Microfilmed by North Carolina department of Archives and History Division of Archives and Manuscripts Raleigh, North Carolina Record Book of St. Mary's Parish Kinston, NC 1843-1921 Loaned for microfilming by Mrs. John G. Dawson, Kinston, NC reprinted here with the permission of St. Mary's COVER OF BOOK- Vestry Book of St. Mary's Church Kinston NC Page 1 At a meeting of the Vestry of the St. Mary's Church in the Town of Kinston, County of Lenoir - North Carolina held on the 6th day of July 1843 On motion Lewis C. Desmond Esqr. was called to the chair - and Thomas Woodley appointed secretary Resolved that Nathan G. Blount be appointed a member of our body in the place of Stephen White ___. Resigned and ordered that our body be recorded as follows Lewis C. Desmond (chairman) Thomas Woodley James E. Metts-secretary Page 2 James R.? Washington John C. Washington Henry F. Bond Nathan G. Blount On motion it was resolved that the Revd. William N.? Hawks of Newbern be solicited to preach in St. Mary's church regularly once a month Resolved that Elder Ways Biddle and his associate brethren Elder John P. Dunn and his associate brethren of the Baptist Denomination and the Revd. Saml. Pierce and his asociate (sic) ? Brethren of the Methodist church. Page 3 Be requested and they are hereby respectfully solicited to make regular appointments for the purpose of holding from time to time, divine worship in Saint Mary's Church in the town of Kinston, provided nevertheless, that such appointments do not conflict with any appointment of any Episcopal Minister, who shall in all cases, have priority of occupancy Resolved. That in the several meetings of said Denominations held from time to time, they be allowed the free liberty of communing, holding clap meetings and of transacting any and all the ordinances and church matters appurtaining to their respective classes Page 4 Resolved - That in order to promote and to assure harmony and unity of sentiment and feeling between the several societies, worshipping in St. Mary's church, it be respectfully recommended by the vestry that each denomination shall agree on the Sabbath, in the month that each shall occupy the house and should any conflict, at any time, nevertheless, occur, That, in case the two denominations shall note unite for the purposes of divine worship - that then, the one sect shall occupy the house during the morning hour say at 11 or 12 oclock and the other occupy the house during the Evening - say at 3 or at 4 oclock. And that Page5 the denomination, which shall in such conflict, withdraw for the Evening hour - shall in case of a second conflict, have the priority of claim to the morning hour It was ordered that a copy of these last resolutions be forwarded by the secretary to Elders Ways Biddle and John P. Dunn and Revd. Saml. Pierce Resolved that a majority of our body form a quorum for the transaction of business and that the president? Have the power to call a meeting at any time he may think the intent of St. Mary's church may require it - or when requested by any two members of our body Page 6 Resolved that William B. West, be appointed sexton, to take care of the building and that he be authorized to open the church to all orthodox ministers of respectable standing in their respective churches and be allowed a reasonable compensation for having the house ____ and properly cleaned and the lights trimmed ? during divine service On motion that the president sign the proceedings after adjournment On motion, ordered that we do adjourn. Signed Lewis C. Desmond Chair. James E. Metts Secretary Page 7 At a meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church in the Town of Kinston County of Lenoir State of North Carolina on the 18th day of March 1844 Resolved that the present building committee of St. Mary's Church call on the former building committee of said church, for and act current of their _______ upon the said (sic repeated) church and that they report to the next meeting of the Vestry Resolved that Treasurer of the church collect all monies due the church Page 8 to be subject to the order of the Vestry. Resolved That Thomas Woodley be requested to obtain for the benefit of W. N. Hawks as much money as he may as his salary to preach in the church at Kinston for the next 12 months Resolved That John C. Washington and Thomas Woodly (sic) by added to the present building committee Signed Lewis C. Desmond - chairman James E. Metts - Secretary Page 9 At a meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church in the Town of Kinston North Carolina on the 11th day of May 1844 Resolved - That William Lovick, Nathan G. Blount, Lewis C. Desmond, George Whitfield, William B. West, Thomas Woodley, Thomas S. Clark, James R. Washington, James