The Ledger
~Ledger newsletter-Summer 2008 issue~
Comegys's family vault
A recent addition to our church archives is a letter relating to the construction of a family vault for Cornelius Comegys. Mr. Comegys served on the vestry of Christ Church from 1821-1828 and died in 1844 at age 86. Along with the receipt for the vault, we also received a copy of his autobiography which he wrote on July 4th, 1840. In the autobiography, Comegys details his life growing up in Maryland and tells of his military service during the Revolutionary War. He worked in the counting house of Willing, Morris and Stanwick. He also worked as clerk in the Treasury department. Cornelius was elected to the board of Health and served as its first president in 1806.
The family vault which is located in section K of the Burial Ground is 16 feet deep, and was built in 1833 and paid for in 1835. Cornelius's daughter and grandson died during childbirth in Sunbury, Pa. It was his hope to have his family buried together and decided to have a vault built in Philadelphia. Mr. Comegys paid $295. 07 to Christ Church sexton Robert Bringhurst for the vault.
100 year anniversary of the steeple fire
In May of 2008 as we celebrate the church repairs and fire safety project, we are thankful to all those who contributed money, time, and work to this preservation project. As we look toward the future, we should take a moment to reflect on the past and remember the brave work and dedication of the sexton and fire department who saved the church on May 22nd, 1908. During a severe thunderstorm around 5pm on a Friday afternoon, the steeple of Christ Church was struck twice by lightning. Part of the cupola, the base, and the upper end of the wooden spire crashed down onto the church proper. It was through the valiant efforts of the sexton and the Philadelphia fire department that the church and adjoining parish building were saved. During the fire, parts of the steeple also smashed down onto the gravestones below, causing damage to the marble ledger markers that are still visible today. In the vestry minutes, it is stated that the church honored the sexton, Joseph Head, with a token of their appreciation, made from some of the wood from the steeple. Mr. head was granted a leave of absence to rest from his over exertion. He was also given a financial reward to show their gratefulness. As a result of the fire, there was an even greater pressure put on the church and vestry to separate the church building from the adjoining parish house. This was one of the many reasons that led to the building of the Neighborhood House.
Did you Know That....there are craters on the Moon, named after two men buried in the Christ Church Burial Ground?
Mason Crater is named for Charles Mason (1728-1786) an astronomer who worked at the Royal Greenwich Observatory outside of London. He is famous as one of two surveyors who created the Mason-Dixon Line, which was used to resolve a border dispute between Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Mason-Dixon Line became the symbolic divide between the Northern and Southern states. Charles Mason is buried in an unknown location in the Christ Church Burial Ground.
Franklin Crater is named for scientist and founding father Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), who is buried with his wife and children in section A of the Burial Ground.
....But Not Forgotten
Matthew Pratt (1734-1805) He was a portrait painter who studied under the artist Benjamin West. Pratt opened a portrait painting shop in Philadelphia, his clients included many of the city's most prominent citizens. Pratt painted numerous signs for taverns and shops. His best known work is "The American School" which is featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. In 1764 Pratt escorted his cousin Betsy Shewell to England to marry Benjamin West. Her family in Philadelphia forbid the marriage, so a plot was devised for her to elope. Miss Shewell was assisted in her elopement plan with the help of Rev. William White, Francis Hopkinson and Benjamin Franklin. Matthew Pratt captures the marriage with his famous painting which is now on display in the Pennsylvania Academy of fie arts. Matthew Pratt died on January 10th 1805 and was buried in the Pratt family plot in the Christ Church Burial Ground.
Richard Thomson (1799-1824) He served as Consul for the United States to Canton, China. he is buried under a faded tombstone in section P of the Christ Church Burial Ground.
Peter Kurtz Sr. (1743-1816) He was the organist for Christ Church for forty one years. He is buried with his family in section G of the Burial Ground.
Footstones
Most people may not be aware that 2008 is the 300th birthday of Deborah Read Franklin. Two years ago there was much fanfare made of Mr. Franklin's 300th birthday, but much like the 4000 other people buried in our Burial Ground, Deborah's name is often lost in the shadow of Ben's legacy. Many people who visit the graveyard are surprised that Ben even had a wife. Of course, behind every great man is a great woman. Deborah cared for the Franklin home and business while Benjamin was traveling the world as a diplomat for our young Nation. When Ben and Deborah got together, it was Ben who joined her church. Deborah and her family had rented a pew at Christ Church for many years. When you visit the Franklin grave site at the Christ Church Burial Ground remember that plot was originally owned by Deborah's father John Read who died in 1724. During this year of Deborah's 300th birthday, let us take a moment to think of Deborah Read Franklin (1708-1774)
Upcoming events at the Burial Ground:
~Declaring Freedom: Slavery in Philadelphia tours- every hour on the hour, beginning in March 2008.
~History Hunts- Saturdays in July
~Fridays with Franklin-meet Ben Franklin Fridays from 1pm-3pm @ the Burial Ground, July 11th through September 5th.
~Yellow Fever Tours-Saturdays and Sundays, every half hour on the hour in August, September and October.
Food for meditation
Embraced inside the old brick walls at the corner of 5th and Arch street is a serene escape from our busy modern world. These historic two acres are ample food for meditation. Wandering among the gray, broken faded headstones is like dancing with the whispers of our past. Beyond the sound of coins being tossed on the grave of Benjamin Franklin, is the sound of the dreams, hopes, and desires of thousands of people whose names we may never know. Lost to the naked eye is the energy that can only be collected in a painting or song. Each day at the burial ground we celebrate and honor the lives of each and every person buried inside this very special and unique place.
-John Hopkins, Burial Ground Coordinator
The Ledger Newsletter was created in 2006 as a tribute to Benjamin Franklin on his 300th birthday. The Ledger is published four times a year and included in the Church's newsletter the Beacon, and can be picked up at the Burial Ground gift cart and in the Christ Church Tower Room.