Anti Racism Training on Zoom
The Diocese of New Jersey’s Anti-Racism Ministry invites you to enroll in 20 hours of Anti-Racism Training streamed to your computer, tablet or mobile phone. This training takes an historical
The Right Revered Paul Matthew and his private chapel at ‘Merwick’
by Canon Cynthia McFarland
Archivist and Historiographer of the Diocese of New Jersey
In a longish Anglican life, I’ve had occasion to take part in all manner of services found in all manner of authorised Anglican prayer books. But until recently, I had never participated in a service of deconsecration or, as the Book of Occasional Services* has it, ‘Secularizing a Consecrated Building’.
The consecrated building is question is a private chapel in Princeton, New Jersey, part of what was once the Episcopal residence. ‘Merwick’, the name given to the rather vast house built in 1895, served for a brief period as housing for Princeton post-graduate students. In 1918, it was purchased by the Right Reverend Paul Matthews, then Bishop of New Jersey, as his home.
Bishop Matthews was wealthy in his own right, but became more so by his marriage to Elsie Procter, granddaughter of the founder of Procter and Gamble. Elected bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey in 1915, Paul Matthews and his family — four daughters and a son — moved into Merwick after a few uncongenial years in industrial Trenton in the first years of his episcopate.
Alas, Harriet, a bright, lovely, and sweet-natured middle daughter (who seems to have been something of her father’s favourite) died tragically of blood poisoning at Merwick, a few days after her seventeenth birthday in December 1922. Within a year, her father had built and consecrated a private chapel, writing a series of prayers to be used there, all invoking Harriet by name.
The chapel was a lovely one. The reredos, rood, crucifix, and all the carving were fashioned by an admired wood carver in Philadelphia and the twelve windows by a well-known Pennsylvania designer, Valentine d’Ogries. The oratory was well used: In a 1924 journal, the bishop indicates he celebrated Holy Communion there 62 times in a year — and only 29 times in diocesan services.
Although Bishop Matthews resigned as bishop in 1937 at age 70, he remained owner of the house until his death in 1954. After that, Merwick and its nine acres served as a nursing and long-term care home. The chapel was used from time to time for services by visiting Episcopal clergy. But in 2010 the nursing home has moved to new-built quarters beyond Princeton and the University had bought the house and grounds. Merwick and its chapel are to be demolished. The altar, reredos, rood and crucifix, furnishing, fittings and windows will be carefully removed and stored or relocated to churches in the diocese. But all else will come down.
And so it was, before the first strike of the wrecking ball, that 12 people found themselves in the chapel at Merwick, participating in brief service of secularisation led by the ninth Bishop of New Jersey.
What does it mean to ‘secularize’ or deconsecrate? There is disagreement about that and difference amongst the practice of it†. In the Church of England, the deconsecration of a parish church seems to be more a political matter than a theological one. (It requires an Act of Parliament to secularise a parish church, which seems to clearly indicate that in this matter there is a strong Erastian position taken.) The Church of Rome appears to have no particular liturgy, but assumes that when the altar and tabernacle are removed from a church building, there is a de facto deconsecration. The Episcopal Church in the USA is rare in the Anglican Communion in having a formal liturgy.
We who are gathered here know that this building, which has been consecrated and set apart for the ministry of God’s holy Word and Sacraments, will no longer be used in this way, but will be used for other purposes.
To many of you this building has been hallowed by cherished memories, and we know that some will suffer a sense of loss. We pray that they will be comforted by the knowledge that the presence of God is not tied to any place or building.
The Altar will soon be removed and protected from desecration.
It is the intention of the diocese that the congregation which worshiped here will not be deprived of the ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Let the bishop’s Declaration of Secularization now be read.
The fate of churches after they cease being places of prayer and sacrament varies widely, from crumbling, picturesque ruins to urban nightclubs. (Even if a holy space is returned to secular use, the idea of nightclubbers within it still makes us squirm a bit.)
In the case of Merwick Chapel, the very building will vanish, so the enclosed space itself will be gone, the ground to be built over eventually with some other edifice. This seems the best solution, if one has a choice, which one rarely does. The very air contained within the walls, suffused with prayers and petitions, is released to the atmosphere. Whatever was marked and delineated by walls and ceiling — whatever we call ‘sacred space’ — is unbounded and released.
