The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1903-03-19
sixty YEARS AGO.
Letter Written by a Former Rector OF ST.
PauI's Church, In 1843.

The Rev. William Henry Bourns
was the Rector of St. Paups Il. l..
church a half century ago The
following letter shows that he was
presented with black silk gown by
ladies of the Parish. III those DAYS
it was the custom for Episcopal
clergymen to wear the white sur
plice during the service, and then
Just before the sermon to retire to
the robing room, and change his
vestments for a black silk gown.
The gown was not clerical robe
especially, but was rather the robe
of a scholar, and was the same as
those worn hv Professors, Judges
and college graduating classes.
For twenty years or more. Epis.
copal clergymen have discarded the
use OF the black gown, and have
worn only the clerical vestments of
the church all through the service.
We know of but one clergyman in
the Diocese of Central Pennsyl-
vania who still wears the black
gown while he breaches.
1t would appear from this letter
that Mr.. Bourns either had never
been the owner of black gown, or
else that his gown had seen so
much service that it was worn ont.
Probably some of the oldest mem
bers of the congregation may re-
member Mr., Bourns, and also the
incident to which his letter refers.
The letter is the following;
William Henry Bourns, Pastor
of st. paul's Church, Bloomsbury;
To certain ladies OF his congrega-
tion who lately presented him a
valuable Clerical Nestmeut, grace,
mercy aud peace.
have received the black silk
gown YOU were so kind as to make
and send 10 me; for which in return
| tender YOU my warmest thanks.
Nou have put it in my power to
take my place amongst my clerical
brethren i'll a habit which will bear
comparison with others, not only in
color and shape, bnt also in elegance
OF workmanship. This is no mean
advantage to one, whose mind is
averse TO innovation, and the ap-
pearauce OF sing gularity. When the
mind is at ease, duty can be per-
formed with the more pleasure and
profit.
Ishould be disposed to regret that
circumstances prevented my pro-
viding such garment for myself,
but that | trust that this Office OF
kindness on Your part will have the
effect o. drawing still closer the ties
OF Pastoral relationship between us.
trust that this gown, intended 20
be used more especially when de-
livering the message of my great
! Master, may serve to remind me
that YOU are deslrous I should con-
tinue to open my mouth boldly as
I | ought TO speak. II encourages
me TO hope YOU are willing to hear
the gospel at my lips; and to be
persuaded Ito enforce and hold fast
/ the blessed hope OF everlasting life
which is given US in Christ Jesus. "
Those who have embraced this
( blessed hope, shall receive more
than my poor acknowledgements. If
a cup of cold water given in the
name of the Lord shall not be with
out It's reward, how much more a
gift, like this, which required self
denial and labor.
That we may all he moved to ex-
ercise renewed iaithfulness and zeal
in our several situations in the
church, and find increasing advant-
age and pleasure in attending upon
the services of the Sanctuary is the
iervent prayer of your.
Affectionate Pastor.
Bloomsbury, Pa.
2cud November IS4S.
The following receipt shows the
cost of the gown.
Received January II, 1874 ot
Miss Rachel Webb. Ave dollars and
seventeen cents, the balance in full
OF twenty one dollars and sixty five
cents, for silk for gown.
S2I 65. L. II. BIGGs.
These papers were handed TO Col
Freeze some years ago, by Mis-:
Amelia d. Webb.