History of the Early Years of the Church of the Holy Apostles
According to the St. Paul's Chronicle of the July 1890 Mrs. Rebecca Arnold was called by God to speak to the Rev. Townsend G. Jackson, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Flatbush, about holding services in Windsor Terrace. After discussion over a period of time with interested persons, on Sunday afternoon, November 30th, 1890, the first service was conducted at the residence of Mr. John Elwood, 10 Sherman Street, with 12 persons present, and with Rev. Townsend G. Jackson presiding. Unfortunately, Mrs. Arnold had died prior to that date and did not lived to see her dream come true.
After one month and an increase in the congregation, rooms were rented at 70 Prospect Place. The first service held in the newly rented space was on December 28th, 1890. On January 4th. 1891 a Sunday School was organized under the direction of Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Heaslip. The first class consisted of 12 children. Sunday School met every Sunday at 2pm. followed by Evening Prayer and Sermon at 3pm. On April 3rd, 1891 the women organized the Church's first society, the "Daughters of the Temple." The first fair was held under their auspices and raised between $500 and $600 The year 1891 also marked the first time that a lenten service was held in Windsor Terrace on Wednesday evening at 8pm.
With the growth of the congrregation, it was decided to raise money for a permanent church building. A committee was appointed consisting of Messrs. Robert S. Walker, Freeman Clarkson, Alfred W. Simpson, Frederick C. Kinkead and John Ellwood. In October 1891 three lots on Greenwood Avenue, near Prospect, were purchased from Mrs. J.M. Ferris for $1000 the congregation of St. Paul's Church, Flatbush, generously contributed to the purchase price. Ground was broken on October 24th, 1891 with due ceremony and the congregation in attendance. Plans for the new Church were drawn up by Mr. Freeman and constructed by A.W. Simpson.
Choosing a name for the Church presented a problem since most of the Apostles names had already been taken by other Brooklyn Churches. Therefore, it was decided that because the number 12 had played such an important part in the early years, i.e., 12 founding members, 12 children in the first Sunday School class, 12 members of the Daughters of the Temple, that the Church's name should take this into consideration. The Church was to be built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets and would be called "The Church of the Holy Apostles."
The new Church building was opened on February 28th, 1892 with a congregation of about 400 persons present for the first service. The cost of the land and building totalled $5400 of which $1000 was contributed by the people of Windsor Terrace, $2050 by members of the St. Paul's Church, Flatbush, and $350 by otherpersons. The balance of the $2000 was secured by a mortgage, which meant that consecration of the newly built Church of the Holy Apostles would have to wait until it was debt free.
With the growth of the Chapel in Widsor Terrace, William A. Watson, a lay reader at the St. Paul's, was ordained to the Diaconate and appointed as an assistant to the Rev. Mr. Jackson. Mr. Watson's sole responsibility would be to minister to the congregation at Holy Apostles.
Holy Communion was celebrated for the first time in the new Church on March 20th, 1892 On May 25th, 31 persons were presented by the Rev. Mr. Watson to the Bishop of Long Island for confirmation. On June 18th, 1892 the Rev. Mr. Watson and the trustees of Holy Apostles petitioned the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of St. Paul's Church, Flatbush to accept them as a Chapel and delivered over their deeds and mortgages. By May 1st, 1894 $1000 of the outstanding debt had been paid through the fund raising efforts of the Daughters of the Temple.
By the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Church and six and one-half years after the first service was held in Windsor Terrace, the Church of the Holy Apostles had baptized 110 persons, 52 had been confirmed, 22 couples had been married, and 58 people had been buried. Its membership had increased to 600 individuals, 150 families and 150 communicants.
Although support for the fledgling Church had come mostly from St. Paul's Church, Flatbush and the Archdeaconory of Brooklyn, the goal of the Church of the Holy Apostles was to become bebt free so that the building could be consecrated and the Church could become a duly incorporated, independent member of the Diocese of Long Island.
"On January 22nd, 1899 at the close of the evening service the following resolution was unanimously adopted to the congregation and the parish committee was instructed to forward a copy to the Vestry of St. Paul's Church Flatbush.
"Resolved
That our heartfelt thanks and gratitude be hereby extended to St. Paul's Church for their great
generosity in cancelling the amount of our indebtedness to them."
On March 29th, 1899, a Special Meeting of the Parish Committee was called to discuss a letter received from St. Paul's suggesting that Holy Apostles sever their relationship with them and become an independent Church. The suggesstion was put into a resolution and unanimously carried.
"Resolved
That the Parish Committee of the Church of the Holy Apostles extend to the Rector, Wardens
and Vestry of St. Paul's Church its appreciative thanks for every kindness of the past, gladly
recognizing that the stability of the Chapel has been in large measure due to the generosity,
wise counsel and sympathetic bearing of the Mother Church; and further, that in serving the
relations which exist between us, we offer a pray to almighty God that His blessings may rest
upon the two Churches as parts of the one Eternal God."
