474 APPENDIX. 



church, "not built purposely for the Church of England," would very 

 shortly become an established church are interestingly disclosed in an 

 ancient manuscript book, placed, through the courtesy of the rector of 

 the church, in my hands by Mr, William Morris Cooper, of New 

 Jersey. 



It seems that there being, prior to Dr. Blackwell's taking charge of 

 it, no prospect of any clergyman of the church entering upon the cure, 

 the church edifice, though built chiefly by contributions from members 

 of the Church of England, had not been built by them exclusively; but 

 that "Methodists" — hardly yet fully separated from the church — had 

 assisted to build it, with an understanding that their ministers might 

 preach in it, and that they themselves might use it for their meetings. 

 This was not agreeable to Dr. Blackwell, who, "though he highly re- 

 spected the character and motives of persons that composed other religious 

 denominations, honored their piety and zeal, had the utmost affection 

 for their persons, and was ever active in reciprocating the endearing 

 charities of social life, thought it best, for the good not less of other 

 religious bodies than of his own, that their religious operations should 

 be kept distinct." 



The church at Greenwich was not incorporated, but by its deed of 

 foundation, dated November 29, 1770, was placed under the control 

 of certain managers. They were now, by Dr. Blackwell's influence, 

 assembled, and at a "regular meeting, held by appointment, June 30, 

 1774," this preamble and these regulations were agreed to: 



1st. Whereas, It appears to the managers of this church, from sundry good reasons, 

 that it would be for the advancement of religion and piety, as well as productive of the 

 most salutary consequences, that the said church should be the property of some one 

 particular denomination or sect of Christians : And as it appears from the subscription- 

 paper that by far the greatest part of the monies laid out on said building was given by 

 persons who professed themselves members of the Church of England, and still desire 

 that this may be an Established church : We do therefore agree that it shall be so ; 

 and from the date hereof this House be an Established Church, according to the 

 Establishment of that part of Great Britain called England, and further that it may be 

 included in a charter with the church at Waterford and that which is to be built at 

 Gloucester. 



2d. That if any person be dissatisfied with the above order of the managers, he, she 

 or they, by applying personally to Thomas Clark, Esq., any time in the month of Oc- 

 tober next, and only then, and letting him know they did not subscribe for an 

 Established church, neither are they willing that their money should remain for that 

 use, may have their subscriptions refunded. 



3d. We further agree that no person whatsoever preach in this house except the 

 clergy of the Church of England ; unless he first obtain leave under the hand of Dr. 

 Bodo Otto, Jr., whom we appoint, during our pleasure, to inspect into the morals and 

 abilities of such persons as shall desire to preach in said church, and to .npprove or 

 disapprove of them as he thinks fit. 



