The Story of St. Mary's-by-the-Sea is so much a record of love and devotion, not only among its own members, but among churchmen and churchwomen throughout the country, and its beautiful completeness has been made possible by so many gifts from all quarters that it is in a spirit of deep thankfulness to Him through Whom all good gifts come, that this little story of beginnings is written, as a permanent record of those whose generous gifts and faithful service have in so large a way contributed to its history.

The story must begin with the history of the Guild, for the Guild has been from the first the nurturing mother of the little church. The Guild of St. Mary's was organized on February 18, 1886. Its constitution and by-laws were adopted the following month, March 25, on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, whose name had been chosen for the association. The meeting for organization was held at the home of Mrs. Page, on the corner of Fountain and Ocean Avenues. By unanimous vote of the Guild it was decided that the object of its work should be to raise a fund for the erection of a chapel in Pacific Grove, and the Secretary was instructed to write to the Bishop of the Diocese, communicating to him the existence of the Guild and placing it under his pastoral care. 

The first officers were Mrs. J. M. Page, President; Mrs. Fred May, Vice-President; Mrs. E. F. Esterbrook, Treasurer; and Miss Helen E. Reed, Secretary. The first regular meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Dills, one of the earliest and most faithful church workers in the Grove. For more than two years she walked every Sunday morning from her home on Fifteenth Street, in this city, to St. James Church, Monterey, to conduct a Sunday School at a time when there was no priest in charge and very few people to give her any encouragement or financial support.

Naturally she looked for, and received, both from the Guild. The President, Mrs. Page, opened this first meeting with a collect and the Lord's Prayer. Selections from the "Spirit of Missions" were read, and the afternoon was spent in work and in discussing the hoped for chapel.  

They met; they worked; they prayed; they used their influence; they proved their faith that it was built on foundations of which Jesus Christ was the chief corner stone.

During the summer the Pacific Improvement Company, largely through the efforts of Miss Helen Reed, donated a lot, 75x100 ft., valued at $2,500, on Central Avenue and Twelfth Street, to be used for church purposes.

In the fall of that year the Rev. J. Fred Holmes was appointed Missionary in Charge, at Pacific Grove and Monterey, in addition to his work in Salinas. Mr. Holmes was a remarkable man, possessing a genuine talent and great personal magnetism. To his enthusiastic efforts, perseverance and indefatigable energy, and to the steady faith and prayers of the first members of the Guild we owe, under the blessing of God, the original church, begun in April, 1887, a year after the organization of the Guild, and completely finished, furnished and ready for the opening service on the following July 10th, THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING in Pacific Grove.

The interior was finished in natural woods: pine, cedar, redwood and walnut, polished and varnished.  

No church has ever been more fortunate in its gifts than St. Mary's.

To the fine generosity of Mr. Lucius D. Stone at that time a resident in the Grove, the church was indebted for the bell, the furniture of the Chancel, the crimson carpet, and the first reed organ. The upholstering was presented by "a friend."

The Chancel rail, in oak and bronze, was given by Grace Episcopal Church, San Francisco. The Credence Table was given by Mrs. Kelly. The memorial Altar Cross and vases of polished brass and the velvet dossal curtain were presented by Mrs. Eliza J. Nagle of Denver, Colorado, in memory of her mother. The brass Altar desk was donated by Mrs. Mary H. Morgan of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The beautiful Italian Marble Font, and the first red morocco Prayer Book were given by Mrs. A. A. Taft of New York City. The Bible was the gift of Mrs. Van Mehr of San Francisco. The Communion Service and the necessary Altar linen were donated through Mrs. Lawver, by the Woman's Auxiliary of San Francisco. St. Mary's Guild gave two handsome portiers, and a Prayer Book and Hymnal in purple morocco. 

All these gifts were in place for the opening service, July 10th, 1887, at which the following bishops and other clergy officiated: Bishop Kip, then very feeble; Bishop Wingfield, Rev. J. Fred Holmes, and the Revs. E. B. Spaulding, William Neals and E. B. Church of San Francisco, and Revs. H. D. Lathrop and Hobart Chetwood of Oakland. In a short address, Bishop Kip told us of his first visit to Monterey, thirty years before - in 1857 - when there were not more than twenty English-speaking people living in the city, and only one Episcopalian family. He held a service in the Hall of Legislature, and baptized one and confirmed one. Bishop Winfield, on July 10th, preached to a crowded congregation. Baptism was administered in the afternoon, and Dr. Lathrop preached in the evening. On of the first weddings was one long to be remembered, not so much because of the wealth and social position of the contracting parties as for the generous gifts that came to the parish in later years.

