peremptory character of your communication, I must decline any further action, except upon the condition mentioned in my letter. Yours truly, (Signed,) W. Creighton. Notwithstanding the character of these replies of the Bector, necessarily decisive in regard to immediate action, owing to the state of his health, Mr. Foote followed up with a third let- ter, as follows : Tarrytown, December 8, 1863. Rev. Wm. Creighton, D. D.: Dear Sir,—Yours, under date of yesterday, was duly received. I would say for myself, and for the gentlemen for whom I wrote to you under date of 5th inst., that there was no intention of discourtesy to13 you, and I trust tliat you will not feel so Upon reflection? I stated wliat was tlie urgent desire of, I believe, every member of the congre- gation of St. Mark’s. There is a large proportion of the congregation who are unable to go to Christ Church on account of distance, and particularly in the winter time. There are others among us who are new-comers here, and who naturally have no more attachment to Christ Church than for St. Paul’s in New-York. There are others who are disposed to give liberally towards the support of the work under a local management, and who will not give otherwise. If they are wrong, we cannot help it. I would urge upon your attention the fact, that this new action would not have occurred had it not been for the action^pf the committee in the attempt to take away from this congre- gation the privileges they were enjoying. I would, therefore, respect- fully urge you, in view of the importance of the interests at stake, to reconsider your determination not to bring this matter before the Yestry, as we think, as members of the parish, we have a right to be heard by them. With earnest wishes for your welfare, I remain yours, very truly, (Signed,) D. D. Foote. To this letter no reply was made by the Hector. The next communication, received by Dr. Creighton, was as follows: Mount Pleasant, Dec. 15, 1863. Wm. Creighton, D. D.: Reverend Sir,—Our congregation, understanding from your com- munication to us, that the petitions sent to the Wardens and Vestry- men of Christ Church would not be submitted to them, and having no alternative but to see the work in which they are all interested brought to a stand still, or to act for themselves, beg leave to announce to you that they have, though with reluctance, chosen to do the latter. The grounds for their action they will state : Having made due inquiry, they were informed by those better in- formed in Church law than they, that the jurisdiction of the Rector of Christ Church,* Greenburg, does not extend beyond the town limits, * The corporate name of Christ Church is “Christ Church in the Village of Tarry town.” *14 while thej*worship in Mount Pleasant—a different township altogether. The law, as given to them, reads as follows: “ Parochial boundaries shall be the limits, as now fixed by law, of any village, town, township, incorporated borough, city, or the limits of some division thereof.” Acting under this information, (there being no incorporated Epis- copal Church in Mount Pleasant, and, consequently, no Sector’s or Warden’s or Yestry’s consent to ask,) they have (the notice required by the statute having been duly given) organized themselves as a separate parish, by incorporating themselves, by the election of two Wardens and eight Vestrymen. At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestrymen, held on Monday evening last, the undersigned were ap- pointed a committee to inform you of the action of the congregation, and to present the enclosed request to the Vestry of Christ Church. And until they meet, and it is acted upon, to ask permission to occupy our place of worship until such time as the Vestry of Christ Church may meet, and assign or lease to us the same. The undersigned accept the duty assigned to them the more readily from the reason that the Vestry of Christ Church are, to the lest of their knowledge, with but two exceptions, in favor of the organization of the congregation worshipping in St, Mark's Chapel, and that the con- gregation of Christ Church almost unanimously approve of it. And, further, that at the last meeting of the Parish Missionary Committee, Mr. Spencer stated, that it was his desire that the Chapel should be set off as an independent parish as soon as it could take care of it- self; that such, indeed, was the original intention when started. The committee, feeling that a personal interview with you would be desirable, have resolved to send this communication to you by mail, and, with your permission, will call in person for your answer on Thursday, at 3 o’clock, P. M., 17th instant. Trusting fervently that this matter may be at once adjusted, and the commotion which has already arisen in regard to it in our community be allayed, We remain, with all respect, (Signed,) D. D. Foote, F. B. Bayles, Henry Storms, Committee of Wardens and Vestry of St, Mark's Church, Mount Pleasant, *15 The following is the reguest referred to in the preceding communication: Mount Pleasant, Dec. 15, 1863. To the