E. Metts Constitute a congregation of the Protestant Episcopal church in these United States, to be governed by the constitution and Page 10 Canons of the Church as set forth in General Convention and by the Constitution and Canons of the church in this diocise to be known by the name of St. Mary's Church Kinston who Resolved - That George Whitfield, Nathan G. Blount, John H. Peebles, and Thomas Woodley be appointed delegates to represent this church at the convention to be held at Washington on the 22d day of May 1844 Signed Lewis C. Desmond - chairman James E. Metts - Secretary Page 11 At a meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church in the town of Kinston on the 14th day of Decr 1844 On motion Resolved that the present building committee be prompt in causing the old building committee to render their report of the state of the funds in their hands at our next meeting. Resolved that a new subscription be raised for the purpose of obtaining funds for the completion of the church and that Lewis C. Desmond and James E. Metts form a committee for that purpose. Page 12 Resolved that a committee be appointed to lay off the lot attached to the church in small lots that the privilege of said lots may be sold for the purpose of internment of the dead and that James R. Washington, Thomas Woodley and John C. Washington form that committee. Resolved, that the present building be and are hereby requested to proceed forth with to the completion of the church so far as the funds that are in hand will justify and also to call on Mrs. Holland for the Page 13 amount which may be in her hands for that purpose. Resolved that the meeting adjourn untill (sic) the 3rd Saturday in January 1845 Lewis C. Desmond - chairman James E. Metts - Secretary Page 14 (The information on this page is dated 1847 and comes out of order of the other dated material. It appears that items were later slipped into the vestry record book. my note Patty Day) At a meeting of the Vestry of St. Mary's Church in the Town of Kinston on the 18th day of April 1847 the following resolutions were unanimously adopted viz Resolved that William Lovick, Lewis C. Desmond, James E. Metts, Dr. Thos Woodley be appointed delegates to the convention on the 5th day of May next at New Bern and that N. G. Blount, Dr H. W. Blount, John H. Peebles, and Jesse H. Cobb be and they are hereby appointed a committee alternately for that purpose. Page 15 Resolved that no further internments be made of the dead on the Church property in the Town of Kinson, and that the Secretary advertize (sic) publicly notifying people to that effect. Provided nevertheless that Wm. Lovick in the event of his death have the right, privilege and benefit of the Same Resolved that Lewis C. Desmond and James E. Metts be and they are appointed to call on the building for a report of their proceedings and that they receive the same. Carried to page 18 Page 18 Resolved that Abram Singleton be and he is hereby forever excluded from using this church in anyway as a minister of the Gospel Page 16 At a meeting of Vestry St. Mary's Church in the Town of Kinston on the 2nd day of May 1845 Whereas Nathan G. Blount, James E. Metts, James R. Washington and Thomas Woodley were appointed delegates to the convention to be held in Fayettville (sic) on the 21st next - also Dr. Thomas Woodley was appointed Secton and to receive as compensation the sum of three Dollars Lewis C. Desmond - chairman James E. Mettts - Secrety (sic) Page 17 At a meeting of the Vestry St. Mary's Church in the Town of Kinston on the 19th day of May 1846 on motion of N. G. Blount Esqr. William Lovick was appointed vestryman in the place of Dr. James R. Washington. Whereas Nathan G. Blount, Lewis C. Desmond, Dr. Thos Woodley, and James E. Metts were appointed delegates to the convention to be held in Raleigh on the 27th next - the meeting thus adjourned Lewis C. Desmond - chairman James E. Metts - Secretary Page 1: The Record Book of St. Mary's Parish Kinston, Lenoir County, Diocese of North Carolina Index for 1870 following Baptism of Infant page 20 to 39 " " adults " 40-50 Sentence of Consecration page 65 List of Communicants 266 List of Confirmations 275-300 Vestry meetings 67th page and following Funerals------300 Marriages 200 Index to Members May 1st 1890 Page 44 Page 1 The Record Book Of St. Mary's Parish Kinston Lenoir County Diocese of North Carolina Containing a record 1. of the current history of the Parish 2. of the meetings of the Vestry 3. of the secular matters of the Parish 4. of the names of the vestryman from year to year Which Parish was admitted into union with the Diocesan Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church held in the Town of Washington, Beaufort Co., N.C. in