In the winter of 1889, Miss Harriet Hammond of Chicago came with her aunt to spend some weeks at Del Monte, and attended the services at St. Mary's. She was engaged at the time to Cyrus H. McCormick, also of Chicago. She was so charmed with the beauty and environment of our little church that she decided to give up the fashionable wedding planned for the spring, in Chicago, and be married here.

A party of forty relatives and friends was brought out in a private car and entertained for two weeks at Del Monte. On Sunday, March 4th, 1890, the fiancés partook of the Holy Communion, and on Monday, at high noon, were married by their own rector from Chicago, assisted by Mr. Holmes. Our white silk Altar hangings were embroidered in England for the occasion, and were presented by the bride to the church. One month from that day the first funeral was held in St. Mary's. It was that of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes.

In the summer of 1890, Rev. John Bakewell, D. D., officiated in St. Mary's for a period of three months, during which time the church debt was canceled. Mrs. A. A. Taft of New York City, who held the last note against the Guild, generously donated the amount, thus making the property free from all encumbrances, and the building was consecrated by Bishop Nichols, August 27th, 1890.

The Rev. C. S. Fackenthall took charge of the work in October, 1890, and very soon after his arrival, steps were taken by the Guild toward building a Rectory. Mr. Fackenthall planned a most comfortable ten-roomed house. Its cost, owing to the careful supervision of Mr. Fackenthall and the cheapness of labor at the time, was only $2,000, $1,000 of which was carried by the Guild as indebtedness.

About this time, Miss Helen Reed, who from her childhood had been drawn toward consecration to Church Service, and whose tireless zeal had connected her so closely with St. Mary's since its very inception, offered herself as a candidate for the office and work of a Deaconess, under the Cannon of the General Convention. She passed through two years of patient reparation, and at a beautiful service in St. Stephen's, San Francisco, she became, as "Sister Helen," the first Deaconess in the Diocese of California. She entered immediately into her work under the direction of Bishop Nichols. After only six weeks of devoted service in the mission and city hospitals she took a sever cold late in December, and was brought to her mother's home in Pacific Grove.

Her death occurred on the morning of April 2nd, 1894. The Bishop, assisted by Mr. Fackenthall, officiated at the burial service on the afternoon of the 4th. Clad in her habit and surrounded by the flowers that she loved, her body rested for a brief hour in the little church to which she had been so devoted in life, and was then followed by sorrowing friends to the Cemetery near the Lighthouse, where

Mr. Fackenthall, commemorating her services, regarded her work in St. Mary's Parish, all completed before her ordination, as the great achievement of her life. He said, "To her, more than to any other individual, belong the glory and honor of having begun the work of the church in this community." "Confident in the righteousness of her hopes she persevered, never losing faith or courage, ever a source of comfort and encouragement to her fellow workers * * * she organized the Sunday School, and for months before the church was built, its meetings were held in her home.

"She selected and, through the Pacific Improvement Company, secured the land upon which the church stands. She chose the name by which the building will ever be known. For years it was her pleasure to care for the ornaments, vessels and vestments of this sanctuary, serving in that reverent and humble spirit which should characterize those who stand before God's Holy Altar."

On April 5th, 1893, Miss Margaret Tennant cancelled the $300 indebtedness remaining on the Rectory, and it was decided to build a much needed Parish House.

Mr. Fackenthall has instrumental in acquiring from the Pacific Improvement Company a third gift of ground extending to Thirteenth Street, to complete the block. The style of building called for careful consideration, as it must necessarily be larger than the church, yet architecturally subordinated to it. The architect, Mr. Potter of New York City, brother of Bishop Potter, suggested the low Moorish design which was adopted. Messrs. Coxhead and Coxhead of San Francisco, architects of St. John's Chapel, Del Monte, and of the "John Tennant Memorial Home," furnished the plans and specifications, and the building was erected under the supervision of Mr. Abraham Lee. There was immediate need of money, and again Miss Tennant, with unfailing generosity, offered $1,000 in memory of her beloved brother, John Tennant, who was the first warden of St. Mary's. This gift paid for the actual building, but, with the exception of the Guild room, it remained unfinished for several years. It was finally plastered and furnished by the Guild, Miss Tennant donating 100 chairs.