Rectors, Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Qreenburg: Gentlemen,—The congregation worshipping in St. Mark’s Chapel having (in view of the determination of your committee to close the Chapel) met, and after having given the notice required by law, or- ganized, by incorporating themselves, and electing two Wardens and eight Vestrymen, do now, through the said Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Mark’s Church, in the town of Mount Pleasant, their legal rep- resentatives, request you to assign or lease to them the buildings and school-room known as St. Mark’s Chapel, that they may continue, at their own expense, and without calling upon the Parish Church for aid, the worship of Almighty God, according to the rites and cere- monies of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. With renewed assurances of love and affection for Christ Church, Greenburg—to which, under God, we owe our first foundation, and a long continuance of nursing care and protection, We remain, yours truly, (Signed,) Henry Storms, D. D. Foote, Thomas Hamill, Samuel E. Fisher, G. H. Beed, Munson J. Lockwood, F. B. Bayles, D. S. Gushee, Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Mark's Church, Mt. Pleasant. Messrs. Foote, Bayles & Storms, Committee, etc., dec. Gentlemen,—I have received a letter from you at noon this day, that you will call upon me to-morrow, at 3 o’clock, P. M., as a “ Com- mittee of Wardens and Vestry of St. Mark’s Church, Mount Pleasant.” That body being unknown to me, I respectfully decline receiving a visit from you as such. (Signed,) W. Creighton, Rector of Christ Church, Tarrytown, and St. Mark's Chapel, Beekmantown. Beechwood, Wednesday, Dec. IBth. #16 Thus closed the correspondence between these parties and the Hector. The Rev. Dr. Creighton having, on the 18th of December, accepted the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Guilbert as his Assistant, (a copy of his note will subsequently be intro- duced,) requested his Assistant, the Rev. Mr. Spencer, to read the following notice at the next service, Sunday evening, the 20th of December: Notice.—The congregation is informed, that the Rev. Mr. Guilbert having declined to officiate as my Assistant after the 1st of Deoember, in the parish of Christ Church, I am under the painful necessity, owing to the broken state of my health, of reducing the number of services in this Chapel. Hereafter, until further notice, there will be a regular service only on Sunday night. The Sunday School will be kept up and taught as usual. Owing to the absence of many families of Christ Church, who have gone to the city for the winter, there will be ample room for those of this congregation who are desirous of having the omitted services. (Signed,) W. Creighton-, Rector of Christ Churchy Tarry town, and St Mark's Church, Eeekmantown. The following affidavits continue the history of the case : The undersigned, having been requested to state certain facts con- cerning the lamentable state of affairs existing in the Parish of Christ Church, and its Chapel of St. Mark’s, Beekmantown, brought about by the irregular action of certain parties; certifies that the Rev. Mr. Guilbert resigned his office as Assistant to Dr. Creighton, the Rector of the Parish, on the 20th of November, ult.; that at a meeting of the Parish Missionary Committee of Christ Church, on the 25th of November, it was unanimously resolved, “ that the committee having been informed that the Rev. Mr. Guilbert had resigned his office as Assistant to Dr. Creighton, it is of opinion that it is inexpedient to appoint a successor until the funds placed at the disposal of the com- mittee will warrant it.” That on Thursday evening, lYth.inst., he received, through the post-office, addressed to him, a printed circular “ to the Wardens and Vestry of Christ Church, Tarry town, Westchester * County, New- York,” signed by parties representing themselves as having incorpo- rated as an independent Church. The said circular is hereto annexed.17 That he exhibited the same to the Rev. Mr. Spencer, (Dr. Creigh- ton’s senior Assistant,) and to Mr. N. B. Holmes, the senior Warden of the Parish; that, on consultation, it was deemed proper to submit the paper to the Rector, Dr. Creighton; that on a comparison with the originals, in his possession, discrepancies were found; and the courteous replies of the Dr.,, assigning his reasons for declining to comply with the rather peremptory demands made upon him, were not printed in connection; as was also the case in regard to the more important doc- ument dated 15th December, signed by parties representing themselves to be a Warden and Vestrymen of St. Mark’s Church, Beekmantown. The undersigned was requested by Dr. Creighton, on Saturday, 19th inst., to deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Rev. Mr. Guilbert, a note, of which the following is a copy : Rev. and Dear Sir,—I ask pardon for having so long delayed reply- ing to your letter, dated 20th November, resigning, “ not without due consideration,” your office my Assistant in the Parish of Christ Church, Tarrytown, “ the same to take effect on the first day of De- cember next.” Much as I may regret the decision to which you have come, I do not feel at liberty to decline it; and I, therefore, accept your resigna- tion. Wishing you every success in your future efforts to advance the Church of Christ, I remain, dear sir, your friend and brother, (Signed,) W. Creighton, Rector of Christ Church, Tarrytown, and St, Mark's Chapel, Beekmantown, Beechwood, Dec, 1*1 th, Friday, P. S.