the year of our Redemption 1846 This Record Book, in its present order, was first regularly kept by the Rev. Frederick FitzGerald Presbyter? appointed Rector of this Parish July 12th 1855 By the __Rev. Thomas Atkinson __ Bishop of the Diocese "Let all things be done in decency and in order" St. Paul Page 2 In taking charge of this Parish, I have entered? upon my labors, under ___ ordinary difficulties for varied causes, the present position, and prospects of this church in this county, appear? as low and discouraging as they well can properly be. This state of things has been brought about by a want of regular ministrations of a clergyman - by removals from the county of many churchman, - by deaths or by defections from our communion; and by the rapid ____ of the various forms of dispute.? In the last address of the Bishop of the Convention, this is the only Parish in the Diocese, that he has observed on the ________. Under these circumstances I enter upon my change here with a heart-somewhat- cast- down as I rely not on my own labors for sucess in this Parish but- am the P____ and G___ of the Great Hand of this Church. I trust that my feebles efforts - here in his service may rebound greatly that his glory and ____ _____ eternal welfare of all committed to my charge that out of our present weakness may come forth strength. Grant O Lord! that being endowed? with the gifts of the Holy Spirit which thou has promised shall be in? with thy church, I may so live that by my teachings and holy example I may be ____ of bringing many souls into thy church to their ___ good, for Christs sake, Amen. No regular Records of this Parish, was Registered of the ministerial and performed into have ever been kept as far as I have been able to learn. What ever registration, I have found, of Baptisms, confirmations, communicants, marriages, and deaths, will be ___ accurately transferred into "The Parish Register" No minutes of any of the many Vestry meetings that have been held are now to be found. Of the various clergymen that have ministered in this place previous to, and since the founding of the Parish, I can learn hither or nothing with any degree of certainty, I am from what I am able to find only by a few _____ registrations of Baptisms and the like. From that it appears that the first clergyman that officiated with anything like regularity Page 3 Was The Reverend 1. Thomas _ _ Motts who was a missionary in Lenoir, Craven, and Pitt Counties during the years 1832-1833 2. From the year 1833 to the year 1844 the Reverend William N. Hawks seems to have had more or less charge of this Parish. 3. From this 1844 to about the end of the year 1848 the Reverend Nicholas C. Hughes had charge of the parish. After Mr. Hughes left - until the 4th of November 1852, This Parish seems to have been without a Rector at which time 4. The Reverend Arthur F. N. Rolfe became the Rector, and continued in charge until May 1st 1854. After that date until July 12, 1855 this Parish was again without a Rector when by this action of this Bishop - The Reverend Ferderick FitzGerald took charge of this Paris, residing in the town of Goldsboro, and giving the services of the fourth Sunday in each month to this place. He entered upon the active discharge of his duties the 25 of Nov 1855 Entered by me Frederick Fitz-Gerald Rector Upon taking charge of this Parish I found the church edifice greatly out of order from the efforts of time, neglect, and hard usage from meetings for political and thus? purposes apart from religion. Page 4 The following gentlemen were the members of The Vestry of St. Mary's Parish William Lovick (decd) John C. Washington Mr. Lewis C. Desmond Dr. Thomas Woodley (decd) Dr. H. _ Blount M. Henry F. Bond Dr. Woodley acted as ___ teaching and Wardon? Owing to deaths, removals, and defections there were but eight communicants in the whole Parish. I found the annexed paper in the possession of Dr. Thomas Woodley. It has no date upon it. THE PAPER FOLLOWS At a meeting of the subscribers to St. Mary's Church, this day at Kinston the following Gentlemen were appointed as Vestry James E. Metts Doctr Washington Jas. R. now St. Louis 1867 Doct Woodley Jno C. Washington Stephan White Lewis C. Desmond Henry F. Bond And Com. B. West to take care of the building Ordered that Mr. West be authorized to open the church to all orthodox ministers of respectable standing in their churches. (something is crossed out here) invite to preach in the church at a ___ a day as may suit his convenience. END OF PAPER NOTE ON PAPER READS Note. The date of this paper should be 1841-1844 in which upon Dr. J.C. Washington lived in Kinston. END NOTE Page 5 From this paper I learn of the call of this Rev. Mr. Singletary ? to take charge of this parish. From