History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

122 History of Swansea
as an evidence of his faith in the church and of his generosity
towards it.
This generosity of Mr. Stevens toward this church, however,
was but a single instance of that largeness of spirit for
which his life was conspicuous; so this building will stand as
a monument to that kindliness of heart in ail the work of life,
which it is one great aim of the Christian Church to promulgate.
To this and to future generations the church, together
with the public library and the town hall, will be pointed out
as the chief buildings of the town of Swansea; and the story
will be told how once there lived here a man of high position,
and busied with many affairs, who still found time faithfully to
perform his duties as a citizen of this town, and who gave these
three buildings, which bear their constant testimony to the
truth that no man may rightfully live to himself alone.
Christ church will indeed be fortunate to come into
possession of so beautiful and dignified a house of worship ; but
it is more fortunate in having it given by a man of such
honesty, such generosity, and such public spirit.
The last service in the old church was held on the third
Sunday after Trinity, June 18th, 1899. The building was sold
by public auction, June 21st, 1899, for the sum of |57, and was
speedily taken down and removed. Meanwhile the congregation
met for worship in the Town Hall, awaiting the completion
of the new church.
The Cornerstone of the New Christ Church was laid
August 27, 1899, at 3:30 P. M., by the Rev. Henry M. Stone,
Rector of Trinity Church, Newport.
The Consecration of the New Church took place, June 6,
1900, by the Rt. Rev. William Lawrence.
The Rev. Edward Benedict of Princess Anne, Md., was
called Dec. 26, 1900; and the Records show that he presided
as Rector at the Annual Parish Meeting, April 8, 1901. He
died in the Parish March 8, 1907; and was buried in the
Church grounds.
The Rectory was built in 1908-1909, the Vestry together
with Mr. C. S. Hawkins being the building committee.
The present Rector, the Rev. J. Wynne-Jones was called
from Roslindale, Mass., May 17, 1909.
Religious Work on Gardner's Neck
The oldest resident in this section of the town, Mr. Samuel
R. Gardner, can well remember going with his father and
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