—Having made arrangements for conducting the Sunday School and the evening services of St. Mark’s Chapel, I add, that you need not perform any services for the future in the townships of Green- burg and Mount Pleasant. You will please deliver the keys, and whatever property is in your possession belonging to the Chapel, to the bearer. (Signed,) W. Creighton. The undersigned directed his servant, about 2 o’clock, P. M., Satur- day, 19th December, to deliver the note to Mr. Guilbert in person. 218 The man returned about 4 o’clock, reporting that he had so delivered it, and had been informed by Mr. Guilbert that there was nothing to deliver him. In the course of the evening the Rev. Mr. Spencer called at the house of the undersigned, and stated that he had gone to the city, at the request of Dr. Creighton, to report to the Bishop the state of affairs in the Parish, and to request him to write a note to Mr. Guil- bert recommending him not to officiate in the town of Greenburg or Mt. Pleasant; that the Bishop handed him a note to that effect, which he had put in course of delivery to Mr. G. The undersigned was subsequently informed that the note in ques- tion did not reach him until Sunday, 20th inst., when it was handed him by Mr. Humphreys, the Sexton of Christ Church, while he was officiating at the house of Mr. or Gen. Lockwood. Mr. Spencer requested the writer to have affixed on the gate and door of St. Mark’s Chapel a notice, of which the following is a copy: NOTICE. In consequence of the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Guilbert, the morning service in this Chapel is necessarily postponed for the present. There will be evening service as usual at o’clock, and Sunday School as usual, at 2 o’clock, P. M. By order of the Rector. December 20th, 1863. The notices were affixed by tacking to the gate and door of St. Mark’s Chapel, after 9 o’clock Saturday evening. The undersigned was informed by Mr. J. M. Knowlton, one of the vestrymen of Christ Church, that he was at the Chapel early on Sun- day, A. M., and that the notices had been torn down, the tacks and a portion of the paper remaining. The Rev. Mr. Spencer exhibited to the undersigned a paper pre- . sented to him by Mr. or General Storms, accompanied by Mr. D, D. Foote, while he was officiating at the Sunday School. The following is a copy: Rev. L Selden Spencer : You are hereby prohibited to officiate, or cause any one to officiate, either by preaching or reading prayers, within the town of Mount19 Pleasant, our parochial care, without our consent, which consent is, for the present, withheld. (Signed,) Henry Storms, SenV Warden St, Mark's Church. Mount Pleasant, Dec. 20^, 1863. The undersigned farther certifies, that he went with his family to St. Mark’s Chapel on Sunday evening, December 20th ; that he inadver- tently entered the gate of the premises occupied by General Lockwood, supposing it to be the gate of St. Mark’s Chapel, which it immediately adjoins:; that Mr. D. D. Foote was standing there, and said, “Mr. Guilbert officiates here this eveningthat there was a collection of men and boys%about the gate. On entering the Chapel, a short time before the hour of service, he was invited by Mr. Spencer to enter the Sunday School room adjoin- ing, used as a robing room, when he was informed that all the prayer- books in the pews, belonging to the Chapel, and the melodeon, which had been presented to the Sunday School, had been removed. It is proper here to remark, that Mr. J. M. Knowlton, by request of the Rec- tor, had, on the previous day, received from the hands of the janitress, who had been engaged in cleaning the Church, the keys, and the doors had been locked by him. The services were performed by the Rev. Mr. Spencer. After the conclusion, Mr. F. Beekman came rapidly up the aisle, went to the organ, and began to close, with the intention of locking it. A person present—a member of the Yestry of Christ Church interposed to prevent—when the key was forcibly jerked from his hand by Mr. Beekman. The Church was then closed by Mr. J. M. Knowlton. The undersigned regrets to say, that the disorganizing proceedings of Mr. Guilbert and his associates have produced a state of things which is a scandal to the Church, opposed to its best interests, utterly subversive of discipline, order and Christian harmony, and which calls for the prompt interposition of the highest authority of the Church. Dated Tarrytown, 2lst Dec., 1863. (Signed,) Chas. Rhind, Vestryman of Christ Church, P. S.