hallowed courts, will probably review the record of our acts, with the same interest that we now review the acts of those who first reared this goodly structure.

If this history shall serve to awaken any new and hallowed associations, or to deepen those which already exist, it will not have been without its use. There is a chord of tender feeling, which will be found to vibrate in the bosom of every one who reflects, that here so many generations have worshipped, and that, beneath its aisles, and around its walls, the ashes of multitudes of these now repose in peace and safety. To borrow the words o one who well knew how to prize such hallowed associations, and who has expressed his feelings in language admirably suited to the present subject;* "Many, we trust, who frequented its courts in the days of their pilgrimage, were made meet for the worship of a temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. At this sacred font, many of us have been solemnly dedicated to the service of our Creator, and made members of his visible church. Here, we have ratified and confirmed our baptismal engagements. At this altar, we have often

* Rev. Dr. Faton's centennial sermon, delivered in Christ Church, Boston, Sunday, December 28th, 1823.

knelt and received the pledges of the Redeemer's love, in the consecrated symbols of his body and blood. Here, when life's silver cord shall be broken, we hope to sleep with our kindred and friends, till the morning of the resurrection, when, at the sound of the last trump, we shall rise to meet the Lord in the air, and to serve him day and night in his temple. Associated with so many impressive and interesting recollections and anticipations, can we fail to regard this sacred temple with the liveliest emotions of veneration and love? Shall we not cherish towards it kindred sentiments with those of the Psalmist, when he exclaimed, "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy ?"

"Influenced by these sentiments, we shall be solicitous to preserve, as much as possible, this venerable monument of the zeal and piety of former days, from the ravages of time, and to transmit it unimpaired, to posterity. Viewing it as a sacred deposite committed to our trust, not merely for our own benefit, but for that of future generations, we shall be anxious that it may pass from our hands, under circumstances which shall endear it to their affections, and recom

mend it to their support; bearing the impress of our liberality, and perpetuating the lustre of our example. As a society, we shall study the things that make for peace. The only contention among us will be that of the vine and the olive, which shall bear the most and the best fruit;' who shall do most to advance the glory of God and the salvation of his fellow-creatures. Sensible that without him we can do nothing, our devout supplications will daily rise to the great Head of the church, who has promised to be with her, even unto the end of the world; that peace may be a perpetual guest within her walls, and prosperity in all her palaces; and, as an evidence of the sincerity of our prayers, the pious resolution of each individual will be, For my brethren and companions' sake, I will now say, peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do thee good."

We are sure, that every one who reads this history, will sincerely respond to the above sentiments; as he will also yield a hearty amen to the wish," that this house of prayer may prove, to each one of us, and to the thousands and tens of thousands, who may successively worship within its walls, none other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven."

SUCCESSION

OF

RECTORS OF CHRIST CHURCH. RECTORS

REV. MR. CLAYTON.

1695.

The Rev. Mr. Clayton under whose auspices the church was built, was sent out to Philadelphia, by Dr. Henry Compton, Bishop of London, in 1695, through the influence of Dr. Bray, the Bishop's Commissary for Maryland. On his arrival here, Mr. Clayton found not more than fifty persons to make up his congregation, yet in two years it "was increased to seven hundred, and a handsome church erected." He died about two years after his arrival, of a contagious distemper caught in visiting the sick.*

REV. EVAN EVANS, D. D.

1700 to 1718.

Dr. Evans was sent out to Christ Church by the Bishop of London, in 1700, and continued in charge until 1718, when, on account of age

*The life and designs of the Rev. Dr. Bray.

and infirmities, he removed to Maryland, and soon after died there. He is represented as a faithful missionary, and very instrumental in establishing the church in this country.

REV. JOHN VICARY.

1719 to 1722.

The Rev. Mr. Vicary was licensed by the Bishop of London to take charge of Christ Church, and entered on his duties in September, 1719. His health failing him, at the close of the year, 1721, he does not appear to have officiated after that time. He probably died early in 1723.

REV. RICHARD WELTON, D. D.

1724 to 1726.

Dr. Welton, who had been consecrated in England, in 1723, by Ralph Taylor, one of the Nonjuring Bishops,* took charge of the church in July, 1724, by invitation of the vestry. He continued to officiate, with great acceptance to the congregation, until January 13th, 1726, when he was called home to England by the British government, in consequence of having exercised here the Episcopal functions. He, however, did not obey the summons, but retired to Portugal, where he died, in 1726.

* Percival on Apostolical Succession, pp. 133, 134.