The History of St. James' Church - Continued
The formation of the United States parallels the creation of the Episcopal Church In America. Both began at the state level. The Constitution formed the new nation when, in 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. They discussed opening the sessions with prayer but could not decide which clergy to approach. There were Puritans from New England, Dutch Reformed from New York and Episcopalians from the southern colonies. Samuel Adams, a Puritan from New England, suggested using an Episcopal prayer and, on September 9, 1774, the Reverend Jacob Duche --Rector of Christ Church and St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia -- opened the session with Morning Prayer. He also wrote a special prayer for the opening of Congress.
There were problems within the Anglican Clergy. They had taken an oath of allegiance to the Crown during their ordination and now the Colonies were at war with England. They became Loyalists, though were unwilling to admit it after the war. We can see that same type of behavior when exploring events here in Hackettstown. Prior to and during the Revolution, there was a tavern located on the corner of High and Main Streets in Hackettstown. The Tavern keeper was part of a counterfeit ring; he was apprehended, tried, convicted and sentenced to hang in Morristown. Four other members of the ring were later arrested. They plea-bargained and their sentences were commuted. The Tavern keeper's wife appealed to the county court for permission to take over the tavern license following the "sudden death of her husband", as the court records read. The plea was granted and descendant's of the Tavern keeper still live In Morristown. They decline to admit the truth, simply stating ".... we once had an excellent artist In the family."
Members of the clergy used various means to avoid violating their oaths of ordination; Thomas Bradbury went back to London and Adam Beach closed Christ Church in New Brunswick and didn't re-open it until the British had occupied that city. The clergy also voted to stop using the Book of Common Prayer, thereby excluding the prayers for the King and the royal family. They worked out a new Order for Worship which is similar to services conducted In Protestant churches today.
Where we had the First Continental Congress involved in the development of the United States, the Episcopal Church began with the General Convention of 1789. They adopted the Church Constitution which resulted in today's Constitution and Canons. They began holding Diocesan meetings and regional conventions.
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Acknowledgment The Ven. Sydney E. Grant The Rev. Arthur Wing III