-r^-The undersigned further states, that on going to the post- office this morning, he received a paper, of which the following is a copy: : Whereas, The Rector of Christ Church, Greenburg, has taken the20 keys of the buildings belonging to the congregation worshipping in Beekmantown, Mount Pleasant, thus depriving the congregation of the use thereof under our appointed clergyman : Therefore, Resolved, That the fact be presented to the Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church, individually, with our protest against such action. Resolved, That we ask the Wardens and Vestrymen of Christ Church to take such action in the matter as will speedily give us the build- ings, by lease or mortgage, for the continuance of our worship, accord- ing to the forms and rites of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. ' . Mount Pleasant, Dec. 21, 1863. The undersigned, a Vestryman of Christ Church, Tarrytown, hereby certifies that he has read the foregoing statement of Mr. Charles Rhind, and that the facts therein stated, as referring to himself, are true. He would also further state, that upon receiving the keys from the jani- tress, as therein stated, on Saturday, the 19th, he locked the door of the Sunday School, or saw the same locked ; and that when he left the Church the doors thereof were locked ; that upon inspection of the door of said Sunday School room, on Sunday, the 20th inst., said door had every appearance of having been forced, the fastenings which held the bolt of the lock being torn away, and the door style in a condition so that it cannot be locked, so as to be secure, without repairs. That he attended, with Rev. Mr. Spencer, at the usual hour of Sunday School, 2 P. M., on Sunday, 20th inst., and there were in attendance thirty- six scholars, but no teachers, except the undersigned; that he was in- formed by several persons, that the Rev. Mr. Guilbert had given notice, at the morning service held by him, that there would be no Sunday School. That in the evening he was informed by Mr. James Bird, that upon his coming to evening service with his wife, they were accosted by Henry Storms, the self-styled Warden of the organization, at which Henry Storms, Munson I. Lockwood, Warden and Ves- trymen of St. D. S. Gushee, ^ J>. D. Foote, G. H. Reed, F. B. Bayles, - Mark's Church, Mount Pleas- ant.21 Rev. Mr. Guilbert officiates, and informed by him that Rev. Mr. Guil- bert held service at General Lockwood’s; that said Henry Storms ac- companied him to tbe door of the Chapel, urging.and arguing that they should attend Rev. Mr. Guilbert’s service. That the undersigned saw said Henry Storms and D. D. Foote standing at the gate of Gen- eral Lockwood’s grounds, directing and encouraging the people, who came to attend evening service, to go in where Rev. Mr. Guilbert officiated. (Signed,) J. M. Knowlton. On this 21st day of December, 1863, before me, personally came J. M. Knowlton, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say, that the above certificate, by him subscribed, is true, according to the best of his knowledge and belief. [II. S. 5 Cent Stamp. (Signed,) John O. Husted, Duly cancelled.] . Notary Public. On this 21st day of December, 1863, before me, personally came Charles Rhind, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say, that the foregoing statement, by,him subscribed, is true, according to the best of his information and belief. ^(Signed,) Chas. Rhind. [IT. S. 5 Cent Stamp. ? (Signed,) John O. Husted, Duly cancelled.] . Notary Public. On Monday, 21st December, the preceding affidavits, at the request of the Hector, were laid before the Bishop, by Mr. Spencer, with a note, of which the following is a copy: Beechwood, 21 st Pec., 1863. Rt. Rev. and Dear Sir,—I am under the painful necessity of asking your attention to the accompanying affidavits, signed by two of the Vestrymen of ChristChurch, who were also members of the Parish Missionary Committee, elected by the Vestry, and cognizant of all the proceedings. I think that you will perceive, from these affidavits, the expediency—indeed, I may say, the necessity—of the prompt and vigorous interposition of your authority to put an end to these lawless proceeding#. Confined, as you know, to my house, I have requested my Assistant,22 the Rev. J. S. Spencer, to wait upon you, and submit this matter to your consideration. Regretting the necessity of giving you this trouble, I am, dear Bishop, Respectfully and affectionately yours, (Signed,) W. Creighton. At the interview with the Bishop, he requested Mr. Spencer to draw up a statement of the facts of the case, that he might submit them to the Standing Committee of the Diocese. On considering the matter, Mr. Spencer addressed the Bishop the following note: ■' New-York, Dec. 22d, 1863. My Dear Bishop,—I was occupied sometime last evening in drawing up a brief history-of our unhappy affairs, as you requested me, to be laid before the Standing Committee; but, upon reflection, I do not feel. at liberty to assume the responsibility of presenting it. Such a paper should come officially from the Rector and Yestry of the Parish, as it seems to me. On my return home I will bring the matter at once be- fore