|
The First Rector, the Rev. William A. McVickar, moved to Westchester from St. Peter's Church, Morristown, NJ at the encouragement of his father, the Rev. John McVickar, who taught at Columbia University and The General Theological Seminary. John built the rectory as a summer house, a place where he often entertained his friend, noted author and diplomat Washington Irving.
In 1852, Bishop Wainwright appointed William as a missionary to the Village of Dearman (now Irvington) and adjacent parts. He was also appointed Rector of Zion Church in Dobbs Ferry. The Chapel-School was officially dedicated on St. Barnabas Day, June 11, 1853.
In 1854 William became St. Barnabas' first rector, when the school venture ceased and the parish church of St. Barnabas began.
The church building was constructed from stone quarried on the former Rutter estate across from the church (the present location of Fieldpoint). The parish grew and prospered. The prominent (including well-known Irvington families such as Benjamin, Fargo, Hamilton, Jaffray, Merritt, Morgan, Schuyler, Sutterlee, and Worthington) as well as the poor, the happy and those bowed down with secret sorrows have worshipped since 1852 in the polished oak pews before the marble altar on this holy spot. The building and property have inspired and comforted thousands throughout the decades, but most precious of all has been the sense of community and acceptance which countless souls have found in the parish Church of St. Barnabas.
|
