On Sunday December 4th, I unlocked Christ Church for Sunday morning service, walked to the chancel, stepped up, and exclaimed thank you to a cold and empty church. A Hopish smile came over me as I realized how crazy I would seem to anyone who saw me.
I was thankful for the church vestry and the resolution they passed 150 years ago on December 4th, 1861. The resolution authorized Church Warden Edward Clark to create a book of every inscription on the existing graves in and around Christ Church and in the burying ground at 5th and Arch Streets. This three year project took place during the Civil War. I am so grateful for the book because in a sense this work that Clark produced has given me a profession. I understand how much harder my job would be without the 1864 inscription book.
One reason they decided to create a record of burial inscriptions was because that year, the city of Philadelphia needed to widen Church Alley, the street on the south side of the building, thus prompting the church to reinter the bodies and relocate the markers next to the church. Also, there was concern about the conditions of the markers and fear that the words once inscribed on them would be lost forever.
Even though it’s believed that over 5000 people are buried in our grounds, Clark was only able to find inscriptions for 1,400. It’s because of his passion and dedication that today, I am able to preserve the memory of those buried here whose names have been washed away by the hands of time. Clark also believed that the sale of his book would help to preserve the gravestones that already needed repairs in the 1860s. The preservation ideals that Clark held dear, we still value as our mission today.
I know that without the work of Clark, my job would be almost impossible, and I forever am grateful to him and the 1861 vestry. And I am always proud to send em a shout out, be it in an empty church on a December morning or out to you all in the computer world. It is because of Mr. Clark that today we continue to keep the memory of the dead alive in the hearts of the living.
By the way, the Burial Ground is closed in January and February.
Happy New Year!
Hop
I can't wait for groundhog day when that little bugger declares an extension of winter and I can exclaim, "No Spring!"
ReplyDeleteI think that I almost cried when I came across your Twitter account last night and then read this entire blog. I have a history of loving Philly, one that is way too long to share on here. Back in the spring of 2003, my high school choir was invited to sing in some competition in Philly at the Welcome Park & we also sang inside Christ Church. I've adored it since. My husband and I went for a visit in 2008 and the visit wasn't nearly long enough. I'm not religious but I prayed in the church for everything to be okay for our future (I strongly believe that I made a connection with George Washington & he's also watching over me!). It's definitely a due time for us to travel to Philly again, but we're in Florida now further away. Christ Church (and many other places in Philly) have just such a great place in my heart! The history is amazing. I bet your job is so cool being the grave keeper at an amazing historical place. Reading your blog, I know that you are crazily busy, but man.. I'd really love to hear more stories of yours regarding the graves, Philly and the church. Please contact me whenever you have time! Thanks :)
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