Dr. Creighton, who doubtless will, at this stage of the proceedings, call together the Yestry. In the mean time, may I most respectfully suggest that, in order that the shameful scenes of Sunday last may not be repeated, you will serve upon either myself, or upon any clergyman who officiates for the new organization, a request to suspend services, until the matter is de- cided by the proper authorities. If you serve it upon me, I promise you that I will cheerfully obey it, and, for the time being, close the Chapel. I am, my dear Bishop, Yery truly and affectionately,'yours, J. Selden Spencer. Rt. Rev. H. Potter, D. D. * It is believed t^atmo one can have attentively read the pre- ceding statements and correspondence without a conviction that every disposition existed to afford to that part of the con- gregation worshipping at St. Mark’s Chapel, the fullest enjoy- ment of the Church services, until the funds provided were en- tirely exhausted, arid a curtailment was necessary, in order to23 avoid incurring a debt. So many mis-statements have been made, that too much space would be occupied in a lengthened refutation. Much stress has been laid upon the report, industriously cir- culated, that this is a spontaneous movement on the part of the seceding members of St. Mark’s Chapel. But, if many have been led astray, it is probably because the congregation has been canvassed with all the diligence ever employed in a con- tested political election—and by the seceding party only. It may be proper to state, that neither the Rector nor any member of the Vestry of Christ Church, Tarry town, ever re- ceived any intimation, from any source whatever, that any por- tion of the congregation of the Chapel entertained or expressed any dissatisfaction with the arrangements made for affording them the privileges of divine worship, at a merely nominal cost to them ; previously to the action of the Parish Missionary Committee, (in conformity with the resolutions of the Vestry,) for supervising the Parochial School under Mr. Guilbert’s di- rection, and keeping the expenditure within the means at their command. Nor, was there any evidence of such feeling until after Mr. Guilbert’s resignation. This action of the Committee was made the pretext for originating all the difficulties which have since been brought about; and which bear all the appearance of having resulted from a pre-concerted plan of operations. It cannot have escaped observation, that a very small portion of the alleged pecuniary strength, and of the activity which lias been exhibited for the attainment of (as is believed) selfish ends, would have sufficed to continue the full services of the Chapel, by paying the salary of another Assistant. No satisfactory evidence has been submitted to the Vestry, that the proposed organization possesses the pecuniary respon- sibility that would justify them in relinquishing the control of the property committed to their care; or erf transferring to others a solemn trust especially intended by the original donors to be used as auxiliary to the work of Christ Church. To those who know the character of our Rector—' who are aware that for nearly thirty years he has labored assiduously24 in advancing the cause of the Church in this country, without fee or reward, other than the consciousness that he was doing his Master’s work—who is so much revered and beloved throughout the Diocese, that he was elected its Bishop; it will seem surprising that any persons could be found to har- ass him by this hasty attempt to divide his people and parish. And this is all the more strange, when, as it is well known, the Rector has been greatly enfeebled in health and strength of body, and deeply afflicted in heart, and that one of the greatest earthly consolations he has enjoyed in his sorrow has been, the cordial sympathy of his beloved parishioners. It is the exercise of charity tostate, in accounting for this anomaly, that a majority of the nine persons representing themselves as Wardens and Yestry of the proposed organization, have resided in the Parish less than a year. In conclusion, attention is invited to the following points in contradiction of the allegations made, namely: That it was the determination of the Rector or the Yestry, or the recommendation of the Parish Missionary Committee, to close the work at Beekmantown. Whereas only a temporary suspension of the morning ser- vice was recommended in consequence of the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Guilbert, and to avoid incurring a debt. That Dr. Creighton refused to bring the subject before the Yestry ; while he only postponed it, owing to the state of his health. That the Yestry of Christ Church are, with two exceptions, in favor of the organization of the congregation at St. Mark’s, whereas, as is proved by the action of the Yestry, the six members present at this meeting are unanimously opposed to it; and of the two absent, only one is supposed to be in its favor. And that, so far as the Yestry is aware, few or none of the congregation of Christ Church favor the division, as now at- tempted