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Home : Quarterly Archives : Volume 9 |
Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society |
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Source: April 1957 Volume 9 Number 3, Pages 64–74 History of the Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli In the year 1870, the little village of Paoli comprised a railroad station, one general store, and a few scattered cottages, mainly occupied by railroad employees. There was also a comfortable old stone tavern then known as the Franklin House. After many vicissitudes, this building is now the Wayside Inn (1947). The Paoli Inn, or General Paoli, was located on the north side of Lancaster Turnpike (now known as the Lincoln Highway), just west of Valley Road, where the Acme store and the diner are now located; it burned down on May 30, 1899. This Inn, on account of its attractive location and good cheer, became a popular resort and was for many years patronized during the summer months by well-known Philadelphia families. In 1870 the mission work at Paoli was started with services and Sunday School held in the east parlor of the Inn. These services were for the most part under the care of the Rev. Palethorp Hay, Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Rosemont and of St. Martin's at Radnor, The Sunday School was under the direction of Mrs. Eliza P. Davis, to whose untiring efforts and faithful devotion the continuance and success of the mission work were in no small part due. About the year 1874, the Union Sunday School was transferred to the basement of the building which stands to the south of Paoli Station and immediately north of the highway. From this Union Sunday School evolved a Sunday School of the Protestant Episcopal Church which held its sessions in a hall in the third story of the store building then known as Schofield's general store, now the Green Lantern Inn, immediately west of the underpass where Route 202 crosses the railroad. According to early records, Dr. Hay also conducted services in this place. Here also the Sunday School was in charge of Mrs. Davis. This good lady worked in the parish for many years, being very active in the Bazaars, several of which were held in the old wooden horse-sheds immediately west of the Church; these were torn down in 1904. The large window at the west end of the main aisle of the present church is in memory of her husband Capt. John Davis, who died in 1871. After Dr. Hay gave up these services, they were conducted by different ministers sent as supplies, among them being Rev. Benjamin R. Phelps of Downingtown. About the year 1876 a movement was started to raise money to build a chapel. Edmund G. Dutilth, Esq., of Philadelphia donated a lot containing one half acre situated on the south side of Lancaster Turnpike on the crest of the hill. This was conveyed by deed dated October 12, 1877, from Dr. Dutilth to the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania. By a subsequent donation made by Catherine M. Smith, daughter of Mr. Dutilth, then deceased, an additional half acre to the east was acquired, completing the one acre now (1947) occupied by the church, rectory, and parking space for automobiles. A depression in back of the rectory marks part of the old Indian trail which led to Lancaster. This additional land was granted by deed dated August 17, 1887, from Wm. G. McDowell and wife, and Catherine M. Smith, to the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania. On October 31, 1876, the cornerstone of a church building to be called the "Church of the Good Samaritan" was laid by Rt. Rev. William Bacon Stevens, D.D., LL.D., Bishop of the Diocese. Addresses were made by the Bishop and by Rev. George C. Curry, D.D., of St. Luke's, Philadelphia, and Rev. William J. Frost, D.D., of Trinity Church, Wilmington, Delaware. The following clergy also took part in these services: Rev. H. Palethorp Hay, Rev. G. Livingston Bishop, Rev. T. S. Rumney, and Rev. Benjamin R. Phelps. The Church was built in memory of Mrs. Edmund G. Dutilth, then deceased. The congregation having then completed the furnishings of the Church, on Sunday, July 15th, 1877, the unfinished building was opened for divine service. Reverend Mr. Bishop, then Rector of St. Paul's, West Whiteland, taking charge at the request of the Bishop and Mr. Dutilth, by whom, with the assistance of friends, the Church was built. On September 28, 1877, the Church was presented to the Bishop for consecration, and on that day set apart by him to its holy use. The sermon was preached by Rt. Rev. William Bacon Stevens, Bishop of the Diocese, and there were present and taking part in the services the Reverend