On our twenty-third anniversary, July 1910, Bishop Nichols unveiled a handsome brass tablet, placed to the memory of Margaret Tennant, upon the walls of the church.

In February, 1896, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus McCormick crossed the continent to revisit the little church where they had pledged their mutual vows.

There, in gratitude, they laid upon the Altar the money for seven gifts in token of seven happy years, and designated what those gifts were to be:

• La Farge opalescent glass for all the windows except the memorial Altar window.

• A basement excavated under the church.

• The grading of Twelfth Street where it borders on church property.

• The repainting of the church.

• A furnace in the basement.

• New prayer-books and hymnals for all the pews.

• Electric lights for Church, Parish House and Rectory.

Previous to their coming, a fund of $500 had been raised through the efforts of Mrs. Jenny M. Page, to pay for the memorial window above the Altar in memory of "Sister Helen," the first Deaconess. It was designed and executed by Bruce Porter of San Francisco, who spent some days in the Grove that he might embody the local characteristics and coloring. Miss Reed named the Church, and years ago had suggested a picture of the Annunciation as most appropriate for the Altar window, little dreaming that it would eventually be placed there in memory of herself. It is most beautiful at the hour of vesper service, when the soft light of declining day brings out the design in surpassing loveliness.

A branch of our swaying pine trees forms the background for the head of the virgin, as she listens to the words of the radiant angel kneeling before her and extending a spray of Annunciation lilies. She is seated on a rock beside the sea, a fleur de-lis blossoming at her feet. We discover a suggestion of breakers, and beyond, the deep blue of the bay loses itself in the soft tints of the distant mountains, up to the glow of the opalescent clouds.

Mr. Porter also designed, under Mr. McCormick's direction, the side windows, and the beautiful lily window over the font, which is a special memorial of happy married life.

Mr. Fackenthall served as priest in charge for eight and one-half years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Hobart Chetwood, who gave to the work here the last eight years of his long and consecrated life. A brass tablet unveiled in April, 1907, bears the following inscription:

In Memory of
Rev. Hobart Chetwood
1831-1906
In Holy Orders 52 years and Pastor
of this Church 8 years.

"Gentle, winning and strong in his ministry,
thoughtful and scholarly in the Word of god,
he was an example for all."

He was succeeded by the Rev. G. M. Cutting. To receive Mr. Cutting's family, the Guild repaired and redecorated the Rectory. Under his able and zealous leadership St. Mary's became a parish in the summer of 1907. Up to that time it had been a Mission, though never receiving financial aid from the Diocesan Board. During his rectorship the Church grounds were graded and laid out under the supervision of Mr. Lee, landscape gardener of Del Monte. 

To Mr. Cutting we are indebted for our vested choir which has added so much to the beauty and dignity of the services. The brass Processional Cross was given by Mrs. Leighton, in memory of her father, Paris Kilburn, Miss Morgan and Miss Lowe also gave, at this time, the beautiful violet hangings for Chancel and Sanctuary. 

During Mr. Cutting's incumbency the Guild gave a Parish Supper to which every member of the Church was requested to come and bring all the children. Bishop Nichols was with us, and it was for this occasion, the 21st Anniversary of the first service, that this "story" was written and read. It was afterwards published in the St. Mary's-by-the-Sea edition of the Pacific Churchman, and republished in booklet form after the enlargement of the Church in Mr. Molony's time. 

Mr. Cutting was succeeded in October, 1909, by the Rev. Edward H. Molony. I quote from Mr. Molony's annual address, December 5th, 1911. "It is two years and two months tonight since I arrived in Pacific Grove. They have been eventful years, and I am grateful for your loyal co-operation. You have upheld my hands and encouraged my work, and God has greatly blessed us. Our congregations have increased; our Communicant roll, 118 two years ago, is now over 180. Thirty have been confirmed, of whom nineteen were confirmed this year. Every assessment has been paid in full. * * *

The number of services in the year, including Del Monte and Carmel (a Mission started by the Rector), is in the neighborhood of two hundred and ninety, excluding Sunday Schools addressed and Confirmation lectures. I do not believe there is a busier parish in the diocese, and of this I am proud. It is with great pleasure that the work of enlarging the Church has been accomplished while we have retained all the hallowed and external features of this most attractive parish property." 