to be made. The quibble on the legal point of the parochial boundaries of Christ Church, Tarry town, can have no force with those whoare acquainted with the locality; and those who are not, are referred to the note at the foot of the abstract, from the Revised Statutes, of the law regulating Church organizations. The originators of the movement seem, themselves, to be aware of the weakness of the point they endeavor to make; for, while at the outset,they petition the Rector, etc., of Christ Church, Tarrytown, for permission to form a separate organi- zation in “ our part of the milage,” they manifest the absurdity of their pretensions, by changing the style when they express their determination to form a separate organization ; and ad- dress their notice to the Rector, etc., of Christ Church, Green- burg / while the records in the office of the County Clerk, 10th August, 1836, state the name and title of the incorporation to be that of “ the Rector, Churchwardens and Vestrymen of CkriskChurch in the village of Tarrytown” The correspondence printed in the appendix will be found to afford a stronger presumption of the errors and misrepre- sentations that have caused this attempt to usurp the legiti- mately constituted authority of the Church, than any argument that could be adduced. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the Yestry at the meeting aforesaid: RESOLUTIONS. Whereas, the Yestry of Christ Church, Tarrytown, have learned, with pain and grief, the state of affairs in the parish— Resolved, That the congregation worshipping at St. Mark’s Chapel have suffered the morning service to be discontinued for want of pe- cuniary aid; and that no evidence of financial ability, or discretion of conduct, has been manifested to the Yestry, which would authorize them to suffer the management of the property of the Church in St. Mark’s Chapel, and of its affairs, to fall into the hands of the parties who have been prominent in this movement. Resolved, That while there is every disposition, on the part of this Yestry, to concur in any measures which, in their judgment, are calcu- lated to promote the interests of the congregation of St. Mark’s Chapel, they are not inclined to submit to demands of unconditional26 surrender of the vested rights and property of the Church entrusted to their custody. Resolved, That the statement prepared by members of our body, now submitted to us, be unanimously approved of, and that a commit- tee of two be appointed to have the same, with the resolutions of this meeting, printed in pamphlet form, for presentation to the Right Rev. the Bishop and the Standing Committee of this Diocese; and that a suitable number be distributed. Resolved, That Messrs. N. B. Holmes and Charles Rhind be ap- pointed the committee for this purpose. Resolved, That a committee be elected, consisting of not less than one Warden and two Vestrymen, to whom shall be referred the action of certain persons, in removing from the building any property be- longing to the Chapel, and that they be authorized to take such action for its recovery as they may decide to be proper and judicious. Resolved, That the said committee be authorized to request the temporary custodians of the Communion plate, and other property, belonging to St. Mark’s Chapel, to deliver the same to them ; and if the request be refused, that they be authorized to adopt such measures as they may find necessary and proper for its recovery. Resolved, That Messrs. Holmes, Perry and Odell be such com- mittee. (Signed,) Jacob Odell, Clerk of the Vestry. Tarry town. Bee. 28th, 1863. SfAPPENDIX. It will, perhaps, serve to throw light on the character and motives of the proceedings adopted by certain parties, to refer to the follow- ing abstract from the “ Revised Statutes,” entitled, “ An act to amend the act,” etc., passed April 10th, 1860; 2d vol, 6th ed. Laws 1860, chap. 235, p. 889. Particular attention is called to the explanatory note at the foot of .the abstract, and to the following copies of correspondence relative to the subject: * Abstract—Whenever any religious corporation, incorporated under the act to provide for the incorporation of religious societies, passed April 6th, 1863, or by any special charter, shall deem it necessary or expedient, for the accommodation of its members, in consequence of their number, or dispersed habitations, or otherwise, to increase the facilities of public worship, the Vestry, or trustees thereof, may pur- chase or hold grounds in the same village* town or city, and may erect thereon suitable associate houses or Churches, or convenient Chapels; and also at the same time, or thereafter, purchase and hold other grounds for the purpose, and erecting thereon suitable school- houses for Sunday or Parochial Schools of the said associate meeting- houses, or Churches or Chapels; or may have or purchase, and hold any such grounds, with suitable buildings already erected thereon, for the like purpose, notwithstanding any restriction contained in the said actj: or in any such charter; and^ the persons statedly worshipping in any