Doctors E. S. Hoffman, T. S. Rumney, and H. P. Hay, the Reverend Messrs. Robert S. Innes, A. E. Tortat, E. Lycett, William F. Halsey, George P. Field, and Gideon Burton. The Holy Communion was celebrated by the Bishop, assisted by Rev. G. Livingston Bishop, minister in charge. The first Confirmation was held in the Church on the day of its consecration, the Bishop having with him for this purpose Anthony G. Baker, a candidate for Holy Orders in this Diocese. Mr. Bishop resigned on February 23, 1879, to accept a call as assistant at St. Luke's, Germantown. He was succeeded by Rev. Marshall T. Meigs, Rector of St. James, Hestonville, in March, 1879. He continued in charge until June 1,1881, when he resigned. After this, Rev. Thomas Taylor, Rector of St. Peter's in the Great Valley took over in November 1881 and continued till January 27, 1882. Rev. H. Palethorp Hay, Rector of the Good Shepherd, Rosemont, succeeded to the charge on February 1, 1882, and continued till January 1, 1883. Then Rev. George A. Keller, Rector of St. David's, Radnor, succeeded to the charge and continued until March 1885. Rev. Charles A. Ricksecker then came; he was ordained priest while in charge of the Mission. He continued till February 14, 1888 when he resigned. Incidentally, it may be noted that he was the first resident minister in charge. From February 14, 1888, to June 16, 1888 the Church was without any regular minister, and supplies were furnished by the Bishop until the appointment of Rev. Mr. Bishop, who for the second time took charge of the work in June 17, 1888, and continued until February 6, 1896. Rev. George A. Keller, Rector of St. David's,Radnor, also for the second time took charge on March 6, 1896, and continued till May 30th of that year when Rev. Edward T. Mabley, of St. Mark's, Honeybrook, was appointed.
The Mission Mr. Mabley soon decided that the size of the church was inadequate for the congregation; with the aid of Mr. George Nattress, an architect of Philadelphia, extensive plans for alterations in the church were drawn up, and posted on the church door. I quote from a leaflet published in September, 1898, by Mr. Albert Greenwood of Paoli, then Librarian of the Sunday School: "In October, 1897, tentative plans for the following improvements to the Church were drawn up - a handsome Chancel, 18 by 25 feet, added to the east end of the present nave, the vestry room to be enlarged, the present one measuring 4 x 9 feet. An organ chamber and tower above, a south aisle 11 x 41 feet, with an arcade. A large Sunday School and class room are to be added." The cost of these additions were to be $4,500.00, though other records show them to have been $6,600.00 a modest sum indeed in present reckoning, but a severe strain on the congregation at that time. Determined at all cost that the work should proceed, Mr. Mabley, with the help of one or two Italians whom he engaged, and "Girlie", the family mare, not only dug the foundations personally but worked on the scaffold, laying the last two feet of the tower himself when funds ran low. In order to procure the stone at the lowest possible cost and save expense, Mr. Mabley found an old quarry which had furnished stone for Girard College. The owner gave him permission to use as much stone as he wanted, provided he had it dynamited and hauled away. Mr. Mabley used to get up at five in the morning, take the Italians to the quarry where he dynamited the stone, and they broke it up and hauled it back to the church. Those forming the Executive Committee on this brave venture were the following, headed by Mr. Mabley: Mr. Charles E. Coxe, Mr. Alexander B. Coxe, Mr. R. D. Buchanan, and Mr. Thomas H. White. The fall of the year 1898 found the construction of the south aisle begun. This aisle was completed in the spring of 1899, and a service of dedication was held. In the fall of 1899 the work of building the chancel tower and vestry room was started, and it was completed in the spring of 1901. Names are always an important part of a record and, before taking leave of Mr. Mabley and his endeavours, let us look back and find out who were the members of his congregation. These are some of the families and individuals who made up his flocks: from Malvern came the Phelps and Hartshornes; Green Tree contributed the Buchanans and Shields; Mr. Thomas White and family from Goshenville; Paoli the Coxes. Charles and Alex with their wives, Mrs. William Wayne, wife of Capt. Wayne, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Wirgman (she used to play the little parlor organ), the Matthews family of Paoli; Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood, Mr. Greenwood at one time serving as treasurer, Mrs. Eliza