It had become evident, under Mr. Molony's pastorate, that the church must be enlarged. Mr. Lewis P. Hobart, architect of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, most generously drew the plans (and presented them to the church) that enlarged St. Mary's one-third in its seating capacity and added a commodious Chancel and Sanctuary, an organ loft, and enlarged Sacristy without in any way affecting the harmonious lines of the beloved building. The alterations were made in the summer of 1911, at a total cost of $6,202,35.

Through the efforts of our Rector, almost $4,500 was raised: over $3,000 was given by the parishioners; Mr. F. W. Ellis, one of the Vestrymen, raised $300 in additional parish subscriptions.

We borrowed $1,500 from the Randolph Fund which was paid in three yearly payments. The same summer a three-thousand-dollar pipe organ was given by Mr. James H. Parke and Miss Sarah Parke, in memory of their father, Hervey Coke Parke, a devoted churchman of Detroit, Michigan. It is a two-manuel organ of beautiful tone, constructed by the Austin Organ Company, and embodying the latest devices. It was presented at the service of dedication and consecrated at the reopening of the Church, February 4th, 1912, in the following words:

To the Rt. Rev. William Ford Nichols, D. D., Bishop of California.

Rt. Rev. Father in God.

"In memory of a loyal and devoted son of the Church, who loved her services and her music, we gratefully present to this Church, St. Mary's-by-the-Sea, through you, our beloved Bishop, this pipe organ; with gratitude to our Heavenly Father that we are privileged to do so, we humbly present this memorial of our revered father, and pray that on him may Light Perpetual shine."

The Bishop consecrated, at the same time, a fine electric star presented by Mrs. Trilley in memory of her husband, the late Admiral Joseph Trilley, U.S.N. Later, Mrs. Trilley gave the cruets used in the Communion Service, and a handsome Alms-basin for the Offerings. The enlarging of the Church brought many other gifts. Mr. William H. Crocker and his sister, Mrs. C. B. Alexander, gave the sum of one thousand dollars. Mrs. Alexander also gave a memorial window in memory of her brother, George Crocker. Mrs. Theodore Deming, besides being a liberal subscriber to the building fund, furnished the enlarged Sacristy, and Miss Ella Deming, President of the Altar Guild, presented a new set of white and gold Altar hangings, 3 silk chalice veils and many pieces of beautiful linen.

Mrs. Deming entered into rest in 1923. On All Saints Day, 1925, the Altar Prayer Book of red morocco was consecrated by Rev. W. H. G. Battershill in her memory. It bears the following inscription:

"To the Glory of God, and in memory of CHARLOTTE CHILDS DEMING, given by six sisters,

Etta E. Olmsted,	Ina H. Davis,
Mary D. Schwan,	Ella Deming,
Margaret D. Molony,	Mabel D. Hobart."

Mrs. H. B. Warner of Del Monte was instrumental in raising the money that paid for a new piano for the use of the Sunday School. The expense of the new porch, $300, which was not included in the building contract, was assumed by the Rector; it was paid by Mrs. B. L. Hollenbeck, Miss Ella Deming, Mrs. Cyrus H. McCormick of Chicago, Mr. T. J. Arundel of London, England, and Mr. W. H. Smith of St. Louis, Mo. Mrs. Hollenbeck's name is closely connected with St. Mary's-by-the-Sea: one of its earliest workers and many times President of the Guild, her undaunted courage and steadfast faith, and her ready financial aid, brought the little Church triumphantly through many discouragements. Mr. and Mrs. James Parke and Miss Sarah Parke, donors of the organ, have, for a series of years made generous donations to the growing needs of the Parish.

Mrs. Matilda Victoria (D. B.) Fifield passed to the higher life in 1927. She left a generous bequest to St. Mary's in the gift of one thousand dollars, which will be used as a nucleus of an endowment fund for the church, and an additional gift of five hundred dollars for a "Memorial."

In the summer of 1913, Mr. Molony left us to assist Bishop Rowe in his work in Alaska. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis G. Williams, who ministered to us most acceptably for more than two years, when, at the earnest solicitation of his college friend, Bishop Sandford, he went to take charge of Mission work in Fresno.

