The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-08-25

test, Rev. Mr.. Bassett replied:
II think IL most legitimate way for
the News or any paper TO take To In
crease its circulation; yes, it's perfectly
legitimate. or course, il is something that
a clergyman cannot take an active part
I'm, but think IL can do no harm. / wish
the News every success
BORN IN BROOKLYN.
Rev. Henry Bassett was born in Brook
lyn. n. Y, In the late fifties. He is n
graduate of the Episcopal Theological
school at Cambridge, Mass, OF the class
of S2. where he received the degree of
bachelor of divinity Previously he took
lectures at Harvard College.
Immediately after receiving his degree
Mr.. Bassett came to the Elmwood Epls-
copal station, which was then a mission.
by Bishop Clarke's appointment. That
prelate ordained Mr.. Bassett deacon i'm
1882 and the next year ordained him to
the priesthood
The Elmwood mission was then a small
churcn with about so communicates and
was receiving aid fr2m the board Of
missions.
In 1883 the parish was changed from
mission to church and its growth has
gone steadily forward ever since, under
Mr. Bassett's direction.
In 1885 the parish house, costing a little
less than gSyO0, was built During the
same year a new organ was put into the
church and including the alterations
made for the organ the church, a pretty
wooden structure on Potter's avenue,
near Elmwood. has been enlarged three
times.
NEW SITE PURCHASED.
About 1898 the church bought the old
Hope estate, corner of Elmwood avenue
and Hawthorne street with the intention
| of erecting a stone church there
The lot contains over 10000 square feet,
| line mansion, stately elm and maple
| trees. fruit trees, elegant lawns, flower
garden and everything that goes with a
| fine old estate.
The purchase price was Si6.500 of which
| about 5000 remains unpaid
Nothing Will be done about erecting the
new church until the last dollar is paid
on the land. While paying off the debt
the mansion IL used as a rectory.
In 1899 another purchase was made by
| the parish, OF the property at the corner
| of Bucklin street and Potters avenue,
+. containing 1900 square feet 1t is ex-
| pected TO use part of IL for additions 10
the parish house and for gymnasium and
| other purposes.
| The present number OF communicates OF
the Church OF the Epiphany Is $780, The
size of the Sunday school Is very large.
IL being. perhaps, the largest OF any OF
the Episcopal churches in the diocese OF
| Rhode Island Teachers and officers num-
ber about i60 and the average attendance
Is never below 300.
! Through the efforts OF the rector and
Pensioners the Church OF the Ascension.
mission at Auburn. was built I'm 1885.
AN IMPORTANT FIELD.
Rev. Mr.. Bassett has always felt that
the Elmwood district Is most import
ant one for the Episcopal church TO be
represented I'm.
There are u vestrymen In the Church Of
the Epiphany. The senior warden Is I'D
ward ID. Bassett; Junior warden. Dutce
wilcox; treasurer, a. u. Rowiey; assist
ant treasurer Joseph ". stafford: parish
clerk. George W. Lincoln
Rev Mr.. Bassett is one OF the most
genial gentleman IN or out Of the pulpit
He is sincerity itself. and always retains
n happy smile for any and everybody.
While the News man was talking To him
two barefoot urchlns with ragged trou.
sers came in and asked n they could
pick up apples.
20. yes" laughed Mr. Bassett. ~ any
have fallen" Turning 10 the reporter
he added: I'VE have some apple trees and
they enjoy them very much"