P. Davis aforementioned, Mrs. John B. Biddle, and Mr. and Mrs. Clement S. Phillips, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip L. Truscott who rented the house on the turnpike west of the Church; one summer Mr., Mrs. and Miss Glosser, who lived on the Darby Road, the Schofields, and Mr. and Mrs. John Hampton Barnes, Mr. Barnes being the only member of this group who is still (1947) living. The Sexton, in those far off days, was Mr. Hines, the local blacksmith. Others there surely were, but their names have escaped the writer. And now we prepare to bid farewell to the little mission and continue our history of what was to become a prosperous parish whose beautiful Gothic stone Church crowns the summit of one of Chester County's fairest hills. On May 24, 1902, a congregational meeting was held in the Church, with Rev. Francis M. Taitt, Dean of the Convocation of Chester, in the chair. A form of charter was adopted and the following gentlemen elected as members of the first vestry of the new corporation: Mr. Clement S. Phillips, Rector's Warden; Mr. John M. Wirgman, Accounting Warden; Mr. Thomas Hartshorne, all to serve for three years; Mr. Charles E. Coxe, Mr. R. D. Buchanan, and Mr. J. Morton Fultz to serve for two years; Mr. Alexander B. Coxe, Mr. Thomas H. White, and Mr. Joseph F. Page, Jr. to serve for one year. Immediately after the meeting, Mr. Mabley sent the Bishop his resignation as Missionary in Charge and left on May 30, 1902. The pulpit was filled from that time till October 1, 1902, by "supplies, among them being the following: Rev. Mr. Nichols of Burlington, New Jersey, Rev. Mr. Johnston of South Carolina, Rev. Mr. Gilbert of New York City. The organization being completed, a meeting of the vestry was held on July 1, 1902. Reverend Horace A. Walton, B.D., Assistant at St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, was unanimously elected rector. Having accepted the call he took formal charge, October 1, 1902. Meanwhile, in August of that year, the work of completing the alterations to the church building was commenced, which included tearing down all the remaining old portion of the Church, the north and west walls, roof and floor, and rebuilding them. This work was in charge of the Building Committee appointed by the vestry, consisting of the following gentlemen: Mr. Charles E. Coxe, Chairman, Mr. John M. Wirgman, Mr. Thomas Hartshorne, and Mr. R.D. Buchanan. Mr. Alvan D. Hall of Paoli was the contractor, the work to cost about $3,000.00. On the 23d of September, 1902, the cornerstone of the new walls was in place, and the work progressing nicely. On September 1, 1902, a charter was granted by the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Chester, and recorded in Corporation Book 5, page 163, on September 3, 1902. On May 5, 1902, the Church was admitted into union with the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The Church now being legally incorporated, the property was transferred to the corporation by deed, dated June 17, 1903, from the Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church for the Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, Trustee, to the rector, wardens, and vestrymen of the Church of the Good Samaritan, and recorded D. B. I. 12, Vol. 281, page 398, on July 1, 1903. During the ministration of Mr. Mabley, as we have seen, the plans for the new church building were started and well under way, but, owing to lack of funds the present building was not completed until the incorporation of the Church. With the incorporation, a new spirit was infused into the work and the building rapidly pushed to completion. In order to conclude the work and finish the new church, it became necessary on January 20, 1904, to secure a loan of $1,000.00 which, to the credit of the united efforts of the congregation, was paid off within eighteen months. The parish being out of debt, the new building was presented to the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. 0. W. Whitaker, on October 18, 1905. The sermon was preached by the bishop, and there were present, taking part in the service, Rev. H. R. Gummey, Rev. James H. Lamb, Rev. Joseph D. Newlin, Charles A. Ricksecker, and Rev. Horace A. Walton, B.D. Most of this history has been taken from the account written by Mr. John M. Wirgman, Vestryman and Accounting Warden for the parish for many years; this carries up to April, 1907. We now quote from Mr. Walton's notes of December, 1933: "Reviewing the growth of the parish for the past 31 years, we find that in May, 1902, the property of the infant parish consisted of an unfinished stone church building in the process of construction, the south aisle only being available