In September, 1915, Mr. and Mrs. McCormick and their son made a second visit to the Church. They left a donation of over $1,600.00, which was used for laying concrete walks on and in front of Church property on Twelfth Street, and for putting a new roof and other improvements on the Rectory and the Parish House. In March, 1915, Mr. Williams consecrated the very beautiful silken flag which is used in all our services. It was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Pryor in memory of their son, Fritz.

After Mr. Williams left, for over a year the Church was without a settled Pastor. Some months of the interval were filled by the ministrations of the Rev. G. M. Dorwart of Carmel. In January, 1918, he consecrated two memorial windows, the gift of Mrs. Nettie J. Case of Denver, Colorado, in memory of her sister, Mrs. Emily Jenison Dills, and her co-worker, Mrs. Jennie Miriam Page, the founders of St. Mary's Guild. Mr. Dorwart also consecrated our Memorial Service flag and its commemorative vases, which were presented by members of the congregation during the years of the great war. More than one-third of those who volunteered, or were called from Pacific Grove, were from St. Mary's, and four out of the five who died were of our membership. 

Shortly after peace was declared, the Vestry of St. Mary's was instructed to prepare a suitable memorial in their honor. The design chosen was prepared by Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Lewis. He was the maker of the cross, which is of heavy plate brass, gold plated; the aurora is of the same material, silver plated; and the four stars of solid gold. On the highest step at the base of the Cross are the names of our four girls who went "over seas." On the middle step is engraved the inscription: "A memorial to the departed, and a thank offering for those who returned." 

On the lowest step are the names of our twenty-nine "boys," standing as a guard of honor to all above them. Captain Henry Henley Chapman, Captain John Porter Pryor and Harold Weaver Meadows were killed in action on the field of France. Admiral Chauncey Thomas died from disease contracted during arduous service in training-camps here in America. The design of the Memorial Cross, and the labor in its production were the thank offering of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.

In the spring of 1921, the bodies of Captain Chapman and of Captain Pryor were brought home from France. That of Captain Chapman was buried in the beautiful Cemetery at West Point on the Hudson; that of Captain Pryor was laid to rest in the National Cemetery at Arlington on the Potomac. In August, 1921, the body of Harold March Meadows was brought home to Pacific Grove, and a Military funeral was held at the Church. The citizens were requested by the Mayors of Monterey and Pacific Grove to close their places of business during the hour of the solemn and impressive burial service.

In 1918, Rev. Ernest Bradley came to take charge of the Parish. He remained with us about two years. He prepared and presented the last class that Bishop Nichols confirmed in St. Mary's. During the service the Bishop consecrated the eucharistic candlesticks which were given by Mrs. Chapman in memory of her husband, Capt. William H. H. Chapman. Mr. Bradley consecrated the seven-branched candlesticks used on festival days, which he presented to the church in memory of a former beloved parishioner.

In the spring of 1921, Mr. McCormick again visited St. Mary's-by-the-Sea.

This time he came alone. After his return to Chicago he sent us a picture of his beloved wife, which hangs over the Mantel in the Guild Room where it will always be tenderly cherished by the members of the little church she loved. He also generously furnished funds for the repainting of the Church, the Rectory and the Parish House, and later he sent the Harriet McCormick Memorial window and a reproduction of the beautiful white silk Altar hangings. The original set was the gift of Mrs. McCormick after use at their wedding in 1889.

Mr. Bradley was succeeded in 1920 by the Rev. W. H. G. Battershill, who was with us as a beloved Pastor for six years, during which time the growth of the Church was steadily increasing and the "Nation-wide-Campaign" infused new life and vigor into our membership. When, in 1926, Mr. Battershill responded to the call to a wider field of responsibility and usefulness, the Rev. Hamilton Lee took charge of the Church and, in spite of advancing years, was able to conduct the Lenten Services most acceptably.

In May, 1926, the Rev. Albert E. Clay brought to the Parish a consecration and spiritual uplift that is felt by every member of his congregation. Never was St. Mary's-by-the-Sea in a more prosperous and hopeful condition.

We have a faithful branch of the Women's Auxiliary which was organized August 31st, 1911, under the enthusiastic leadership of Mrs. Theodore Smith, its first President. It has done notable work, and its influence and helpfulness, in connection with that of the Guild, has been far-reaching. Many generous boxes for Alaska and for the Home Missions have been packed in the Parish House. The Guild is now, as it has always been from the beginning, the right hand of the Rector in all matters pertaining to the interests of the Church.

