Lenoir County, NC - Record Book of St. Mary's Parish - Introduction
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It appears that no regular records were kept until after Rev. Frederick
FitzGerald arrived. He attempted to piece together the records and history of
the church. The following records may appear to be out of order, but are
found in this order in the record book. Some names have dec. after them. It
appears the Rev. wrote that on membership lists that he found. (Perhaps his
way of updating them? -my notes- Patty Day)
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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This file was transcribed from photocopies of microfilm and
contributed to the archives by Patty Day. August 2000.
___________________________________________________________________