for conducting services, a rectory and oneacre of land. In May, 1912, at the close of the first decade of the life of our parish, the property consisted of a completed Church, splendidly equipped and furnished with many beautiful gifts and memorials. The organ, the altar and reredos, pulpit, lectern, baptismal font and hymn board all of finely carved Caen stone. Chancel window and four side windows, including five windows previously placed in the Mission Church and transferred to the new Church. The altar Cross, vases and candlesticks, altar rail, alms basins and mosaic floors in the aisles, choir and vestry, The handsome oak and glass screens separating the vestry and choir room from the church and south aisle, later removed and replaced by a rood screen, were also a gift from a member of the parish. The parish house on Route 202 was functioning; it was equipped with bowling alleys, shuffle-board, stage and scenery, electric lantern for slides, men's club room, guild rooms, dining room and kitchen, tennis court, and athletic field, the acquiring of 20 1/3 acres of land and the setting apart and consecration of a churchyard in the rear of the Church were major accomplishments." At the close of the third decade, 1930, the baptistry and lady chapel were erected and adorned with the exquisite painting of the Madonna and Child, furnished with a beautiful altar and carved screen, altar rail and furnishings for the altar. At this time the font was moved from near the front door and put in the baptistry. Also at this time proper choir room and sacristy, and a beautiful room for the intermediate and primary departments of the Sunday School were added. The Nativity window and the fine chime of twelve bells were gifts of this period. In 1930 the endowment fund amounted to $60,000.00 and the churchyard endowment to over $17,000.00. "Surely", goes on Mr. Walton, "God has blessed us duringthese 31 years as a parish, and may we prove our gratitude toHim by greater endeavour in the years to come." Let us now take a look at the rectory and its beginnings. For many years, in the early life of the Mission, the importance of having a rectory for the accommodation of a resident minister was realized. Initial steps for raising the necessary funds were taken during the ministration of Mr. Ricksecker. In June, 1885, a strawberry festival was held in an orchard near the Church and the proceeds donated for this purpose. After a lapse of ten years, sufficient money was collected to proceed with the building. On June 8, 1895, stakes for the rectory were driven. The building was completed in the fall of the same year, at a total cost of $3,077.51. On December 11, 1895, the service of benediction was held in the rectory, Bishop Whitaker presiding. The autumn of 1902 found Mr. Horace Andrews Walton and his sister Miss Mary Emily Walton installed in the Rectory, the former occupants being the Mableys. Only the south aisle of the church could be used; Mr. Mabley who had worked so hard himself had left things unfinished. Starting almost at the foundation, Mr. Walton and his sister had to plan and arrange the various organizations of the new parish as well as face the task of completing the building of the church. The history of their labors is one of steady progress, overcoming many difficulties, of drawing together a devoted congregation and a vestry who were cooperative. Mr. Clement S. Phillips served as Rector's Warden from 1902 till the time of his death in October 1925. Mr. John M. Wirgman was Accounting Warden until 1929.
Rectory The Sunday School, in 1898 numbering three teachers, Miss Phelps and two Miss Shields, with Mr. Mabley as superintendent and Mr. Albert Greenwood as librarian, had 19 on the honor roll. Nevertheless they gave $20.00 to the building fund. This acorn grew to a large and flourishing Sunday School, numbering in later years over 200, with five officers and 22 teachers. The choir with Miss Glosser as organist in 1898 had 11 members. As continuous growth progressed, the size of the church property expanded and in June, 1907, ten acres south and east of the church were bought. This included the building on the West Chester pike which was remodeled into the parish house. Six acres south of the churchyard were given by Mr. Alexander B. Coxe to be used as an athletic field. During the fall of 1908 a beautiful and costly pipe organ, especially designed for the Church, was installed and blessed. The year of 1909 found the churchyard laid out one third graded and sections marked. Also a new road was laid out through it south of the church. It was dedicated on October 22, 1912, and the trees planted by Mr. Gardiner Cassatt. The years rolled on and changes