Members of St. Mary's-by-the-Sea who have come to Pacific Grove during the last five, ten, or fifteen years, have found here an artistic, beautiful little Church; a comfortable Rectory; a large, convenient Parish House. They must have been pleased - probably they were surprised - but to the few living, who recall the early days of hopes and discouragements, of trials and uncertainties, it all looks like a miracle!

"This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes." So in these days of fulfillment, the early workers who were instrumental in establishing an Episcopal Church in this city are gratefully remembered. Mrs. Jenny M. Page; Mrs. Emily J. Dills' Mrs. Esterbrook; Mrs. William P. Raymond - five times President of the Guild; Miss Helen Reed and her mother, Mrs. Thomas; Mrs. H. E. Kent; Miss Flora Kingsley; Miss Margaret Tennant; Mrs. Murdoch; Mrs. Hamilton; Mrs. Anderson, and others, are women to whom the very Church itself is a monument.

"Men may come, and men may go;
But the women work on forever."

Only the Recording Angel can write the spiritual history of St. Mary's-by-the-Sea. What does such a church stand for in the community? What yearnings for a better life have here found encouragement and answer! What willing hearts have been instructed, how many desolate and afflicted ones have been comforted! How many weary ones have found peace!

Precious infants and children have been brought to its Font for baptism. The young, the middle-aged and the old have felt the Bishop's hands laid upon their heads in the Confirmation blessing. The famished have been fed from the Living Bread that came down from heaven. Happy hearts have been united in the beautiful marriage service, and over our beloved dead we have heard the words of Christ and the Apostles, that we sorrow not, as those without hope, for our dear ones who have been taken from our earthly vision into the rest that remaineth for the people of God.

[Mrs. Nagle's narrative ends at this point.]

The ten years (1926-1936) that Mr. Clay was rector of St. Mary's-by-the-Sea were years of growth, marked not only by the continued spiritual development of the parish, but by the rehabilitation of the entire physical plant as well. One has but to count off the years to note the constant list of additions and improvements.

 

1927	Matilda Fifield bequeathed $1,000 to the endowment fund and $400 for a memorial window in the Church. A gas furnace was installed in the Parish House by Mr. William G. Stubbs.
1928	An acousticon was installed in the Church. All the buildings were repainted green. The spire was covered with asbestos shingles. A new cross was placed on the spire. The rectory porch was enclosed with glass, and a breakfast room and inside cellar stairs added.
1929	Easter Day. New white altar hangings, the gift of Cyrus McCormick, replacing those given by him at his wedding many years before, were dedicated. An oil furnace was installed in the rectory, the gift of Maria T. Hunt. Two gas furnaces were installed in the basement of the church, replacing an old furnace.
1930	A new Church School room for the younger pupils was built at the rear of the Parish House, complete with light and heat, at a cost of $1,150.00.
1931	A bequest from the estate of Eliza Jarvis Nagle of $600 was received by the Guild and Auxiliary as an endowment.
1932	A bequest from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Few of $2,000, part of which was to be used for two memorial windows, and a bequest from the Rev. Hamilton Lee for $1,000 to be added to the endowment fund were received.
1933	$800 was spent to repair and renew the underpinnings of the Church which termites had destroyed, $200 of this being paid for by Cyrus McCormick, life-long friend of St. Mary's.
1934	$800 was received as a bequest from the estate of Frederick D. Ballard. In May, on the resignation of the Rev. Dr. William Heagerty, M. D., vicar of St. James, Monterey, the congregation of St. James voted unanimously to unite with the congregation of St. Mary's and to discontinue services in St. James. St. Mary's gained some splendid, generous church members in this transfer. In October the kitchen of the Parish House was enlarged at a cost of $600, and Mr. William H. Ten Eyck gave the new concrete steps to the rectory.
1935	The Fifield and Few memorial windows were installed. The Rector and Mrs. Clay moved into the lovely home at 105 Fifth Street, Pacific Grove, provided for their use during their lifetime by Miss Sarah C. Parke.
1936	$500 was received from the estate of Lucy Chase for the use of St. Mary's. $850 was given by Mr. and Mrs. James H. Parke for the rebuilding of the organ given by Mr. Parke and Miss Sarah Parke in 1911. The rectory was completely renovated at a cost of over $1,300. The Parish House was renovated by the Guild at a cost of $500.