this sources I have heard that Mr. Singletary did officiate in this parish in connection with his charage at Washington but how often he officiated here each minister, or the date of his ministrations I am unable to find out. This paper also shows that the church edifice was, by authority of the Vestry, open "to all orthodox ministers of respectable standing in their churches." This custom of allowing other than Episcopal ministers to officiate in the church edifice was the reason why the building was never consecrated by Bishop Ives. The custom, ___ , grew out of the original wish of the first subscribers towards the erection of this building. As I have found the original subscription paper preserved, I have attach it in this book, as it may be found very valuavle in the future. BEGIN ATTATCHED PAPER The subscribers do hereby agree to pay the sum attached to our respective names for the purpose of building an Episcopal church in Kinston Lenoir County, North Carolina. This Edifice is to be exclusive property of the Protestant Episcopal Parish in Kinston, and its vicinity, known by the name of St. Mary's Church, and to be devoted exclusively to there service, except so far as the vestry may feel desposed to accommodate other denominations in the use of it for publick (sic) worship, when there is no Episcopal Clergyman present. It is clearly understood, however, that such use by other Christian Societies can never be claimed as a right either to the privilege of worshiping in, or to the p____ of said _____ ____ _____ it is to be consecrated in the usual form by the Bishop of this Diocese as an Episopal Church, and as such to be held by him and his successors forever. It is, therefore, further understood that no other denomination can make regular appointments for holding divine service in this church than those to whose service it is hereby devoted, except when authorized by the Vestry. E.C. Bellamy paid by ___ ___ to SGD$100 N.H. Blount pd by work __ T.W.$100 Reuben Knox pd. By asset TW $100 R. Croom $150pd to LC D for G. Whitfield $200 Jno B. Washington pd by work out TW$100 G. Croom paid in full $100 pd 50 Lewis C. Desmond pd $25 William Holland paid $12.50, $25 Will. Lovick paid $20 Watson Wilcox paid $20 Jno ad B.Carraway LCD. paid $10 Allen W. Wooten LCD paid $5 Mortimer Bright 5 W. B. Murchin pd LCD 5 Geo. Whitfield 25 paid to LCD $10, , pd $15, May 20th 1835 B. Coleman 10 pd J. H. or I. H. Peilerlr Wm Whitfield 10 pd. N. W. Blount D? P Dunn paid 5 to LCD TSW note 5 __ B. West 5.00 paid to L. C. Desmond 174 ____ ____ to Wm ____ __ of pd to LCD by 1913 $174 $25 recd of R. Knox twenty five __ Dec 26, 1832 on account of Lumber- N. W. Blount Recd Jany 4th of Richd Croom fifty dollars in do. N. W. Blount Recd Jan 9 of Watson? Wilson ten dollars on do NW Blount N. W.? Blount pd $25 $25 Jany 9 33 Richard C. Washington Jany 14 33 __ dollars 44/100 Page 6, (THE PHOTO COPY IS TOO HARD TO READ) Page 7 This is a hand written copy of a deed which was attached to page 7 and 8. (An original copy of the deed is found later attached to the vestry records) A True Copy of the Deed conveying the present site of this church edifice to St. Mary's Parish. Frederick F. Westbrook To the Vestry of St. Mary's Church, Kinston, this indenture made this day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three between Frederick F. Westrook of the County of Lenoir and State of North Carolina of the one part and the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of North Carolina of the other part. Whereas Sundry Citizens of the County of Lenoir have associated together as a congregation for the purpose of worshiping almighty God according to the faith and ritual of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America and have been duly constituted and admitted as a parish of this church by the name and style of St. Mary's Church Kinston, And whereas William Lovick, John C. Washington, Edward C. Bellamy, Reubin Knox, George Whitfield Spring Hill, and Lewis C. Desmond have been duly appointed the Vestry of said Church. and by the aid of sundry persons desirous of promoting the faith and doctrines of said church has purchased the lots or parcels of land in the town of Kinston, here in after described such are now erecting a house for said worship, there___, by the said aforesaid, agreeably to the true interest and meaning of the original subscription paper a copy of which is here unto annexed. Now this Indenture ___ for the purpose of effectuating the premises and securing the said parcel of land and house of worship to the said church for the purpose aforesaid forever, and for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty Dollars to the said Frederick F. Westbrook in hand and paid by said