came. Members of the vestry died and were replaced. Mr. Walton celebrated his tenth, twentieth, thirtieth and finally his fortieth anniversaries. Miss Walton, ever at his side was an able partner in the wonderful work. Not long after that fortieth anniversary, in November, 1942 Mr. Walton, who had been failing for some time, became seriously ill. He passed away in the Chester County Hospital, November 14, 1942, honored and beloved by all the members of his large parish. For the next year there was no regular rector, the services being conducted by Rev. Thomas A. Merryweather of Philadelphia. In October, 1943, Rev. T. Norman Mason, formerly in charge of St. Giles, Stonehurst, Pennsylvania, became second rector of the parish. In April 1947 Mr. Mason resigned. The next rector who came in September 1947 was Rev. Ellmore C. Young from Grace Church, Saybrook, Connecticut; in December 1953, Mr. Young left us. In February, 1954, Rev. Alfred E. Whistler,Jr., of St. Pauls, Overbrook, was called by the vestry to the parish, and took up his residence in the rectory, west of the church. In February 14 of that year the service of installation was held in the church with Bishop Armstrong presiding. On December 30, 1956, the service of dedication of the rectory was held in that building, Bishop Oliver H. Hart presiding. Under Mr. Whistler's able guidance, a great deal has been accomplished; The size of the parish has grown by leaps and bounds. Space does not permit of going into details. A building fund was organized. Owing to the substantial amount raised, the service of ground-breaking took place March 17, 1957. This was an impressive occasion. The Bright Reverend William P. Roberts, Bishop of Shanghai (ret.). Officiating Bishop of Pennsylvania, presided. The other clergy in attendance were Rev. William A. Powel, Rev. James T. Alves, and Rev. J. Jarden Guenther. Mr. Whistler had with him Rev. H. B. Crewe, recently come to the parish as Curate. To go back a bit, it was during the rectorship of Mr. Young that ground was broken for the new parish house, June 18, 1950. The building is in memory of Rev. Horace Andrews Walton. Suffragan Bishop Armstrong presided. This building has been the scene of many activities and is a useful and important part of the parish. In order to finance this project, a lot of ground owned by the Church on the south side of Route 202 and the old parish house were sold about 1949. On September 19, 1955, a very important undertaking of Mr. Whistler's was begun. The old rectory was renovated and opened as a parish day school. The members of the vestry on this venture were Dr. Thomas Gasser, Mr. C. Addison Buell, and Mr. William Van Alen. The teachers were Mrs. Barbara Dinge and Miss Judith Buckley. The school has been very successful and great things are expected of it. This carries the Church history up to March 17, 1957.
Union Sunday School THE CHURCH ACTIVITIES St. Mary's Guild was organized by Mr. Walton in 1903, later, Miss Walton was made president. They raised much money and gave some beautiful presents to the Church. After 1942 the Guild went out of existence. The Sewing School was opened in October 1903 and was in charge of Mrs. Alexander B. Coxe for many years. The finished work was given to the House of St. Michael and All Angels in Philadelphia. The Women's Guild met at first at one another's houses or at the old Parish House on Route 202; it soon came to be known as "The All-Day Meeting." It accomplished an amazing amount of work, some for the Diocesan allotment and for the Church bazaars. There are twelve bells in the chimes, three given by money raised by St. Mary's Guild and six memorials. The B-bell was given to Mr. Walton on his 30th anniversary. Ten bells were hung in 1932 and two more in 1936. In the early days the Choir of men and boys was directed by Miss Anna Glosser and Mr. John Morton Fultz. Then in 1909 Mr. John Gilfillan took charge as organist and choirmaster until 1913 when ill health obliged him to resign. After that, Mr. William F. Miller was engaged. He organized a fine choir, taking great interest in the boys and running a summer camp for them at Island Heights, N.J. He was choirmaster for 32 years, and the choir and its music became known all over the Diocese. After he left, Miss Julia Hun took over and the choir became one of mixed voices. Mr. Walton founded a Men's Club in 1906. There were ceremonies at the dedication of the Memorial Athletic Field. It was founded in 1906, and at the ceremony. Rev. Benjamin C. Gould gave the Invocation. Mr. Walton was active in founding Boy Scout Troop No. 1 with Col. Clifton Lisle as Scoutmaster, and Mr. Walton acting as Chaplin.
The new Church of the Good Samaritan |