At a Parish meeting held on April 15th, 1899 it was decided to incorporate under the Religious Corporations Law of the State New York, and under the Canons of the Diocese of Long Island. Also at that meeting, Frederick C. Kinead and John Ellwood were elected Wardens and Thomas R. Handcock, Thomas C. Owen, Thomas H. Marvin, Walter H. Parnell, William D. Ready, James Noble, Hugh R. Moffat, Walter Whistler and John W. Heaslip were elected Vestrymen. Articles of Incorporation were drawn up, signed and filed with the state of New York and the diocese of Long Island on April 18th, 1899
At a further Parish meeting held on April 26th, 1899 the Rev. Mr. Charles S. Davidson was offically called and elected the first Rector of the Church of the Holy Apostles.
The newly elected Wardens ans Vestry held their first meeting on April 26th, 1899 Their first official duty was to consider improvements to the Church's heating system, finishing off the basement, and the addition of a ten foot extension to the building to accommodate a higher steeple and a vestibule.
On May 13th, 1899 the Rev. Mr. Davidson tendered his resignation to the Warden and Vestrymen of St. Paul's as assistant to the Rector. On May 15th, the Clerk of Vestry of Holy Apostles sent the Wardens and Vestrymen of the St. Paul's notice of their incorporation. On June 1st, 1899 Mr. Marvin, as Clerk of the Vestry and on behalf of the Rector, Warden and Vestrymen of the Holy Apostles, wrote to the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen of St. Paul's asking that Holy Apostles be given the property being held by St. Paul's, in the recognition of their new status. Mr. Marvin stated that at the first meeting of the independent Church there were 50 families present out of 160 and they had received $1000 in pledges, which represented their efforts for the first month. The loose change offering were generally around $100 for the year, with contributions by the five societies which made up any deficiency. "The youngest of our societies who are children have always paid the interest on the mortgage, and stand ready to pay the increased interest on the new mortgage (which was to provide money for the improvements outlined above)."
On June 5th, 1899 the Clerk of the St. Paul's Vestry sent a letter to Mr. Marvin, containing the following resolutions passed at their May 30th, meeting:
"RESOLVED that it is the decision of the Wardens and Vestry of the St. Paul's Church that
if at the end of one year the Wardens and Vestry of the Church of the Holy Apostles have
shown their ability to finance the Church, they will give them a deed of the property."
"RESOLVED that in the event of the Wardens and Vestry of the Holy Apostles asking this
Vestry to permit a further Mortgage on the property for the improvement of the property, by
way of basement, it will be granted, provided it does not exceed the sum of $1500"
In a letter to the Clerk of the St.Paul's Vestry, Mr. Marvin stated, "We confess to our disappointment at the denial of our claim that, as the suggestion of independence and self-support came from you, every aid to that end within the scope of your official action should come with it. We insist that, as we are told to be men, we should not be treated as children."
When the Wardens of the Holy Apostles met with the Wardens of St Paul's, they were told they were not Wardens, even though the Rector of St. Paul's had sent a letter suggesting the meeting and intimating that the property would be transfered. Mr. Marvin also stated that the letter from the Clerk of the St. Paul's Vestry was written before he had received the communication from the Rector of the Holy Apostles declaring their independence and requesting the transfer of property.
"Independence without ownership or control of a building, has made possible a substantial balance for May and independence with possession and with the help of God will keep the balance on the right side of the ledger. The people have acted under the belief that the property would soon be theirs." He further wrote that Holy Apostles as a mission was not a fair test of financial independence. "The people have long wanted independence property bestowed and at the right season of the year and with that self-support would have gone in hand."
Without benefit of the correspondence or minutes of the vestry of St. Paul's, it is still fair to assume that their concern was the financial readiness of Holy Apostles. St. Paul's disputed that Holy Apostles had paid $2000 towards the ground and building, but Mr. Marvin countered with a fererral to the published report of the treasurer of St.Paul's dated April 23rd, 1892 which showed they had. He further argued that if the people of Holy Apostles were to put their money and time into the Church, they must be assured of a recognition of equity in it and their possessions must be secure. "We do not wished to have it said that our own vineyard have we not kept and it must forever remain a truth that our first duty is to the people of Windsor Terrace."
If the Church in Windsor Terrace could not have their deed, the Rector, Wardens and Vestrymen had authorized Mr. Marvin to propose to the St. Paul's Vestry that (1) if one year from May 16th, 1899 their books and records showed that all the operating expenses had been met by them or that the sum of $1200 had been raised by free-will contributions, (2) a mortgage of $1800 be placed on the building for the sole purpose of the needed improvements, and that the people of Windsor Terrace are to be sole control over the improvements, (3) the loan be consummated without delay, then St. Paul's would deed over the property. The alternative plan was for St. Paul's to deed over the property and, if at the end of one year the books of Holy Apostles showed that all their expenses had not been met and that $1200 had not been raised by free-will contributions, then Holy Apostles would deed the property back to St. Paul's. Mr. Marvin sent a copy of his letter to St. Paul's and to the Bishop.
Receipt of the letter was acknowledged by the Clerk of the St. Paul's Vestry, without further word as to whether action had been taken or when it would be discussed.