vestry for and in behalf of said church. He the said Frederick F. Westbrook hath given, granted, bargained sold and ___ and by those present- doth give grant, bargain, sell and ___, unto the said Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese aforesaid two certain lots or parcels of Land lying and beingin the town of Kinston in the said county of Lenoir, known as and distinguished in the place of said town by number (50) fifty, and (51) fifty one, bounded north by Caswell Page 8 Street, west by Queen Street, South by lots No. (61) sixty one and (62) sixty two, East by lot No. (49) the said lots hereby conveyed, being a part of the lots, which were divided to said Westbrook by the last will of Frederick Jones decd. Tho have and to hold the said lots unto the said Protestant Episcopal church forever. And the said Frederick F. Westbrook for himself and his heirs do hereby covenant to and with the said Protestant Episcopal Church, and the Vestry of St. Mary's Church and their successors in office jointly and severally that he will warrent and defend the premises hereby conveyed unto the said church, against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever, and that he will at anytime when called on make and execute any deed of conveyance or otherwise may be necessary to move effectually assure the premises for the purpose herein mentioned. In testimony where of the said Frederick F. Westbrook hath here unto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Frederick F. Westbrook (seal) in the Presence of M. Bright Wasson Wilcox We the subscribers do hereby agree to pay the sum attached to our successive names, for the purpose of building an Episcopal Church in Kinston, Lenoir County North Carolina. This Edifice is to be the exclusive property of the Protestant Episcopal Parish in Kinston and to ___ known by the name of St. Mary's Church and to be devoted exclusively to their service, except so far as the vestry may feel ___ to recommodate (sic) other Denominations in the use of it for public worship when there is no Episcopal Clergyman present. It is clearly understood however, that such use by (On a seperate page, probably on the back of the paper inserted into the book on pages 7 and 8.) Christian Societies can never be claimed as a right either to the privelige of worship in or to the posession of said edifice, but that it is to tbe consecrated in the usual form by the Bishop of this Diocese as an Episcopal Church as such, to be held by him and his successors forever. It is therefore further understood, that no other denomination can make regular appointments for holding divine service in this church than those to whose service it is hereby devoted, except when authorized by the vestry. State of North Carolina Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions Lenoir County, January Term 1834 Then was the foregoing deed of bargain and sale from Frederick F. Westbrook to the Vestry of St. Mary's Church, exhibited in open court and execution there of proved by Watson Wilxox and ordered be registered. Lewis C. Desmond Enrolled in the Registers office of Lenoir County the 26th day of March 1834 M. Bright Reg A true Copy from the Records of Lenoir County the 26th Nov 1855 Stephen White? Reg. page 10. This is all that I have been able to find in relation to the history of this Parish which seems from its first to have struggled on with much difficulty and never to have seen any flourshing. First- meeting of the members of this Parish held by This ___ __ Rev. Frederick FitzGerald for the purpose of electing a full vestry, and transacting other Parish business. abt. 10 AM Monday the (left blank) of (left blank) 1856 the members of the old Vestry and the members and friends of this Protestant Episcopal Church in St. Mary's Parish Kinston No. Ca. met at the church pursuance to a call of the Vestry. After stating the objective of the meeting the ___ congregation of the Parish, the Rector mentioned that he had conversed with the following gentlemen, and obtained their ___ to serve as Vestry: viz. Members of the Vestry Mr. William Lovick Dr. Thomas woodley Mr. John C. Washington Mr. Lewis C. Desmond Mr. Warren Killpatrick (sic)) Dr. _____ Bryan Henry R. Strong It was then unanimously Resolved that the above named gentlemen be unanimously elected members of the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish. 2. The following gentlemen were thus chosen delegates to the approaching Diocesian Conventions. Dr. Woodley, H. R. Strong Esq., Dr. Bryan, L. C. Desmond Esq. 3. It was then resolved that a portion of the land owned by this Parish be sold for the purpose of raising a permanent church fund, which is to be invested
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