The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1909-09-26

The following article concerning
the late Rev DR.. Wakefield was print
ed in San Jose. Calf. exchange:
DR., J. B. Wakefield, rector emeritus
of Trinity church. passed peacefully
to his eternal reward yesterday, after
an illness which has extended more or
less continuously over a period of three
years. This announcement will bring
to hundreds Of people in this communi-
ty. and in other parts of the county.
where DR.. Wakefield labored lovingly
and faithfully to those entrusted to his
care. sense of deep personal loss.
The deceased was the active rector
of Trinity church for fifteen years, be-
ginning in 1884. Since his relinquisr-
ment of the rectorship he has been
held in highest esteem as rector emer-
titus. and while he has not. a great deal
OF the time. been able to enter very
actively into the work of the parish.
his earnest life has been an inspiration
and his efforts have always been On
the side of what was inspiring and up
lifting and helpful.
DIR. ]. B. Wakefield was born at
Greenmount Place. the home of his
parents. in the suburbs OF Belfast. Ire
land. December Z. 1898 His parahts
were persons of culture AMI wealth:
his mother greatly interested in phi
lanthropic works.
.. His Education.
At the age of Mr. Wakefield was
sent to school in England where he
continued his studies until at the age
OF II. as a result of overwork, his
health broke down. The three sue.
ceeding years Mr.. Wakefield and his
mother, his father having died when
he was an infant, spent in travel on
the Continent.
In 1910 and after the death of Mr.
Wakefield's mother. he came to Amer
lea, journeying by stage and canal
boat to Cincinnati, O. While there
he became intimate with a most godly
man. the Rev. George Fiske. through
whose influence he entered the minis
try and in 1855 was ordained priest
His first parish was St. Paul's Rich
mond, Ind, of which he was rector
until 1884, total Of % years.
Upon his resignation from st. Pauls
he became rector of Trinity church,
this city, and continued so until fail
ing health decided him to give up act
i've duty. So on September /. 1898.
he resigned the rectorship and soon
thereafter the vestry Of Trinity
church conferred on him the hono--
airy title. rector emeritus of Trinity
church San Jose.
For several years after giving up
active work DR.. Wakefield and his
daughter, Miss Wakefield, Travelled
through this country and Europe.
Upon his return in 1903 he purchased
| the home. in which he died, on South
Tenth street and has spent, good part
of his remaining years there.
| Stricken With Paralysis.
| Three years ago while visiting at
Pacific Grove he was stricken with
paralysis and since then he has had io
spend some of his time In sanitari-
ums. Eleven days ago he was taker
seriously i'll and lay most OF the time
in a stupor but without any pain
When aroused he was able to recog
nize his family up to within a feH
hours of his death.
DR.. Wakefield leaves his devoted
daughter. Miss Wakefield and one son
George F.. who was recently married
in the East to the daughter of an ole
friend of the family.
The tale of DR.. Wakefield's ministry
in this city is story of progress in tn:
church, of a faithful and earnest min
istration. and of the attainment of {
secure place in the love and esteem
not only OF his parish but of all the
people in this city who came In con
tact with him.
| During his rectorship important i'm
provements were made in the church
building itself and the furnishings o
lit. The somewhat barren interior
was fitted with most of the presen
beautiful habiliments of worship.
/ Vested Choir Organized.
1t was during his rectorship alst
that the vested choir was organized
This has come to be most importan
part of the beautiful service Of Trinit.
church. A. debt Of $1,000 was pal;
during this period.
One of the most helpful workers I;
all departments of the church durin;
the incumbency of DR.. Wakefield wa
his wife. Mrs Isabella Wakefield. Sh
was especially felt as a helpful influe
ence in the teaching Of the bible an
in the work among the young peopi
and the women of the church. Mr.;
Wakefield preceded her husband to tn
grave.
inrl tn n1lolufcC