In the meantime, all the organizations of the Church were working hard to keep Holy Apostles gain its financial independence from St.Paul's and the Archdeaconary of Brooklyn. The Young Ladies Chapter agreed to raised funds to pay for the 150 chairs for the Church basement. The past due pledge amounts were to be collected before May 30th, and the Vestry hoped for a generous Easter collection to help meet their indeptedness.
At the August 1st, meeting, the Clerk of the Holy Apostles Vestry was authorized to inquire about the transfer of the Church property. The need was urgent due to water damage cause by the lack of a foundation, which was one of the improvements proposed to be done. When Mr. Marvin recontacted the Clerk of St. Paul's, it was only then he agreed to call a meeting as soon as possible.
On September 5th, the Vestry of Holy Apostles learned that the Church in Windsor Terrace would remain a Chapel of St. Paul's Church, Flatbush, for one more year.
Incidentially, when the foundation and the the basement were dug, it was done in the exact location of the original Church building. It was hoped at some time in the future to replace the existing frame building with one made of stone.
The first vested choir was organised by the resolution dated September 19th, 1899 and at the October 3rd. meeting, the Rector informed the Vestry that he had chosen Mr. E.V. Armstrong as choir leader and Mr. H.R. Moffat as organist. That same month, the Church bought its first piano for the sum of $1000
The first annual meeting of the Church of the Holy Apostles was held December 5th, 1899 at which time one Warden and three Vestry members were elected.
The first ever member canvass was authorized in the minutes of the Vestry dated January 5th, 1901. In its meeting of February 5th, 1901 in order to be fiscally responsible, the Vestry resolved that all bills over $5 had to have their approval before payment could be made, except standing monthly bills such as salaries and utilities.
Still seeking its independence, the committee that was appointed to contact the St.Paul's Vestry regarding the transfer of property, reported at the April 2nd, 1901 meeting that they had not received a response to their inquiry. At the May 6th, meeting, the Vestry was told that St. Paul's wanted documentary evidence of their ability to be self-supporting, signed by the treasurer. On June 25th, the Vestry of St. Paul's wrote to Holy apostles that while it was "inexpedient at this time to make a conveyance to the Church of the Holy Apostles, of the property of the Parish in Windsor Terrace," they were willing to lease it to them for one year. at its October 29th, meeting, the Vestry of holy Apostles "declined, as we can see no material benefit to this Parish by the acceptance of the said offer, preparing to allow matters to remain as they are until St. paul's Church, Flatbush are willing to live up to the spirit ot the resolution contained in their letter of May 1899."
with the matter of independence at a standstill, the Church of the Holy Apostles went about the buisness of making improvements and repairs to the Church building, such as the additonal of gutters and drain pipes, staining floors and building a stairway in front of the Church for the choir to use (cost $28).
Since there was now a vested choir, the Chancel of the Church had to be rearranged to accomodate it. Messrs. Ellwood and Owen donated their services to accomplish this task, with the Church providing the materials. While renovations of the Chancel were in process, services were held at Irvington Hall on East Fifth Street. The congregation returned to the Church building in early December.
On Christmas Day, 1901, the new pipe organ was unveiled at a cost of $1500 Later on, an electric motor was added for $235 The Rector was asked to speak to the Daughters of the Temple about funding it.
In February 1903, a committee was appointed to raised subscriptions to pay off the remaining church debt of $600. At the May 3rd, meeting, the Vestry assessed the Church's societies to help raise money to pay the deficit at the end of the fiscal year.
On February 18th. 1904 the Rev. Mr. Charles S. Davidson tendered his resignation. In March, the Vestry appointed a committee of three to confer with the Bishop about the proper selection process to secure a new Rector. At the March 31st, 1904 meeting of the Vestry, the Rev. Frederick A. Wright was called as Rector at a salary of $800 per. annum.
Easter morning, 1905, the Vestry convened a quick meeting before services at which time the Rector announced that Mrs. Lucy Boardman had donated $5000 to Holy Apostles for a Parish House. This same announcement was made later to the congregation. As a result of this gift, a Parish House Fund was established and a committee appointed to oversee its building. A lot on East 7th, Street was purchased for $1500 which was sold in 1906 for $1560 the proceeds of which were placed in the Parish House Fund. ( There is no mention of when or if a Parish House was built at this time.)
Although there is no reference to it in the Vestry's minutes, according to a tattered article in the archives, the Church debt was finally paid off during 1908. But when the Church was consecrated on May 23rd, 1909 the deed to the property was still held by St. Paul's Church , Flatbush. The Vestry requested that the Rev. Mr. Wright speak to the Bishop and to the Rector of St. Paul's, to arrange to have that property turned over to a committee of the Discese.
By October 1910, the problem of the property on which the Church of the Holy apostles stood had not been resolved and the Rev. Mr. Wright was requested once again to speak to the St. Paul's Vestry. At its October 6th, 1911 meeting, the Vestry learned that St. Paul's had finally passed the necessary resolutions to deed the property to Holy Apostles. on Christmas Day 1911, " the Rector presented to the congregation a deed from St. Paul's Church, Flatbush conveying title to the Greenwood Avenue property to the Church of the Holy Apostles. The deed was laid upon the offertory plates and presented with the offering."