In his poem ‘Church Going’, Philip Larkin comments about a forlorn church building
A serious house on serious earth it is,
In whose blent air all our compulsions meet,
Are recognized, and robed as destinies.
And that much never can be obsolete
And that much can never be deconsecrated.
†One can find lively discussions about the whole business on the internet.
Note: This article originally appeared in Anglicans Online on Sunday, 8 May 2011.
Fill out the simple form below and we will be in touch as soon as possible!
The Diocese of New Jersey’s Anti-Racism Ministry invites you to enroll in 20 hours of Anti-Racism Training streamed to your computer, tablet or mobile phone. This training takes an historical
“Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10) Our world is complex and it can be overwhelming and our thoughts can sometimes be scattered. Where is God in
GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. Our group is led by caring people who have
A chance for the Diocese to come together to discuss current issues, share fellowship, worship, and work together on challenges facing us today. Register in advance for this meeting: https://bit.ly/LayTownHall
Con el apoyo de la Comisión Latina Diocesana, nos complace invitarlos a un taller en el salón parroquial de la Iglesia Episcopal de Holy Trinity, South River, para los miembros
By the Grace of God and with the People consenting,the Right Reverend William Hallock Stokes, D.D.,Twelfth Bishop of New Jerseywill ordain Matthew McDermottDaphne Patricia RobertsRocco Michaelangelo ShermanKevin Joel ThompsonJane Carol Mary
The first Sunday in May is ECS Sunday, a day when we come together as a diocese to celebrate our common mission of service and reconciliation in the Diocese of New Jersey and lift up our witness to justice and peace.
A special evening prayer service for healing and gospel justice and in recognition of Bishop Stokes’ strong support For racial justice ministries. 'Til Earth and Heaven Ring—Let us bow our
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY https://bit.ly/EfMInfo On Wednesday, May 10, we will have two information sessions on Zoom—at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.—to learn more about a new online Education for Ministry
Meet with fellow veterans, share coffee and conversation, and discuss issues. All veterans are welcome.
and Choir Camp Evensong The 2023 Class of Honorary Canons of Trinity Cathedral will be installed on May 13 at 4:00 p.m. Join us in person at Trinity Cathedral on
Confirmation is an important rite of passage for those seeking full membership in the Episcopal Church. It's important that we're able to gather as a Diocese to celebrate the commitment
“Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10) Our world is complex and it can be overwhelming and our thoughts can sometimes be scattered. Where is God in
“Be still and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10) Our world is complex and it can be overwhelming and our thoughts can sometimes be scattered. Where is God in
Standing Committee on Clerical Compensation Meeting Join Zoom Meeting
Topic: Deans’ Meeting Time: Every month on the Third Thursday 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your
Please join us Sr. Dolly from the Cinnaminson Meditation Center and Mel Caron of Christ Church come together in an inter-spiritual workshop to share the practices of Raj Yoga and
CHORAL EVENSONG at All Saints’ Church Sunday, May 21 at 5:00 PM for the Feast of the Ascension Kevin O'Malia, Music Director Mark Laubach, organist Parish Choir of All Saints
Hear how thankfulness shapes year round prayer, fun and giving in parishes across our Diocese... and how it might in your's too.
Meet with fellow veterans, share coffee and conversation, and discuss issues. All veterans are welcome.
Visit our Farmers Market on Thursdays in our church parking lot to purchase your farm fresh produce, pick-up dinner from visiting food trucks & food vendors, shop for new crafts
Visit our Farmers Market on Thursdays, from June 1-Sept. 7, 2-6:30 PM on the paved parking lot of St. Andrew's Church, 121 High St., in historic Mt. Holly. For inclement
A chance for clergy of the Diocese to come together to discuss current issues, share fellowship, worship, and work together on challenges facing us today. Register in advance for this
A chance for the Diocese to come together to discuss current issues, share fellowship, worship, and work together on challenges facing us today. Register in advance for this meeting: https://bit.ly/LayTownHall
Come celebrate Baccalaureate with Bishop Stokes for the last time! We will pray for graduates of all ages and their families, and honor the recipients of diocesan awards and scholarships.
Your story is currently being submitted to our moderator for review. You will be redirected when your story is successfully submitted!