such Chapel may, with the consent of the Vestry or trustees of mid corporation, be separately organized and incorporated. * St. Marks Chapel is situated in that part of the village of Tarrytown now called Beekmantown. Tarrytown includes Beekmantown, Middletown and Ir- ving, and the post-office for all is in Tarrytown ; and the village lies partly in the town of Greenburg, and partly in Mount Pleasant.28 CORRESPONDENCE. General Theological Seminary, ) September 10 th, 1861. Rev. Wm. Creighton, D. D.: Reverend and Dear Sir,—In reply to the invitation so kindly ex- tended by you, to become an Assistant Minister in your parish, I would respectfully say, that after due consideration, I have determined to accept the same, and will endeavor, by God’s grace, to show by my future actions, that the choice has not been unworthily made. With great respect, I remain your ob’t servant, (Signed,) Edmund Gilbert. Tarrytown, AT. Y.j Nov. 20th, 1863. Rev. Wm. Creighton, D. D.: Reverend and Dear Sir,—The resolutions “ putting into the hands of the Parish Missionary Committee” the work with which I have |been heretofore entrusted, and with the administration of which no fault, has, as I am aware, by you been found, are of such a character that I cannot, in justice to myself, acquiesce in them. It is with pain, there- fore, and not without due consideration, that I resign my position as your Assistant, the same to take effect on the first of December next. I remain, with great respect, Very truly yours, (Signed,) E. Guilbbrt. [Dr. Creighton to Rev. Mr. Guilbert.'] Rev. and Dear Sir,—I received your note on Saturday, resigning your situation as my Assistant of St. Mark’s Chapel, Beekmantown, to take place on the first of December.29 Although I think it would have been no more than courteous to name a more distant period; and, especially, after your recent assur- ance that you had made up your mind' to remain where you are, I have no wish to interfere with your plans. Yours truly, . (Signed,) W. Creighton-. Tarrytown, Nov, 2U1i, 1863. W. Creighton, D. D.: Rev. and Dear Sir,—Allow me to say, that I did not intend to be in the least discourteous, in fixing the time of my departure for the first of December. I only settled upon that date for the reason that other work would probably open up for me about that time. Concerning my determination to remain, as announced to you a few weeks ago, I would ask you to remember that the events which called for the recent action of the Yestry had not then taken place. The committee, up to that time, had not acted, except in financial matters, and concerning their powers there had been no question. It was only when it was announced to me by them, at their last meeting, that I was no longer to consult you upon any matters pertaining to St. Mark’s Chapel; that I was not responsible for the direction and efficiency of the Parish School; that I no more had the power to solicit contribu- tions for any object whatsoever without the committee’s sanction; that I had no right to enter upon any missionary work of any kind without their approbation; that conceiving that I was removed from my posi- tion of Assistant to you, and compelled to enter upon entirely new relations, which could not but be disagreeable to me,* I felt it best, for the sake of peace and harmony, to seek for a new field of labor. In doing so I only, I assure you, shall look upon my connection with you with pleasure, and shall treasure, with grateful remembrance, the many kindnesses received at your hands. Had I only you to consult and come in contact with, nothing would induce me to sever, by any act of mine, my relations with you. Very truly yours, (Signed,) E. Guilbert. * The Rev. Mr. Guilbert, in his statements in the above letter, is apparently laboring under a very extraordinary error. The subject (except the supervision of the Parochial School) was never even broached in the meetings of the com- mittee.30 Tarr?town, Nw. 27*A, 1863. W. Creighton, D. D.: Rev. and Dear Sir,—The unwillingness of the Parish Church to sup- port St. Mark’s, as a Mission Chapel, has, as you doubtless are aware, culminated in the determination of the Parish Missionary Committee to discontinue the work. To avoid a step which will bring so much shame and reproach on us, besides driving members from the true fold into the ranks of dis- sent, I beg leave to submit the following plan. It is, to let the con- gregation worshipping at St. Mark’s organize a separate parish, call their own Rector, and, without depending upon the Parish Church, support themselves. My faith in the work at the Chapel is so strong, that I promise to ac- cept what they can give, and stay by them, should they ask me to take charge, until the whole affair is placed upon a self-sustaining basis. The immediate cause of my late resignation was, as I announced to you, the resolutions, or rather, thq peculiar* interpretation put upon them by certain gentlemen of the committee. Another, however, was an invitation from, the Vestry and Wardens of Christ Church, (St. James T) in the large and flourishing town of Birmingham, to