Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1875-04-07
HISTORY OF CALVARY.
Interesting Memorabilia Of the Leading
Episcopal Parish OF Memphis.
GEO. W L. CROOK,
HENRY J. LYNN,
j. q. LONSDALE,
Com raiffaa

We continue from the Christian Wit
ness of this week the very Interesting
history of Calvary church, as follows:
A new state of things, however, pre-
sented itself upon DR.. Weller becoming
rector. A new spirit was awakened,
and lot upon Second street, opposite
to the Baptist church, was bought and
paid for, upon which a frame building
was erected, the lower floor of which was
fitted up as temporary place of wOr-
ship. Here the congregation worshipped;
but finding that sufficient accommOda-
ton could not be furnished for those who
preferred our communion, measures
were adopted for the erection of church
suitable to the anticipated growth and
improvement Of a city offering such
advantages as Memphis. During the
rectorship of Rev. Philip w. Aston,
who succeeded DR.. Weller, the lot upon
which the present church now stands
was purchased at an expense Of fifteen
hundred dollars. On Saturday, the
twelfth of May, 1874, the present edifice
was consecrated to the worship of AL
mighty God in the presence of large
congregation, by the bishop of the dio-
cese.
During the rectorship of Mr.: Aston,
the parish increased in numbers and
was not without influence in the cOunsels
Of the church; but it. sustained great
bereavement by the sudden death of Mr..
AlstOn, which occurred in the town of
Columbia, on the - day OF --,
49, The suddenness of his death
startled the whole community, and their
tears witnessed the intensity of their
grief. He was an eloquent and instruct
i've preacher, a wise counsellor, a faith
full pastor and an admirable model of
sound churchmanship. To be deprived
Of the services Of divine so eminent, at
q time when he was so much needed,
was indeed q severe visitation. The
vestry looked around for one to succeed
him, and selected DR.. Page, whose rec.
torship extended to 1856. The present
tower Of the church was erected during
his rectorship, and other Improvements
made.
The preaching Of DIR. Page attracted
attention. The number of worshippeTs
increased to such an extent that the de-
mand for pews could not be responded
to, and measures were commenced to
either build q new church or enlarge the
present one, which was accordingly
done.
Bishop Otey, who had changed his resi-
dence to Memphis, took charge of the
parish until Rev. NJ. Waddell was called.
This gentleman retained his position
about twelve months, when DR.. Quin-
tard, now the bishop Of Tennessee, was
called to the rectOrship. He resigned in
IS5-, when Bishop 0tey was elected
rector, and Rev. G. White as assistant,
and in 1859, May 23d, rector.
None Of the original communicates
are now living. The register OF lS46
shows that at that time there were one
hundred and seventeen communicates,
ali Of whom, with few exceptions, are in
the grave. The names OF Rose, Hatch,
Shsnks, Harris, Hunt and Richardson
cannot be forgotten by the members of
this parish. In good deeds no parish
exceeds that of Calvary. The reports Of
our convention will show that her con-
tributions exceed that OF any other.
Within q few years past the church
has been much improved, and, although
making no pretensions for architectural
beauty, it is spacious and comfortable.