Few men in any ten years of their ministry have accomplished as much as Mr. Clay did in the years just reviewed. And while the items listed seem to deal only with the material additions to the Church, these material additions were only forthcoming because St. Mary's-by-the-Sea had endeared itself to the hearts of many who found in her ministry of praise and worship a firm rock and anchorage for their spiritual lives. Thus when in 1936 Mr. Clay reached the retiring age and asked to be relieved of duty that he might spend, with Mrs. Clay, his remaining years among his friends in Pacific Grove, the entire community paid him their respect and voiced their pleasure that the Clays would continue in residence in the community.

On September 1, 1936, the Vestry, on the recommendation of Mr. Clay and with the consent of the Bishop, called the Rev. Charles R. Greenleaf, then Curate at the Church of St. Matthew, San Mateo, as rector, the first rector of St. Mary's-by-the-Sea to have been born and raised within the Diocese of California.

During the first year of Mr. Greenleaf's rectorship, the Parish reached her fiftieth anniversary, the first service in the completed church having been on Sunday, July 10, 1887. In preparation for this event, the Vestry decided that the church property should be put in first class condition. As much as had already been done, there were still a few things essential. In December, the Vestry reroofed the Parish House at a cost of over $600. The Church School paid for new steps to the Parish House, while the Guild enlarged and modernized the wash room. In March of 1937, $500 (which had been promised to St. Mary's by Cyrus McCormick before his death in 1936 if and when the Parish raised additional funds for the Golden Jubilee) was received from the executors of Mr. McCormick's estate. 

Thus the man who in 1889 had chartered a special train to bring his wedding party from Chicago to Pacific Grove that he might be married in the little Church among the pines helped, even in death, to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the church which he so loved. To his $500 was added nearly $1,500 more by the members of the congregation. With this sum, the roof of the church was recovered in June, all the buildings again repainted green, the republishing of this history made possible, and with a few other trifling repairs, the entire church plant was put in such good condition as to need little or no attention for several years to come.

In January of 1937 Sarah C. Parke, for over twenty-five years a devoted member of St. Mary's, passed away. To the Church which she had loved so long and well, she left a trust fund of $10,000, the income to go for the current expenses of the Parish. On St. Mark's Day, a beautiful red dossal, given in memory of Miss Parke by the Guild, and a fair linen cloth given in memory of Annie Byrd Hammock, long a faithful communicant, were dedicated.

St. Mary's reaches her fiftieth year as an integrated family. Her young people in the Church School and the Junior and Senior Choirs, her many faithful women in Guild and Auxiliary whose interests and influence are felt both in the Parish and in the Diocese, her men who serve on the Vestry, and all the others whose loyalty to The Christ through membership in the Church bring them together frequently for the breaking of the bread of Holy Communion and for the prayer and praise of the other services - all of these in the joy of common membership and service in a common cause form that Christian family which is known as Saint Mary's-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove.

THE VESTRY - 1937

Mr. Charles S. Olmsted	Senior Warden
Mr. James H. Parke	Junior Warden
Mr. Frank E. Wood	Treasurer
Mr. George W. Eckhardt	Clerk
Col. James I. Mabee
Dr. C. E. Balzarini
Mr. Francis Lester

 

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE COMMITTEE

The Rector, Charles R. Greenleaf
Mr. Charles S. Olmsted	For the Vestry
Mr. James H. Parke	For the Vestry
Miss Helen Davis	For the Auxiliary
Mrs. William O'Donnell	For the Auxiliary
Mrs. William G. Morrison	For the Parish
Miss Mary Yates	For the Parish
Mrs. Charles S. Fackenthall	For the Parish
Mr. Charles K. Tuttle	For the Parish
Mr. Fred Meagher	For the Teaching Staff
Mr. Dick Chivers	For the Church School
Miss Helen Buttle	For the Church School

 

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE-1937

Saturday, July the tenth
3 to 5 p. m.	Tea and Reception
Sunday, July the eleventh
8:00 a. m.	Holy Communion
10:00 a. m.	Holy Communion
11:00 a. m.	Morning Prayer with Sermon by the Rev. Dr. D. Charles Gardner, D.D.