become their Hector, at a salary double that which I receive here. Should you accede, however, to the proposition herein contained, I will give this flattering offer up, and once more settle down to my work. Yours, very truly, (Signed,) E. Guilbert. A letter from one of the Yestry of the Church in question was sub- mitted to the Yestry of Christ Church. It bore date 2Uh Dec., 1863, and intimated that the Rev. Mr. Guilbert had been invited to 'preach there, “ with a view to our vacant rectorship.” He accepted the invita- tion, and “ yesterday, another letter was received from him, saying, he was under the necessity of disappointing us, as he could not visit us, as requested, and also wished his name withdrawn as a candidate for our vacant rectorship” Permission was given to submit the letter to the Yestry, but the writer “did not wish to be implicated in the difficulties between your Church and the Rev. Mr. Guilbert.” * Which, nevertheless, was confirmed by the Yestry, at their meeting, 18th Nov., 1863.i 31 Tarrytown, ZOth Dec, 1863. To the Right Rev. Horatio Potter, D. D.: Rt. Rev. Sir,—At a meeting-of the Vestry of Christ Church, Tarrytown, on the evening of the 28th inst., the undersigned were ap~ pointed a committee to wait upon you, and represent the state of af- fairs in the Parish. There are cogent reasops why we should have a hearing before next Sunday. We hope it may accord with your convenience to call together the Standing Committee of the Diocese on Saturday evening, in order that we may lay before you and them the statements we are authorized to submit. : We are, with great respect, Rt. Rev. Sir, Your most ob’t serv’ts, (Signed,) Nathl. B. Holmes, Chas. Rhind, ^ Committee, dbc. Tarrytown, 2d January, 1864. To the Right Rev. H. Potter, D. D.: Right Rev. Sir,—We have received no reply to our communication to you, under date 30th ult., requesting you, for cogent reasons, to call a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Diocese on Saturday evening, 2d inst., if the same should accord with your convenience. Mr. Holmes has received a letter from Floyd Smith, Esq., (one of the Standing Committee,) dated 31st December, 1863, stating that— “ At a late meeting of the -Standing Committee of the Diocese, the “ unpleasant case, of which you speak, was brought before it. And “ after the reading of all the documents before the committee, which “ appeared to explain the views pretty fully of both parties, the whole " subject was referred to a special committee, (consisting of the legal “ members, viz., Murray Hoffman, S. P. Nash and G. C. Yerplanck, “ and one clerical member, the Rev. Dr. Higbee,) to carefully consider “ and report upon the whole subject at the next meeting of the com- “ mittee, say early in January.” We beg leave, Rt. Rev. Sir, most respectfully to express our regret that any reference was made to the Standing Committee, upon merely32 ex jparte statements; for the only document that has been officially placed before you by the Rector, or the Yestry, which we represent, is merely an affidavit intended to inform you of certain occurrences. We are the more surprised at this reference, after the letter of the Rev. Mr. Spencer to you, dated 22d December ult., in which, he informed you that— “ I do not feel at liberty to assume the responsibility of presenting it; “ (the statement you had requested;) such a paper should come offi- “ cially from the Rector and Yestry of the Parish, as it seems to me. u On my return home, I will bring the matter at once before Dr> “ Creighton, who doubtless will, at this stage of the proceedings, call “ together the Yestry.” Dr. Creighton did call a Yestry meeting at the earliest practicable period, (of course, complying with the legal requirement of not less than three days’ notice.) Statements and documents were submitted to this meeting, and resolutions were adopted by it, expressive of the sense of the Rector, 'Wardens and Yestry of Christ Church, Tarry town, and, as has already been stated, we were appointed a committee to lay them before you. Understanding that a reference has been made without the necessary statements on the part of the body which we represent, the only course now left us is to depart from our original purpose, when we asked a hearing; and to request that you will officially bring before the com- mittee the printed pamphlet we herewith present to you. We will ourselves transmit to the several members of the Standing Committee copies of the pamphlet, so soon as obtained from the printer; and regret that we are under the necessity of giving publicity to the documents, which it was our intention to withhold until after the action of yourself and the Standing Committee. We have written to the County Clerk, at White Plains, for a verified copy of the certi- ficate of incorporation of “ Christ Church in the village of Tarry town,” and, when received, will hand it to you for transmission to the Stand- ing Committee. • With profound respect, we have the honor to be, Rt. Rev. Sir, your most obt. servts., (Signed,) N. B. Holmes, Chas. Rhind, Committee, dec.